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Tikanni Corazon
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 Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 5:19 pm Post subject: A Life Everlasting RP |
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It is 998 years into the Third Dynasty in the Realm of the Fallen Tiger. Since the birth of the land from the womb of the Mother Goddess, Shallaya, nearly three thousand years have passed. Many wars have begun and ended, both in the heavens and in the mortal lands. Throughout all, the great battle between the Realm of the Fallen Tiger and the Realm of the Victorious Dragon goes on, as it has done since the the beginning. Each kingdom is ruled by one of immortal blood. They remain forever young, and will never die, save by the blade of the Gods, of which one is held in the possession of the Priesthood of each Realm. Fallen Tiger is ruled over by the Emperor Shonari Turi, while Emperor Hanna Xi's almighty reign holds strong in the Victorious Dragon lands.
But now, at this point in time, victory in battle becomes all the more urgent and sought after. Once every thousand years, a winner is proclaimed, and the losing Emperor must sacrifice his life, making way for a new, stronger ruler. Over his 2998 years of life, Hanna Xi has never lost a battle, and has held rulership over the Dragonlands throughout. The Realm of the Fallen Tiger has lost two Emperor's already, and are well on the way to losing yet another. The might of the Dragonmen stands strong, and this holds much concern in the heart of Shonari Turi. Should his armies fail, his life will be forfit and one of the three apprentice Emperors will fight each other to take his place. And this is something that, naturally, Shonari Turi doesn't wish to happen.
A grand-high proclaimation has been sent out across the Realm of the Fallen Tiger. Should anyone, be it man or woman, rich or poor, find any way to aid in the decline of the Dragon army, they shall be granted the chance to drink of the Daught of the Immortal, and gain everlasting life. The word has spread like wildfire and the subjects of Shonari Turi make plans to gain the prize. Neighbour turning against neighbour. Friend against friend.
The three Clans of the Realm are in an uproar. The fiery hearts of the courage-filled and seemingly fearless Boar Clan burn ever stronger as they thirst to settle their lust to prove themselves the strongest and bravest of the Clans and against each other too. The sly-minded people of the Serpent Clan plot to use their talent in gaining information through the use of stealth and secrets to gain immortality. And the Wolf Clan, possessors of cunning and strength of mind and spirit, aim to use their wits to the same end. Though they as a majority, amongst the three, still retain the strong bonds with their fellow Clan-mates. But it's unknown how long such bonds will last when faced with such a situation...
For what prize could be more sweet than that of a life everlasting?
~~~
MORE TO FOLLOW SOON!
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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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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 5:21 pm Post subject: |
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Please do NOT post in this thread until the beginning of gameplay, thank you! Any questions that you have may be posted in the Discussion Thread. 
_________________
.... 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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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:00 am Post subject: |
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The day is Tuesday, a day synonymous in the Realm of the Fallen Tiger as being Market day. On this day, citizens from all over the kingdom travel to the great market of Greenvale, set dead at the centre of the kingdom and the clans. The entire nine acres is a neutral zone, allowing members of all the clans to trade with each other in relative harmony, though any dislike they feel for each other can be seen bubbling just slightly below the surface much of the time.
Beings from outside the clans are able to come here also, without worry of open hostility or extermination. The Witch clans from the mountains, feared by all and shunned by many, venture down from their lofty abodes to seek out supplies and offer their services to those desperate enough to require them. Even the odd Grix* or Velantha* have been seen there on occasion, both sending waves of unease throughout the crowds.
First and foremost, Greenvale is a place where one goes to gain supplies and necessities, whether they be basic or the seeker needs to find something that cannot be found anywhere else. Farmers come to auction off livestock, meat, eggs and milk. Fisherman traverse in from the ocean in the eastern lands with their pungent stalls, bearing cargo ranging from tiny sardines to the occassional swordfish or marlin. Craftmen set up stall after stall after stall, showing off their talents and hoping for buyers with the luxury of money to spare to come along and make their purchases. Anything, from food and basic clothing, to more luxurious versions of the latter, ornaments and weaponry. Most anything that can be imagined in existence can be found at Greenvale somewhere. One only need know where to look.
At the centre of Greenvale, there's a huge, square building. This is where the Greenvale Council meets every Tueday. There are members from all the clans, and they're there to deal unbiasedly with any problems that may arise. Be it failure to cooperate with the neutrality laws or an attempt to steal from or mislead another, all is brought before the Council. There are three that reside always in the Council Meet. They're the Council leaders, and they belong to no clan. It is to them that all final decisions fall.
There are four gates into the Market at Greenvale*, one in the north, one in the south, a third in the east and the last in the west, each one marking passage from each of the Clan-lands. There is no other way in or out of the Market save through these gates, and all and any are free to come and go by any of the gates, no matter where their Clan-lands reside, for the neutral territory within the Market also extends for a way outside of it's walls.
~~~
THE NORTHERN GATE
Upon entering through the Northern Gate, you are met with the scent of spices and smoke. A majority of the traders here are of the Wolf Clan, made obvious by their golden skin and dark locks, each with a streak of brilliant purple. Here and there, a wolf tattoo is proudly displayed, and there is a general air of calm about the area, besides the usual market hubbub.
Directly to the left of the main gate is a stall selling vegetables and fruit. Crates filled with golden cobs of corn, carrots, tomatoes, and sweet red-onions line the bottom of the stall, while small weaved baskets filled with strawberries, raspberries, and damsons line the upper, along with some smaller crates filled with apples of a variety of hues, including the Wolf-Clan's infamous Sweet Moon* apples, their striking shade of purple standing out against the rest. Slightly further into the market, still on the left is another food stall, though this one sells meat. Hides of elk, caribou and deer sit alongside those of hare, rabbit and a variety of others. Even at this early hour, the wares on this stall are dwindling fast, for meat is a luxury that is always sought after. The vendors of both stalls are male, both tall and capable looking, with booming voices that call out to passers by, advertising what they have to offer.
To your direct right, there is a stall selling a variety of charms and keeps sakes, some of them handmade and other of the earth itself. Glittering and gleaming throughout are crystals of all colours, some of them smooth and round, and others multi-faceted. Small totem ornaments, skillfully crafted from wood and stone, sit patiently waiting to be bought and the intricate weavings of dreamcatchers hang from the beams above. The vendor, a pretty, quiet female in her mid-twenties, has her long dark hair drawn back into a loose but elegant bun at the nape of her neck, the streak of purple hanging down from the centre like a waterfall to her waist. She watches the potential buyers with shy, dark eyes, hoping for one to show interest.
The stall beside this one is selling herbs, some for cooking, some for spell casting, some for the use of a Seer. Thin tendrils of burning incense twist and weave into the air around the stall and beyond. The vendor's sex and appearance is hidden by a long dark cloak, though the form beneath looks to be slightly hunched as it waits for a customer.
More delights also call out from further within the Market, inviting you to delve deeper...
~~~
THE EASTERN GATE
You enter through the Eastern Gate, shoving your way through the throng both entering and exiting Greenvale, all intent upon showing their strength and importance even on Market day and despite the neutrality. A majority of the people around you are clearly Boars, many of them sporting full heads of hair dyed flaming red, though there are those with a more modest streak amidst the natural black hue. Here, there and everywhere, the tattoo of clan Boar is on display, many of the males going shirtless just to show off the sienna-inked depiction of their Clan's spirit creature. Most of them are loud, wanting to be heard and seen by all. The vendors are no different.
To your right is a huge stall selling fish, the pungent smell tainting the air around you. Laid out across almost the entirety of the stall is a huge Blue Marlin, it's enormous hide ready sliced into fat steaks to sell. The vendor is speaking loudly to his customers, boasting of how he brought the beast finally to it's death after a mighty battle that spanned several hours. The crowd ooos and aahhs around him, and he shakes back his mane of bright red hair looking highly pleased with himself.
To your left is a stall filled with weaponry, some old and used, and others brand new, with their freshly carved handles and shiny blades glinting in the morning sun. There is a variety of choices for those in need of new weapons. A rack of swords stands to one side, while collection of axes marks the centre, a huge great-axe hanging from the beam above, newly made with intricate detailing along the metal and wood handle. There are also bows, and arrows for those who need merely to replenish their supplies for the weapons they already have. A vast selection of daggers lines the lower racks of the stall. There is also the odd scythe or set of sai. The vendor is a huge man, his arms rippling with muscles, and his head almost consumed by thick, gently curling hair, from both atop his head and from the beard hanging half-way down his chest.
Amidst the smell of fish, there is also the enticing scent of cooking meat. Clearly there is a stall somewhere nearby, hidden by the crowds, selling ready to eat wares...
~~~
THE WESTERN GATE
Entering from the Western Gate, you're immediately met with a stall selling potions and the like. The scent of herbs and greenery surrounds the stall, which is covered in variously labelled glass bottles and jars, in a variety of colours. There are also large bowls containing different concoctions, some thick and gloopy, others looking like a mish-mash of mud and leaves mixed with water, creating a thick paste, and others still have the appearance of pus and smell little better than that. Signs scatter across the stall, advertising 'Wart-Remover', 'Acne-Paste', 'Bowel-Purifier' and the like. The vendor is a small, weedy looking male, who sits silently behind his stall, his fingers steepled before him. Thin, milky-blonde locks trail from his head, a thin streak of green showing him to be of clan Serpent.
A short way to your right, there is a stall selling hand-blown glass wares. The multi-coloured glass gleams in the sun, the light scattering beneath it in a random rainbow of patterns and shades. There are bowls, vases, glasses, and many other beautiful creations. The vendor is a severe looking woman. A total contrast from her wares, her head is puckered into a stern frown, overshadowing her dark eyes. A rather bulbous nose stands out prominently, and her almost lipless mouth is turned downwards. She glares at the passers by, almost as if she's daring them to attempt to buy her offerings.
It's fairly quiet in this area. The vendors themselves very rarely shout out to potential customers, knowing that if their wares are desired, people will come. There is a fine trickle of customers scattered around, eyeing the stalls from a distance before deciding if they wish to buy anything. This will likely change though, as they day goes on and the crowds become more curious. Strangely enough, most aren't of the Serpent clan, the distinct blonde heads mostly absent, save for on the stalls themselves.
Maybe more of them will be revealed further into the Market itself...
~~~
THE SOUTHERN GATE
At the Southern Gate, you enter to find the area very sparsely populated, by both stalls and customers. There are a few stalls, though the space between them allows you to see through to where the market becomes more busy, some distance away. There is a distinct uneasy air here. Due to the neutrality of Greenvale, all know that they can wander without much worry of danger. But still...this is where those not of the Clans enter the Market. It's easy to see that this is the case just from the appearance of the vendors. All are unmarked by anything signifying them as of a Clan. No streaks of dye in their hair, or tattoos displayed.
To your left, a short distance away, there is a stall overshadowed by the branches of a large oak situated outside the walls of the market. The stall has nothing on display, but there is an aura of foreboding exuding from it. A thin tendril of smoke curls from the shadowy inner of the stall, where three figures are just visible, standing stock still...just waiting. Witches.
Another stall is to your right, some three metres away, this one selling a variety of wares. There are bunches of rare herbs, gathered from within the Southern lands, which are by myth cursed, due to the unjustified slaughter of the Leopard Clan many years before. They're said to be lands haunted by their vengeful dead, and only the bravest and most foolish of men and women dare to tread there. There are also whittled wooden statues, most of them animals with dark onyx eyes set into the wood, and all so lifelike that one expects them to come to life any moment. Weaved baskets, animals horns and bones for use in spell-casting, and selections of colourful and beautiful feathers also adorn the stalls surfaces. The vendor looks to currently be absent, though a sign above the counter reads 'Trillo's'.
Dead ahead of you is another stall, this one selling meat. The vendor is a tall, burly man with broad shoulders, but his face is gentle-looking. Thick, wiry hair hangs down past his shoulders, and he's currently speaking quietly with a smaller figure with their back to you. This other is of a much slighter figure though shapely, most likely female. She is clad in a semi-fitted, hooded tunic in a shade of slate-blue, belted about the waist and showing off her shape slightly. It comes to mid-way down her thighs, before a pair of loose trousers in a slightly darker colour peek out from the bottom, disappearing again as they're tucked into a pair of brown, leather boots. Gloves of darkest midnight cover her arms and hands, reaching beyond the tunic's elbow length sleeves. Her hood is drawn up over her head, and her whole aura is of one who wishes to be hidden. She hands over a package to the vendor, and he hands her some money in return, before she gives a polite nod and moves on, heading over to the stall with the herbs and statues. Her gaze flickers over to the gate, and you can see she has a scarf drawn over her mouth and nose, so that only her eyes are visible. They land upon you for a moment, and even though you're a fair distance away, you can see they're a striking shade of blue. She pays you little heed, continuing on to the other stall.
The more vibrant atmosphere of the rest of the market is just visible in the distance, enticing in it's colours, buzz of noise, and the faintest scent of the wonders waiting to be discovered...
~~~
PLEASE DO NOT POST YET, UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF PLAY IS ANNOUNCED!
Any questions, please post in the discussion thread. 
*There will be a thread created for bits'n'bobs of information as they come up. Planning to have one set up shortly, along with a very basic map, to help with the layout. But it is very basic, so don't expect too much, lol!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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Joined: 25 Oct 2012
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 2:34 pm Post subject: |
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She entered the throng, ducking and weaving, avoiding flailing arms and other gestures of grandeur. Being short, like her mother, was seen as unfortunate by most, but Sumei saw it as a blessing – a smaller target was harder to hit, and made it easier to squeeze through the throws of a boisterous crowd.
She paused at the weapons stall, briefly contemplating buying another set of axes, but decided against it. She had only brought so much money with her and that would be spent on the making of a new dress; her original, and last, one was neatly wrapped around the remains of a boar and buried beneath the earth. She would have preferred just to make her own, rather than asking for help, but her attempts were....
Sumei snorted at the memory and frowned. She could kill a man in less time than it took her to thread a needle, so why did she need to know such a useless skill as sewing anyway?
Adjusting the skein of blue silk she carried on her shoulder, she headed toward the center of Greenvale. There had to be someone that knew how to sew in this city. She immediately ruled out the Serpent Clan. Even if there was someone who could help her, that part of Greenvale always had a strange scent. The smells of the various potions and elixirs that were sold there came together to make a foul odor that often gave her a headache and made her stomach churn, and she did not feel like being nauseated the rest of the day. She had never found anything interesting to the south, let alone someone who could sew clothes, so she turned north, skirting the stone building of the Council and entering the marketplace of the Wolf Clan.
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"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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"What about fruits? You eat those, right?" asked the lone young man, looking over his left shoulder. "These apples smell amazing, no?" Seemingly disappointed at the 'answer', he put the fruit back onto the stand and wandered to a different stall. Given the lack of a conversation partner, one might conclude that the teenager was less than sane.
Even in a neutral territory where all sorts of people gathered, the young man had an odd appearance. A large rucksack was hung over his back, where impressions of an odd-shaped object can be seen. A beige headscarf was wrapped tightly over his head, such that only a small portion of his black hair was visible from the front. Around his left wrist was a filthy bandage desperately needed replacing. His brown tunic looked like it needed a good washing at least a week ago. The only ordinary part of the teenager was his height and small build --- it fit perfectly with the crowd at the Northern Gate. The vendors had already mistaken him for a Wolf, once, despite the lack of any visible tattoo or dyed hair.
Then a stall sign caught his eyes. "Milk? Of course, that's what you want, isn't it?"
He walked over to the stall and purchased a bottle with the last of his coins. After making his way to a quiet corner in the market, he gently lowered his large rucksack onto the ground and opened it. Then, he placed the milk bottle in front of the rucksack. No sooner than he had done that, a boar piglet darted out and stuck its snout into the bottle. The little creature had a marbled chocolate and cream striped fur lengthwise over its body, and a small bandage around its front left leg.
The teenager breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally, you're eating." His hand reached out cautiously towards the piglet's back, but then pulled it away disappointedly when the animal froze. "Still no petting? Whatever. Drink up, we'll get someone to look at that leg when you're done," said the young man as he sat back against the wall, waiting for his companion to finish his food.
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:43 pm Post subject: |
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The smell of the West Gate was the first thing that caught Lucan's attention. The scent of herbs and various ingredients brought a smile to his face. He marched past one and inhaled deeply. It reminded him of his home out in the woods. The small shack he had constructed away from everyone. It was surrounded by fresh ingredients. Unfortunately, it had been found and he was forced to leave.
The Serpent behind the stall gave him an odd look. He ignored it. He was used to the stares, even from his own clan. He was unusually tall, standing at 6'4. His eyes were also an unusual color, his tattoo was unusually long and he was just different. His mind worked in a different manner. He was still incredibly intelligent but he also seemed a little crazy.
The people around him seemed to give him a wide berth, this however was due to his companion. A large snake was coiled around his arm, its read resting upon his shoulder. It flicked his tongue out and moved its hear a bit.
"Ignore them, Pretty One. Just ignore them," he said. The snake tightened a bit and Lucan nodded. "Alright. Alright," he said. "We'll head to the north and see if we can't find you a tasty morsel there. All that food, one has to expect a mouse is lurking about."
He patted Sarpe's head and continued to stroll, heading towards the northern gate, slyly swiping a handful of herbs while the stall keeper was distracted by another customer.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2013 12:37 pm Post subject: Post 1 |
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I wander slowly through the southern gateway, a small smile creeping onto my face at the usual calm that seems to be prevalent here in this part of the market. The smells and sounds relax me after a hard days work. I had taken a job suited to my particular talents and the payment had been quite generous. It often was with the kind of work I do. This area is normally empty of all but the bravest or most desperate customers so when I spot what appears to be a girl as much at ease in this place as myself at a stall I pause to get a good look at her. As she passes from one stall to another I see he glance my way. My smile widens as I receive little attention. Ah well, those doing business here tend to have reasons to ignore one another' With a shrug I head further into the market.
Veering to the east as I pass the central building I spot Symar in the distance at a weapon's stall. His shoulders are tight as he selects arrows from a bushel to replenish his supply. His eyes flicker about from time to time, keeping an eye out for any from his clan he may need to avoid. His abandonment of his clan had not been taken lightly. Passing the eastern market I head for the stalls to the north. 'As I recall there's a stall there with some crystals. . . .' With a devious smile I make my way towards the place I remember the stall being. Passing by a particularly pungent member of the boar clan I hold my breath for several seconds. 'I hate fish smell. Love fish, hate the smell.' As I exhale I spot another of my clan heading north in front of me. My eyebrows raise slightly at the sight of a snake wrapped tightly around his arm. “Well that's not something you see every day.” I mutter.
I quicken my pace, passing him snake side. As I do I glace over to get a better look at the serpent on his arm. 'Quite beautiful really' moving all the way to the northern gate I stop in front of the stall I had been looking for. The girl smile at me shyly as I look over her wares for the perfect piece. It had taken a long time, but at last Symar had given up his birth date, and for no other reason then I wanted to see the look on his face when I hand it over, I decided to get him a gift.
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
Last edited by PopeAlessandrosXVIII on Fri Feb 15, 2013 8:07 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Tikanni Corazon
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Joined: 25 Oct 2009
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Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).
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| Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2013 11:03 am Post subject: |
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The area of the Council Square is just as bustling as the market itself. Many people pass in and out of the great, stone building at it's heart, obviously putting any issues of complaints to the council themselves, their footsteps clicking upon the ground, which is paved in a mosaic of different coloured slate from the mountains. There are four great statues, each one more than fifteen feet tall and carved from marble of a deep, midnight blue, threaded with delicate lines of glinting silvery-grey, standing at the edges of the paved area. This marble came from an underground mine in the north-eastern area of the Leopard Clan-lands, where few now venture. They mark the junctions to each area of the market, depicting the Clan creatures; Boar to the east, Wolf to the north, Serpent to the West, and Leopard to the south. The latter still stands, despite the demise of the Clan itself. One must pass through here to get into any of the individual Clan areas.
Just outside the square itself, the ground changes to grass and the market becomes a sea of stalls, far more numerous at the centre of the market than they are by the gates, the vendors knowing that their presence there might attract customers from the other Clans. To the north and into the Wolf market, the scent of herbs, spices and incense mingles alongside the smell of cooking food and the fresh scent of fish. At the forefront of the throng, there is the source of the latter, a small fish stall. Another sells ready cooked meat, steaming on metal skewers and dripping with oil, another has baked apples wrapped in brown paper, split open and drizzled with honey, and yet another displays cauldrons of stews and soups, a large stack of stoneware bowls at the ready to serve.
~~~
If one moves further into the Wolf market, there are several stalls selling a variety of beautiful, hand-weaved fabrics in any colour that one could imagine. As one heads in a northern direction, there is a stall to the right, which seems to focus upon creating silk of dual tones, which is both eye-catching and mesmerising to look at in the light, as the colours shift and blend together. Still on the right and a couple of stalls down from the first is another, this one selling fabric of multiple colours, all intricately decorated with tiny beads. And to the left there is a stall that is far bigger than the other two, and seems to specialise in selling all and everything required for sewing. The first and last of the three are being watched over by middle-aged Wolf females.
While the stern woman of the first merely stands watching the crowds pass by, waiting for someone to stop to look at her wares, the vendor of the last stall sits in a wooden chair sewing together small pieces of fabric in a patchwork design. The creation falls over her knees, the edges dragging upon the ground, displaying it's beauty and showing that the woman clearly has a talent for the art of sewing. The remaining vendor sits also, working on a smaller project, her needle flashing as she speedily stitches pieces of fabric together. Slightly younger than the other two, she looks up from her work briefly now and then, keeping a watch for potential customers. Her eyes land for a second upon the girl with the blue-silk slung over her shoulder, glinting slightly, then returning to her work as if she'd never looked up at all.
Maybe one of them might offer their services...
~~~
A nearby vendor looks over to the boy crouched on the ground, having noticed him seemingly talking to himself earlier. He frowns in slight curiosity as he watches, not able to see what the boy is actually doing. After a moment, he mumbles a word to the vendor of the next stall, asking him to watch his for a moment, then he approaches the boy slowly and quietly. He's tall, close to hitting six and a half feet, with long, dark-brown hair down to his waist, loose and swishing as he moves, the vibrant purple streak in his hair at the front, hanging down past his face. He's well built, and carries a scimitar at his right hip.
He reaches the boy and peers down, noticing the piglet and smiles. The smile dims slightly as he notices the animal's bandaged leg, and then the bonds around the boy's own wrist, which are dirty and need changing. He clears his throat, so that the boy notices him.
“Hello,” he says in deep, rich tones. “You look like you could use some help there...” His eyes are dark-brown and gentle.
~~~
“Hey!”
The vendor of a nearby bakery stall turns from serving a customer, banging his hand down on the counter as he regards the Serpent who'd taken some of his Clan-brother's wares. He's slightly smaller, at around six foot two, but his shoulders are wide and his arms very well muscled, matching the rest of his body. He glares at the Serpent.
“I hope you're planning on paying for that,” he growls. “If not, I suggest you put it back and be on your way.”
Most of the surrounding customers and other stall owners are watching, waiting to see what will happen, including the vendor of the stall from which the herbs were stolen. Though his face cannot be seen properly, two glinting eyes peer out at the thief from the depths of his hood. Many of the others are also glaring, clearly not happy about the act of thievery, even from one of their own.
~~~
The woman at the crystal stall smiles gently at the younger man with the long, blonde hair, taking in the green tips and marking his Clan mentally. She's small and pretty, with a shy air about her.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” she asks in a quiet voice that barely carries across the stall. She clears her throat, and with a nervous pause, she gets up from her seat, spreading her arms to gesture to her variety of wares, her attitude slightly over enthusiastic, as if she's forced herself to put on a brave air over the top of her anxiety. “I have many items to offer, as you can see. What is it that you're looking for?”
The stall is covered in an array of items. There are many crystals scattered between other objects, in a variety of colours. Some are raw and have little lustre, and others are beautifully polished and even shaped! There is a basket to the far right of the stall, and this is filled with flat, gently rounded stones, of all different hues and varieties. They look like a glittering rainbow, the sunlight catching upon them and making them shimmer and shine. Each one has a small hole drilled through the top, ready for threading onto a string.
"Well?" the young woman pushes, clearly a little nervous, but determined to be of service.
~~~
The young woman from the Southern gate, her visage still hidden by her scarf, save for her eyes, makes her way through to the north. She passes by the giant statue of the Leopard, running the fingers of her black-leather garbed right hand fondly across the smooth surface as she does so, then threads her way through the crowds littering the square and into the Wolf market. She pauses at the stall selling skewered meat, getting out a few coins to pay for two of them, before continuing on through, pulling her scarf down to eat as she walks.
For those with a keen eye, as she moves through the crowd, she seems to be followed by a strange presence. Though nothing can actually be physically seen, a large area behind her looks almost...blurred, as if one is looking through glass. A few people look to be nudged slightly as it passes by, causing them to look around in a baffled manner.
~~~
NOTE TO ALL PLAYERS: PLEASE CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD BEFORE WRITING YOUR NEXT POST! IMPORTANT INFO!
_________________
.... 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
Last edited by Tikanni Corazon on Sun Feb 17, 2013 5:49 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 2:42 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei walks further into the market of the Wolf Clan, holding her stomach lightly as she goes. The aromas wafting from the many food stalls remind her that she has not yet eaten today - eager to get to the market early she had skipped breakfast. She spies a stand with baked Sweet Moon apples, a Wolf Clan specialty, and it takes much of her willpower to keep moving. She settles for breathing deeply and closing her eyes in order to savor the sweet smell.
A sudden shift in the air causes her to open her eyes quickly. She stops herself just in time, about to collide with another market goer, a girl that looks to be about her age. With a slight bow of the head, Sumei backs up slightly so the girl can pass. Normally she would charge her way forward, but there is something odd about the girl that makes her yield.
It is not that she is almost entirely concealed behind clothing or the startling blue of her eyes, but the strange stillness that seems to follow her, like there should be something in the void at her back. For a moment Sumei notices a slight shimmer in the air, like heat haze rising from a field on a hot summer’s day. Narrowing her eyes, Sumei continues to stare after the girl as she heads further into the market, but there is nothing to see and soon the crowd swallows the girl from sight.
Shrugging, Sumei walks the remaining short distance to the fabric stalls. There are several in this area, but the one that catches her eye is the stand furthest down on the right. It is small, but boasts many pieces with intricate beadwork. Sitting to its side is a woman who flies through the project on her lap, her head down in concentration, the needle in her hand glinting in the light of the sun with every stitch. Sumei marvels at the woman’s speed for a moment before walking up to her. She takes the skein of silk from her shoulder and rests it on the top of her foot, so as not to let it get dirty from touching the ground, leaning over slightly as she does so in order to be at more of an even level with the seated woman.
“Hey,” Sumei says shortly, waving her hand to get the woman’s attention. “How much do you charge to make a dress?”
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 10:06 pm Post subject: |
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"Hello," said a deep voice behind him. Max's hand flew to his dagger tucked on the inside of his right boot, but stopped short of pulling it out. "You look like you could use some help there," the man continued.
With his hand still firm on the concealed dagger, he turned around and looked up. Pig's droppings, he's taller than most Boars I know, a nervous thought ran through his head. But he relaxed a little when he noticed the kind smile on the man's face, remembering him to be the vendor of a nearby stall. He noted a long purple streak in his hair and glanced at the weapon on his hip. A Wolf. Subconsciously, Max ran through multiple scenarios of battle, even though it he knew it wasn't necessary.
Gently picking up the piglet who had just finished its milk, the boy stood up and slung his rucksack over his shoulder. "Actually, sir, might you know where I can get someone to---"
He faltered as his gaze fell upon a very pretty girl around his age, walking past him. Her skin was as white as snow, which contrasted the skewered meat she was eating. Then, his vision suddenly started to distort, causing him to rub his eyes a bit. The teenager cursed at himself for forgetting to eat for almost a week. It must be the source of his predicament.
Shaking his head, he tried again. "Uh, sorry, I was saying, where can I get someone to---"
For the second time, he faltered. But this time, it wasn't because of the girl. It was because he realised the blur wasn't induced by the hunger. This blur only appeared behind the girl, and nowhere else. He watched as the girl sneakily lowered a piece of skewered meat behind her on her palm. One moment the meat was there, the next, it was gone. For a moment, he was confused. Then, the piglet squirmed a little in his arms, as if trying to find a more comfortable position. It was at that moment Max understood what he was seeing.
Suddenly feeling as excited as he had when he first entered Greenvale, he quickly mumbled an apology to the kindly vendor, walked around him, and made his way to the girl.
He tapped on her shoulder. "What is it?" he asked excitedly, with the piglet still in his arms. "Can I touch it?" he asked again before waiting for a reply.
Max never knew invisible animals existed, and had quickly assumed it was a common thing in Greenvale, just as quickly as he had accepted all the other odd and fascinating sights, scents and sounds he had experienced since he arrived. He wondered if there were more strange wonders wandering around the market.
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2013 12:50 pm Post subject: |
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Lucan smiled and marched back to the stall he stole from and dropped the handful of herbs down onto the stall itself. His smile grew wider as he made his way to the man who had spotted him. He leaned forward and stared at him. Sarpe moved and flicked her tongue out a couple of times.
"No, girl," he said. "This man was just watching out for his fellow shopkeeper. No reason to get violent." The snake lowered its head a bit in a way that Lucan recognized as pouting. She was hungry and wanted to devour the man wo yelled at her master for a snack.
"In fact," Lucan continued. "This man deserves a reward for actually catching me." He dug into his pockets and pulled out a small emerald that he had taken from someone last week and sat it down on the stall. Then he reached into another pocket and remove a small glass bottle filled with a green liquid. He placed it next to the stone and stared at the shopkeep.
