Part 13 - Where legends walk


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Part 13: Where legends walk

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Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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With all ready, Cyan opens the portal back to the bleak moor with its circle of standing stones. The evacuees move forward, and Ares and Lazarus step through the gate first, leading the way, to direct the Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an as they arrive and ensure that they stay out of trouble in their new environment.

When approximately half the Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an have passed through, Jack, Kali and Hunter take their turn. Beyond the gate the new arrivals are kneeling on the short grass near the circle of stones, running fingers over the ground, stroking the miraculous green blades. Low in the eastern sky a brighter sun than their people have seen in untold generations is climbing up the sky. Moving in the heavens, as their old tales tell them their own sun used to move.

The last of the Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an come through behind those three, and behind them Cyan, Berd, Aaron and Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an, who does not even look back at his former home.
Cyan closes the portal.

The Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an have escaped from the Gatherer.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“Hey,” Jack called out to the others waving them over as he took a couple of steps forward. “It’s came to my attention that, by helping move these people we are letting the trail of the quest grow colder. I would propose that we split up for a while. Two to three people could move these poor souls through worlds where time moves swiftly and quickly get them to a new home.”
“The rest could continue following the trail. I think it would be best if Ares and Lazarus take the people. If they need another I will go with them. That group could hold Cyan’s card to catch back up with them quickly. Aaron should be able to move the other group safely and quickly through the world if they come to a point where they can not follow the gates or cube. What do you think?”

Jack specifically worded it as he had so that if they thought it was a bad idea he could fade the heat for it. Yet if they thought it was a good idea he could give credit where credit was do, to Kali.

Moved from other thread.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Ares
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Ares looks at Jack, and shakes his head. "We should stay together, there is strength in numbers. This won't take too long, I plan on heading for the nearest place I can find that suits their needs. Somewhere very similar to this place but without people or large predators."
"The cube is, I believe, our only lead to finding out who is behind this, and will provide us with a way to get quickly back on track."
"Kalika, make sure you get a document of some sort from Veldoma. I would imagine that saving an entire people from an ancient nemesis would go some way to impressing those who will review your progress."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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When Jack equates her feelings to his when the dragon thing attacked them, understanding dawns instantly. Her smile is a tad sheepish.

"That really made me feel a lot better Jack, thank you" she says, going up on tippie toe to kiss his cheek.

When their turn to cross the portal comes, she walks through with Jack, and she wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing that she was starting to get used to the unnerving feeling of using the portals to move from world to world. She squeezed Jack's hand when he brings up dividing the party amd addresses their group.

"I'm afraid Jack's idea came from me. This is going to sound a bit cold hearted, but helping these people has only given time to those we hunt. If they realize we will put our mission on hold to halt in our hunt of them, we can expect more of these situations in each world we chase them to. This is a good service you have done, but it is not what we have been hired to do. Ares is right, there is safety in numbers, but with some of your abilities to travel to each other so quickly, we can at least start working towards our goal here while this side event is finished up" Kali then turns her attention to Ares "It is kind of you to remember that Ares, but I'm afraid I cannot take even claim a part of responsibility for this act for I had no part in it, thank you though"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an is gazing at the othe Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an where they are stroking the grass, and then up at the sun in the sky, its unblinking eyes seemingly untroubled by the glare. It notes the conversation between Kalika, Jack and Ares.
"This place then is not our home to be? Most wonderful is it."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali suddenly looks around, her nose rippling as she inhales deeply, trying to sort through the scents to identify who was coming. She looks at Ares, Jack, Lazarus and Cyan with a grim expression. She doesn't know enough about Aaron to really talk to him yet.

"Someone is coming, get ready to present a big explanation to the locals" she then turns to the alien being "Veldoma, please ask your people not to touch those Stones" she indicates the Standing Stones "They are important to the locals here and they do not permit anyone to touch them" she smiles distractedly as her eyes roam for the approaching person or persons. It was going to be hard enough to explain the presence of all these immigrants, having them desecrate an important monument would only make things worse.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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"My my. It seems you all make good points. However, this isn't getting any of us any farther." Aaron says, catching up with the rest of the group.

"Strength in numbers versus keeping that trail nice and warm. Both offer even possibilities, and it seems we need to make a decision."

Placing his hands on his hips, his dark eyes scan their current surroundings wiht that intent, mental focus that he occaisonally gives to his fellow comrades. It's like he's staring through the earth.

"I, for one, wouldn't mind either way, but assisting Ares with the transportation would be a good idea. It would also assist us as a group, considering the fact that a great number of unknowns could exist as we traverse Shadow. Assuredly, those of us so capable do only get what we ask for, but some of the 'local' occurences tend to be... unpleasant. Especially for such a large undertaking as this."

Plague, the occaisonal environmental occurence, random magical happenings, even possible Shadow storms. Such things are usually steered around, but... one never knew.

"Keeping our, or rather your, previous endeavours at the top of the list is also paramount, however. If we take too much time shipping this species across the universe, we could lose the trail entirely. Splitting the group into two teams would be suitable to continue the expedition in both directions, but as I said previously, a stable group is usually a safer group."

Raising his eyes, he smirks and chuckles.

"Well? Any thoughts?"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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Kalika's warning is followed a few moments later by the clearly heard drumming of hooves, and shortly after that the horses appear, riderless, over the top of a low rise to the west.
They gallop down the slope, terrifying the Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an, who have no idea what they are, and finally coming to a halt in front of Ares. They look well fed and in good condition.
The Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an soon calm down when they realise they are not about to be devoured by these strange creatures, and Ares is forced to repeat his warning concerning the beasts appetites for occasional meat in their diet as the Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an move closer to marvel at them.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan, in her heart agreeing with Kallika - splitting up will become necessary - becomes aware of Berd's warning at the same time as Kallika gives hers. She quickly moves out to face whatever is coming, glancing back to Aaron and Ares.
The red-head touches the cube. Wonderful. Here we go. "Get them away from the stones, now!" she hisses to the men. "Please, everyone step back from the standing stones," Cyan calls.

It would be a terrible tragedy if something were to happen to them right now - Cyan isn't certain if she could bear it.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack had been watching Kalika an introspective look on his face and a thoughtful smile on his lips, he understood more now then he did five minuets ago. He reached up and stroked her hair and spoke “Lalai, please let me know if there was anything coming other then these horses.” Smiling comfortingly he tuned his attention to the leader of the now homeless race.

“Aaron, be ready to move us out as quickly as is safe, if we have to away. Please, thank you sir!”

“Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an, no here will not do, this world is already populated by others. No all people are as kind as you and your own, wars there would be. We must find a world that belongs to your people. Please bring your people into ranks and get them ready to move again.”

Jack turned and watched the stones warily, he moved slightly closer to them. A faint confident smile playing on his lips. As he watched what they would show he spoke to Ares.
“Safety, in Numbers Ares, but life is not safe. You know as well as I do that you do not send a battalion to do a scouts job. It is a waste of resources and still does not do as well a lone scout. Let me ask this, how quickly can you get them to their new home. Hours? Days? Weeks? How long?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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He felt something, and Aaron's attitude went from one of wondering amusement, to warning. Approaching hoofbeats, and Cyan's sudden declaration that the others step away from the stones resonated with what he was feeling.

And that feeling was coming from two different directions.
He had the urge to unsheathe the Ilse, but he let her lie within her scabbard. She would remain silent for now, though surprisingly, he had almost felt a need coming from the weapon at his back. Odd. Decidedly.

Shaking it off for the moment, he took as much of the area in as he could, and pondered the changes he would have to make, should flight be necessarry.

"Yes, Master!" was his somewhat sarcastic response to Jack's statement. That man was getting more and more demanding lately.

He actually felt energiezed with all the action going on. Though usually patient in such situations, at the moment, he was reminded of his old days.

A small grin played at his features, then, at old things remembered. He turned and placed his eyes upon the stones.

"Time, Jack, flows differently everywhere. It is not a matter of time. It is a matter of getting them there, all of them, in one piece." Aaron's calm voice responds to the question aimed at Ares.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Ares
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Ares considers for a few minutes, "I can take them to a place exactly like this, but without the people. It shouldn't take long to get there, three or four hours perhaps. It's only one thing that needs to be different, so it should be fairly close by."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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"He only sensed something was coming. There are too many here" Kali answers Jack and gestures to the large group of Veldoma's people "They muddy up the scent" she grinned and then chuckled "So many speaking to agree and disagree with splitting up... but no one making a decision" she shakes her head after addressing the group, her silver hair shining with a metallic flare in the light.

"If it will only be 3-4 hours then those who are not working on the transport can start planning our next steps at least. We won't be losing that much time on the chase... but it will cost us the day, so we should at least know where we are going to utilize tomorrow's time. How about those who are interested gather under there" she points to a nearby tree that is set a little ways apart from the main group, but still within eye and earshot "Once you've made up your minds as to what your doing that is" she quips with a smile.

"If you go, please be wary" she squeezes Jack's hand and then heads towards the indicated tree with the smooth stride of a trained fighter.

Hunter pauses and regards Jack with intelligent yellow eyes, a measuring look, before turning and loping after Kali.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan pauses. She's a little out of her depth, here, but worries about the people they are bringing. Besides, if she goes with the people, she would be able to bring everyone back here, instantly, using the cube.

"All right," she states, sighing heavily and gazing after Kallika with dispirited emerald eyes, "I should go with the people." She know's she'll be nothing but a bit of baggage, except for the trip back, and her excitable side screams at her to be here, getting ready to continue, but her heart tells her where her place should be. With the people, in case anything goes wrong.

Squaring her shoulders, she grins. "All right. I shall go with them." Emerald eyes glitter now as she checks her small pack, her harp, Kirilinde, and her knife. "Ready!"

Berd slips into the air, flapping higher into the sky. Cyan nods, thoughtfully. "That, too, might work."

Aaron seems quite annoyed with Jack...I hope things do not come to blows. If they do, I suppose we should let them fight it out, so long as they do not use weapons. She had caught his hand twitching for his blade earlier...had it been due to Jack? Perhaps...but that was before the horses arrived.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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A few minutes of discussion, and the group starts to form into two distinct camps; those who want to lead the evacuees to the promised land, and those who want to continue with the mission.
The scent and sound of the horses serves to mask the approach of more visitors, and it is only when the bird riders appear over the rise that anybody notices them. The great flightless birds run down the slope, and their riders, led by the same man the group had met here earlier, bring them to a halt near to the group beneath the tree.
The leader dismounts and steps forward, "Greetings, sorcerers! We suspected you had returned. Your mounts have spent the last three days at our camp, then today they left and came in this dir... " his eyes grow round as Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an approaches to see what is happening, and he drops to his knees, bowing until his brow touches the ground. Behind him his men dismount quickly and follow suit.
The man leans back upright again, still kneeling, and with his head bowed, "Forgive me, Blessed One, I did not realise that your people had returned with these, your sorcerer-servants, to grace our land with their presence after these countless years."
Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an looks at its human friends, "Saying what is he? Understand I do not. Why Blessed One does he call me?"
For answer the man reaches inside his tunic and pulls out a silver charm, which at first glance appears to be nothing more than an abstract piece of jewellery. A silver oval, longest axis vertical, with a small horizontal slot at the lower end and two small oval yellow gemstones set adjacent to each other about half way up the length of the silver oval. Realization starts to sink in soon though, this charm is a representation of the face of one of the Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an...

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack rolled his eyes at Aaron’s comment on time. Then looked to Ares at his answer and nodded “Thank you.”

Jack’s attention was distributed between the stones and what was going on around him and he had a plan in mind. Yet all of that changed with a few words of concern from Kalika and a gentle squeeze of his hand. He smiled watching her retreating form, staying only long enough to hear the exchange between the new comers and the rest.

His smile grew even greater at this, it was funny the way everything worked out if only you didn’t try so hard. He would have to learn from himself and stop trying so hard. Cyan and Ares knew these people and they could sort it out well, Aaron would no doubt be in the mist of it. Jack did not have to think where he should be, he knew the answer even before it was asked.

With that Jack trotted down to Kali’s side looking relaxed and at ease, as he drew close he reached out playfully, scooping her up in his arms he spun around with a hearty laugh. “Looks like it will work out without moving them Kali my love.” He beamed at her and carried her down to the tree. “You do know that I was going to give you the credit for the idea to keep to the quest dear heart?” he asked her lightly

OOC: She could easily see there was no threat in his movement as he picked her up, if she chooses to avoid it though let me know and Ill rewrite it.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Ares
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Ares watches Jack and Kalika for a moment, chuckling and shaking his head. Then he returns his attention to the scene before him. He notes the warrior's pendant and it's likeness to Veldoma's face.
"What are you saying?" he asks, "Why do you called our friend 'Blessed One'?"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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The warrior holds up the silver charm. "This represents the face of a legendary creature which served the Nephilim. Clearly your friend is of this kindred. Tell me, Blessed One, are the Nephilim to return to us also?"
Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an inclines its head to one side, "Know do I not these Nephilim. Long have lived we in a place most barren. Forgotten much is perhaps. This place where we lived once is?"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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Now this is interesting.

Thinking this to himself, Aaron's attention was upon the group of individuals who assumed some odd things about Veldoma's group. It seemed that Cyan's group hadn't been gone too long. From this Shadow, at least. Since his own entrance, it had seemed quite a long while.

That was probably from lack of a few things on his part. Sleep wasn't necesserally one of them, he had rested, but hunger was more than likely the greater fact. He dismissed the fact that his old satchel was long gone. Along with a few other necessities within it. Including his Trumps.

He had been reminded of those during his meditations upon that deserted Shadow. Now that he thought of it, they could be useful in the future. It was unfortunate he didn't have any. Perhaps he'd ask Cyan... after a while. Perhaps.

So now the group had been divided for sure, it seemed. Cyan had already made her decision. Such was good.

"Well, while this group attempts to fathom its mysteries, I'll go with those who'll follow the original trail. I feel in the mood for adventure."

More appropriately, danger, possible death, mystery, more danger, that was the definition of "adventure." And he'd like to have a few words with Jack that trip, if such possibilities occured. If Jack didn't follow Kalika all across Shadow.

That feeling from his sword... such a strange occurence. Had he really felt something from it? Probably not. Yet... he had referred to it with a gender, hadn't he?

So many different things lately. His attentions now focused upon the strangers, he gazed at them with a bit of interest and listened.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan watches the two groups speak to each other. There is still the opportunity to bring them to another world, should things not go well. Indeed, it might be better that way. This world is that of the people here, regardless of the past. Perhaps it might be better to find, as Ares said, something similar 'nearby'.

Hearing Aaron's comment, she leans over to him. "Aaron, I believe that since it would only be the work of several hours to bring this group to their destination, Kallika and Jack are suggesting they simply wait here and rest. Then we may continue as a group, rather than fragmented."

Dispersion can be the absolute worst mistake, in any circumstances.

She considers his words further, silently. 'Adventure', is it? I myself thought the same...but people have died upon this little Quest, and we have seen that perhaps entire civilizations are falling to whatever lies at the end. I can no longer think of this as a diversion, or a noble journey. Perhaps when Aaron has been with us a while, he may come to a similar conclusion. She grimaces to Berd. "It seems, like it or not, I have been caught up in the greyness of the worlds, Berd."

Berd merely shrugs. Judging by his expression, it was only a matter of time.

