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Part 15: Decisions and departures
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Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
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Cyan and Lexy continue their discussion on the nature of reality, while
Aaron watches the bathroom door. Lazarus continues trying to heal
his arm, or to at least speed the healing process, and Jen, cradling
the snoozing Berd, listens with rapt attention to Lexy and Cyan as they
discuss matters which, until an hour or two ago, had been totally
beyond her imagination...
After some time, Jack and Kali exit the bathroom, their hair still
damp, sharing some secret joke between them. Hunter, an
expression of wounded pride on his lupine features at being left
outside the door, moves aside and sniffs at them as they pass.
His eyes flare for a moment, and something flickers behind them...
It is time to decide where to travel next, since Aerth, while a
pleasant enough diversion, does not appear to be part of the puzzle.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack exited the restroom dressed in black cargo
slacks and a dark, rich purple button up shirt with a black tee shirt
under it. His clothes longer quite matched the now familiar cloak and
armor that he wore. His face was now unmarred by bruises and his hands
were free of nicks or blisters. He looked like a new man again. It was
like the past two days of hardships and the fight with Aaron had never
happened to him.
Jack smiled his easy, friendly smile at the group
Aaron included. “So have the senior members decided where we are going
next?” He asked looking between Cyan, Lexy and Berd “Hopefully it is
someplace with food, I am ravenous!”
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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"A moment, please." Cyan stands, and walks in front of Jack. "If you would bear with me...?"
She adopts the same posture as she did for Kallika, hours before -
kneeling, sword down. "Jack," she says, not giving him time to
beg off, "I have gravely offended you, and presumed upon our
friendship. I have extended injury towards you, for no good
reason save to satisfy my own insecurities. I might have attacked
with lethal intent, but for your perception of the situation.
There is no excuse for my actions - they were not those of a true
friend." Sighing, she extends her sword hilt towards Jack, deep,
amythest eyes shadowed.
"I accept whatever punishment you choose to levy, or oath you will
demand. I cannot defend my actions - they have no just
cause. You have never given me reason to doubt you, and yet, in
foolishness, I did. I have dishonored myself, you, and whatever
friendship we had."
Cyan swallows heavily. "In my madness, I may well have killed you," she whispers.
Berd snorts and looks away, obviously troubled by something.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack looks uncertain as Cyan approaches him not
quite meeting her eyes, he does not want to deal with this right now,
his mood is to good. Finally after her speech smoothly drops down on
his knees in font of Cyan and rest back with his legs under him.
Reaching out two fingers and gently lifts her shin until he can see her
eyes and look directly into them. “I want no punishment nor oath Cyan.
I need my friends, I need my allies. . . I need to be able to trust the
people at my back. Are you my friend Bard or will you strike me down?”
He looks uncertain at best. “I do not understand Cyan, why would
you want to kill me? Perhaps I am simplistic, I can not imagine being
so close to killing someone without taking their death into your heart
and wanting them dead.”
He shook his head, “If you so want me gone,
why not just say so? Have I so betrayed you? Do dislike me so much that
you want me dead Cyan? ”
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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Cyan pulls her chin away from Jack's hand and looks down.
"I...there is no excuse, Jack. There is none!" she says,
fiercely, obviously furious with herself. Then the anger leaves
her voice, and she continues in dull, empty tones. "But, but I
will attempt to explain."
Staring down at the ground between her knees, she begins.
"When Kallika and Berd were hostile to each other, Berd attempted to
speak to Hunter. Hunter's reaction was, understandably, poor, and
with Hunter threatening, and Kallika SOUNDING as though she was
threatening, I was very afraid something would happen." Cyan
gestures around the room. "Berd and I are...very concious of
others. Innocents, like Jen. It had set us on edge when
Kallika displayed her teeth to the children - I know she would not have
harmed them, but like a fool, I reacted. So I was tense. I
thought there might be violence. Hunter was...well, he is quite
convincing, and I thought he might spring at Berd in his anger.
Wrongly."
She steadfastly refuses to meet Jack's gaze.
"My fear grew as I thought what might happen between Kallika and
Hunter, and Berd and myself. I was not wise. Kallika would
never, ever do this, I can see! But I resolved to only defend
myself, and knowing that Kallika easily outmatches me, I felt it
prudent to prepare. Just in case. Fool that I was."
She shakes her head. "Then you came to beside her, no doubt
speaking of something else, and whispered 'Say the word', to
her." Cyan sags, slumping slightly. "I...in my condition, I
thought it might mean you were prepared to assist her, then, against
me, perhaps to subdue me. In my fear, in my concern, I was not
thinking clearly. I have a long history of doing so." Her
smile is acidic. "I cannot point at any one thing, and say,
'this, I misinterpreted, and it set me off.' It
was...circumstance. A unique combination. Everything, and
nothing, and all my fault. All my misunderstandings."
Her voice drops to a whisper. "When my fear grows too great, when
the danger is too much, my tension too highly strung, I enter a...state
of being. Everything drops away. I cannot think, but my
focus is terrible*. I lose track of who, where, why. I only
concern myself with what, and how. I go wild, I fight, I kill,
and I awaken with bodies around me. A friend, an old friend,
called me a baresark. I was on the edge of that, Jack, when you
approached me."
Kirilindë clatters to the deck, and fades like smoke, slowly
reappearing next to Jen as Berd shakes his head. Cyan puts her
face in her hands, shoulders shaking, hiding her ruby eyes, and draws
away if Jack attempts to touch her.
"I would have killed you, had you come any closer! I barely
remember it at all, but I know that! Something in my mind was
screaming at me that it was you, YOU, and it was ALL I could do to warn
you off! I would have killed a friend who was merely trying to
HELP me! For NOTHING! And there is NO excuse!"
Berd stares levelly at Jack from across the room.
OOC: *Cyan uses words like 'Terrible' in their OLD meaning. As in, inspiring terror.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack breaths a heavy sigh and nods at Berd
before reaching for Cyan. She pulled away and he let his hands drop to
his sides. “Cyan,” He asked softly “I would not have attacked you. The
question is, are you my friend? Will you be the one to kill me?” They
are simple questions but there is much to them. If only the fact does
Cyan believe she can be a friend or that she is safe to be
around. He rises up on his haunches balancing on the balls of his
feet and sits like that for the moment. "Do you want to be my ally
Cyan?"
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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Cyan shakes her head vehemently. "I will NOT. I will not
kill you, Jack. I am...I have never slain a friend when in the
grip of the rage." Yet, a little voice reminds her at the back of her mind. "I
thought...I was a fool, Jack. A fool in many ways. I know
better now, I know better of my friends as I should have before.
I only...I wish it had not taken THIS for me to see."
Shaking her head, Cyan backs away slightly. "I was blind. I
do not deserve to be your friend, Jack, for friends do not think of
each other in such a way. Kallika has said she is still my
friend, and I hope that I may live up to that expectation, this
time. I hope that I might, as well, with you, Jack." Wiping
her topaz eyes, she glances up at him, then back down to the ground.
Whatever they choose to give me, I will accept. I deserve only that.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack remained there balanced easily. “I remember
your devotion to honesty in the face of the natives that were going to
stay behind. You were honest with them though it may have meant their
deaths, when I would have lied to ensure their survival. I
believe what you say. . .If you honestly want my friendship and
honestly are returning it, it is yours freely. Both you and Berd. . .”
Jack moved forward to give the Bard a hug forcing
her into a position where she would have to scramble back rejecting it
and him, or accept it the hug and him.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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Cyan allows Jack to hug her, dropping her head to his shoulder and
putting her arms behind his back. She's exhausted - pain, loss of
blood, the ache of the baresark shock still in her, grief, and many
other tensions thread wires through her spirit and pull it in every
direction. The redhead gives one, quick sob before nodding.
