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Lilith
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 Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2012 8:04 pm Post subject: The Kingdom of Isteraal |
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It's mid-morning on the day of the MidSummer Fesitval. This evening, many citizens of Isteraal from all corners of the kingdom will be eagerly jostling into the courtyard of the High Temple to watch the formal Celebration Ritual of the Divine. From now until then, all the city folk of Tiro are opening their taverns most unused rooms, their spare rooms or their attics to gain a bit of profit from all those infiltrating the Great City to see the festivities. Currently, the youths and maidens of the village are making themselves busy with setting up the carts for vendors and decorating the whole of the main street with flowers, vines and all other sorts of growing things to represent what MidSummer's celebration is to hope for; all the while, adults and elders are nursing merry ales and meads in the taverns, happy to have a holiday from their long, tiring occupations. One tavern in particular hosts the most people and the cleanest beds, The Tangled Ivy, is said to have the finest ales, meads, wines, whiskeys and malt beverages in all of Tiro, and the barmaids are well-known to most patrons, but not by backalley trysts.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 2:14 am Post subject: |
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(It seems like I'm breaking the ice, so I apologize if I get the format wrong.  )
Though he had no problems with sleeping in the wilds, it was simply ludicrous to walk back to the city every day. That is why Baelar has been looking for a place to stay. With not much money currently on his hands he was searching for a place to crash and not end coinless. He stopped in front of a decent looking tavern and checked through the window to see how it looks.
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Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus looked around the crowd, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. He instinctively grabbed for his coin purse each time someone walked into him, remembering the tales of pickpockets and theives he had heard. Festival days in Brennae had been large enough... and yet there were so many more people who were still slowly trickling into the city!
Laneus caught himself looking around at the buildings in wonder, and shook his head. Best not to look the part of a hapless tourist, even if it was true. Laneus stared at the street in front of him, and tried not to look too far upward. His plans for independence seemed dumber and dumber with every passing minute. Did people actually live here? He sighed. Anything was better than living on a farm for the rest of his life. But still... where should he begin?
"Well, I should probably figure out where I'm going to sleep tonight," said Laneus, muttering to himself. "I'll worry about that whole 'entire rest of my life' thing later. No sense in trying to be too productive on a festival day!"
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Lilith
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| Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:12 am Post subject: |
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A voice can be heard from inside the Tangled Ivy tavern above all the rest; there's a tall man standing in front of the rest, hands empty of ale or mead as he's using them to gesture while he talks, apparently a storyteller of sorts. The gruff voice rises as he waves his hands in an upward sweeping motion and he grins, the audience chortling with laughter at the joke. His hair is the color of golden wheat rippling beneath a hot sun just before harvest-time and his eyes are dark brown, but there's an inner warmth in them that belies a prankster nature.
"Bah! Tha's jus' what th' lady wants you to think, but she really keeps all the male acolytes for 'erself! Bit o' choice prime meat there, eh, boys?" He chuckled deeply and ducked a swipe from one of the girls swinging by with a bowl of stew, before she started scooping out dollops of it with a wooden spoon into patrons' bowls.
"Just because your wife was an acolyte, John, it gives you no right to slander the High Temple!" She admonished him as she gave the final patron the last scoop of stew at the table that was her responsibility.
"Aww, c'mon Marda! Don't be to hard on him!" One of the patrons called out to her as most of the others had a good chuckle at 'John's' expense.
The atmosphere was pleasant and warm, and the people were the same way, even with stubborn serving girls, who obviously knew how to handle themselves if the men got a bit too rowdy.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 11:15 pm Post subject: |
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Seeing how the place looked warm and friendly enough, the only thing that still was still burdening him was the amount in his purse versus the amount needed for a stay in such an inn. Nevertheless, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and he went in. He slipped past all the tavern's customers that were talking to each other with great energy in their voices and went to a counter of sorts that was on the far side of the room. He sat close enough to hear what the people talk about, yet not so close as to impose himself, since he would stand out if he was to sit alone.
He sat down, waited for the barkeep and became all ears.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:14 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus walked down the street, glancing at the different businesses in turn. Most of the businesses he could see were shops... at least, he hoped they were shops. Some of them seemed... pretty questionable, with an odd sort of storefront that really didn't reflect well on the owner. He could see his mother now, shaking her head at the sight of such filth and decay. If this was how they treated the outside of their store, who knew how many other corners they cut in the name of profit?
The Tangled Ivy. Well, it certainly sounded vague yet comforting, like the name of an Inn should. Whenever his father had to stay overnight for market, he always stayed at the Sunset Melody in Brennae. It certainly looked the same... except for the amount of people, of course. Man, were there ever a lot of people here.
Laneus stepped inside the Inn, and looked around. The place was packed with people, enjoying the food and drink, and just generally being sociable. Laneus flushed with quiet embarrassment, and quickly stepped to the side of the doorway. Where... what happened now? In the past, he had always stayed with the wagon while his father arranged everything. Surely there was someone in charge here, but everyone looked pretty busy- and they seemed to just be servers, too. He stood by the doorway, pretending to be waiting on someone, while he looked cautiously around the room. Surely someone would come in and ask for a room, and if he could watch and mimic them, he'd feel better about making the request. And maybe they were hiring? Perhaps a temp worker or two for the festival season? Laneus' eyes glazed over in thought.
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Emperor
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| Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:55 am Post subject: |
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Drramos was tired and spent. He had spent the last two days, scouring the city for any hint of a rumor, but still nothing. He had filled his days with going from one end of the city to the other, parting with his hard earned coin hoping the flash would loosen secrets. Drramos had spent his nights resting his road weary body on stiff cots, floorboards and worse - and still not even the hint of information had shown itself. He had enough and decided to get a good meal, a strong drink and a proper night’s rest. He may not have been able to find the information he wanted, but the one thing he had heard was that the Tangled Ivy Inn was better than most. He walked in the door, and only after he had passed the man standing near the door, did he notice that he was watching him intently. Drramos cursed himself for being tired and hoped that this wasn’t the beginning to a long night. He made his way to the far end of the the “bar”, looking for the innkeeper.
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Lilith
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| Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2012 6:02 pm Post subject: |
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As Baelar, Laneus and Drramos slide into the Tangled Ivy tavern, pretty much all in the same area, looking for the innkeeper. The room is buzzing with activity in every corner, as spirits are high in expectation of the festivities that are to happy this evening. Just as the serving girls exit the main room, now that everyone has food and drink, a man of around medium build with grey eyes, brown hair with gray in it and a brown goatee with grey streaking through it, strides out from the back and slips behind the bar. "What do yeh need?" He says in general to the guests sitting at his bar, seeming not to be too approachable.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:24 am Post subject: |
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Baelar waited to see what the others that arrived at the bar would say, but saw that one of them had no idea of what to do, acting overly confident.
"If there are any rooms, I'd like to take one for the next few nights."
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 8:14 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus's eyes dropped to the ground, trying not to make eye contact but glancing upward so that he could still see what was going on. So the grey-haired man must be the innkeeper, then. It was a good thing he hadn't tried to talk to one of the servers, then- what an embarrassing mistake that would have been. He felt vulnerable enough without having all of these city people knowing that he was a mere country bumpkin. Better to look like a shy teenager than a clueless one.
The other two were definitely closer to the innkeeper. He should probably let them finish requesting a room first. Especially the newest guy- he looked exhausted, and easy to anger. Best to let him leave the room before Laneus started flashing all of the coin in his purse.
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| Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:55 am Post subject: |
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Drramos tried to find a spot few seats away from the man who was ordering his food and room loudly. There was no need to get even more unwanted attention in his direction with the young man in near the front of the inn already watching him. Drramos put his head down, his lightly salted black hair falling forward, and tightened his stained and rough cut cloak around his shoulders. He glanced quickly out of the corner of his eye and noticed that the young man who had been watching him was now looking at the ground shifting nervously.
Drramos unconsciously traced a finger down the scar that ran from the top of his ear to the corner of his mouth.
I should get my back to a corner as soon as I can, or at least a room with a door on it.
He thought to himself. Drramos put a little more room between him and the man interacting with the "keep", then took a breath in and let it out slowly.
Just take it easy, not every loud patron or nervous young man is part of some bigger plan to take you down. They're just normal people, and you just not used be being around normal people anymore.
Drammos knew as soon as he had some food and a drink his nerves would quiet. He waited cautiously for his turn to order. Just in case though he made sure he had clearance to get at the small throwing dagger he had hidden in his boot.
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
Last edited by Emperor on Thu Mar 29, 2012 1:17 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 2:37 pm Post subject: |
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The barkeep's eyes lingered upon the young man who'd asked for a room, fixing him with an unblinking glare. After a few moments, he gave a curt nod.
"Aye, we've got a couple 'o' rooms left," he replied, before sending a ball of gooey brown spittle into a bucket situated behind him. "...For them that has the coin to pay their way, that is..." His lips twitched into a brief, cold smile, before pursing, his eyes never leaving the visage of the much younger male. "May be though, that yeh'll have comp'ny. Been forced to stretch the quarters between two or three persons...Would yeh be alrigh' with that?"
While waiting for the boy to reply, the barkeep glanced at the other two situated near the bar, another young man, who's eyes were focused on the floor, flickering to look around the room every now and then, and a man with a scarred face of slightly more mature years, who looked exhausted. His gaze flickered between the two, eyebrows raised in bored enquiry.
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.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
 
 
  
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:19 pm Post subject: |
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"I have no problem with sharing. It's better than sharing a roadway canal when on duty."
Baelar looked at the other two and though he didn't really know if he could trust them, the worst that could happen is that he gets killed or mugged. The latter he had little of to lose, the former he didn't care that much.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 10:32 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus started to flush with embarrassment as he felt the stare of the Innkeeper, waiting for him to make a decision. "I... ahh, yes, me as well..." he said, trying to fish out a few coins from his wallet without taking it off of his belt or opening it wide. "What's the... how much per night?" he asked, weaving his way forward through the crowd.
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| Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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Drramos cursed himself silently for wasting so much time chasing shadows and echoes all day. If he had listened to his instincts and gave up earlier, he wouldn't have to be sharing a room with two strangers.
"I take what ever you got as long as it's more comfortable than floorboards and there is a wall I can put my back to."
He eyed the younger man making his way to the counter and scoffed at himself for a fool. He had that look a long time ago, being new to the city was never an easy thing to adjust too. Though Drramos still wondered about the one ordering loudly, and mentioning sharing a canal while on duty. Drramos kept his eyes fixed on the counter and wondered the man a few seats down was a guard.
"Also, I'll take a strong drink and whatever passes for a hot meal here."
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Reiso
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| Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 6:28 pm Post subject: |
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Gregori sat and watched, content to let the newcomers feel out their surroundings. He well remembered himself how overwhelming the city could be for those who were experiencing it for the first time, and the festival only did more to unnerve a man if he would let it.
He wasn't sure what was holding him back from being more sociable himself, after all as a newly appointed acolyte was it not his responsibility to be more open in extending the hospitality and good faith of the temple? Sure, he was not the typical acolyte with his advancing years and his tendency to leave off a good shave, but he knew it was more than this awkwardness holding him back. With the tavern and the city so busy it was easy to find himself falling back into older less sociable habits. Well he'd better fix that, hadn't he?
"Gentlemen," Gregori said as he lifted his not inconsiderable girth to its feet and approached the bar where the men were making arrangements. "Good festival, and blessings of The Divine to you all. I trust that you are enjoying the festivities so far...?"
_________________
Sector 17 -- Rebuilding... ... ...
In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said, "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter--bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
Because it is bitter
And because it is my heart." -- Stephen Crane
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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The barkeep's small smile crept across his lips once again at the replies of ascent and he nodded his head.
"Good, so we're all in agreemen' then," he said, reaching under the bar, and pulling out a tattered sheet of paper, which read as follows...
Meat pie, fried potatoes and gravy ~ 1 silver
~~~
Rabbit and venison stew ~ 2 silvers
~~~
Fried potatoes and onions ~ 4 coppers
~~~
Fried goose livers with onions and gravy ~ 1 silver
~~~
Soup 'o' the day with a cob of bread ~ 7 coppers
~~~
Cob of bread with butter ~ 2 coppers
...He placed the menu on the bar for the man with the scar to look at, along with anyone else who might be interested, and turned to the shifty-looking young man who'd asked about the price of the rooms.
"Tha' would be five silvers each," he replied, reaching beneath the bar again and brought out a bottle filled with a dark amber liquid. He turned back to the scarred man. "Whisky do ya?" he growled, placing a shot glass upon the bar and looking around at the three while waiting for the answer. "As yer all good 'n' aquainted now, what say yeh be room mates, eh?"
He turned his eyes to the Acolyte as he approached the bar, and raised his brows enquiringly.
"Drink?"
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:06 am Post subject: |
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Baelar looked at the prices, and already decided himself on the potatoes and onions, and told the barkeep "I'll take a plate o' these first. And for bunking together, do you really have a room to fit us all in it? It sounds like a barracks rather than a tavern's lodging."
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:56 pm Post subject: |
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"Ah, okay, yes..." nodded Laneus, pulling out the proper coinage. "That, uhh... I mean, it is the festival and all, and... whatever you need to do. Yes, that will be fine. I'll take the room and consider myself lucky to have one."
He looked over his shoulder, and noticed an approaching acolyte. People of the faith always tended to help calm him down. People tended to behave whenever one of them was around. Few people wanted to seem impatient or rude in the eyes of the temple, which in turn meant they were less rude to him as well.
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| Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 11:03 am Post subject: |
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Drammos kept his face slightly downcast, hoping that no one saw the slight inward flinch at the approaching acolyte.
"I'll take the drink, the liver, the bread and the room."
He hoped that the drink would come quickly, unlike most in the Kingdom, anything attached to the Divines made him uneasy and edgy. Drammos rubbed at a particularly resistance patch of grime on his coffee and cream colored hands.
"I don't suppose there is a place to do some washing up also?"
He pushed out the stool next to him with a slight nudge of his road worn boots. Drammos locked eyes with the young man approaching the bar.
"Why don't you have a seat here if you tired of standing?"
Drammos hoped he would take his offer before the acolyte did.
_________________
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
Last edited by Emperor on Sat Apr 07, 2012 9:18 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Reiso
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| Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:27 am Post subject: |
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Friendly lot, thought Gregori as he arrived at the bar with his greeting largely ignored. Oh well, at least the barkeep has manners, even if it is part of his job. And the young lad just seemed to be a little overwhelmed, but he seemed to be calming down a bit, which was good. The man busy rubbing his hands seemed withdrawn in an all too familiar way that reminded Gregori of an older, less scrupulous life he once led, but it was not his place to judge and he gave the man his distance by staying on this side of the bar, which placed him next to the man who made the barracks quip.
"Yes Keep, a wine for me please and thank you. I'll skip the food for now." He plucked down the requisite amount of coin on the counter heavily enough to send a coin or two spinning and make enough noise to draw the attention of anyone not too determined to ignore it. He absently rubbed at his slightly shaggy mop of dusty hair as he took them all in as a group. Well, let's try this again, he thought, trying very hard not to wonder why he even bothered.
"I am called Gregori. What of yourselves, Sirs? Any of you wish to offer a name or perhaps indulge an aging fool such as myself by engaging in some light conversation about what brings you to the Capital?"
_________________
Sector 17 -- Rebuilding... ... ...
In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said, "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter--bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
Because it is bitter
And because it is my heart." -- Stephen Crane
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Lilith
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| Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 6:15 am Post subject: |
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The barkeep chuckled again, deeper this time. It seemed, when he smiled and laughed in a sincere way, his face transformed into one more pleasant and approachable than before. "Alright lads." He pointed at Baelarand Laneus first. "You two'll be in the room upstairs, last on the left. And you other two, the one on the right."
Then he turned and called back into the kitchen, "Raina! I need an plate o' potatoes n' onions and a plate o' goose livers!" A softer voice called back something the guests at the bar couldn't quite make out, but the barkeep smiled and returned before them. "Boys, me name's Nerat." He informed them as he poured a glass of wine for Gregori and whiskey for Drammos.