"An emerald and a vial of a personal concoction designed to make one feel at one with nature. For you as a reward," His smile disappeared as he leaned in closer. "Though next time you interfere in my business, I will not harm you but neither will I prevent my closest companion here from feeding on you." He puled back pet Sarpe on the head and started to walk away.
_________________
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 12:18 am Post subject: Post 2 |
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I smile softly at her overly enthusiastic sales pitch as my eyes scan her wares. Looking through the crystals I try to find just the right color. “I'm looking for a. . . .” I stop short, spotting the basket of rounded crystals. Right on top, as if it'd been waiting for me, I spot what I had come to buy. A perfect hue of deep sea blue that is just barely see-through, giving it a deep, watery look. Scooping it up I look at it from several different angles before moving back to where the shopkeeper is. As I open my mouth to ask her a question I hear a faint banging as well as a raised voice that seems a little off from the usual shouts and crashing I hear at the market. Setting the crystal down on the edge of the stall's counter I quickly ask her to thread it with a black leather thong before taking off towards the noise.
Ducking through the karts and stalls I arrive on the scene just as the snake clan from before, the one with the snake on his arm, sets a vial on a vendor's counter. My eyebrows arch slightly at his declaration, and though I can't hear exactly what he says to the shopkeeper just before he walks off a slight chill runs down my spine none the less. Turning I head quickly back to the crystal stall and give the woman a smile. “Sorry about that. Thought I heard something interesting going on. Is it done? Oh, and how much?” Reaching into my coin purse I take stock of my cash. 'Good, no pickpockets today. That was truly bad luck last time. . . .'
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2013 2:00 pm Post subject: |
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A flicker of a smile passes over the woman's face, as if she'd been expecting the girl to approach her, but it's gone almost as soon as it appears, and she glances up from her work at the enquirer. She looks her up and down quickly, placing her sewing in her lap. It can now be seen that the object is a nearly complete mitten, crafted from a silver hued silk, emblazoned with the same tiny beads covering most of the fabric on the stall. The completed twin rests beside the woman on a stack of fabric rolls, lightly padded for warmth, likely with wool, and from the inside peeks a sliver of soft, grey fur. They're beautiful.
The craftswoman herself looks older than one would originally imagine upon seeing her from a distance. Faint lines mark the corners of her eyes and either side of her mouth, but she's still very attractive. Her slight form rests comfortably in her chair, dark hair with multiple streaks of purple falling loose down the back as she takes in her new customer.
The woman's gaze rests upon the skein of silk, and she smiles.
“I suppose that would depend on what kind of dress you're asking for,” she replies in a slightly husky voice. “It'll help your pocket in that you have your own fabric.” She smiles slightly teasingly. “I charge four silvers for a basic dress, with no fancy trimmings, seven silvers for something a little more fancy, and twelve silvers for the most elaborate designs, with additional charges for special extras. So...how fancy do you wish this dress to be, my dear?”
~~~
The vendor, looking slightly baffled by the behaviour, bids a quiet farewell to the boy's retreating back, and returns to his stall to serve his customers, glancing over at the boy every now and then with a concerned frown.
At the tap on her shoulder, the girl turns, lowering the skewer of meat as she does so, her blue gaze looking upward into the face of the slightly taller boy before her. At the question, her jaw clenches a little, the tension of the muscles just about visible, but the expression on her pretty visage remains neutral, except for her eyes, which seem to give off a faint aura of warning.
“Can you touch what, exactly?” she asks in an even tone.
She starts to turn, seemingly not planning on waiting for an answer, when a low, quiet growl erupts from an area to the girl's right. She spins back quickly, her eyes falling upon the piglet in the boy's arms. Her eyes widen slightly, and she discreetly holds out an arm to block the path of her companion.
“No, Shasta...” she says in little more than a whisper. She glances up at the boy again, her body tensed and ready to flee, as if expecting him to react badly.
~~~
The vendor from the bakery stall looks the taller serpent evenly in the eye, his own eyes narrowing at the threat. He glances down at the snake coiled around the man's upper arm, then down at the reward, trying to decide if he wants to accept...
“You can take your reward and shove it where the sun doesn't shine,” he called after the would-be thief's retreating form. “I'll settle for you not stealing from your own Clan from now on.”
There was a murmur of approval from the surrounding crowd, all of them frowning in disgust. The vendor of the herb stall hissed slightly beneath his deep hood, his eyes glinting unnervingly in it's depths.
“I'd be careful were I you, boy...” a harsh, raspy whisper exits the man's hidden lips, quiet, though it carries over the crowd, making some of the people present shift uncomfortably. “It doesn't bode well for one to make threats against their own...it can be a very harsh and lonely life out there in the wilderness...”
The threatening nature of the man's words linger in the air, as he picks up the emerald and the vial, and tosses them towards the thief.
~~~
The puzzled frown that had been creasing the young woman's forehead disappears as the young, blonde man reappears for his purchase.
“I was wondering whether you were coming back,” she says, looking a little sheepish. “What was it that caught your attention, if you don't mind my asking?”
She indicates the piece she's working on, where it sits on the counter before her.
“It's almost done,” she replies quietly, shooting him another shy smile. “And the cost would be five silvers, if that's agreeable to you.”
At one end of the black leather thong, on which the blue stone is now threaded, there is a smooth bead of pure silver, as a shield to prevent the pendant from accidentally falling off, and the young woman is busying herself attaching a second to the other end.
“It is a good choice,” she murmurs, as she knots it firmly into place, and holds the finished piece up to the light, so that the stone glints and shimmers with all the colours of the deep ocean. “Blue Agate...calms and soothes the mind and emotions and encourages kindness and patience.” She smiles with slightly more confidence, her knowledge of her trade clearly making her feel a little more at ease. “Sorry that it hasn't a proper clasp. I fear such craft is beyond my abilities. But it will look good when merely tied about the neck with the silver beads hanging down the back.” She picks up a small, blue fabric pouch from beneath the counter. “Is it agreeable to you?” she asks, waiting for his reply.
~~~
PLEASE CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR ROLL DETAILS BEFORE WRITING YOUR NEXT POST!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei unties a small coin purse that she has attached to the axe holster on her right hip. She looks at it curiously as she sits it in her palm. It feels lighter than before and one side is slack, the gap there large enough to slip a coin out of. Loosening the rest of the pouch, she peers inside and moves the coins around with one finger, counting as she goes.
Only nine silvers.
She smiles ruefully. It is a brave little pick-pocket that steals from a boar – she had left home with twelve.
“I want it to be like my old one,” she finally answers, cinching the coin pouch tightly as she speaks, not revealing the amount inside. After a few moments she realizes that this will probably need some elaboration. “Here,” she says picking up the blue silk from atop her foot and lightly tossing it onto the woman’s lap. She pauses to gather her thoughts before launching into her explanation.
“It has to have a high collar, but with an open back, like this,” she says, turning and pointing to her back, tracing an awkward oval shape starting slightly below her boar tattoo to just above the moon tattoo at the base of her neck. “And open here, too,” she faces the woman again and traces a diamond shape on her chest. “No sleeves. Skirt this long,” she points to the middle of each thigh with both hands, “with slits up either side. I don’t need any trim, but I do want a golden orange flower starting here,” she circles the area around her left hip, “that spreads out and eventually disappears.”
“I have but eight silvers,” Sumei concludes without skipping a beat. She shakes the pouch and tries not to smile as she thinks of the baked apples she will hopefully get to buy with the ninth. “That seems like a fair deal for a dress with no trimmings and one mere flower. What say you?”
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2013 5:47 pm Post subject: |
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Max's wide smile dropped slightly at the girl's cold reaction. She's even prettier up close, he thought as she turned away from him. Like Yolene...
Suddenly, he heard a low growl erupting from where the invisible animal was, causing the boar piglet to squirm violently in his arms. Protectively angling the piglet away from the growling animal, he reached for his second dagger on his belt. A meat-eater? He listened carefully to the animal. A large meat-eater. His grip on the still-concealed dagger tightened when he realised the animal was as tall as the girl. She was feeding it skewered meat, of course it was a meat-eater, he kicked himself mentally. Wait, were those boar meat?
The girl had spun around and held out an arm in between the animals. "No, Shasta..." she whispered, before looking up at Max, almost as if she was expecting something bad to happen.
Wait, if the animal was so tall, why did she feed it down below? The boy glanced around, quickly realising no one else seemed to have noticed the presence of the invisible, large, growling animal. Deciding to follow his suspicion, he looked at the girl firmly. "Tell your, uh, Shasta, that my friend's not food, and I won't tell anyone about your friend."
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 12:57 pm Post subject: |
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Lucan caught his stuff and merely smiled. He cast a glance at Sarpe who just stared back at him and flicked her tongue, He let out a chuckle and patted her head. He stared at the one whole spoke from under his hood and said nothing. He returned his vial and stone tho their pocket and headed to the north gate. Once there, he started to peruse the various food stands.
The snake flicked her tongue.
"If I see something live, I may grab it for you. Until then, you will make due on the dead stuff. I'm sure they don't sell rats." He continued to look at the various stalls, eventually stopping and buying a pound of various meats. He found a nice empty spot in the crowd and allowed Sarpe to slither off of his arm. He dropped some of the meat on the ground and watched as she ate her meat.
"I know you'd rather have something more lively but this is all I can do for now," he said. Once Sarpe had swallowed the large chunk of meat, Lucan lowered her arm and let her wrap herself back around his arm. As he stood, he caught sight of a piglet with someone he could only assume was a Boar. As he walked past, he grabbed hold of his companion.
"No, we've made enough trouble today, Sarpe," he said. "I'm not going to get into any more because you ate someone else's pet." The snake flicked her tongue. "No."
_________________
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:11 pm Post subject: |
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POST FOR POPE/ELMAN
I smile at the young woman and bow at my admiration of her craft. Simple as it is, it's effective, and I know that Symar will love it.
“My thanks, my lady, it's perfect,” I reply, fishing the five silvers from my coin purse and holding out a hand to pass them to her. “And I appreciate the knowledge of the crystal that you've made me privy to.”
“As for what caught my attention...” I continue, looking back in the direction from which I'd come. “...it was merely a slight stir in the Serpent Market, and nothing to worry about, I'm sure. Just a few men having a disagreement. I thought it might turn more physical, but it seemed as though it was winding down when I left to return here.”
I shrug and smile again, holding out a hand for my purchase.
_________________
.... 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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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:30 pm Post subject: |
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The Craftswoman regards the girl for a moment, then her smile widens and she nods.
“I like your attitude, girl,” she says, getting to her feet, the blue silk draped over one arm. She's tall, far more so than her customer, her figure lithe and her way of moving elegant. “The dress sounds simple enough. For the design I'll charge you the four silvers, and then another two for the embroidery thread. So six altogether.”
She places the skein of material on the seat she'd recently vacated, then fumbles around inside a basket filled with lengths of embroidery thread in a rainbow of colours and hues. She finally pulls out some in the golden orange shade the girl had asked for, and places it alongside the fabric.
“Right, all set,” she says with a smile. “The dress will take a few days, of course, so I'll give you a ticket to collect it next market day.” She holds out a hand for the girl to shake. “Do we have a deal, Miss...?” She looks enquiring as she indicates that she wishes to know her customer's name.
~~~
At the slight threat in the boy's words, the girl's jaw clenched more and her eyes narrow. Her gaze quickly scans the surrounding crowd, none of whom seem to have noticed the exchange, then they return to him.
“Strange,” she says, in a low voice, though she manages to inject it with plenty of contempt regardless. “If I remember correctly, it was you who tapped me on the shoulder, shoving your nose into my business, and now you're the one making threats?”
Her arm remains outstretched between her companion and the boy and his pet. She makes a sharp movement with her hand, motioning firmly for the being to back off. There is a pause, then a short-tempered huff, and the strange blur indicating it's presence moves around and behind the girl, putting a little more distance between itself and the piglet. The girl regards the young man with slightly pursed lips, her beautiful blue eyes still glaring. The boar piglet is suddenly a little restless in the boy's arms, as if slightly spooked.
“There you are, he's backed off. You got anything else to say before I'm on my way, or are you going to run after me and threaten me some more?”
~~~
The piglet struggles slightly in the boy's arms at the scent of the snake so close by. But it seems to feel safe with him, so Sarpe doesn't bother it too much apparently.
In a contrast to the tension previously held in the Serpent market, the Wolf area is busy, but the atmosphere is relatively calm and happy. The scent of several ready-to-eat food stalls mingle and merge, alongside the softer scent of incense and flowers.
There is a small movement near a stall selling cooked meat served between thick slices of bread. A glider-rat slinks it's long body around the wheels of the stall, looking for scraps. Sarpe's gaze seizes upon it, eyeing the potential meal with interest.
~~~
The young stall-keeper slips the pendant into the little, blue bag that she took from below the counter, and seals it with a coordinating ribbon in a slightly darker shade. When the bow is secured, she takes the silvers from the young man's out-stretched hand, then passes him his purachse in turn.
“A stir in amongst the Serpents?” she says, in a slightly braver manner than her previously mouse-like temperament would have one believe she was capable. “I thought you lot were more prone to dealing with your disagreements in a more...sly and less in-your-face manner?”
Her eyebrow raises slightly, a small thing, but enough to possibly make one wonder if the previously withdrawn way with which she carried herself was all a ruse.
~~~
A hush suddenly comes over the crowd, other than some slight muttering. Heavy footfalls thump upon the ground, as a large being passes through, though in truth, considering the size and bulk, it's footsteps aren't particularly loud. Standing more than a head taller than the tallest of men in the crowd, it's a formidable being. Thick, leathery skin covers it's nearly naked hide, long, black locks hanging down in clumpy strings, it's expression seemingly calm but watchful. It's only garb is a dirty looking loin-cloth about it's waist, leaving it's large, sagging breasts fully on display, making it obvious that it's a female. She moves along using her legs and one of her overly long arms, the other clutching an ugly, naked infant to her chest.
She moves through the Wolf market, the other market goers giving her a wide berth as she does so. Suddenly she stops in her tracks, her gaze scanning the crowd warily, the expression on her grotesque visage now slightly panicked, as if she's sensed potential danger. Suddenly her eyes seem to seize upon the source of her anxiety and a snarl appears on her lips.
~~~
The girl's heart starts to beat faster as the female Grix looks in her direction. Another low growl erupts at her side, as her companion feels the threatening attitude of the Grix instinctively and gets ready to react.
“I think it's time to go...” she whispers, placing herself in front of her invisible friend.
~~~
PLEASE CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR ROLL DETAILS BEFORE WRITING YOUR NEXT POST!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 8:00 pm Post subject: |
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“Sumei,” she answers, shaking the woman’s proffered hand vigorously, unable to keep the smile from her face. Six silvers! There would be money enough for the baked apples and then some!
“It will be worth the wait,” Sumei says as she starts pulling out the correct amount of silvers and placing them in the palm of the woman’s hand. “I’ll even let you keep some of the silk. A gift with my thanks.”
As an afterthought she is about to ask the tall Wolf merchant her name as well, but she pauses when she notices the noise in the marketplace, or more like the lack of noise. Turning, it only takes Sumei moments to notice the cause of the sudden silence. Leathery green skin, tangled cords of greasy hair, soiled loin cloth.
A Grix.
Sumei wrinkles her nose in disgust. She can smell the creature from here. She watches as people continue on their way through the market, perhaps a little more hurriedly than before, giving the Grix a wide berth as they do. The ground reverberates lightly as the Grix continues on its way, oblivious to the effect it has on the market goers, or perhaps enjoying it – the look on its face makes it hard to tell what it is thinking, or if it is thinking at all.
She is about to turn back to the woman when the creature abruptly stops, furrowing its brows and curling its lips downwards into a snarl. Sumei follows the Grix’s gaze and is surprised to find herself looking at the girl from earlier, the one she had almost run into.
Sumei raises an eyebrow. What about this girl has the Grix so on edge? From just looking at her Sumei cannot see anything particularly interesting or intimidating about her. She thinks back upon the strange sensation she had when the girl had passed her.
Or maybe there is…
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:58 am Post subject: |
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So, 'Shasta' is a secret, Max couldn't help but grin, despite the girl's very obvious contempt for him.
On her signal, Max heard a rush of breath just before her companion retreated to an area behind the girl. The boy had the impression the invisible animal was disappointed at the girl's instruction, but obeyed her regardless, albeit a bit reluctant. He stared at the distorted space curiously. How intelligent was this animal? But, before he could continue with that line of thought, he got distracted by the girl's unforgiving blue-eyed glare and frowned. I change my mind --- she's nothing like Yolene.
"Shh," the boy whispered to the suddenly squirming piglet. Looking around, he spotted a large snake wrapped around a man, walking past. Staring in wonder, he thought about what else he'd find in this market. It was like a completely different world! What's next? Maybe a giant--- he trailed off as his eyes locked onto the most bizarre beast he had ever seen, simply strolling about the market like it belonged there. What the hell is that? His jaw dropped open. It looked like an ugly ape, only hairless and a whole lot larger. And dangerous, too? Max tightened his arms around the restless piglet, while observing the manner the crowd parted around the giant.
The boy vaguely heard the girl telling him something just as the ugly beast---carrying an offspring in one arm---suddenly snarled at his direction. The beast's deformed face contorted into what looked like distress, but Max couldn't be sure. For the third time that day, the boy reached for his dagger in his belt, but didn't pull it out, preferring to keep it concealed until absolutely necessary.
It was then Max heard 'Shasta-the-invisible-animal' growl again, only this time, he was certain it was directed towards the ugly beast. The girl stepped in to shield the already-invisible-animal from the giant, while suggesting to her companion a retreat so softly that the boy nearly missed it.
Like a fog clearing up, Max suddenly understood the situation. Somehow, the giant was very aware of the invisible animal's presence. More than that, it was about to draw everyone's attention to the girl's secret. It only took him a moment to decide. Max quickly shoved the boar piglet into his rucksack as gently as he could, apologising under his breath.
"I'll distract the beast. Go," the boy said to the girl before treading carefully towards the snarling giant.
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 8:35 am Post subject: |
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Lucan noticed as Sarpe seemed to be excited by something. He turned his head time to see a glider rat. Just as he noticed it, he noticed something. There was a strange hush to the crowd. Slowly he lowered himself and hurried his companion off of his arm.
"Go get your rat, pretty one," he said. "Make it fast. Something very interesting is happening." he said. The snake gave a tongue-flick in response and Lucan stood. He could make out bits and pieces of something through the crowd. His gaze traveled upward and once he saw a bit above the crowd, it hit him.
"A grix, eh?" Lucan said as a wild smile appeared on his face. "Hmm.." Lucan started to move to push his way through the crowd but stopped. He had to wait for Sarpe. So many people, it would be easy for her to be crushed. Scanning the ground, he saw her finish swallowing the rat and make her way back. In a hurry, he picked her up and let her wrap around his other arm, the one containing the tattoo, with her head by his hand now. He lifted his hand and kissed her head.
"I hope you enjoyed that, precious, now let's see if we can catch a closer look at the Grix."
With that, he started an attempt to move through the crowd, being careful not to seem too rude as he pushed by people.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:18 am Post subject: Post 3 |
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I give the girl a half grin, tucking away Symar's present deep into my pocket. Yes yes, it's true. For the most part we try and keep our affairs quiet and private.” Looking over my shoulder in the direction of I had recently come from I add, “But even we have our more, as y6ou put it, 'in-you-face' characters.” Recalling the uneasy feeling he had inspired of me I feel my curiosity pique. 'I wonder if he's still around here. I know I should be avoiding my clan at this point, after vanishing for so long but.. . . .' I turn back to the woman about to thank her again for her sevices when I notice a change in her.
Her smile has become fixed and her stance tight. Her eyes seem to be locked on something over my shoulder. Turning slowly I feel my sword arm tighten, ready to draw if necessary. My eyes lock instantly on the source of her distress. Relaxing ever so slightly I turn back and give her a smile and a nod before moving into the crowd. 'Well well, it's been a while since I've seen one of those around. Half a year at least. . . Moving carefully through the crowd to get a better look at the lump in her arms I stop short when I realize it's just a baby. Awww, so ccuuute' I chuckle under my breath.
Suddenly she snarls down at something I can not see from my vantage point. 'Ah, to explore or not to explore, the eternal conflict' With a shrug I don't feel conflicted for long. Off to my right towards the Boar Market I can barely discern the top of Symar's head over the crowd. He seems to be hanging back, but is defiantly interested in what's going on. Checking my straps I make sure everything is secure before attempting to move closer. Pushing my way to the front of the crowd carefully I glance around, trying to figure out just what is upsetting the Grix.
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To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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Suddenly, the Grix female lets out a roar, which slowly turns into a howl, as she lifts her head skyward. Many people in the crowd react to the noise, soft cries being uttered all around, and many of them begin to back away, some of them looking around as they do so. The unease that had fallen over the vicinity at the appearance of the Grix becomes more potent...
~~~
The vendor shakes Sumei's hand with a smile, which suddenly fades at the sight of the Grix.
“Well, you don't see one of those every day,” she says quietly, as the mother and child pass by.
At the snarl, she backs towards her stall slightly, looking around for the source of the Grix's anxiety, but seemingly unable to find anything besides the girl which had caught Sumei's notice. She places a hand on Sumei's shoulder.
“I wouldn't go near, child,” she whispers. “There's no telling what these creatures might do if angered...plus, I doubt she's alone...”
It's not clear if she's referring to the Grix or the girl, but she sounds very sure of her words. She starts violently as the howling roar erupts from the Grix's mouth, and attempts to pull Sumei back. “Come, child...this doesn't look good...”
There is a growling noise coming from the vicinity of the girl, though where it's source is cannot be discerned.
~~~
The girl turned from the snarling Grix before her and looked incredulously at the boy. She shook her head slowly, her eyes flickering between him and the threatening mother, her body still placed in front of her friend.
“You don't want to do that...” she whispered. “The only outcomes are that you'll get hurt, or you'll get into trouble with the council for instigating a fight in the market. This is a neutral zone, remember? You don't need the kind of trouble that will come with such an accusation.”
She focused her gaze fully on the Grix once again, her face turning hard, as she started to back away, her palms directed slightly behind her, as if pushing against an invisible weight, clearly Shasta. From the slightly hesitant steps, it can be deduced that her companion isn't willing to leave so easily. It's growls have become louder, and a few people in the surrounding crowd have started to notice the noise, looking around in confusion.
“I...I thank you for the offer, but the best thing that you can do is to get out of the way. As long as I can get Shasta out of here quickly, it should be fine...But if there's an attack, you don't want to be caught in the middle of it, trust me...”
As tough as she's behaving, there is a shadow of fear about her visage, and from the way she looks around at the surrounding crowd, it's clear that it's as much caused by them as it is the Grix mother. She also seems to be searching for something else above the sea of faces...
At the Grix's roar, the fear on her face becomes more pronounced, and she openly turns and starts pushing against her friend.
“Shasta, move!” she whispers. “We need to leave now!” But as hard as she seems to be trying, her friend seemingly isn't about to back down. “Damnit! I knew it was a mistake to bring you in here!”
~~~
The crowd, transfixed upon the Grix, parts without too much trouble. No one makes any remark, save for the odd frown, which is quickly gone and their attention is back on the tense scene at the crowd's heart, and there is easy passage to the the front of the mass.
At the sudden howl from the Grix, many of the crowd around and behind back away, the eyes of the people panicked. The Grix's attention appears to be on a girl, and, upon listening, the sound of growling can be discerned from her general direction. She's turned away from the Grix, and seems to be behaving in some bizarre manner...almost as if she's trying to push against some greater force...
Sarpe tightens her position on her master's arm, clearly reacting to the tensed crowd.
~~~
The hushed crowd is too focused upon the Grix to object as one passes through. It's easy to see the Grix in full from the front of the crowd, it's massive bulk towering over everything. It's small, piggy eyes appear to be looking venomously at a young woman positioned some twenty feet away, it's lips curled up in a snarl.
A low growling sound can be heard coming from the direction of the girl, though there is no telling where it's coming from. Many of the people in the crowd look confused and frightened, the latter increasing significantly as the Grix mother lets out an almighty roar.
Greater disquiet settles upon the people, with some of them looking around fearfully, as if expecting something else to happen...
~~~
Another howling-roar reaches the ears of the crowd, though this one is slightly further away and not sourced at the mother Grix. The girl turns back to the opposition again, her features openly frightened, but also somehow accepting, as if she'd known something like this would happen.
Suddenly, the ground begins to tremble slightly, and in the distance there can be heard the cries of many people, drawing closer and closer. A shape careers into the vicinity at high speed, larger than the mother Grix though almost identical in appearance, standing around ten feet tall and lacking the pendulous, swinging bosom of the other.
The male Grix comes to a halt just ahead of his mate, ignoring the crowd as she is, and focusing his attention on the girl and her invisible companion. He lets out another roar, almost deafening in it's loudness, forcing many people to cover their ears. The threatening noise is met with another, this one deeper and more throaty. The heavy, droning sound carries from somewhere behind the girl and across the crowd. The girl looks around, knowing that the game is up.
“Shasta please, we have to leave,” she begs her friend desperately, her hands clutching seemingly at thin air. “This isn't the time for honour and blood. There's no harm in fleeing for the greater good...I can't lose you too...” Her voice is emotional and for a moment, she matches her outer appearance...a young woman, barely more than a child, alone in a harsh world.
Her friend seemingly ignores her, her gaze following it as it moves past her towards the male Grix. The air around it shimmers, causing the crowd to gasp. A shape begins to appear within the shimmering cloud, looking much like a mirage at first, but growing more and more solid. The creature is enormous! It stands at around five feet at the shoulder, so it's far shorter than it's enemy, but from it's head to it's rear it's close to ten feet, a long tail protruding out to almost the same length again. Huge, partially open wings extended from it's shoulders, the feathered tips quivering slightly in anticipation.
As it's form solidifies, it can be seen that the creature's covered in thick soft fur, the palest shade of grey mottled with a darker, tawny shade in a pattern of horseshoe shaped splodges. The head is distinctly feline, much like the Forest Tigers that hunt in the forests all across the Realm of the Fallen Tiger, matching the kingdoms' namesake in title, but this creature is far larger than any Tiger that has been encountered. Long fangs protrude from it's upper jaw, extending down just past it's lower, and when the creature's mouth opens to growl, it can be seen that the fangs are flanked by many shorter, but equally sharp teeth. It moves fluidly and elegantly upon four paws the size of dinner plates, each toe marked with a sharp black claw. At the tip of it's long tail is a thick, deadly-looking barb, which is curved up and over it's body in a threatening stance. It's wingspan extends fully for a moment, showing off the full size of close to twenty feet.
Eyes of a deep, vibrant green fix upon the male Grix, who, along with his mate, look far less sure of the fight ahead now that he can see what he's up against. Even as the winged cat inches closer, pacing back and forth across it's path as it does so, the Grix couple back up slightly, but still remain on the offensive. Behind the beautiful cat, the girl draws a long blade from a scabbard at her back, getting ready, her features back to their usual hardened state.
The air is tense, as all wonder what is going to happen...
~~~
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR YOUR ROLLS BEFORE MAKING A POST!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 2:24 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei, so focused on staring at the girl, jumps slightly when the Wolf merchant puts her hand on her shoulder. The woman, who flinches as the Grix lets out a load roar, is worried, and understandably so – the creature cuts a very formidable figure. But Sumei stands her ground folding her arms across her chest, continuing to watch the girl. There is a low, guttural growl coming from behind her. There is something there, but Sumei cannot see it. Her brows furrow in irritation.
The woman’s hand begins to tug at Sumei, urging her to back away from the scene. Snorting, Sumei takes a few steps towards the stall to appease her, the view of the girl now mostly hidden by a gawking market-goer. She pats the woman’s hand in what she hopes is a comforting gesture and turns partially towards the Wolf as she speaks.
“Do not worry. I am not afraid of such a creature. In fact, all of this is rather thrilling, is it not?” She grins, trying to sound nonchalant even though her blood is pumping with excitement.
Sumei’s attention returns to the Grix as it howls again, the sound reverberating throughout the market. As the noise fades the ground begins to tremble, there is shouting in the distance, and a looming shape barrels steadily closer through the crowd. It is another Grix, male this time, taller than the female but just as grotesque looking – the two are probably mates. He comes to a halt in front of the female, roaring at the girl and whatever lurks behind her growling.
Sumei, her ears ringing, rests her hands on the axes at her hips and frowns, keeping a wary eye on the green creatures. One Grix would be easy enough to deal with should a fight break out, but two?
Sudden gasps to her left make Sumei turn back in the direction of the girl. The crowd has parted some, giving her a better view. Her eyebrows rise in surprise and a small gasp manages to escape her own lips at what she sees. The disembodied growling takes shape into a beast that looks much like a tiger but is ten times bigger with wings and a barbed tail. The cat-like creature stretches its wings, doubling its size, releasing small puffs of air as it flaps them, and begins to inch towards the two Grix. Out of the corner of her eyes she notices the girl draw a blade.
Sumei’s grin returns and she grips the axes at her side, slowly pulling them out of their holsters in anticipation of what’s to come. Best trip to the market ever.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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Max clenched his jaw when the girl told him to stay out of it...out of concern for him...of course she, too, was going to think he was too weak to fight! The boy's mood only soured further at the mention of a 'council'. If the council was anything like the one at home, then it can go eat its own droppings! Traditions will only get people killed.
He was about to give the girl a piece of his mind, when he noticed her expression. She was genuinely afraid. As he watched how she struggled to make her companion retreat, and how her fear only worsened when she realised it was futile, he understood why. She's not afraid for her life. She's afraid of what might become of her companion. Max couldn't help but feel her plight, suddenly thinking of his own companion in his rucksack.