"Of course, Jack...of course," the Bard manages. How could I not?
Knowing that Kallika is watching, she makes certain the hug does not go on too long, and slowly lets Jack go. There is no sense in prodding fate with a sharp stick!
"Thank you," Cyan whispers, still looking down, amythest eyes glowing slightly. "I will never forget."
Berd slowly exhales a small cloud of green gas into the air. For
an instant, it is wreathed in purple lightning, then fades. He
stares at it, somewhat satisfied, then gives the rest of the Cabin a
long-suffering look.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
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Lexy watches on in silence, not intruding. This is important to Cyan,
and anything she says now will just be out of place, interupting a
special moment. Instead, Lexy decides to make herself a little more
useful. Jack said he was hungry.. and he's probably not the only one.
So while Jack and Cyan were busy making up for the small comedy of
errors that lead up to grave results, Lexy busies herself with
something she chooses to call ' Cullinary magic'. By the time the two
apologizers are done, there is a hot meal waiting for them. Nothing
fancy, but good and hot. Served in what looks like folded paper
containers with a red crown on the sides, the meal consists of
different mixtures of meats and veggies, each in it's own container. A
final touch, and forks appear.
"Well, I suggest we eat, and unless there is some reason why not, we
could talk about where to go to next while we eat." she says at last.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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“Then we are good again?” Jack asked after she
pulled back from him. “We don’t have to worry about this anymore,
right?” He continued as he stood moved back slipping an arm around
Kalik’s waist.
It was then that he had seen the best
mystical feat he had seen all day. . . Dinner! Carry out to boot! He
smiled at Lexy, then looked at the food. “Oh my you are simply a
darling angel of mercy aren’t you!?!” not taking his eyes off it the
cartons.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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"Of...of course, Jack," though I will not forget this, and not cease to worry. And there are other issues, as well. But Cyan feels it best not to mention those.
She absently stares at the containers, understanding the function, but
curious as to who would waste so much paper on holding food. Cyan
knew it was different in other worlds, but had serious difficulty with
getting her mind around the idea that paper, in some places, was so
easy to make. "Lexy," she murmurs, "is a mage of some skill, I
would say."
Berd, on the other hand, glances at the food and immediately begins to
salivate. After all, it has been quite some time since he last
ate....
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
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Lexy takes one of the containers, peaks inside, takes a whiff of the
food, and then grabs a fork. "Dig in." she says, and proceeds to do
just that.
"Now, it's my understanding that the cube serves as a recording
device." she says as she eats. "So, it keeps track of where it's been.
Unfortunatly, it seems to have no order in doing so. We have no clue
where this cube came from, and one, or several of the images on it's
face could be traps, put there to catch the unwary." she says, glancing
around. "As for which one to pick...." She shrugs. "I have no clue.
Might as well flip a coin..."
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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“Geez” Jack said moving to the food and opening it up “Try to set up a
good joke and it’s blown.” He pitched a piece to hunter, now it sounds
as if he’s talking to himself.
“You are an angel of mercy.”
“Why thank you Jack.” He mockingly mimic’s Lexy’s voice
“Oh, your fine also, but I was talking to the food.”
Jack shook his head with a mock frown “No help at all. However I
have an Idea I’d like to try from the stone circle if we choose to
return there. So my vote is to fall back to there and see if my plan
might work. If not perhase the cube can tell us something.” Jack
started eating like a half starved man, wolfing his food.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
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While he had no personal choice as to where to go on their next
journey, he remained silent and ate, still leaning against the wall.
Aaron had kept his eyes on Jack and Kalika ever since they had left the bathroom. And he... hell with it. They,
still felt uneasy about one of them. However, neither he, nor he
supposed Ilse, could honestly detect where that sense of danger had
come from. He figured Ilse was still somewhat autistic at the moment.
At first he didn't taste the food, too distracted by his thoughts, but
soon he voraciously inhaled it, only to have his nose violently remind
him that it was broken. He winced in response and, reaching quite low,
removed one of the bottles of pills that the doctor had given him, from
its hiding place... in his boot. Inquiring of the dosage and directions
prior to opening it, he downed two of the capsules, reminding himself
to thank Lexy for the food later, for he was sure he would have
forgotten both the drugs and his hunger.
Well, no matter what their decision, he had some plans he
had to take care of once they reached their next destination. He would
await Jadus' response, but he needed Jack's help with that. With that
odd sensation previous to this moment still residing in one corner of
his mind, he wondered if he'd ever get his answer.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Shade
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It watched Aaron and it felt
disappointment, the Amberite had not burst in on them like it had
hopped. Still there were bigger battles, though it had wanted to
anger the broken Jack at him for another confrontation. It knew the
Amberite would let his emotions rule him into drawing steel again when
the time came. Perhaps it should focus more in him or perhaps his
family. Didn’t he have a relative that was an adept of breaks?
Something for it to use, the flawed belonged to it! It studied the
Amberite more closely and leaned that he was new, not yet a power
by his own right. Inept was as good as flawed. That was how the broken
Jack had done it.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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“Also if it is any help.” Jack added
after taking a moment to make certain that Kalika and hunter had some
of the take out. “We know that I opened the gate to city of glass
buildings and spiders without seeming ill effect already, and was there
not something about the image of the snow scape beneath the green sky.
Something was said about Cylla back on the Gathers world that led us to
believe that that would may be a key to this all. I think they called
it. . .What Cania?” Jack spoke in between bites, still eating like it
was his first and last meal.
The silent brooding Aaron caught Jacks eye. “Do you have
any suggestions on this dilemma?” he asked him somewhat formally. It
was obvious something was bothering the Amber man, but Jack was just
chalking it up to their earlier altercation and felt that he was
pressing his luck by asking even something so simple.
Jack pops his forehead with his palm,
“Once Ares gets back we could see if he is able lead us to the place
where the Gatherers energy is collected. Since he is a reliable ally
and devoted member of this quest.” Jack adds
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
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Lexy gives Jack a wry grin at the imitation of her voice, and then
busies herself with eating, listening to Jack outline his idea. But it
seems that he's left something out.
"So, what exactly is the idea you'd like to try out at the circle of
stones?" she asks as she moves on to desert. She breaks open the oddly
shapped cookie and takes out a little slip of paper, examening it
briefly. "Darn, didn't win." she mumbles to herself as she tosses the
paper aside, eating the crumbled cookie.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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“It’s a surprise.” Jack jokingly said with
a smile as he continued eating with no sign of slowing down, it seemed
he was being worse than berd. “ Well it’s something I wanted to try
while we were there and had the gate opened to the ship, but I chose
not to because the ship may have been important.”
He rolls his eyes. “If this is a key
perhaps it can be used to determine where the gate opens to. For
example, you have a doorway that opens to several different places.
What place it opens to may be determined by how you turn the key. It
got me wondering what would happen if you focused you mind through the
key or gate, concentrating on another specific gate. I want to play
around with this key and see if we can learn how to turn it. Does that
sound acceptable at least for a short stop or do you guys want to press
onto one of the other locations?”
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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Cyan picks at her share of the food, eating little of it, but feeding the majority to Berd, rather than see it go to waste.
Rather, giving it to Jen to feed to Berd. The little dragon is exploiting his situation shamelessly.
She glances up, then slowly shakes her head, jade eyes dark. "I
fear my thoughts do not run to puzzles...I shall be happy to consider
the one you have presented. I see nowhere else to continue, at
the moment, and it is a good stab at an answer."
Berd pauses, then goes back to eating.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
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Lexy shrugs after Jack's suggestion. "It seems as good a course of
action as any other. Personally, I would like to see this circle of
stones. The cube seems to resonate with them, from what I have heard.