"Two things you need to remember in my tavern. One: my girls aren't here for your entertainment. They're here to earn an honest and clean living. My regulars know this and they'll take care of any troublemakers on that front themselves. Two: when you've had enough to drink, either go to your rooms or else leave. I don't tolerate brawls here and I won't hesitate to call the Guard in." His serious tone had returned during that speech but soon enough he'd smiled again.
"Now all of ye go sit down at a table and I'll send yer keys out with Raina in a bit. You two want water with your food then?" He asked, pointing at Baelar and Laneus.
When the barkeep left, you all notice that he only took half of the payment that was said for the price of what you've ordered, and slid the other half to you. It seems the rumors that having representatives of the Divine around to get you a better price on rooms and drink in a city that housed a temple were true.
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© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 1:27 am Post subject: |
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Though Baelar liked things fair, he also likes people who give discounts. Even though influenced by the presence of the acolytes. For now he decided to shut up and listen, with a warm smile on his face.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 5:05 pm Post subject: |
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"Oh, sorry," Laneus said, turning to face the priest. "It's not that I'm trying to ignore you, I just, I..." he paused to stare at the change left on the table. With a shrug, he picked it up and put it back into his wallet. "I, uhh, I get easily distracted when I'm out of my element," he said, with a slight laugh.
"My name is Laneus. I'm... this is my first visit to Tirola. I've got a few weeks away from the farm, and I'm here for the festival," he said, seeing no need to further explain his motivations. He still wasn't sure he'd be able to find a career out here in the city; the last thing he needed was a bunch of strangers breaking all of his hopes so soon.
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Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Emperor
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 8:39 pm Post subject: |
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Drramos took his whiskey, stood up and made his way toward the first empty table that would be accommodating to eating a meal. He barely looked up at the acolyte who called himself Gregori.
"They call me 'Drake'."
He couldn't help but laugh at the audacity or the cold humor of the Divines, if they existed at all - for making him bunk with an acolyte.
"It looks like we will be sharing a room."
Drramos sat at the worn and stained table, finishing off the whiskey in one drought and let the burn settle in. He briefly glanced between the young man calling himself Laneus and the other man still sitting at the bar smiling. Drramos lifted his empty glass at a nearby barmaid motioning for another round. He fixed his steel grey eyes on Gregori again.
"I've just got off the road for a long spell and now I looking to relax a little."
It wasn't a lie that Drramos wanted to relax. But it wasn't the truth either. Either way, Drramos didn't care, all he wanted was a drink, meal and room. One down, two to go and Divines be damned if he had to share a room with an acolyte to get the last one. He rubbed at his weary eyes and waited.
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Reiso
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 8:29 am Post subject: |
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Gregori may be an acolyte, but he didn't like being hustled any more than the next man. But what else could he call it when he ordered one drink and ended up paying for half a room he didn't need? Still, his involvement in the exchange did result in a discount for the others and he was not a poor man, so he let it go for now. He knew one thing for sure though, this was the last time he planned on patronizing this establishment.
"Well met Laneus," he said in reply to the man's introduction. "I hope you find that the festival meets your expectations. A fair bit of advice; don't try to take it all in at once or you'll end up feeling lost the whole time. Focus on the activities you know hold your interest and you'll get much more out of it that way."
Gregori drifted over to the table the man called Drake picked out for the group. He seemed on the verge of being amused, which Gregori took to be a comforting thought considering his otherwise dour disposition. He sat down, wondering idley what the joke was.
"I would say that I hoped our sharing a room would not hinder your relaxation," he said, dropping his voice low enough so as not to be heard by any of the others, "but the truth is we don't really have to share a room. I live here in the city and have no need of lodgings here. The room is all yours if you like." He gave Drake a moment to take that in. This was the first face to face contact he'd had with anyone since entering the bar, and he felt self-conscious as always about his eyes. Having mismatched eyes--one grey, one green--had never been much of a problem in his old life. In fact, sometimes it was an advantage. But now, as an acolyte... well, suffice to say they didn't exactly instill trust in most folk. Did the man called Drake consider him ill-omened? Was he so distracted by them that he had barely heard a word Gregori had said? Or even worse, did he recognize him? Gregori had wronged so many people he had lost track and almost any man was a likely candidate to have at least heard of Split-eye. All he could do in such cases was hope no one made the connection.
"So," he said, raising his voice to normal volume, "I am Gregori, he is Laneus and you are Drake. That only leaves the watcher over there who likes not talking. I suppose we will just call him 'hey you' in the meantime, hey Drake?"
_________________
Sector 17 -- Rebuilding... ... ...
In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said, "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter--bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
Because it is bitter
And because it is my heart." -- Stephen Crane
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Lilith
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| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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Realizing his mistake in assuming you wished a room with the rest of them, the barkeep slowly sidles over and slips the coins into your hood, Gregori and also leaves the bottle of wine next to your arm with a wink. "Sorry about tha' lad." He then bustles away to find out what commotion was stirred between a patron and one of his serving girls, a particularly fiesty redhead who'd decked the patron about two minutes ago.
Soon enough the mess is settled, ending with the barkeep shoving the patron out his front door and face down into the dusty street outside, and then waving his hand at the serving girl, who is by now red in the face from embarrassment and temper, and telling her to go back to the kitchen.
While you four patrons are beginning to chat and talk and learn about one another, many of the regular patrons file out to enjoy the festivities while Acolytes as well as Royal Guards file in. The Tangled Ivy Tavern also runs specials for those two groups on festivals it seems, and soon enough, the guards are roaring drunk while the Acolytes seem only slightly inebriated. Normally, you all know, Acolytes don't drink, but this particular group are celebrating something.
They look to be mid to late teens, male and female equally intermixed between the group. One girl with golden-wheat colored hair that's straw-straight and hits about mid-shoulder on her, looks to be the only odd one out. She's not touched her glass of weak wine, nor is she responding to her 'friends' comments.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 1:58 am Post subject: |
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Baelar snapped out of his daydreaming when he heard the "hey you" comment unconsciously. After realizing how rude he was, he finished the plate he got and walked over to the Acolyte. With a slight bow he said in a normal tone of voice, in a soothing and relaxing manner
"I apologize, good sir. My thoughts sometimes give me too much to work on. That's not to say I'm absent-minded, but actually overthinking things. It was quite a stir, but I see that Mr. Nerat mended that mistake." At this point he gave a small wink that said Like I said, not absentminded. "I hope we can start over, yes? My name is Baelar, came here for the festival to learn. As you've already said, I am a 'watchman', have been so for my whole life. If you ever need any assistance, I am at your disposal."
He offered a hand and a sincere smile for a handshake, but since he only encountered one Acolyte previously in his life and he was friends with him, he wasn't sure if such a gesture was appropriate. Nevertheless he did it in such a way that the Acolyte wouldn't be offended even if it wasn't appropriate.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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Having performed the minimum expectation of small talk and social pleasantries expected of him, Laneus opted for silence. That awkward interval between "stranger" and "acquaintence" was the worst. He was really bad about coming up with topics of conversation; and anyway, Gregori seemed to be outgoing enough for the whole lot of them.
He listened politely to the conversation, keeping an ear out for any opportunity to chime into the conversation. He was distracted, however, by the arrival of another group of clergy. It wasn't often that Laneus had ever met people of the faith who were his age. One in particular caught his eye- a young girl with hair of a color close to his, not something he was used to seeing. Furthermore, she seemed to be just as shy and withdrawn as he.
Ohh, look at me, he thought to himself, trying to make eye contact. Talk to me. What's wrong? Can I do anything to help? His cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, and he quickly diverted his gaze to the ground. He didn't even know her name. How could he possibly help? What could he do for her that none of her friends could? He couldn't even bring himself to stand up and talk to her... why should he expect it from her? Still... it was only human nature to want to help somebody out... even if they weren't as beautiful as she clearly...
Laneus shook his head, and tried to follow back into the conversation that Gregori was pushing.
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Emperor
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| Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 8:12 am Post subject: |
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Drramos' hope for a simple meal, drink and room seemed to be dwindling with each person sitting at his table. He continued to wait for a refill of his whiskey, which couldn't come fast enough. He could feel his stomach grumble as he smelled the other patrons of the inn's food and half eaten plates wafted around him.
Gregori the acolyte seemed an amiable man, but when a person had the warm comforting cloak of utter faith in the Divines it was easy to assume that all good things come from them and all bad things were part of their mysterious will. But just because Gregori and others like him could take comfort in such things did not mean Drramos should hold it against them - even if everything about the Divines was utter offal. Drramos decided to let his guard down a little and turned to address Gregori.
"Well at the very least we won't have to share a room tonight. The smell that is coming off of me could only be described as sweaty earth."
Dramos briefly put the heels of his palms to his tried grey eyes and rubbed them, then he turned his attention to the other two men joining the table.
"Greeting to you as well Baelar and Laneus, I'm called Drake."
Drake noticed the long glances Laneus was casting at the newcomers. The straw haired girl seemed almost as ill at ease as Drake felt. The mercenary in him told him that this was someone who had a job, but it wasn't hard to shake that out of his head considering how tired he was - besides he had much more important things to accomplish while he was in town.
Drake slid over a few coins to Laneus.
"The easiest excuse to talk to someone, be they man or woman, is to simply buy them a drink. Why don't you give it a try, the night is young and so are the two of you."
_________________
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Reiso
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| Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 1:11 am Post subject: |
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Gregori's grip was somewhat wooden as he took Baeler's offered hand. His mind was still reeling from what he had witnessed; the Keep could not possibly have heard his voice... a near lifetime of dark deals in noisy bars made one quite practiced at not being heard when he didn't wish to, and Gregori had not wished to. He was absolutely certain that Drake and only Drake should have heard him, and yet somehow the keep miraculously overheard (very specifically), that he had not wished a room and corrected it.
He was not about to complain about a free bottle of wine, but something seemed suspicious about that, almost as if the divines themselves were watching over his establishment to ensure he was never wrong. Gregori sent a quick--and silent--prayer that his own fortune be so good.
"Yes," Gregori said, continuing to shake Baeler's hand. "Yes, of course." He wasn't sure what the wink had been about, something about not missing things, but he was clearly earnest in his greeting, which was good. Even Drake, the least outgoing of them, seemed even tempered enough. It was a relief to sit at table without worrying about violence breaking out. "I am grateful for the offer Sir, be sure I will keep it in mind if needed." He returned Baeler's smile and disentangled their hands before the gesture became any more awkward for his distracted mind.
A number of things seemed to be happening now, including the arrival of more clergy; the others were talking more, Gregori felt he'd done his part to get things going and felt quite content at this point to watch and listen as things became more interesting. He sipped absently at his wine bottle, made a non-committal affirmative sound when Drake mentioned wet earth, and did just that.
_________________
Sector 17 -- Rebuilding... ... ...
In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said, "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter--bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
Because it is bitter
And because it is my heart." -- Stephen Crane
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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At that moment, the pretty, red-haired serving girl enters the room again, a plate of potatoes and onions in her hands, which she brings over to your table. Her eyes are slightly red, as if a few tears may have been shed over the earlier incident, but her expression is now determined and slightly defiant, indicating it's likely for the best not to ask questions.
"Which of you gentlemen ordered the potatoes?" she asks, her tone possibly a little over confident, but friendly enough, as she looks around at each of you. A moment later, another female approaches, an comely, busty brunette, a plate of gravy-drenched goose livers in her grasp. She's older than the other, possibly around thirty-five, her eyes an intense blue, with a tumble of mahogany ringlets falling to half way down her back.
"Goose livers?" she enquires, her expression warm, a hand resting upon the swell of her hip lazily. At that moment, Nerat the barkeep calls over from his position beside the table of Acolytes.
"Raina, we need three more goose livers over here, plus two meat pies and one soup," he says, the request directed at the brunette. Smiling apologetically, Raina hands the plate to the serving girl.
"Excuse me, gents," she says, before scurrying off to the kitchen once more, leaving the red-head to serve you your food.
At that moment, the young female Acolyte you noticed earlier gets to her feet. Her gaze is directed at the ground, avoiding all eye contact around her, including that of the company she keeps this evening. Without a word to the others, she slips past the other patrons, some sending admiring glances her way, one particularly rowdy man shouting a crude comment after her disappearing figure, which results in a burst of laughter from his group of friends. You watch as the girl weaves through the crowd, her face reddening at the remark, and disappears through a door around twelve feet from your table. Set into one of the main walls, you assume it leads outside, maybe to a garden or stables.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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Seeing how his meal has arrived, his eyes grew lively again. He gave Drake a slight nod and a smile as a hello, and then almost slid across the floor to his plate. Of course, his manners guided him well and he gave the silvers for the meal to the brunette waitress.
He caught a glimpse of the pretty Acolyte lady leaving with potatoes and onions entering his mouth at a steady rate, and he was done with the meal quickly and neatly. As his father would say, "like a sir". He also saw Laneus eyeing the girl, a couple of coins in his hand. Interesting... In any case, he gave a wink to Laneus and leaned his head in the direction of the door through which the girl went. He heard the shouts and somesuch coming from the rowdy bunch and directed at her, and he judged them harmless. What he didn't judge harmless was the festivities as a whole.
Seeing far too many assaults on women in his watchman days, he casually strolled after the girl and gave Laneus a friendly nod just before exiting the door. Good thing he ate the onions first, the potatoes covered most of the smell.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:47 pm Post subject: |
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"The easiest excuse to talk to someone, be they man or woman, is to simply buy them a drink. Why don't you give it a try, the night is young and so are the two of you." The words broke Laneus out of his reverie, as he turned to see Drake sliding him coins across the table.
His face turned a bright shade of red has his cheeks flushed. "No, thank you, I... I mean, I couldn't just..." he stuttered, staring at the coins in front of him. He took a deep breath, and made eye contact with Drake. "Point taken," he said, sliding back the coins. "But I have to do this on my terms." Turning around, Laneus noticed the waitresses, who were in the middle of passing out food. Rather than inconvenience them by slipping past as they stood holding plates of food, Laneus opted to remain seated.
But once the two women had retreated, so had the acolyte. Laneus watched as she quickly made for a side exit, pointedly avoiding eye contact. Laneus looked at the door, back to the table, back to the door- Baelar gave him a nod as he walked out the door- back to the table. "I... excuse me," said Laneus, blushing deeply at the gaze he imagined Drake and Gregori were giving him. Gods, it was like the Harvest Festival all over again. Couldn't adults just be content to let young love be? Laneus walked as fast as he could to the door, trying to beat Baelar as the person to reach her first.
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Emperor
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| Posted: Tue May 01, 2012 10:54 pm Post subject: |
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Drake made room for his meal and kept an eye on the two who had left the table. It may be the festival, but considering Laneus' reaction and Belar's impromptu departure in the same direction, Drake felt the need to make sure things stayed in control.
It must be the whiskey, I've gone all sentimental.
He did his best impression of a warm smile to the barmaid and motioned in front of him.
"I had the liver, thank you."
As he set about getting ready to eat, Drake's mind wandered to thoughts of home. He wondered if his son would have grown in to the hopeful young man he saw in Laneus or the brash one he saw in Belar. He knew in his heart that his daughter would have been as beautiful as the young girl.
He realized that he had stopped preparing to eat and quickly rubbed at his eyes again to mask the shimmer of a tear forming.
Dark thoughts, dark dreams. He reminded himself.
To take the attention away from him and place it squarely on his food instead and broke his bread in half along with some of his meal and slid it across the table toward Gregori.
"Care to break bread with me Acolyte Gregori. Seems a better option than you watching me stuff my face."
With that Drake began heaping food into his mouth all the while making sure to keep an eye on the other two.
_________________
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
Last edited by Emperor on Sat May 05, 2012 7:08 am; edited 1 time in total
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Reiso
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| Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 1:25 am Post subject: |
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Gregori took the offered bread and gladly ate of it, but he took no encouragement from the gesture. He knew that in many circles it was an act meant to ensure the protection of the one breaking the bread more than those who shared it, but still he was at ease; there would be no harm done between them, and that was enough.
"Thank you friend," he offered while washing down the surprisingly flavorful bread with another swig from his wine bottle. A hard man to read, this Drake. He seemed burdened in a way no one could know, that he struggled with his faith, or perhaps to find it, but that some part of him hoped... for something. Where those thoughts of family? Or just of home, no matter where that was? Divine's bless and guide you to whatever you seek, friend.