I shall not let it touch me, though, the red-haired woman decides resolutely.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack freeze where he stands with Kalika held in his arms carrying her easily and he exclaims “Ah-ha!” Then he gives her a quick kiss on the cheek. Turning he studies the stone circle to see if a portal has opened in it. If one has he looked to see what world could be seen.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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That's it. I'm keeping my mouth shut.

With a slight chuckle and a shake of his head, Aaron sighs.

"Ah. I see."

Yet again, he returns his attentions to the tasks at hand.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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"Yes Blessed One, this is the place where you once lived, and long ago it was. Your kind are creatures out of legend to my people." The man bows his head to the ground once more, "Your presence proves that the tales of the Nephilim are true, and gives us new hope. They promised to return to us one day, and now you have come back, perhaps they will follow soon."
Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an stands very still, silent. For long moments it says and does nothing, then the hands start to move through slow and precise arcs as it speaks carefully, "Here could we stay? Welcome would we be?"
"You would be most welcome, aye."
Turning to Cyan, Ares, and the others who had rescued its people, Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an asks, "Permitted would this be, here to stay?"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack sat Kalika down on her feet again “Be ready just in case my love.” He said and ran towards the circle excitement tinged with concern showing on his face. He shouted out “Here and now may not be the best time or place to discuss this. May I suggest taking them to your settlement and talking it over.”

Jack Looked over to Cyan trying to catch her eyes “Cyan!” and sent her a rapid fire thought.
“This gate is about to open again and there is no telling where to or what may be coming through. They may already have detected up playing around with their power transformer back there and be coming to check on it. We need to be ready just in case! Please, get us ready and get them out of here.”

He had remebered how everyone had freaked out when he had opened the cube gate and was amazed at how casualy they were taking it now.

Breaking eye contact with Cyan Jack called out on last time to the leader of the humans that had followed the horses. “Are there more of these stone circles?” he called out as he knelt down beside a stone, half taking cover.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan is very concerned about having the people stay here. It's possible that, when the legend's newness wears off, there will be trouble between the two races. But it really isn't up to her - she isn't the experienced worldwalker the others are.

"I think this is something we should discuss," she says carefully, "but if everyone is in agreement, I do not see why not."

But Aaron, now...she couldn't help but hear the faint frustration in his voice, see the emptiness in his smile. Something occurs to her, then, and as the others discuss, she steps aside to speak to Aaron in a low voice.

"Aaron...since you have arrived, offering to help, you have been greeted with dismissal, manipulation, and open hostility. There are no excuses. I must offer my apologies - I know they are not sufficient to mend any wounds you have suffered, but hopefully they may be a beginning." She bows, slightly, so as not to attract the attention of the others. "I fear that stress and worry have made me a poor companion, and I apologize."

Quietly she steps back.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Having quietly done his part in the helping Veldoma's people away from the Gatherer, Lazarus frowns now, his brows furrowing, "You don't need to ask us whether you and your people can stay Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an. We aren't your custodians. We are your guides. If both of your people decide you want to live together and can live together," he continues looking at the other members of his group, "then that is enough for me."

"In the mean time though," Lazarus says, turning towards the stone columns, "I'd suggest you move away from these stones here. They are about to open into another gateway and we don't know to where."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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Aaron was slightly startled by Cyan's apology, but he didn't let it show. Far from it. His personality had hardened, becoming very unlike the helpful yet secretive man the group had encountered, and more like the cold, introverted assassin he had once been.

He smiles politely to her and, after a nod of his head, replies quietly. His eyes, usually a light pale brown, are dark and piercing as of now.

"My dear Cyan. I have found myself in a strange place, with strange, sometimes hostile people. My natural attitude of secrecy was crushed under the weight of constant questions and assumptions, on the parts of all involved, including myself. I have only recently come into powers I had only previously heard stories of. My mind has been working overtime on a great many things, and I am tired on so many levels."

Closing his eyes, he reopens them and stares ahead, eyeing Jack in particular.

"I can walk the Pattern at any time from this place. I can leave this group whenever I wish. Yet, I will not. This is my place here, for the time being. I accept your apology, and I forgive you your tired sins, but I must leave the rest of it to the group, for each of them must acknowlege me. I will remain as I am for now, for I must be cautious. I fear my well being is in the hands of you and your friends, for if I did leave, perhaps none of us would fare as well as if I was with you."

An image flashed through his mind. Of an old, talented friend, and he clenched his teeth against it. Though he would wish such company even now, he was loathe to think of what it would mean for the future.

"Thank you for understanding, dear lady. It has been my hope to open up a new chapter in my life, but perhaps... now is not the time for that."

And with those words, Aaron's form slides silent and gracefully away from the group. The Ilse, sheathed on his back, seems to glare at Cyan from a distance... as a woman would glare in anger in protecting its charge, and giving off the anger that Aaron would not show.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan sadly watches Aaron leave the area, glancing briefly at the fancy blade on his back. Something odd about that sword. Giving up, she sighes. Apparantly her apology, while accepted, is too little, too late. And it is all of us I fear we need. If any of us were to leave.... She wonders briefly what it is she contributes. I suppose my knowledge of the palanquet has come in handy.

Berd bites her ear. Hard.

"Ow! Curse you, dragon!" Shaking her head, she moves to between the groups, standing in the midst of them - Aaron on his own, Lazarus and Ares speaking with the two groups of people, Kallika and Jack underneath the tree. With a sigh, she sinks easily into a crooked leg position (not the same as a crosslegged), and takes out her harp. The ithildin is quiscient under the sun, but the other metals catch the light, dancing and sparkling, the thin strands of metal that are its strings dancing with an odd, rainbow shimmer. Her harp - her most prized posession. Kirilindë is a tool, nothing more (and a particularly vicious one, at that).

This, despite her skill with the other, is where her heart is.

Quietly she begins to play, oddly without tuning. Nor does the harp seem to need it.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack had been avoiding Aaron for the most part, trying to give him time to cool and waiting for the right moment to have a talk with him. In so many ways now was not that time. He could feel the other mans anger and frustration from the place Jack had taken by the stone. Part of him had been waiting for the other man to come to him directly and in doing so he himself had put off the inevitable until the worst time.

Jack stood from where he was waiting for the portal to open and walked after Aaron. Casually he tossed his own blade with a flick of the wrist. The staff that hid his sword arched through the air tumbling towards Kalika. He glanced to her and shook his head, it was time for Jack to face the music and pay for any mistakes made. With what he was feeling from Aaron that might be in blood, but so be it. He had made the mistakes, it was his to face alone.

“Aaron.” He called out after the other man as he walked after him. “Is something the matter.” Perhaps it is my time to die, he thought, but I will do so doing the right thing. They had to either work as a group or disband. They could afford no less.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an calls to its people, who immediately start moving away from the stone circle as quickly as they can. Once all are at a safe distance they start discussing something in their own tongue, which goes on for maybe ten minutes.
Finally Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an turns back to the warriors, "Here stay we will not. Left here before we did, a reason there must have been for this. If returned we did, then true are the tales of the Nephilim. Return they will too. Confident of this am I."
"An enemy have we, and here we will bring it not. Your destruction would ensured be, if came the Gatherer to this world. Here we can stay not."
It seeks out Ares, "Our own place have we must, endanger others we will not."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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Aaron had walked a considerable distance away from the group. He knew things would probably happen while he was away, but he needed time to think. He was at a personal division right now. The old man, Aaron the Scryed Servant, obeyer of none but his own will and the right price, versus Aaron of the Ancient Pattern, seeker of the hidden paths that lead through infinity, and assistant to those who desire such help.

Oh, he could write a story of such things.

But instead, he voiced his anger in the old, dark poem of himself, his brother, and their friend.

In darkest night, through shadows walk,
Hidden fast, beneath bright moon,
Lay death and fright, swift and sure
For walking there, beyond such sight,
Lay Chaos, Corruption, Destruction and Plight
For beneath our core, hard hearted way,
Grows only peace, beneath our blade.
For in our blade lay fast release.
And fast release be what we've bade.
For thee.
For all.
For eternity.

Aaron stopped as swiftly as his walk had been. The Ilse sang from her sheath and divided into its eight sections. With a flick of his wrist, he wrapped the weapon around his own body, assuredly about to cleave himself to pieces with the bladed whip.

However, such was not the case. For as the sword entwined about him, Aaron turned and stared at Jack, left arm resting at his side, the other clutching the hilt of the mystical weapon. Its blades flickered in the light around his body. It left no tear upon his clothes, nor a mark upon his bare arms.

"Jack. Progeny of my own curisoty. Had I not opened you up to Amber's Pattern, I wonder, how would you be now?"

He took a step forwards, the weapon jangling against itself as he did so. His eyes, dark, piercing, held that hidden mental ability that he exhibited upon his entrance. However, he had apparenlty learned much, for the Pattern was held within his mind. And as he did upon that desert world, now he was focusing upon the changing of this Shadow. Though the specifics lay secret for now.

He seemed quite old. Nowhere near the twenty years of age that he looked.

"You have been distracted by your love for the Shapeshifter. I do not blame you for that. Nor do I blame you for my attitude as of now. However, we need to speak, indeed, and perhaps, assert a proper place between the two of us."

His wrist flicked, and the sword removed itself from his body, slow and snake-like, shifting into its blue-bladed short-sword form. The piece of the Pattern within it, resembling that portion very close to the center, glowed blue-white for a time, perhaps with the resonance of his own embracing of the Pattern.

"You need me, your group does. I do not yet know why, aside from my ability to transport you all around Shadow. Tell me, Jack, do you honestly believe we need to come to blows to settle our apparent differences? Do you, personally, believe your group needs me at all?"

He posed the question as a more than probable fact, for at this moment, Aaron was within such a state of mind. His senses were attuned, and for once, his mind was clean and silent. The Ilse, ever ready since that first day, also seemed to want the answer.

His body was relaxed, yet, it almost looked like he was ready to flick that dangerous sword-whip right in Jack's direction. For good or ill.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan watches closely as Jack walks up to where Aaron stands. It is, after all, hard to miss the weapon snaking through the air in a glittering loop. She's too far away to do anything about it if something happens, and Jack, in any case, has surrendered his weapon. Not a bright move - the little flourishing game Aaron is playing with his dangerous toy is telling Cyan something about him she didn't wish to consider.

It also tells her that he is good. How good, she cannot guess, and it iss really the other conclusion that mattered.

"Berd?" The little dragon stirs on her shoulder, rolls over and goes back to sleep. "Berd." Sighing, it rolls again, somehow remaining on its perch, and sits up, staring at the pair with narrowed eyes. After a moment, Cyan nods.

"So. That's the Pattern." Now it is Berd who, oddly, nods. "Rather...sparkly, is it not?" Berd nods again, glittering eyes very serious. "I bet that would cut through Jack's armor as easily as mine," Cyan notes absently, the only clue to her actual tension the burning obsidian shade of her eyes. "Probably even more easily." Berd nods a third time.

Quietly she waits, making no hostile moves. This is Jack's show, not hers. And, of course, if it goes all wrong, Kallika's to continue.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack does not flinch back he walked up to Aaron and he draws his weapon “I would be much as I am now, Ares would have shown me the pattern and I would know who was before. Yet I must thank you also, you have shown me who I was, also who I am and who I will not accept being. My growth did not stop with my remembrance, I have figured out so much of myself. Take not the arrogant responsibility or credit for who I am; instead find joy in that you helped me find my piece and happiness. You helped me find who I am, I pray find who you are, indeed who you want to be. You in the end are all that stops you, Like I stopped myself for years.”

Jacks blue eyes look sadly, truly pityingly at Aaron. A prince of the pure power, yet as lost a soul as ever Jack himself was. “I believe we need each other as people, not as fate of a quest Aaron, not as transport, but as fellow travelers on the path.If you do not belive that why are you here. I believe we must only come to blows only if you so choose. I would much prefer to have you as a companion at arms. I have all that I want, Kalika’s love, In that I am bound to her an the quest. I am here for her and my friends, the choice is yours. I do ask you to drop the arrogance, you could be so much better than that.” Jack shook his head still looking sadly at the man before him. “Now kill me if you must. If not there is a gate about to open, and if you give a damn about this quest at all you will not miss it. Finish it or grow up and be a man.”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Ares
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Ares glances at Aaron as Cyan speaks, "No, that's only a tiny fragment of the Pattern. I rather suspect that our friend there, being inexperienced in these matters, is placing rather more faith in its power than is warranted. If Jack mastered the Broken Pattern some time ago, and from what I've seen he might well have done, then he could possibly take Aaron to pieces."
He sighs, then continues, "Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an and his people are moving on. I'll lead them while the others are distracted, if you'll loan me your palanquet again, I'll contact you when I find them a place and then I can join you. I feel that your brains might keep things from going too far with those two, and if I'm not about then Aaron will not try to challenge me, which will likely save his life."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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"Interesting," Cyan says, feeling a little more relieved. From what she can recall of him, and granted, it's rather hazy, Ares could likely best her with a blade, hands down. If that's the case, and he is making this kind of judgement, she'd do well to stand by it. "All right. Thank you for the vote of confidence, Ares -" Berd makes his opinion about Cyan's brains known by blowing a silent raspberry at Ares "-I'll do my best." She hands him her card, smiling faintly. "Do be careful, Ares. I would appreciate not losing another of my friends."

She thinks back to how they were at first, and shakes her head. "I don't seem to make them easily. I'd rather not have more get torn away from us."

Berd glances at Ares, and a faint glitter touches his irridescent orbs.

His eyes roll towards the other two, facing each other, and he gives a puff of vile smelling smoke that leaves Cyan coughing, her amythest eyes tearing slightly.

"Go," Cyan whispers, taking Ares' hand. "And come back quickly, friend."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Ares
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Ares nods, then reaches past the offered card to grab Cyans' wrist with his right hand, while his left plucks the card from her grip. Then, with a wink which seems to be aimed more at Berd than bard, he raises her hand and bends slightly to kiss it. "And I am glad that our earlier difficulties are resolved too. I'll be back as soon as I can."

He turns to Veldoma'antazaclania'antiacla'an and says, "Start moving your people that way, try not to make too much commotion." Then he grabs the reins of one of the horses and walks with the servants of the Nephilim. As he moves a cold fog rises from the moors, and within minutes both he and the refugees are lost entirely to view from any of those near the circle of stones.

Some time after that, the strange fog burns off in the sun, and Ares and the refugees are gone...

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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For a moment, a very long moment, Aaron simply holds the Ilse within his hand. His fingers flutter along its hilt, and as he does so, the blade splits into sections, one piece at a time. It's as if he's considering something.

Then, finally, the sword seals itself, and Aaron, raising a hand to his forehead, begins to laugh.

It is a long, deep laugh, from the man's very center. That goes on for a short bit, before Aaron lowers his head, takes a deep breath, and looks up at Jack.

"Good. That's settled."

The Ilse spins in his hand, solid now, and slams home into her sheath.

Aaron takes a step forwards and extends his hand to Jack, palm open. His eyes are clear and calm. Nothing like they were before. And they stare at the man as if he were the only one on that whole Shadow.

"My name is Aaron. I'm a stranger here. I've a dark past, an uncertain future, and a very undecided present. As of now, I've nowhere to go, and I've got a lot of questions. I'm also very tired, hungry, and not entirely sure of myself right now. If you and your group will have me, then take my hand. Let us resolve this now, and get on with our current travels."