Suddenly, the ground trembled as another one of those giants appeared. It stopped in front of the female giant, looked towards the girl and her companion, and roared. This one must be the male, Max thought, a little stunned by the event. That was when the boy saw the shimmer around the invisible creature, eventually solidifying into a giant winged cat with a barbed tail! For a moment, the boy could only stare at the magnificent creature in awe.
The girl seemed to had given up trying to stop the impending battle, and had drawn her sword. Looking over at the ugly giants again, Max thought of the mother boar he had slaughtered, only a week ago. If a battle were to happen, the baby giant cradled in the female's arms could be slain, or worse, orphaned!
Determined to stop the battle, the boy lifted his rucksack over his head and lowered it down by the girl. "I'm not going to fight them --- I'm only going to distract them," he explained quickly. "I don't care how you're moving Shasta, but do it quick! Get them both out through the Northern Gate...I'll draw the giants towards the centre!"
With that, Max dashed towards the giants, leaving the piglet with the girl. Now, he only had to figure out how to draw them away.
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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POST FOR BIZ
Moving to the front of the crowd, grinned as he felt the tension in the air heighten at the appearance of the male Grix. He felt Sarpe tighten slightly around his arm, and he glanced down at her, stroking a finger softly along her smooth head.
“Settle, pretty one,” he murmured to her, looking back up towards the Grix. “I'll let nothing happen to you.”
He allowed his gaze to move over to where the Grix' anger and hostility was directed. His forehead wrinkled in puzzlement as he noticed a girl behaving very bizarrely a short distance away. She looked to be trying to push against something solid, but there was nothing there. The more he looked though, the more Lucan thought he could see a shape in the air...almost like a blur...and as he listened, he was sure he could hear a low, persistent growling noise coming from the same area.
Suddenly, the blur began to solidify, and Lucan watched as a huge winged cat suddenly appeared out of thin air, his eyes widening in shock and awe. He'd never seen anything like it. The beast stalked towards the pair of Grix threateningly. Many people backed off, thinking it likely that there was going to be a fight.
Lucan smiled to himself, and looked down at his pet, stroking her again.
“My money is on the winged cat,” he whispered to Sarpe, who tightened herself a little more around his arm in response.
_________________
.... 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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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 5:47 pm Post subject: Post 4 |
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Reaching the front of the crowd I stop, looking up at the female Grix. She's turned mostly away from me and past her left elbow I can barely see the girl from earlier facing our way. I can't see her too well but when the Grix roars my eyes snap shut so I can't see anything. Being so close my head begins to pound at the sound. 'Ow ow ow ow ow, the pain' My eyes nap open at the feeling of the ground shaking. Moving back a carefully stay just in front of the crowd so I can see what's going on but won't stand out as a target should things get messy. When the male comes into view I stop moving all together and just watch.
'Well well well, this is truly the most interesting trip to the market I've ever had' My eyes drift back to the girl that is the Grixs' focus and feel my chest tighten. Like shimmers on the road on a hot day, a figure comes into view. I feel my mouth drop open at the sight of the large winged feline. It takes several seconds but finally my mouth snaps shut and a smile curls on my lips. “Beautiful. . . . .” The word is barely a whisper on my lips. The tightness in my chest hardens as I see the fight that's about to break out. 'That would not be good. No, this is just not right' Turning I slip carefully between onlookers and make my way around the ring of people. 'Not sure what good it will do, but I don't want to see anyone hurt here today' I brush past the serpent clan from earlier, as well as a young boar clan clutching the handles of twin axes as I make my way through the crowd.
I make it to where the girl is just in time to overhear the boy's declaration. Cursing under my breath I make my way as close to the girl as I dare. I watch as the bag the boy left behind wriggles. My eyebrow arches. “Perhaps carry something?” I look strait towards the girl's face. “I can tell you're one of strong will, but sometimes one needs help. Just tell me what you need.”
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 6:29 pm Post subject: |
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As the giant winged cat approaches them, the Grix keep backing slowly away, though the male still maintains a challenging stance, protecting his mate and young. But despite this, it's obvious that he doubts his chances against the beast.
The winged cat itself clearly knows it's the dominant party, and is unwilling to back down until it's proven so, either by causing the Grix to retreat fully or in battle. It's stance tells of great pride that's it's unwilling to have dented.
~~~
There is a slight bustle From the direction of the market centre, getting slowly closer. A man in official looking purple robes pushes through the crowd, wanting to find out what's going on. He sets eyes upon the winged cat beast, and they widen in horror, before he turns tail and heads back in the direction he came.
~~~
The Vendor looks down at the movement as Sumei removes her axes from their holsters, then back at the girl's face, her own expression incredulous.
“You're mad, girl!” she whispers frantically, glancing at the Grix who are stepping back away from their opponent, seemingly veering towards backing down and leaving. She points at the cat-beast. “A moment ago, that...creature wasn't even visible, and you're planning on diving headlong into a battle involving it?! By the Gods, who knows what such an animal is capable of!”
A Serpent male passes close by Sumei, heading towards the girl with the recently appeared cat beast.
Where it stands at the centre of the clearing left by the retreating crowd, the giant, winged cat turns it's head, as if it senses Sumei's train of thought, it's green eyes glancing at the weapons in her hands. It bears it's teeth for a moment, and hisses in her direction, taking a step or two towards her, before the girl with the sword comes up alongside it and whispers into it's ear. It pauses, it's gaze still upon Sumei.
~~~
The girl swipes a few stray tears from her eyes as the boy approaches her again, frowning in slight annoyance. The frown soon melts to a look of confusion when he places the backpack on the ground beside her, it's contents moving around slightly. At his words, she makes as if to speak, then closes her mouth again, watching as he runs off before she can say anything.
~~~
The female Grix eyes the boy as he approaches her and her mate, eyes unblinking and piercing. The infant in her arms snuggles against it's mother's chest, seemingly oblivious to the goings on around it. She makes a strange grunting noise, and reaches out a hand to touch the male upon the arm, alerting him to the boy's presence. Reluctantly, the male draws his gaze away from the winged cat and focuses it upon the boy. He curls up his lips in a snarl and slams his fists upon the ground threateningly, but does nothing more...for now.
~~~
The crowd behind Lucan begins to shift, and there are annoyed mumbles and mutterings coming from the people watching the scene. A man in golden armour, emblazoned with a purple, diamond-shaped crest upon the breastplate comes up alongside Lucan, shoving him roughly out of the way. The man is of a similar height, maybe an inch shorter, well-built and clearly in a position of authority.
Not sparing Lucan a glance, he turns to the crowd, raising his hands and making gestures for them to move back.
“MOVE!” the armoured man shouts, his expression unwaveringly stern and firm. “ALL OF YOU GET OUT OF HERE NOW! GO ON! SHIFT!”
~~~
The girl looks at the taller man, noting the green tips at the ends of his blonde hair, marking him a Serpent. She hesitates, looks towards the figure of the younger boy moving towards the Grix, then nods.
“You can help,” she admits, picking up the backpack and slinging it over her shoulder. There is a soft grunting noise from inside as she does so. "I need to get myself and my friend out of here." The girl gestures her head towards the boy from before. “Tell him I'll be at the Southern gate, not the Northern, and he can collect his pet from there...” She looked down at the twin daggers at the newcomers hips. “If you could do your best to help him get there in one piece, I would also be much obliged. And please don't tell anyone else that I'll be there...please.”
She nods her thanks, and, without waiting for an answer, she runs off towards the winged cat.
~~~
The girl, the backpack slung firmly over her shoulders, approaches Shasta and whispers something in his ear. His beautiful, green eyes are no longer on the Grix, but instead are looking over at something in the crowd. As she finishes speaking, he turns his head to look at the boy, seemingly contemplating something. The Grix no longer has full attention on him.
The girl strokes down his back, then vaults atop him, settling herself comfortably, before leaning forward.
“Let's go, my friend. You've made your point.”
Shasta stretches out his wings, glancing at the Grix scornfully once more, before turning away.
Suddenly cries break out from the crowd as men in gold armour with purple accents shove their way roughly through the mass, shouting loudly for people to get out of the way, and to move back. A crest is on the breast plate of each of them; a purple diamond with the mark of the Tree of Wisdom at the centre. They come from all directions, surrounding Shasta and the girl on his back. The latter looks around warily, while Shasta himself growls at the men, warning them to not come too close, his barbed tail raised threateningly.
“JUST BACK OFF!” the girl shouts at them, watching as they brandish spears and swords at her companion, keeping their distance for now. “HE WON'T HURT YOU IF YOU JUST GET BACK AND LET US LEAVE!” Her voice is desperate, but also speaks a threat of it's own in it's tone. “IF YOU DON'T DO AS I SAY...YOU BRING YOUR OWN DOOM UPON YOURSELVES!”
Expressions of doubt mark the faces of the armoured men, as each wonders what might happen if they don't do as the girl asks...
~~~
PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE DICE ROLLS POST IN THE DISCUSSION THREAD BEFORE WRITING UP AND POSTING YOUR NEXT ENTRY!
_________________
.... 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
Last edited by Tikanni Corazon on Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Seraphi
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| Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 8:37 pm Post subject: |
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“I am a Boar,” Sumei says to the vendor without looking at her, eyes still staring keenly at the once-invisible creature. “By very definition I am reckless, never cowering in the face of a challenge no matter how daunting.” She chuckles a little. “I suppose that, by extension, makes me mad.”
She is distracted from the cat beast when she notices a very tall man, only a little shorter than the female Grix, walk over to the girl. By the green tips of his hair Sumei can tell he is of the Serpent Clan. She raises one eyebrow in curiosity. What is he planning on doing?
A sudden, unexplainable shiver runs up Sumei’s spine. She frowns at the sensation and scans the crowd for the source of her discomfort, peeling her gaze away from the girl and the Serpent. Immediately her eyes lock onto the emerald orbs of the winged cat that glowers at her. The creature hisses at Sumei, taking a few steps in her direction, and she feels the shiver again. This time she can give name to it.
Fear.
Angry at herself for letting the emotion pervade her mind, Sumei is about to step into the fray when loud shouts erupt from the crowd. She looks to the source of the noise and, upon finding it, retreats back to stand next to the Wolf woman, putting her axes back into the holsters at her hips.
“I may be mad,” she says, acknowledging the merchant once more, “but not stupid.”
Sumei glares at the group of men that file through the crowd – soldiers of the Greenvale council, easily recognized by their golden armor and the crest emblazoned upon their fronts. And at the head of the men, clad in a sweeping purple robe…Rau Kuiku. Sumei wrinkles her nose in disgust. Pompous, arrogant, tyrant. These are just a few things that she uses to describe the man. She would have to add ‘Spoiler of good fun’ to the list as well.
The soldiers begin to surround the creature. The girl, who now sits upon the large cat’s back, shouts a warning at the men. They hesitate, a few stepping back warily. Sumei looks between the soldiers and the girl seated atop her companion, not daring to blink.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
Last edited by Seraphi on Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:08 pm; edited 1 time in total
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 11:09 pm Post subject: |
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It's working! Max thought triumphantly as both the giants were now looking away from the girl. Trying hard not to glance at the girl, Max drew his dagger from his belt and held it in front of him, determined to keep their attention on him. A flash of purple caught his notice, but only for an instant because the source retreated as quickly as it had appeared.
Thump! The male giant slammed his fists into the ground threateningly, causing Max to swallow in response. Keep your calm, the boy told himself as he stood his ground against the two menacing beasts. He only needed to maintain the deadlock long enough for the girl to get away, then he can back off quietly. His eyes flickered at the infant snuggling up to the female. Involuntarily, he thought about the moment when a boar piglet's leg was caught in one of his traps. The pace of his breathing sped up as images of his childhood friend and the mother boar flashed through his mind.
Suddenly, Max heard several men yelling authoritatively in the direction of the girl, causing him to turn. Soldiers in golden armours and purple crests had the girl---now mounted on Shasta---surrounded! The girl was shouting clear threats at them and her large companion was poised to attack. Neither party seemed willing to withdraw.
It's going to be a massacre!
Realisation of what must be done descended upon the young boy. "I'm sorry," he told the giants as he knelt down and picked up a rock, and then flung it as hard as he could towards the female!
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Last edited by sagittaeri on Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:14 am; edited 1 time in total
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:07 am Post subject: |
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Lucan glared at the guards and was about to say something quite rude but stopped as he caught sight of the symbol on their chest. Council guards. He was smart enough to not get involved. He turned his attention and watched as someone flung a rock at the Grix.
"You stupid piece of rotted, puss-filled fecal material," he snarled. He knew that such an action would definitely piss both creatures off and a pair of super angry Grix definitely wasn't something he wanted to be around. He shoved through the crowd just a bit so that it would be easier for the fool to hear him.
"You may want to run," he shouted, before turning around and starting to shove his way through the crowd, intending on being no where near the Grix when it became unhinged.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 9:03 pm Post subject: Post 5 |
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With a nod I settle my arms slowly across my chest. With a deep breath I turn towards the Grix and young man standing before them. I can feel my back teeth shake as the male slams his fists to the ground, and a flicker of doubt crosses my mind. 'Now now, I threw myself headlong into this mess, I may as well see it through' Looking about carefully I do some quick calculations before moving along the edge of the crowd towards where the Grix stand. The crowd is hushed, some looking about when the winged feline seems to get distracted by something in the crowd. I spot Symar behind a group of onlookers nearby and when our eyes meet I give him the signal to cut out of here. He nods and heads for the nearest exit.
Freezing at the sound of shouting I feel my heart sink as a flash of purple and gold catch my eye. 'Damn, not good. If we get caught up in a row now, it's off to a holding cell until they deem it time to oversee our actions. That could take a while. . . . .' Gritting my teeth I walk slowly towards the boy, keeping my movement smooth as to not startle the Grix. I spare a glance over my shoulder at the yelling and clanking coming from the girl and her friend's direction I feel a rush of anger at the soldier's actions. When I look back to the boy, he too is watching the interaction of the soldiers and beast. When he turns back to the Grix I tense. He reaches down and scoops up a stone. 'Crapdiggles' Moving swiftly I reach him just as he begins to throw the rock at the Grix. Reaching out I just manage to jostle his trowing arm slightly.
I only pray it's enough to keep this from turning into a massacre. I had slid to a stop just behind him so when I reach out to nudge his arm I'd ended up quite close. Swiftly I breath out “I have a message for the girl about your pet.” At the same time I hear a long string of foul language that makes me smile for a moment.
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 1:48 am Post subject: |
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The guards, after slight hesitation start to back off, moving out of the way and leaving a path for Shasta to leave. The winged-cat sends one last growl out towards them as a warning, then begins to run at a pace across the newly clear space, before taking off. Flapping his powerful wings, he sends a gust of air down over the watching crowd as he gains more and more height. Then suddenly he's gone, disappeared into thin air once again, the girl along with him...
~~~
A nearby guard notices Sumei's quick move to return her weapons to their holsters at her hips. He frowns and taps another guard on the shoulder, speaking to him in a low voice. The other man glances over to Sumei, his expression dark, and the two of them approach.
The vendor swallows, but remains beside Sumei, eyeing both the guards as they reach them, and glare down at the young girl.
“My fellow Council Guard here claims that he saw you looking suspiciously like you were about to make trouble.” The second guard looks stern as he speaks, his brow furrowed. “What have you got to say for yourself?”
Wind rushes through the air as the winged cat takes off, distracting the guards for a moment, as they stare up at it in awe, taking their attention away from Sumei.
~~~
The rock goes off course of it's target, narrowly missing the female Grix as it sails past her head, and plunges into the crowd of bystanders. The Grix though, is still maddened by the attempt. She roars and slams her free fist down on the ground, her mate doing the same, both of them clearly very angry.
The male swings a fist at the boy and the man beside him, hitting the boy full in the chest and sending him flying into the air, landing several feet away. The ground on which he lands is luckily grassy and fairly soft, but it was still quite a way to be thrown.
~~~
The crowd is thick and unwilling to budge, despite the impending danger at hand. Several people frown as the Serpent tries to shove his way through, with the occassional one pushing him back and out of the way of their view.
Suddenly, out of no where, something hard hits him in the back of the head The knock draws slight blood, but he retains consciousness, though he is rather dazed by the occurrence.
~~~
Though the boy missed the female Grix, both of the pair are still angered. The arm of the male swings up and around, missing the taller blonde-haired man, but hitting the boy full on and sending him flying. The rock hurtles into the crowd, thumping into the back of someone's head.
The male Grix roars again, moving towards the blonde man threateningly, it's great height looming over the smaller Serpent as he looks down at him, lips drawn back into a snarl.
~~~
With the winged cat gone, the Guards turn their attention to the two angry Grix. Running at the pair, shouting and brandishing their spears, they try to make them back away and leave. The female, looking fearful for her young, starts to do so, reluctantly moving back and away from the male who remains in a hostile stance advancing upon a man with long blonde hair.
The male Grix looks around at the incoming Guards, then at his frightened mate, as if pondering whether to choose pride over sense...
~~~
PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR YOUR DICE ROLLS BEFORE POSTING!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:19 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei frowns slightly as she watches the soldiers clear a path for the cat beast to take flight. They were going to let the girl and her companion go without a fight. How uneventful.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sumei notices a guard staring at her. He nudges a second guard nearby and whispers to him quickly. Soon they are both staring at her and begin walking over to where she stands.
“Oh great…” she mumbles. All that commotion and they still manage to notice her?
Sumei glares up at the men as they come to a stop directly in front of her, their beady eyes peering down at her in, what she guesses is supposed to be, intimidation. She rolls her eyes as one of the guards speak, accusing her of trouble making and demanding she explain herself.
With a final growl and a mighty gust of air the cat beast takes off, the guards turning to stare at the creature in awe as it climbs into the sky. Sumei is amazed as well, but uses the brief distraction to decide on her course of action. Should she run? She looks around at the crowd. No. There are too many people clustered too closely together. She would not get very far and would be arrested for sure for her attempt to escape.
Time to make snide remarks and lie.
“About to make trouble?” she scoffs. “The trouble was already there,” she says gesturing simultaneously to the winged beast and the girl as they disappear into the sky and the two Grix. “I was just going to do your job for you. You know? Keep the peace and protect the citizens? Though most importantly her,” Sumei nods her head towards the Wolf merchant standing next to her. “How do you expect me to get a dress made if the woman I hired is maimed or dead?”
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 4:41 pm Post subject: |
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"Wha---" Max began when he felt someone knock his arm, just as the rock left his fist. Turning to the stranger, he was about to snap at him, only the stranger spoke first.
"I have a message from the girl about your pet," the tall man said quickly to the boy. He had green tips at the ends of his blonde hair. A Serpent? Then, he heard someone from the crowd screaming at him to run. That was my plan anyway, before it got interrupted!
As soon as the rock sailed past the female's head, she turned towards Max and roared! Both the giants' face contorted into rage and slammed their fists into the ground, causing a light tremor. Max steadied his stance and gripped his dagger tighter. It appeared the rock had done its job anyway!
Thump!
One of the male's long arms caught the boy's chest square in the centre, forcing him to exhale as he flew back a few many feet and landed on a patch of grass. Max could feel the bruising around his ribcage as he jumped back up, the dagger still firm in his grip. It hits just as hard as it looks! Looking ahead, he noticed the male giant moving threateningly towards the interfering Serpent stranger, as the soldiers yelled at them with spears.
The boy dashed around pair and approached them from the side. But he stopped when he noticed the giant looking back at the female, as if pondering whether or not to fight. Suddenly remembering the infant snuggling in the arms of the giant, Max's face softened. What was he doing? Silently, he slipped his dagger back into his belt, concealing it, and waited.
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:24 am Post subject: |
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Lucan stopped as a rock caught him. The blow caused his vision to go for a moment before pain surged through his skull. Warm blood started to leak down the side of his face. His heart started racing as anger built up inside of him. He straightened up and felt Sarpe tighten on his arm, clearly sensing his anger.
"Don't worry, pretty one," he said, scratching the top of her head. "Just a mild wound. Nothing to murder over...but I will make sure that he pays in some way. For now, let's continue away from the beasts."
He stroked her head again before moving slowly through the crowd until he found an empty spot. He then pulled a rag from his skull and put pressure on his wound.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 3:57 pm Post subject: Post 6 |
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I flinch as the rock sails right past the Grix and collides with the Serpent I'd passed earlier's head. 'Oops, sorry man' Looking back to the Grix I step back as the male lashes out. My heart jumps to my throat as the boy catches the blow in the chest. Following his progress a small wave of relief flows through me as he gains his feet quickly. A shadow looms close to me bringing my attention back to the matter at hand and I freeze for a moment as the Grix stalks closer to me. 'Well, other then the kid, no one's got hurt so far. I guess that's a good thing' Swallowing hard I go over my observations from earlier and try to plan my next move.
The soldiers move along side me, flanking me on either side as they try to drive back the upset creature. Seeing my chance I slowly move backward through the men and slide over to where the boy is. Standing at his side while keeping my eyes on the Grix I whisper just loud enough for him to hear, “Well that was a close one. Seeing as you're in one piece I suggest we take out leave of this place before the guard starts rounding up witnesses.” Turning to actually look at him I smile slightly. “Besides, it's rude to keep a young woman waiting, no?”
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:42 pm Post subject: |
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The advancing guards seem to bring the Grix back to it's senses completely, and both the male and the female start to back off. Despite their animalistic nature, they're still aware of the neutrality rules of Greenvale. Looking very put out, the male leads his mate around the soldiers, glaring at them warningly as he does so, and heads towards the Northern Gate.
As the excitement ebbs away, the crowd begins to disperse. Some of the guards form into pairs and march back towards the Council building. Others remain, going around the remaining crowd and stall vendors, asking them questions.
One guard approaches the Vendor who'd offered to help the younger boy before the interaction with the girl...
~~~
The guards turn away from the airborn cat and look back at Sumei with a frown.
“You have far too much of a mouth on you, girl,” the first guard says with a snarl. “You certainly come across as being a trouble maker to me. I think a trip to the Council Chambers might do you some good.”
“Agreed,” the other guard growled, and both began to advance the few feet between them and Sumei.
To her left, there is a distinct gap in the crowd, easily big enough to squeeze through, leading further into the Wolf Market area. The Vendor discreetly taps Sumei, and makes her aware of another opening behind her, leading back towards the centre of the market...
~~~
The Grix leave the vicinity, clearly no longer having any intentions of making any trouble. The crowd starts to mill around once again as the excitement ends, going back to their shopping.
A guard, after talking to the tall Wolf Vendor from earlier, begins to approach the boy from behind, clearly heading straight for him. The shoppers toing and froing across his path hinder him slightly.
Ahead of the boy there is a completely open path through the stalls and shoppers, leading to the centre of the market. To his right there's another smaller gap disappearing amongst the crowd.
~~~
Noticing the stooped figure of the tall Serpent kneeling on the ground a woman approaches with a concerned expression, leaning down to touch him on the shoulder. She's older, around thirty-five, with long, black hair, with a purple streak hanging loose down her back.
“Are you alright?” she asks gently, her eyes widening at the sight of blood on the nape of the man's neck. Her gaze falls upon the snake around his arm, and she gasps, taking a few steps back, looking warily at Sarpe.
“I...I...um...might know where you can get a healing salve for that,” she goes on, keeping her distance. “A...and you should clean it too you know...”
~~~
With the Grix gone and the market going back to normal, the remaining guards milling about the area are easily seen by those being watchful. They're clearly talking to the people who were previously bystanders to the incident of moments before, seeking information.
One finishes talking to a Wolf Vendor, looking around until his eyes fix on the young man who threw the rock at the Grix. The guard begins to approach the boy, slowly threading his way through the mass of shoppers, the boy remaining unaware.
~~~
Most of the guards leave the area quickly, heading back to the Market centre, Rau Kuiku amongst them. The beady eyed Councillor watches the crowd, his brow drawn into a frown as he regards the 'lesser' folk, his cruel features looking as if he'd be happy to just squash the lot of them, like insects.
He speaks low to a guard at his side, who nods and turns, moving around the other guards that remain in the clearing, taking note of the information each of them have gathered so far.
Rau Kuiku moves on, looking up at the sky every now and then, his expression one of malice and greed...
PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR DICE ROLLS BEFORE WRITING YOUR POSTS!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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“You’re so sensitive,” Sumei says, sticking out her tongue. She realizes that mocking them further certainly is not going to help her, but if she is going to get arrested, she is going to have fun with it.
As the two guards advance on her, she notices a gap beginning to grow in the dwindling crowd that leads further into the Wolf Clan market. Should she follow it, she is sure she will eventually get to the gate, and in no time skim the short distance of neutral land outside of the city walls and make it into Boar territory, escaping the Council’s jurisdiction.
Sumei smiles.
It looks like I’ll be running after all…
She is just getting ready to sprint for the opening, when Sumei feels a gentle tap at her side. She tactfully takes a small step back and glances at the Wolf woman who is gesturing behind her at another gap in the crowd that would take Sumei back to where she came from – the market’s center.
It would be a longer path to escape, potentially littered with more guards, but it would also be busier there, meaning she could blend into the crowd easier if she needed to. Plus there would be three separate gates to slip through rather than only the one in the Wolf market.
The guards are inches from grabbing her. There are only seconds left to decide.
Sumei looks at the merchant, giving her an almost imperceptible nod of thanks, before bouncing on the balls of her feet and bolting for the center of the market.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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The male giant eventually left, reluctantly, with the female, towards the Northern gate....
Through the Northern gate! the boy's eyes widened suddenly. Wasn't that where he suggested to meet the girl? It was going to start all over again, unless he warned the girl!
Without wasting any time, he ran into a small gap in the crowd on his right, with the intention of getting to the gate before the giants do.
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:00 pm Post subject: |
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"A cleaning salve would be much appreciated, he said as he looked up to her. He saw her eyes and followed her gaze down to Sarpe. He looked back up to the woman and raised the and not near the snake.
"Sarpe, won't hurt you. Not unless you present a threat or I order her to. Neither is going to happen." He looks at the snake and smiles as he scratches her head. He lowers his arm to the ground and points off to where there is clearly less people.
"In fact, go hunt, Pretty One. Get another rat...but be careful, watch for feet. If your area gets crowded, hide. Clear?"
The snake appeared to nod and slithered off and away to hunt for more food. Lucan rose and looked at the woman. "There, no more scary serpent..." he said.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 7:16 pm Post subject: Post 7 |
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I feel myself relaxing a bit as the Grix backs off. 'Glad that's over' My eyes scan the crowd real quick to determine if there is any more trouble I need to look out for. My eyes lock on Rau Kuiku, the look on his face making my stomach turn. 'Our apologize mister high and mighty for not being as important as you' I look away quickly. My eyes land on the serpent from earlier with the snake on his arm. The blood along the side of his face makes me wince. 'Hope I didn't do that'
My gaze drifts sideways and I notice a guard approaching, hit eyes locked on the young man at my side. Just as I am about to warn his the boy takes off towards North Gate. It takes a few moments for it to click that north is the same direction the Grix had headed. Mentally smacking myself for not getting a hold of the boy when I had the chance, or perhaps even made sure he heard me, I take off after him. Afraid to raise my voice and draw attention to us I instead slink after him as fast as I can, reaching out to grab his arm when I get close enough.
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 3:32 am Post subject: |
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The path through to the centre of the market is open, and Sumei is able to pass through unhindered, though a few of the other visitors and vendors frown at her curiously as she moves past them. The Market centre isn't far away, and is soon within view. There are a few guards still milling around or leaning against the outer walls of the Council Chambers. None of them have been alerted to Sumei yet, but the guards chasing her are closing in, causing the threat to rise.
The path to the Boar market is bustling to the point that it's hard to see a way through. That could work in ones favour, but it could also be the opposite too, should one get trapped in the crowd. The crowd is thinner to the Southern market and the Serpent market, with plenty of gaps showing through the crowd. It'll be easier to make a speedy escape, but also aids the guards in following.
A man stands close to the great midnight-blue marble leopard that marks the start of the Southern market, once the market to the lost Leopard Clan. He's of medium height and his face is almost hidden by the deep hood of a long cloak, the folds of which are draped around him, concealing his person. All that can be seen is a sliver of pale skin and black beard along his right jaw, with strands of matted black locks hanging down to his chest. The folds of the cloak move aside as a hand is extended towards Sumei, beckoning her towards him.
~~~
The crowd from before has dwindled considerably, leaving the path to the Northern Gate reasonably clear of hindrances for the boy, but also of concealing areas. The Grix can be seen in the distance, their towering height causing them to protrude high above the heads of everyone else at the market. They are very close to the gates and will soon be gone.
Fingers close about the boy's arm, halting him long enough for the Grix to pass through the gates and disappear. Upon turning the guard chasing him is suddenly brought into existence. The armoured man is still some distance away, but clearly heading for the boy and the taller man that grabbed him.
There is a gap in the crowd to the right, leading past the vendor that helped the boy before, and another to the left, though the crowd there is slightly thicker. The path to the Northern Gate is also still open. The Guard continues to close in, his face stern and determined.
~~~
The woman watches the snake slither away, stepping back slightly, looking nervous. At the Serpent man's words, she glances up at him, and smiles slightly sheepishly.
“I apologise,” she says quietly. “My father was killed by a snake when I was a child. I saw it happen and since then I've had a slight...phobia of them. Anyway, come with me, and I'll fix that wound of yours.”
She slips a hand around his arm and leads him a short distance away to where she has a stall, with an all manner of concoctions in glass jars and bottles, with the combination of scents creating a spicey, herbaceous fragrance, which isn't unpleasant. She makes him sit down on a sturdy wooden stool, then takes a cloth moistened with water to the back of his skull, gently cleaning away any dirt and grit along with the blood. She then takes up a jar filled with a dark green poultice, scooping a small amount and smoothing it over the cut.