Gregori had family. Maybe it was Drake's loneliness, or the youthful exuberant pursuits of a fine lady by their younger acquaintances which made him mindful of it, but his thoughts took him there now, to the scrawny fire haired rascal he called a daughter. Teresa was her name, and the last time he saw her, he was in a labor camp and she was in tears. Things are different now for him, but they hadn't stayed in touch over the years and her mother was gone the day she'd been born. He'd heard rumors since his release. Very unpleasant ones that would see her behind bars of her own if she wasn't careful.
"Let me ask you something, Drake." He took a sip from his bottle. "I make no presumptions about your occupation, but you seem like a man with his ear to the ground. A man who hears things, even on his way into a place. Things others might not hear because, well, you make it your business to hear them. So. I'm asking. Have you heard anything in town or abroad about a redhead girl stirring up problems for anyone? Name's Teresa if it makes a difference."
Gregori drank again from his bottle deeply, and when he brought the bottle back down to the table it was in its center. Easily in Drake's reach. Clearly to be shared.
"Because if you have, I promise you will find me mighty grateful."
_________________
Sector 17 -- Rebuilding... ... ...
In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said, "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter--bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
Because it is bitter
And because it is my heart." -- Stephen Crane
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 5:27 pm Post subject: |
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In the bar...
The red-haired serving girl places your food before you with a smile and a short, sharp curtsey and walks a short distance away, gathering empty plates from a nearby table and taking them over to the bar, piling them into a neat pile ready to take out to the kitchen for washing. Then, apparently seeing a mark on the wood surface, she takes a cloth from the waistband of the apron around her waist, and begins scrubbing busily.
Of the young Acolyte girl's exit, very little attention is paid, even by those she arrived with, though those of you close to the red-haired serving girl are in the position to notice that she watches the girl's movements with sly interest, her eyes flickering towards the retreating form every now and then. Then the girl disappears out the side door and it closes behind her. The red-head ceases her cleaning of the bar, and hurridly heads out towards the kitchen, following the same path as Raina.
Outside...
On the other side of the door, through which the golden-haired Acolyte disappeared, is a garden. Consisting of a large patch of grass, surrounded by a cobbled path, it's neatly fenced off with a tall barrier of wood, enclosing it from the outside world, clearly belonging to the Inn. It is refreshingly different from inside however. Contrasting sharply with the rowdy, crowded atmosphere of the Inn itself, the garden is quiet and empty. The fence is alive with a mass of climbing plants, many in full bloom and filling the area with their fragrance of jasmine, honeysuckle, wisteria and rose. To one side, outside the grassy area, there is a small fountain in the shape of a unicorn, a steady stream of water erupting from the horn atop it's head to fall in the pool of water below, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of the garden.
Upon first glance, the young girl seems to have disappeared. But upon a more detailed scan of the space, she becomes visible, hidden in an area of shadow on the far side of the garden beside the fence, a particularly thick overhang of wisteria helping to conceal her. Her position also places her near a door set into another wall of the Inn, one which clearly houses the kitchen area. A moment later, the door opens and a figure steps out, the tumble of dark curls falling down her back identifying her as Raina. She approaches the girl, who stumbles forward into the older woman's arms and begins to shudder with sobs. Raina holds her close, stroking her hair soothingly. Then they begin to talk in hushed tones. Though you cannot make out all of their conversation, the odd word reaches you.
"...can't do it...I'm afraid..." the girl utters quietly, amongst other mumblings that you don't quite catch.
"Hush," replies the woman, Raina, leaning away from the girl and looking down at her, cupping her chin with one hand, before speaking further, her speech a mixture of barely coherant words and whisperings. "...the one...stronger than you can ever imagine."
Their conversation goes on for a few minutes longer, before Raina takes the girl by the hand, and begins to lead her towards the door to the kitchen area, telling the golden-haired youngester that she'd get her cleaned up. The red-haired serving girl waits beside the door, here expression concerned.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 11:13 am Post subject: |
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Baelar was a bit dumbfounded by the words he heard, but he figured it no business of his... for now. His adventuristic spirit and do-gooder complex urged him to look into it more, but for now he quelched his eagerness to meddle. Calm down, the girl is... crap. She's crying, how can you let that go?
"Do you know what kind of idiot you are?"
"No, please remind me." *sigh*
"You are a benevolent idiot of grand proportions."
"So? Go chew on a rattlesnake's tail or something."
"You do know this'll get you in far more trouble than you've came here for? You're biting the arrow."
He let out a slightly audible sigh and observed the red-haired girl. He has a thing for redheads... but he also has a thing for every other girl with hair. So he dismissed his thoughts of romance and approached in an arch, pretending to observe the courtyard. After earnestly taking in the scene, he calculated the walls, roofs and such, just in case anything bad happened and there was a need to run for it. The one fire that happened in his life still affected him, but he thought it was for the better. He finally approached the red-haired girl, relaxedly and naturally. He conversed well with women, for some reason. Most probably because his father hid him in women's company a lot on their travels.
"Hello there, miss. My name is Baelar" he said with a soft smile and a half-bow. "This is a beautiful place, very fitting for an establishment such as this. May I..." he stopped here and slightly tilted his head, as if he just now noticed her distraught.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I disturb you? I apologize, I cannot help but notice your visage showing sings of worries. Are you alright?"
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus's heart sank a bit once he reached the garden area. Not only had Baelar beaten him to the doorway, one of the serving girls had used a different route to reach her first. Which was good, he admitted to himself. If she feels comfortable crying in her shoulder, then obviously they're both good friends.
Competing against Baelar would be hard enough. But against Baelar and a close friend? Time to look as if he had meant to go outside for some other reason. Laneus sighed, and walked over to tall fence, placing his hand on the smooth boards. He closed his eyes, and stroked the grain of the wood. It wasn't worn with years of use like the axe handles and farm tools back home, but the feel was still relaxing.
Looking around the small garden, Laneus noticed that he was standing about as opposite the other three as he could manage. Moreover, he would not be able to reenter the Inn without being in the others' eyesight. Better to stay outside for at least a few minutes, lest he seem rather odd- who enters and leaves a room so quickly? And who knows- maybe the other two will leave in a few moments, leaving him alone with her again!
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| Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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The ache in his stomach subsided with each bite, and the hot meal was a welcome respite to makeshift meals of game, tack and rations. Drake paused in mid swallow at the frank question posed to him. By the look on Gregori's face it seemed serious and earnest and he wondered how many times he had that very same look when it came to countless faces Drake asked about his own family. He thought long and hard on it, trying to recall all the places he had been and all the those he had encountered - the list was long but it was incomplete.
"I'm sorry to say, but I have not. You would be right that I do keep my ear to the ground. Being a sword for hire has put me in a lot of places and in front of a lot of people, but I haven't heard of this girl."
He pushed aside his empty bowl.
"I don't know if it would do any good, but I could send out a few messages, I'm sure there a few favors I could call in and ask. I can't say I understand what is between you and this woman but I know that look - it's the same look I get when I'm trying to find answers to..."
Drake bit at his bottom lip to control the anger and the pain of the memory.
"... what happened to my family."
Drake decided he had had enough whiskey for one night.
"Maybe there is something we can do to help each other. What that is, I have no idea. As for myself, the trail has gone cold and I'm chasing shadows of rumors and as useless as it makes me feel, I could use all the help I can get."
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Lilith
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| Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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Outside the tavern in the garden:
As Baelar approached her, the medium height redhead stepped between the entrance to the kitchens and him, folding her tanned arms over her ample bosom. "My worries are none of your concern, Bael-whatsit. Guests are not supposed to come to the kitchen entrance. There's supposed to be music being played by a bard soon enough, so I would suggest you go right back into the tavern." The redhaired woman flicked the stray curls off the back of her neck that were falling out of her no-nonsense bun at the nape of her neck, and gave Baelar a hard look.
Meanwhile, Raina was seen to be exiting the kitchen's door behind the redhead and placed a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "Brie, be gentle with the customers. Remember what happened last time." She said lightly, before ushing along the blonde girl from before, who was decidedly happier looking that earlier although her eyes were still red-rimmed and cheeks damp from crying. She was carrying a wooden bucket in her hands."Now, Aileen, go to the well and just wash your face up a bit. When you've calmed down, come back in and I'll get you a hot meal and walk you back to the temple before the festivities begin, alright." Aileen, the blonde girl, nodded and dropped the bucket to throw her arms around Raina and hug the matronly brunette tightly.
"Thanks." She murmured in the older woman's ear before she snatched the bucket back up and started for the well which was a fair ways away from the kitchen entrance by far.
Inside the tavern:
As the talk and drinking in the tavern's main room wound down, four new people in brightly colored clothing bounded up on the stage, two women and two men, different ages and three with differen instruments. One of the men didn't have an instruments and so when the tune was struck up by his comrades, he was the one that began to sing the tale of the Divine's charge on the temple priests and priestesses.
Drake, while you find the music soothing and your food and drink pleasant, you can't help but notice that Gregori has passed out face first on the table, drooling profusely from a corner of his mouth. Apparently your new friend cannot drink very much for his bottle is barely empty and his glass is still half full.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:47 am Post subject: |
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Baelar sighed inwardly, and he sighed hard. Tough nut to crack, this one... I like that. But his curiosity for the blonde girl... Aileen, yes, that curiosity was greater. So now he knew all their names, without asking even. A rare occurence that such information is served to him like that.
"I see, so I am out of place in more than one way. I apologize for bothering you, miss Brie." He bowed curteously, and smiled, after which he turned around and started walking to catch up with Aileen. With a name suitable of her stature and apparent role as a maiden, he couldn't do but wonder... why does he have a bad feeling about what is going to happen soon.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2012 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus's heart skipped a beat. From his corner of the garden, the well was a mere footsteps away. He hadn't actually expected to get another opportunity to talk to her- although Baelar was wrapping up his suave conversation with the kitchen staff, and was making his way over back to the girl. Without giving himself time to think, Laneus quickly placed himself between her and the well, before Baelar had a chance to interfere.
"Excuse me, priestess," he said, bowing his head in respect, "I couldn't help but notice that I... ahh... oh, you're so beautiful..." he said, losing his train of thought and trailing off in a whisper. Laneus flushed with embarrassment. Had he said that out loud!?
"That is-" he said quickly, diverting his gaze to the ground, his whole body tense from social awkwardness, "I'm sorry if this seems creepy, but I couldn't help but notice that you were crying earlier, and I... well, it would be very bold of me to presume that I could help in any way- not that I wouldn't, you know, I would if I could, it's just that I... the people support you, priestess," he said, bumbling from one thought to the next. "No matter what happens next, we're all behind you. This festival... it may as well be for you, y'know. For where would we be if we did not have faith?"
His speech more or less concluded, Laneus dared to look back up at her face, his heart stopped frozen as he waited to see how she would react.
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Emperor
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| Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 9:58 am Post subject: |
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With Gregori passed out at the table and the other two out chasing the bright flares of youth, Drake assessed his options. Not sure exactly what to do with the man of faith, but feeling slightly responsible for his current unconsciousness, Drake motioned over to the inn keeper.
"Can you help me get him to my room. I'll pay the cost."
Drake slinged one arm of the acolyte over his shoulder and waited for the inn keep to help him.
_________________
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Lilith
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| Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:52 am Post subject: |
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Brie spotted the direction Baelar's eyes went and she could obviously spot trouble a mile away. She quickly strode to block Baelar's path. "Leave her, sir. You need to return to the tavern. She's in preparation for tonight's festival and is upset enough." She folded her arms stubbornly across her ample bosom and the set of her jaw told of a woman who brokered no arguments.
Meanwhile, Aileen, startled by Laneus's sudden speech dropped her water bucket on the ground, nearly losing her footing herself. For a few moments, she looked as if she might rush away again, yet she listened to what Laneus had to say, the look on her face inscrutable.
"I'm not a priestess. I only serve one." She responds simply, kneeling down to gather her bucket back up, watching Laneus the entire time, seeming confused by him somehow. "Beauty and faith are not intertwined things, nor is faith right when it's put in the wrong person." Aileen adds as she dips her bucket in the water about six inches below the lip of the well and draws it up full. "But it's sweet of you to think me so. What's your name?"
Inside the tavern, the burly innkeeper looked Gregori over, sniffed cautiously at the cup the patron had been using but soon shrugged and lifted Gregori's other arm over his shoulders, helping Drake haul the unconscious priest upstairs. "I suppose we can't deny the representatives of the Divine their fun when it comes to a time like this." The innkeeper chuckled gruffly as he assisted Drake. "Are you staying for the festival tonight?"
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:20 am Post subject: |
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Seeing that the timid boy approached the troubled lady, Baelar got a smile of relief on his face. Thank goodness, I thought the boy would never figure out what I wanted from him. He looked at Brie, and with his shoulders far more relaxed now, said:
"No need to shoo me away, my business is done here." He said sounding almost satisfied with himself. "Thank you for your patience, I am sorry to have troubled you. If you ever get a stray thought of wanting to talk to me, feel free to do so. I'd be glad."
He ended his words with a slight bow, and headed for the door he walked through before, approaching back to the tavern.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
Last edited by Cyberworm on Fri Jun 08, 2012 9:54 am; edited 1 time in total
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:32 pm Post subject: |
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He tried to keep his breath steady, as his chest surged with the warmth of... Excitement? Happiness? Confidence? Letting these new emotions wash across his face, Laneus replied to Aileen.
"My name is Laneus," he said, crossing his hands in front of him. "And it is a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure the festival season is a stressful time for all the faith, from the highest priestesses to the lowest servants." He paused, considering an alternate implication from those words. "Ahh, not that the servants themselves are lowly, you know, it's just that, you know, compared to... Oh, you know what I mean," finished Laneus, scratching the back of his head.
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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"Yes, I think I will be staying. There are still a few things that need doing."
Getting Gregori to the room was a much easier thing to do with the help of the innkeeper. Drake couldn't help noticing the telltale old scars on the acolytes hands and arms. It seemed that before this man made peace with the Divines, he was no stranger to a harder more visceral life. Drake placed Gregori on the bed with a slight grunt.
Deciding that he had a few hours left in him, he went back to the main room and reseated at the same table he was at a moment ago.
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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In the garden...
Confident that Baelar got the message, Brie followed his retreating figure back along the path, positioning herself near the door, in order to waylay any further intrusions. Looking back she watched the younger man nervously chat to Aileen.
Aileen listened to Laneus's words, as he spoke in his jarring, anxious voice, her eyes changing from wary to soft and twinkling, and her mouth slowly becoming a small smile. When he was done, she let out a soft chuckle, despite her previous sadness.
"I do know...I think," she said to him, splashing the cold water over her tear-stained face. "And thank you. You've cheered me slightly and helped me put aside my troubles for a moment...though not for long, I fear..." She suddenly looked sad again, a fear touching upon her features. She chewed the inside of her mouth, almost looking as if she wanted to say something...
In the tavern...
The crowd at the bar became more rowdy, the earlier patrons getting more drunken by the minute as was fitting to the time of year. In the middle of it all, a drunken brawl started between two large, burly men, one with dark hair and multiple scars along his muscular arms and his face, with an eye patch resting across his left eye, and the other a slightly smaller man, though wider in girth, a shock of blonde hair tied back in a messy pony-tail, and a metal ring hanging from his nostrils. There was a lot of shouting and cursing, and suddenly, one pulled out a large knife, brandishing it drunkenly at the other. The barkeep moved slowly forward, hands slightly outstretched before him.
"Come now, gentlemen, this is a family establishment. Please take it outside?" The man with the knife and the eye-patch turned to the barkeep, a dangerous look in his eye. With one swift, yet clumsy movement, the man lurched forward, burying the knife in the barkeep's gut.
The barkeeps mouth widened into a silent cry, his eyes shocked and bulging, as he stumbled back, falling heavily against the bar itself, and sliding to the ground, a thick pool of red surrounding his collapsed form.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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| Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 7:48 pm Post subject: |
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Years of training kicked in. Drake kicked the table up on end and grabbed it by its sides. Burying his shoulder he hurtled toward the large, slower man and with the full force of his own momentum Drake slammed hard into him, while releasing the table.
Drakes eyes narrowed into slits of pure focus as he cleared his short sword, he stood between the barkeep and two men.