It makes me wonder how exactly they are related." She chuckles a bit.
"So many mysteries here, all of them screaming out for solving. But
we'll have to take things one at a time. Unless someone else has any
other ideas, I'm thinking we should go along with Jack's idea."
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack put his empty container down
having finished it all, he reached out and casually rubbed Kalika’s
shoulders. “Now listen you three.” Jacks blue eyes searched
between the three women and his tone was serious. “You are the ones
that were swore into this quest. I have not been, I am here for my own
reasons. Just like Aaron is here for his own reasons and Lazarus the
Chaos Lord. We do not have to answer to the Prince if we fail, you do.
We have neither the authority nor are we the wise choices to make
decisions for the quest.” Jack sounds like a school teacher lecturing
students.
“ It is easy to see why I am here and why I will remain a part of the
quest, but if the choice came down to the quest or my love, “Jack gave
Kalika’s shoulders a brief gentle squeeze. “I would choose her in a
heart beat at the expense of the quest. Aaron is a prince of
Amber and I may not know much about Ambers courts but I know in my
courts you do not put full trust in your family.”
Jack looked at Aaron “No offence meant, but that is how
it is. He could have any agenda and has not been fourth coming to his
explicit reason for being here. The same is true of Lazarus, only from
the other side of the universe. Do not ask us to choose for you,
it’s a fools gambit. You must each step up and take responsibility for
your quest. Ask our opinions and thoughts so that we may help
you. If you are no good with puzzles then surround yourself with people
that are. But you ladies must make the end decisions for yourselves. It
is not even certain that your Amber prince would want us here, it might
vex him that unapproved outsiders have been so trusted. You must give
the commands, because the consequences are yours. Don’t ask, is
everyone in agreement with this. You asked our opinions now tell us
where we go. Because is we wait on everyone to discuss it and sit
around whining, we will never complete the quest. You three, Kalika,
Cyan and Lexy. You are in charge in the end.”
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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Cyan frowns, her amythest eyes flickering with anger. "I believe,
Jack, that I just did. As for surrounding ourselves with such
people, have we not done so?" She shrugs. "I have said my
peace on the matter. I would see what you discover at the
standing stones?" A faint smile touches her face. "You are
a better puzzler than I, save in a few, small ways; I will bow to your
expertise in this manner."
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
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"So there you have it, Jack." says Lexy, a hint of amusment in her
voice. "We are heading back to the standing stones so you may perform
your experiment. A decision has been made. We can leave just as soon as
everyone is ready."
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack’s expression is a mixture frustration
and amusement as he gives a sigh. “Other than the point being
completely missed I think you are correct Lexy. I swear though this
rule by committee is like being gently flogged to death with a with a
perfumed whip.”
“Say your goodbye’s everyone, let’s go already.” Jack adds sounding again like a leader.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
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Aaron would have responded to Jack's question of him, but apparently, the answer he would have given soon became decided anyway.
When Jack made comments regarding Amberites and their familial
relations, he only chuckled in response. The things that others had
heard of Amberites and their family ties certainly seemed to spread
even to Aaron and his brother.
"Well," he finally states after finishing his meal, "I'm as ready as the rest of you."
There it was. That twinge again. Something still wasn't feeling right in his mind... his gut. Something was just weird around here. He made every impression to the contrary, however, aside
from his previous mentioning of it. He would wait and see if the
feeling made itself known.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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"Jack," Cyan says quietly, "if all one had to do in order to make wise
decisions was swear an oath and go on a quest, Fëanor and the Noldor
would not have made their tragic mistakes. Why does this make me
superior to you for making the choice?"
She stands up. "Wisdom, in this place, tells me to leave the
puzzle solving to those more qualified. You joined the quest of
your own free will, and you stay of your own free will. Does this
make you less qualified than those who have bound themselves? I
say no. 'Our Amber Prince' set us upon this quest - he must abide
by our choices. And for you to place your love before
this...." Slowly Cyan shakes her head, looking down to hunt for
Kirilindë. "...I would call you a fool if you did otherwise," she
states in a muffled voice, finding the blade under Berd, who looks up
at her in exasperation.
Standing, Cyan looks to Jack and Kallika, her topaz eyes gleaming
brightly. "Did you not stand aside, and listen, when we entered
battle? Kallkia and I were those who stepped forward there.
Now, Jack, you must take your place. This is no rule by
committee. This is a group where we know our own strengths and
weaknesses, or I should hope that we do."
Smiling softly, she begins to turn to Jen, then stops, looking back to
Jack. "So, no. I do not believe the point was missed...by
us."
Moving to Jen, she crouches before the girl. "Jen...I believe we will be leaving now. But I will work on the palanquet and, I hope, before long will be able to contact you. Sometime in
the next few months, I should hope." She glances down at Berd,
who sighs and rubs his head against the girl's cheek before slowly
climbing onto Cyan's arm. "Ooof! You ate too much!"
The smile fades, and the Bard reaches out, touching the teen's cheek.
"I will contact you, rest assured." She grins, suddenly. "Prepare yourself for a glimpse into infinity, Jen."
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack sits working on Kali’s shoulders he glances
at Cyan with his deep blue eyes searching for an argument “It is
a chain of,” He says lamely not wanting to give up the ghost. “It
should be followed.”
Jack looks down at his work on Kali’s back for a moment
and looks back up to Cyan and speaks in a deep rich voice. “Puzzles are
easy, just look for patterns and keep trying different pieces.”
Looking back at Kali’s shoulders he stands as he says “command. Are we
ready to go now?”
He reahes down to help Kali up.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
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Cyan produces the cube from her glove, and locates the correct
image. She concentrates and the gate appears, shimmering in the
air before them. The now familiar stone circle on the moor.
Jen grins so wide that she looks like the top of her head will fall off...
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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Jack gives Kali’s shoulders a final rub and smiles
a crooked grin as he moves up to the gate. With a last glance back at
everyone can see his deep blue eyes are a faded blue that looks like
nothing more than a tint. He says “See ya. . .” even as he steps
through the gate.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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Cyan watches Jack go, and there is something about his eyes that is
more than a little disturbing. Her own deep, sapphire gaze stares
after him as he disappears through the gate, then she shrugs, and turns
back to Jen. "Well, Jen, remember that I will be contacting
you. Please." Giving the girl a quick hug, she waits until
everyone else is through the gate, then turns to Lazarus. A
rueful smile crosses her face for an instant, and she bows to the Chaos
Lord. "You may not believe this, Lazarus, but I will miss
you. I hope that you catch up to us soon. Be well, and good
fortune with your healing."
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
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“. . .on the other side.” Jack finished as he
stepped out and looked around at moor and Stone circle. His movements
were smooth and casual as he stepped out and looked around. Checking to
see what time of day it was, that seemed to be the most important
factor with the key. If it was still daylight they would be fine
and he could experiment. If not then it meant a night of camping here
again.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
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"You know that thing could make life so much simpler for a lot of
people..." Lexy mumbles to herself as she watches the gate get opened.
"Goodbye Jen. Perhaps we shall meet again." She says, then steps
through the gate as well, disapearing from the ship...
...and appearing on a field with the standing stones. "So, these are
the stones that Cyans was talking about." She looks aroumd, trying to
spot if the riders she talked about where anywhere around.
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jen (NPC)
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Jen reluctantly lets go of Berd, who seems just as reluctant to let go
of her. He flies around her breathing small clouds of smoke in
various colours. Each cloud evolves into a shimmering vaporous
representation of a different flower, which hangs in the air for a few
moments before bursting like a soap bubble, with a faint *pop* and a
burst of fragrance appropriate to the specific bloom it depicted.