“Luckily it doesn't need sewing up,” she says, as she finishes and wipes her fingers on a cloth. She points to the jar containing the healing poultice. “This isn't one of my own, I'm loathe to admit. If I were you, I'd head down to the Southern Market and speak to a man called Trillo. It was he that I purchased this from. Just be sure he doesn't try to con you out of more than it's worth, okay?” She winks at him.
A slight commotion breaks out to the right, though not a loud one and most passers by take little notice. The boy from earlier shoots past, heading for the Northern Gates and the recently vacated Grix, the taller Serpent with long blonde hair following at a pace.
~~~
The boy is caught before he reaches the Northern Gate and the retreating Grix, and the latter can be seen disappearing out of the gate and away. The guard still follows, clearly determined that he's going to catch the boy and possibly the man with him now too, considering that they appear to know each other.
There are escape routes to the left, right and front. Given his taller height, the Serpent can see that the route to the right provides a clear path for some distance, leading around past a bunch of stalls and around towards the Market centre. The path to the left is far more enclosed, but it should allow them through, though at a less speedy pace.
~~~
The Northern Gate
Entering from the North, one is immediately confronted with a pair of adult Grix, with the female carrying a single young. Both adults look irritable and are likely best avoided at all costs. Once they pass and one enters the market, it's found to be fairly busy, though not to a huge degree. There is a slight air of tension about the area, but it's quickly dwindling.
The stall vendors here are clearly of the Wolf Clan, their golden-hued skin and purple streaked hair marking them. The shoppers consist of a mixture of the Clans, though most are of the Wolf and Boar clans. Closest to the gate are many stalls selling food stuff. Fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, both cooked and raw are available and filling the area with their scent. Above the smell of cooking food, there is an undertone of herbs and spices, speaking tales of incense and herbal remedies further into the market.
Eastern Gate
Here the crowds are thickest. Upon entering, one is met with a mass of Boars, all bulshy and imposing. Men beset with hugely muscled arms and torsos mill around, while tough looking females stubbornly prevent their generally smaller size from getting them what they want.
A great weapons stall to the left is teaming with customers, the huge male acting as vendor showing off his wares as asked. Anything and everything one can imagine in the way of weapons can be seen here. There is a pungently scented fish stall to the right, the thoroughly depleted carcass of a huge swordfish taking centre stage on the counter.
All around there is the smell of cooking meat mingled with that of bread and livestock. The clash of metal and the roar of the vendors advertising their wares is almost deafening.
Western Gate
As the morning has progressed, the Serpent market has become a little busier, though it still remains fairly quiet. The vendors wait behind their stalls for customers to come up and question them about their wares, remaining ever watchful in the meantime.
The whole area is filled with the smell of potions, salves, poultices and concoctions, giving the air a distinctly herbaceous, medicinal scent. There are other stalls selling handmade wares, such as glassware and pottery, along with some very well crafted jewellery made from silver, gold and gems.
Southern Gate
The Southern market remains the least populated area, both in the way of stalls and shoppers, though like the Serpent market, both have increased over the duration of the morning. Several more stall have popped up, the vendors consisting mostly of unsavoury characters, who don't seem to belong anywhere. The group of witches still stand vigil behind their stall, looking daunting to all but the bravest customers. The stall marked 'Trillo's' still stands empty of it's vendor...or at least it appears so from the outside...
Along with a meat stall and another selling strange, exotic looking fruits, there is another selling filled pocket bread. There are an array of fillings, including cooked meats, fish, and a selection of cheeses and dressings, along with leafy salads. The smell wafting into the air around it is quite alluring.
~~~
PLEASE CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR YOUR DICE ROLL RESULTS BEFORE POSTING!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 1:49 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei skirts easily through the crowd, weaving by the market-goers and merchants that peer at her curiously as she passes. When she reaches the Council Chambers in the center of the market, she shoots to the west, slowing slightly by the Boar Clan statue to investigate the Boar market. As she expects, it is busy. Tall muscular bodies jostle for position – there is no way she can fit through the mass of people quickly enough, even as short as she is.
She chances a glance behind her. The guards, armor clanging and glinting in the sun, are still trailing her doggedly and are rapidly closing the gap between them and her. With a burst of speed she continues onwards, turning towards the south.
As she runs, she notices a cloaked man standing by the marbled blue statue that represents the long gone Leopard Clan. He holds out a hand, gesturing her to come towards him. Sumei raises her eyebrow skeptically, but, upon not sensing anything particularly sinister about the man despite his covered visage, makes a hasty bee-line for him.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:16 pm Post subject: |
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The giants are nearly at the gate! Without warning, a hand gripped Max's arm from behind. The boy spun around and reached for his dagger with his other hand, ready to attack. When he saw what was attached to the hand, he realised in irritation it was the same Serpent who interfered with him earlier!
He looked up at the taller man fully intending to snap at him, but then he remembered what the Serpent had said to him at the very beginning. Something about a message from the girl, about his 'pet'. He must have meant the boar piglet! He was about to ask about it, when he suddenly noticed an armoured guard at some distance behind the taller man approaching them. From the expression of the guard, Max knew he was after them.
Dammit! He had no time for this --- the giants had already arrived at the North Gate! And yet, he couldn't lead the guard to the girl, since that could complicate things, again. There was no choice...he had to shake the guard first!
With the Serpent's hand still on his arm, he pulled the taller man with him towards the opening on his right, where they can move through the market quickly. "What was her message? You can tell me as we move!"
_________________
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 11:11 am Post subject: |
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Lucan's eyes catch the boy and serpent and he has the overwhelming urge to give chase but he stops himself. Not yet. No. He would find and approach him when the time was right. He looked to the woman who was helping him and smiled as she winked at him.
"Its not exactly easy to con a Serpent," he said. "Perhaps you would care to accompany me? My pet is busy hunting and my senses are still slightly scattered, I could do with the company. If not, I completely understand."
He reached down and pulled out his emerald. "Either way, I must insist that you accept this as payment for your assistance and for any trauma seeing my pet has caused you."
After setting down the stone he pulled a vial from his pocket and poured its contents on the bottom of his feet. It was a simple concoction he had created to assist Sarpe in tracking him in large crowds whenever they got separated. She might need it, since he had every intention on heading to the South Gate.
_________________
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 12:18 am Post subject: Post 8 |
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I let the youth pull me along for a bit while I gather my thoughts. Craning my neck over the crowd the flash of that gold armor not too far off makes my stomach tighten. 'Well I'll give this to the kid, he can haul arse when he needs to' My steps stay even with his despite our height difference. I can't help but grin as the word 'Scurry' pops into my head. Leaning down so I don't have to yell over the slowly rising din of the crowd as it returns to it's normal level of noise for this time of day I choose my words carefully.
“That was very brave what you did, and I commend you for your courage, however I must say that it was beyond reckless.” My tongue darts out to moisten my dry and now slightly dusty lips before continuing. “Perhaps with some practice in patience you'll be a better “Hero” some day.” I can't help but chuckle. “But for now, let's take lesson one in escaping: Going in the right direction.” Reaching out I turn the boys shoulders a bit so we can head towards the market center and beyond to the rendezvous point at the south gate. “The girl told me to bring you to the South Gate instead of the North one.” I grin slightly. “She also told me to bring you in one piece, but if that blow from the Grix is any indication, keeping you in one piece shouldn't be too hard.”
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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It's reached midday in Greenvale, and the market areas start to calm a little, though the vendors remain vigilant at their posts, ready for the odd shopper to show interest. A loud clashing noise from a huge metal bell situated above the Council Building signals the start of the lunch period.
The Market Centre, contrasting to earlier in the morning, has died down to a low buzz. And array of tables and chairs have been brought out of seemingly nowhere and scattered around the area. Hungry and slightly footsore shoppers are beginning to fill the empty seats, settling down to eat their freshly bought wares and to gossip with friends and acquaintances alike. Vendors selling ready to eat foods and drinks mill around, offering their wares to those who want them.
The odd guard still remains from before, most of them lazily slouching against the walls of the Council Building, talking amongst themselves...
~~~
The man continues to beckon Sumei is she draws the gap between them. Just the lower half of his face remains visible, showing a small smile upon his thin lips, though it's not easy to establish the nature of the smile, due to his eyes being covered in the shadow of his hood.
“You appear to be in some trouble, my pretty,” he says is a thin, raspy voice, like the scrape of stone on stone. “Allow me to help you...”
Without warning or opportunity to resist, he throws out an arm, palm facing towards Sumei's forehead. Around the pair, people continue to shop and stand around in groups gossiping and laughing...as though they're unable to see what's happening. The guards appear to look around for a few moments, as if puzzling where their quarry has vanished to, then head off into the depths of the Boar Market, clearly assuming that's where the Boar girl must have gone to.
“There child,” the man continues, his smile more pronounced and his grating voice taking on an air of smugness. “The nasty guard can't see you now...no one can...except Trillo.” He laughs softly, an unnerving sound. “Now, how about you come with me, so you can repay me for my efforts...”
It isn't posed as a question, and with a swift movement, the palm is lowered, and the arm slips around Sumei's waist, leading her calmly and quietly into the Southern area of the market.
~~~
Passing by the Wolf vendor from before, the man is far too busy selling his wares to notice the boy and his taller Serpent companion pass by. Even as the pair move along, the crowd is starting to head towards the centre of town, a loud clanging noise stating the reason – lunchtime.
The guard is still in sight, his gold armour glinting in the midday sun. He's still a way behind his quarry, but remains seemingly determined to catch up with them.
Upon reaching the Market Centre, the activity has changed to a hum of a hundred voices all talking together. People are seated for lunch, and no longer provide a proper cover for anyone passing through. A clear, unblocked path shows through to each market area. It would be easy to traverse and quick to get to one's destination. However, the Boar Market is directly to the right, and some people remain shopping there while it's a little quieter. They would provide a little more cover and a chance to lose the guard possibly. But it would take longer...
~~~
The woman clearly ponders over the question as to whether she'll go with the Serpent to the Southern Market. Her eyes widen at the sight of the emerald he hands out to her, and places it on the counter. She looks down at it for a moment, then glances at him, her expression a little disbelieving, as if expecting him to take it back. Then she reaches out tentatively and picks up the stone, holding it in her palm and looking down at it's beautiful, faceted surfaces with awe and delight. The action of the Serpent pouring some kind of concoction on the bottom of his feet grabs her attention for a moment, a curious frown playing about her forehead.
“Thank you...” she says finally, glancing back at him again, looking slightly bashful. “As for whether I will go with you...I suppose I should at least make sure you find Trillo's okay...just in case a late bout of disorientation sets in after you leave.”
She starts to walk off, leading the way to the Market Centre.
“My name is Fallow, by the way,” she says, glancing at a stall selling beautifully carved metal and wood wind-chimes at the very edges of the Wolf Market, before stepping out into the Market Centre.
~~~
Passing by the Wolf vendor seen talking the the guard earlier, the man is far too busy selling his wares to notice the tall Serpent and the boy passing by. Even as the pair move along, the crowd is starting to head towards the centre of town, a loud clanging noise stating the reason – lunchtime.
The guard is still in sight, his gold armour glinting in the midday sun. He's still a way behind his quarry, but remains seemingly determined to catch up with them.
Upon reaching the Market Centre, the activity has changed to a hum of a hundred voices all talking together. People are seated for lunch, and no longer provide a proper cover for anyone passing through. A clear, unblocked path shows through to each market area. It would be easy to traverse and quick to get to one's destination. However, the Boar Market is directly to the right, and some people remain shopping there while it's a little quieter. They would provide a little more cover and a chance to lose the guard possibly. But it would take longer...
~~~
The Northern Gate
Approaching the Northern gate, one is immediately confronted with a pair of adult Grix, with the female carrying a single young. Both adults look irritable and are likely best avoided at all costs. Once they pass and one enters the market, it's found to be fairly busy, though not to a huge degree, and it's becoming less all the time. There is a slight air of tension about the area, but it's quickly dwindling.
The stall vendors here are clearly of the Wolf Clan, their golden-hued skin and purple streaked hair marking them. The shoppers consist of a mixture of the Clans, though most are of the Wolf and Boar clans. Closest to the gate are many stalls selling food stuff. Fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, both cooked and raw are available and filling the area with their scent. Above the smell of cooking food, there is an undertone of herbs and spices, speaking tales of incense and herbal remedies further into the market.
A loud clanging marks the lunch period, making it instantly apparent why the crowds are depleting so.
Eastern Gate
Here the crowds are thickest. Upon entering, one is met with a mass of Boars, all bulshy and imposing. Men beset with hugely muscled arms and torsos mill around, while tough looking females stubbornly prevent their generally smaller size from getting them what they want.
A great weapons stall to the left is teaming with customers, the huge male acting as vendor showing off his wares as asked. Anything and everything one can imagine in the way of weapons can be seen here. There is a pungently scented fish stall to the right, the thoroughly depleted carcass of a huge swordfish taking centre stage on the counter.
All around there is the smell of cooking meat mingled with that of bread and livestock. The clash of metal and the roar of the vendors advertising their wares is almost deafening.
The crowds begin to move off towards the centre, though a fair few remain, taking advantage of the market being less busy to get their shopping done. A loud gong is sounded from atop the Council Building, marking the lunch period.
Western Gate
As the morning has progressed, the Serpent market has become a little busier, though it still remains fairly quiet. The vendors wait behind their stalls for customers to come up and question them about their wares, remaining ever watchful in the meantime.
The whole area is filled with the smell of potions, salves, poultices and concoctions, giving the air a distinctly herbaceous, medicinal scent. There are other stalls selling handmade wares, such as glassware and pottery, along with some very well crafted jewellery made from silver, gold and gems.
At the clang of a loud gong being sounded, most of the sparse crowd begins to move off towards the Market Centre to get something to eat and drink now that the lunch period has been officially sounded.
Southern Gate
The Southern market remains the least populated area, both in the way of stalls and shoppers, though like the Serpent market, both have increased over the duration of the morning. Several more stall have popped up, the vendors consisting mostly of unsavoury characters, who don't seem to belong anywhere. The group of witches still stand vigil behind their stall, looking daunting to all but the bravest customers. The stall marked 'Trillo's' still stands empty of it's vendor...or at least it appears so from the outside...
Along with a meat stall and another selling strange, exotic looking fruits, there is another selling filled pocket bread. There are an array of fillings, including cooked meats, fish, and a selection of cheeses and dressings, along with leafy salads. The smell wafting into the air around it is quite alluring.
At the sound of the lunchtime gong, a few of the shoppers leave, though many remain. They're seedy, unsavoury looking characters who clearly don't enjoy being in the company of large amounts of people, especially those from the Clans, who might look upon them with scorn. The witches remain unmoved, still in their unsettling huddle within their stall.
~~~
Yuri paces the clearing a little inside the thick woodland that marks the boundaries of what was once the Leopard Clan-lands, the boy's pack still on her back. Every now and then, she peeks through the gaps between the trees and bushes, looking towards the Southern Gate to see if she can spot the boy coming, before starting to pace again when she sees that they're not. Shasta lies at the opposite side of the clearing, furthest from the market, watching the girl. Every now and then she shoots a glance at him and he has the good grace to at least look slightly ashamed.
“You know what could have happened, don't you?” Yuri says to him, not halting in her constant movement back and forth across the clearing. “They could have caught you, Shasta...or killed you. And I'd have been powerless to stop them.”
The winged cat growls in a low, slightly objectory tone, and Yuri frowns.
“You can think what you like. Those soldiers could have hurt you, my friend. And they wouldn't have given a care to killing me while I tried to protect you...which I would have done, for the record...”
She looks a little emotional at this point, as if hurt by the mere thought of something happening to her friend...her only friend. Shasta watches her for a moment, before looking down at the ground thoughtfully. He gets to his feet, padding softly across the clearing towards her. Upon reaching her, he bumps his head gently against her cheek. Yuri stops pacing and lifts her arms to entwine them around the giant cat's neck.
“It's only because I love you, you know...” she says by way of explanation for her scolding. “I can't lose you, Shasta...”
Remaining so for a few moments, Yuri eventually pulls back, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. She smiles at the big cat, who purrs in response. She gestures towards Greenvale.
“I'm just going to check inside the gate to see if he's coming,” she says. “You stay here, okay? I won't be long.”
Pack still intact, Yuri slips through the tree trunks and pout onto the road beyond that marks the start of the neutral zone. After a quick look around to see if anyone's nearby, she moves over to the gate and peeks through, looking around for the boy.
~~~
I'm sure you've noticed that Sagi's and Pope's sections are virtually identical. It seemed to make sense that they be so, but also manages to keep confusion about the order of play at bay. The order will remain as it has been.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR DICE ROLLS IN THE DISCUSSION THREAD BEFORE POSTING!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 6:46 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei comes to a halt next to the man, staring at him skeptically, yet expectantly, when he offers his help.
“What help can-?“ she begins, but is cut off as the man thrusts his hand, palm out, towards her forehead. Sumei starts at the sudden movement, expecting to be smacked between the eyes, but instead feels a pinprick of heat, the strange warmth spreading over her head and trickling down the rest of her body. As quick as it came, the feeling is gone, and Sumei wonders if the sensation was just a figment of her imagination.
She is about to question the man’s rather ludicrous action, when out of the corner of her eye she notices the guards pause at the Boar statue. They peer around the crowd for a few moments, clearly puzzled, before making their way into the depths of her clan’s market area.
Sumei is mystified by this. If she can see them, then they can most likely see her in return. Why did they turn away? Did the cloaked man somehow cast a spell on the guards? Did he make them see her form running through the Boar Market when she was not really there? She had heard of individuals who could do such things, but had never met one.
She registers that the man is speaking to her again – that he says something about being the only one able to see her – and, ignoring the slight feeling of foreboding she gets when he laughs, goes to thank him for his help, but cannot. She tries again and finds that she cannot open her mouth at all. She goes to reach for her mouth, to see what could be keeping her from speaking, but she cannot move her arm, her hand, or her fingers. She tries to look down, but cannot move her head either.
It takes mere moments for full realization to hit her. She could not speak, she could not move, no one could see her – the man did not cast a spell on the guards, he had cast one on her.
As the man, Trillo, continues, Sumei cannot help but get angrier. She wants to hurt him for tricking her into such a situation. She dislikes the way he speaks of repayment for helping her. She dislikes it even more when he puts his arm around her waist and begins to lead her away. She knows she has no control over her movements, but she concentrates on trying to lift her hand to swat at his arm anyway. After a few seconds of failed attempts, which only serve to frustrate her, she settles on imagining the most creative way to kill him later, her murderous thoughts making the unwilling walk through the Southern Market slightly more tolerable.
With a sparse crowd milling around the market it does not take the pair long to reach the gate, and soon they cross the threshold into the land beyond Greenvale. There are a few stalls spread out here in the open space, but the one Trillo steers her towards is a lavishly painted caravan with his name in bold lettering upon the side, a black horse standing at its front. There are many wares displayed on the flip-down counter, but they seem untouched, and the air around the caravan is still and ominous.
If Sumei could frown, she would. She did not like this one bit.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 4:18 am Post subject: |
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Max's jaw tightened as the tall Serpent spoke while they were weaving in and out between people. He was used to condescension of all sorts, especially when it came to his 'staggering height', or 'herculean strength'. But to be told he was 'impatient', that one he wasn't used to. In his mind, he had done the right thing. He had provided a diversion --- even though in the end it wasn't needed ---- while everyone else was too busy gaping at the spectacle, waiting for another to take action. After all, no one else seemed particularly interested in stopping a battle between the winged cat and...whatever.
When the taller man grabbed his shoulder and turned him towards a different direction, he suppressed a witty remark normally reserved for the stupid boys in his village. Unlike them, the tall Serpent seemed to have meant well, if his warm attitude was any indication. Even if the man shared their superiority-complex.
As they hurried past a familiar stall, the young boy glanced at the Wolf vendor from the corner of his eye. Earlier, Max had wanted to ask the kindly man if he knew anyone who could fix up the boar piglet's leg. If only he wasn't being pursued by some over-motivated city guard, then he could have tried again. Sighing a little, the boy hoped the piglet didn't mind putting up with his very crude bandage a bit longer.
What's this loud clanging sound about? Max was starting to notice a pattern in the movement of the crowd. Everyone seemed to be migrating towards the market centre, all at once. Suddenly, the young boy found himself standing above the crowd, since many were seated around him. They're all eating at the same time? That's what the clanging's about? Lunch? With everyone being seated, the boy realised they had no way of losing the guard in golden armour if they continued on towards the Southern Gate.
Blaming his tall Serpent companion for his predicament, he pulled the man towards the East Market. "Don't look, but he's still following us," he hissed under his breath. If there was anything good about being short, it was that he never had to worry about being followed for long.
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 4:58 am Post subject: |
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"Lucan," he said as she introduced herself. "and my serpentine companion is Sarpe. Pleasure to meet you." His eyes glanced over to the chimes They were beautiful even by his standards, which at time could be questionable.
In the southern market, his eyes drifted back to Fallow. "So, how long have you had a shop set up in the city?" he asked, genuinely curious about the woman who assisted him.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:25 am Post subject: Post 9 |
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The boy keeps up with me as we flee through the market. As we approach the market center out of the corner of my eye I spot the Serpent who got clocked with the rock heading the same way we are. 'Oh dear. I hope he doesn't spot us. We can't afford the distraction right now I duck lower just as we reach the center market. The sounding of a gong makes my stomach drop. 'Crap, lunch time. There goes most of our cover' My head whips around as my fears are confirmed. Glancing back I can barely see the guard making his way towards us, but he most defiantly is still in pursuit.
My head snaps around as my companion speaks. “I can see that.” I murmur, lowering myself again as we take of into the boar market. The smell of fish and body odor assaults my nose as we run. I'm so use to being above much of the smells permeating the area that lower elevation makes my stomach a bit uneasy. Pushing the feeling back I look about for somewhere to hide. All the stalls in the area are rather large, so I suppose hiding behind one could work. . . .But then an idea strikes me. “Hey, I have a thought.” I whisper loud enough for the young man to hear.
Making sure to keep pace with him I lay out my idea. “She just wants us to meet at the southern gate. With lunch going on, getting out of the eastern gate should be rather easy.” We pass by a fish cart which makes me pause for a moment as the smell makes my eyes water. Taking a deep breath I go on. “If we can get out the gate and turn strait for the South Gate we should be able to make it around the curve before the guard reaches the gate. And even if we aren't out of sight by then, all we have to do is head a little ways into the woods south of the market. No guard in his right mind would follow us there. They're a superstitious bunch from what I've seen.” My mind wanders back to a time I'd left Symar behind to do a bit of lone wandering for a day. We had been close to the market, and out of sheer curiosity I had made my way tot he forest's edge. There had been nothing really sinister about it or dangerous in my opinion.
'And that girl wants to meet there. . . .' The cogs slowly begin to turn in my mind. 'She's frightened and just had a bad encounter. Most people would retreat to somewhere they felt at ease and safe. With all the bad mojo rumored around the southern lands, that would be the last place most people would want to head' My brows furrow. 'But then again, she's not most people. That companion of her is not something I've ever read about, or even heard about A smile sneaks on to my face. 'She feels safe in the south. I guess that explains quite a lot. This gets more and more interesting by the minute Almost laughing I dart past another food stall still traveling with my unlikely companion. 'I am so glad we came to market today'
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 3:35 pm Post subject: |
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Yuri steps cautiously out of the treeline, looking right and left to make sure that no one is coming before doing so. Once she's convinced the coast is clear, she steps quickly and lightly across to the Southern Gate of Greenvale and skirts just inside the entrance. Looking around, she sees that the crowds have thinned significantly, though she's not surprised, given the clang of the lunch gong sounded mere moments previously. A glance to her left tells her that the witches remain in place, unnervingly silent and still in their constant vigil. Despite herself, Yuri swallows lightly. Her father warned her of witches during life, telling her only a fool is unwary of them. She wholeheartedly agreed.
Suddenly, she skitters behind a nearby tree, as a familiar figure approaches. Peeking around the trunk, she frowns at the sight of Trillo, then her eyes lock on the girl beside him. His arm is threaded about her waist, guiding her along. Though the girl looks to be following his lead willingly, Yuri knows far too much of Trillo's unsavoury practices to trust her eyes, and decides to keep watch on the situation...just in case...
~~~
”I think we can let you back onto the world of the visible now...seeing as we're safely away from those guards. I don't think either of us want to be seen by them now, do we?”
Trillo smiles darkly, the action just visible below the shadow of his hood. He can feel the hate and frustration burning from the girl beside him, and he finds it highly amusing. As they near the caravan that he calls both home and place of business, he opens a hatch on the side, lowering down a set of steps leading inside.
“There we go, my pretty,” he says, his lips close to Sumei's ear as he spoke, brushing against her earlobe in a manner far too close for comfort.
He pushes her up the steps before him, and into the dark within the caravan's belly. There is a table in the far corner on the right, the plate and a silver knife and fork from Trillo's last meal left upon it unwashed. A broom sits in the left corner, next to the bed. Once inside, he pulls the steps up behind him, enclosing them in the darkness. There is a hissing sound, as he lights a small oil lamp hanging from the ceiling, bathing the room in a faint glow. He manoeuvres Sumei over to the unmade bed along the one wall and seats her upon it. Then stands looking down at her thoughtfully.
“Now, what's Trillo to do with you, my pretty?” he says, more to himself than to Sumei herself. “Generally I would merely drain you and be done with it...the witches across the way are always interested in the blood of mortal maidens and pay handsomely.”
He smiles again, the action disturbing given the subject matter.
“But then, the prizes aren't usually as...comely as you, shall we say? And a Boar besides...all that fire and brimstone burning within you...” The dark eyes within the hood look Sumei up and down. “I'm very much tempted to take to the pleasures of the flesh before seeking financial gain...What say you to that, pretty one? Not that you opinion will matter, neither shall I hear it...but I can feel it.”
~~~
As the Serpent and the boy make their way through the Boar Market, vendors and shoppers alike watch their passage as they squeeze their way through the throng, many of them frowning at the pursuing guard. Most of the Clans-men don't trust the council or any connected to it, and would far prefer to cast their lot with any other, even if the Clan isn't their own.
One particularly large Boar watches the two pass by, then 'accidentally' gets in the way of the guard, blocking the path fully with his muscular bulk.
“Oh I am sorry, sir...did you want to pass by?” he asks, his tone seemingly genuine in it's apologetic tone, and yet he doesn't move. Many of the surrounding crowd snigger or outright laugh at his antics.
“Gah! Get out of the way you fool!” The guard bristles with anger and tries to shove the other man out of his path. Eventually the Boar moves, but he's given the runaways a significant amount of time to place distance between themselves and the guard.
While all of this is going on, there is time to note the potential paths. The path to the gate is wholly clear, and the passage beyond looks to be much the same, save for the odd straggler on the road. It is possible to get through the crowd and somehow circle back around to the market centre however, but it will take considerably more time...
~~~
“Well, it seems like forever,” Fallow replies, with a slight chuckle. “I took over the stall from my mother when she died. She caught the blue fever...ten years or more ago now.” She glanced at Lucan. “Since then it's been mine.”
They start to draw nearer to the very edges of the market, close to the walls, when Fallow stops in her tracks, frowning. She silently points to a colourful caravan a short distance away. From the bold lettering across the side reading 'Trillo's', there can be no doubt that Lucan and his companion have reached their destination. A man stands beside the caravan, pulling down a set of steps leading inside, a young Boar girl at his side. The girl makes no moves to resist, Fallow is clearly distressed.
“I'd bet my livelihood that girl isn't there by choice...” she says quietly, wringing her hands as she wonders what should be done. Trillo has now led the girl inside and the hatch closes behind him with a heavy snap. “Should we run to alert the guards?”
~~~
As the Serpent and the boy make their way through the Boar Market, vendors and shoppers alike watch their passage as they squeeze their way through the throng, many of them frowning at the pursuing guard. Most of the Clans-men don't trust the council or any connected to it, and would far prefer to cast their lot with any other, even if the Clan isn't their own.
One particularly large Boar watches the two pass by, then 'accidentally' gets in the way of the guard, blocking the path fully with his muscular bulk.
“Oh I am sorry, sir...did you want to pass by?” he asks, his tone seemingly genuine in it's apologetic tone, and yet he doesn't move. Many of the surrounding crowd snigger or outright laugh at his antics.
“Gah! Get out of the way you fool!” The guard bristles with anger and tries to shove the other man out of his path. Eventually the Boar moves, but he's given the runaways a significant amount of time to place distance between themselves and the guard.
While all of this is going on, there is time to note the potential paths. The path to the gate is wholly clear, and the passage beyond looks to be much the same, save for the odd straggler on the road. It is possible to get through the crowd and somehow circle back around to the market centre however, but it will take considerably more time...
~~~
The Northern Gate
Approaching the Northern gate, one is immediately confronted with a pair of adult Grix, with the female carrying a single young. Both adults look irritable and are likely best avoided at all costs. Once they pass and one enters the market, it's found to be fairly busy, though not to a huge degree, and it's becoming less all the time. There is a slight air of tension about the area, but it's quickly dwindling.
The stall vendors here are clearly of the Wolf Clan, their golden-hued skin and purple streaked hair marking them. The shoppers consist of a mixture of the Clans, though most are of the Wolf and Boar clans. Closest to the gate are many stalls selling food stuff. Fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, both cooked and raw are available and filling the area with their scent. Above the smell of cooking food, there is an undertone of herbs and spices, speaking tales of incense and herbal remedies further into the market.
A loud clanging marks the lunch period, making it instantly apparent why the crowds are depleting so.