That was amusing. I'm sure Jack may have torn me to pieces, and if not he, then Kalika, Ares, or Lazarus... maybe even Cyan... would surely have tracked me down. Well, such is the state we are given. I've made my choice. Let it be for the present good, and screw the past.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan flushes slightly when Ares kisses her hand, and watches for a moment as he rides off with the others. Berd laughes quietly, and she clamps a hand over his mouth. "Do not think it," she orders softly, and turns back towards the tense pair of men, her hand still tingling slightly.

For a long moment, it looks as though there's going to be violence. Cyan isn't certain of the result, but knows if it starts, she's going to get in there and separate them, as quickly as possible.

The only problem is, it's a lot of ground to cover.

But it fades without issue and, relieved, she wipes her brow with a handkerchief. 'A true lady does not perspire.' The words of one of her teachers. Then again, as it so often has been pointed out... Cyan thinks ruefully, wandering back to where Kallika sits, rolling her eyes towards the men and sitting down on the grass, harp still in hand. She takes a moment to examine it, then begins to play again, quietly.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack’s face remains passively sad through the long moments while Aaron thinks. His posture is amazingly relaxed. Not that he knew what Aaron’s answer would be, but that he was ready to accept what ever it was. Jack smiles slightly as Aaron’s laughter started and held the slight knowing smile though it all.

Jack takes his hand in a firm yet friendly grip. “I understand, but do not dismiss our past Aaron. It is our trials which pull us together and allow us to bond, growing stronger.” Jacks voice is kind and thoughtful “United we are stronger, than any of us could be individually, but just because we are together does not mean we are united. Hopefully now we are united, I would be proud to have you work and fight by my side. However I do not speak for the group. . .”

Jack studies him for a moment letting his hand go he turned to walk back towards the others. “You know all of that grandstanding was pretty sill if you ask me. You could have come to me at any time and spoke with me on this. I never desired to fight you and had accepted you into the group hours ago. Tell me, after all of the brew ha ha, can you get us some real food with your pattern?”

Jack smiles and waves at the women as he casually strolls back to the tree as if walking with an old friend.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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With the tension between Jack and Aaron relieved for the moment, thoughts turn to how to best split the group so that some can escort the refugees to a new home and others can continue with the original quest.
Unfortunately, as those who were distracted are just discovering, Ares has taken the matter into his own hands, leaving the rest to go on with the mission.

Now it only remains to decide where to go next...

Meanwhile the leader of the bird riders is sending small groups of his men out in all directions to spread the word to other clans and tribes of the (possibly) imminent return of the Nephilim.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack picked up his sword from Kali and with a nod to the women he moved up lead rider. “Is this the only circle of stones that you know of around here?” He asked the man.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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The man thinks for a moment, "There are others, but this is the only one I know of that was built by the Nephilim. The others are smaller, and were raised by tribes of men to mark the heart of their lands. Places were meetings and feasts were to be held."
"The nearest is five days ride, that way." he points somewhere between west and northwest.
"Our tribe gained much honour for having the Nephilim Henge as our land marker."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“Thank you sir,” Jack said to the man and went back down to the tree

“So any ideas on where to go next?” He asks looking their little group over. Then settled in keeping an eye on the stones.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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The light heartedness of being spun around by Jack fades quickly as he moves to reslove the tension between the himself and the stranger. She accepts the weapon and watches. She was proud of Jack for resolving the issue now before it came to a head, but still if that man struck him down, a low growl rises in her throat and Hunter perks up. She watches the scene play out, her mind forming her strategy of fighting a foe with a whip-like weapon. The extra blade would come in handy. Fancy that, killed by the blade of the man he struck down only moments before. Hunter lopes effortlessly towards the men, moving in an arced circle so that he would be unable to interfere, but still observe.

Kali lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding after the scene plays out and takes a deep breath to ground herself. She had been preparing for the worst possible outcome and was pleased that the best possible outcome had ocurred. She then realizes that Ares had taken the refugees and chuckles, thinking about what her zappi would say about her being so caught up in one thing that she was completely oblivious to other goings on. Her shrug becomes a roll of her well muscled shoulders and she rises to greet Jack.

"Your blade" she says formally, yellow eyes sparkling she kisses him soundly, gently taking one of his blistered hands into her own, she regards Aaron, all traces of mirth and happiness gone. She doesn't really know what to say to the man, she instead she leans towards him and inhales deeply, her wolven nose taking in every detail of his individual scent. After she is satisfied that she could track him if necessary, she smiles loosely.

"Now you will not be rid of us as easily as you may like. Welcome Aaron"

A snuff from behind Aaron reveals Hunter, who also locked onto the man's scent. The wolf looks up at him and sneezes, good humor twinkling in his startlingly intelligent eyes.

Based on what Jack and the native said, she speaks to her love "I do not think the other portals will pose a problem... if this one opens we will be ready" her lips curve into a feral smile of expectation.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack gave her a small bow as she gave him his blade back his smile was easy as ever, and met her greeting kiss warmly. How fragile it all was he thought, and how close he had come to potentially loosing it, because of his own arrogance, not Aaron’s.

After Kalika finished speaking he said “Thank you my love,” and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I believe you are right, this is the only one we must guard and I know that you are always ready Lalai.” He gives her a wicked smile. “Playing aside do you or Hunter remember the scent of the woman you followed here?” He knew the answer but he had to ask anyway. “I also have questions for Aaron and Cyan if you do not mind giving answers?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan grins, happy to see the two of them together again, despite the gagging noises Berd is making on her shoulder. Topaz eyes shining with pleasure, she leans back, continuing to play quietly on her harp.

"Ask all the questions you wish, Jack. I will endeavor to answer them."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“Play nice Berd.” Jack smiles good naturedly at the drake. “You wouldn’t want to find yourself in one of the cracks between worlds accidentally would you?” he asked with a chuckle. He knew he’d never be able to do that to Berd though, the drake had helped him far to much.

Looking at Cyan he nodded “Thank you Mistress Bard, as you know even as we speak the circle is charging up to open again, it could open at any time, or not. I was wondering if anyone has tried focusing their mind on the cube ‘The Key” to get it to open where they wanted to, without tripping one of the picture faces? Do you understand what I am asking?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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"You are asking if it can be used as a device to navigate the worlds, are you not? An alternative to Worldwalking?" Cyan thinks this over as Berd adopts an identical posture.

"We could try..." Cyan sounds a little doubtful. "If you wish to risk any possible consequences." Immediately she produces the cube. "I am willing to make the attempt!" Her eyes shimmer with an eager, amethyst gleam.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“Yes” Jack said “I am asking if it can be used to navigate worlds. Veldoma said that their world had a great many stone circles like these gate ways, but most of the were lost in the unavigable wastes. If this is a key and the gates can open to more than one world, which we know they do. Then perhaps we just need to figure out the correct way to turn the key.”

Jack scrunched up his face. “However we will wait until Ares get back. Now if it is a key and Kalika can remember the woman’s scent. Perhaps we can turn the key to the memory of her scent and go where she went.”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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Aaron walked towards the group, slowly approaching until he was near enough. He sat, eventually, and his eyes were on the cube. No acknowlegements towards anyone. He just gazed on.

Hmm.

"That's an interesting little object we've got. You say we can traverse Shadows through it? That'd certainly be less tiring than having Ares and myself manipulate the Pattern every which way."

Perhaps he was unsure of his ability to navigate the Pattern... whatever the case, he wouldn't let that show.

After a moment, he started, a slight smile on his face.

"Ah! Jack, you did inquire of me as to whether I could get us some good food, eh? Allow me the attempt."

And thusly, he began to concentrate.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“Sorry to interupt but yes Aaron,” Jack said casualy, “Cyan’s cube does seem to be the key to the stone gates, but we don’t know how to use it properly. Right noy it’s a thing of keep it around the gate and it will open to who knows where.” Jack frowns a bit. “I don’t like that, we are either on a preset course here or running willy nilly. Don’t like it at all..”

Jack smiled again “Food would be nice thank you,” he gave a small bow to Aaron. “however remeber we need to stay at the gate in this world, so please don’t slip us between worlds. I don’t know how much you know about the Boken Pattern Aaron, but I can’t lead us as a group between worlds. Anywone who follows me through the cracks in reality tends to get lost, or die. Something as simple as looking the wrong way or stepping in the wrong place can kill you or loose you in a reality where even your pure powers would not work.” He had a slight frown again by the time he finished.

“However you use the pure thing, no breaks to get lost in. Correct me if I’m wrong here, back in the desert at the transformer - transmiter that was draining the Gathere, we could not follow the energy flow. However there is proabably a reciver – transormer on the other end of that, note I said probably. If you used your mind and the pure pattern you could lead us through the worlds to find the reciver – transfomer instead of trying to follow the energy flow, yes? Do you follow me? Could you do that? ”
Cyan’s

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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"My cube insomuch as I am holding it, Jack," Cyan notes, shrugging. She makes it dance on the tips of her fingers for a moment, rolling it around without dropping it. No doubt any of the others could do it as well, but it was a bard's trick, and something she had practiced for years.

Hence, the flair that others might lack.

"I doubt I am the true owner of this toy - more likely that we should all consider ourselves its keeper for the nonce. As I said, if you wish, I can make the attempt..."

There is a faint eagerness in her tone, and sparkling in her ruby eyes. Berd hides his face under his wing.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“I heard you well the first time Cyan and I answered you. Perhase you should attempt it only after Ares is back and everyone agrees to it. Now is the time to plan, not act. Unless of course you are dead set on rushing into it now. I advise that we wait.” Jack smiled a smile of dread at her half exspecting anouther outburst from her directed at him. “And it is your cube in so much that you are the best trained to use certain aspects of it and one of the most trustworthy to carry it.” He bowed to her,slightly.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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After Jack's inquiry, Kali looks down at Hunter. Their yellow eyes lock and a small frown creases her mouth. While Jack, Aaron, and Cyan converse the petite woman continues to stare at the large wolf at her side. With a whuff Hunter lies down, a bored look on his face. The tension drains from Kali as her attention returns to the group.

"Hunter remembers the scent. A second dose wouldn't hurt, but he remembers. He did track it this far already" she relays the requested information and then eyes the circle of stones "So, do you have any idea how long it will be before the portal opens love?" she asks Jack.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“No idea Lalai,” Jack says with a slight frown“But let me see what I can find out. Guard over me if you would as before.” He gave her hand a squeeze and stood. A far away look came to his eyes as he walked his own pattern in his mind and called forth the lens of the Dark Well to study the ring. He slowly walked towards the stones stuying them to see what insite he may gain.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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As if on cue, the stones suddenly flare as their power reaches its peak. A column of light appears at the heart of the circle, expanding outwards until it forms the portal. What lays beyond is not encouraging; lightning flickers constantly across a gloomy sky and thunder crashes in an almost continuous roar. A ship is there, struggling against the storm, a huge vessel, covered with blazing lights.

There is no land in sight, just raging water and angry sky, and the ship in the middle distance...

It seems that this time the gate has opened in the middle of the ocean.

OOC - those of you familiar with the better quality Shadows recognise the vessel as an ocean liner...

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Dropping his pack, Lazarus continues to focus his blue eyes on the stones making up the henge. "Cyan's a lot quicker on the uptake than I am," he calls over his shoulder, "Explain this to me again, why are we going to try to use the key to go somewhere aside from the places pictured on the cube faces? Let's suppose that the images on the key are triggering the gates. If we want to track Cylla's path then the gates that are opening will lead us there. Moreover," he continues, "the sequence of openings might not be random. The connection between this shadow and the one we just returned from is pretty interesting. And if we're interested in finding the receiving end of the energy siphon, we're more than likely to run into it following the gates on the cube anyway, since it clearly has a connection to Cylla and we think the images on the cube trace Cylla's path."

Lazarus shrugs a bit and runs a hand through his hair (which only serves to muss it up more), "not that I don't find the experiment interesting, I just don't see how it helps us all that much."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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"um, now love." Jack says as he grows close to the stones staring at the portal “Because of this Lazarus.” Jack said without a backwards glance, “This image is not on the cube, neither was the world where they found us. We need to learn how to use the key and not be sidetracked. If we can use it in conjuction with the drawing of her and her scent, perhase we can stay on het trail.”

He knows it is the wrong thing to do, but asks anyway. “If no one has any objections I’m going to check and see what’s on the other side.” But his voice was worried, he remebered the lost Duncan he’s never met.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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OOC: Doh, I didn't see the gateway description before I posted... lol.

"True," replies Lazarus, taking in the storming ocean, "that is DEFINITELY not on the cube. Though it's not clear the cube had anything to do with triggering that particular opening. Either way," he continues glancing at Jack, "I don't think you're terribly well suited to go exploring out there. Not without a wetsuit. If we want to check this place out, I have a few forms that would be better adapted to the storm."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“Yes, yes,” Jack snapps a little testily at Lazarus “We don’t know for certain that the cube had anything to do with it. Yet the only time the gates seem to open is when the cube is around, so it seems to be the key. We will not know anything unless we play around with that cube and these gates so we can learn to do it properly. You don’t give a man a gun without teaching him how to use it. We are the fools carrying around a gun that we do not know how to use, and you are saying you’d rather not know how to use it.”

He smiled apologeticly at Lazarus after dumping on him. “To be honest I’d rather go with you, my curiosity is killing me you understand.” He looked at the Chaos lord hopefully in the face of stupidity. Besides I practicaly grew up at sea.”

OOC: Is the view if the Ocean liner deck board or out in the water?

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack says, "The liner is a half mile to a mile out there, no way I could make it. It's up to you if you want to brave it Lazarus."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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Aaron ground his teeth at the absurdly apparent lack of food. He bit back a curse and, shrugging, had his attention yanked by the visage shown to them through the portal.

"My my. That's quite an interesting occurence." he said, rising to his feet and adjusting the Ilse at his back.

"Alright, so you said that that... ship... isn't on the cube, correct? If I may say so, it seems to me that this bit of happening looks like either an invitation for a trip, or a demand towards disaster. Damn these divisions."

He chuckled then and placed his hands on his hips, eyeing the portal.

"As for your request of my abilities, Jack, since I can't even seem to cook up a good bit of sustenance, I'm only beginning to wonder at just what I can do. Parlor tricks, maybe."

With a shrug, he cocked his head to the side, as he seriously considered his idea.

"But seriously, before I throw my mind into the prospect that you mentioned, Jack, allow me to get our current problems settled. Now, just what the hell are we going to do here? Could we try to place the cube nearer the portal, to see what would occur?"

He glanced at Cyan as he said that, and wondered at the probabilities.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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"I suppose that would not hurt." Cyan had taken the rebuke from Jack earlier without batting an eyelash, and now studied the ship with interest. She had never seen such a huge vessel! And where were the sails?

Carefully carrying the cube, she moves nearer to the portal, eyeing it warily. At the same time, she examines the cube to see if the 'new' world has mysteriously appeared as a new side.

"Let us...NOT try to swim there, shall we?" she murmurs. "I am no dolphin."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Lazarus grins, "You should try being a dolphin sometime. They're pretty amazing creatures. But this time I had something a bit quicker in mind."