Jen laughs and applauds, then steps up to Cyan to hug her once more and
kiss her cheek. "I'll remember you Cyan, and Berd. After
what I've seen tonight I think it'll be impossible to forget."
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Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
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"Good, because we will be contacting you soon." Cyan
smiles. "I would rather not have to explain this again."
Cocking her head to the side, she stares at Jen for a few seconds with
topaz eyes. "You would be equally hard to forget, I assure you."
Berd hovers in front of Jen for several more seconds, then grins
broadly, and zips through the gate like a hummingbird. Cyan,
touching Jen's cheek once, steps after him, keeping her injured hand
free, and carrying her pack on her shoulders, her sword in her left
hand.
Wonderful child. We have to see her again.
Berd lands on her shoulder, chirruping happily.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Very astute Lexy.” Jack says with a wry smile.
Being a bard she can hear there is a different deeper timbre to his
voice now, he’s also carrying himself differently. A bit more casually
yet with a slight air as if he is above it all.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aboard the great ocean going vessel it had been darkest night and the
heart of a storm. Here on the moor with its stone circle and
scattered trees it is a sunny morning and the stones are quiet, until
Cyan brings the cube close, at which point the power starts to build
within them...
Back on the ship, Lazarus stares sadly at the air where his friends had
vanished, then, with a smile to Jen and a small bow, he exits her cabin
and heads off to find somewhere to keep out of the way until the ship
reaches its next port of call.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack hold’s out his hand looking at Cyan with his
faded blue eyes “The cube please, if you don’t mind.” He says evenly a
faint smile playing at the edges of his lips. “I have work to do.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Hold a moment, Cyan, if you please." Aaron says as he strides away
from whence he had emerged. His right hand is out, moving between Cyan
and Jack.
He gazes at Jack for a moment as he stops, and finally speaks. An inquiring tone within his voice accents the question.
"Are you honestly sure you know what you're doing? I'm asking this now while I still have a chance to."
This from the man who used to act on every impulse...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan is faintly disturbed by Jack's odd way of speaking, and the
strange look in his eyes, but still...she trusts him. Quietly,
she reaches out to hand him the cube, but then Aaron steps in the
way. Emerald eyes flashing, she stares at the man in annoyance,
stepping back and waiting for Jack to answer the question. It is not my question to answer - it is Jack's.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack laughs a wry chuckle as his hand fell
back by his side “I will assume you are asking me and not Cyan. . . Do
I honestly know what I’m doing? Yes and no. . . But that’s the point of
experimentation isn’t it Aaron?” he let the statement hang in the air
for a few moments. “You attempt to perform theories. It’s a novel way
to lean without someone having to beat it into you.” His tone was one
of someone explaining a simple concept to a slow child.
“Now I thought this was agreed upon already. Are
we going to do this? I do believe you had plenty of opportunity to
speak your piece at the debate Aaron as you sat back there without
offering options.” Jack smile grew smug as he spoke.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Disgusted with the growing arguement (Don't these two ever stop?),
Cyan steps forward and places the cube in Jack's hand. She
narrows amber eyes, and steps back, shooting frustrated glances at both
me.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
With the cube in hand, Jack approaches the stones, which once more
begin to pulse with raw energy, channeling it into the heart of the
henge, until finally the column of power forms at the centre, crackling
and burning as Jack does his best to exert his will upon the cube and
gate, attempting to force one to control the other...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods, quickly. "I know," she whispers, eyes shading to a
worried emerald. "Let me know if it gets worse. Until then,
he doesn't need to be disturbed."
Silently she waits and, as an afterthought, pulls on her gloves.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack took the cube and gave an odd little smile in
the face of Cyans anger. As if her little display amused him. As
he moved to the stones the light from them made the shadows on his
person dance in odd ways. He did not look at any of the sides of the
cube. Instead trying to focus his mind to control the cube and guide
what world would show through the portal. He starts by
examining the cube with his psyche to feel if there is anything there
for him to control or manipulate mental.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
He acquiesced to the obvious and stepped back.
When the gate opens, Aaron sucked air through his teeth. It's a sharp
noise, and he visibly tensed only for a second before relaxing.
That feeling again! I finally get some sense, and everyone looks at me like I'm mad. Well, at least she's finally over it...
The comfort he felt when he thought about her only resided there for a
small moment, as he gazed at the portal. What they sensed wasn't as
direct or close as the previous sensation was, it was too... loose. But
Aaron would be on his guard once they entered that portal. No matter
what Cyan or anyone else thought about him and his reactions.
For now, and later, his eyes would be on Jack.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack steps back from the gate shaking his head. “There is no way to
control the gate that I can see. The Cube offers no control nor does
the gate it’s self. Unless any of you have ideas.”
Jack hand the cube out for Cyan his face impassive. “What next?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The gate opens, to reveal the strangest world seen so far... a sullen
red sky containing a hot white sun, and an endless plain of corroded
metal plates, rivetted together along their edges. Great black
wheels, their rims burning with a lurid green light roll about at
breakneck speed, shrieking at each other in voices like thunder...
It is clear that they are somehow aware, since they change direction when there seems to be any danger of collision.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shakes her head, disappointed. She takes the cube, sitting
down on the ground where she stood, and leans back against her
pack. With a sigh, the bard stares up into the sky, sapphire eyes
catching the light of the sun and kindling to burning azure fire.
"I...do not know." Putting the cube back in her pouch, she shakes
her head. "But we should continue for the nonce." She can
rest when everyone is weary. "The only question is, to where?"
Think, fool! Cudgel that mind to work!
Berd promptly falls asleep on her pack, snoring tiny puffs of green smoke.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Perhaps it is possible to control the cube, but your mind is not
powerful enough... or else it's a different method that has to be used.
But I also wonder... if you can use the cube independently of the
stones here, what's the point to them?" she asks, reaching out and
touching one of the stones.
"It's obvious that the two interact, but why do they do so?" Lexy
shakes her head again. "Again, we are presented with many questions,
and no answers. Do we want to go through that..." She jerks her thumb
at the now open portal. "Or do we want to go through a different facet
of the cube, one that we have control over?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“The two do not seem to interact other than they
exist.” Jacks eyes flashed with annoyance. “The circle is not trump and
the cube is not the old power. It seemed the opening of the gate is
merely a reaction like setting a glass of water on a active speaker.
The two are separate yet causes a reaction, it could be something else
but I do not know. Going through the gate could take us off the quest
again and would be a fools errand. Lexy is right, this does not stop us
or even slow us down. They had mentioned Cylla speaking of Caina a
snowy place that sounded like one of the cube sides. Cyan. . . Take us
there!” The last holds a note of command and impatiens to it. Jack
looks pale, perhaps he extended himself more then he let on futzing
around with the circle.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, glad to finally be getting some focus, manages to make it to her
feet, Berd warbling petulantly from her pack. Reaching back, she
scratches under his chin, 'soothing' him, and holds the cube carefully
in her crippled hand.
Slowly she rotates it, searching for the proper face...then finds it, amythest eyes lighting up with satisfaction.
"I have it, Jack."
Concentration begins, and she seeks to open a gate...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron's eyes were on Cyan, but as he had intended, his attention was on
Jack. Such snappy comments, now... odd that he would react in such a
way, although the strain from the portal must have been considerable.
Still, he was sure that Jack could take quite a bit of punishment. Such an occurence shouldn't have drained him that much.
The sensation they had felt had subsided substantially once the gate
closed, but there was still a bit there. It was similar to what they
had felt on the ship, but even that was slowly vanishing after a few
moments.
Well that's a relief. That Shadow looked... adventurous. Less the danger to the rest of us, then.