Eastern Gate
Here the crowds are thickest. Upon entering, one is met with a mass of Boars, all bulshy and imposing. Men beset with hugely muscled arms and torsos mill around, while tough looking females stubbornly prevent their generally smaller size from getting them what they want.
A great weapons stall to the left is teaming with customers, the huge male acting as vendor showing off his wares as asked. Anything and everything one can imagine in the way of weapons can be seen here. There is a pungently scented fish stall to the right, the thoroughly depleted carcass of a huge swordfish taking centre stage on the counter.
All around there is the smell of cooking meat mingled with that of bread and livestock. The clash of metal and the roar of the vendors advertising their wares is almost deafening.
The crowds begin to move off towards the centre, though a fair few remain, taking advantage of the market being less busy to get their shopping done. A loud gong is sounded from atop the Council Building, marking the lunch period.
A loud kerfuffle breaks out as a large Boar male gets in the way of a guard, who appears to be pursuing a young boy who's Clan is unidentifiable, and a tall Serpent. The other shoppers and vendor in the vicinity laugh as the guard gets more and more annoyed that his path has been blocked, while his quarry skitter further and further away.
Western Gate
As the morning has progressed, the Serpent market has become a little busier, though it still remains fairly quiet. The vendors wait behind their stalls for customers to come up and question them about their wares, remaining ever watchful in the meantime.
The whole area is filled with the smell of potions, salves, poultices and concoctions, giving the air a distinctly herbaceous, medicinal scent. There are other stalls selling handmade wares, such as glassware and pottery, along with some very well crafted jewellery made from silver, gold and gems.
At the clang of a loud gong being sounded, most of the sparse crowd begins to move off towards the Market Centre to get something to eat and drink now that the lunch period has been officially sounded.
Southern Gate
The Southern market remains the least populated area, both in the way of stalls and shoppers, though like the Serpent market, both have increased over the duration of the morning. Several more stall have popped up, the vendors consisting mostly of unsavoury characters, who don't seem to belong anywhere. The group of witches still stand vigil behind their stall, looking daunting to all but the bravest customers. The stall marked 'Trillo's' still stands empty of it's vendor...or at least it appears so from the outside...
Along with a meat stall and another selling strange, exotic looking fruits, there is another selling filled pocket bread. There are an array of fillings, including cooked meats, fish, and a selection of cheeses and dressings, along with leafy salads. The smell wafting into the air around it is quite alluring.
A man comes wandering across the market, his arm around a young lady – a Boar. All appears well from the outside, the girl seemingly willing to go along with him. He approaches the stall labelled 'Trillo's' and enters a caravan situated behind it, pushing the girl before him and closing the hatch behind him, enclosing them inside...
~~~
Yuri watches as the girl and Trillo disappear inside the caravan, with mixed desires. On one hand, she and Shasta have already made enough of a scene earlier in the day and she really doesn't need any more trouble. On the other...she knows better than most what a conniving little bastard Trillo can be and dreads to think what he might have planned for the girl. Due to experience as well as sense, she also knows to be wary of the strange little man...
With a sigh, Yuri removes the pack from her back, opening it to check the contents. The little boar piglet looks up at her, it's gentle expression almost questioning.
“You be good for a moment, okay?” Yuri says to it gently. She closes the pack, securing the straps, then looks around and spots a tree branch, thick and sturdy, just a few feet above her. Nimbly she climbs the tree and hangs the pack there, before dropping back to the ground softly. She nods as she looks up, convinced that no one will catch sight of the pack in it's hiding place, before pulling her scarf more firmly around her visage and walking cautiously over to the caravan...
~~~
As with the last time, Sagi and Pope's posts are the same but still laid out to save confusion about the order of posting.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR YOUR ROLLS BEFORE YOU POST!
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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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 4:05 pm Post subject: |
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I would rather be surrounded by Rau Kuiku and every guard in Greenvale than spend time with the likes of you she thinks, wrinkling her nose. As they continue to walk something nags at the back of Sumei’s mind and she is led almost completely to the caravan before it dawns on her.
She had moved her nose!
She concentrates and wrinkles her nose again. The movement is slow – it takes a while before her thought translates into action – but it is movement nonetheless.
Inwardly smiling, she focuses on flexing her fingers. This action, much like with her nose, is slow, like she is fighting against a strong, unrelenting current. She glances towards Trillo to see if he notices her returning awareness. The smug smirk on his face tells her that he is too proud of his catch to notice that his spell might be wearing off so soon.
When they reach the caravan and Trillo opens the hatch leading inside all of the confidence she has gained because of her impending recovery is slowly replaced by panic.
Hell no! her mind protests, but her still sluggish body does not comply with her instincts to run. Cursing the fact that she cannot yet move with the quick, definite purpose she needs, she casts her gaze around, hoping that there is someone nearby who sees her predicament and will come to help.
She spies a shadow moving behind a nearby tree, and, upon closer inspection, is surprised to find that it is the girl from the market. She fleetingly wonders where the winged cat is, but mentally shakes her head – there is a more important matter at hand, namely getting away from Trillo. She is about to signal the girl with her hand when she is distracted by Trillo’s voice. His breath is hot in her ear and his lips brush against her skin, making her shudder. With a great amount of willpower she is able to push her revulsion to the back of her mind, but before she can return to getting the girl’s attention, Trillo guides her up the steps into the caravan and out of sight.
Trillo closes the hatch behind him, encasing them in darkness briefly before lighting a candle, the dim flame illuminating the small space. Sumei takes stock of her surroundings – an unkempt bed with a broom leaning next to it and a rickety table in the corner with a fork and knife resting atop an unwashed plate. She almost immediately rules out the silverware. Not only are they on the opposite side of the room, but they are probably dull, and if she wants to hit him with something sharp and deadly she will use her own axes – they allow her to leave more of a personal statement. However it does not seem wise to try and upholster and wield them in such a confined space with her body in its mostly-uncontrollable state. This leaves the broom.
As Trillo leads her to the bed and, much to her disgruntlement, makes her sit upon it she eyes the broom. It does not seem like anything is in the way to keep her from grabbing it, other than the ever watchful eyes of Trillo himself. A plan slowly forms in her mind, and as Trillo speaks of witches and blood and good money, she concentrates on gaining more control over her limbs. She is beginning to feel a slight tingling in her arms and legs. A good sign.
She twitches slightly when he calls her pretty. False flattery or no, she does not like that it came from his mouth. She also does not like what comes out of his mouth next. Not caring if it gives her away, she openly glares at Trillo as he begins to eye her figure up and down. He takes a few steps forward, closing the gap between them. Her control over her body is not completely back, but she is not going to wait anymore.
With all the force she can muster, she kicks out at him. Even if her foot does not make contact, Sumei hopes it will distract Trillo enough that he does not notice the broom she reaches for and swings towards his head.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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The boy smiled as the Serpent suggested they should leave via the Eastern Gate. "My thoughts exactly," he replied.
As he continued weaving between the crowd in the Boar Market, Max realised that people were beginning to take notice of the pursuit. At first, Max was worried --- the last thing they needed was more people involving themselves, complicating things. But when one of them---a Boar more than twice the size of the boy---stepped forward to disrupt the path of the guard, he was glad. He couldn't stop himself from grinning slightly when he heard the faux-apology expressed by the very large man, but yet still refusing to give way.
Max used this opportunity to move quicker towards the gate. "Hurry!" he urged the tall Serpent.
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:46 am Post subject: |
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Lucan stared at the caravan before turning to Fallow. "You go...get the guards. Do your best to do it in haste. I am going to try and settle things myself here." Cracking his neck, he started forward, moving slowly and deliberately. His footfalls were light. Each one was planned. He was a predator.
While he moved, his eyes caught sight of a girl peering out around a tree at the same spot he was headed. He pulled a medium sized stone from his pocket and twisted it in the light, trying to send a glare to her and get her attention without making noise. What he had planned could turn violent and a little help would be welcome.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:33 pm Post subject: Post 10 |
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Looking back I can't help but smile at the boar man as he makes good our escape. 'Who says the four clans can't get along?' In agreement about our course of action, as soon as we clear the gate I take a sharp turn to the right, hoping the boy is agile and can pull the same move. The area outside the market isn't exactly safe, but I let my pace slow ever so slightly to better pace myself. As I come around the curve near the south gate Symar comes into view. He is crouched behind a bush and gazing into the southern market area. A knot forms in the pit of my stomach and I slow, heading for Symar's hiding place. His head whips around, hand on his weapon. As soon as he sees it's me he relaxes slightly. My eyes scan the area, the feeling getting worse. Kneeling beside Symar I motion behind me for the boy to do the same. Not looking to see if he complies I whisper to Symar. “What is it. Something's wrong here.”
“I was walking the neutral zone, making sure you don't run off without me, when I spotted something odd. Remember that freak Trillo?” I nod. “Well, he had a female companion with him when he entered his trailer, and that just didn't feel right.” I swallow hard, nodding again. Looking past the bush into the market I spot the trailer marked with his name and gag slightly.
“When is anything having to do with that guy 'right'?” Symar shakes his head. Movement near the inner market makes us both still. I feel my stomach drop even further as I realize the person approaching the gate is none other then the serpent who got beaned with the rock earlier. 'Oh goodie' Looking closely I see his eyes are on the trailer as well, before suddenly shifting to a spot right near where we are hiding, but still inside the gate. I search, trying to find what he's looking at but am unable to find it at my angle. My mind drifts to the girl for a moment. 'We can only hope I suppose' Turning to face Symar I give him a silent signal. His brows furrow and he tries to argue silently. It takes a few moments but he at last complies.
Backing away from the bush he heads back the way we came stealthily and proceeds to go back to the east entrance to keep an eye out for the guard chasing the boy and me. Turning back to the situation at hand I try to come up with a plan, waiting for any input the young man may have. Sliding up against the way I get down on my belly and slither forward. Peeking to an area just inside the gate I feel myself smile as a now familiar figure comes into view hiding behind a tree. My grin widens as I realize she too has her gaze locked on the trailer. Scooting back I mutter quietly, “Quite the party in there. Even our kitty riding friend has join in on finding out what that vile creature is up to.”
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 7:39 am Post subject: |
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Yuri, making her way softly and stealthily over to the caravan abode of Trillo, suddenly catches a flash of light to her right. She freezes and looks towards the glare, catching sight of a tall Serpent man, clearly trying to get her attention. His stance seems to be indicating that he too was heading towards Trillo's place. Instantly, Yuri is on the alert...
'Is he working for Trillo...?' she ponders to herself. She remains where she is for a moment, looking the Serpent up and down, taking in the unhidden visage. 'He looks a little...open to be of the type to get in with Trillo...'
Hesitating slightly for a few seconds, Yuri curses to herself and scoots quickly towards him...
~~~
Trillo doubles over in pain and falls back as Sumei's kick hits him hard in the gut, his expression one of surprise. He clearly had imagined her to be entirely under his spell. The blow causes the caravan to rock slightly and the hood around his face to fall back, revealing a thin, sallow complexion. The eyes that look to her furiously are mismatched, one blood-red and the other a vibrant green. A long jagged scar runs from his temple all the way down past his jaw on the left side of his face, and the lank, black locks framing all are greasy and matted looking.
There is a loud crashing noise as the plate on the table in the corner falls to the floor due to the impact of Trillo falling back, along with a vase previously situated upon a shelf above it. A vast amount of green powder spills out from the broken china and onto the floor.
The girl's movements remain a little sluggish, and he catches a hold of the broom mid-swing, before it's able to hit him in the head. His attempt to snatch it away from her is unsuccessful and he growls in annoyance.
“Fiery...a true Boar,” he hisses, instead taking the broom-handle in both hands and forcing it against her. He's far stronger than one would imagine from his size and build, and the action pushes Sumei back against the mattress, forcing her into a lying down, though her legs still remain in a seated position at the edge.
Raising his right hand, Trillo brings his palm down hard against the left side of Sumei's face, the force making a loud slapping noise and causing her head to rattle inside. His expression is vicious as he places his palm against her forehead, attempting to render her physically powerless once again.
“I'm going to enjoy you, girl...” he growls through gritted teeth.
~~~
The path along the neutral zone is very quiet in terms of the amount of people on the road. No one is met on the way to the Southern Gate, all seemingly gone inside the market to eat and talk with their friends and relatives.
The market inside the Southern Gate is very quiet too. Very few shoppers are here, and those that are are close to the market centre. A trio of witches retain their vigilant stance beneath the protruding branches of a large oak tree on the outer side of the market walls. They and their stall stand to the left, so are easily visible to Max and Elman. A distinct aura of foreboding exudes from their position.
The girl from the market slips from behind her tree and starts towards Trillo's caravan. She suddenly pauses and looks towards the Serpent beckoning her. After a few moments pause, she makes her way over to him, pausing a short distance from him, though close enough to converse quietly.
Aside from the tree behind which the girl had been previously hiding, the path to the caravan is open. Few stalls reside this close to the Southern-lands, as if people are afraid of being tainted by it's fabled cursedness...
~~~
The girl approaches the tall Serpent, her movements quick but cautious. She halts a short distance away, her expression wary but determined.
“What do you want?” she asks, her voice low. It has a very smooth tone to it, even though it's muffled ever so slightly by the scarf across her mouth and nose. All that's showing is her ice-blue eyes, which are hard and unforgiving, and the surrounding white skin, her hair being covered too, as well as her whole body being completely clad. “I warn you...if you're working for Trillo, you've picked the wrong girl to mess with, my friend...”
She's small, petite and very feminine in physique, far smaller than the Serpent himself, and she also sounds fairly young. But her voice is confident in it's threat, and her stance clearly ready for action. The set of daggers and a duo of swords at her waist also show her to be ready to fight should it be required...and those are just the weapons she has visible...
“I just want to get that girl away from him,” she continues, gesturing lightly towards the caravan. “...so I hope you're not planning on standing in my way...”
~~~
The path along the neutral zone is very quiet in terms of the amount of people on the road. No one is met on the way to the Southern Gate, all seemingly gone inside the market to eat and talk with their friends and relatives.
The market inside the Southern Gate is very quiet too. Very few shoppers are here, and those that are are close to the market centre. A trio of witches retain their vigilant stance beneath the protruding branches of a large oak tree on the outer side of the market walls. They and their stall stand to the left, so are easily visible to Max and Elman. A distinct aura of foreboding exudes from their position.
The girl from the market slips from behind her tree and starts towards Trillo's caravan. She suddenly pauses and looks towards the Serpent beckoning her. After a few moments pause, she makes her way over to him, pausing a short distance from him, though close enough to converse quietly.
Aside from the tree behind which the girl had been previously hiding, the path to the caravan is open. Few stalls reside this close to the Southern-lands, as if people are afraid of being tainted by it's fabled cursedness...
~~~
The Northern Gate
Approaching the Northern gate, one enters the market, and finds it to be fairly busy, though not to a huge degree, and it's becoming less all the time. There is a slight air of tension about the area, but it's quickly dwindling. Many of those that remain talk amongst themselves as they shop, and one gets the feeling that something has happened here not long before.
The stall vendors here are clearly of the Wolf Clan, their golden-hued skin and purple streaked hair marking them. The shoppers consist of a mixture of the Clans, though most are of the Wolf and Boar clans. Closest to the gate are many stalls selling food stuff. Fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, both cooked and raw are available and filling the area with their scent. Above the smell of cooking food, there is an undertone of herbs and spices, speaking tales of incense and herbal remedies further into the market.
A loud clanging marks the lunch period, making it instantly apparent why the crowds are depleting so.
Eastern Gate
Here the crowds are thickest. Upon entering, one is met with a mass of Boars, all bulshy and imposing. Men beset with hugely muscled arms and torsos mill around, while tough looking females stubbornly prevent their generally smaller size from getting them what they want.
A great weapons stall to the left is teaming with customers, the huge male acting as vendor showing off his wares as asked. Anything and everything one can imagine in the way of weapons can be seen here. There is a pungently scented fish stall to the right, the thoroughly depleted carcass of a huge swordfish taking centre stage on the counter.
All around there is the smell of cooking meat mingled with that of bread and livestock. The clash of metal and the roar of the vendors advertising their wares is almost deafening.
The crowds begin to move off towards the centre, though a fair few remain, taking advantage of the market being less busy to get their shopping done. A loud gong is sounded from atop the Council Building, marking the lunch period.
A loud kerfuffle breaks out as a large Boar male gets in the way of a guard, who appears to be pursuing a young boy who's Clan is unidentifiable, and a tall Serpent. The other shoppers and vendor in the vicinity laugh as the guard gets more and more annoyed that his path has been blocked, while his quarry skitter further and further away. They move out of the Eastern Gate and head down towards the south, disappearing from view soon enough...
Western Gate
As the morning has progressed, the Serpent market has become a little busier, though it still remains fairly quiet. The vendors wait behind their stalls for customers to come up and question them about their wares, remaining ever watchful in the meantime.
The whole area is filled with the smell of potions, salves, poultices and concoctions, giving the air a distinctly herbaceous, medicinal scent. There are other stalls selling handmade wares, such as glassware and pottery, along with some very well crafted jewellery made from silver, gold and gems.
At the clang of a loud gong being sounded, most of the sparse crowd begins to move off towards the Market Centre to get something to eat and drink now that the lunch period has been officially sounded.
Southern Gate
The Southern market remains the least populated area, both in the way of stalls and shoppers, though like the Serpent market, both have increased over the duration of the morning. Several more stall have popped up, the vendors consisting mostly of unsavoury characters, who don't seem to belong anywhere. The group of witches still stand vigil behind their stall, looking daunting to all but the bravest customers. The stall marked 'Trillo's' still stands empty of it's vendor...or at least it appears so from the outside...
Along with a meat stall and another selling strange, exotic looking fruits, there is another selling filled pocket bread. There are an array of fillings, including cooked meats, fish, and a selection of cheeses and dressings, along with leafy salads. The smell wafting into the air around it is quite alluring.
A small gathering of people are situated outside the walls, all looking towards the caravan marked 'Trillo's' or at a thoroughly clad young woman and Serpent male that appear to be conversing at a distance, though both also have some of their attention on the caravan. There seems to be an air of unrest about the whole situation...
The Path Outside the Market, in the Neutral Zone
The path is very quiet, most of the people having gone inside the market to eat and be merry over the lunch period. A sparse scattering of life remains outside the confines of Greenvale's walls...
~~~
There is a loud crashing noise from inside the caravan, and Yuri's gaze turns towards the sound, frowning as the caravan itself starts to rock.
'I'd say that's a definite indication that something's not quite right,' she thought to herself, looking back to the Serpent, waiting to find out if he's on her side or not before acting...
~~~
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK THE DISCUSSION THREAD BEFORE POSTING IN THE NEXT ROUND!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:15 am Post subject: |
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Sumei smiles in triumph as she watches Trillo reel backwards from her, thankfully on the mark, kick. The caravan rocks slightly, making the broom sway out of her reach. She keeps her eyes on Trillo as she grasps for the broom, grimacing slightly as his hood falls from his face. She glances between the mismatched eyes and follows the scar down the left side of his face. His visage is unsettling, like he has been pieced together from spare parts.
She feels the wood from the handle of the broom brush against her fingertips and she firmly takes it in her hands as Trillo begins to right himself. A vase falls from a high shelf and breaks on the floor, releasing a vast amount of green powder. She has no idea what this powder is, but as nothing seems to happen as it spills over the floor – other than make a cloud of green that temporarily floats in the air – and Trillo makes no grab for it to use against her, she pays it no heed, and focuses instead on swinging the broom that is now in her hands towards his head.
She clicks her tongue as Trillo catches the broom mid-swing. She is still too slow, but she keeps an iron grip on the handle as he tries to yank it out of her hand. A mistake, she finds, as Trillo uses the broom against her. She gasps for air as the handle, and her hands beneath it, are pushed tightly against her chest with a strength she did not expect from the wiry man.
Sumei tries to wriggle loose, but is stopped as Trillo slaps her hard across the face. She is momentarily stunned, small dots swimming in her vision from the blow. She rapidly blinks them away and glares at Trillo as he presses his palm to her forehead again. Gritting her teeth she waits for the pinprick of heat that will signal the loss of control over her own body.
When the sensation does not come she smiles crookedly and spits in his face.
“Not this time, freak,” she says, her voice raspy but confident.
She shifts her legs under Trillo’s body and begins to push up with her feet. This alleviates some of the pressure from her chest, and she is able to free her right arm. She quickly reaches over to the dagger strapped to her left arm, pulling it from its sheath.
“I hope you enjoy the sight of your own blood,” she growls as she plunges the dagger towards the hand he still grips the broom with. “I know I will.”
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 4:22 pm Post subject: |
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Sprinting across the mostly empty market, and out of the Eastern Gate, Max made a sharp turn to the right, heading towards the Southern Gate. Halfway to their destination, the young boy glanced backwards. Finally. The soldier gave up. For Boar's sake, what do they pay those guards?
He allowed himself to slow down, matching the tall Serpent's pace. Glancing briefly into the Southern Gate, he noticed the three witches were still standing vigilantly by their stall, while everyone else had left for lunch. Max could never get used to the uncomfortable feeling he received from them. Changing directions suddenly, the Serpent led him towards the bushes where a bare-chested man with a large Wolf tattoo on his back was crouching. The tattoo and the purple streak in his shoulder-length black hair made it clear that the man was a Wolf. The young boy reached for his dagger, unsure if there was going to be trouble at first, but released it when he noted a friendly exchange between the Wolf and the Serpent.
Kneeling beside them, he listened to their conversation while scouting around for the girl and Shasta. They were speaking of a 'freak' named Trillo, a trailer, and a 'female companion'. Was this 'female companion' the same girl he was looking for? Examining the trailer with his own eyes, the boy wondered if he should be understanding any of this. What kind of man was this Trillo?
Looking around a bit more, he finally spotted the girl! Beaming slightly, he was about to head towards her when he realised---with utmost horror---she wasn't carrying a rucksack! Where was the boar piglet?
The girl was approaching another tall Serpent inside the market. Are all Serpents that tall? Also, the man looked vaguely familiar....yes, Max had seen him in the market earlier with a large snake wrapped around him. Where was the reptile now? Both the girl and the Serpent in the market seemed to be looking at the caravan and at each other at the same time.
"I'm going," he whispered to the Serpent---now on his belly---next to him. "Thanks for your help."
The boy left the hiding place and carefully head towards the girl. Whatever she was doing, it felt like he shouldn't try to call out to her. Suddenly, a loud crash could be heard from inside the caravan, causing it rock a little. Keeping a hand close to the dagger, he continued on towards the girl.
_________________
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misterbiz
Horror Mod
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| Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2013 9:30 am Post subject: |
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"No...I am not in Trillo's employ. I am, in fact, here for the same reason you are. I figured you were heading after him as well. I thought it best to inform you of my intentions as to not get in each other's way."
Suddenly a racket came from the caravan and his emerald eyes shot to it. "Sooner would probably be better than later." He said as he moved past her and to the caravan. Without wasting time, he attempted to slide in silently, pulling a dagger from his side and went to place it against Trillo's back while wrapping an arm around his throat.
_________________
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:37 pm Post subject: Post 11 |
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I shake my head at the retreating back of the boy. 'Well, at least he's not rushing headlong into it. He's such and honest straightforward spirit' A small smile plays on my lips as I slip between the wall and bushes, getting a better look at what's going on just inside the market. 'That serpent looks to be trying to be helpful I think. Perhaps they all heard about or saw what happened to that girl' After working my mind for a bit I notice the young woman with the flying cat approach the serpent. There is a short exchange I can't quite catch before there is a loud noise from the trailer. 'Shtucky, seems time is running short' Drawing my own daggers I slip around the wall. Waving at the young woman and the boy in hops that they see me I slide up to the trailer just as the serpent slips inside. Pressing myself against the faded wood siding I peer around the corner of the trailer towards the partially open door and wait, muscles tensed and ready should I be needed. I carefully wave once again at the other two outside the trailer, indicating that they should be at the ready too.
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Lilith
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| Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 3:29 am Post subject: |
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Annalise had waited until far after sunrise before she entered the market, proudly forgoing her usual uniform of a high-necked shirt and trousers for a leather breast-band and deer-hide sleeveless tunic that revealed the upper portion of the scar across the front of her body. A six-year old scar and a dead body in the woods outside of the neutral territory of Greenvale were testimony to the life she'd made for herself. The scar told of a battle where she'd been injured, yet she was alive today. The weapon on her hip, a blade that was long and thin, weather-beaten but shined to a high finish, made clear that she was not to be messed with, and the bow and full quiver of arrows emphasized the fact.
Anna slipped through the North gates with little notice of anyone nearby, her eyes fixed on a fresh fruit stand. She held her chin high as she approached and the piece of hair streaked in purple fell forward from behind her ear to curl irritatingly under her jaw. With a quiet little harrumph, she tucked it back into place and peered in at the Sweet Moon apples that were for sale. Her stomach growled with hunger since she'd forgone breakfast in favor of sleep that morning, but Annalise was always choosy about what she ate and kept peering for the best apples of the bunch, reaching into her rucksack and pulling out a handful of coin she'd gotten from selling game in a village she'd wandered through recently.
"Are these the most recent harvest?" She inquired politely, looking up to meet the vendor's eyes, ignoring her grumbling gut. I'll get lunch and then stock up on supplies before I head out of Greenvale, Anna thought as the smell of one of the cooking meat stands wafted through her nostrils.
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© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun Mar 31, 2013 11:16 am Post subject: |
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”No...no! What the hell are you doing?!” Yuri hisses, trying to grab the Serpent as he heads for the caravan, but to no avail, and finds him to either not hear her warning or ignore it. “He's not what he seems! He...”
She huffs slightly as she finds her words to be fruitless. The Serpent is already out of hearing range, unless she was to raise her tone, which will only make Trillo aware of the impending invasion. She curses under her breath, and pulls the daggers from her hip scabbards, intending to go after him. At that moment, she happens to glance to the side, and spots the boy from the market approaching her.
'Great timing,' she thinks to herself sarcastically, frowning a little at him, though keeping in mind it was she who'd made the arrangements to meet him here. She notices another Serpent running to the side of the caravan and waving to get her attention, and lets out an incredulous exhale of breath.
“Any other day I can go through this market and speak to no one beside the vendors...and today I'm being bombarded,” she says, shaking her head, then glancing back towards the caravan. She knows that she needs to get to it. The Serpent has no idea what he's getting into...and from the look of things, the other is close to getting himself into trouble too. She gestures to the other Serpent to not do anything rash, and hopes that he will see and take notice...
~~~
The dagger hits home, and pierces through Trillo's hand where it grips the broom handle, just as the shadowy shape of a man enters the half-lit depths of the caravan, wrapping an arm around Trillo's neck.
Trillo screams, an ungodly, high-pitched sound that has an almost unhuman quality to it, seeming to penetrate within one's very skull and making ears ring. When the sound stops, the eyes that look back down at Sumei are swimming with emotions, each one almost tangible. Anger, hatred, malice... But more than that. The pupils have disappeared, and each orb glows brightly, like a duo of smouldering coals, one red and one green.
Trillo stands perfectly still for a moment, as if contemplating the situation, his eyes always on Sumei. He seems almost unaware of the man behind him holding a knife to his back. Then, subtly at first, something starts to happen...a strange shifting in the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Suddenly Trillo throws his arms wide, and a great force radiates from him. The caravan around them seems to explode outwards, the walls and contents flying in all directions. The man with the dagger is thrown backwards along with the debris, and Sumei finds herself hurtling through the air, shards of glass, wood and metal alongside her, cutting through her clothing to embed themselves in her flesh.
She lands with a hard thump on the grass some twenty feet away from the caravan, the force enough to knock the air from her lungs...
~~~
The tall Serpent man moves off towards the caravan at a pace, while the girl looks to be trying to warn him not to. She then turns and spots the boy heading towards her, eyeing him as he approaches, her expression showing a lack of patience.
“Look, you have to get out of here now,” she says firmly, then continues, knowing that he'll likely be worried about his pet. “The boar piglet is fine. I made sure to put it in a safe place before I came over here. It's...”
At that moment, she stops mid-way through her speech and stands stock still. Her stance is one of watchfulness, though she doesn't appear to be focused upon anything in particular. She closes her eyes, as if listening for something, and when they re-open there's something a little strange about them, and they're also filled with panic.
“GET DOWN!” she shouts at the boy, running at him and shoving him to the ground and leaning over him as if to shield him from harm, as the air explodes around them.
~~~
One moment all seems to be calm inside the caravan, and one would imagine that everything is going to go smoothly were it not for the strange air of foreboding. Then suddenly the caravan around Lucan is gone, turning to debris and dust within a split second. The force takes hold of Lucan, sending him flying into the air and out of the vicinity. He lands hard on the grass some distance away, surrounded by and covered in hunks of wood and shards of glass and metal which once made up Trillo's abode.
Lucan can still see Trillo from this distance and position, the smaller man remaining where he'd been stood before, arms still outstretched at his sides, though the air around them is now beginning to calm.
~~~
A stirring in the air is the only warning before the caravan at Elman's back is torn to pieces by some kind of explosion. The wood directly at his back comes off in a relatively large piece and forces him to the ground just shy of the caravan itself. The wooden board covers him from harm, as all hell breaks loose around him in a riot of wood, metal and glass. The wooden board isn't heavy, just solid, so the opportunity to move it from atop him should he desire it is a possibility.
The girl who'd been lead previously inside the caravan goes hurtling through the air, and lands some distance away. It's obvious that she's been slightly hurt along the way. The magic in the air begins to dwindle, and the path to the girl is open should one wish to get to her. It would also be possible to shimmy underneath the caravan, the wheels and floor still firmly in place. It's not possible to see where Trillo is from Elman's current position...