He turns to Cyan, "Do you have a trump for any other members of the group? I know you gave yours to Ares. Once I make it to the ship, if I had one for someone else I could bring one or two of you through."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan frowns. 'Trump'. Oh, yes. "I fear I do not - I have not finished the sketch on which I have been working for Jack, and it would likely not be suitable. And I do not possess any more palanquet images of myself, I fear." She shakes her head with a sad expression. "It was a fine idea, Lazarus, but I fear we shall have to find another plan. As for being a dolphin..." Cyan shakes her head a second time, an odd expression crossing her face, her amber eyes catching the burning light of the edges of the gate. "I fear the power to alter my shape is not one within me, nor likely will it ever be."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Lazarus frowns, a thoughtful expression working its way over his face, "Ok, plan B, though this may be a little less pleasant than trump travel. Once I reach the ship I can use the logrus to bring some of you to me."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan thinks for a moment, then slowly holds up a hand. "Well...there MAY be a way." She grimaces, and suddenly a slow flush runs across her face. "I would have to have a cloak, or a coat," the red-head (and red-faced) Bard states flatly.

Berd makes a sighing noise, and goes to sleep.

Cyan plucks at her shimmering silk shirt for a moment, then nods. "This shirt...it contains an image, woven into it. It is an image of myself. There are uses, beyond vanity." Her smile is strained and weak. "We could use it, if necessary."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Lazarus doesn't appear to take note of Cyan's embarassment. Leaning forward a bit he peers closely at the shimmering cloth, "Interesting, I've never seen trumps used that way..."

Turning abruptly, the blond man crouches down by his discarded pack and begins rummaging through the contents, "I probably have an extra shirt in here, but even if not, I can find you a suitable replacement using the logrus in a second or two." He continues on, holding a conversation primarily with himself for a bit, "you can use the shirt like an ordinary trump I take it? " he calls over his shoulder.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Dworkin (GM)
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Bringing the cube nearer to the gate affects neither, the destination of the gate remains unchanged, and the cube gains no new image, even though foam and spray are being blasted through the gate by an icy wind from the world beyond. The lack of a new image makes one thing clear; the cube has never been to the newly-opened world before, much as it had never been to Lazarus' world prior to that opening of the gate.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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"Indeed," Cyan says, with some embarassment still. "It requires more concentration, is all."

While Lazarus looks for the shirt, she glances around at the rest of the group. "What say you all? We have by no means decided that this-" with a gesture to the ship "-is to be the correct course."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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"It's a risky enedeavour to be sure, and we don't have many other choices. Aside from going back to Veldoma's Shadow and examining the device there, I see this as our only other possible destination."

Aaron sighed, his brow remaining furrowed in concentration upon their problem.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali's face paled at the sight of the roiling ocean. She took an involuntary step back, and Hunter licked her hand, whining quietly, her fear echoed in himself. They were talking about going there... to that thing on the water... the evil, bedamned ocean!! At least when Kendall had taken them near the dreaded ocean it was calm, not the angry thing she watched before her...and they wanted to go there. Kali's nostrils flared as she took a deep breath to steady herself, her hand twining in Hunter's thick fur for support. The wolf was not excited about the prospect either, but his fear was not as deep seated as his mistress's. Kali finally swallowed, finding a voice for her words.

"What if the cube summoned the image into the stones? We know where Cylla was because the places she traveled are on the cube" another swallow "One of the images on the cube that we haven't been to yet might yield more information about her and where she was looking for things" she suggests, eyes still fixated on the portal revealing the horrid ocean.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Lazarus rummages through his pack for a few moments, occassionally pulling an item or two out and dumping them on the ground next to him until he finally pulls out a sleeveless white linen shirt similar to the one he is currently wearing. He sniffs it quickly and smiles, standing up. "Found it, and it's even clean," he says brightly, tossing the garment to Cyan.

Turning his back to Cyan so she can have privacy, he notices Kali's distress, "You're probably right Kali, but the gates have never opened to somewhere that didn't turn out to be important - it opened to my world and Veldoma's world. Besides, not that this is a good reason, but I feel the need to stretch my wings..."

"You know," he continues thoughtfully, "if you wanted, I could probably teach you how to shift to other forms if you like - forms that might make your worries about the ocean lessen a bit."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali swallowed again, and wiped sweat from her brow absent mindedly. Lazarus was right. She took a deep breath, eyes never moving from the crashing waves.

"You're right... we should go" she says somewhat hoarsely "My people have always feared the ocean... it is a place of ruthlessness and death" she shivered despite just being sweaty "They say the souls of the worst criminals of my people rest in the waters of the ocean, souring the water and ruining it for use and that they cause it to rise against the living in their jealousy" she finally wrests her eyes away from the wicked ocean and her frightened purple gaze settles on the Chaos Lord "Is that not the case in all lands?" she asks quietly, a lilt to her voice as if subconciously she knows her beliefs are in perilous danger.

Despite having travelled to numerous Shadows, Kali was ignorant to their ways and never questioned the validity of her upbringing... which meant those teachings extended to all other Shadows as well.

For now she ignores the offer of being taught to shift to other shapes, the fear of being dragged down to a watery death by the worst criminals of another land distracting her attention.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack moved over to Kali putting a comforting arm around her. He sends her images, memories of himself sailing upon the sea as dragons flew above him. She knows from past memories show to her that he is a hunter and loves the wilderness, but he is also a sailor and loves the sea. For him it is a place of wonder and beauty, it is an old temperamental friend, a half wild love. Yes it can be dangerous as any aspect of nature, yet is alluring and wondrous. She can feel all of the great times he has spent sailing, the trill of the wind filling the sails with a thump. Racing along, skimming the surface of the mysterious depths, Jack was a sailor.

“No it is not the case in all lands.” He says to Kali “but every sea has it’s tales.”

“Lazarus, Why don’t you do a quick reconnaissance and come back. Let us know what’s immediately on the other side, we can decide what to do from there. I don’t like committing all of us to something without Ares here or at least knowing about it.” He nods to the chaos lord. “God speed Lazarus, and be careful.”

He gave Kali a hug and looked into her eyes, “It’s alright Lalai, we do not know for certain that this is our path, you do not have to go. If you choose to go or it is our path, I will be with you. More than that I will be there for you my love.” He smiled playfully at her and waggled his eyebrows to relive the tension. “You’ll do good Kali, we’ll do good. That is a floating city, no safer place to be on the water in a storm.”

Glancing back to Lazarus, “If we go we will need Life jackets.”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Muttering quietly to Berd, Cyan turns her back on everyone and moves a short distance away, nothing more. It won't be the first time she's had to change in front of people, though the last was at the bardic college of Estiara. Quickly she unbuttons the shirt, shrugging off the soft silk, and pulls Lazarus' shirt on over her head. Tugging out her mass of hair, she turns back, leaving the shirt hanging over her leggings, the ends of her sash dangling down past it.

Returning to the group, Cyan holds out her own shirt, eyes flashing a brilliant sapphire to match its shimmering, lighter blue. "Here, Lazarus. It should suffice."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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"I - ," Lazarus begins before Jack answers kali's question. He shrugs and smiles after listening to the man's reply.

"'Could be Hell in there, but even if it is, I doubt they have your name on their list Kali." Squatting back down by his pack, he begins to rummage through it's contents again, "oh and let me know if you want to learn another shape or two," he calls over his shoulder, "I enjoy loping through the grass as much as the next wolf, but there's something to be said for flying and swimming too."

Lazarus hums a bit to himself while searching through his pack until he pulls out a long bit of string, "Oceanliners of that size will have plenty of life preservers, Jack, don't worry. I hadn't planned on taking everyone through either - certainly not unless it's necessary and not until Ares returns. I'll be in touch once I reach the ship and take a quick look around. If we do spend any time there, chances are we'll have to have some other clothes as well," he continues, more talking to himself now than Jack.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Stowing the rest of his gear in his pack, Lazarus stands up and accepts the shiny material Cyan hands to him. Holding the shirt up in front of him, he smiles wryly, "well it's not quite my size, but thank you. I'm not going to bring my pack along - flying in these conditions will be difficult enough without the added weight."

"If it's alright with you," Lazarus says, undoing the intricate vambraces on his forearms and dropping them with a clink next to his pack, "I think I'll just tie your shirt onto me. Once I get to the ship, I'll untie it and give you a hollar."

Humming tunelessly once again (he seems strangely happy compared to his usual crusty demeanor) he wraps the shimmering shirt around one forearm and then secures it with the string he had pulled from his pack.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack had paid not attention to Cyan changing, his attention divided between Lazarus and Kalika.

“We’ll guard your stuff Lazarus.” Jack nods at him and give him a pep talk of sorts “I’d feel better if you were swimming, those could be gale force winds out there. If you are bound and determined to fly, keep as low as you dare. You go to high and you’ll make a perfect target for lightning, did you get everything metal off your body?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Aaron
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Aaron had payed some slight attention to Cyan, but only enough to see how far away she went. The rest of them supposedly knew this Shadow, but he was being a bit more cautious recently. Since the incident back at that object on Veldoma's Shadow, he wasn't about to act too swiftly.

"Jack's right, Lazarus. Be careful on your way through. I too, would suggest a more seafaring form, since you have the ability to change as such. However, the choice is entirely up to you."

Aaron gazed through the portal, and rememberd his own times upon such ships. His father, his brother, and their travels through Shadow.

Such a long time ago...

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Kalika Wolfblade
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Jack can feel Kali's mind reel away at the thought of the ocean and enjoying it... doing this sailing thing in it. But Jack's memories bring up one of her own and he finds himself as embroiled in the vivid images as Kali herself is.

It was when she was a child, newly installed in the brutal camp that was to train her to be a soldier, and bodyguard if she proved skilled enough. The child Kalika stod at the edge of a tall seacliff, the stong salty winds whipping her silver hair about as she clutched a young wolf cub to her chest tightly and the waves pounded angrilly against the earth beneath her feet. Her purple eyes were wide with the innocent fear of a child. A man's hand rested heavily on her thin shoulder. His deep voice cut through the sounds of the howling winds and pounding surf and rang in her young mind then as it did now "Now you truly understand what it is to be Bonded, youngling. There are many fears for a Bonded to face. Only when he has faced them all will he truly be Chosen" the man then stepped around the frightened child and without a backwards glance dove off the cliff face...

That part of her that was the half wild Chunchee warrior took control as an iron mask of control settled on her youthful features. "You are right of course, this is not my land... the same rules do not apply here" she watches the waves for a long moment before looking up at Jack with a ghost of a smile "Life jacket??? This does not sound like a good thing my love" her smile is easier, more relaxed than before.

"As for flying or swimming, I don't think I can" Kali replies to the Chaos Lord's offer "My people... they are Bonded as youths and can only take that shape. It runs in the Bloodlines of the Ancients" she bows her head and makes a gesture with her fingers at the mention of the only deities she has known. Her eyes, the wolven yellow once again, lock with Lazarus's and she smiles wickedly "But we can still try" she chuckles even as Hunter grumbles from her side.

"Now is the time for going, before the Portal closes and if we must follow into this ocean then so be it" she flicks her wrist, a playful mockery of a dismissive gesture at the Chaos Lord, her words sounding braver than she felt.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Lazarus
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Lazarus waves off Jack and Aaron's warnings, "getting onto the ship from the water would be a pain in the butt. If I get forced into the water I can take an aquatic shape - I'll be fine."

He returns Kali's smile with one of his own, "we'll give it a go when I get back. Maybe I can even teach that furball friend of yours a new shape or two as well - perhaps a big fluffy sheep?" He considers that a moment.

"Anyway, you're right, best get off - I'll be in touch in a bit."

Closing his eyes, the blond man concentrates and his form begins to shimmer, the lines of his body blurring and shrinking until the his human shape is replaced by that of a large, golden-brown raptor, its bright feathers glinting in the sun. A wickedly hooked beak complimented by unusual serated edges compliments razor sharp talons that dig into the soft soil of the plains - this is truly a bird of prey...

Lazarus blinks a few times, taking a second or two to adjust to his new form. Lord I've forgotten what it's like in this shape. I've missed this.... Then, gathering himself, he launches his new shape into the air, massive wings kicking up dirt and grass. Gaining altitude, he surveys the plains for a moment with his new eyes, revelling in the details he can see at such distance.

With a mental sigh, the realization that he was work to do breaks up the peaceful feeling of soaring above the plains.

I'd best gather as much speed as possible going into winds like that.

Stooping as though going after prey, the massive bird drops towards the gate, the ground quickly growing in his field of vision. With a fierce cry, Lazarus plunges through the pulsing gateway - a blur of gold.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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Jack watched the golden bird soar majestically in the sky and felt a twinge of envy for the chaos lord. As Lazarus plunged through open he wished he could accompany him though he knew the path Lazarus traveled was not an easy on at the moment. Jack drew to attention and saluted the bird as it disappeared into the storm.

Jack turned his attention back to Kalika “He’ll be alright,” He said and gave her a reassuring squeeze “As for you, it is true bravery to know your heart, be it fear or caring and face it.” There was a glint of admiration in his eyes. “It is easy to grow so callous that you feel nothing, but you loose much in doing so.” Jack let go of Kali and turned to Cyan with a frown on his face.

Would she see the wise choice “Cyan, since Ares is not here, you know you will have to stay here and wait even if the rest of us go through. Don’t you?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan frowns, sapphire eyes dark with confusion. "I do not understand, Jack. Ares has my palanquet. It would be simplicity for him to contact me from wherever he finds himself. Such was the plan...."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“I must be slipping, I had forgotten.” Jack said but his look did not ease. “However, his horse would not do well on the ship in a stormy sea. What’s more is you are our way out of something should happen. Unless you want to use the cube to get back here, we will be a quarter to a half mile out to sea from the portal even if it does not close and that ship is probably moving. We need to make certain we have a working life line out of there. So are we going to risk using the cube more or will you wait here and let us use your shirt?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan frowns, even more confused. "I was...under the impression that Lazarus would be taking us all through, using my shirt, when he had sufficiently scouted the ship. As for Ares, he can leave his horse behind - it is a magical beast he summons, recall. How will you be reaching the ship if you do not use the Link to Lazarus?" She is obviously extremely perplexed.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Jack
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“Simple, we use the link in your shirt to go through when he calls you. You stay behind so we can call you when and if needed. At least while we look it over and decide if it’s the correct path to be on.” He says frowning trying to keep from getting confused himself. “However, you are right, don’t worry about it, we will all go and use the cube to come back if we need to.”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk by Cyan
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Cyan nods uncertainly, he topaz eyes staring at Jack with a little concern. "Very well, Jack. I would, of course, be more than happy to do whatever is best for the group...but this suits me more than staying here." Quickly she makes certain that the cube is secure, and checks her gear, replacing the harp in its case.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Lazarus
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As Cyan and Jack stand discussing the plans, a great gust of wind and rain blasts through the portal, carrying a large golden bird with it. The blast slams Lazarus to the ground and sends him tumbling several yards into the grass, cutting a swath through the growth. Mid-way through through his trajectory everyone in the party hears a loud *snap* followed by an piercing cry of pain from the raptor.

When the creature finally comes to rest, its form quickly shimmers, shifting back to a soaked, muddy, and generally bedraggled Lazarus.