Waiting patiently, he watched Cyan manipulate the cube, paying intent attention to such an occurence.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The cube image expands outwards, seeming to almost unfold into the air,
and there is a palpable drop in the air temperature around it.
The image is of snow and black boulders, with snow-capped peaks in the
middle distance. The sky has a definite greenish tint to it with
high whisps of cloud drifting slowly past.
Stepping into the image brings a shock of cold, and Hunter races off,
leaping and rolling in the snow like a large and particularly
dangerous-looking puppy. The area where the group first enter
this Shadow is on the side of a mountain, although not a particularly
steep one. The snow field slopes down gently into a broad valley,
where a sizeable town stands beside an ice-locked lake.
Overhead the sun burns through the high cloud, but seems to generate little heat...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan promptly opens up her pack, and pulls out a long, purple scarf
that matches her sash in both material and color. She wraps it
about her neck a couple of times, loosely.
"There!"
Her topaz eyes catch the shine of light from the snow, and erupt in a sparkle of color.
"Now...let us see what we might."
Slowly, she begins to extend her senses through the immediate
area. Berd cracks one eye, and the light shimmering within
matches that of the sun for an instant, before his lid shuts again.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack digs down into his pack and the bundle
of clothes he had gotten from the ship. Pulling out a pair of
sunglasses he slips them on to deal with the glare off the snow. He
moved up to Kali and pulled his cloak around both of them. Not that the
Chunchee need it for warmth, she was as tough as they came. Jack needed
it for both warmth of the body and soul, something wasn’t quite right
here. He remembered crossing through the world with the stone circle,
but it seemed more like a dream. He must be getting tired, though the
color had returned to his cheeks.
Did he really sound that snotty to his
friends? Where did all of that come from? He looked over at the Amber
man. “Hey Aaron, sorry about being so rude back there. . . I- I really
don’t know what came over me.” Turning away he looked down at the town.
“Well the sooner begun, the sooner done. Let’s beat feet. . .” He
smirked a bit. “Kali if you or Hunter smell Cylla let us know please.
Same for the rest of you. . . If you see feel or hear anything odd,
speak up” Hack extends his own senses summoning the black well and it’s
tendrils to explore the world around them and the town below.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gods that was draining!
The broken man was stronger mentally than it
anticipated. It had to rest now. Though it had made it
though with them, It would wait and strike when it had opportunity.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cold. That's the first thing that Lexy notices when she steps through
the portal. Hastily, she draws her cloak shut around herself, drawing
up the hood as well. Her clothing is light, made for much warmer
climes, and even with the cloak, it's still damn cold. Her eyes turn to
the wolf, playfully amusing itself in the snow, completly unaffected.
And then she smiles.
"Nobody be alarmed." She warns. "I'm about to work a spell that will
allow me to adapt to the weather." She busies herself under her cloak
for a moment, and the there is the rustling of cloth. She turns from
the rest of the group as she does this, and the reason is soon apparent
as the the outfit she was wearing gently pools around her feet. She
then closes here eyes, and a pictures a form in her mind, one she is
familiar with. Under her cloak, her hands move, as do her lips.
And then her features change, seemingly to melt into something else. A
few minutes later, where Lexy stood is now some sort of creature. White
fured, with mother of pearl white scales underneath, a pair of wings on
it's back, whatever Lexy is now, it resembles something like a cross
between a lizard and a wolf. Back home, this would be called a Perath.
This particular one would be an Upper Perath, from the higher islands.
One paw reaches up and scratches at the cloak clasp, and that is followed by an expectant look at Jack.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack slides the sunglasses down his nose
revealing his deep blue eyes. “Well I’ll be. Am I the only one that
does not know how to change my form?” he ask with a friendly smile.
“You guys are going to have to teach me.” Pushing the shades back up he
walks up to Lexy in her new form and unhitches the cloak. Taking the
cloak and her clothes from the ground he looks at her and asks. “Do you
want me to carry these in my pack for you?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Hardly the only one, Jack," Cyan says quietly, breaking off her search
to stare at the creature with startled amythest eyes. She grins,
suddenly, shaking her head, then goes back to looking.
Berd looks rather nervously at the large creature, and hunkers down a little more on Cyan's shoulders.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy nods to Jack's question. The one problem with this form is the
inability to speak. She stands back, allowing him to take her things
and stuffs them in his pack. With that task done, Lexy runs ahead,
stops, looks back, and seems to be waiting for the others to decided
what to do.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack folds Lexy’s clothes up neatly and puts them
in the pack as he searched the world around them and the town for
immediate dangers and general feel of the world. Jack returns to Kali’s
side putting his arm and cloak around her and spoke. “Hey Aaron, I
don’t want to hear you complain about having to be our work horse to
get us between worlds anymore. It seems Lexy just made me the party
pack ass. Or is that Jack ass?” He grinned at being able to make light
of his own place in the group. Some how he was glad the new woman could
not speak, but exspected Cyan to get her hits in at his exspence.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gods, it was cold! While he wasn't one to moan about climate or
condition, still, the shock itself was quite a wakeup call. Out of pure
reflex, Aaron shivers.
"Me? Complain? Oh, hardly Jack." he says, a note of wry amusement in his voice.
With a chuckle, he continues.
"And yes, Jackass sounds about right. Although I will state, you and I
seem to take turns being the Jackasses around here. Myself more so than
you, I assure you."
That's followed by a "Ha!" that sounds more "doing it for the warmth" than for any form of amusement.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy stays where she is, sitting on her haunches and watching the
group. But it's not hard to tell that she finds something terribly
amusing. But unable to say anything, she just continues to watch.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan ignores the commentary going on around her, still slowly turning
and gazing over the landscape with brilliant, sapphire eyes.
...nothing.
"I sense nothing out of place," she states, when there is a break in
the discussion. "Perhaps, seeing as it is so chilly, here," she
continues, staring at her breath for a moment, "we should seek shelter
there?" Pointing to the buildings, the Bard raises one
eyebrow. She cannot help but take a fascinated glance at Lexy's
new form while she does, though.
"Berd?"
The little dragon tenses, then shoots off her shoulder like a
glittering arrow, slipping and dancing through the frosty air to circle
down near the village, gaining a better perspective, before swooping
back to report.
He keeps his eyes open for crossbows and guns, though. There was that incident back at Harador....
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
In the valley there is a sudden flurry of movement as a flock of grey
birds hurl themselves into the air from the roof of the largest
building in the town, and a few moments later the sound of a bell rolls
over the mountainside. Eleven times the bell rings, then falls
silent once more...
The birds circle for a little while longer, and then settle back to their previous position on the rooftop.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack moves forward speaking “The large building is warded somehow, not
much else special in the town that I could tell.” He pulled the picture
of Cylla and handed it to Cyan. “Here dear, you can do the talking.”
As soon as he drew near Hunter he bent down, reaching out he ruffled
the wolfs fur. As he drew back again his finger suddenly jumped back
out touching the wolf and Jack bolted down the slope calling out “Tag
you’re it!” The laughing prince would soon find out if it were true if
a man could out run a wolf for a short distance. Of course the snow
hindered him that much more.
No doubt Hunter would soon have him face first down in the snow.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
As Jack runs down the slope, the snow seems to crack beneath his feet,
and suddenly he plunges deeper into the snow, up to his thighs.
His momentum carries him forward and there is a cry of pain from him as
he starts to roll, slide, and bounce down the mountain, surrounded by
an increasing amount of fast-moving snow, and seeming to hit every
boulder on the way...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Jack!" Cyan screams, helplessly, and begins to make her way down the
slope quickly, though not as quickly as Jack. She'll be of no
help to him if she suffers the same fate, but she can't bear to pick
her way from safe point to safe point!