~~~
The Wolf vendor looks a little incredulous that the woman before him should ask such a question, but he nods and shoots her a small smile.
“Of course sister,” he says, acknowledging that they're both of the same clan. “You should know better than to think it would be otherwise.”
His tone is light-hearted and teasing, the twinkling of his dark brown eyes only making it more obvious.
“So, how many would you like? You can have one baked and drizzled with honey should you desire?”
He cocks his head to one side, regarding her enquiringly, the expression on his youthful visage open and friendly.
“You missed a bit of a stir here not long ago, you know,” he goes on, in friendly banter. “Had the guards up here and everything...”
~~~
The Northern Gate
Approaching the Northern gate, one enters the market, and finds it to be fairly busy, though not to a huge degree, and it's becoming less all the time. There is a slight air of tension about the area, but it's quickly dwindling. Many of those that remain talk amongst themselves as they shop, and one gets the feeling that something has happened here not long before.
The stall vendors here are clearly of the Wolf Clan, their golden-hued skin and purple streaked hair marking them. The shoppers consist of a mixture of the Clans, though most are of the Wolf and Boar clans. Closest to the gate are many stalls selling food stuff. Fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, both cooked and raw are available and filling the area with their scent. Above the smell of cooking food, there is an undertone of herbs and spices, speaking tales of incense and herbal remedies further into the market.
A loud clanging marks the lunch period, making it instantly apparent why the crowds are depleting so.
Eastern Gate
Here the crowds are thickest. Upon entering, one is met with a mass of Boars, all bulshy and imposing. Men beset with hugely muscled arms and torsos mill around, while tough looking females stubbornly prevent their generally smaller size from getting them what they want.
A great weapons stall to the left is teaming with customers, the huge male acting as vendor showing off his wares as asked. Anything and everything one can imagine in the way of weapons can be seen here. There is a pungently scented fish stall to the right, the thoroughly depleted carcass of a huge swordfish taking centre stage on the counter.
All around there is the smell of cooking meat mingled with that of bread and livestock. The clash of metal and the roar of the vendors advertising their wares is almost deafening.
The crowds begin to move off towards the centre, though a fair few remain, taking advantage of the market being less busy to get their shopping done. A loud gong is sounded from atop the Council Building, marking the lunch period.
A loud kerfuffle breaks out as a large Boar male gets in the way of a guard, who appears to be pursuing a young boy who's Clan is unidentifiable, and a tall Serpent. The other shoppers and vendor in the vicinity laugh as the guard gets more and more annoyed that his path has been blocked, while his quarry skitter further and further away. They move out of the Eastern Gate and head down towards the south, disappearing from view soon enough...
Western Gate
As the morning has progressed, the Serpent market has become a little busier, though it still remains fairly quiet. The vendors wait behind their stalls for customers to come up and question them about their wares, remaining ever watchful in the meantime.
The whole area is filled with the smell of potions, salves, poultices and concoctions, giving the air a distinctly herbaceous, medicinal scent. There are other stalls selling handmade wares, such as glassware and pottery, along with some very well crafted jewellery made from silver, gold and gems.
At the clang of a loud gong being sounded, most of the sparse crowd begins to move off towards the Market Centre to get something to eat and drink now that the lunch period has been officially sounded.
Southern Gate
The Southern market remains the least populated area, both in the way of stalls and shoppers, though like the Serpent market, both have increased over the duration of the morning. Several more stall have popped up, the vendors consisting mostly of unsavoury characters, who don't seem to belong anywhere. The group of witches still stand vigil behind their stall, looking daunting to all but the bravest customers. The stall marked 'Trillo's' still stands empty of it's vendor...or at least it appears so from the outside...
Along with a meat stall and another selling strange, exotic looking fruits, there is another selling filled pocket bread. There are an array of fillings, including cooked meats, fish, and a selection of cheeses and dressings, along with leafy salads. The smell wafting into the air around it is quite alluring.
A small gathering of people are situated outside the walls, all looking towards the caravan marked 'Trillo's' or at a thoroughly clad young woman and Serpent male that appear to be conversing at a distance, though both also have some of their attention on the caravan. There seems to be an air of unrest about the whole situation...
The Path Outside the Market, in the Neutral Zone
The path is very quiet, most of the people having gone inside the market to eat and be merry over the lunch period. A sparse scattering of life remains outside the confines of Greenvale's walls...
As the air around them settles, Yuri, unhurt but hesitant, looks up from where she's still got the boy pinned. She can see Trillo still standing where he was before, though the walls of the caravan have entirely vanished, along with all of his possessions.
She looks around for the Serpents, spotting the one with the long, green-tipped hair beneath a large board of wood just beside the caravan. She's unable to see the other, though she does notice the girl who'd entered the caravan with Trillo lying on the grass some distance away.
She finally allows the boy to get up should he want to, though retains a pressure on his shoulder as a warning that he shouldn't do anything rash...
“This isn't likely to be over...” she whispers to him, her eyes on Trillo.
The little man turns, and fixes his still glowing eyes upon her. He tilts his head, before an evil looking grin breaks out across his face, causing Yuri to glare hatefully at him.
“Well, well, well...” he says loudly. “If it isn't the one that got away.”
~~~
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2013 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei smiles as the dagger hits its mark, gritting her teeth as Trillo screams like a man possessed. With renewed vigor at the success of her attack, she removes the dagger from the back of his hand and repositions it in her own. She spies a shadow behind Trillo and tenses herself for another of the man’s tricks when she notices an arm snake around his neck. Looking closer she notices that the arm belongs to a man much taller than Trillo with green tinged hair.
“Great timing,” she scoffs, both happy to see a person other than Trillo and slightly miffed that said person would come to her rescue right when she is about to skewer the bastard spell caster. Speaking of the wiry man, she shifts her gaze back to Trillo. He is oddly still, staring at her with such concentration that she can feel the friction spark in the air. The pupils of his eyes have disappeared and they glow a vibrant red and green.
This is all Sumei registers before she is sent crashing through the walls of the caravan.
She lands hard about twenty feet away, the wind knocked from her lungs. She gasps and coughs for air as she sits up, gripping her side, feeling the pieces of debris and a few slick trails of blood there as she sits up and glares at the caravan. Or what is left of it. Her eyes widen as she notices that the only thing left of the cart are the floor and wheels, the rest is scattered about the field as various sizes of debris. The only one still standing in one piece is Trillo.
What…what the hell is he?! she grits her teeth and forces herself into a squat, taking stock of her surroundings. The Serpent from inside the caravan lies on the grass on the other side of the field and the girl…
The girl! Sumei’s eyebrows shoot up in shock. So she did notice.
“And what’s more…Trillo seems to know her,” she mumbles as the strange man turns towards the young woman.
Perfect
If she could keep him distracted, then Sumei would have a chance. She rolls her shoulders, flinching as pain radiates through them – she had fallen harder than she thought.
“Tch!” she berates herself at being so easily injured. She rolls them once more despite the discomfort and drops her hands to the axes at her sides. She takes long, deep breaths to steady her nerves. She would get him. She never missed.
With one fluid motion she stands and takes both axes from the holsters at her hips, stepping forward she throws the one in her right hand at the center of Trillo’s back.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 4:14 am Post subject: |
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From this distance, Max almost didn't hear the tall Serpent next to the girl spoke of this 'Trillo' before darting towards the caravan entrance. The girl tried to warn the Serpent of the man---did everyone know of this 'Trillo'?!---but it was already too late. Max continued approaching her when she turned, her daggers drawn, and it was at that moment their eyes met.
She frowns a little at the sight of him, and even more so when she laid her eyes on the other tall Serpent---the one who led Max here---suddenly leaning by the caravan's side. She seemed thoroughly annoyed at the presence of any person, the boy was starting to realise. Thus, her consistent lack of patience with him must not had been his fault.
With that in mind, the boy tried not to take it personally when she once again instructed him to leave. His attention was captured, however, when she started speaking of the baby boar. But, just before she could tell him where it was, she suddenly stopped, as if listening for something. Pausing for a moment to listen for himself, he was about to tell her that he heard absolutely nothing.
Then, he felt it.
It was a feeling, disconnected from any physical form or reason. It was nearly imperceptible, such that he nearly believed he had imagined it.
Suddenly, the girl opened her eyes, and for a split-second, he could almost see something otherworldly in her eyes...before she yelled at him to 'get down' and sprinted towards him! Before he could blink or consider her panicked instruction, she tackled him, causing the both of them to fall towards the ground, with him face first.
What happened next couldn't truly be described in words. Not in its entirety.
The 'feeling' he had been experiencing earlier had finally come to fruition, it seemed, as the air itself exploded! The caravan seemed to be directly in the epicentre of the blast, Max believed, because at the instant just before the ground met his face, he could see the large wooden construction come apart into a million parts, bits and pieces flying out in every direction, threatening to rip any nearby person into shreds! Shutting his eyes and covering his head with his forearm, he tried to protect himself from the incoming debris, only, it never came. Instead, he could feel a strange and unexplainable sensation 'around' him. Opening his eyes, he glanced to the side, noticing that somehow no debris had reached him and the girl who was pinning him down. The contrast between the debris-filled ground and the empty ground was clearly forming a perfect semi-circle. When the girl finally released him, he pushed himself off the ground and glanced around. No, it was a perfect circle, with the girl and him at the centre!
Was it...magic? He peeked at the girl curiously as she put a firm hand on his shoulder, as if to hold him in the spot.
Looking straight ahead, he saw a little man standing right in the middle of the carnage with not a scratch on him. That had to be magic. The boy regarded the unscathed man cautiously. The way that man was looking at the girl next to him was making Max very uncomfortable. It didn't take long for him to realise he must 'Trillo'!
Not fully understanding the situation, he took a moment to ponder his options. That was when he noticed a rather small girl at some distance away, preparing to throw her axe. His first instincts was to warn this 'Trillo', but he held back. Was the man standing before them truly evil? Max didn't know, but it didn't matter. He only knew he had to protect the girl next to him, as she was the only one who knew where the piglet was!
Max prepared to pounce the man with his dagger, biding his time, should the axe miss...
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 6:30 pm Post subject: |
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The hair on the back of Lucan's neck stands up. Something was wrong. There was a stirring in the air. A sense of foreboding hit him. Suddenly, Trillo threw his arms and before he knew it, he was on the ground, his ears ringing slightly. For a few moments, he just lay still, as he waited for his senses to return. Once he was at full capacity, he sat up and cracked his neck.
"Magician," he snarled. "Foul, wretched, magician." He stood up and started to pick some debris from his flesh. He pulled out a couple small pieces of glass and steel. His eyes quickly found where Trillo stood. With one motion, he reached behind him for his bow. It wasn't there. It must have flown off of him during the explosion. One of his daggers was gone as well.
"Cursed magician," Lucan spat. He scanned the area and noticed the girl from the caravan starting to attack. As she went after Trillo, Lucan proceeded to search the area for his weapons.
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 3:01 pm Post subject: Post 12 |
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A feeling of unease sweeps through me as the seconds tick by. It takes a little while for me to realize it's not just my nerves that are tingling. Almost like the feeling of being watched, I feel my skin break out in little bumps and my throat tighten. 'Oh, this can not be good. There is something more here. And I think I've been a bit foolish' Glancing towards the boy and girl standing some ways away I almost laugh. 'Perhaps it's just something in the air' The smile vanishes as the wave of unease hits me again, followed by something a lot more tangible. The wind is knocked out of me as the wall at my back slams into me. I instinctively clutch my weapons tight as I am thrown to the ground, catching my head with my forearms to cushion the fall. My ears ring for a few seconds while debris falls all around me. I can feel things striking the wood at my back and for a moment I marvel at my fortune.
Pushing myself up slightly, the piece of wall lifting easily, I look around, assessing the situation anew. 'Well, the girl and the boy seem alright' I think, glancing at them to my right. As the girl gets to her feet I feel more than hear Trillo's words. 'And he never fails to make me ill' Looking a bit more forward an eyebrow arches. 'And that must be the one all this is about. She fits Symar's description. And what's this?' The fire in her eyes as she comes to her feet, pulling her weapons sends a chill down my spine. Careful to move slowly I edge out from under the boards an move out of the line of fire in a crouching position. Turning so my blades are no longer pointing at the girl I back away a bit more and try to figure out my next move.
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To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:36 pm Post subject: |
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LIVE SESSION!
Tikanni Corazon: The axe lands in Trillo's left shoulder with a soft thunk. The little man barely moved, merely knocked slightly by the force of it. He cracked his neck, his eyes still shining in their odd colours. Without removing the weapon from his flesh, he began to descend the caravan steps, his eyes still on Yuri.
Tikanni Corazon: "Little lost child..." he said, tilting his head. "No daddy to protect you anymore, is there? You're all alone..."
Tikanni Corazon: His eyes glance at Max, stood beside the girl. "Well, no entirely alone, I see, but from the looks of him, you might as well had be..."
Seraphi: Sumei: She smirks. 'Direct hit!' But her smile drops quickly. 'He isn't bleeding...not even a drop. And he's still standing.' She grits her teeth and sprints forward, determined to make her next strike count.
sagittaeri: Max: "Boar's droppings..." the boy curses. The short man's completely unharmed by the axe! Suddenly, he feels silly about even thinking of stabbing him with a measly dagger. Not knowing what his next step is, he kept his ground even after the short man turned and alluded to Max's lack of usefulness. But when the girl with the axe sprints forward, Max decides it's now or never. The mage can't fight them both at the same time. So, he attempts to run ahead...
misterbiz: Lucan: He searched the area for a moment before finding his bow, arrows and dagger. He quickly grabbed up his dagger and shoved it into its sheath. Then without a second thought he grabbed his bow and arrows and sprinted toward the caravan. Once he spotted Trillo, he took aim and let an arrow loose, not caring if he had an advantage or not.
PopeAlessandrosXVIII: Elman: Moving carefully Elman does his best to stay out of Trillo's line of sight. Unsure as to if the mage knows he's there, he keeps his movements slow as to not alert him. He manages to get to the far side of the demolished trailer, directly behind the man as he decends the steps of his trailer. Unsure of what else to do, he waits, watching various people charge and attack Trillo.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She glares at Trillo, her blue eyes burning with hatred as the little man moves towards her, but she says nothing. Her heart beats hard against her chest. As the boy moves to run forward, she moves to grab him. "Wait, don't!" She pulls him back and closes her eyes her eyes for a moment, before opening them and raising her hands before her.
Tikanni Corazon: Trillo pauses for a moment as an arrow hits him in the arm, though he barely flinches, before he continues descending. His eyes suddenly gleam brighter, and he throws his arms out to the sides. A burst of energy rocks what's left of the caravan, causing the wheels to creak and the wood to shudder violently. The girl who threw the axe is sent flying again, half a dozen feet. Yuri merely stands where she is, her outstretched arms somehow halting the blast and protecting her and the boy.
Seraphi: Sumei: As she runs she sees Trillo raise his arms. She skids to a halt to try and duck, but the blast of energy hits her and she is thrown back again. She lands on her back and quickly rolls to her feet, spitting on the ground as she rises. "Bastard..." She goes forward again, this time walking, watching the strange man warily.
sagittaeri: Max: "What--" he turns towards the girl, just in time to hear her chant something, before raising her hands. Magic again? Then, the same thing happens again --- the air exploded again, and once again, the boy and the girl next to him are protected by her...spell. It was definitely her. The boy swallows, not knowing what to think anymore. "Are you a witch?" he whispers, keeping an eye on Trillo.
misterbiz: Lucan: The Serpent dives behind a stall as the another powerful force is expelled in his direction. Half of the stall is turned to rubble, just barely missing him. Taking a deep breath, he stands up and off to the side of the destroyed stall and takes aim with another arrow. "You piece of maggot filled goat excrement," Lucan shouts before letting the arrow fly at Trillo's head.
PopeAlessandrosXVIII: Elman: His eyes dart around again, taking in the fact that conventional weapons seem to do very little if any real damage to the man before him. Something inside him urges him that something is about to happen in in an instant he crouches down so that the remnants of the caravan are between him and Trillo. A moment later the wood before him rocks violently. Coming out of his crouch Elman smiles slightly at his luck today. The area around his eye patch itches slightly but he ignores it. Moving closer to the leftovers of the caravan he climbs slowly atop it and falls still, still watching.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She looks up at the boy as she allows the shield to go down. "No, of course I'm not," she replied, in a slightly abrupt manner, but hardly surprising given the situation. She pants slightly with the effort of her magic. "I'm...my parents taught..." She seems unsure of what to say. "Look, this isn't the time, just trust me when I say not to go near him...he's a necromancer gone bad...A Soul-thief...A Heart-Eater..."
Tikanni Corazon: Trillo hisses in fury as his target isn't hit by the blast of magic, and screams as another arrow pierces his side, though it's more of an extention of fury than pain. Maddened by the nuisance shooting at him, he turns in the direction of the tall Serpent with the bow. With a roar, purple flames sprout from his fingertips and fly towards the man.
sagittaeri: Max: A necromancer? Gone bad? Were they ever 'good'? What did she mean by 'soul-thief'? He shudders when she said 'heart-eater'. Surely she didn't mean that literally. "If I can't go near him, how do we defeat him?" he asks instead. The girl seems to know the man and what he is.
Seraphi: Sumei: She twitches as Trillo screams, readying herself for another blast of energy, but watches as Trillo instead turns towards the tall Serpent who had shot the man with two arrows and raises his arms, strange purple flames igniting at the tips of his fingers. She frowns. How is she supposed to fight a man who takes no damage from weapons and attacks with magic? Shrugging she launches her other axe, aiming for his hands. If she couldn't kill him, she would at least try to take away his ability to attack.
misterbiz: Lucan: Lucan dodges as purple flame is shot in his direction. This was no mere magic user. He was something way worse. Lucan drew another arrow, deciding to take a final chance. "Take this you ball-less sack of boar waste...." he shouted as he took aim at Trillo's groin and let the arrow fly.
PopeAlessandrosXVIII: Elman: An inkling passes through the back of Elman's mind as he watches Trillo. Brushing aside that he may be wrong, Elman snaps into action. Rushing forward he covers the distance between him and Trillo in a mater of seconds and takes a swing at Trillo's neck, one khopesh followed closely by the other.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She takes advantage of the fact that Trillo's attention is elsewhere to turn to the boy and explain, in the same abrupt manner as before. "There's only one way to kill him," she replies quietly, so that Trillo wouldn't hear. "We need to destroy his heart...and cut off his head..." She started as an almighty scream broke through the air.
Tikanni Corazon: Trillo reels in agony, roaring profanities at the Serpent, who's latest shot hit directly in the balls. "You will pay for that, you pile of Chimera Vomit!" he spits at the other man, extending his hands ready to attack. A sudden hit to the back of one of his hands causes him to cry out again, and he looks down to see an axe embedded into the flesh and stuck in the bone. He wrenches it out and throws in on the ground, only to be attacked from the side by another Serpent.
Tikanni Corazon: This newcomer comes at his, blades extended, aiming both at the back of Trillo's neck. He gives a screech of terror, until he hears the ping-ping as they make impact.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She watches the series of attacks with baited breath. Hearing the clang of the blades as if on metal, she curses, then turns to the boy. "Of course, he takes precautions..."
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: Seeing that they might have a chance if they work together, Yuri bravely shouts out to the others. "We need to weaken him first...Use up all his power and then physically kill him!"
sagittaeri: Max: Chop of his head? The boy thinks of the dagger in his belt. No, that's not going to work with a dagger. But the heart. The heart he can reach. Bending down to draw the dagger, he listens to the girl's instructions. "Weaken him first? I can do that!" he says to the girl before rushing forward to stab the man, aiming for the chest!
Seraphi: Sumei: "Ha!" she shouts, pumping her fist with glee. Not only is her throw on the mark, but the tall Serpent hits him in quite a...delicate area...with his arrow. She watches as a second Serpent attacks Trillo and takes the opportunity to sprint quickly to retrieve her axe, frowning as she notices the blades do not penetrate the flesh of his neck. Her ears perk as the girl speaks. "What do you think we're trying to do?" Sumei asks incredulously just loud enough for the girl to hear. But how to weaken him?
Seraphi: Sumei: She grits her teeth as she reaches the axe. She is closer to Trillo now, enough to swing and strike. She aims for the area in his back that is already weakened by her first axe.
misterbiz: Lucan: Lucan's hands run along his quiver and count the arrows. Five. his eyes study the figure as he draws another one. Suddenly a flow of information floods his mind. He realizes what this bastard is and how to bring him down. Feeling a bit bastardly, he draws another. "Aw...I have a feeling you didn't enjoy your present. Well how about another you, degraded piece of wolf puss...." he shouts before taking another shot at Trillo's nether regions, aiming to place the arrow right next to his last one.
PopeAlessandrosXVIII: Elman: A slight shock runs through his body as his blade hits against something metal around Trillo's neck. He curses low in his throat and tries to step away. Trillo is too fast for him and a bony hand connects with his jaw, sending Elman to the ground. Shaking off the blow, his ears ringing a bit, Elman grits his teeth and lashes out at the man's legs, catching sight of the boy and another rushing towards Trillo.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She raises a hand, and put up her barrier, stepping forward, her eyes glowing bright blue, the pupils disappeared. She ripped a dagger from her scabbard and made to drive it through Trillo's chest, but was driven back slightly by another burst of energy from the little man.
Tikanni Corazon: Trillo grinds his teeth together as he tosses the Serpent to the ground, then roars as he's hit in the back yet again with a damn axe, extended into a howl as something rips through one of his legs, causing him to fall to the ground. As the girl started towards him, he summoned another burst of energy, pushing her back slightly.
Tikanni Corazon: He looks down at his injured leg with a look of horror. The calf is hanging on by a thread of flesh and muscle to the rest, and currently useless to walk upon.
Tikanni Corazon: Addled with fury, he sends another blast of purple fire out, one towards the Serpent who'd maimed him, and the other towards the nearest other.
Tikanni Corazon: The fire hits neither, and with a look of panic, he realises that he's out of power and he's unable to defend himself.
sagittaeri: Max: The boy's attack misses. When he turns around, he notices an axe in Trillo's back, and his calf nearly missing from his leg. Max feels sick at the sight. Suddenly, a bright flame flies in his direction! Almost stumbling, the boy jumps out of the way, feeling the glowing heat fly past him! Tightening his grip on his dagger with his right hand, Max leaps towards the little man and thrusts his dagger towards his heart!
Seraphi: Sumei: She hits Trillo in the shoulder next to where her first axe had pierced him, widening the wound there enough that she can see bone, but frowning that still no blood comes from the injury. Grunting she grabs the axe handle in her free hand and removes both from the man's body with a forceful tug, bending backwards to avoid the another burst of energy from the man, the blow brushing the tip of her nose. Regaining her normal stance she moves quickly to Trillo's front this time dodging an attack of purple flame. She is about to swing when Trillo falls to the ground, breathing heavily. "Done already?" she asks mockingly? A wicked smile crosses her face as she raises the axes above her head and plunges them towards his heart.
misterbiz: Lucan: Lucan is blasted off his feet by an energy blast. He grunts as he hits the ground. slowly, he pushes himself up and grabs his bow. On his feet he takes aim at Trillo and lets out a chuckle as he sees the necromancer on his knees. "Die already, you piss drinking, puss ridden, heartless pile of jackal ejaculate," Lucan roared as he let his arrow fly toward Trillo's heart.
Tikanni Corazon: Trillo lets out a loud gurgling gasp as the axe hits his chest. A torrent of crimson poured forth, the first of his blood to be shed so far. It ran down his skeletal frame, pooling around the ground beneath him. He flinched as an arrow was driven into him furthering the damage. His eyes rolled back into his head, showing only white...
PopeAlessandrosXVIII: Elman: Head still ringing Elman watches the necromancer get his again and again in the chest. Seeing the head still attached he tries to get close and remove it but his blades fail, once again striking the collar in his confusion. Rolling his eyes Elman falls on to his back and gives a little laugh. "Okay, Elman's done. My head hurts too much for this right now. Someone take off his head please, I need to clear my own." He huffs aloud, smiling slightly.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She watches the others from a short distance as they maim and attempt to kill the necromancer. Finally, as the tall, long-haired Serpent decides he's done, she steps forward, pushing past the others and kneeling down beside Trillo, removing a sword from it's scabbard as she did so.
Tikanni Corazon: Trillo's eyes stop rolling back, and slowly focus upon her. He coughs, spluttering up a stream of blood. Then, as she watches, his face breaks into a smile. "I'm... glad... it's you... who end it..." he says, small crimson bubbles lining the edges of his lips. "...I die...by the hand...of that...which...I should have...lived...by..." He grimaces, one hand pawing at his chest feebly.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She nods slowly. "Indeed..." she agrees. "Highly appropriate. You know I have to do this, regardless of what you once were?"
Tikanni Corazon: Trillo nods once, the action sluggish.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She gives a nod, and slides the blade under his jaw. With one quick jerk, she thrusts the blade upwards, towards his skull. She hears the hissing gasp of breath from Trillo's lips. She takes a deep breath, and gives the blade another yank, turning the thrust downwards, towards his neck. feeling it pass through.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She pushes the head away from the rest of the body, and gets to her feet, watching as both begin to crumble into ash, and blow away on the wind.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: Without another word, she turns and walks away, looking strangely sad.
sagittaeri: Max: The boy involuntarily looks away as the girl prepares to decapitate Trillo. Max tries to ignore the dull ache in his chest. It's just life. People die all the time, deserving or not. Listening to the exchange between the necromancer and the girl, he realises they weren't always enemies. The little man...was he once 'good'? When the deed is done, he looks back, in time to see the remains turn into ash. He doesn't understand how it could turn to ash, but his thoughts are occupied with the girl at the moment. She's sad, he realises. He wants to ask her about the piglet, but instead, he decides to leave her to her thoughts as he follows her quietly, giving her space. Was Trillo her friend at some point?
Seraphi: Sumei: She pulls the axes from Trillo's chest as the girl pushes her way forward, taking a step back and watching, one eyebrow raised. Did the girl actual sound regretful for having to kill him? Maybe he was a good man in the past...but now? Sumei snorts. Weak. The girl is weak. She wipes the axes off on the grass before sliding them back into their holsters. She walks over to where she first fell at the beginning of the ordeal, searching for her dagger.
Seraphi: Sumei: Upon finding it a few feet away from where she landed, she sheaths it and, with one final glance at the group of people, heads north and west towards her home in the Boar Clan lands.
misterbiz: Lucan: Lucan approaches the spot where Trillo became nothing more than dust and retrieved his arrows from the ground. He puts them away and stands deathly still, staring at the remaining ash on the ground. With a wide smile he pulls a sleeping tonic from his pocket, throws the liquid over his shoulder and scoops up a handful of the ash and places it into the vial. He corks it and shakes the vial while chuckling. "You're mine now, you piece of clanless filth..." he laughed before placing him in a pouch on his belt before heading off to locate Sarpe and Fallow.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She wanders back over to the tree, very much contemplating what she'd just done, knowing it was right...but at the same time... She reaches the tree and looks up into the branches, spotting the pack straight away. She climbs up the tree, her limbs feeling a little heavy after her spell casting, but she manages it just the same. She unloops the pack from the branch, then gently descends. Landing on the grass with a soft thump, she kneels down and looks inside.
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: The piglet seems calm as it looks back up at her, squinting a little in the sudden daylight. "Better get you back where you belong," she said softly. She stood and saw the boy not far away. She approached him, and held out the bag. "Here you go, all in one piece," she said. "He seems to have calmed down a lot actually." She almost smiles, then turns to leave, heading towards the Southern Gate.
PopeAlessandrosXVIII: Elman: From the ground Elman watches the necromancer lose his head and the group begin dispersing. Raising his voice a bit he calls out. "Okay people, that was great! Excellent team work and fine skills. Same time next week?" A slight laugh from the South Gate draws his attention. Sitting up he grins at Symar standing against the side of the gate, shaking his head before looking back at Elman. Pushing himself up carefully, the ringing finally gone, the tall Serpent makes his way to his companion's side. Symar reaches out and swats Elman on the head lightly. "Hey hey, no more head abuse please?" Elman chides. Symar just laughs again. "Next time, don't leave me out of the fun my friend." Symar says with a sigh. The two turn to look at the girl and boy by the tree. "It may be fun to keep track of either of them for a while no?" Elman asks. Symar just shrugs at the girl heads for the gate.
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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
Last edited by Tikanni Corazon on Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:47 am; edited 1 time in total
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:28 am Post subject: |
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"Ah yes, but this isn't another Clan is it?" the vendor replied teasingly. "I would shudder to think of any Wolf sell anything less than the best produce."
He puts on a mock look of horror, as he sets about packing up her order. The fresh apples he places in a weaved net bag dyed indigo, and hands them over to the woman, before turning to a small over-like contraption. He opens the door and is met by a cloud of heat, which doesn't seem to bother him all that much. He takes up a long, two pronged fork and spears one of the apples nestling within.
He places the apple inside a paper bag, twisting the end to make it easier to hold. The top of the apple is split open, revealing the juicy purple inner. Taking up a glass bottle, the vendor drizzles a thick layer of honey over the steaming fruit and hands it to his customer, accepting the payment.
"Enjoy!" He says enthusiastically. He nods as she questions about the goings on earlier in the day.
"Oh yes," he continues, nodding earnestly. "There were a couple of Grix up here, suddenly started making a terrible kerfuffle. No one quite knew what to make of it, until this bloody great winged Cat appeared out of thin air. Honest to the gods, one minute there was nothing there, and the next - huge giant cat! Wingspan must've been twenty feet or more!"
The vendor is evidently enjoying the retelling of the tale.