"Move and you stop breathing."
Without taking off his eyes from the other two men, Drake barked out to anyone else in the inn.
"Get this man some help. Now!"
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 3:06 am Post subject: |
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Hearing the commotion and seeing the barkeep and the two men, separated by the shady fellow Drake, he read it all from the knife and the blood.
"By the old hag's teeth..."
After the initial two seconds, he didn't think anymore. He took off his shirt and jumped towards the innkeep, folding the shirt mid-jump and pressing it hard on the wound with a clenched fist, gently but firmly as hell.
"Breathe slowly and don't move."
Seeing quite a few wounds like that in his life, he knew that the most important thing is to keep it clean and pressed hard for now, the internal bleeding is the worst enemy here. He hurried up the nearest waitress for hot water and clean rags.
"Is there a healer here?!" He shouted.
Before waiting for the reply, he hurriedly asked for some needle and threads, along with the strongest alcohol they have in the inn. He didn't know if the girls heard it so he looked aroun again with swift sweeps.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 9:57 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus instictively reached out and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. "Come now, surely your troubles can't be that bad? Or maybe discussing them will help ease your mind? I know when I was little, complaining about all of my farm chores helped me feel better about them... because at least somebody else knew what I was going through."
He paused, realizing that his hand was placed firmly on a near-stranger's shoulder. He stepped away from the priestess in training, and sat down on the lip of the well. "A-anyway," he said, blushing slightly. "I'd hate to see you cry again, Aileen. Can I do anything to help?" He sat with his left arm close to his body, and his right arm stretched out far away. If she wanted to keep her space, she could sit to his left. And if she sat to his right, maybe he could wrap that arm around her, and... Laneus chided himself mentally. There was no point in planning too far ahead with someone so distraught.
What was that commotion coming from the Inn? Well, the redheaded server who had been protecting Aileen from Baelor was still standing near the door, last he looked, so it must not have been too bad. And, anyway, it would be rude to ignore Aileen, no matter what the reason.
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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In the garden...
Aileen glanced over towards Brie, where she stood by the door, then looked to Laneus with a small smile. She parted her lips as if to speak, but became distracted by the growing din coming from inside the Inn. As the ruckus grew in volume, Brie frowned and hurried towards the door, opening it a crack, her eyes widening at the commotion on the other side. Her gaze fell upon the slumped form of the Barkeep, the young man Baelar at his side. Turning back to the two youngsters in the garden, she extended a hand, motioning for them to stay away.
"There's a riot started," she explained hurridly, opening the door wider so as to slip through. "The boss is hurt, so I have to go help. Just stay here, okay. I'll be back in a little while." With that, she disappears.
In the tavern...
The Barkeep coughed, lifting and placing a heavy hand upon Baelar's shoulder.
"Thank ye lad," he said weakly, before allowing his arm to fall back to the ground with a thump. The red-haired serving girl, Brie, ran over and fell to her knees beside the barkeep.
"Can I do anything?" she said desperately, looking worriedly over the form of the man who'd been much like a father to her.
The offenders eyed Drake furiously, but his clear background in combat made them wary to push him. The shorter, blonde man, held up his hands in surrender, and backed away. But the other, the one responsible for the stabbing, remained, a mirthless smile upon his lips.
"Come on now, buddy," said the larger man. "We were just fooling around, is all." Despite his reassuring words, his eyes told a different story, and the knife still glinted in his hand.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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| Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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Drake was in this much deeper than he wanted to be, he couldn't come up with a single reason why he had come to the defense of the innkeeper - other than it was the right thing to do.
The slower man in the prone position was still dangerous, every look he threw at Drake was one that wanted Drake dead. He needed to get control of the situation, otherwise this was going to get a lot bloodier than he wanted.
Drake readied himself, mentally going through his actions if things started to resolve in a more violent way.
Speaking to anyone within earshot, Drake spoke loudly.
"For all the guards I see in here, why are we the only one's keeping the peace. Either get this under control or this this poor man won't be the only one bleeding."
Drake was grateful to have Baelar tending to the innkeeper. He would have to thank him if he didn't end up incarcerated tonight.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 10:17 pm Post subject: |
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Baelar looked at Brie with a serious and urging look on his face. He would've smiled at her but he counted every second in his head.
"Miss, he shouldn't talk. Hot water, clean rags, strongest alcohol and some sewing thread and a needle. If possible, soak the sewing threads in alcohol first as well. If you know a healer who can close this wound have someone fetch him. I'll do my best in the meantime."
He kept the pressure under the Barkeep's solar plexus tight.
"I take the hand away, he starts bleeding again. I don't take it off soon, his organs will start dying out for lack of blood. We need to move fast."
His father's teachings, which his father got from a healer he befriended... It wouldn't be so well-rooted in his thinking if he didn't see much of his friends get hurt. Yet, if it could save an innocent man, he was happy to have suffered through that.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 11:22 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus was immediately struck by a feeling of guilt, to find out what the commotion was, and to help in any way he could. This, in turn, was immediately replaced by a desire not to interfere or to get into anyone else's way. If a full tavern of adults couldn't fix the problem, what was he going to do about it?
Better to stay outside with Aileen, as Brie had requested. He looked between her and the door, to see what her reaction would be.
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Lilith
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 12:39 pm Post subject: |
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In the garden:
After Brie's command, Ailleen paled and looked quite shaken. "Nerat never gets hurt..." She bit down on her lower lip, glanced at Laneus and beckoned him to follow her with a finger as she started back towards the tavern, thankful that Raina had disappeared back into the kitchens for once and that she was unwatched. "C'mon Laneus. I'm worried, I've known the owner for years.. I grew up here even before I was taken by the temple. He has never been hurt in a riot or brawl that starts.. there's too many guards that come to this tavern.." She wrapped her fingers around the heavy iron ring that served as a door handle, pulling the door open slowly. The hinges had been oiled recently for they were blessedly silent as the young acolyte looked to her new friend and then poked her head inside the tavern.
In the tavern:
Brie is sobbing but not hysterically, as the owner of the tavern gurgles beneath the compression of Baelar's hand on his open wound, and the man with the knife grins nastily at Drake.
"Those are no guards, friend.. they're my crew." The man with the knife spits onto the scrubbed wooden floor and that seems to be a signal, as the men who seemed to be guards suddenly stand up and discard the false insignia of the royal family.
Nerat's body goes stiff in Baelar's grip, his body simply too old to compensate for the bloodloss and the owner of the Tangled Ivy lets out a great sigh before his eyelids close. Brie frantically scrambles at Baelar's hands, attempting to claw them away from Nerat, tears streaming down her face, but not making a sound. Finally she gives up and glares up at the man with the knife. "You're foul, you're evil, you're nothing more than a stain on this city!" She shouts at him, angry now.
The man simply laughs as his crew spreads out amongst the staff and patrons of the Inn, most too scared, old or young to fend them off. There's a scream from the kitchen and one of the crew reenters the tavern with a blade pressed to Raina's neck. "Well, well, what have we here? Nerat's wife?" To Raina's credit she doesn't make a sound, but the fear in her eyes is obvious.
Just as the man who stabbed Nerat advances towards the restrained woman, Aileen rushes in between him and Raina, her jaw set and her eyes unwavering with hatred as she stares the man down. "The Divine may grant you mercy in the next life.. but I assuredly won't." A small razor-thin blade glides across the fleshy part of Aileen's hand and she flings the freed blood toward the man, who blanched at the sight of her garments, recognizing her as an acolyte. "A curse on you and all who follow you!" She shouts, smirking when the flecks of blood touch him and he flinches.
"Out of here men! We'll have another place to ransack without priests crawling out of the walls!" The man with the blade shouts, running for the door and wrenching it open. Most of his crew glance at each other, bewildered that their leader is so easily shaken by a mite of a girl but they sheath their weapons and leave just the same.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 12:51 pm Post subject: |
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It was done... the commotion settled and only tearfalls and gritting teeth could be heard.
Baelar's hands were bloody, this time stained with blood of a person he didn't kill. He was furious either way, but... no. He was in cold fury, past the heated stage. His thoughts were racing, with one hundred thoughts dealing with the mess and one thought saying he should leave it all... but he couldn't leave, so he dismissed it at once.
"Raina... could you close the inn for today and call for a staff meeting?"
He looked at the woman, his eyes having gentle firmness in them. His brain wouldn't stop working, but he also wouldn't let it show. Now... something had to be done.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 11:13 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus followed Aileen without a word, letting the adrenaline course through his body. He hadn't felt this tense since the time his younger brother had been too fool to bring the sheep in from the pasture before the storm broke. His confusion at the behaivor of the guards- imposters? is quickly forgotten at the sght of Nerat, lying in a pool of blood. Death was a common part of farmhood- be it accident, planned, or passing of age. Murder, though... Laneus did not know quite what to do with himself. His fierce, emotional desire to protect Aileen and the other women was balanced rather quickly by his logic; what could he possibly do to help?
Laneus watches on, impressed with the confidence that Aileen is able to show in driving away the villain. He slips forward, in the event that she should need his shoulder for support once her moment of bravado passes.
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| Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:38 am Post subject: |
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The tunneling of Drake's intense focus receded. He debated for a split second on wether to chase down the group and harry them from the rear, but Drake knew that there were too many of them.
He should have crippled the leader, but they had retreated before he could even react. Drake would just have to add it to his long list of regrets.
Drakes solemn grey eyes came to rest on the lifeless form of Nerat as he sheathed his short sword.
Just another life he couldn't save. Just another life the Divines have disregarded.
Drake listened to the curse Aileen spat out and not wanting to add to the situation, Drake unobtusivley back off from the group around Nerat's body.
Was that some kind of blood curse? Since when did followers of the Divine practice blood rites?
Drake needed sleep - but he knew none was to come anytime soon.
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Lilith
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| Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:30 pm Post subject: |
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When the ruffians finally leave, Aileen goes grey in her fair complexion and her skin breaks out in a sweat. Raina sweeps toward the blonde girl and wraps her arms around her shoulders. "No sir. I cannot shut down the Inn. I've too many people upstairs asleep already and these good people around is are going to need time to grieve. Most of them are regulars and have been coming since Nerat opened the Tangled Ivy." She chokes back a sob as her eyes fall on her husband's lifeless body and she begins to draw Aileen away from the crowd. "Come. You can rest in our... my bedroom in the back while you recover." She murmurs what most of you swear is the word thank-you in Aileen's ear as she half-drags, half-carries the drowzing girl back toward a door just beyond the stairway that leads down a long hallway into what one would assume is Nerat and Raina's living quarters.
Many patrons are now rising from their seats, rousting from their shock and moving towards Nerat's body, a few old women drawing Brie away and upright while some of the men who aren't quite able to mask the wetness in their eyes move to wrap Nerats body in their cloaks. "Will you take him to the temple tonight?" Brie asks, her voice in a hoarse whisper. One of the gentleman helping to lift Nerat up, reaches out and strokes Brie's cheek. "Yes'm, youngin'. It be best if we told the guard what 'appened too. That ratfaced Castor 'n his crew are known in these parts fer thievery and the lioke, but they ne'er killed before." The man states, shifting Nerats weight and turning to start marching toward the door with his fellows. "Don' ya worry yer head 'bout it, Miss Brie. We'll 'andle it fione, 'n let ya 'n yer auntie have yer time ta grieve. You go ahead and let the ones who are sleepin' sleep but we'll leave for now. Alrigh?" The man's accent was thick but he was understandable, clearly an old face in the tavern as most of the patrons started gathering up their mugs and plates and carrying them over to the kitchen's counters for washing and then said their good-byes to Brie.
Brie says goodbye to the last patron when he leaves and closes the door gently, turning back around and eyeing the spot where Nerat's body had been not ten minutes before. "Raina may not have wanted them to go, but she'll be grateful for it. Did you three pay for rooms? I can refund your gold if you would prefer to stay elsewhere." She asks, her voice void of emotion, still staring at the patch of blood on the floor, most of it mopped up by the good patrons who used spare cloaks for the task.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 1:25 am Post subject: |
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"I wouldn't want to sully the hospitality received from you, and would rather stay here if you don't mind." Baelar said, unsure of how to react towards a woman in post-shock state that she was in.
"It goes without saying that if you need anything of me, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best to help... If there's even some work at the kitchen or here, I'll help relieve the burden... Even if Raina wouldn't approve of that, I want to do something for you."
His voice trailed off in reminiscence of the previous events. He couldn't have stopped the bleeding, the wond was skillfully made, with the blade inserted and then moved in such a manner that maximizes internal damage in comparison to the entry wound.
That's what his mind repeated, and with the comments of the regulars... this was a hit. Someone ordered that thug to do this. He touched his bastard sword at his hip, and he felt a soothing cold from it... Yes, not revenge but justice and truth. That's what we'll do and find. His other hand touched the similarly large holster on the other side of his hip. And you, my friend, will have a lot of work to do as well. Let my father's hand guide my own.
He looked at Brie, waiting for an answer, an order or a dismissal. Or something else. Whatever she says, he'll do. Ease the pain by helping when needed, that's what he was taught and so far that creed served him well with good people... and they were all exactly that.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 10:21 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus watched, his limbs heavy with shock, as the aftermath of Nerat's death occured before his eyes. Having only known the man for a few hours, he felt like an intruder on their grief. He really had no idea how one should act in such a case- on one hand, this was now the home of a dead man, and he felt the need to leave so that everyone could mourn without worrying about strangers and customers. And yet, it was equally rude to insult the dead... and what could be more insulting than demanding a refund from his business?
And then there was Aileen. His eyes began to stare down the hallway where Raina had taken her. He couldn't leave without saying goodbye, could he? True, they'd only just met, but... well, he was captivated by her. And, sure, maybe it was just a first crush. Powers be knew he'd never fallen like this for anyone before, although he'd done his fair share of mocking a few of the guys back home. So, sure, maybe he simply had nothing to compare it to. But Aileen was... well, if nothing else, he had to play it through. Or else he'd regret it for the rest of his life as a nagging what if. Who knew what she could possibly see in him, and yet...
Laneus was glad for Brie's interruption from his line of thought. "I... I couldn't possibly," he replied, blushing red. "That is... I, too, wish to do whatever I can to help. I'd hate to be a burden on you, and demanding a refund seems like it would be just that."
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| Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:19 am Post subject: |
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Drake knew the girl was speaking from a state of shock, he also knew that almost everyone in this inn were still trying to take in the death of Nerat.
Things were still too strange about this night. The sudden and inexplicable passing out of Gregori, the ability of "simple" barmaids to be able to hear a whispered conversation over an entire inn, a murder and the sudden act of the priestess. But it still felt awkward for wanting to stay no matter how strange things were.
Drake decided that he would wait till things calmed down, to see if it was realistic to be able to stay. Besides maybe the passed out priest would know what the Aileen was doing with that curse.
Instead of answering whether he would stay or go, Drake retreated further back in the inn proper and sat down. Watching. Waiting.
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:09 pm Post subject: |
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Brie listened to the words of the two younger men, and took the actions of the third to mean that all would be keeping their reservations. She nodded and attempted a weak smile at Baelar and Laneus, made even less heartfelt by the appearance of tears running silently down her cheeks. She wiped them hurridly away, and knelt down to pick up some broken crockery that had fallen to the ground during the ruckus.
Around them, the few remaining with a room for the night have left, gone to their rooms either to sleep off large consumptions of drink, or to save themselves the awkwardness of the situation.
Brie got back to her feet, arms full of the smashed plates and cups, and her eyes fell upon the blood staining Baelar's hands. She indicated towards the back room with a nod of her head.
“Come on through to the back,” she said, beginning to walk in the towards the door, where Raina and Aileen had disappeared moments before, looking back at them too follow. “We'll get you cleaned up.”
She glanced at the other two.
“Feel free to come through too, if you wish. I'll get you all a drink to settle your nerves a little. I know I need one.”
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.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 1:13 am Post subject: |
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He noticed her eyes, he noticed the blood. He didn't try to hide, but he did try to make it as inconspicuous as one cou... No use, he just didn't know what to do with them. He nodded and started walking towards the exit Brie headed to, careful not to drip blood on the floor or the tables. His hands were burning hot, be it the aftershock or just blood still pumping strongly through him.