No, a bit of risk is necessary. At the same time, her mind howls out a mental cry.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
BERD!
Berd snaps around, halfway to the village, in a turn so tight it is
almost impossible. Glittering eyes pierce the glare off the snow,
and he spots the tumbling man. The little dragon rises higher
into the air, then screams up the hill, catching the wind, closing in.
As he does, his eyes begin to glow like twin stars.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd isn't the only one to take to the sky in an attempt to aid Jack.
Lexy too leaps through the snow, gaining speed... and with a final push
of powerful hind legs, jumps up. Her wings unfold from her back, and
their pumping propels her even more into space. Soon she's not touching
the ground at all, and flying as fast as she can to intercept the
tumbling Jack.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
It feels great, the crunch of the snow under heal reminding him of running the crags on Mount Faust.
“Yargh!”
Thump tumble
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!
Roll . . . Rumble, rumble
Thump
thump
THUMP
brief black out
thump
Slide
THUMP thump THUMP
Come to
again in motion
Thump <CRACK>
Out of it again
Thump tumble
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack continues to tumble down the slope, but the snow around him seems
to change in consistency, becoming softer and wetter. It clings
together, and to Jack, slowing his fall and packing up against the
boulders to provide a certain amount of cushioning for the impacts.
Gradually Jack comes to a halt, buried in the snow, just one arm projecting from the drift.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
(NPC'd)
Kalika whirls around as she hears Jack yell, and with a thought sends
Hunter after him, even as she starts to move herself. Even so she
cautions the wolf not to be too reckless, not wanting to send more snow
down on top of Jack if she can help it.
As she runs, she unslings her blade and uses it, still sheathed to
provide extra sopport and balance as she slides and runs and
(occasionally) rolls down the slope...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Nothing exist except for unimaginable pain, darkness and the terrible bone numbing cold.
Jacks bloody hand clutches once clawing at the empty air, quivers then goes limp.
A warm serenity washes over Jack, as he felt
something pulling him up and he rose into the air. Looking down he saw
an arm sticking up out of the snow, yet it seemed somehow unimportant.
He saw his friends converging on the sight where he knew his body lay
broken and buried. He tried to call out, to let them know that it was
alright. To tell them it didn’t hurt anymore, but they didn’t hear him.
He heard the beautiful song
and turning he could see the Valkyrie in the distance. At least they
had been able to find him, even here on this alien world.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy touches down near Jack. He's not hard to spot; an arm jutting out of the snow isn't quite a natural feature.
Using her front paws, Lexy begins to clear the snow around him, being
careful that the same claws that cut through snow and ice do not cut
through his soft man-flesh. So soft.. and helpless... With a start,
Lexy pushes those thoughts away. She needs to pull him out before he
suffocates under there. And so she continues to dig.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy digs, and moments later Hunter arrives and starts to dig
too. Once some of the snow is cleared, the wolf grabs hold of
Jack's cloak and starts to pull while Lexy keeps digging.
By the time Cyan, Kalika, and finally Aaron arrive on the scene, Jack
has been pulled out from under the snow drift and lays on the surface.
He isn't breathing...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Jack!"
This is Aaron's yell as he races through the snow, meeting up with the
rest of them, but having quite a bit of trouble navigating the thick,
binding cold.
He forgot everything about the cold when he reached Jack.
me more so than you, my friend... Aaron distractedly ponders as he charges to the man's side, grinding his teeth.
Falling to his knees beside him, he too brushes snow away from his
friend. The look on Aaron's face is one of intent action, but an
honestly scared gaze is in his eyes. What could he do?
"Jack! Damnit..."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Get his feet up, curse it!" Cyan cries, checking for a
heartbeat, emerald eyes bright with desperation. Immediately, she
begins what, oddly enough, appears to be a crude form of CPR, even as
the temperature around the dying man rises, the snow impossibly heating
without melting.
If there is no heartbeat, CPR and artificial respiration. If
there is, artificial respiration. "Have to get him
breathing...heart beating...."
Her own heart hammers in her chest, fear pushing it faster, harder. NoJacknonononobreathcurseyou!
Berd sits a short ways away, his eyes burning brightly as he struggles to alter the world around Jack, changing it to continue to warm him without getting him too wet.
"Someone...get into his spirit! Give him strength!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack turned where he hung looking back and forth between
the people working desperately around his prone form. The Valkyrie was
beautiful and her song burned in his soul calling to him she was
drawing so very close and he could feel the tug as he drifted farther
from the broken shell below and his friends.
He noticed some thing else moving down the mountain, A shadow moving
with purpose towards his body. It would have sent a chill up his spine,
but there was nothing to chill.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy doesn't have to be told twice. In this form she was not able to
save his body, but perhaps she could do something about his mind.
Especially with the help of Kalika and Hunter. But for this, she would
do best with physical contact. Not wanting to get in the way of Cyan,
she goes to feet, and places a paw on his leg, her eyes turning to
regard the man's face.
*Not yet* she sends, trying to grasp forth with her mind in order to capture his. *You are needed here. You must stay*
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron first watched with only a numb sense of impotence, until he began to get the feeling of what Lexy was doing.
And then he remembered how Jack had acted when Aaron had first focused on Kalika so long ago... amusing, and now necessarry.
Moving as fast as he could, he quickly came beside Lexy and placed his
hand upon Jack's other leg. Closing his eyes, he focused his mind into
a gentle prodding, but pushed that forwards with enough strength to get
through to his friend.
Jack... don't leave us yet. Stay! Find our voices! We will help!
Somehow, he felt a second consciousness watching closely in the back of
his mind... and he knew that she too was at least paying attention, if
not pushing Aaron and Lexy's hopes onward...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack felt minds calling to him very faintly as the Valkyrie closed on him, her song was so powerful.
He assumed that the female presence was Kali because they were so distant and his world was so filled by the angels song.
The female mind : <You are needed here. You must stay>
The male mind: < . . .don't leave us yet. >
He sent back <I love you and I’m not afraid.>
The Valkyrie reached out and took Jack by the shoulder,
it was time. Jack’s mind reached across the link to the female mind and
sent 200 years of memories directly to her in the blink of an eye, not
knowing it was Lexy instead of Kali. All of his faults and follies, all
of his greatness and glories , all of his humanity and everything that
was Jack. Everything that Antoine Dominique Lavonte Prince of Andara.
The best of times and the worst of times in his life with all the small
times in-between. Perhaps it was to be remembered, perhaps only
so someone would know who he was.
Then there was a rushing of darkness from the great unknown and contact was gone, Jack was gone.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No, Jack, no," Cyan sobs, fighting for breath as she continues to
thrust her palms down on his chest, heedless of the shooting pains
through her injured hand. "Don't go, please! JACK!"
Berd snarls in fury, a sound like tearing cloth, and intensifies his
efforts, knowing their futility but unwilling to give up as long as
Cyan continues.
Finishing a session of work on his heart, the Bard switches to another
short stretch of artificial respiration, tears streaming out of her
crystal eyes and falling to rest on Jack's cooling cheek. Breathe, Jack! Breathe! The thought pounds in her mind as she gives of her own breath in an attempt to bring her friend back from death. Curse this quest, this foolish, mad quest...BREATHE!
There is no response from his body as she continues to push oxygen into his lungs, and then forces the blood through his body.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan’s lips press against Jack as she fills his lungs for the umpteenth time.
A rush of darkness and then light, with a choke and
a gasp Jack opens his deep blue eyes looking unfocused up into Cyan’s
crystalline eyes and say “Mmph?”. His hand feeble tries to raise
only to fall back down. As Cyan pulls away he coughs for a bit not
really moving a lot. He closes his eyes and moves his hand to his
forehead weakly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy's call to Jack, her attempt to pull him back, is interupted in a
very odd way. With her mind open to his, trying to keep him anchored,
his own message to her has nothing to stop it, and passes through
mental gates usually kept tightly shut. It's a double suprise to Lexy,
and she automatically clases the mental gate by stepping away from him.