This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:03, Tue 29 July 2003.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack hurries over to his fallen comrade dropping to his knees by the mans side. “Lazarus ol’ man! Are you okay? What happened?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Aaron
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Aaron was watching the portal specifically, and his eyes went more than a little wide when Lazarus went "sailing" though it, to land quite solidly upon the ground behind them all.

And so he swiftly and purposely moved, apparently along with Jack, to the man's side.

"Woah! Lazarus! Are you alright?"

He surely hoped so. If that noise he had heard during the man's crash had actually been bone... well, he hoped the things he had heard of Shapeshifters and their ability to heal were well placed in truth.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Cyan
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Eyes wide with shock and concern, Cyan begins towards the broken bird lying on the ground. Aaron and Jack are already on their way, though, and she pauses, fighting down the instinct to run to their side. That blast of wind.... Unnaturally strong, and oddly focused. Magic?

Moving quickly, Cyan steps to a few paces in front of the portal. Amythest eyes searching the storm, she holds her sword hilt in one hand, the worn wooden scabbard in the other. My shirt! Without it, she must find an alternate means of defense for the moment. Slowly the bard begins to concentrate.

"Lazarus! Was that unfortunate happenstance, or do we face an enemy?" she cries above the howling of winds in a ringing, clear voice.

Berd, on her shoulder, peers into the storm with glittering eyes.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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"Cyan," Jack called back "Can you tell if the ship is sitting still or moving?" He reached down and untied her shirt from Lazarus's arm running back towards her just in case.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Lazarus
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Taking a few moments to gather himself, Lazarus pushes himself into a sitting position with one arm, water and mud running in rivulets down his face, his hair plastered to his head. His other arm is bent at an unnatural angle, his blood mingling with the mixture of dirt and water.

Waving Jack and Aaron off, he utters a long string of curses between clenched teeth as Jack removes the shirt (which was, fortunately, on his good arm), "What are you doing?!? Look, the gateway masks the force of the hurricane. The wind just took me and threw me back here - there's no enemy..."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack strides up to the gate handing Cyan her shirt “Someone tend to Lazarus! Aaron!” Jack calls out “Are you as good as you say you are? Can you walk the pattern in your mind and safely teleport anywhere? If so can you take another person with you when you do it?”

He stares intently out at the ship, as he does so he tried to reach out with his Psyche and reach through the portal with it to see what he could feel about the liner and her crew. Again the man falls into problem solving mode as he has done in the past.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Berd
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Cyan releases her sword, hanging it back over her shoulder. She takes the shirt absently from Jack, nodding her thanks. "I will go tend to Lazarus, Jack, if you and Aaron are to be busy."

With a sigh, she heads over to where Lazarus sits. "Do you wish some assistance?" she asks. It's always better to ask. Some people become downright irritated when you try to help them, and Lazarus seems the type. "Or are you capable of...shifting that away?" Cyan continues, looking down at the arm with emerald eyes.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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“Thank you Cyan.” Jack extends a hand a look of deep concentration comes over his face as he sends out tendrils of the broken pattern. “The ship will come within a hundred yards of the portal.” He says but his voice is distant already “Let’s- Let’s see what’s going on there. . .”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Aaron
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Could I? Aaron wondered for only a second before responding to Jack.

"I'm not sure. If I couldn't even pop up a decent meal..."

Then again, he had shown Jack the Pattern in the man's mind, and he had successfully walked it... or at least attempted it.

"However, I will try."

Aaron's eyes became unfocused, his mental state taking on that singular quality as he focused his attentions, and his particular psychic skills, upon his soul-bound power. The Pattern.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali mutely watches the comings and goings. The abrupt deposit of Lazarus brins a smug feeling in her breast... she had been right. The demons of the ocean had attacked the Chaos Lord... and broken his arm. The feeling, fades as quickly as it surfaced as the seriousness of the injury registers.

She makes her way towards Lazarus and falls into an easy squat beside him. Her head tilts to one side as she regards the twisted limb.

"The demons may not be after me Lazarus, but they certainly had their way with you" she smiles, eyes sparkling.

Hunter sits down next to the man and begins licking the mud and water from his face with his warm, slightly abrasive tongue. Kali regards the wolf for a moment but does not comment. She then looks up at Cyan.

"Are you familiar with setting bones Cyan?" she asks with a wolfish grin.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Cyan
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"Well," Cyan says doubtfully, "I have had to set a couple." Berd snickers in his draconic way. "Yes," the redhead snaps back, "I know they were my fault." She glances at Kallika apologetically. "I fear I'm more familiar with breaking them...men in taverns can be quite rude." She shakes her head, eyes a worried amber, and examine's Lazarus' arm, should he agree.

"I would certainly appreciate the assistance."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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“They- They are confident, they think it’s unsinkable.” Jack says staring out at the ship, his voice still distant and his body shudders “That bodes ill, this is the first time I have hear the term unsinkable used for a ship that does not rest at the bottom of the sea.”

His attention still focused on the ship “Cyan, hand me the cube please.” He said almost softly

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack blinked his eyes and shook his head. “God’s that ship is huge! I’ve been on the biggest liners on my world and they are only a third that size! It’s of that world as is everything and everyone on it. How is this part of her trail?”

Turning he walked quickly back to Cyan “Cyan, I would like to try something with the cube!” Excitement is haven in Jacks voice. “How is Lazarus doing?”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Lazarus
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Lazarus chuckles, then coughs and winces in pain before giving Hunter a light shove, "thanks for the help pal."

"Actually, I would appreciate some help," he says, looking up at Cyan, "I can shift the bone so that it's set, but it will still take some time to heal - I can't do that on my own. The arm'll need to be stabilized somehow. If you could help me with that," he continues, "I'd be grateful."

Closing his eyes, Lazarus takes a few deep breaths as though about to dive underwater and then clenches his jaws shut tightly. As Cyan and Kali watch, the arm slowly returns to it's normal angle, though as it does so, the color drains from Lazarus' face, and the effort is punctuated with occassional grunts of pain.

Keeping his eyes shut, Lazarus lays back, "I think I need to rest a bit," he pants. "That sucked."

As Jack returns to ask for the Cube Lazarus interjects, "though not as much as Jack's bedside manner sucks, or does Jack usually use the third person in the presence of people he's talking about?"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack laughs heartily and smiles at the Chaos Lord. “Good to see your wit is in tact enough to bust my chops for the same thing I razzed the Bard for when we first met.” He glanced back at the portal “I think I can get us on the ship if that’s really where we want to go. Do we want to go there though? Especially now that Lazarus is a lame duck. . .”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Cyan
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Cyan glances sideways at Lazarus. "You should be resting," she notes quietly, slowly standing to hand Jack the cube. Watching his arm twist and change had made her slightly ill - Cyan could never reconcile herself to that sort of thing. She knew it was right and proper for some people...but for her, it was UNNATURAL.

A foolish prejudice, Cyan. Why are you so concerned about shape and form? It was almost a phobia with her.

Berd crooned something quietly, and she relaxed, amythest eyes shining as she placed the cube in Jack's outstretched hand. "Be careful...what do you intend?"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack took the cube and looked back at Cyan a complete lost look coming over his face “I don’t know.” Then he smiled an amused smile. “Don’t worry Cyan, careful is my middle name. I’m going to see if we can control this portal real quick and move it closer to the ship, if that does not work than I shall make the helmsman adjust course to bring the ship by the portal. If that does not work I sure hope Aaron can walk the pattern in his mind and port to the ship. Because I lost my memory trying to do that on my broken pattern.”

His smile ended a little worried looking before he turned and went back to the portal. Holding the cube he focused his mind on it while looking at the portal.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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“Lazarus, when you were on the other side did you see anything near the portal? Stones, a circle, land of any kind near the portal? Or did it just hang in the air? ” Jack turns and asks the wounded man with a note of urgency in his voice then a confused look comes across his face. “For that matter why didn’t you just teleport yourself out to the ship using your travel magic? What ever you call it. Also does anyone have a rope?” Jack turns back and examines the portal some more as he waits for an answer.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Lazarus
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Opening his eyes again, Lazarus sits up, his face still pale. "I've hung out with demons for most of my life and never ended up feeling like this... but it does feel like something has had its way with me. Ugh."

Cradling his arm to his chest, Lazarus rises shakily to his feet, "I don't feel like resting - I admit that I'm a crappy patient."

Brushing the sodden tangle of hair out of his face, he looks over at Jack, now holding the cube. "I didn't notice how the portal was situated. I was concentrating too hard on getting to the boat. It was sheer dumb luck that I was flung back through it. As for using the Logrus, I could have and probably still could manage it. Flying there looked like more of a challenge."

Tottering slowly towards the gate he grunts in between obviously painful strides, "Let me give it a go."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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“Whoa. Slow down there wild man.” Jack glanced away from the portal smiling back at Lazarus then looked back to the portal trying to see if it was part of anything. “The portal does not move, it’s anchored on the other side in some way. Look at that thing Lazarus,” Jack nods at the ship “I mean really look at it, if has no trace of the pattern, or chaos or any other exotic power other than the normal balance for the rest of that world. Nothing and no one on are special, simply from that world. No magic, no reviver of the Gatherer’s power. Perhaps we are focused on the wrong thing or we do not need to be in this world at all. The ship is just moving by the portal as a bird may fly past the portal on this side.”

Jack sighed “Be the tactical crotchety Lazarus for just a moment more, not the dare devil I’m going to fly through gale force winds. Then professor, you can get us to the ship. Lets search with our powers and see what is in the ocean around here first.” Jack looked at him again with the good natured smile “You’ll also need Cyan’s shirt again before you go and Cyan you can have the Cube back for the moment.”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Cyan
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Sighing, Cyan hands back her shirt (soaking wet), and silently takes the cube from Jack, jade eyes dull with...well, boredom.

Berd looks at her with some concern. He knows cursed well what that could mean.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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“Go ahead and go to the ship Lazarus.” Is all he said getting a far away look in his eyes and looking out into the portal again.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Aaron
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Aaron had seemed to be concentrating for quite a while, and after that while, he finally let out a frustrated exhalation.

"I'm sorry, Jack. It seems the Pattern is being quite tricky with me lately."

Tricky is an understatement... I can only remember pieces of it now. Does that mean I'll eventually forget it?

Somehow, he knew that was total B.S. on his own part. He may not have been able to walk it, or very well picture its entirety within his mind, but he still knew it was at least within him.

Still, he didn't let that get to him. His own study of the Pattern had been so brief. He felt he'd have to reawaken it, and that would take time.

"Ha! I'm afraid I'm pretty useless right now. Well, that won't stop me. I'll assist you all however I can."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Lazarus
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"One second, before I go, I'm going to need this thing splinted," Lazarus says, gesturing at his arm. "I've set it, but it's not entirely healed."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Kalika Wolfblade
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At Laz's friendly push, Hunter lopes away dutifully, disappearing intot he nearby foliage while the men hem and haw about the portal. Kali unsheathes her blade in with a metallic ring of metal clearing scabbard, she watches the light reflect off of the quicksilver blade, pretty much abosrbed in her own thoughts. At about the time Aaron is relating his uselessness with this Pattern thing, hunter returns from his little jaunt, dragging a long, straight branch behind him using his mouth. He deposits it at Kali's feet and she ruffles his fur with a pleased smile.

The branch is about a long as an arm. Kali lies it flat and with a deft flash of silver the branch is now about as long as a forearm. She then picks up the shorter piece and raises it above her head, slamming it into the ground with the combined force of human and wolf. Satisfied that the stick will stand up on its own, the warrioress then concentrates on the stick. After a few moments the blade strikes truly again, breaking the branch piece into 2 pieces, each piece having a flat side and a round side. She wipes the sap off of her blade on her pant leg and resheathes the blade. Grasping the two pieces of wood she smiles at the Chaos Lord.

"Did someone mention a splint?" she asks, grateful for the surivival first aid studies she had learned during her training "We just need something to secure them to your arm and they should work until we get settled in our next land and can get some more advanced healing"

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Cyan
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"Impressive work," Cyan laughs. "You showed that stick a thing or two." Her sparkling topaz eyes make her comment a joke, rather than mockery. Slowly she turns back towards Jack. "Not to worry, Aaron," she notes carefully, aware that this man can be...touchy. "It seems that most of us are helpless under these circumstances. At least Kallika can make a splint." A shrug, as she awaits either Lazarus' 'magic', or for Jack to discover another plan.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Aaron
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Turning, he raised his eyebrows and chuckled in Cyan's direction.

"Ah well. It's not the first time I've been a spectator." he said, a half-smile appearing on his face.

He then sat down, near the portal, and began to study it. His mind wandering from the Pattern, to their current predicament.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack stepped back having leaned so much yet so little “Don’t feel bad Aaron, I’m in the same boat as you. Looks like it’s all in Lazarus’s capable hands.” He flashed Aaron a frustrated smile. He then pulled the first aid kit out of his pack that Lazarus had conjured up for them on the last world and set to using the splints Kalika and carved for them to splint and warp the Chaos Lords arm.
He smiled over at Kali “I’ll tell you if you are not just the handiest woman to have around. She slices, she dices, she even frappe’s!” He waggles his eyebrows at her comically

Once he gets the arm wrapped he looks at Lazarus “There all done! Do you need some aspreen before you go professor, or are you good?” using Kalika’s rendition of the word. “can you give us some traveling music for the professor Cyan?” Jack sounds as if he’s in a good mood.

He looked back over to Aaron “I wonder if I accidentally overplayed my pattern on yours? I wouldn’t think it was posibile, but. . .you said parts of yours was missing. . .Hmmm”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Dworkin (GM)
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Beyond the portal the ship draws closer, a ship which would dwarf some cities that various members of the group have seen. It glides through the savagery of the tempest, moving with such serenity that the sea might just as well be a mill pond.
The lights blaze from the windows and portholes, twenty levels in the hull, another fifteen above. It looks like a wall of steel and light moving through the lightning-shredded night.
It is clear that it won't come too close to the portal, but will pass by at a safe distance...

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Aaron
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His gaze was taken by the vision within the portal. He'd seen large ships, even been on more than one, but this was massive.

However, he chuckled at Jack's comment, and shook his head.

"No. My Pattern is not like yours, my friend. You know full well that it's as solid as the earth beneath our feet. You've seen it. It's just that... it seems to be somewhat tricky as of late. Playing hide and seek."

His brow furrowed in aggravation at that prospect. He didn't need that kind of trouble, with an all-encompassing power like the Pattern.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali smiled at Cyan, sharing in the Bard's joke, but not really laughing. When Jack produces the first aid kit she beams up at him.

"Exactly what we needed" her eyes dance as Hunter makes a sound that this surprisingly similar to a groan.

She smiles good naturedly at Jack's quip, much the same look that Cyan's joke got, but then he says the foreign word frappe, and she cocks her head to one side, regarding her love quizzically.

"Frappy?" she asks, a slow smile creeping onto her face "This 'frappy' of yours better be a good thing" the smile broadens into a grin "because it sounds a lot like a word Johnee used a lot when something went wrong" she comes to her conclusion, holding back laughter as she makes her own lame joke "Crappy" she burst into a peal of laughter as Hunter whines and rolls his eyes.