He didn't talk, he just went through the door he was lead to.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus followed meekly behind the rest, heading into the back of the Inn. He didn't really need a stiff drink- he certainly didn't need to wash up like Baelar did- but he wasn't keen on staying in the main room, either. The smell of death lingered in the air, and Laneus could still see Nerat's corpse in his mind's eye. Best to stay around people, lest his mind fill with terrible thoughts.
"And you're desperate for another chance to see Aileen again," added the nasty voice in the back of his head. "Don't kid yourself."
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 12:14 pm Post subject: |
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Seeing the patrons disperse and the others trying to clean up the broken pieces of not only the dishes but also what had been the start of a good night, Drake decided he would stay for the night. Besides, chances were good that the local guards would be wanting a word with him for brandishing a weapon during the festival. There was no sense in having them look for him, it might be misconstrued as him trying to evade them.
Drake began helping with the putting the inn back in some sense of order. It was the least he could do. His scarred hands got a bucket of water and a rag and began cleaning up the blood on the floor. He had seen enough of it in his lifetime, and though not used to it, he was at least partially desensitized to the gore.
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Lilith
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 1:18 pm Post subject: |
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Brie dumps the broken crockery in a large wooden barrel, and from the dull sound of crashing and shattering inside, the barrel is for that purpose in the first place. She beckons Baelar and Laneus quietly towards the back, leading them down the narrow wooden hallway and pushing open a door that led to a small wash area, a large pitcher of clear cool water sitting on a counter, beside a bowl used for washing. A stack of undyed linen towels were sitting beside the bowl and pitcher. "You can clean up in here... I'm going to check on Aileen and Raina before I head back out to the tavern and try to finish cleaning up out there." She adds quietly, turning to push open the door opposite the hall and walking into a small bedroom that has a chest of draws and a wooden bed, both made out of good decent oak.
On top of the patchwork quilt on the bed lay Aileen, the grey pallor in her face concerning Raina who was sitting on the edge of the bed beside her, reaching up and dabbing a wet washcloth over Aileen's face, murmuring."You shouldn't have used that spell, Aileen... blood magic can kill you." Raina's voice was a hoarse whisper as she looked up to see why Brie had entered. "What do you need, Brighid?" She asked, wiping away the tears that trailed down her cheeks.
Brie touched Raina's shoulder softly and suqeezed it. "Nothing, Auntie. I was just checking on you. Is she going to make it?"
"I don't know. You should..."
"I know, I'm going to." Brie kissed Raina's cheek and left the room, looking back once at Aileen, a pained look her face before she pulled the door shut behind her and started back out toward the tavern.
Once in the tavern, Brie approaches Drake and starts helping him with the clean up, her expression grim as she scrubs angrily at the floor, as if it was the offending party.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:50 pm Post subject: |
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He approached the washbasin and cleaned up his hands... it was thick, half-dry... He was glad to have it off. The water now turned red.
He wiped his hands and looked around the room, just observing in case something happens in the future. He waited for Laneus to finish... but he grew impatient.
"Hey, Laneus... what are your thoughts on..." He suddenly remembered that the girls were still here, so he smiles and continued "... meeting up tomorrow and discussing the plans for the next few days?"
He gave him a very serious look while smiling, hopefully transferring his real thoughts that way.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus's eyes darted back and forth as Bri led them down the hallway, trying to see where Aileen had retreated. He followed mindlessly after Baelar, standing politely behind him as he began to wash. Standing where he was, in the doorway, he could just make out the conversation between Bri and Raina. Concern set in, but Baelar had finished washing- when he stepped away from the basin, he stepped forward out of habit, taking his due turn.
He paused, looking at the red tint of the basin. He hadn't been involved in the fight in any meaningful way... was washing up actually going to make him dirtier? He shrugged, and started to wash anyway. There was dirt from the road, if nothing else.
He looked up when Baelar started talking. The man was obviously trying to make a point- the smile at his mouth didn't make it to his eyes, and his tone hinted that there was some sort of hidden context that he was supposed to be picking up on. Laneus frowned in confusion. He was bad enough about this sort of thing on a good day, let alone after a night like this. Did he want to talk about what just happened? Was he suspicious about something? Did he want to try and go after the thugs, or report the fake guards? Or was this some sort of "go after the girl" message?
"Umm, yeah, okay," said Laneus, furrowing his brows. "I mean, I have nothing better to do. I really haven't planned anything out, so... yeah," he rambled, picking up both speed and confidence. "We're sharing a room together, after all. If my company isn't a burden to you, I'm willing to acquiesce to your whims." Ending with a confident nod, he dried off his hands while trying to stretch an ear out to the room with Raina and Aileen.
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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Drake nodded at Brie as she joined him in the cleanup. He found himself slightly encouraged at the way she went about the task. Drake kept silent during the grim and messy work, words were useless in times like this.
Once most of the majority of the innkeepers blood was wiped clean, Drake looked around for the requisite saw wood that most inns had hidden away. Using the break in eye contact and proximity as an excuse he broke the pallor of silence that had filled the space.
"I never apologized for breaking all of your serving wear. It was the only think I could think of being outnumbered and in such tight quarters."
Coming around with a small bucket of saw wood - usually reserved for those patrons that couldn't hold their liquor - Drake spread it across the floor where they had been cleaning.
He looked at Brie directly, trying to bring some warmth to his normal colder nature.
"How is the girl? Aileen right?"
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 1:32 pm Post subject: |
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In the back rooms...
The door to the bedroom opened once again, followed shortly afterwards by Aileen's form stumbling out of the open doorway, Raina just behind her, clutching lightly at the girl's arm.
"Aileen, no. You have to rest," the brunette landlady said gently, putting her other arm around Aileen's shoulders to offer extra support to the clearly exhausted girl. "That spell took it out of you. I'll have someone hurry a message over to the other acolytes, so they'll not worry. Please, come and lie back down?"
With as much energy as her drained body would allow, Aileen pulled free of Raina's grip.
"I'll be fine," she replied, fixing the older woman with a stubborn expression. "I need to get back. If I stay here, they'll want to know why, and I might get into trouble for using blood magic in the first place."
She made for the door leading back out into the tavern, looking determined.
In the bar...
Brie eyed Drake for a moment, before shrugging and wringing out the blood-stained cloth.
"She's exhausted, but she should be fine after a good rest," she replied, with a grim smile, before nodding her head at the newly scattered saw wood. "Thanks for that." She got to her feet, dropping the cloth into the bucket of water and making towards the outside door to throw the dirty water away. "And for helping with the fight too. It could've gotten uglier if you hadn't stepped in."
She opened the door to the gardens and walked out, pail in hand.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:28 pm Post subject: |
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Since his mind was torn between getting involved and not doing so (well he had to admit, keeping himself out of things was rather boring and useless in general), Baelar gave out a deep, controlled sigh to expel the pressure in his chest.
His ears heard of some blood magic from the Acolyte who once helped him, but to see it in action... and she's not supposed to either, it must have been a strain and she seemed, well, frail.
He sighed again.
Well at least this time it'll be my meddlesome nature and not a woman that gets me into trouble. Though Brie... He now let out an unconscious "hmm". She was attractive, and that attitude made him want to ask her out for a drink and a nice dinner. But alas...
He looked around, didn't see her. Upon walking towards the main hall he saw her and Drake cleaning the floors. He was supposed to go upstairs to his room anyway, but for now he decided to wait for Laneus. It would be a bad time now to act in such a way, romance will have to wait.
His chest told him a different story, but he humbly apologized to himself, and stood near the bar. Waiting...
"Can I help you Miss Brie, Drake?"
Why did he speak? Gah... You do know you should just go upstairs and think of a strategy? Sure, and if both of them send me away I will, but no harm in doing just this, right? *sigh* You're an idiot, as always. Have it your way. I wouldn't have it any other way, thank you very much. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll stop talking (thinking) to myself.
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Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus stepped out of the wash area once he heard Aileen and Raina's exchange. "I could escort you back to the temple, Aileen!" he blurted. Having spoken, he immediately flushed with embarassment. How much of this exchange was supposed to have been private? Well, too late now. He carried on.
"I mean, not that I'm trying to force myself on you," he added, starting to ramble. "You can say 'no' if you want. It's just, y'know, I was planning on taking a walk before going to bed tonight anyway, so it's no trouble for me, and I really didn't have any path in mind, so I may as well go to the temple, and I'd hate for you to go alone if you didn't want to, and ummm... I should probably stop talking and let you answer, huh?" he finished, with an nervous smile. He could almost feel what he imagined to be Raina's disapproving stare shooting daggers into his neck, as he waited for Aileen to respond.
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| Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:35 pm Post subject: |
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Drake noticed Baelar's entrance.
"You are welcome. I'm just sorry I wasn't faster."
Drake got stretched his aching muscles. The long and strenuous hours were catching up to him.
"I can only hope that when the guards come, they will understand."
Drake righted and moved the table he had used as an impromptu shield back in it's place.
He looked at Baelar and saw something unspoken in his eyes. Drake wanted to ask more about the girl Aileen and the events of the night, but decided against it. Feeling a little bit like a third wheel he concluded that it would be easier just to call it a night.
Drake turned his steel grey eyes back on Brie.
"Well if I'm needed, don't hesitate to wake me."
He looked back at Baelar and gave a small nod.
"I think I'll just head to my room."
With that said, he headed upstairs.
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Lilith
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| Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:52 pm Post subject: |
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In the tavern...
As Brie entered the tavern with a clean pail of water, she spotted both men in the area and graced each with a small smile before she shook her head at both Baelar's offer of help and Drake's note that she could come get him if she needed him. "It's just a bit of cleaning up. Please, go rest, the both of you. You've done more than your share of help for today." She said, picking up the last of the broken pottery and dumping it the barrel, before she dipped a clean rag in her pail and began to scrub the tables down (now that the floor was blood-free) as if it was just her nightly chore.
In the back hall...
Raina gave Laneus a hard look before glancing at Aileen, who'd turned around and gave him a tired smile. "If you're going to go, young lady, then it'd be best if the lad accompanied you. He's got a strong back and legs, haven't you?" Raina looked down at Laneus with a sort of fierce matronly expression that said Any funny business and I will gut you.
Aileen reached up and squeezed Raina's shoulder gently in gratitude before she turned to hook her arm through Laneus's, leaning slightly heavily on him. "Let's go then, Laneus. I really do have to get back, before I'm missed." She murmured to him quietly, pushing the door open to the tavern. Raina watched them both for a minute before she cleared out the washroom area and got rid of the bloody water in the basin, keeping her hands busy before she disappeared back into her kitchen.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:33 am Post subject: |
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Seemed like the lad was busy for the night. Baelar had to smile inwardly. He might be grabbing a tiger by the tail with that lass though... Speaking of tigers, I think I'll call this a day and speak to Raina tomorrow. Noticing that Drake looked at him, Baelar concluded that he must've been thinking the same. After all, they did help each other like that, so I guess they had similar thoughts in at least some areas...
It will be a hard day tomorrow, so I'd better go upstairs for that rest I'm overdue for... And so he climbed the steps to the great upstairs.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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| Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 6:29 am Post subject: |
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Drake sat down heavily on the bed, and slowly took off his road worn boots one by one. He took out his whetstone. He knew his swords edge was sharp, but there was something about the act of caring for his blade that gave a little solace - just a little - to his soul.
A quiet, rymthic keening chime filled the room as he set the stone to metal. He couldn't help it, his mind would wander as he worked his blade. Thoughts of his beautiful wife Istrela, his precocious son Mizzrik and his gentle daughter Vindici filled him.
Drake put away the stone and relpaced it with some cloth and oil. He tried to push them out of his mind, he tried to hurry. It was no use.
Images of a blood stained house, and his family's still forms covered in white cloth crept into his mind. He choked back tears and put his sword and supplies away.
Drake lay down and closed his eyes.
A festival celbrating the grace of the divines, it makes me sick.
He slowed his breathing.
I would pull the Divines down from the heavens if it meant I could find those responsible.
And with that last thought Drake finally fell asleep.
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A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:05 am Post subject: |
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Laneus's heart raced as they walked toward the temple. Most of Aileen's weight was being carried by Laneus, and it was not nearly as much of a burden as he feared. Puberty had come and gone, and Laneus never received the broad shoulders or rippling muscles like most of his friends. But farming was not an occupation for the weak, and Laneus was forced to admit he was a lot stronger than he usually gave himself credit for.
His skin tingled with excitement; he could feel the warmth of her body on his arm, the clean scent of her hair and skin adding new depth to the fantasies his mind had started creating only hours before. It was all he could do to calm himself; even if he wasn't rushing headlong into things, there was no denying her current, frail state. There was something irreverent about courting a girl who had just been through such a tramatic affair. Yet here he was, escorting her home so shortly after meeting her. Did that make him a horrible person? Just how was he planning to proceed from here?
Laneus shook his head, and looked over at Aileen. "Unless you want to walk in silence, I'm going to need for you to provide conversation prompts," he admitted. "I'm quite bad at small talk."
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 5:01 pm Post subject: |
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At the Inn...
All is dark, save for the light of the moon outside, and there isn't a sound besides the chirping of crickets and the odd hoot from an owl on the hunt. Suddenly a sharp thud carries through the Inn, the sound reaching even to the highest levels of the building. Moments later there is a smashing noise, as though an item of crockery has fallen from it's place on a shelf or work-surface. Another thud, slightly softer than the first follows a short while afterwards. Then there is silence...
Out in the streets...
Aileen led the way to the temple, guiding Laneus despite her weakened state. At Laneus's words, she gave a soft laugh and nodded.
"I never would have guessed," she replied, a glint in her eye, as she looks to the side, directly at him.
She looked thoughtful for a moment, her eyes on the ground before her, then flickered them back to look at him.
"Why don't you tell me about yourself?" she offered with a smile. "It'll help to pass the time. What do you do?"
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 2:35 am Post subject: |
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Having just closed the door to his room, Baelar left his coin pouch and food bag next the the bed, when suddenly he heard that crockery-breaking sound, after which came a thud. Picking up his gloves he ran out of his room and evaluated where the sound might've come from, then proceeded towards it with a brisk but still quiet enough pace, waiting for more sounds.
Do you really want to meddle in their business that much?
They lost too much this evening. Bug off.
You might lose something too. Could've had quite a few times today.
But I didn't. Even if I lose my life, it's fine. I'll have few regrets.
More than a few, don't forget...
I will survive, and this time there will be no deaths of good people. Now concentrate on the task at hand. Talking to yourself is a fool's errand in this situation.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2012 11:23 pm Post subject: |
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"What do I do..." Laneus repeated back, taking time to compose an answer. "Well, I guess you'd say I'm a Farmer. I grew up in the outskirts of Brennae, as the oldest of four children in a farming family. It's what my father's been doing all of his life, and it's what my mother married into. Even then, that side of the family focuses on livestock, so here in the city there's probably not much of a distinction.
"But just because you're born into it, that doesn't mean you like it, you know? I mean, I've been doing fieldwork and chores for all of my life, so it's kind of hard to imagine me doing anything else. But on the other hand, if I don't find something else to do with my life, I just may go insane. My parents just... assume that I'm going to find a nice girl, have a big family, and take up a nice piece of land somewhere. It's like I didn't even get to have a say in my future. They've just planned out my whole life for me, and I... well, how much choice did I have? Schooling doesn't prepare you for other lines of work, and they never let me pursue any opportunities that might have led my life elsewhere. This is the first true shot at independence I've had. They think I'm coming back in two weeks but I... I just don't know if...that is, if I could, I'd..."
He paused, scratching the back of his neck "I... sorry. Well, no, I'm not actually sorry. I just... usually I'm more shy. I didn't expect myself to open up to you that much. I mean, not that you're... oh, forget it," said Laneus, blushing furiously. "You know what I mean. I'll shut up now, before I stumble over my words any further."
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Lilith
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:40 pm Post subject: |
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Inside the Inn:
Soon enough Baelar comes across the crockery that fell over and shattered: a large oil lamp that had been full to the brim for the evening... and the wick had been lit when it fell, causing the softer sounds as the flames hungrily burned hot in the oil, catching the wooden boards of the walls and floor in the hallway just outside the sleeping rooms. The only clear paths around the fire were to the downstairs and a somewhat clear back toward his room where he had two windows, yet on the second story, jumping might not be intelligent.