"Anyway, this cat, it makes to attack the Grix...kinda stalking them like. Well, all of us out here in the crowd, we didn't know what was going to happen...So we just stood there and watched, and suddenly there were people there. Young boy and girl, they were, just there in the thick of it. The boy goes to confront the Grix, and the girl goes to confront the cat, and then another man goes to help the boy..."
The Vendor seems unable of unwilling to take breath as he speaks, such is his hurry to get his gossip out.
"So this girl, she's talking to the cat...talking to it mind! And then there are guards swarming all over the place, surrounding the two. And the girl, she just shouts at them to let them go, or she'll set the cat on them! And then they flew away, the girl and the cat...and disappeared again! Never seen anything like it in all my days!"
A guard suddenly enters the market and starts gathering up the few others remaining in the Wolf area. He approaches one nearby and ushers him back towards the market centre. Though their voices are low, the words 'Southern Market' and 'another stir' can be heard...
~~~
The Northern Gate
Approaching the Northern gate, one enters the market, and finds it to be fairly busy, though not to a huge degree, and it's becoming less all the time. There is a slight air of tension about the area, but it's quickly dwindling. Many of those that remain talk amongst themselves as they shop, and one gets the feeling that something has happened here not long before.
The stall vendors here are clearly of the Wolf Clan, their golden-hued skin and purple streaked hair marking them. The shoppers consist of a mixture of the Clans, though most are of the Wolf and Boar clans. Closest to the gate are many stalls selling food stuff. Fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, both cooked and raw are available and filling the area with their scent. Above the smell of cooking food, there is an undertone of herbs and spices, speaking tales of incense and herbal remedies further into the market.
A loud clanging marks the lunch period, making it instantly apparent why the crowds are depleting so.
Eastern Gate
Here the crowds are thickest. Upon entering, one is met with a mass of Boars, all bulshy and imposing. Men beset with hugely muscled arms and torsos mill around, while tough looking females stubbornly prevent their generally smaller size from getting them what they want.
A great weapons stall to the left is teaming with customers, the huge male acting as vendor showing off his wares as asked. Anything and everything one can imagine in the way of weapons can be seen here. There is a pungently scented fish stall to the right, the thoroughly depleted carcass of a huge swordfish taking centre stage on the counter.
All around there is the smell of cooking meat mingled with that of bread and livestock. The clash of metal and the roar of the vendors advertising their wares is almost deafening.
The crowds begin to move off towards the centre, though a fair few remain, taking advantage of the market being less busy to get their shopping done. A loud gong is sounded from atop the Council Building, marking the lunch period.
A loud kerfuffle breaks out as a large Boar male gets in the way of a guard, who appears to be pursuing a young boy who's Clan is unidentifiable, and a tall Serpent. The other shoppers and vendor in the vicinity laugh as the guard gets more and more annoyed that his path has been blocked, while his quarry skitter further and further away. They move out of the Eastern Gate and head down towards the south, disappearing from view soon enough...
Western Gate
As the morning has progressed, the Serpent market has become a little busier, though it still remains fairly quiet. The vendors wait behind their stalls for customers to come up and question them about their wares, remaining ever watchful in the meantime.
The whole area is filled with the smell of potions, salves, poultices and concoctions, giving the air a distinctly herbaceous, medicinal scent. There are other stalls selling handmade wares, such as glassware and pottery, along with some very well crafted jewellery made from silver, gold and gems.
At the clang of a loud gong being sounded, most of the sparse crowd begins to move off towards the Market Centre to get something to eat and drink now that the lunch period has been officially sounded.
Southern Gate
The Southern market remains the least populated area, both in the way of stalls and shoppers, though like the Serpent market, both have increased over the duration of the morning. Several more stall have popped up, the vendors consisting mostly of unsavoury characters, who don't seem to belong anywhere. The group of witches still stand vigil behind their stall, looking daunting to all but the bravest customers.
Along with a meat stall and another selling strange, exotic looking fruits, there is another selling filled pocket bread. There are an array of fillings, including cooked meats, fish, and a selection of cheeses and dressings, along with leafy salads. The smell wafting into the air around it is quite alluring.
The population has depleted considerably, in the aftermath of some great fight. The sign for a stal previously marked 'Trillo's' lies near the Southern Gate as one enters, and there are clear signs of magical use in the debris scattered across the ground and the damage to some of the other stalls. There are a few people here, scattered near and around the area where a rather large explosion seems to have taken place. They're mixed in race, a couple of men clearly Serpents, a Boar girl and two others, a boy and a girl who's Clan cannot currently be determined. All seem to be in the process of leaving the area...
Market Centre
Armoured guards are swarming the place, all making for the Southern Market, passing by the great marble statue of the Leopard. The people just finishing up lunch look curious as to what's happening, a few of the braver ones following the guards in order to find out...
The Path Outside the Market, in the Neutral Zone
The path is very quiet, most of the people having gone inside the market to eat and be merry over the lunch period. A sparse scattering of life remains outside the confines of Greenvale's walls...
~~~
GM post here for just Lil and PF, if he's able to join the game thread between now and the next GM post!
_________________
.... 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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Lilith
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| Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:17 pm Post subject: |
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While placing the fresh apples in her rucksack, Annalise stared at the vendor for a minute before it sunk in that he was teasing her. After a moment or two, she put her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowed. As the vendor took his payment and handed her the last apple drizzled in honey, she gave him a half-smile and bit into a baked slice. Even baked, Sweet Moon apples were always juicy so the Wolf-clan woman held the rest of the slice over the paper bag so the drips from her fingers wouldn't fall on the ground.
While she ate the rest of the apple slice, Annalise gazed intently at the vendor while he told her something that sounded like a tall tale. "Hold on, a winged Cat appeared... out of thin air? I really don't believe that." She replied, closing the paper bag and placing it in her rucksack on top of the fresh apples, intending to finish the warm treat later. She leaned one elbow on the corner of the apple stand, placing her chin on her hand while she listened, still looking skeptical that the vendor actually saw what he was insisting on.
A great winged cat out of thin air, that sounds believable... and purposely starting a fight with a pair of Grix? Not an intelligent cat, that's for sure. That same, faint half-smile was still across her pink lips as she tapped one nail against her temple while the vendor continued his gossip. A boy going to confront two Grix and a girl talking to a winged cat that appeared out of nowhere. And the girl and cat flew away, brilliant. I wonder if he's been eating things that were rotten and they're taking a toll on his brain.
As the vendor finished dishing out his gossip, Annalise gave a quiet chuckle and stood up straight once more, stretching her spine a little on her toes. "Thank-you for the apples, brother. I'll be sure to stop by again the next time I'm in Greenvale." She promised, turning to walk further into the market when she heard guards josteling others toward the center, talking about the Southern Market and some other stir. Frowning, Anna fixed her storm-grey eyes on the guards that were talking. "Was the apple vendor telling me the truth? A winged cat out of nowhere?"
Curiosity and caution warred in her mind momentarily before curiosity won out. Annalise changed her trajectory to follow the guards at a slow jog, slipping her rucksack over her shoulders. She kept her eyes fixed on the guards' backs until they led her to the source of this other 'stir' they'd been talking about.
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© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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As the fight with Trillo ends, and the involvees begin to go their separate ways, a commotion is heard coming from the market centre. Before any of them are able to disappear, a mass of council guards in their golden armour appear, headed once again by Rau Kuiku. The Council-man looks around at the scattered group, looking to a woman at his side and speaking to her. She looks around at the devastated area upon which the caravan had once stood, taking in the mass of debris. She can be seen to shrug and gesture around, speaking quietly to Rau Kuiku as she does so. She can be seen to point towards Lucan, then, after scanning around, a flicker of recognition crosses her face upon seeing Yuri, and she whispers something else to the man at her side.
Rau Kuiku stares intently at the girl, then speaks to the woman once again, who nods in response. He turns to the guards behind and around him, and motions for them to go forth. He points specifically to the girl and Lucan, and the guards begin to quickly close in on them. The only way out is through the Southern Gate...
~~~
The guards head straight through the Market Centre, meeting up with a dozen others then marching forth into the Southern Market area. People still gossiping over lunch look up curiously, with some getting up to follow the troop of gold-armoured men.
They come to a sudden halt within sight of the Southern Gate, and for those who're close by some talking can be heard between a man and a woman. The man's tone is demanding, and the woman's sounds a little meek and frightened. Suddenly the guards begin to push forward again, at an order from the male voice...
~~~
BE SURE TO CHECK THE ROLLS BEFORE POSTING!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:34 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei grits her teeth at the clamor of armor, halting in her path and frowning as the soldiers of the Greenvale council run up and create a barricade. Was the battle they just had with Trillo so loud that it would attract so much attention? She had been lost in the moment, she could not recall.
Her frown deepens as she spies a woman soldier, whom she does not recognize, push to the front of the throng along with Rau Kuiku, purple robe sweeping behind him.
Once was enough, but twice?
Surely the gods did not favor her this day.
Maybe I can claim to be an innocent bystander and just continue home through the market?
She looks down. Droplets of blood mark her hands and the soles of her shoes are covered in blood as well. There is no denying she had done something. She cannot say she was on a hunting expedition – there is nothing to show for it. So they would only assume that she had been part of the clamor.
“Crap,” she scolds under her breath. She glances back to the wall of guards. No gaps. The only way out is “South…” she murmurs.
She is hesitant. The Southlands are said to be cursed. She is not scared per se, but she is not thrilled by the idea either. She had planned to go there once with her brother, but….
Now’s not the time! she berates herself. She inches slowly backwards towards the gate. If they start to get too interested in me, she eyes the guards, I’ll just run.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
Last edited by Seraphi on Fri Apr 19, 2013 4:32 pm; edited 1 time in total
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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This conversation is live RPed.
Max: The boy takes the rucksack from the girl and glances into it. The piglet looks comfortable, snuggling in it. Max is surprised. It usually hates being in the rucksack. Glancing up, he notices the girl turning to walk away. "Wait!" he calls out.
Yuri: She slows down slightly, but doesn't stop, glancing back at him over her shoulder. "Yes?" she says a little wearily.
Max: He glances back at the others, as if checking that no one is within hearing range. "I, uh, I'm sorry about your---" he pauses. He doesn't know who Trillo is---was to her. "I'm sorry about what you had to do," he says instead. "Was he your friend?" he asks before he could stop himself.
Yuri: The girl frowns and stops in her tracks. She opens her mouth as if to answer, then pauses. "He...it's...it's complicated," she says, with a heavy shrug. "What's it to you anyway?" she continues, her tone a little snappier, as if he's hit upon a sore subject.
Max: He curses himself and his mouth for doing it again. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." he starts, but then decides it's better to not continue. "I want to thank you for the...for using magic to protect me from the...other magic." The boy winces at his own words. Smooth.
Yuri: She turns around fully and eyes the boy. Her gaze shows a mixture of bafflement and curiosity, with a slight hint of wariness. "Did you expect me to do otherwise?" she asks, her tone slightly gentler than before.
Max: He shrugs. "You didn't have to help me, but you did. Thanks." Max swallows. He isn't sure if he should even ask the next question. Maybe he should wait a little longer. "Uh, how...how do you learn magic?" He kicks himself for his low self-control.
Yuri: "Well, I was taught it by another magic user..." the girl replies slowly, the caution in her eyes rising slightly. She started to walk backwards, then turned back towards her previous path. "I have to go," she said, her words hardening again. She continues towards the Southern Gate.
Max: "Wait, I'm sorry, I---" the boy tries to apologise. The girl's clearly distraught over recent events, and all he could think about was himself. He breathes and starts again. "I'm Max, the selfish and insecure boy who wishes he could fight better," he tells her, looking down. "And I'm sorry for being...you know." With a sigh, he turns around, away from the girl.
Yuri: She stops again at the apology and looks at him with a puzzled frown as he speaks. She appears to be vying with different instincts for a moment before speaking. "You...you're not selfish," she says awkwardly as if she's not used to being anything but abrupt and irritated by others. "You're just...human...Max." She seems to grimace at the effort it takes to make the friendly acknowledgment of his name.
Max: The boy turns back to the girl and blinks at her awkward attempt to be friendly. Then, he suddenly laughs aloud. "You don't have any friends, do you? Wait, wait, don't take that as a bad thing." He composes himself, takes a step forward and puts out his hand, waiting for her to shake it. "I'm Max. What's your name?"
Yuri: Despite his reassurances, her frown deepens as he makes the comment about her not having friends. She looks down at the outstretched hand, but doesn't make any attempt to shake it. "I have a Ulian as a friend," she says, folding her arms across her chest. "Beat that. And anyway, seeing as you're following me around all over the damn market, it seems to me you're not exactly Mr Popular either."
Max: He smiles at her reaction as his hand falls to his side. "Ulian? Is that what Shasta is?" As if just remembering the creature, the boy looks around for the blur, before settling to an area behind the girl. "Hi Shasta," he greets with a wave. After a moment, he looks at the girl. "Wait, he's not there, is he?"
Yuri: Her arms still folded, she looks more annoyed at his chirpy attitude to her comment. As he continues though, a slight air of amusement enters her eyes, though only slight. "You think he would have just stood there and allowed Trillo to attack me?" she replies smartly. "Or that I'd be stupid enough to bring him back in here after what happened in the Wolf Market?"
Max: He laughs. "That was rather silly of me, wasn't it? In my defence, I've never met invisible creatures before. Which land is he from?"
Tikanni Corazon: Yuri: She pauses, looking up at him scrutinisingly. Then she turns and points out of the Gateway, towards the forests of the Southern-lands. "He's from in there," she says. There is something in her voice...a slight hint of pride maybe.
Max: The boy barely even glances at where she was pointing. It's almost as if he's oblivious to the legends surrounding those lands. "So, I can see more weird creatures if I go there?" He smiles at the thought. "I was wondering where I should go next -- I think I have my answer!"
Yuri: "I...don't think you're ready for that yet," she says to him, a laugh of her own escaping.
He frowns at her, perplexed. "You're right, which is why I'm heading to the market to get some supplies," he replies, but are unsure if he understood her correctly. "Or did you mean something else?"
Yuri: "I meant that... it's the South-lands..." she said, her tone somewhere between amused and baffled by his clearly oblivious attitude. "...The Cursed lands..."
Max: The young boy scoffs. "Cursed Lands? Just some tale told by old men, I'm sure. I would go there right now to show you, but I need to get some more milk for him first," he says, gesturing at his rucksack. He starts for the market, but stops again. "You still haven't told me your name."
Yuri: "What if I told you it's also where Trillo came from?" she says, raising her eyebrows, then gesturing to the witches, who still huddle still and silent in their stall. "As do they...cursed or not, those lands are a whole other world...and don't take offence, but you leave a lot to be desired in the ways of combat."
Max: The young boy stiffens a little at her last comment. "Well, it's still not cursed, right? Besides, I don't plan on fighting everyone, or everything I see," he mutters in reply. "Thanks for your concern, but I'll be careful. It's nice meeting you, and say hello to Shasta for me." He says before heading to the market.
Yuri: "You sure about that?" she said, following him and dragging him back to face her. "You don't seem to have many qualms about fighting just about everyone and everything from what I can see." She pauses, looking up at him, her expression sincere. "As for if it's cursed...a lot of...bad things have happened there...and there are places in there that even I dare not venture..."
Max: The boy looks at her curiously. "You've been in there?" Feeling as if he's asking the wrong question, he tries again. "What happened in there?"
Yuri: "I...I live in there," she said reluctantly. She looks slightly incredulous at his other question. "Do your Clan not teach the tales of the past to their offspring? Do you not know the history of the Southlands?"
Max: He shakes his head. "The clan only taught me to fight," he says distantly. "For all the good it did. It doesn't matter now---" his frown suddenly transforms into the boy's usual curious look, "---will you tell me this tale?"
Yuri: She looks at him for a moment, nodding slowly. "Boar," she says, an affirmation, not a question. She shrugs. "I can't tell you the history of the lost people within a few mere minutes, and I haven't the time to stay for longer than that. I cannot linger at Greenvale at the best of times, and today is certainly far from that." She pauses. "If you're heading back to the Market centre, ask someone other than a Boar about the statue that marks the entrance to this area...someone will know something. And if they don't...that means that Hanna Xia has already succeeded in his quest..." She turns away, looking a little emotional and heads quickly for the gate, back to her home.
Max: The boy spends a few moments thinking. "Wait," he calls out softly. "Why would I want to ask someone who doesn't live in the South Lands about your home, if I can ask you instead. Can I meet you later, in those woods?"
Yuri: She keeps walking, reaching the gateway and exiting Greenvale. "If you want to talk to me about it, you better come now. I can't hang around here, I told you that. But if you want my advice, you'll go home to your family and forget all about it."
Max: The boy looks at the rucksack by his side. The piglet had just eaten, so maybe he can get more milk a bit later. It's not like he has any coins on him anyway. His curiosity about the 'cursed lands', and the girl who lives in it, only grew stronger at each passing moment. Then, he walks towards the exit, nodding at her, indicating that he'll follow her.
_________________
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 5:03 am Post subject: |
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Lucan had started to walk away when his eyes caught a pleasant surprise. Fallow. She pointed at him and guards quickly came in his direction. He slung his bow over his shoulder and raised his hands as he headed in their direction. "Fallow," he called out to her, strolling past the guards toward her and the guard captain. "Just the woman I was hoping to find. I'm afraid that Trillo is not going to be able to provide me with any salves after all...so would you happen to know anywhere else I can find some? Preferably not being sold by necromancer."
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 6:17 pm Post subject: Post 13 |
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I move a little closer to Symar, my eyes darting around the area. 'I'm sure all this commotion will attract some unwanted attention for some of us here' My face falls into a grim smile as my thoughts are confirmed in a loud clamor of armor and footfalls. 'Oh great, the man himself. If one could call him that' My jaw clenches and I feel Symar shift at my side. Sparing a glance I see his arms unfurl from their place across his chest and fall at the the ready to his sides. He's come to recognize my moods well. My tension rises slightly as they seem to single out a few members of out impromptu party. Glancing at the other Serpent I my smile turns a bit happier as he seems to be okay with the situation. Turning my attention instead to the girl whom we all come together to save for some reason or another a full grin emerges.
Her slow backwards creeping brings mirth bubbling to the surface. With a small laugh I turn and spot the girl and boy heading past me towards the south. Meeting Symar's gaze I can tell he's not too thrilled bu the decision he sees in my eyes but with a shrug he moves away from the wall. Looking back inside the market I give the girl inching away from the guards a light wave and motion towards the forest to the south. Then, completely without invitation, Symar and I move to follow the girl and young boy southwards.
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
Last edited by PopeAlessandrosXVIII on Tue Apr 16, 2013 2:05 am; edited 1 time in total
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Lilith
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| Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 1:21 am Post subject: |
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Annalise licked a bit of honey and apple juice from her thumb as she entered the Southern Market area, her eyes locked on the guards’ backs as they led the way, doing her best to remain unnoticed, although the purple streak of unbraided hair and her golden skin tone made her stick out in this portion of Greenvale more so than she had in the Northern portion. She heard some voices a bit away from her but she didn't recognize any of them. Anna attempted to peer over the heads of the crowd to see what was going on, without avail, so she started slipping in-between bodies in the crowd, letting some people jostle her and others just think they were getting a breeze as her braid whipped past them, just out of the corner of their eyes.
She managed to shift herself between enough bodies to clearly see the guards marching decisively through the Southern Market toward the gate, beyond which the wild Leopard Clan-lands were. Her eyes grew wide as she saw the guards push forward towards the people standing closest to the Southern gate, locking on to the young girl with blood on her hands, the man slinging his bow over his shoulder and calling out to the woman near the man who seemed to be in charge and had gestured the guards towards them. What in the world went on here? Were those two responsible for the same altercation in the Northern Market? The guards did say it was “another” scuff up... Puzzled and concerned for the petite-looking girl with blood on her hands, Annalise planted her feet to keep from being shoved back into the crowd again. Why would they end up here, of all places? Unless... the Emperor’s declaration? No, the girl is but a mite of a child, she would not be so silly…
Then her eyes followed the movement of another girl and boy that looked to be in his mid-teens… and yet another male following after them… in the direction of the Southern gate. Not good… those guards will probably follow until the last second. Annalise inhaled sharply and started to move through the crowd as quickly as she dare, trying to make her way swiftly and unobtrusively to the gate herself.
_________________
© 2007-2019 Lilith
Last edited by Lilith on Fri Apr 26, 2013 10:06 am; edited 1 time in total
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 3:54 pm Post subject: |
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The Guards start to spread out around the area, though two small groups each continue to approach the tall Serpent and the Boar girl, both of which had been pointed out by the woman beforehand...
~~~
The Guards sent off in Sumei's direction notice immediately when she attempts to discreetly change her direction towards the Southern-Gate. One, marked as a commander by the emblem of a green leaf upon the breast-plate of his armour, signals for the other five with him to cut off her escape. There is an opportunity to get past them to continue south, but the chance is growing ever more slim as the Guards draw nearer.
“Hey, you! Stay where you are! Rau Kuiku would speak to you, if you please.”
The Commander's voice is authoritative, and clearly indicates that the Guards will react with force should she not comply with their orders...
~~~
Rau Kuiku's gaze scans the area, his sharp eyes picking out anyone else he deems slightly out of place. They narrow slightly as he spots a boy and girl near the Gate, looking to be together and leaving the market through the Gateway at a pace. He points a few of the golden-garbed Guards in their direction, indicating wordlessly that he wants them brought to him.
~~~
Rau Kuiku turns his gaze from the Gate as he becomes aware of the Serpent he'd pointed out earlier approaching. He frowns in puzzlement, as the man starts to speak to the woman at his side. At the accusation that the woman had been seemingly aware or involved with a Necromancer, he turns to look at her, his expression thunderous. Fallow seems to whither beneath it.
“You didn't mention a Necromancer,” he says steadily, though his tone is injected with a slight venom. He turns back to the Serpent, then speaks to the Guards once again.
“Bring him,” he says. “He will be questioned on this matter.”
Without hesitation, the Guards begin to close in on the man. There is a small gap through which one could escape their clutches towards the south-east, but it's quickly disappearing...
~~~
The Guards and the Council-man who leads them seem to overlook the presence of Elman and Symar. Their attentions are on the original two – the other Serpent and the Boar girl – but they've also spotted the young boy and girl heading out the Southern Gate, and are fast approaching...
~~~
A couple of the Guards notice Annalise's passage through the Southern Market, heading towards the Gate, but after a few moments of scrutiny, they overlook her and pass on, leaving her to continue unhindered.
From her position, all of Rau Kuiku's orders can be heard, and she can see them being carried out. The two youngsters and the other male that originally caught her attention are passing out of the Gate now, but they're being pursued...
~~~
Yuri passes out of the Gateway, relief building in her chest at the sight of her homeland growing ever closer. She's aware of the boy following her, finding that she currently doesn't know how to feel about the fact.
“I'm coming Shasta...” she murmurs, hoping that the Ulian doesn't overreact when the boy appears alongside her...
~~~
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK THE DICE ROLLS BEFORE POSTING!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:51 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei’s hope that the guards had just been casting a passing glance at her quickly disappears. She hesitates as a commander and five of his men separate from the group and begin to circle around her in order to cut off her escape to the South. Out of the corner of her eye she notices the tall Serpent from the fight with Trillo, the one that used the curved swords, waving at her with a carefree smile on his face. She narrows her eyes in suspicion.
No. She would not make that mistake again.
Ignoring him, she turns her attention back to the guards. There is still enough room to make a break for the gate. Every nerve in her body tells her to run, but what will running do but cause more trouble if she is caught? She could surely take out the guards if it came to a fight, however...
He has skill. I can feel it she glares at Rau Kuiku. He would definitely be trouble.
It takes a few moments, but soon reason overcomes pride. She releases a deep sigh and reluctantly raises her hands in resignation, lifting them up and away from her hips where she had been subconsciously resting them on her axes.
“And what business do I have with him?” she says unpleasantly to the commander, nodding in Rau Kuiku’s direction.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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Max silently followed the nameless girl as she headed towards her home, the apparently fabled Southern lands. He was still unsure if he made the right decision. Gently, he swung his rucksack forward and he peeked into it. He smiled. Was it snoring?
After walking out of the large gate, the boy glanced back at the market, briefly wondering if he'd return someday. That was when he noticed the golden-armoured guards. He groaned. Not this again! The guards weren't the only ones following them, too, he thought wearily as his eyes fell upon the shirtless Serpent and Wolf.
Turning his head back forward, he picked up his pace to close the gap between himself and the girl. "Don't look, but the guards are coming. Should we start running?"
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 2:09 pm Post subject: |
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POST FOR LUCAN
Lucan eyes the Guards closing in, turning his head this way and that in order to get a better idea as to the situation he now finds himself in. He spies a small gap in the incoming ranks, but decides that running will likely do little good. Fighting back on the other hand...
A wry smile appears on his face, as his hands travel to grasp his bow and an arrow. Quick as a striking serpent, the arrow is knocked into place and the bow string drawn back, ready to release the spear-headed shaft into one of the Guards should they make any sudden moves. The men themselves look wary at the sight of the arrow, but still they keep coming, confident in strength in numbers.
An idea hits Lucan suddenly, and without warning to his oncoming enemies he turns the arrow upon Rau Kuiku and releases...
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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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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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POST FOR ELMAN
As Symar and myself follow the girl and boy, I'm only too aware of the Guards behind us. A glance backwards tells me instantly that my companion and I have been overlooked, and the gold-clad soldiers are targeting the youngsters. After a suspicious glance in my direction, the girl that we'd all banded together to rescue seemed to be stubbornly ignoring my indication to head towards the southlands, and instead appeared to be willingly handing herself over to her incoming captors!
With a puzzled shake of my head, I turn my attention back towards the Guards giving chase the the boy and girl ahead of Symar and I. I look sideways at Symar and give a nod. His reaction, to my amusement, is a roll of the eyes, as if he'd been expecting me to be reckless all along. I indicate that he follow the boy and girl still, just in case they need a little extra protection, before I myself turn and head towards the Guards.
"My apologies, good sirs," I exclaim allowed, blocking the path of the nearest man. "I can see that you're all terribly busy, but I don't suppose you could let me in on what appears to be going on here?"
I smile at him cheerily, waiting to see how he'll react.
_________________
.... 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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Lilith
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| Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 6:01 pm Post subject: |
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Annalise didn’t notice the Guards who were eyeing her but thankfully she passed without incident, allowing her to listen to Rau Kuiku’s further commands. She knew the Guards were pursuing the three that had ducked out of the Southern Gate and she knew she was running her luck’s limit by trying to follow them. They’ll think I’m with them, for sure if I duck out of the gate as well, but… I need to know if they are attempting to meet the Emperor’s directives for immortality… if they are… it could be troublesome. With that thought ringing through her mind, Annalise skidded to a halt just inside the Gates.
She glanced back in the direction of the Guards, her eyes widening when she saw a man raise his bow, knock an arrow and release it in Rau Kuiku’s direction. Her gasp was more than likely inaudible in the sudden shout from another man who apologized to the Guards and tried to block their passage toward the Gates. In disbelief, Annalise tore her eyes away from the indescribable and confusing situation and reached out to push the Gates open just enough to slip through after the girl and the boy that had left not too long ago.
If I go after them, I will probably have to eliminate them eventually. The truth of it struck Anna suddenly, making her gut clench in apprehension and unease at first before it slid slowly away to acceptance. “Then so be it.” She muttered under her breath to herself, before darting quickly through the Gates, sending a silent prayer to the spirit world that she be spared the responsibility of ending the youngers’ lives.
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© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 5:25 am Post subject: |
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Though his eyes shift around, watching all in the vicinity, a majority of Rau Kuiku's gaze is focused upon the youngsters exiting the gate. The Boar girl appeared to be suitably surrounded by guards, as did the Serpent who'd dared to address he and his Guards so casually. But the others... He watched as they exited the market and seemed to continue south. A feeling of desperation hit him, as he instinctively knew they were heading for the forests of the a-cursed Southlands. Once they were in there, it would prove very difficult to locate them again, and there would be huge cost behind hiring trackers and hunters to enter after them.
“GET AFTER THEM!” he roared at the Guards, pointing towards the small group, which now appeared to consist of two others, with a third close behind. “I WANT THEM ALIVE!”
“Bring the other two!” he said, pointing to the Boar girl, then turning towards the Serpent male, only to find an arrow aimed in his direction. Rau Kuiku let out a screech and attempted to fling himself out of the arrow's range...
~~~
At Rau Kuiku's bellowed orders, the Guards start to close in around Sumei faster, not bothering to answer her question.
“You have no right to question Rau Kuiku,” the lead Guard states in a deep, grating voice. “You will come with us, and Rau Kuiku will do what he wishes with you. It's not for you or I to question.”
The gap in the ranks grows narrower and narrower, the chance to escape dwindling along with it. Once enclosed by the eight Guards surrounding her, it's obvious that it's going to be near impossible to escape.
Suddenly, a screech of fear from the direction of their master causes the Guards attention to be momentarily diverted. If there's a chance of escape, now is the best possible time...
~~~
At Max's words, the girl looked back over her shoulder, frowning at the incoming Guards, her gaze flickering over the Serpent and Wolf following her as well...and further behind again, a woman. She's older and clearly a Wolf, though it's uncertain as to whether she's following them or merely exiting the Market.
“Gods, what have I gotten myself into today?!” she exclaims softly. “If I'd just listened to sense and made Shasta remain behind, all of this could have been prevented. But no...and now I've got Guards on my tail, and apparently a following of strangers.”
A small grimace passes over her face, indicating how uncomfortable the idea makes her. Though it is gone quickly, almost as if it wasn't ever there. She turns to Max.
“Yes, we'll run,” she replies, noting the Serpent suddenly placing himself between them and the fast approaching Guards.