Of course her back is to the portal and the demonic ocean it portrays.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Cyan
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This talk of the pattern goes over Cyan's head, though Berd watches intently. She does, however, note something that occurs to her. "First the palanquet cards of the Amberites...now their Pattern. My cards are unaffected. Perhaps these occurrances are linked, this problem with Aaron's Pattern and the Amber Cards?" Shrugging, she regards the ship. It's truly enormous, and she's never been in something quite that big...in water. In space, well, there was that one huge cylinder into which she and Berd stumbled once. It had taken some smooth talking to convince the balding security chief to let them go after Cyan had broken a jaw or two of people trying to take liberties.

Fortunately, he didn't seem terribly fond of the wrongdoers himself, and, beneath his official exterior, was almost approving.

Kalika's feeble joke, oddly, gets a laugh - not a fake one, either. Plays on words always ignite a glitter of amusement in Cyan's amythest eyes, and she nods to the wolf-woman.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack chucked looked at Kali with a smile “Wouldn’t dream of saying a bad word about ya dearest.” He sad with a smile “I’d be to afraid that you’d just beat the tar out of me and be done with it.” He gave her a playful wink that belayed the statement.
He stood after finishing wrapping Lazarus’s arm “No Aaron’s pattern sounds to have turned crappy, You my dear I am certain are the queen of frappe.” Leaning in he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

He looked over at Cyan and frowned slightly, “Hmmm. . . Interesting thought Bard. We will have to have Ares look at his Pattern when he comes back.” I myself don’t seem to be having any problem with mine. “I wonder Lazarus, have you been having any problems with your Logurs?” he still did not quite understand the chaos lords powers. He would have to have him explain them to him at some point.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali smiles up at Jack, turning her cheek for his kiss in a mock expectant manner. "That's right" she affirms her royalty over all things frappe with the conviction of one who does not know what is being discussed.

She then sighs contendedly and waits for Lazarus's answer to her love's question, her eyes looking a little distant, or distracted.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Jack
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Jack puts an arm around Kalika’s waist and stand beside her waiting on Lazarus to answer and teleport himself to the ship.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends walk (and fall) by Lazarus
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NPC'd

"No problem that I'm aware of Jack." Lazarus steps towards the portal and pauses a moment, good arm outstretched towards it, palm pointed forward, fingers spread.
Just for a moment.
Then he clenches his hand into a fist and seems to stretch towards the gate. There is a crack like the sound of a whip, and he is gone.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Dworkin (GM)
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A few minutes of nervous waiting pass, and then Cyan feels the familiar sensation of a palanquet contact, but which one? There's only one way to find out, and soon she finds herself face to face with Lazarus. He seems to be standing in a quiet room with walls of metal and illuminated by oddly bright and stable lanterns, no flicker to them at all.
He reaches for her and pulls, as she reaches her other hand for her companions. Each of them grasps her hand, wrist or forearm, and Kalika wraps the fingers of her free hand tightly in Hunter's fur.

- blink -

The group find themselves inside (presumably) on the ship. Kalika needn't have worried. This room has no windows, and is made entirely of metal, painted a creamy white. The only exception is the floor, which is of polished wooden planks, oak perhaps. There are hooks, shelves, lockers, and cupboards all around the walls, and this appears to be a store-room for cleaning materials, with only a single door.
There is no sensation of movement, no rolling or pitching to indicate that the vessel is at sea in the midst of a terrible storm.
Just a faint vibration through the floor, almost imperceptible, as of some vast but distant machine...

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Cyan
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"Thank you," Cyan says, then removes her shirt from Lazarus. Strangely, when he used it, there was no image...more like a portal opening. It takes much, much more study to discern the image in the shirt.

Quickly turning her back on everyone, she takes off Lazarus' shirt and slips her own on, not bothering to tuck it in right now, merely buttoning it up.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Jack
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Still with his arm around Kali’s waist he says it even before she can. “Yes I know it smells odd dear.” knowing the chemical are probably rough on her and Hunter both. He smiles at the others, except for Cyan who he turned his back to “Any Ideas where to go from here?” he asks “Anything Aaron?” He’d let the others sort out everything for a while and sit back to watch.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Jack
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Jack pulls away from the wolf woman and moves forward to the door, opening it gently he peaks out into the hall.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Aaron
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"Careful there, Jack." Aaron says quietly as he too, moves towards the door, though closer to the wall.

Aaron took in their surroundings, his body moving into old habits as he surveyed any other possible exits, as well as possible hiding spots nearby, such as shadowy corners, and he even took a long look at the low ceiling. Strange, perhaps, but not to one such as Aaron.

He became quite aware of the Ilse at his back, and adjusted the strap across his chest and shoulder, before loosening the weapon within its scabbard.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Cyan
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With her shirt finally settled to her satisfaction, Cyan moves up to the other side of the door, Berd now perched on the top of her head. An odd look of concentration comes over her face, and Berd slowly peeks out through the top of the partly open door.

"Berd can check...easily..." she whispers.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Dworkin (GM)
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The passage outside is much nicer than the room they arrived in. Less metal, more polished wood. Pictures of ships on the walls in brass trimmed frames screwed in place so that they won't move. Not that this vessel looks like it could ever be unstable.
The passage is lit by the same strange lamps as the store-room, too white for those unused to the miracle of electricity. In one direction it ends in a metal door fitted with a small round window. Rain can be seen hammering against the glass.
In the other direction it runs, empty, for about twenty yards, with four normal wooden doors on each side, before turning sharply to the right. Each of those doors has a number on it in brass numerals, while the door the group is currently looking out of has a plain sign, lettering on a white background, reading

         Cleaning Supplies
     No unauthorised personnel

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Jack
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A look of concentration comes over Jacks face as he reached out with his mind to find out if there was anyone in any of the rooms near them. Stealing change of cloths and such would be first priority. He wondered if they needed tickets as he search for any intelligent life. Of course Lazarus could always find both if they knew what they looked like.

Is there anyone out there? Was the first question and he searched with his mind.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Cyan
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Cyan, her amythest eyes still slightly unfocused, nods slowly. "There are people behind the wooden doors, but nobody in the corridor at the moment."

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali smiles up distractedly at Jack at his touch, her eyes regaining their focus almost instantly.

"You see?" she asks softly as Hunter growls from behind her, not liking Lazarus instigating the journey to the ship.

Once in the ship, Kali reels from the strong unslaught of chemical smells. She is tempted to shift her nose into a less sensitive configuration, but she would suffer the same fate as Hunter. Hunter whines, unable to make a similar change himself. Kali strokes his thick fur consolingly, taking support from the large wolf when Jack moves to peer out of the door.

"The sooner we get out here the better" she whispers to Jack and Aaron, eager to move herself and her bonded out of the smelly room. She leans against a near byt cupboard to keep from staggering. The strong chemicals were starting to make her head spin.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Cyan
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"Well then!" Cyan nods, decisively, and slips out the door. There's a thud, and an angry squwak from Berd, who scrambles down off her head and onto her shoulder. "There isn't anyone out in the hall. Come, Kallika - we shall investigate further." Topaz eyes shining with a certain excitement, Cyan walks further down the hall.

Berd, nursing his nose, continues to attempt to see further down the hall.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Jack
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Jack shakes his head with a small frown he looked back and catches Kali’s eye holding it for a moment.

A worried look passes over his face and he silently turns and moves out the door behind Cyan slipping his flintlocks into his pack as he moved. He kept a tendril pulled to mind just in case and moved to the first door. Smoothing out his hair he knocked on the door. Sometimes the direct approach worked best, it was certainly better than tormenting Kali and Hunter in there.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali exits the cleaning closet slowly, her heightened nose bringing the foreign chemicals into her system in large amounts. Once in the clear, she lifts her head and starts taking in huge gulps of air. It doesn't take long for the feeling of nausea to pass. Her eyes widen in surprise when she hears the sound of Jack's knock, but she doesn't say anything.

Instead she joins him at the front of the door. Kali stands next to him and looks up, her eyes haunted with worry and fear.

"Please do not worry my love" she whispers to him "Much will be explained soon" she squeezes his hand for support, sharing the feeling of her love only, and then places that hand on the hilt of her sword, eyes suspiciously waiting for someone to answer the door.

Hunter stays seated near Cyan, blinking slowly as he also recovers and clears his nose of the sharp scent of the cleaning supplies.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Jack
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Jack gives her hand a squeeze back taking assurance from the touch, “I’ll be alright.” he says leaving it open to interpretation “Just do me a favor, take your hand off the sword and try not to look menacing yet.” He grinned lightly over at her “Just look confident, relaxed and beautiful. I know you are good at the first two, but I think you’ve got the last one down perfect.”

He waits for the door to open.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Kalika Wolfblade
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The wolf woman looks up at Jack, holding his gaze for a moment, a slight smile on her face at his 'I'll be alright' comment.

She obeys his request, removing her hand from her sword hilt, she laces her scarred fingers and lets them rest in front of her. She rolls her shoulders and pushes thoughts of the best way to engage in combat on this dreadful contraption from her mind. She shifts her ears to see if she can hear someone approaching the door, and forces what she thinks is an easy going smile on her face.

"This work?" she asks Jack through the smile (it looks like the smile of a child in their shool portrait; forced).

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Dworkin (GM)
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The door opens, to reveal a distinguished looking gentleman of advancing years. His hair thinning and white. He is dressed in a knee-length red robe over a matching jacket and pants of colourful striped material. On his feet are soft slippers which match the colour of the robe.
"Yes, can I help you?" he asks, a puzzled expression on his face.

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Jack
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Jack quickly licks his lips to cover the smile that was forming from watching Kalika and his face goes dead pan and serious without looking threatening. Then he proceeds to tell half truths. At the same time he studies the man trying to read him mentally as best he can without forcing it.

“Good evening sir, I am sorry to bother you.” Jack said sounding serious and soothing, the tone taken by agents everywhere for dealing with people. “We are quite lost and need to find the Officer in charge as soon as possible. Can you assist us? It is of vital importance.”

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Re: Part 13 - Where legends drown? by Dworkin (GM)
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"Eh? Lost you say. Heh!" the man seems friendly enough, but he looks away from Jack towards something alongside the door on his side of the wall. "Happened to me a few times the first couple of days I was aboard, until I got the layout strait in my head. You folks must have come on yesterday, at Laxor, I'd guess."
He raises a finger and squints as he runs it across whatever he's looking at in there.
"Ah, here we are... This is Deck 15, Corridor 22, Cabin 22006... If you follow the corridor along that way, you'll come to Stairwell 34. Go up two flights and you'll find yourself at the Main Dining Room."
"There should be some crew there who can tell you how to find your cabins."

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Zzzz...Wait! Magic words! by Cyan
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Cyan listens from down the hall, nodding slowly. On her shoulder, Berd suddenly lifts his head, eyes opening and glittering brilliantly in the dim hallway. The red-haired bard sighs, rolling her own, sapphire eyes, and then nods.

"Yes. You heard him correctly. Main dining room."

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Re: Zzzz...Wait! Magic words! by Jack
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Jack quickly changes tactics and smiles pleasantly nodding when he mentions Laxor. After the man is finishes Jack flashes him a big great full smile and says “Thank you sir! You’ve been a great help.”

Taking Kali’s arm he heads off down the corridor in the direction he pointed them in search of Stairwell #34. Once they were far enough down the hall he says to her quietly. “See, no need for sword play, your smile won him over.” He grinned then he looked back over his shoulder “Where the heck is Lazarus and Aaron? We shouldn’t get separated here.” Glancing back to Berd and the Bard, he added “Tell him if he keeps up, he’ll get to heavy to fly.”

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Re: Zzzz...Wait! Magic words! by Cyan
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Berd steadfastly ignores Jack...or perhaps the slavering is too loud for him to hear.

Cyan motions back over her shoulder, emerald eyes full of dry amusement. "We appear to have foresaken them, back in the chemical storage. I think we MIGHT consider waiting for them."

This, predictably, infuriates Berd.

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Re: Zzzz...Wait! Magic words! by Aaron
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Something felt... odd. Not that that was a first since Aaron had met up with this unlikely bunch of people. And he'd be damned if they left him in their wake like that.

So swiftly, he moved back out into the hallway, a remarkable feat, just in time to hear Cyan say something along the lines of "forsaken them."

Perhaps the oddities he felt were related to his current inability to get anywhere with the Pattern. Well, whatever the case, he needed to keep his eyes on the object of his journey.

God. He felt like he was in a tour group.

"Cripes!" he stated, "Don't go telling me you're all in such a hurry, now. Instead, please inform me that we're actually getting somewhere."

He chuckled after a moment, his slight annoyance evaporating quite swiftly once he met with the other's company. After all, they were yet again in another strange Shadow, and Aaron wasn't yet used to the strange approaches that had gotten them there in the first place.

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Re: Zzzz...Wait! Magic words! by Dworkin (GM)
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The group of Shadow travellers make their way through the corridors of the massive ship, corridors which are remarkably quiet considering the number of people just behind the hundreds of doors they pass, many of them asleep according to Berd's and Jack's assessment.
They reach the stairs, broad and gently curving, with a thick-piled carpet, and climb them, until they see a sign reading "Dining Room" in a curling script on a plaque of brass. An arrow points along a short corridor to a set of double doors.
The doors themselves are of wood, with round panes of glass set into them. Through the glass can be seen a huge room, mostly in darkness save for a few scattered lights. There are huge chandeliers, none of those lit, and scattered small groups of people are seated in some of the pools of light.
There is a brilliant flash, and it becomes apparent that the room must stretch the whole width of the ship, with picture windows along both sides.
From the doors, the far end of the room is lost in a forest of pillars and darkness.

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Like deja vu all over again... by Dworkin (GM)
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The doors push open easily, allowing access to the huge dimly lighted cave of a room. One or two of the nearer groups glance towards the door then go back to their own business, except for one group of six young people, sat off to one side of the entrance. They continue to stare as the Shadow wanderers enter the room, and one of them lets out a long drawn-out whistle as he spots Hunter. Then another of them, a girl aged perhaps sixteen, catches sight of Berd and lets out a half-whispered, "Look!"
They are sitting around a table littered with paper, books, pencils, and dice.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Aaron
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Aaron took a long look at the huge interior, and after a minute or two, his eyes moved in the direction of the young people. For a moment, he simply stared, before he raised his eyebrows and brushed his cloak behind his shoulders with a bit of flair. He had absolutely know idea why he was hamming it up so badly infront of those teenagers, but it amused him nonetheless.

"My my. I must say. This is the most interesting journey I've yet been upon."

His laugh echoed in the vast chamber, and he actually clapped Jack on the shoulder, as if it was all his fault. The Ilse upon his back rattled, as if laughing itself...

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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Berd notes the children playing their game, and preens carefully. He levels glittering eyes on them for an instant, then goes back to cleaning his wing.

Cyan, on the other hand, snorts in faint disgust. "Allowing young people such as these to gamble. Where are their parents?" She knows that on many Worlds you are of age at fourteen, but she, herself, has never believed this.

Abruptly she taps her wrist, and leans over to the others. "Wonder of wonders," Cyan notes, her sapphire eyes glinting with irony, "it seems the cube has grown. Again."

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Dworkin (GM)
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The young girl pushes her chair back and stands, barely catching the chair as it starts to topple. Then she starts to walk forward. Behind her her companions are reacting in various ways, though all seem to be variations on the theme of amazement.