Out in the Streets:
Aileen listened to Laneus as they moved slowly but steady toward the large temple not far from the Royal family's home in the center of the city passing by many merrymakers in the festival mood, as the sun began to set on the horizon. When he began to falter, Aileen stopped and reached up to touch the pads of her fingertips to his mouth with a tired but true smile. "You're an honest soul, Laneus. That's a rare trait in someone in these dark days ahead. Never lose that." She advised him, her voice still rich and musical as she patted his arm gently and leaned against him once more. "A couple more blocks and we'll be to the acolyte entrance to the temple. And I can understand how you feel about the farm life. I know a few acolytes that ran to the temple because they were sick of it." She replied softly, squeezing his arm as she tried to increase the pace.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:24 am Post subject: |
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Baelar did have limited options. He wasn't sure if he could put out the fire with only his bedsheets, and he surely didn't have any water to put it out...
Slowly backing towards his room he shouted "Fire! Fire on the second floor!" repeatedly, hoping that someone would come to his aid. He took all of his gear from the room in case he had to make a run for it, then grabbed his bedsheet and folded it three-fold so that it wouldn't catch fire when he hit the flames...
Though it was only a temporary measure. He hit any flames he could on his way to the stairs. And he was thinking... That lad, Drake, he must've been in his room still!
Or was he? Someone must've broken the lamp, there were sounds other than it breaking...
"Drake! Get your ass out of your room, there's a fire!"
Truth will be known soon.
"Goddamit, there's a fire here, someone bring water quickly!"
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 10:10 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus let Aileen set the pace, following her cues as she tugged on his arm. He felt both pride from her compliments, and pity for the melancholic depression that loomed behind her words. "It hurts to hear you speak like that," he blurted, unsure of what else to say. "like the only way to win at life is to stop trying so that it doesn't hurt when you lose. I don't know what you're going through right now, but I think... I know that you're stronger. And you can get through with the help of your friends, and your faith."
"I... hmm, I think I'm repeating myself though. Insert generic cheery statement here, follow with encouraging cliche phrase. And I suppose that really is what I'm expected to say- I mean, what kind of person could see such sadness and respond with anything but cheer? I... oh, don't answer that," he added, blushing.
"So... what about you, Aileen? Tell me about yourself. What do you do when you're not preventing disasters at Inns and keeping things from getting worse?"
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 12:44 pm Post subject: |
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At the Inn...
There is no answer from Drake's room from either he or his room-mate, Gregori, and the smoke filling the hallway and the spreading towards the staircase was getting thicker...too thick to risk hanging around in.
Suddenly dual screams ring out from below. The voices are that of two women, quickly recognisable as being those of Raina and Brie. Cries of 'help!' are discernable amidst the screams of terror. Maybe the fire has spread to the lower floor...
On the road to the temple...
At Laneus's words of comfort and concern, Aileen gave a small smile, glancing at him with eyes that were sad, and yet there was something else behind the sadness...something not dissimilar from amusement at his distinct bashfulness.
As he asked her about herself and her activities, another expression passed over her face. It drained slightly of colour, and her lips formed themselves into a firm line, as though she was trying to prevent herself from speaking. As she glanced at Laneus again, her eyes were clearly frightened and full of a desperate need.
"I can't..." she whispered, trailing off, as a single tear made a glistening track down her cheek.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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Hearing no answer and knowing he has to act swiftly or else the smoke will cut him off, Baelar was left with a choice of either checking the room or going down. He had to make the bitter decision. The guys could help themselves, Gregori did have a bit much to drink but Drake was a strong, sober lad.
Just in case, he rushed to Drake's door, slammed it a few times with his fist and foot to wake and shake them if they could hear. "FIRE!"
And he was off, running towards the stairs. He prayed for the two men, but he knew that helpless people should be helped first. And considering the mental state of the ladies, he was more convinced that they need his help. He rushed down the stairs, holding breath for twice as long because of the smoke.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 6:00 pm Post subject: |
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"You can," said Laneus, positioning himself in front of her, with one hand firmly grasped on each arm. "I have faith in you." And without thinking, he pulled her close for a tight hug. There was something about Aileen's sorrow that screamed the necessity of such a gesture.
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Lilith
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| Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:00 am Post subject: |
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Outside the Temple, Acolyte Entrance:
Aileen froze for a moment when Laneus suddenly hugged her and no friendly-like hug either. She was wrapped up tightly in his arms, a comforting gesture and Aileen soon buried her face in Laneus's shoulder, slipping her arms around his waist and hugging him back. "I can't tell you, Laneus. I'm oathsworn to tell no one... but I can tell you, that I don't want to go back in there. I'm the acolyte that serves under the Lady Rhyanon, Laneus." She stopped, moved her jaw, reaching up to grab at her neck as if choking then she shook her head. "You see? I can't tell you more." The blonde girl explained before she reached out to hammer her thin fist on the wooden door of the High Temple. A male Acolyte, a few years younger than Aileen herself, opened the door slowly and peered out at Aileen, narrowing his eyes at Laneus. "Aileen, she's looking for you. Who's this? New recruit?" He asked gruffly, pointing at Laneus.
"His names Laneus, Cyrneous. He walked me home after Nerat at the Tangled Ivy was killed. Did you not recieve word that he'd been killed from the Lower Temple?" Aileen replied, her voice sharp and almost defensive as she glowered at the male Acolyte.
Inside the Inn, Bottom Floor:
Baelar finds Brie and Raina together in the kitchen area, Brie clutching her arms around Raina and preventing the older woman from rushing at the fire that was spreading down the wall from above, a simple apron in her hands, apparently having attempted to beat the flames out herself, from the burn marks on the woman's forearms. "Raina! Leave off! We need to leave the Inn or we'll die!" Brie shouted to her aunt, trying to haul the woman towards the still open doorway, but Raina will not be moved.
"I can't leave the Inn to die! It'll be like leaving Nerat behind!" Raina shrieked, clawing at her own face and pulling her hair in her anguish and frustration as she tries to escape Brie's iron-grip once agian.
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:00 am Post subject: |
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In such commotion, Baelar could do a few things. His mind gave options:
Try to put out the fire himself, tell the two women to go;
Put out the fire with the women still in the room;
Have all of them get away.
Considering everything, nobody could put out those fires that spread faster than the eye could blink. It was really futile to try putting them out.
"Mrs. Raina! Miss Brie! The upper floor is almost completely consumed, we cannot put the fire out in time! Let's move!"
He rushed to the women, fully equipped and yet light enough to sprint, such was his gear. As he saw that Raina was trying everything she could, he felt his heart sink. As it did, he steeled himself.
"Call me a bastard, hit me or kill me afterwards, but I will not let you die here as well, Mrs. Raina."
He went off and grabbed her, put her on his shoulder and carefully yet swiftly treaded towards the exit.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 12:08 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus watched as Aileen's explanation was halted, seemingly by magic, as her words were cut off after one sentence. Blood curses, and now this? Just what were the priests capable of? His concern at her choking gestures were cut short by her exchange at the door.
Laneus opted to stay silent for this exchange. Aileen was clearly in her element, and saying anything might further ruin her situation and cause her to scramble for lies or cover stories. If Aileen really was serving under Lady Rhyanon, she probably out-ranked a simple doorman- and indeed, probably most of the temple. Best to stand in stoic silence. Laneus, at least, had nothing to hide. He remained where he stood, continuing to support Aileen and trying not to look away from the door, lest his shy demeanor be mistaken as suspicious behaivor.
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 3:35 pm Post subject: |
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Outside the Inn...
Baelar reaches the exit unhindered further, Raina screaming in his arms and beating her fists against his back, as she tries to escape his grip. Brie follows closely, still trying to calm her aunt.
"Please, Raina," she says, taking one of the older woman's flailing fists in her hand and squeezing it. "Nerat wouldn't want you to die trying to save the Inn." Brie lets go of Raina's hand, and moves forward to open the door, reaching back to take Baelar's arm to pull him outside. The cool air outside proves to be a sharp contrast to the heat of the invading flames inside the Inn. Through the open door, the fire can be seen to be licking it's way up the walls in flickering orange tendrils, spreading it's way further through the building.
"I cannot just leave it!" Raina cries, her tears staining her face with thin tracks of moisture. "It's not just Nerat...my whole life is in there. Everything that Nerat and I built together, the memories of our marriage and life, the business we built after all those years of toil..." She broke down, covering her face with her her hands, her body a-rack with shuddering sobs. "If The Tangled Ivy is gone, what am I supposed to do?" she says, her voice muffled by her palms.
Outside the Temple, Acolyte Entrance...
Cyrneous eyes Laneus with a mixture of suspicion and snobbish distaste for a moment, then looks back to Aileen. He doesn't reply to her question about the deceased Nerat, merely eyeing her with an expression of irritated boredom.
"Like I said," he drawls, glancing again at Laneus. "She's looking for you, Aileen. So I'd hurry inside and go to her if I were you. She seems rather displeased..." A taunting smirk appears upon Cyrneous's lips, and, though she tries to hide it, for a moment Aileen visibly tenses at the knowledge that her mistress might be angry with her. But then she draws herself to her full height, gaining back the air of confidence from before.
"I will be there in a moment," she replies testily, narrowing her eyes into a slight glare at the doorman. "Please inform Rhyanon that I am back, and that I apologise for my lateness. I will be with her directly, as soon as I've cleaned myself up." Her expression demanded obedience, and with a slight huff, Cyrneous moves away and can be heard retreating along the corridor beyond the slightly open door.
Aileen turns back to Laneus. For a moment she just stands there, then reaches out a hand to trace a long, pale finger down his cheek.
"Thank you for helping me get back here," she says quietly, with a small smile. "I wish I could tell you more...I really do." Her eyes gleam predicting the possible appearance of tears, but she holds them back. Suddenly she darts forward and plants a soft kiss on Laneus's cheek, and hugs him again.
"Will you meet me tomorrow?" she says in a voice that is barely more than a whisper.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2012 8:22 am Post subject: |
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Damnation. The building will be a few planks short from total ash now.
Yes, such is the fate of the Inn. But I know someone lit that up on purpose.
Oh? Clever guy I am.
Don't patronize yourself, idiot. Who might've done it?
Obvious suspects, the guys that killed Nerat.
Less obvious suspects are usually the culprits.
So the less obvious suspects... since those guys are just thugs, they were hired.
Yes, idiot. The possibility of that is high.
Well the guy did say they were his crew... could be a random ransacking, like he said?
Insufficient information. All I know is we have to keep an eye for those thugs, and if it really was random, curse them and possibly get back to them. And when I get back to them, find if they were hired.
I am not a one man army.
Who said I should be? Just be sneaky, as things are to be. Casual.
Yes, but what about this?
He looked at the burning Inn and the girls, and kept an eye out for the bystanders.
This was unfortunate, but...
No, I don't mean that. What about the women?
They were devastated, one of them mentally broken and the other one trying to keep it together. And both of them heartbroken.
Play the hero?
I don't play.
I know, I'm just an idiot.
He sat next to the women, frowning in thoughts, waiting patiently. If the need arises, be a shoulder to cry on. If they need a vent, let them hit you. For now, this is the best thing to do.
Watchman, huh... a disgrace is more like it. I should be ashamed.
And I am...
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:30 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus looked directly into Aileen's eyes, with what he hoped what a confident smile on his face. His heart was beating rapidly, and he could still feel the heat on his check from Aileen's chaste kiss.
"Absolutely. I would love to. I... where should we meet up? You know the city better than I do, that's for sure. I was planning to venture over to the town square tomorrow morning. Is there a landmark we could meet by? Or, oh, I don't know your schedule. Should I meet you here at a time of your choosing?" Laneus started to blush, but for once his questions were necessary. And he wasn't stuttering. That helped too. She liked him! She really liked him!
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 5:45 am Post subject: |
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Outside the Inn...
Finally calming down, Raina sinks to the ground and quietly sobs as the inside of The Tangled Ivy continues to burn, the heat of the fire shattering the glass of the windows, and resulting in the flames licking their way into the outside air and up the outer walls of the building. The crackle and roar can be plainly heard as more and more items of furniture and other things are caught by the flames and are slowly reduced to cinders.
Brie gets to her feet, from her position on the ground beside her Aunt, and sighs heavily. In the odd flicker of firelight lights up the red of her hair, and lands upon her face, showing it to be soot-stained with the odd track weaving from her eyes and down to her chin, revealing that, that despite her strength and determination, she too is as devestated as her Aunt. She looks down at Baelar where he's seated beside Raina.
“Thank you for your help,” she says quietly, attempting a small smile. “We might not have gotten out without you.”
She sniffed and swiped a hand across her eyes, smudging more of the soot and tears together. She turns away, looking towards some woods, situated some one hundred yards away, breathing deeply to try and steady her emotions. Suddenly her expression changes to one that is alert and a little anxious.
“There's something in there,” she says, her voice quiet but insistant. “Look.” She backs away a few steps, her eyes still trained upon the dense treeline. Where she is looking, and just inside the borders of the woodland, a dark shape can be seen almost merged with the shadows, larger in bulk by more than three times the size than a man and with a crouched stance hiding a potential monstrous height to match. And at it's heart, two glowing red eyes watch the three...
Outside the Temple, Acolyte Entrance...
Aileen gives a soft chuckle, and grazes her soft knuckles down the side of Laneus's face affectionately.
“There is a great, ancient weeping-willow tree just outside the city...I'll meet you there tomorrow just after noon,” she replied, with a smile. Suddenly the smile falls from her face, as she look back into the distance the way that they came. “What is that? It looks like fire...”
A glow can be seen over the top of the other buildings, flickering and shifting much in the manner of flames as Aileen has already stated.
“It looks to be close to the Inn...” Aileen muses, her expression anxious. “Oh god...” Her hand moves to cover her mouth, her eyes filling with tears, and her head shaking. “I should never have...Oh god, Raina and Brie! What have I done?”
She turns to Laneus, her expression devestated.
“This is all my fault! We need to help them...please?”
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 6:03 am Post subject: |
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Baelar let out a sigh.
Great. It's probably a bear. Or more like an elephanton.
Can I fight it?
Nah, too big.
Can we... run?
Probably a little slower than a horse and three times as strong.
So we're... toast?
Speaking of toast, most animals hate fire.
Ah, I see. Good thinking there.
Don't patronize yourself.
Baelar was a bit scared, but more for the girls than for himself. He could most probably find some place to hide, and in the worst case go back to the inn's yard where the well is.
Speaking of wells...
Another good one. I'm on a roll.
Idiot.
"Ms. Raina... Is there a way to enter the backyard of the Ivy from the point we are at now? If there is one, I want you to stand up and start walking briskly towards it. If not, I want you to walk to the wall of the yard."
That thing will chase us, most probably. What's with all these bad things?
He left out an inwards sigh.
"I will be two steps behind you and walking backwards. If I tell you to run, you should run like there's no tomorrow. Probably won't be if it gets us."
I'll grab a piece of burning wood from the Inn and fend it off only as a last resort. I will most probably die if I do so...
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus followed Aileen's gaze over toward the horizon. Sure enough, the telltale smoke of a burning building could be seen, and that was the general direction of the Inn... but wasn't that too much of a coincidence? Could that much misfortune really happen to a place in one night? What could they do about the fire even if they were there? Laneus looked back over at Aileen, and stared into her genuine, terrified stare. "This is all my fault! We need to help them... please?" Laneus felt his soul drop. She knew something he did not, and he had a sinking feeling it was related to the way she had been able to dispatch the brigands so easily...
"It took us so long to get here," stated Laneus, talking out the situation. "By the time you walk back, the fire will- hold still, and forgive me," he said, switching gears. Without further warning, Laneus squatted down, grabbed Aileen by her torso, and scooped her over his shoulder in one effective, if not awkward, heaving motion. It was certainly true that he didn't have the broad, muscular build that many of his friends gained upon adulthood... but you can't grow up on a farm without gaining some form of upper body strength. Aileen was certainly heavier than a ram, but hopefully the adrenaline would help make up the difference.
"I talked... on the way here," panted Laneus, between breaths as he ran down the city streets. "Your turn... what do you know... about that fire?"