She shakes her head, trying to make sense. And then, where she still
human, her face would turn white. He thought she was Kallika! So, she
now has a head full of Jack. His memories, his past... it's all way too
much to ingest at once, and Lexy crams it into a corner of her mind,
for further examination.
But as she delt with that, Jack himself, through the work of Cyan and Aaron, seems to finaly come back.
Lexy sits on her haunches, watching. Right now, there isn't too much
else she can do but watch, and keep guard. Her own instincts are
screaming at her that this is wounded prey... and if hers are doing
that, then perhaps a natural predator of this area also senses the same
thing.
Walking away from the other, Lexy finds a small rise in the snow and
takes up position there. Keen ears can still hear the sounds from the
others, but they don't drown out all other sounds. Until Jack is
recovered enough to get up on his own, she'll keep watch. This isn't a
safe spot to be.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacks mental defenses slid fully into place with him half way regaining conciousness.
His armor had saved him a lot more of a
beating that he could have taken. It was amazingly resilient for
something so light. Of course it was noting in comparison to Cyan’s
garb. Even with that he had taken a beating and it was easy to see that
he was not going to be getting up and dancing a jig anytime soon.
Still he seemed to be alive and breathing, but at least he would need
someplace safe to rest and recover for a while. He had a couple of good
sized goose eggs on his head and no telling what else was wrong with
him.
He opened his eyes again and looked up at the red head sitting over
him. Softly he asked “Who are you? . . Where am I?” he looked somewhat
dazed.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan stares down at Jack, shocked. Doubly so.
She had thought he was dead.
The tears are freezing on her face under her ruby eyes, but she rocks back on her knees, blinking in confusion. Surely...surely he cannot have forgotten again? Has his broken Pattern damaged his mind a second time?
"Jack?" she asks uncertainly, her heart still thundering in her chest.
When he had begun to breath again, it seemed her spirits had
sang. Now they plummet into the depths, and she stares up at
Kallika helplessly.
Berd sighs, only caring that the crisis is now over.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack closed his deep blue eyes and a weak smile
spread cross his face. “Got’cha.” He whispered softly followed by a
soft coughing, gurgling laugh that becomes a full-blown bloody cough.
When his eyes open again worry can be seen in them. Even with that he
tries unsuccessfully to sit up wincing in pain.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You...you bastard!" Cyan cries out, half in fury and half in
relief. Berd chimes quietly, almost a reminder, and she quickly
clamps her hand over her mouth.
"Jack, Jack," she whispers, slipping an arm under to help him
out. "Don't move! Kallika, can you check him for
injuries?" The redhead flushes faintly at the idea of doing it
herself. She would, if she had to, but with Kallika here...well,
it would be a better idea for her to do it, for more than one reason.
"Spirits, I thought you had died, Jack!" Desperate fear wars with helpless joy in her voice.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“I think I did.” He mutters softly, wincing
in pain as she helps him sit up. “I’ll be alright, just get me to
someplace- safe and dark.” His breathing is heavy an a little erratic,
leaving him gasping for air as he speaks. He does not know how he knows
this, only that it is. “I’ll need food as well. Lots of food.” Using
the leverage that Cyan has given him to sit up he continues struggling
weakly to stand.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
He felt Lexy pull away from Jack, mentally and physically, and did the
same himself seconds later as he felt the semi-familiar feeling of
Jack's defensive walls move into place.
A million things happened at once after that, with Cyan and then Jack
responding to one another. Aaron only watched idly, but nearly busted
out laughing at the man's fake amnesia. Out of nervousness or
thankfulness, he didn't know.
And swiftly, Aaron rushed to aid the two of them, taking up Jack's
opposite side by slinging the man's arm over his shoulders and
supporting his weight upon them as he rose.
"Easy there, jackass. You take another tumble like that, you'll be bedridden for life." If not worse.
"Let's find somehwere safe, where we all can assess Jack's damage. I
mean, what he has now, at least. I'm afraid he's already been mentally
damaged, what with him traipsing around in the snow like that."
This he says with a lighthearted chuckle.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
(NPC'd)
Kalika kneels in the oddly warm snow, examining Jack thoroughly for
injuries more severe than bruises and cuts. Only when sh'e sure
his limbs aren't broken does she help him to stand, slowly and
carefully.
"You should not run on snow lalai, when you don't know what lies beneath it." she chides him, although her stern voice is tinged with concern too.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"If nothing is broken, then the town would be best. Food
and...darkness?" Cyan shrugs, not willing to question good
fortune. He's alive!
That's enough for her.
Berd wanders forward, galumphing across the snow, and points down with
his tail. There's...almost a path, there, on the snow - an easy
route that could be used to reach the bottom.
"Thank you, Berd," Cyan notes, staying on the opposite side from
Aaron. If Kallika chooses to take her beloved from the bard, Cyan
bows out, stepping away.
In either case, she points at the town. "Let's be off," the
redhead states, grinning foolishly at their good fortune. She
gives Lexy a quick smile, then waves the others ahead. "Really,
Jack," Cyan comments, nearly giggly with her happiness, "there are more
dignified ways to kill yourself." Sobering slightly, she checks
and makes certain he CAN walk. "If you need to be carried, or if
you need a stretcher, we can make one," she states carefully, not
wanting to offend the injured man.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali moves to take Cyan's place supporting Jack and smiles at the other
woman. she stands strong under his weight, an anchor in the living
world both figuratively and literally as she uses the physical contact
to mentally support him. Her worry and concern is overshadowed by the
enormity of her relief that he is ok. She opens herself fully and
begins to help him towards a good place to rest for awhile.
"You oaf! Just when we got you all healed up..." she comments to Jack with a soft smile on her face.
"Lexy" she addresses the returned woman for the first time "We need to
find shelter for Jack to rest. Can you fly up and see if there is
anything close to us where we can take him?" her yellow eyes have lost
their caring softness now that she is no longer talking to Jack.
Hang in there Love... we will get you taken care of... her thoughts are communicating clearly to Jack that's what you get, acting like a young pup... Kali pauses and goes on tip toe to kiss Jack lightly on his bruised lips
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“I can make it Aair-head.” Jack had replied “Good
naturally trading banter and insults with the other man. “Gonna take
more than a mountain to beat me.” But he realizes the mountain did a
better job of beating him than the man had. The mountain didn’t look
any the worse for wear and he did.
Before they played musical
people and Kali under his arm for support Jack had caught Cyan’s
infectious grin. “Yea, but just think what songs you would have had to
sing in my praise if I would have beat the mountain.” His own grin is a
little wry and bloody, he nods to Cyan “I just need a little help, I
can make it.” Some strength seemed to be returning to the broken prince.
As Kali took Cyan’s place his smile
grew openly and honestly. He had winced at her chiding and now at her
soft caring chastising. “I know I was a bonehead.” he answers her
verbal comments. “Just get me to the town, I’ll be fine. . . Food and
darkness.”
Jack smiles down warmly at the
Chunchee as they part from the painful kiss. Then communicates back
with her mentally as they move out. She
can feel his self-conscious guilt and embarrassment at all of this.
"I'll be alright lalai, I was just trying to play with Hunter that he
may accept me fully. Trying to belay any of his worried about the
upcoming bonding, that things may go smoothly. Perhaps also to ensure
that he has someone there to play with in the absence of Lazarus. I
sure blew that one." he is honestly concerned for Hunter loosing his
friend and worried that the Alpha wolf will reject him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan laughs, her amythest eyes catching the sunlight on snow and
sparkling madly. "If you can beat the mountain, Jack," she says,
"I will surely be MOST impressed! A song...no, an Epic!"