The girl steps almost up to Cyan and speaks, "You people are for real aren't you?" She seems to be addressing the more-human members of the group, although her gaze is fixed on Berd. "I mean, you're not from that lame-ass costume party in the Grand Salon, are you? This is really you, right?"

One of the males at the table, this one partly hidden behind a sort of small folding screen, knocks over a cup of some dark liquid which briefly fizzes on the tabletop. There is a scramble to move papers and books as the pool spreads, and even the dice are pushed hastily to one side.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jack
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Jack stares intently at the girl, sighs “I guess that depends on your view of reality child, we need some help.” He says flashing warm friendly smile at her, you had to take help where you got it in his life. Often with his way of traveling world, he got no help. “Can you help us?” He asked. “We would be ever so grateful Miss.” He nodded to her. “Please. . .”
Ofetn children were better equipped to deal with things out of the norm than adults.

Once he makes mental contact with her, he sends the thought “Is this real enough for you?”

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Berd
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Berd sits up on Cyan's shoulder and cocks an 'eyebrow' at the girl.

Ahhh...attention. Deservedly so.

Slowly he picks up the end of his tail and breathes on it, creating a small, glowing light. Then he holds the last centimeter or so between two claws and puffs out a tiny cloud of purple smoke.

"Stop that," Cyan says quietly, topaz eyes glaring at Berd. "Ignore him," she says to the girl. "He LOVES attention. The more you give him...and yes, this is real." Glancing at Jack with amusement, but not condescention, she waits to see what will happen next.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Dworkin (GM)
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She laughs at Jack, "Cool trick! Yes, that's real enough. I only meant, y'know, that you weren't in costumes. And I'll help if I can."
The girl looks back to Berd for a moment, eyes almost popping right out of her head, mouth turned up in a rapt smile, "It... he... he's really a dragon isn't he?"
At the table one of the boys snorts, "Oh, come on, Jen! Dragons don't exist outside the game!" He gestures towards the stuff on the table.
"Bite me, Dave!" she snaps back. "Scales, wings, breathes smoke and fire... what would you call it?"
"I don't know. But aren't dragons... y'know, bigger? More impressive?"

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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Cyan glances up at Berd, her amber eyes full of concern at the boys words. But Berd doesn't seem terribly displeased. He glances at the boy with a certain hauteur, then laughs soundlessly, giving the girl a glance that says 'well, we know better, don't we?'

Relieved, Cyan sighes. "His name is Berd, and he is a terrible glutton for food and attention." Berd ignores her loftily, still studying this charming creature he finds himself before. "And yes, he is definitely a dragon. A small one, perhaps. But..." she looks down at the girl (Cyan is, after all, quite tall), "...we know that size does not mean everything, do we not?"

Uttering a quiet chiming note, Berd wanders down Cyan's arm to stand on her hand before the girl, lazily curious.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Aaron
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Staring back at Berd, Aaron chuckles and mumbles "Showoff!" before turning and directing his attention to the table, and the youths sitting there-in.

Aaron had experienced certain reactions from people during his travels with his brother and their friends. Some Shadow dwellers even decided to worship them, though once Aaron figured out he was an Amberite, he only then began to wonder at the types of stories that were told about the Amberite royal family, in other Shadows.

Though he honestly admitted to himself, that the idea of dressing up as such people, when you weren't such people, seemed almsot stupid to him. Perhaps, even suicidal. Whatever the case, though, Aaron was amused and interested by this little group.

As he moved towards the table, his cloak flowed behind him, the hilt of the Ilse glinting by torchlight. His dark eyes stared at the table, and the things upon it, considering what the youngsters were taking part in.

After a moment, a half-smile appeared on his face, and he stopped a few feet away from the group.

"What do we have here, hmm?" he asked, his piercing gaze not meaning to pierce, as he looked upon each of them in turn. He folded his arms across his chest and looked upon the table.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Dworkin (GM)
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"He spoke to me!" the girl almost squeals with delight. "My name is Jen. Can I touch you?"
She gingerly reaches out one hand and starts to scratch Berd behind one ear, exactly as if he were a cat. "Your name is Bird? Oh... Berd." a pause and then she laughs, "I don't think I can say that, I'll stick to Berd if it's all the same to you."

The youngsters still at the table regard Aaron with a certain amount of awe, except for Dave, who seems somewhat skeptical. Finally one of them gets himself together enough to say, "It's a game. A roleplaying game."

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali laughs at Jack but otherwise doesn't reply to his comment. She follows him into the dining room and at the whistle at Hunter, her eyes flash as the alpha wolf bares his teeth at the man, Dave. Kali watches him like a hunter eyeing its prey. The lightning and rolling waves were frigthing her and she didn't like the man's attitude. She approaches the table with the languid walk of a predator, Hunter keeping pace easily.

"I assure you this isn't a game" she whispers to him a deadly soft voice "so are you going to help us or not?" she asks viciously, spreading her lips into a feral smile, her incisors enlogating before their eyes into the deadly fangs of a wolf. She growls quietly.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Berd
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Cyan continues to watch with vague amusement as Berd allows the girl to scratch him behind one of his small spines. The little dragon eyes this "Jen" and slowly nods acquiescence.

Berd's head suddenly comes up, and his eyes narrow, his burning gaze settling on the back of Kalika's head.

Cyan reaches out one hand and puts it on Jen's shoulder. "Do not be alarmed," she states, though the girl cannot see Kalika from where she stands. "No harm to you, or your friends," Cyan finishes, very seriously, meeting the young girl's eyes with her own amythest orbs.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Kalika Wolfblade
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The wolf woman stiffens, and her yellow eyes narrow, still regarding David, waiting for the man to acknowledge her question. She keeps her composure, but Hunter turns, lips curled into a snarl of rage, a loud, threatening sound tears free of hsi throat, a cross between a bark and a growl of rage.

He lowers his head, ears flattened against his skull, teeth still barred and rumbles menacingly. His intelligent yellow eyes are focused on Berd and he does not look happy.

Kali stares hard at David, her teeth retracting as her smile becomes more easy going, but not less on guard.

"Berd says I should remember my diginity" she says loud enough for everyone to hear "He, and you Daeved" her accent is thick on the foreign name "would do well to remember that I have none" she snarls the last part, feral eyes holding David's in a hard gaze.

The wolf woman then turns on her heel and returns to Jack's side, Hunter follows her, eyes still locked onto Berd obviously unhappy. Kali's own eyes meet the little dragon's unflinchingly

"You keep your little pet out of my head Cyan" she says and then rolls her shoulders, eyeing David. She needed to hunt.. to stalk, to kill. Unconciously she cracked her scarred knuckles. She needed a fight, something to release the pent up energies in her body.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jen (NPC)
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Jen looks at Kalika, "Ignore Dave, he's just got his panties in a bunch because his character just took mucho damage following his brilliant plan. That's a real wolf isn't it? I mean, I know it's real... " a glance at Jack, "... but it's a wolf, not just a dog that looks like one."
"Anyway, I'll help you if I can, even if those other losers won't."

She looks back at Berd, "This world? You don't even know what world you're on? Wow! That's so amazing! This is Aerth, the Paxifan Ocean to be exact. The name means Peaceful Ocean... " a small laugh, "... but you wouldn't think it to look out there."
Then to Cyan, "He's totally amazing, when he talks to me it tickles inside my head, and I can taste chocolate. What does he eat? Would he take some food from me, if we have the right stuff?"

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Pete (NPC)
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The boy who had sat behind the small screen, the same one who had spoken to Aaron finally says, "Jeez Jen, try to draw breath after every few questions." He has a broad grin on his face as he speaks though, "Sorry about my sister, her mouth tends to run away with her."
"My name's Pete, by the way."
He looks around the table, at his companions, "Sorry guys, I guess the game's done for tonight."
There are nods of agreement from the others, who get up and move away, but still close enough to see and hear what's happening. All except Dave, who throws a pencil down on the table, and stalks out of the room...
Pete starts to gather up the dice, pencils, paper and books.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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Berd snorts with a certain disgust at Hunter...

...and patently ignores Kalika's insult - as far as he's concerned, that situation has been rectified. Cyan turns diamond eyes on the other woman for a moment. She recognizes the set to the woman's shoulders, the tension, and knows that she's spoiling for a fight, whether consciously or unconsciously. Cyan also knows that to respond right now would likely be the worst thing she could possibly do.

Unfortunately, Cyan has always had a problem keeping her mouth shut.

Still, she resists the urge to respond in kind, telling Kalika to muzzle her dog. Insulting to both her and Hunter, and only an attempt to strike back in equal rudeness.

"I seriously doubt Berd will speak with you, Kalika," she notes coldly, "unless you persist in bullying young innocents," she finishes in a low hiss, then looks down at Hunter. A thin smile crosses her face as she stares into his eyes, one killer acknowledging another. Acknowledging, and giving warning. I understand, her diamond eyes state flatly, so long as you understand as well.

Then she quietly turns back to Jen. "I am certain that all of you can assist us," she says pleasantly, her shoulders relaxing from the tension, eyes bleeding into ruby. Still, part of her awareness is in Berd, who is keeping one slitted eye on Kalika and Hunter. As the woman has pointed out, nothing prevents her from striking suddenly, from ambush. Nothing but friendship, and suddenly that is all too uncertain. "We are worldwalkers, Jen, and no, we are not familiar with this world. The Peaceful Ocean. A fine name. Pete," she says, nodding to the boy in greeting. "Hunter is indeed a wolf, and more, and Berd," she says dryly in answer to Jen's questions, "will eat anything tasty. He is not discriminate."

A faint smile touches Berd's mouth, without teeth of course, and he stretches slightly on Cyan's wrist, eyeing Jen thoughtfully.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jack
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Jack put and arm casually around Kali’s waist half expecting it is she turned her frustration on him. He leaned close and whispered in her ear.

He gave her a concerned look and kissed her on the cheek “Just say the word dear heart.” Looking between the two women and two animals, he would hate to be caught in the middle of a fight. But he knew Kali was not going to truly start anything, he was on edge big time, but he had faith.

He looked at the girl with a disarming smile “Yes Jen that is a real alpha male wolf, his name is Hunter, He and Kali are on edge do to the fact wolves are not naturally ocean going animals. Berd is a real dragon and we are all really from other worlds.” He looked between Pete and Jen; he then dropped his voice to conspiratorial tones “We just cam from another world and have no Tickets for this vessel, no money, no food, none of the local clothes and no place to get cleaned up or rest. I would not dream of asking you for tickets or money, but if you could help with a meal, some local attire and a place to clean up. I would be most grateful.”
He reached into his pack and pulled out his flintlocks, making certain they were both unloaded. He slid one across the table to Pete and handed the other to Jen. “Antique flintlocks, made by a master. They should more then pay for any help you give us or trouble our presence causes. They were a gift to me from- someone dear.” His eyes water a little as he hands over the flintlocks.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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"Just say the word dear heart."

Cyan freezes when she hears Jack say this. She had thought, of all people, he wouldn't be the one to step in and help throw oil on the fire, but....

So. If Kalika DOES decide to do anything, I will have Jack to deal with as well. Not as someone attempting to halt the battle, but an enthusiastic supporter of his lady.

She knows what this means. Between Kalika, Hunter, and Jack, it won't be a long fight. It might not last more than seconds, given the weapons Jack is now demonstrating to the children.

Well, then. Let the cards fall where they may.

At a mental request, Berd turns and arches an eyebrow at Cyan, then slowly looks towards Jen. "It appears," Cyan says quietly, a tinge of faint excitement in her tone, "that Berd wishes to examine you more closely. Hold out your arm...he won't hurt you. He's quite...intelligent. More than you might think." The sapphire colour bleeds out of her eyes, this time, leaving them clear as crystal, diamonds catching a rainbow from the ship's lights.

Kirilindë is held by the sheath, in her left hand, up by her chest, and when Berd makes the move to Jen, a faint, worried glitter in his eyes, she steps back, well away from the child.

Let us see what happens. Whatever it might be, I am prepared. To die, apparantly. She cannot fight this many, skilled people, and hopes that it all comes to naught.

Sad, really. She still liked them both, very much. It will be a shame to die at their hands, if that is what happens.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jack
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Jack looked over at Cyan noting the color of her eyes and the fact the she had brought up that sword of hers. He looked at her a confused look on his brow, “What’s the matter Cyan?” he asked worried that things had gone to far between the two women. “Aaron.” He said and lightly tossed his staff to the other man. He let go of Kali’s waist and extended his arms out, away from his sides with the palms up.
This was becoming a bad habit for him, standing in front of people that could strike him down with nothing but a left handed dagger in your belt. “Cyan, don’t do it. . . It’s not worth it. I’m not completely certain what happen between you two, but it’s not worth this.” he says calmly, his eyes imploring her.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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"Do not do what, Jack?" Cyan asks, the look on her visage bland and empty. Something has changed in her, and it isn't just her eyes, shining like a pair of diamonds in her pale, pale face framed by her flaming hair.

"I hate to fight," Cyan says. "Fear hits me, then everything goes away. It becomes a dream, a terrible, beautiful dream. Then I come to myself standing amoung wounded people, if I am lucky. If not, corpses. I have never harmed an ally, thank the spirits." Words to Kalika, not so long ago, by a stream in a forest.

Few people here would be capable of registering the difference, the sudden preparation seething around her like coils of heat haze. The fact that Jack has tossed his weapon aside means little right now - she had not planned on attacking, merely gained enough room to put up a credible, instant defense without harming any of the children. Her smile to them is meant to reassure, but isn't truly necessary - Pete is, no doubt, examining the flintlocks, and Jen is likely being captivated by Berd. Speaking of which....

Berd, still with Jen and cleverly keeping her attention, yet has one cold, hard eye fixed on the situation. He unhappily blinks once or twice.

Cyan still holds her blade close to her chest by the sheath. It isn't ready to be drawn and, in fact, she merely grips the pommel with her right hand in a reverse grip. To most observers, she would merely resemble a woman standing relaxed, holding a sheathed sword against her chest. Masters of weapons would see that she is prepared to fight, and that her stance is defensive. Of course, all here of the Worldwalkers certainly qualify.

"Nothing is the matter, Jack," she says, blindly looking past him. "Please, continue with the children."

Should this simply pass away, well and good. Should it not, she will not strike the first blow. Nor, something in Cyan's mind absently notes, the last.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jack
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Unfortunately Jack all to often has such a herd time just letting stuff lay as is.

Jack studies her. “Nothing the matter? You are lying Cyan. I thought you wouldn’t lie, especially to a friend?” he spoke softly and moved forward slowly a couple of short steps. His arms still held out from his sides leaving himself open as can be.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jen (NPC)
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Jen looks from Cyan to Jack and back again, even as an outsider she can tell something is wrong.
"Is this because of that asshat, Dave? Don't fight because of what he said... he's just such a total instigator. If he could see you now he'd be laughing himself silly. Please... " the young woman looks at Berd, coiled upon her arm.

"You're frightening me!"

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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Cyan refuses to open up psychic contact with Jack - it is simply another means for her to be attacked at the moment. If he could pin her with his thoughts....

So she settles on whispering, her Bard's voice pitched expertly for his ears only. Even if the children have exceptional hearing, they will, at best, pick up an emotionless murmur. And likely they do not, and are distracted.