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:54 am Post subject: |
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Outside the Inn...
"Gods, what is it?" gasps Brie, backing away towards her Aunt, who, at Baelar's words, looks up from her grief, pointedly at the young man, and then at the forest where his and Brie's gazes are directed. Her eyes widen and she stumbles to her feet, grasping a hold of Brie's arm.
"There's a gate set into the wall, just around the corner," she replies, her eyes fixed upon the shadowy form. Reluctantly she drags her gaze away from the creature that watches them and sets off in the direction she'd indicated, pulling Brie alongside her. Suddenly there's a great cracking sound from the direction of the forest, and the two women cannot resist pausing to look back, at which point they freeze in horror.
Beyond the treeline, the shadowy figure moves, the cracking sounds coming from branches breaking beneath it's clearly substancial weight, it's footsteps thudding noisily upon the forest floor. It's taller now, ascended from it's crouched stance, looking to be well over ten feet in height. The lowest branches of the surrounding trees give way at it's passing, as it steps out of it's hiding place and into the open air.
Both Raina and Brie let out twin gasps of fear, backing against the garden wall as they do so.
The creature is like nothing that any of them have ever seen. A great four-legged beast, it's body is not unlike that of the wild, woolly cattle* that roam the plains in the west, with great, humped shoulders, and long, matted fur coating the entirety of it's bulk. Unlike the cattle though, the legs are hugely muscular, and the feet located at the end of each are almost like that of a pig, though it's trotters are enormous, each one easily the size of the torso of a medium-build man, and made up of three toes. The head matches it's bovinesque body, though it's maw is wide and dripping, a set of fangs flanked by razor sharp teeth standing sentry along it's upper and lower jaw, and a duo of huge, curling horns extend from either side of it's head, the tips sharp and deadly. A great, long tail whips behind it, a spade-shaped appendage located at it's tip.
As the monster steps fully into the open, revealing it's horrifying form in it's entirety, a strange rustling noise is heard, accompanied by the unfurling and extension of a set of wings, each one some twelve or so feet in length. It's burning, red eyes fix upon the trio, and a growl erupts from it's upcurled lips.
The light of the fire suddenly burns brighter, as the heat shatters the glass in the remaining windows and the flames lick out into the open air. Their glow catches upon something around the beast's neck, a medallion upon a length of thickly plaited twine. The object, intricate in design with a large golden-hued stone at it's bronze heart, clashes somehow with the creature's monsterous appearence...
On the road, back towards the Inn...
Aileen, her gaze tragic and set directly upon the distant smoke and glow of flames, lets out a short squeal as she's lifted from the ground and onto Laneus's shoulder, and rushed at a pace back in the direction in which they came. At his question, she opens her mouth to speak, but, as before, her words are cut off by a choking noise coming from her throat. Tears of frustration threaten to spill, and she presses her palms hard against her eyes.
"I can't tell you..." she replies finally, in a half sob-half whisper. "...All I can say is that it's my fault if anything has happened to Raina and Brie. I shouldn't have gotten them involved..." She couldn't hide the stuttered inhale of breath that followed. "I am sorry, Laneus...I really wish I could say more...I'd tell you everything...I just...I...I can't..."
Even indications that there is anything to tell seem to almost catch in her throat, as if the preventative measures put in place to stop her from speaking of the goings on inside the temple are already waiting to cut her off.
As the Inn comes back into view, the heat is thick in the air, and the stone walls of The Tangled Ivy itself are wreathed in flickering flames.
"No..." Aileen gasps in horror at the site, tears falling freely down her cheeks at the knowledge that the building will soon be no more. "RAINA! BRIE!" She detangles her slight form from Laneus, and starts toward the burning Inn.
Suddenly the sound of answering voices break through the night.
"Aileen?" The voice belongs to Brie, and is quickly followed by Raina.
"Aileen, don't come around here!" The older woman is clearly over the opposite side of the outer wall of the Inn's garden, and her tones are distressed and panicked. "Go back to the temple! NOW!"
Despite the warning, Aileen instantly starts to make her way around to the other side. And moments later, an almighty roar breaks through the night...
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bison
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:19 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, look at that.
Yes, it's quite big.
Quite a piece.
Look at that ham.
Seriously though, daddy always told me medallions are rather important.
I should be a bad boy today, no?
Nah, the beastie will be sad.
Better sad then furious.
Might be furious too.
Oh well.
He drew out his composite bow from the pouch against his right hip, extending it with two in his right hand, drawing an arrow and putting up the bow for the aim.
Can I hit it?
It's still slow.
Moving targets are fine, but that small? If I miss I'm toast.
Yes, well, tough luck. It's not falling back. And I just heard Aileen calling.
I'll rip Laneus' sack off when I see him.
He'll probably need his money you know...
Not that sack.
Ha. Ha.
The arrow was set, his elbow was as straight. All that needed to be done is to let the arrow fly, and may the winds guide it well.
Lovely. Three... two...
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:29 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus gasped for breath, relieved that his burden was back on her feet despite of the new, terrifying situation. How had she known it was the Inn? Just what had she done? The temple-imposed vow of silence certainly wasn't helping his paranoia, nor was the heat of the flames...
"Aileen, don't come around here! Go back to the temple! NOW!"
Naturally, this was Aileen's cue to run directly into danger. Of course, she was quite possibly the most battle competent of all of them... but what good was it if her skills kept attracting more and more danger? Laneus hesitated, unsure if it was a good idea to rush toward an unknown danger without a weapon. It wasn't, of course, but he did it anyway. If nothing else, maybe he could carry Aileen away? Her ability to flee would certainly be hindered if whatever new spell she was preparing took as much out of her as the last.
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Lilith
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| Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject: |
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Aileen's mad dash around the side of the burning building reveals to her the great horned beast, pawing the ground after letting out its almighty, earth-shaking roar, annoucing to all nearby that it does indeed exist and it is angry. The beast's mean red eyes fix on Aileen and narrow, almost as if intellect recognizes her behind that mean glare. Raina struggles to free herself from Brie's death-grip as she hauls her aunt steadily towards the back door of the garden, to protect her some how. Almost as if its gaze is drawn by the struggling two women, the beast jerks its head around to face them, with a much quicker and more fluid ease than any would have thought possible for a creature of this size. Terrified, Raina let's out another scream and bolts in Aileen's direction, and when Raina breaks free of Brighid's grip, the beast strikes for her, lowering it's curved horns and charging for the middle-aged woman.
"Auntie! No!" Brie shouts, tearing after her aunt, and shoving her to the ground with both hands, just in time to look down at the two red-stained horn-tips poking through the front of her gown. She looks down at Raina, who is pulling herself upright from the ground and staring in horror at her niece's demise. Then she heaves and vomits on the ground, unable to continue looking at Brie's mangled corpse.
The beast raises its head, blood still dripping down from the redheaded girl's corpse skewered on it's horns, held aloft like a macabre trophy. It fixes those mean red eyes once again on Aileen, and Baelar, Laneus, Aileen and Raina all hear a voice that sounds like wet fingernails on a chalkboard snake out and caress their ears with it's grating chuckle.The price has been one for one. Next it will be two for one, little priestess. Your mistress binds heavy magic to using powerful gifts without her permission.
Aileen's clutched her fingers to her face in shock, having gone completely colorless when she saw Brie die the way she had. Now, she quivers in fear, rooted to the spot by beast's eyes, and speech. A general feeling of dread and hopelessness permates the entire area, seeping in through pores and right down through to the bone. Raina's violent fit of being sick soon wears away and she simply faints clean away when she looks up and spots Brie's form again.
_________________
© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:07 am Post subject: |
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...
...
What did just...
No...
Baelar kept looking at the beast, magic talk... something of price... no.
Must be the blood curse she did... That means that the ruffian is dead.
That also means that... she's to blame?
What would...
Coulda woulda shoulda didn't do.
Brie is dead, I know.
Yes.
What now?
He feebly put his bow back into it's folded version in his holster, then walked straight to the still timbering Inn. He rummaged through the wreckage until he found what once was the bar and grabbed as many bottles as he could carry, five six... it doesn't matter.
He sat down on the grass, five feet away from Brie's corpse and unconscious Raina, and gulped down the fiery liquid.
It was pointless, he wouldn't get drunk the way he wants to...
He wants to...
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 10:55 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus could do nothing but stare hopelessly as the actions of the beast unfolded. Even if he'd had a weapon, the beast radiated such an evil aura that it seemed no mortal could cause it harm. Gods help him, what was that thing?
And then it spoke. Her mistress? Just what was going on in that temple? Until now, Laneus had assumed that Aileen's fear was not unlike a guilty child confessing to a strict parent. But between her vocal bind, and this... horrific monstrousity, Laneus no longer knew what to think. All his life, he'd been a religious person. Growing up on a farm, you almost have to be- much better to hope that there's someone out there, helping your crops grow, keeping your animals safe, carefully choosing each day's weather... but this... this looked to be a beast from Hell itself. Anyone who allowed the use of this abonination as a regulator... heck, anyone who allowed this beast to exist... could not possibly be on the side of good.
Laneus glanced sideways at Aileen. She was the reason the beast was here, and she was the one most likely to end the nightmare. But with Brie dead on the ground, would she have the strength?
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:09 am Post subject: |
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Aileen, her gaze remaining transfixed upon the beast before her, backs away a few steps, her cheeks awash with tears of fear, grief and guilt. The creature itself continues to watch her, the gleam in it's ember-like eyes seeming to hold a vindictive, smug quality.
Suddenly the flesh of the beast begins to melt. Before their very eyes, the skin and hair upon it's back turns to liquid, dripping down it's slowly dissipating flanks and falling to the ground with a loud hiss, steam erupting from where each droplet hits. Fur, skin, muscle - each one changing and disappearing, until finally there is only a skeleton left. Even though it's eyes have long melted away, the beast continues to face Aileen, a hideous grin upon it's ivory visage, and one knows that somehow, it can still see. Then the bones start to crumble, the fine grains blown away on the wind, until there is nothing left.
A loud clanging follows the beast's departure. The medallion that was seen to be around it's neck is now on the ground where the creature had been standing, still in one piece.
Though her eyes are fearful, Aileen steps forward and bends down to pick up the medallion. It is nearly the width of her two palms combined in diameter, and clearly made of bronze, though there are accents of gold upon the emblem, which is unfamiliar even to the learned Aileen. The medallion depicts a hanging man, his stomach sliced open and his entrails pouring forth from the gash. Aileen frowns, her face a mask of confusion and horror.
Finally she turns to Laneus, approaching him, and holding out the medallion for him to see.
"I've never seen this emblem before," she states quietly, unable to stop herself from looking at the fallen and bloodies body of Brie, tears instantly entering her eyes at the sight. "Gods, what have I done...?" Her eyes moved to look at Baelar, who's intention is clearly to drink away the memories of the night. She looks again to Laneus. "We cannot let him drink himself into oblivion. As of yet, not a single one of you is safe. We're dealing with magics that are beyond even my comprehension..." She suddenly took on a helpless expression. "I don't even know what I should do...I don't know what will happen to me if I go back to the temple, and even less so if I do not..."
She pauses for a moment, then pushes aside the thoughts and walks over to Baelar, kneeling down beside him, and placing a hand upon his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry about what happened here tonight," she utters, her voice shuddering slightly with emotion.
Suddenly the glow of another light pours forth from the forest. Instantly thinking that it's another monster, Aileen gets sharply to her feet and runs over to the still unconscious Raina, looking fearfully towards the trees.
But it's soon apparent that this is something different. As opposed to the shadows and fire that had made up the creature from before, this light is soft and gentle. Soon, shapes can be seen moving through the trees, each of them far smaller than the beast that preceded them. Finally the shapes leave the forest and step out into the street.
They are human, or at least seem to be in shape and stature. There are nine of them, five of the nine walking freely, with swords at their hips, and the remaining four carrying a curtained and veiled litter between them. Each of them is dressed in fairly tight fitting clothing, showing that both male and female persons are present, and seemingly without discrimination. The clothing that they wear consists of mid-green fitted breeches, ending in long, brown-leather boots, which look to be supple and good for movement. Their upper halves are clad in a a dark-green shirt, with more brown leather making up a waistcoat over the top, secured closed by tough, thick leather string. Upon their heads is a veil, hiding completely their hair, while another section of fabric covers the lower half of their faces, allowing only their eyes to be seen.
The company approach, and when they're close enough, the litter is set upon the ground. One of the five not involved in carrying it steps forward, clearly female in body-shape, though her face, like the rest of her companions, is veiled, so her visage cannot be seen, save for two dark-blue eyes.
"My master and mistress wish to speak with you," she states, speaking to no single person in particular, though she looks around at all, pausing for a moment on the broken body of Brie. "Will you consent?"
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 5:24 am Post subject: |
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An apology for the night? I don't know when that ever amounted to be sufficient...
It really is a bad night.
As he saw the approaching persons, he put the bottles away.
Seems like even my feeble attempts to get drunk won't be allowed today.
Yes, well, I know I can't get drunk so much to forget.
My father's curse, strong liver.
He listened, savoring the wind brushing his cheek and three-day stubble.
Are they elves?
Master and mistress? I don't think so.
They do look familiar.
Do they?
Consent?
...
My will is forfeit for today, I will go with them.
The worst that could happen is that I'll be killed, and that'd be nothing new considering the evening.
"I consent, but I have a request first. We cannot simply leave Brie... We need to at least carry her somewhere where the animals won't get her."
A bit rude, asking for something before something can be done.
Screw yourself, I'm royally pissed.
Yes, I know. But still...
I was polite enough, I'm lucky my lines are still coherent from all this stress.
Oh come on, if something works during stress it's you.
I feel so tired...
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:28 pm Post subject: |
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There's a huige difference between knowing that the supernatural is out there, and actually seeing it in front of you. The departure of the beast was so gruesomely surreal, Laneus had no doubt he would be reviewing that scene again in his nightmares. Now that the fey had arrived, Laneus was simply exhausted. He hadn't really even done anything, except carry Aileen for a few sprinted blocks, but this was shocking life moment... 3? He couldn't decide if Aileen's first curse to scatter the bandits counted, nor if the hell beast and the church's sinister motives were distinct enough to be separate incidents.
"I have no idea what to think anymore," said Laneus. "I haven't known what's been going on the for the past few hours, now. I surrender my consent to Aileen, whose judgement I trust completely. If she consents, then so shall I."
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Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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The female who appeared to be in charge of the guard gave a short nod at Baelar's response.
“We have not the time for a burial,” she replied, gazing at him intently as she spoke, her lips and majority of her visage invisible behind her veil. “But, as there is a fire already burning, would you consent to a cremation?” She indicated the still burning Inn behind them, regarding him with her dark-blue eyes.
At Laneus's reply, her gaze shot to him without waiting for Baelar's answer to her question and she shook her head firmly.
“The girl cannot come with you, she is tainted by the enemy,” she stated firmly. “There is much good within her, but we cannot permit her within the boundries of our realm. The enemy rests atop her soul, like a scarf gently draped about her neck, seemingly innocent enough, but the taint is strong, and we cannot risk the evil one entering our sacred grounds.”
She paused for a moment, regarding Aileen.
“Like I said though, she has a good soul...She will remain here under the watch of my guards until we return, at which point, my people and I will take measures to help her. Will you consent to such terms?”
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:39 am Post subject: |
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"I have no problems with that... but it's not my place to consent to her cremation... Raina?"
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:00 pm Post subject: |
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It took Laneus a few moments to register their words. "We're... following you? Then why did you bring a litter if..." He paused, and took a moment to consider his words. He looked around- the smouldering Inn, the sight of Raina, the hideous medallion left behind by the beast, and Aileen...
"I still don't know what's going on, but I will do whatever I can to accept. If she's not worried, then neither am I. I agree, and accept."
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Lilith
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| Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 7:01 am Post subject: |
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Aileen hangs her head in acceptance of the newcomers terms and clutches the medallion tightly in her hand as she sits down on the ground, burying her face in her free hand, her shoulders shaking slightly as she takes a deep shuddering breath to try and make sense of all that had happened.