She gives a short tug on Max's shirt, indicating the direction in which they're headed. With that, she turns tail and darts off, reaching the border of the Southern forests quickly, and weaving through the trees. Within seconds, she's disappeared, melting into the brown and green like a ghost. There is a strange feeling of foreboding about the place...
~~~
The arrow is loosed and speeds towards it's target, who lets out a satisfying scream of terror and attempts to move out of the way of it's path. His efforts are to no avail though, and the arrow hits the upper part of his pectoral with a soft thunk. Rau Kuiku falls to the ground, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. Blood expands from the wound, saturating his robes. In the middle of all the hubbub, Fallow has disappeared.
Some of the Guards surrounding Lucan run to the aid of their Master, while others lunge viciously at him with spears, attempting to down him. He evades all, by some miracle, and with the lack of Guards surrounding him, there's plenty of opportunities to chance escape...
~~~
The Guards looks incredulously at Elman, the leader attempting to knock him to one side, though he's unsuccessful. His gaze looks past Elman to the girl and boy, and his eyes fill with fury as he sees the former disappearing past the Southern border.
“Get out of my way, you fool!” he growls, determined that he will not lose both of them. He gives Elman a rough shove, followed with the drawing of his sword, which he brandishes threateningly at the Serpent man...
~~~
A nearby confrontation between the Guards and the tall, male Serpent holds the attention of the former well enough to allow Annalise to pass by without incident. The treeline is ahead as she passes out of the gate, the a-cursed Southernlands mere feet away. They seem to radiate foreboding and warning, and it's very easy to believe in the dark tales told about past events that took place within.
The treeline is thick, the rough trunks situated close together, almost like a wall. It's not possible to determine what lies beyond them by either sight or sound, as the place is also unnervingly silent. The girl from before disappears inside at a run and without hesitation, the boy looking to follow...
~~~
Rau Kuiku writhes upon the ground, a gurgling scream escaping his lips as one of the Guards attempts to pull the arrow out of his chest. He connects a fist with the Guard's cheekbone, causing the man draw back.
“Just get me to my physician!” he demands of two of the others, coughing up a light spray of blood, which spatters the skin around his mouth. “And as for the rest of you...I want those youngsters! Bring them to me, along with the Boar girl and that SERPENT! I want him ALIVE!”
The directed Guards do as they're been told and gingerly help Rau Kuiku to his feet supporting him, as he hisses in agony. The others head off to carry out their orders...
~~~
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 3:45 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei barely registers that one of the guards is speaking to her, and only briefly notices that the group around her is closing in. She eyes the tall Serpent with the bow, transfixed as the arrow the man has strung is released, flying towards Rau Kuiku’s heart. A small grin lights her face as the arrow pierces his chest and he screams as he wilts to the ground, his blood dying his purple robe black.
Taking advantage of the guards concern for their suddenly injured commander, Sumei ducks low and slides her way through the narrow gap left between two of the men in armor. As soon as she is free of the circle, she sprints towards the Southern Gate, taking care to dodge any other guards on her way. She chances a look back and is delighted by the sight of blood trickling from the side of Rau Kuiku’s mouth as he shouts.
It seems he’s out for everyone now She glances at the other people from before, noticing that the girl is making her way into the depths of the forest of the Southlands. She frowns as the stories of the curse of the South creep into her mind. Will it be dangerous? Maybe. Is it a chance to escape the guards? Most definitely.
Picking up her pace, Sumei rushes through the gate and vaults a nearby bush, entering the forest herself.
Besides, if someone as weak as her can go in, so can I
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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Turning towards the noisy commotion behind them, Max realised the situation had somehow escalated a hundred fold within the span of moments. An arrow was embedded inside an important-looking man...the same man who was shouting authoritatively at the guards, sending them out to capture all of them, including him. The market authorities can really hold a grudge!
That was when he noticed a slender woman with a streak of purple hair behind them, almost as if following them. Darting out of the gate was the small axe-woman from earlier, also heading in the same direction. Max chuckled to himself. The girl from the South was not going to like this!
Picking up his speed, he stayed close to her as they disappeared into the forest.
_________________
Last edited by sagittaeri on Sat May 11, 2013 6:10 am; edited 5 times in total
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misterbiz
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| Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 1:26 am Post subject: |
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Lucan smiled wide as he dodged the guards attacks. Seeing the chance of escape he gave them a quick bow. "Ta-ta, gents....Love to stay and chat but seeing as how pain is probably in my future, I gotta run."
He blew them a kiss and looked toward the South Gate where others were attempting escape as well. Instead of following though, he took off toward the North. He was not leaving without Sarpe.
_________________
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PopeAlessandrosXVIII
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| Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 6:07 am Post subject: Post 14 |
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Recovering from the shove I straiten up and carefully bring my hands up to show that I'm not going to retaliate. I make note of a wolf girl heading out of the gate before looking back to the guards before me. “My good sirs, I did not mean to cause you trouble, there is no need for you to draw against me.” My eyes track the girl that had been captured by the necromancer as she darts by. With a smile I note the other two I'd sent Symar with vanishing into the forest, Symar following carefully behind. 'He'll leave me a trail to follow should they get too far in for me to track normally' I muse before returning my eyes forward. The guard seems ready to strike me down. I spread my arms apart and adopt a generous smile. “Now now, please, I'm just trying to aid you. The forest has grown quite dangerous as of late. Even those walking along the boarders have been vanishing. I even hear some have turned up dead. You would not believe the bodies I have seen turning up, expelled from the forest like a hairball from a sick cat. Most horrible.”
I see some of the guards looking back and forth between one another, looks of great unease blossoming on their faces, some even hinting at fear. “We have all heard of what happens to those entering the southern lands. Those children will most assuredly not survive the night. You leader may not be a kind man, but no man could ever blame you for not risking your own lives. And for what? To retrieve the corpses of a few rabble rousers? Besides, the one you really want, the one who tired to kill Rau Kuiku, is in a much safer direction. “My eyes glide over the retreating back of the Serpent from before. “Indeed, the would be murderer escapes even now, to the west!” I point sharply to my left, and almost as if snapping to attention before their commander, they all turn and begin racing into the west market. I chuckle lightly. “Like dogs after an invisible stick.”
Turning back to the north I carefully make my way through the remaining guards, none seem to pay me any mind. They seem confused for the most part, others seem quite angry. Making sure not to draw any attention to myself I begin scanning for the Serpent. 'I don't recall seeing his companion during the battle. I bet he's looking for the little one.' With a smile I spot him a little ways off. Placing myself between him and the guards behind me I make my way to him. Careful to stay a few paces back least he think me a foe I call out. “The others have all gotten away. I saw you heading away from freedom, your serpent I suppose? I can aid you if you like. Four eyes are better than two I would say.” My voice drops a little but remains audible, “And after all, how can I not lend aid to one who not only helped keep my head on my shoulders, but who gave me a fair bit of amusement while doing so?” I let out a small laugh as I recall the man's extravagant insults he'd thrown during the battle with the necromancer.
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
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Lilith
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| Posted: Tue May 14, 2013 8:54 am Post subject: |
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Annalise's heart rose to her throat when she heard Rau Kuiku's scream rent the air, telling of the arrow hitting its mark. She turned once, her eyes wide in surprise, eyeing the path back from the treeline to the Gates of Greenvale... but she pushed any thoughts of returning from her mind, and missed which direction the girl and boy from earlier took off in. Now she was facing the infamous and oppressive forest alone... and all of the stories she'd been told as a child began to come back to haunt her memory.
She reached forward to touch the bark of the tree nearest her, but her shaking hand soon retracted back to her chest and made Annalise realize she couldn't go into this forest in particular. Turning back to look at the Gates once more, the Wolf woman felt an unnatural chill shiver down her spine as the feeling of the place unnerved her further, making her step away from the tree line.
Anna, you need to get a grip and get moving. Climb the trees if you must but the guards saw that girl and boy come out here, and very well may come after them. Move... move... MOVE!
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© 2007-2019 Lilith
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:05 am Post subject: |
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Rau Kuiku's orders are obeyed and he's gently lifted and carried off to his physician, though much cursing and exclamations of displeasure are uttered from his lips. The remain Guards head out to gather up the potential prisoners...
~~~
As soon as Sumei enters the cursed forests of the South, she finds herself in near pitch blackness. The trees here are growing thickly and close together, in a manner that would seem a little unnatural. The spaces between them are narrow and difficult to navigate oneself through. A few scattered and dim shafts of light break through the canopy overhead, where the branches and foliage are thick and dense.
The area is unnervingly silent in stark contrast with the previous birdsong and the wind rustling through the leaves that one could hear outside the forest, and the very aura is enough to make the hairs on one's arms stand on end. Every now and then, a small, brief rustling does occur, but not in the manner of a breeze passing through...more in the form of something moving within the dense shadows.
The path behind remains open for now, making it easy enough for one to leave. The path deeper inside the forest is hard to make out for the most part, but it does look as though one could make their way through, further into the dark uncertainty that lurks beyond...
~~~
Darkness envelopes Max as he leaves behind the world beyond the Southern forest, and he finds himself surrounded by thickly growing trees and an unnerving aura. He manages to keep pace with the girl, who's silhouette can just about be made out, her presence also giving off a strange aura that had gone previously unnnoticed by himself. She reaches back and takes her hand in his, keeping a hold of him as she moves forward, leading him further into her domain. The manner in which she does so tells that she's at least slightly irked by the whole situation.
"What were you laughing about back there?" her voice questions quietly. Suddenly, her visage comes into view, as a patch of daylight marks the path ahead of them. She leads Max straight for it, and soon they're bathed in light once again. Before Max is a large clearing. It's completely surrounded by trees showing nothing beyond but darkness much like that in which they'd been previously enclosed. The clearing itself is entirely made up of long grass, which reaches up just past the girl's waist. It's a beautiful, healthy green in colour, though the wind blowing through it causes it to look almost silvery as it moves in a wave-like manner. Here and there dotted amongst it are stems of purple flowers, star-shapped and all tiny and clustered together. Contrasting with the unnerving atmosphere and darkness of the trees, this place feels safe and peaceful.
The girl drops his hand, just as a loud growl erupts from his right...
~~~
Almost as if she'd been waiting for Lucan to finish his 'business', Sarpe slithers from beneath a nearby stall within the Leopard market still, but close to the centre of Greenvale. The vendor of the stall is missing, likely one of those huddled watching the antics in the Southern market. The large snake slides along the ground towards her master, coming to a halt at his feet, winding herself delicately around his right ankle. Her eyes latch onto the other Serpent, and though her face gives off no expression, she's clearly wary of him.
A quick scan of the area will tell any that the Guards are clearly occupied elsewhere, and neither of the Serpent men have been followed. There are several small crowds scattered around though, all frantically gossiping. A select few bystanders turn narrowed eyes upon Lucan and Elman, so it can be assumed that some have observed that at least one of the two are recognised as the 'troublemakers' who have caused such a stir.
From back South, the kerfuffle continues, making it obvious that the Guards and their master remain back there for now, so only the most stealthy or reckless of people would be willing to venture there again. The market is thick with stalls, so there are plenty of places to lay low should one wish to wait for things to blow over. But then, one can also leave via one of the other gates...
~~~
Almost as if she'd been waiting for Lucan to finish his 'business', Sarpe slithers from beneath a nearby stall within the Leopard market still, but close to the centre of Greenvale. The vendor of the stall is missing, likely one of those huddled watching the antics in the Southern market. The large snake slides along the ground towards her master, coming to a halt at his feet, winding herself delicately around his right ankle. Her eyes latch onto the other Serpent, and though her face gives off no expression, she's clearly wary of him.
A quick scan of the area will tell any that the Guards are clearly occupied elsewhere, and neither of the Serpent men have been followed. There are several small crowds scattered around though, all frantically gossiping. A select few bystanders turn narrowed eyes upon Lucan and Elman, so it can be assumed that some have observed that at least one of the two are recognised as the 'troublemakers' who have caused such a stir.
From back South, the kerfuffle continues, making it obvious that the Guards and their master remain back there for now, so only the most stealthy or reckless of people would be willing to venture there again. The market is thick with stalls, so there are plenty of places to lay low should one wish to wait for things to blow over. But then, one can also leave via one of the other gates...
~~~
The Guards, after the shock of Rau Kuiku being attacked, have started to come to their senses, and are quickly branching out across the Leopard Market, a majority of their number heading directly South towards the escapees. A cry of dismay can be heard from several as the young boy and girl disappear into the trees, then the boar girl also. Yet they still keep coming...
The forest continues to give off an aura that only the most pig-headed of people wouldn't at least be slightly detered by. And yet, other than to make a run for it along the road towards either the Boar or Serpent lands, it's the only path open. The sheer number and clear annoyance on the faces of the golden-clad Guards closing the gap between themselves and Annalise show that the path behind is closed, unless one wishes to end up dead or imprisoned...
~~~
No dice rolls were made for this GM post, other than one for Sagi which I have PMed the details of to him. This is due to a combination of me not having the time, and also the fact that I smacked my head against a rather large, overhanging tree branch whilst walking my dog (sun in my eyes, gah!), which hurts rather a lot and hasn't really put me in the mood for writing or rolling. But I managed to get the former done, and I'm now off the put an ice pack on my forehead, and reclean the cut made.
Biz and Pope have the same post, as I'm sure you've noticed. If anyone wants any specific dice rolls for their post, let me know, though please don't make them extensive at this moment in time, lol!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
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| Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:01 pm Post subject: |
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Even after entering the forest Sumei continues to run, darting between closely growing trees and around thorned bushes that appear like specters in the unexpected darkness. Despite her nimble movements she still receives a few scratches before coming to a halt to catch her breath.
Unsettling is the first word that comes to her mind as she scrutinizes her surroundings. The blackness is not so bad once her eyes adjust, and she notices that in many places small shafts of light that have managed to pass through the thick canopy above bathe the forest floor. What really sets her on edge is the overwhelming lack of sound.
But wait! Her head turns swiftly to the left as a sudden rustling reaches her. She narrows her eyes and strains her ears, waiting. The noise comes again, but this time from her right. And much closer. With gritted teeth she fights the shiver that threatens to run up her spine.
She glances behind her. The pathway out of the forest is still visible, but turning back would only have her caught by Rau Kuiku’s guards. She closes her eyes and furrows her eyebrows in thought, breathing deeply and running her hand along the bark of a tree next to her. The familiarity of the rough surface against her palm in a place so strange comforts her and gives her courage
Sumei begins moving forward again, this time at a slower, more cautious pace, determination in her step. She does not travel far before she spots a tree with a low hanging branch that, should she jump, she would be able to reach. She kicks herself into a quick jog and vaults herself off of the ground, clutching the branch firmly as she grabs it with her hands.
She dangles there for a moment, swinging back and forth until she is satisfied that the branch will hold her weight without breaking, and, with a light grunt, hoists herself up into the tree. She climbs higher until she finds a sturdy branch about halfway up where she sits, peering around the forest from her new vantage point. As a second thought she removes one of the axes from the holster at hips and starts spinning it in her hand, keeping a wary eye out for anyone. Or anything.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 5:19 pm Post subject: |
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Upon entering the dark forest, memories of the night Max left his village bubbled towards the surface. He had no plans, no idea where he was going. Without realising it, he stumbled back into the forest...the exact spot where Yolene was killed. Where he got her killed.
He stood on that spot until the sun fell below the horizon. It was then he heard the pitiful squeals of the boar piglet. Its tiny leg was still trapped.
When Max freed it, it tried to scramble away, but its leg was torn open. For days, the boar piglet wanted nothing more but to get away from the boy. However, he wouldn't let it. It had no one left to protect it, anymore. Its mother's murderer was all it had left.
"What were you laughing about back there?" the girl-from-the-south asked him silently, snapping him back into the present.
There was an aura about her. Strange and subtle. It was still dark around them, save for the occasional patches of sunlight through the leaves and branches. Before he knew it, he was led into a large well-lit clearing with waist-high grass.
A breath involuntarily escaped Max's lungs.
The gentle waving of the green blades. The clusters of tiny purple flowers. The ray of golden sunlight. It was peaceful.
Unfortunately, it was only for an instant.
Something growled loudly suddenly, causing Max to spin towards his right. Scanning wildly across the grass field, he noticed that something large was flattening the grass. It continued to growl and appeared to be 'stalking' closer!
Quickly, he drew his dagger. "Is that Shasta?" the boy whispered tensely at the girl, unsure if he should attack.
_________________
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Tikanni Corazon
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| Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 6:17 pm Post subject: |
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LIVE SESSION FOR LUCAN AND ELMAN (JOINT POST FOR BIZ AND POPE)
The gossiping groups of bystanders remain, all seemingly too occupied in their chitter-chatter to take any notice of the two Serpents. Those who's narrowed eyes are directed towards their presence quickly lose interest, their attention drawn more to the hubbub from the South.
Though it might be possible to blend in with the crowds and move South at the same time, given the amount of fuss coming from the area, one cannot do anything but sense it would be a bad idea.
All eyes are seemingly focused in that direction, leaving the paths through the other areas of the market a little more open and less prone to notice.
Lucan: Lucan starts to turn but it stopped as he feels Sarpe wrap around his ankle. He looks down at her before turning and following her gaze to the stranger nearby. "No need, it appears as if my Pretty One has found her way back to me." He stared at the fellow Serpent with an emotionless face. "and she...is feeling a bit nervous about your presence....so, if I may ask, what brought you into the battle with the magician."
Elman: Elman takes half a step back to give the snake some room. His face settles into a calm grin. "Well, It's a funny little tale actually that involves a beast, a kid, a rock, and some random happenings. But in the end I would say I couldn't stand the thought of that poor girl having to be subjected to the things I know go on in that wagon. Or, use to I should say." Motioning slightly towards Sarpe he murmurs, "She's beautiful by the way." Looking around Elman takes a quick survey of the area. "I would suggest we leave the immediate area though my friend. Though I managed to divert them, I don't believe we'll be overlooked forever. Someone is bound to recall our involvement sooner or later." He turns back to the other Serpent, smile still in place.
The survey of the area proves useful. From the south market, the commotion, or at least part of it, appears to be drawing closer, given the sound of voices coming closer. A man calling for the bystanders to make way for Rau Kuiku makes it obvious that the powerful but wounded council man is being brought into the vicinity.
The forefront of the crowd can just be seen giving way. Time is of the essence...
Elman: Motioning to the south Elman says. "Looks like we've got some uninvited company headed this way. Care to join me in a quick getaway?" Careful not to get too close to the other serpent Elman walks swiftly but casually past him, pointing out a break in the crowd the two of them could slip through, and hopefully, out of sight.
Lucan: Lucan nodded and without saying a word, moved past him and toward the break in the crowd. Sarpe slithered up him as he moved, settling on wrapping herself around his chest and resting her head on his shoulder to watch the stranger.
Elman: Elman walks swiftly behind the other man, giving the snake a little wave. The path through the boar market weaves this way and that. Passing too close to a fish stall makes Elman gag slightly, but he fights through it. He keeps an ear out for pursuers, glancing back wards when he can do so without looking suspicious.
The duo aren't being followed, and ahead of them the market is far from quiet but not as busy as it was earlier in the day, when it was a bustling hive of movement and sound. The vendors all remain at their stalls, some of them shooting suspicious glances at the passing Serpents, though only due to the fact that they are Serpents. The path ahead though remains clear, the gates being visible in the distance.
Lucan: Lucan smirks and continues forward, heading out of the gate, moving cautiously the crowd, doing his best not to make physical contact with anyone. Sarpe slowly moves again and wraps herself around his arm.
Elman: Letting out a little sigh at the lack of pursuit Elman follows the other serpent out of the market. Pulling even with him but still giving the girl on his arm space, he turns sideways a little so that he's looking at the man. "That was some excellent marksmanship in that fight. And quite amusing." He looks the man up and down, analyzing him. "You seem the type of guy who likes to work alone, but. . . ." His voice drops as his gaze turns southward. "Something seems to be happening here. I'm not sure what it is, but you seem like a good guy to bring along." He looks back to the man. Holding out a hand he says, "Oh, and the name's Elman by the way. Might as well introduce myself with all this talking your ear off I'm doing." He chuckles.
Lucan: Lucan stares down at the hand but does not shake it. "Name's Lucan," he said. "And you are right that I like to work alone. I've been in self-imposed exile for years. Its just been me and the Pretty One here. Oh, her name is Sarpe by the way and don't worry, she'll only bite you if I say so...or you attack me."
Elman: Taking the hint Elman drops hi hand. "Self-imposed huh? Well, I may not have done it to myself, but I too have left the tribe." He shrugs slightly. "Right now my best friend is a Wolf Clan who, for some reason I can't fathom, thinks travelling with me is entertaining." He looks at the snake. "Sarpe is quite lovely, and you two must be good friends for her to trust you like that."
Lucan: "Saved her from a leather maker. He had caught her and was hauling her off. I put an arrow in his eye and let her loose, she followed me and we've been inseparable. I think its because like her I am solitary." He stared into the other Serpent's eyes. "I left because I found the rest of the clan rather insipid...How'd you end up with a Wolf?"
Elman: He chuckles. "Well, I was, a bit out of it for a while after leaving. Ended up on Wolf lands. The kid spotted me. Ready to take my head off and everything. But for some reason the little brat ran home, packed a bag, and lead me out of Wolf lands. Since then he's been following me around. Can't complain though. He's one hell of a cook!" He looks off towards the south again. He's trailing the kids now. He's not the sharpest tool on the rack, but he takes orders well."
The two Serpents reach the Eastern Gate. Beyond the path is scattered with a few shoppers heading home early, before the majority of the crowd decide to depart. Towards the south, the road is empty though, all shoppers heading north towards the path through the Boar lands, or upwards towards the Wolf Clanlands.
_________________
.... 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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Tikanni Corazon
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Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).
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| Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2013 10:50 am Post subject: |
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The rustling below Sumei's tree continues for a moment, drawing steadily nearer. Then it suddenly stops, seemingly in very close proximity to the base her hiding place. The darkness makes it very difficult to to see anything besides that which is right in front of one's face, but amongst the roots of the tree can be seen a shape. Not overly big (though not small either) the shadowy being looks to be either a creature that walks upon all fours, or one that is crouched down close to the ground, with a fairly long body and a small compact head, though all colouring and distinguishing features are fully hidden by it's environment.
It stands perfectly still...then suddenly it leaps! Powerful hind legs vault it upwards into the lower branches of the tree with lightning speed, before it pounces again, sharp, strong claws gripping the bark. Flashes of a strange mixture of scaled skin and fur come into view as it moves it's muscular body and long tail, coloured in a merging of brown and dull green, and a pair of narrowed, deep-green eyes lock onto it's prey.
It's movements rapid and perfectly executed, it hurtles towards Sumei with a yowl and slashes at her violently with one six-clawed paw, catching her across her left shoulder and breast-bone. The attack leaves a six-tracked gouge which starts to trickle blood instantly, before the creature vanishes into the branches above...
~~~
The shape in the grass continues to rapidly draw closer to Max, the grass beneath it flattening in it's wake. The girl runs forward, placing herself between Max and the incoming invisible being, her arms motioning for it to stop.
"Shasta, stop," she says gently, answering Max's question with her words, though they're not directed at him personally. "It's all fine...he's..." She looks back at Max, her expression doubtful for a moment as she looks him up and down. She notices the dagger in his hand and snatches it from him, with a disgusted shake of her head, before turning back to the giant winged cat, which suddenly splutters into growling visibility. "...He's a friend..." she finishes, and reaches back to pat Max awkwardly on the shoulder.
Shasta, who'd been previously crouched in a ready-to-attack stance, stood up straight on his four-legs. His head held proudly high, eyes fixed upon Max, he side-steps the girl and approaches Max anyway. The girl does nothing to stop him, as the winged cat walks right up to Max, his glaring eyes looking directly into the boy's. There is a low rumbling in Shasta's throat, as he continues to growl warningly...
~~~
The two Serpents reach the Eastern Gate. Beyond the path is scattered with a few shoppers heading home early, before the majority of the crowd decide to depart. Towards the south, the road is empty though, all shoppers heading north towards the path through the Boar lands, or upwards towards the Wolf Clanlands.
There doesn't appear to be any sign of them being followed by anyone, including the golden-armoured guards, though the kerfuffle can still be heard from the town centre even from this distance.
On the road to the South, a lone figure appears walking towards the pair, heading for the North. The sex of the individual cannot be determined due to a full-length hooded robe, though they're tall and of very slim build. They seem to pose no threat and aren't making any effort to bar the way to the South. To all onlookers, he/she is nothing more than a weary traveller heading home. But one can never be too wary where the South is concerned...
~~~
The two Serpents reach the Eastern Gate. Beyond the path is scattered with a few shoppers heading home early, before the majority of the crowd decide to depart. Towards the south, the road is empty though, all shoppers heading north towards the path through the Boar lands, or upwards towards the Wolf Clanlands.
There doesn't appear to be any sign of them being followed by anyone, including the golden-armoured guards, though the kerfuffle can still be heard from the town centre even from this distance.
On the road to the South, a lone figure appears walking towards the pair, heading for the North. The sex of the individual cannot be determined due to a full-length hooded robe, though they're tall and of very slim build. They seem to pose no threat and aren't making any effort to bar the way to the South. To all onlookers, he/she is nothing more than a weary traveller heading home. But one can never be too wary where the South is concerned...
~~~
Annalise's scan of the surrounding forest for the boy and girl proves to be fruitless, and there's no sound to direct her to their whereabouts. As she makes her way down through the branches of the tree towards the ground, a loud, yowling roar reaches her ears from somewhere close by and at around her level.
A couple of trees away, there is the figure of a person sitting in the branches, and just above her, a long, sinuous shape disappears from view into the leafy canopy above. Though the sighting of the latter is brief, the shape is similar to that of a cat, but with a longer body and shorter legs...
~~~
PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE DICE ROLLS POST BEFORE POSTING A RESPONSE! THANKS!
_________________
.... 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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Seraphi
General Fiction Mod
Joined: 25 Oct 2012
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Location: Penna, having a hot cup of tea
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| Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2013 7:59 pm Post subject: |
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Sumei stops twirling the axe in her hand as she hears the rustling again and looks down. She takes the other axe from its holster and squints into the darkness at the brush at the base of the tree. The rustling has stopped but she can make out something hiding within it.
Long torso… she notes, twisting her head side to side to try to get a better view of the shadowed shape below, but aside from its vague outline she sees nothing, let alone what type of creature it is.
Hopefully something that can’t climb.
No sooner has the thought entered her mind than the creature lunges upwards. Sumei barely registers the features of the revealed creature – a mottled hide of scaled skin and fur in green and brown, green eyes, and sharp claws – before it pushes off of the branch below and hurtles towards her. Shifting to the side Sumei just escapes having her throat torn apart. Instead the creature’s claws leave gouges across the left side of her chest and her shoulder.
Gasping from the sudden blow, Sumei rolls off of the branch she is perched in landing safely, if not a little clumsily, on a different branch below. She grips her shoulder and surveys her wounds. The gashes left by the creature are not as deep as she thought, and the stinging pain she first felt already subsided to a dull throb, but the blood...
Sumei presses her hand more firmly against the scratches, but it does nothing to stop the steady flow of red.
Not normal. There shouldn’t be this much.
She leaps the short distance down to the ground, and backs cautiously away from the tree, eyes locked on the canopy. The air is still, but she can feel the creature watching her. She could run, but it would be pointless – the creature was quick and would catch her in no time. But to just wait until she bled out? Sumei liked that option even less.
“Well, come on then! Haven’t got all day!” she shouts. Gripping her weapons tightly, she tenses her body ready to attack or counter.
_________________
"The aim of literary ambition is to demonstrate one's greatness of soul."
-Mason Cooley
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sagittaeri
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| Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 10:40 pm Post subject: |
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The corner of Max's mouth curled up a little in amusement at the girl's awkward declaration. It was as if the word 'friend' had never before passed her lips. When the winged creature materialised before the young boy, he smiled sheepishly at it, embarassed about brandishing his dagger at it. It really was its own fault, though, stalking around invisibly and growling like a dangerous predator. He briefly wondered how Shasta would feel about wearing a small bell around its neck.
As the creature approached Max, the young boy swallowed and fought back the urge to step backwards. Was the creature ever friendly? Or, perhaps this was Shasta being friendly? Its vibrant green eyes looked deep and endless, as if one could fall into them and be lost forever. A strange feeling suddenly overcame Max, one of some force pressing slightly against his mind, wanting to be let in. The feeling was almost like someone outside a house tapping on a door, waiting to be allowed inside...
The creature snarled at Max, and suddenly the teenager felt the need to push his rucksack behind him. Hi, Shasta, he thought aloud, clumsily attempting to lower his mental resistances. Are you able to understand me, now? The boy stared into its eyes, unsure if it was working. Nice to meet you...by the way, little boar is not food.
_________________
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Tikanni Corazon
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Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).
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| Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2013 11:45 am Post subject: |
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POST FOR LUCAN
~~~
Upon ending the conversation with the other Serpent, Lucan's eyes drift alert to the path before them, taking in the almost empty way ahead. The hooded figure, though presenting no suspicious or threatening behaviour, caused him to narrow his eyes warily. Given all that had happened on a day that had started out so normally he wasn't prepared to take anymore chances.
He nudged Elman lightly in the ribs, indicating discreetly with a tilt of his head to the other side of the path, before he veered off in that direction, still walking towards the robed figure, but with as much distance as possible between them and him or her...or it for all he knew. He hoped that Elman understood his thinking on the situation...
~~~
Note: Roll to descern if Elman follows Lucan's line of thought - 4 (positive/yes)
What Elman chooses to think though is entirely up to you, Pope
_________________
.... 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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