"Nothing is the matter with *me*, Jack. I am merely prepared. Please do not come closer." A faint smile touches her mouth, now, as she emphasizes the word 'Please'. "You can end this by stepping back, Jack. No other way." There is only absolute sincerity in her tone, now - the only way Jack can make things better is to move in the other direction.

Kalika has shown fury, insult, and threat, Jack has given support, and now he is invading Cyan's space. If he can touch her, he can attempt to hold her in place.

This will not be permitted.

The closer Jack gets, the more the feeling of preparation begins to radiate off of Cyan. The faint smile grows on her lips. She always knew she would die laughing. It looks like this is her chance.

Berd's eyes flicker to Jack for an instant.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Berd
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Berd turns a softer gaze towards Jen, staring at her with old, sad eyes.

Slowly, Berd begins to radiate a feeling of calmness. It's the best he can do - he won't CHANGE Jen, but he will keep her from panicking, and thus keep the other children from doing so as well.

He COULD step in...stop Cyan from fighting. But what if she is correct? Will that not open her up to a killing blow? Kalika, were she so inclined, would not hesitate, ANY MORE THAN BERD WOULD, HIMSELF.

If Jack steps away, and Kalika does not react, Cyan will return to normal...and that, unfortunately, will carry a price for her. Things were cooling until Jack declared his support for Kalika...and it is possible that was simply a mistake. Inside, the little dragon curses the poor luck and timing.

Innocents...dwellers of the worlds...

They cannot be harmed.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jen (NPC)
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Jen looks at Berd and says, "If that's how it's going to be... " and she steps between Jack and Cyan!
"If you want to fight, you'll have... to do it around me." Her voice cracks, and she is obviously terrified, but she lifts Berd onto her shoulder, folds her arms, and prepares to be as stubborn as only a teenager can be.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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Cyan staggers back, shaken. "No, Jen. MOVE. Please." She is utterly frantic now, and falling deeper into her 'trance'. Any movement of Jack's towards Jen will likely end up receiving an instant response.

The teenager wouldn't even see Cyan's attack save as a blur.

Berd warbles with annoyance, and considers moving Jen himself. This is NOT where he wanted to be.

Absently, the little dragon considers what to do, here. He could FORCE Jen to move...which would be wrong, given the circumstances. Asking her to move...would likely gain him nothing. Cursed (humanyoung/adolescent/hormonalexplosions). Knocking her out, easy enough to do, would still leave her body lying on the ground, and Kalika apparantly would have no compunctions about fighting over an unconcious innocent.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jack
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Jack turned and started walking away shook his head a sad look coming over his face. He glanced back looking between Berd and the bard “I had thought better of you, both of you. Now I see it is not so.” He took his sword from Aaron, he patted the mans shoulder “Thank you Aaron.”

He looked back towards Kalika and Hunter, “you can come if you wish, if not then I will be back.” And he walked over to the stair well going though the door and calling the broken Pattern to mind. As he did so he smiled a sad smile, the kid had moxie if nothing else. She’d be real hell on wheels as an adult as strong willed and gutsy as she was.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Berd
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Berd watches, aghast, as Jack leaves. Not only has the man completely misconstrued his warning to not approach closer, but to, instead, move BACK and try to talk, thinking it a threat, but it has become evident that despite appearances, he had no intention of harming Cyan.

"I had thought better of you, both of you. Now I see it is not so."

Shame at his own part in this wars with fury at Jack for not only misunderstanding such a simple warning, both from himself AND Cyan, but also pronouncing such a judgment without being in posession of the facts. In effect, he is no better than Cyan.

Step back. All he had to do was not approach.

And now he has shown that he is even WORSE than Cyan at this sort of thing. Cyan is quick to judge, and quick to forgive - it's plain to see that Jack is quick to judge, and not at all quick to forgive, or even listen.

Berd stares helplessly up at Jen for a moment, then looks over to Kalika to see what HER part in this will be. Will she continue to act irrationally, aggressively? Or will she pursue Jack?

Either way, it seems that his and Cyan's place here is coming to a close.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Aaron
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"Roleplaying? Interesting..."

That was the last thought he had before everything else went down the hole. Much similar to his previous tiff with Jack, Cyan and Kalika had apparently taken sides.

Well, he would do exactly the same. Only, he would take his own side, and he'd be damned if he'd be left by himself and watch his group implode.

And Jack, as he was prone to do, and Aaron was prone to believing of him, was thinking only of himself.

He even had the gaul to use Aaron as a weapon rack. That, beyond everything else, pissed the Amberite off the most

So, with a very disheartened and impatient sigh, the familiar ring of Aaron's blade being unsheathed was heard throughout the echoing chamber. He wasn't one for subtlety when it came to matters such as this, especially now, but he had been in a slightly better mood than most of the people in the room, and he was mad as hell that it had been stolen from him.

With a very avid flair for the dramatic, and taking in the fact that the children had been quite amazed by the appearance of the group, Aaron swirled around, his back facing the gaming table and the Ilse held within his right hand. His wrist flicked, and he willed the weapon to go in the direction he desired.

The blue-white metal of the blade divided, the flaring, glowing center-shape of the Pattern within the weapon coming to pieces as the blade became malleable. Its whip form speared forwards as he lashed it out, eliminating the space between itself and the wall, more than a few feet distant from Aaron.

He personally didn't know how far the weapon itself could reach, but he had an idea that, as long as he had a target, the weapon would shift itself to accompany the length he desired. It could only take the form of a whip, but he also figured that the length of the whip didn't really matter. He counted on that right now.

Just as Jack reached the door, the front of the Ilse slammed into and passed through the doorframe with no little amount of noise and hardly any effort at all. The first blade spun, slammed backwards into the wall at Aaron's yank, and stayed there.

The resulting image is thus:

Aaron, standing a distance away from Jack, staring at his back, and clutching the flickering hilt of his Pattern-etched blade with a shaking, angered fist. The sword itself, eight blades of silver and blue metal, each piece glowing blue-white with a portion of the center of the Amberite Pattern, reaches the entire distance between Aaron and Jack, and seperates Kalika, Cyan and the rest of them from the man. The first blade on the whip cannot be seen, as it has passed through the wall, and become lodged against the other side. Aaron's cloak, flaring out behind him at the final apex of his previous motion, comes to a halt behind him and causes what little dust there is upon the floor to settle in a circular pattern.

And his eyes, oh his eyes, flaring, burning bright against the light of the room as his mind screamed for the Pattern. He reached, grasped, demanded that it come to him. Strangling the hilt of his sword, he concentrated on the bond within the blade, and desired it with all his being. With everything apparent within him.

"Jack, if you leave, you will die. There is no question. Perhaps not by myself, perhaps not by Cyan or Lazarus or anyone else, but you will die eventually. Will you leave now, knowing that you left your 'friends' to perish without your help, knowing that if you had not left, you could have done something to stop our deaths?"

Aaron's laugh is cold, hard-hearted. All trace of amusement, joy, is gone from him for now. It is the laugh of a man who has taken life and liked it. The laugh of a man who, for a moment, does not give one bit of a damn.

"If I am wrong, and you are leaving for a mere moment, then let it be so, so you and your love, and Cyan, may clear your heads. Yet if you are leaving for good, and should Cyan or any of my other friends die, I personally will hunt you and find you, and make sure you know all of their sufferings and pains. I can do it. I will do it."

Dramatic indeed. Yet he knew that these very children were witnessing another fluctuation of their group. Yet another spiralling clash of attitudes. Well, he would have none of it, and if he had to choose anybody's side, again, it would be his own.

He knew Jack was only choosing Kalika, and he damned the man for not thinking beyond the blindness of love. How he wished the man had the mind of an Amberite, and he cursed himself for having that within his own being.
For he knew, he could care only about what he wanted. It must have been passed on through generations.

Well, no matter what the reson, life or death, he'd slay anyone of them if they threatened his existance, and he would go down fighting like a maniac. Like one of Amber blood. That was the message he was making, here and now. They all had to choose, and he said as much.

"This is it. We all choose, right now. Stay here, continue the path and die together, or go, divide, and die alone."

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Dworkin (GM)
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Jack glances at the blade, stretched out from Aaron's hand to the doorframe. Suddenly the blade rips back out of the wood and coils back on itself, narrowly missing Jen and Berd as it does so.
The blade is thrashing about like a living serpent, the sections of Pattern on the blade seeming to fragment and melt momentarily. The blade segments snap together, and the whole thing seems to twist in Aaron's hand so fast that it drops to the floor and slides away from him on the polished floor, coming to rest under a table some fifteen feet away.
The Pattern segment is complete again, but is not glowing at the moment...

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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Berd nearly panics at the thought of the innocents being injured. Staring around with wild, glittering eyes, he sends forth a desperate order.

SLEEP.

His power rolls across the room like a living thing, touching all mortals of this world gently, settling them carefully to the ground, the table, somewhere safe...to sleep.

As Jen settles to the ground, he stares with burning, furious eyes at Aaron.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Aaron
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His hands tear forth, grasping like gnarled, rabid claws. Aaron's eyes are wide with rage, and he pours forth every bit of mental and physical strength into not only fighting off the force from the oh-so-small-yet-oh-so-annoyingly-powerful Berd, but also into racking his brain for something he had heard very long ago.

"If yet ye know the words for such a thing, ye will understand it. Ye too also know already the single word required, but others there are. Two of such might, such power, that would unleash the weapon to the grasp of ye. Yet ready not are you yet, for the time is not yet nigh. Only the powers that be will release such a thing into the power of one of your blood."

And oh, how he had not understood such a saying. How blind he had been even then, and how distracted he had become in his quest. At one time, the sword had been his only desire, but he had become so tremendously distracted, that the Ilse had become nothing more than a tool, even so, a toy that he used to flaunt infront of even these people.

And now he felt absolutely impotent in the face of such absurdity. His previous words echoed hollow against the inhuman power of the boundless, horrifying rage that suddenly erupted from within him with a throat-tearing roar. And even that, at some small measure, seemed miniscule in comparison to the people around him.

Oh, how vain! How nauseatingly miniscule you are, young Amberite!
Oh Jadus, how you would laugh at your sibling!
Oh Dewaite, how you would scoff at your friend!
For even his sword refuses his command!
And his power, the Pattern, refuses his contact!

And Aaron reached out, falling to his knees, his face, an absolute rictus of ancient rage, directed at the man in the doorway. His hand, a desperate claw, reaching out for the sword upon the floor.

And his voice, trying, rasping, demanding those final two words that he knew, he knew, he had heard so long ago, degenerated into a last desperate howl of Amberite rage, throwing every ounce of his concentration and mental force against Jack.

"...if I die..."
"...I'll die fighting!"

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jack
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Even as the sword went spinning away and Aaron fell to his knees, Jack flew through the air tackling the young man. Trying to slam him into the ground and beat him into unconsciousness. This had to end but he did not want to have to kill. If he got his hands on him to he beat the man into the floor again and again with all of his strength until he passes out. Aaron needed a time out!

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Aaron
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His mind, throwing everything he had at Jack, snapped into such swift focus at seeing the blur that was his target, that it almost cost him more than a beating.

But as he had thought, he would not die without a fight.

And he was slightly more experienced than Jack might have given him credit for.

So Jack tackled him.

And Aaron relaxed into it, flying backwards and skidding across the floor on his back with the man atop him. He nearly blacked out against the first punch, but Amberite blood is a hardy sort, and his arms came up to block the next successive ones.

With yet another bellow of rage, Aaron drew his leg up into Jack's abdomen, throwing his adrenaline and strength into it.

But god... his mental strike had sapped him... and he didn't know how long he could hold out. He hoped he could do it, and he threw a punch against the side of Jack's head anyway, shoving his weight to the side to try to get some sort of advantage.

"Everything ends up on the groun, Aaron. Always on the ground."

Stupid Jadus. If he lived, he'd find his brother and show him why everything ended up on the ground...

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali meets Cyan's gaze, hard and uncaring... they are mirrors of each other. Jack's presence calms her, but the words were incensing. She stays rooted in her place and chuckles at Jen's comment.

"This isn't about Daeved" she tells Jen without looking at her "It's about Berd keeping his mind out of where it's not wanted" she smiles grimly and then rolls her eyes at Cyan "And yes, he did stoop to invading my thoughts.. and he tried with those of Hunter, but he only understands me" Kali sighs and some of the tension releases from her stance "I had no intention of fighting Daeved. We needed him to believe that we were real. So I proved it" she shrugs, her expression becoming more serious "Fighting a companion is one of the most dire transgressions a Chunchee can make. It shames me that you think I would resort to that so quickly" she says, her yellow eyes sad.

Before she can say anything else, the sound of Aaron's blade whipping across the room rings out. Aaron's threat is clear and not kosher with the warrior woman. Kali takes advantage of the fight to move in, her blade clearing its sheath in a heartbeat. She watches Aaron try to punch Jack and times her strike after his fist has completed its arc. She aims to sever the hand. Due payment for attacking a companion with no provocation. One of the most deadliest transgressions a person could comit to.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Cyan
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Cyan listens to Kalika speak, her eyes staring at the small woman. Some part of her is dimly surprised she's still on her feet, alive. The rest is a mad roar in her head, spinning over and over, prepared to strike.

When Aaron's blade flies by, nearly killing some of the innocents on the way back, Cyan's attention is divided. Aaron is very, very close to receiving a thin blade through his abdomen when Jack tackles him, and Cyan's eyes flicker back to Kalika. She pauses for an instant as Kalika draws her sword - so fast! - but the small hunter isn't coming for her. It's Aaron.

It slowly begins to penetrate through Cyan's Baresark mind.

There was no threat. Despite the confusion, despite the threats to the innocents here, despite Jack's words to her. There was no real threat here, until Cyan catalyzed it, and unwittingly brought Aaron into play.

Kalika did not understand that was how Berd spoke. That there was no 'invasion', but only words, carried by waves of thought rather than sound.

She must have misunderstood what Jack said.

He hadn't moved closer to try to enter her space.

There had been no threat.

And now, because of this, Aaron had done something foolish, something incredibly mad, and was about to pay for CYAN'S stupidity.

Cyan moves. Fast. The sword stays in its scabbard - to close behind Kalika with a weapon drawn now would be to invite exactly what she had feared, and likely lose her head. Especially since she would not be fighting back. Kalika has to pause in order to time her strike correctly, and Cyan makes it just in time, diving forwards, eyes still diamond hard.

She doesn't know how strong a blade Kalika is using. It doesn't matter.

My fault!

Berd shrieks in fear and fury.

"NO!"

One hand lashes out, snaking in to catch the blade as it falls.

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Re: Like deja vu all over again... by Jack
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Jack had felt Aaron’s mental attack and it had rolled off of him like water off a duck. He had controlled the fall has he tackled the smaller man. Up close and in hand to hand combat Aaron was suddenly realizing the big man had arms like good sized saplings.
Jack had controlled their fall to a tee, even as the small man hit him with his little pity pat punches, Jacks Legs snaked up and wrapped around his trunk and arms in a grip that could squeeze the breath from a bull. His left hand seemed to flow up to the small mans throat wrapping it in a vice like grip, squeezing the arteries on either side. His fist rose and fell like a piston with bone crushing force.
His focus on the Amber man he was unaware of those around him. He knew if he did not put the man under Aaron would kill him. He took the man just far enough to knock him out and leave him with a good solid concussion. He hoped the man would learn from this, Jack really did not want to kill anyone.

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