At Laneus and Baeler's urging, the speaker kneels down beside Raina and squeezes her shoulder, speaking gently. "I know you were attached to Brie, dear, but I think it's time you come home. We can put her body in the flames and none will be able to desecrate her form. Do you consent to this solution?" Raina looks up into the face of the person holding her shoulder and recognition flickers through her expression before she nods slowly.
The leader gives a hand wave to her comrades and two of their number move forward and takes Brie’s body into their strong hands, carrying her with reverence and respect to the burning Inn. For a few tense moments after the two leather clad newcomers duck into the burning building, it looks as if they may not return… but then they come running out of the back kitchen door, coughing and brushing soot off of their uniforms. One goes up to the leader while the other returns to his or her position with the others. “We laid her on one of the tables and dragged it to the place where the fire burns hottest.” The speaker’s voice is distinctly male and he bows before joining his teammate with the rest.
The leader of the new comers makes another hand gesture and the guards lower the litter on the ground, pulling open the curtains to reveal a silk-covered interior with soft, comfortable pillows on top of the litter-cushion. “Raina, come.” The leader takes the middle-aged woman’s hand gently and leads her to the litter, helping her inside. Then she turns to the two boys left. “ Come. The rest of the city cannot see you leaving this scene. The litter is for discretion and to help Raina make her adjustment back to her home.” The litter is large enough for all three of them to sit in comfortably, and four of the leather-clad guards leave their positions around their comrades to sit down on the ground with Aileen.
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© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 4:54 pm Post subject: |
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We're up for a ride.
The night was full of those.
Pillows and blood. Quite a pair.
And fire.
Humans bring death wherever they go.
But humans are just like cattle to the more dangerous creatures.
It is a human folley to think us strong.
For now we're weak. For now we follow.
Maybe we'll die? I don't care.
If I make something out of this, I'd be happy.
And if not?
...
I'll greet my dad then. And perhaps finally meet the rest of the family.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus paused once again at their odd word choice. Back to her home? Hadn't Raina's home been here? He shook his head, in the grand scheme of things, it probably didn't matter much. There was enough confusion immediately affecting him, without wasting time on all of the rest of it. Best to take it all in one aspect at a time. Laneus walks over to the litter, dazed yet excited by the chance to ride in something he'd always assumed was far above his social standing.
Before boarding, he took one last look back at Aileen, and made what he hoped was a cheerful, confident smile. "It can only look up from here, huh? Wait for us. I'll come back for you, and we'll get you through this." Granted, it's not like there were any other options for Aileen at this point, but it felt like the thing to say.
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Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Lilith
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| Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 1:44 am Post subject: |
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The leader of the leather-clad guards follows them into the litter, seating herself just in front of the curtains as they fall shut and her comrades tie the fastenings tightly; now, the four of them can see everything on all sides, but no one can see inside the litter to find out just who is inside. Once the litter is picked up and begins to move, the guard looks around and then removes the coverings from over her face and head. She has short brown curls, olive skin and wide dark blue eyes rimmed in kohl as is the common tradition with women in the West country.
"I'm sorry for all the mystery but I had to get you all out of there." She begins, resting a hand on Raina's ankle. "My name is Thalia, and I'm an acolyte to Lady Selene of Lorelai's water temple. That is where we're going. She's sent us at the request of Leander, Nereus, Taneth, Moana and Larissa who are our leaders as well." Thalia looks sadly down at Raina's shocked and still form, patting her ankle in reassurance. "Raina was an acolyte-in-training before she married that man. The Lady in charge gave her permission for the union, under the condition that if anything should happen to her husband, Raina would return to her homeland."
Thalia sighs heavily and then removes her heavy leather boots, dropping them outside of the curtains into the hands of one of the guards who is not carrying the litter. "What are your names, and how did you come to survive that fire?" She points back in the direction of the furiously burning Inn.
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© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 3:12 am Post subject: |
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Seeing how for some reason everything turned to him first, ( ), Baelar spoke in his usual serious tone.
"My name is Baelar Warlow, miss Thalia. I was awake at the time I heard something hit and break on the second floor, and when I got out of my room I saw everything ablaze. Luckily I didn't go to bed yet and I was still clothed and equipped. I rushed to the first floor and saw Raina and Brie... and I rushed them out."
I could use a cold drink now.
Cold and hot?
Hmm... some cold ale...
No, not alcohol. Something sweet might be better.
To wash away the bitter taste?
Exactly.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:45 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus couldn't decide how to feel- although perhaps his confusion at the thought of warring church factions was the strongest feeling rushing through his mind. Every passing moment, he felt more and more out of place among this group. He'd do what he could, of course, but... what could he possibly contribute to the greater good?
"My name is Laneus, and... I, uhh, I wasn't anywhere near the Inn until the final moments. I was walking Aileen back to the temple. She had, umm... well, some sort of spell had taken a lot out of her, so I helped her back. When we saw the smoke on the horizon, Aileen knew she needed to be there instead. So, I carried her back, and once she was there, I think that's when the beast manifested itself. And then, umm... there was the medallion, and it started speaking, and..."
Laneus trailed off, hoping that he wouldn't have to be the one to describe the beast's attack- if it even needed to be explained.
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:09 am Post subject: |
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Elsewhere in the Kingdom of Istraal...*
The trek up to the peak of the great mountain Orsha was a long and hard one. The figure cloaked in black had been travelling continually for the best part of two days. He'd stopped for neither food nor water, merely getting by on the thought of reaching his destination as quickly as possible. Though his form was entirely hidden by his black garb, it was plain that he was of considerable height, his physique narrow and wiry.
Tiredness beginning to catch up with him, he finally reached the peak. Orsha was foretold in the religious books of the temples below to be the place where the gods would meet to seek each other's council. And maybe at one time it truly had been. But the figure in black knew better. Orsha was indeed a place sacred to a god, but none of those worshiped by the fools in the land below.
It was taught by the Priests and Priestesses of the temples that long ago the Dark God Tristis had fought against the other Gods, determined to spread his vision of evil across the Four Kingdoms, as they had been called at the time. It was told that the Goddess of Light, Istra, had vanquished him, turned him to dust and cast his remains across the whole of the Four Kingdoms, scattering his body so that he would be unable to regenerate himself. But each living creature that a speck of the dust touched upon was instantly tainted, and so evil remained in the world though the God himself was gone. And again, maybe it had been so...once. But things were now different, for whatever reason a person wished to speculate. Tristis, God of Darkness was returned and growing in power all the time...and barely a soul even knew of it. Orsha was now his domain, and this man was his servant.
The Figure in Black stood atop the very peak, raised his arms and cried to the cloudless sky, a song of a language long lost to the world. The sky around the peak of Orsha began to darken, a bruising of thick cloud gathering forebodingly, blocking out the deep midnight blue and it's scattering of stars with their dense grey form.
"TRISTIS!" he bellowed, calling to his master. "GRANT ME MINIONS, OH POWERFUL ONE! GRANT ME AN ARMY TO DESTROY ALL OF ISTRAAL AND THE UNWORTHY SOULS WHO RESIDE WITHIN HER!" Taking out a knife, he whispered the blade across his palm, watching as a his own blood fell to the ground, hissing upon contact.
Instantly, the wind began to swirl around him, whipping beneath the cloak that covered him, revealing more black garb beneath. Thunder roiled within the clouds above, and lightning lit up the sky in shades of deep purple and red. As the Figure in Black watched, a vortex appeared at the centre of the clouds, as it lowered towards him. Shapes swirled within the shifting grey, and he covered his eyes against the dirt and dust disturbed by the power of the vortex as it touched the earth. The force of it pushed him back and to the ground. Then suddenly it was gone, leaving only the dark clouds in the sky above, with the odd flash of lightning.
The Figure in Black looked up and then around the area. His gaze fell upon a set of two tiny, glowing green orbs in the darkness. Then another pair...and another. Scattered around the peak of Orsha, he counted nine sets of eyes, the long-limbed bulk of the owners just visible beyond them, cast into shadow. The Figure in Black looked up to the sky in disbelief.
“MY DIVINE GOD, MY LORD, THIS ISN'T AN ARMY!” he lamented, raising his arms again pleadingly. “I NEED MORE IF I AM TO DEFEAT THE UNWORTHY!”
A rumbling sounded in the sky above, distinctly different from the thunder. Then a deep, cutting voice began to speak, it's tone grating and hard, enough to make the hair on ones neck stand on end, and yet as quiet and whispering as the wind.
“...That is all I can give you...for now...If you need more...then a sacrifice must be given. Blood...blood of the innocent...blood of the righteous...blood of the brave and good and true...I shall eat their hearts, and drink their souls...and then...you shall have your army...”
And with that, Tristis was gone, leaving only the shifting, grey clouds hovering over the peak of Orsha, slowly spreading outwards across the sky.
In the litter, on the path to the Water Temple of Lorelai...
Thalia listened to the two young men quietly, her dark eyes intense as she took in all the details. She frowned concernedly at the mention of the beast, and even more so at the news of the medallion. She fixed Laneus with her gaze.
“So you didn't see how the beast appeared?” she said, then instantly turned to Baelar. “And where were you when the monster showed itself?”
She sat back in her seat, the olive-coloured skin of her forehead wrinkled in thought and her eyes downcast, as she tapped her fingers against her thighs, clearly trying to figure out the how and the why of the occurrence. Then she looked back at them, leaning forward, propping her elbows upon her knees and resting her weight against them.
“What of this medallion?” she questioned, looking from one to the other. “Where did it come from, and where is it now? Did either of you see what it looked like? Was there an inscription, like a spell or something? Any details that you can give me will help towards discovering how all of this came to be.”
She regarded them for a moment, waiting for an answer, when the litter suddenly came to a halt, and she looked up with a frown.
“What the hell?” she said, opening the curtain of the litter and hopping outside, calling to one of her men. “What's going on?” she enquired, her voice loud enough to still clearly heard inside the litter.
“Look Thalia,” the man replied. “There, upon the horizon, about the peak of Mount Orsha...”
*- This is just extra info for later installments, neither of you will know any of this...yet. 
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:36 am Post subject: |
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"Miss Thalia... what are we looking at... exactly?"
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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Laneus frowned at Thalia's concern over the medallion. Was it really that important? How dangerous was it? How dangerous would the things who might want it be? They'd left Aileen and the medallion alone with only a small cluster of priests- would that be enough? Was it a magnet for evil, or just a remnant of an evil already past?
Laneus didn't even bother looking out the stopped litter when everyone else showed concern over Mt. Orsha. What could he do about the mountain? It would be just yet another uncontrollable thing to worry about. And if it truly was worth concern... well, someone would tell him about it soon enough.
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Cyberworm
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| Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:44 am Post subject: |
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That's not too many.
Too many of what?
Nice eyes.
They do want to kill us, I know.
So... how do you kill the bastards?
I can take out one with a shot to the eye, maybe two.
But I don't know how I'll handle them in close combat.
Better take out three and pray that the rest got at least as much, huh?
Baelar didn't say much though. Put those boots on and bow on his back with a quiver to match.
...
Is that a bastard sword?
Sure is, mate.
It's more like a big dagger.
It's good.
He took it and readied his bow.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Shillelagh
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| Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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"Oh, Gods, no..." Laneus muttered under his breath, once he realized what was happen. "Oh Gods oh Gods oh Gods..." Laneus first reached out for a bow, but then stopped and thought better about it. There was no telling if the back lines would actually be safer against these things- and he was too terrible of a shot anyway. Time to put the cowardice aside and step up.
Laneus grabbed one of the large swords, unfamiliar with the blade outside of the various mercenaries and travelling entertainers he'd seen over the years. "This is... probably close to an axe," Laneus reasoned with himself. "Closer than a bow. You swing, the edge cuts... you've chopped hundreds of trees over the years. And a wolf, once. Think of the wolf. This is... this is no... no different..." he continued, even his own voice rejecting the optimism.
"Oh Gods," he muttered, letting the blade drop to the ground. "Aileen, send me your strength."
_________________
Ihniwid Chapter 5 is up- find it here!
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Tikanni Corazon
Honored Citizen
Joined: 25 Oct 2009
Posts: 1286
Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).
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918 Strata-gems
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| Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 6:26 am Post subject: |
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In the Forest...
Finally managing to drag her boot back on, Thalia looked up, her prior gaze from before turning to one of shock at the sight of what truly faced them.
“What the...” she murmured quietly, her eyes darting between the shadowy figures within the dark mist, which was slowly dissipating before their eyes, causing the creatures to come into full view. She shook her head in disbelief, her eyes wide and slightly nervous at what faced them. “This is daemon magic of which I've never seen the like...”
Around her, the others of her order stood transfixed as one, then three, then six...until nine of what could only be described as monsters were revealed. Each one stood around eight feet tall, with hugely broad shoulders from which hung a pair of abnormally long, muscular arms almost dragging upon the ground. Enormous pectoral muscles stood prominent on their wide torsos, leading down to a pair of fairly short, squat legs, in comparison to the rest of their bodies. The head set atop the nearly non-existent neck was also strangely small, and almost completely spherical in shape, with sparse, matted black hair hanging down past their shoulders. The vicious glowing-green eyes darted around at the company before them, while a third eye-like protrusion was set into the centre of their foreheads, a glowing amber in colour. Wide, grinning maws stretching across nearly the whole width of their visages, the needle-like teeth within dripping with thick, black-tinted drool. One of the monsters allowed it's tongue to protrude from inside the cavernous depths, revealing it to be black also. Their grey-green skin was clad in little more than a covering of black fabric around their waists to hide their modestly, leaving their twisted, ugly bodies almost entirely on show, and a distinct scent of sweat wafted towards the company. In their hands, each one held a weapon, mostly consisting of a thick, short-bladed sword or an axe.
Thalia, coming to her senses rallied her followers.
“Ready your bows!” she bellowed, the men and women of the company jumping straight into action, each knotting an arrow in their bows and getting ready to fire. “Now!”
Four arrows were let loose by the Acolytes of the Water temple, each one striking true. The beasts before them screamed and charged. Thalia stood strong, her sword raised as one charged towards her. She sliced the sword across the monster's chest, causing thick, black blood to spatter on the ground around them. With a swing of one of it's huge arms, the creature retaliated, sending the woman flying back, her form slamming hard against a tree, then lying still. The creature screamed, then advanced on the rest, alongside it's brethren.
Back outside the smouldering ruin of The Tangled Ivy...
Aileen gasped suddenly.
“Laneus?” she said, looking around, though she knew he wasn't there. But she was sure she'd heard his voice, asking for her strength. Panic seized her, and, summoning her magics to herself, she sent out her awareness, seeking out her new friend. It wasn't long before she found his warm presence, and through his eyes saw what he, Baelar and the others faced. Fear shot through her at the sight of the monsters, of which she'd never seen the like, but knew only too well where they must have come from...Tristis.
She reopened her eyes, paying no heed to the guard around her, and threw her arms towards the sky.
“ISTRA! GREAT MOTHER OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND JUST IN THIS WORLD! LEND ME THE STRENGTH TO HELP MY FRIENDS FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE DARK ENEMY! I BESEECH YOU!”
After her short, heartfelt prayer to the Goddess, Aileen sought within herself, gathering every last scrap of her magical strength. Placing her palms upon the ground, she channelled the magic forcefully into the earth, sending it hurtling towards Laneus and Baelar.
“BY THE POWER AND WILL OF THE GREAT MOTHER, ISTRA, GIVE THEM STRENGTH, PROTECT THEM FROM HARM, GRANT THEM THE POWER TO DEFEAT THE MINIONS OF THE DARK ENEMY!”
As she felt her power strike true, Aileen, her strength sapped, collapsed back on the ground and knew no more.
Back in the forest...
As if by a strike of lightning, Baelar and Laneus are hit with a sudden force, entering through their feet and pushing upwards into the rest of their bodies, making their muscles tingle with new strength and power.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
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Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
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| Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:52 am Post subject: |
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Whoa!
I'm not to look a given horse in the mouth but...
Whoa.
"Laneus, whatever you mumbled over there seems to be working!"
Baelar shot an arrow aimed towards an ogre's forehead.
"But you should start singing if you don't want us to be toast!"
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
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Emperor
Citizen
Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 471
Location: San Diego, CA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 11:06 am Post subject: |
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Hey Tikky
Just spent a good part of my day rereading this. I forgot all about this and how fun it was. Anyways. Just thought you should know
_________________
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
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