With that, she hurries ahead, a slight shadow crossing her face when
she turns from the group, disappearing quickly.
Berd pulls himself from the snow and flaps over to her, landing on her
silk-covered shoulder. He chirps inquisitively, and she rubs his
head. "Nothing," Cyan whispers, beginning to pick her way down
Berd's path. "Just a passing fancy." Quickly, she dances
down the path, her balance superb in such a tall woman. "It is an
easy climb," she calls up, pitching her voice slightly higher to avoid
further dangerous vibrations. Berd rises up slightly, eyes
glittering, and stares at the slope for a long moment, then relaxes,
curls up, and promptly goes to sleep.
Cyan pats his head, carefully. "And...thank you." She
sighs, continuing ahead of the others, the little dragon sleeping
contentedly on her shoulder.
"Thank you."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The mountain slope is bare of shelter this high up. Nearer the
bottom is a patch of forest, pines or something similar, dark green
showing through a mantle of snow.
In one direction, possibly east or north-east, it's hard to tell
without having time to study the movement of the sun, clouds are
gathering along the rim of the otherwise clear, green sky. Clouds
which, to those familiar with such things, have the distinctive leaden
oppressiveness which means they carry snow, and plenty of it.
The town in the valley looks to be the safest place to make for.
The trail so recently, and fortuitously, found by Berd is packed hard
as stone, and yet seems to lack the icy treachery that usually
accompanies such a condition. Indeed, in the steeper parts, it
seems to have been formed into broad, shallow steps...
And so Jack is half-walked, half-carried down to the tree line.
Beneath the tall evergreens there is less snow, and frequent patches of
bare ground show through, green with grass and dotted with tiny blue
wildflowers. As the group pass through the trees, passing a steep
bank, they hear a roaring snarl from above them. Looking up they
see, looking back at them, a cat, if a cat normally stands five feet
high at the shoulder and has fangs which curve downwards for a length
of eight or nine inches. The creature regards them for long
nervous moments, paying close attention to Lexy and Hunter, then turns
and walks away with an air of arrogance which suggests that the meat
available here is of insufficient quality to be worthy of the beast's
attention.
Beyond the trees lay walled fields, where llamas graze, digging in the
snow to find food beneath the covering. Nearby stands the town,
surrounded by a high wooden palisade, and a ditch lined with
stakes. A single drawbridge crosses the ditch, giving access to a
gate where four men armed with long spears stand guard. They wear
clothing of dyed wool beneath heavy fur cloaks, and curaisses and helms
of waxed leather. Beyond them can be seen the interior of the
town, wooden buildings, turf-roofed.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack leaned on Kali limping along as best he could,
knowing well that she could handle his weight no problem. Heck he had
spared with her in the desert and knew the small woman could carry him
if need be. She was almost as strong as he was, so he didn’t let the
frail frame of his love fool him. He had watched Cyan take the lead,
and wondered what was up with her for a moment, then let it go. She was
Cyan and she was a woman, there was not telling what was going on in
the redheads mind. Some questions were better left unanswered, much
less unasked.
Letting Kali and Aaron work him through the forest he took
a moment to speak wincing with the pain of the movement. “Cyan, Berd. .
.All of you for that matter as I know that each of you filled a part in
it. I just wanted to say thanks. . . Thanks for not letting me go.” He
could see the gates of the town from here. He nodded to it “Cyan, go
talk us in. Aaron, Lexy. . .Go with her, but stay back and let her do
the talking. Do not threaten them even by appearance. Aaron. . .
We need not just their help, but their full cooperation. Both with
myself and the quest. Be humble, have humility, please do not touch
your weapon unless there is absolutely not alternative. We need
friends, not resentful obedience. It does us not good if you kill or
scare the one person that knows anything around here. Now go Cyan, do
what you do best, talk.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Do what I do best...talk." Cyan shakes her head, smiling
slightly. Were she anyone else, she might think Jack was trying
to insult her. Fortunately, she isn't, and doesn't. "Jack,"
she says, truthfully, "it was my pleasure and honor to assist."
Berd glances at her, and she clamps fingers over his mouth.
The dragon looks miffed, but maintains silence.
With a quick bow and a jaunty wave, Cyan leads the way to the
gates. Her heartbeat is finally under control, though it took
most of the walk to get it there. She doesn't bother making any
further comment to Aaron about keeping his weapon sheathed; either he
will or he won't, and any more remonstrations will likely make him even
more obdurate. As she approaches the guards, she surveys them,
carefully. FOUR
guards. Armed and armored. And there are walls, a spear
filled moat. This town sees violence, on occation, and not simply
from animals.
"Hail!" she cries, striding through the snow. "Travellers,
seeking rest and assistance! Our friend was caught in that
avalanche on your mountain - it was small, so he survived by the the
grace of good fortune, but he requires attention, and a warm
hearth!" Her hand is open, the other hand holding the red cord
suspending the sword behind her. "We can pay for our meals and
whatever hospitality. Could you direct us to an Inn, with warm
fires, soothing sheets, and fine brandy?"
That last is said with a quick wink as she marches up, stopping a short
distance out of stabbing range and looking at the quartet with a broad
smile. She hopes they don't become wary of Berd and Lexy...or
Hunter.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
The air here wasn't too bad for flying, Lexy decided. No cross winds so
far, and it was nice and deliciously cool. Besides, flying gave her
time to think as she watched over the group. And she had a lot to think
about.
Flying in lazy circles, she keeps an eye out as she thinks. Jack's
current state would probably be an open invitation to predators, both
animal and human. But the only creature they see seems to think they
are too much of a hassle, and that would be the general idea they are
trying to present.
As they approach the town, Lexy lands, sending up a small flurry of
snow, liberally coating everyone in range. And again, one could swear
that she is smilling, though it's hard to tell on that odd animal face.
As Cyan appraoches the town, Lexy does as well, trotting right beside
the bard, for all the world appearing to be a very oversized dog...
well, give or take a few minor details.
About five meters out, Lexy stops and sits on her haunches and Cyan
continues forward. She still does her best to look absolutly harmless,
though she's ready to spring at a moment's notice.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The guards watch the approaching group with open curiosity, but no
obvious hostility. One of them steps forward, spear in his left
hand and empty right hand held up in greeting. "Well
met, travellers. I'd judge ye've journeyed far, since two of the
creatures with ye are of kinds unknown to us. Well it is that ye
reached Caina when ye did, especially if one of ye is hurt, for I smell
more snow in the air. However, none of the beasts may enter the
town unless ye're prepared to vouch for their conduct within the walls."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
For a moment, Aaron actually looked shocked at Jack the sheer
consideration that he would lose control. The look on his face was an
absolute frown. However, in a minute he sighed and nodded.
"I'll gladly be of any help, my friend."
And with that, he left Jack with Kalika and stood with Cyan and Lexy,
stopping a distance from Cyan as she approached the gate and assessed
their situation.
The fact that they are greeted well by the guards showed at least some
fortune for their future. However, he too noted the state of the
guards, as well as their fortifications. Gritting his teeth, he thought
he felt a soothing presence... and hoped against hope that this wasn't
another "adventure." Not for now, at least.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I, personally, will vouch for their behaviour," Cyan states handily,
growing more casual, but serious about that one subject. Berd
looks disgusted, and coughs a quick question mark of smoke into the
air, but it dissipates on the spot as Cyan waves a hand through it,
amber eyes filled with annoyance. Aaron is keeping quiet right now, and I know Lexy is calm enough. Good.
"Is my word good enough?" she inquires, "or will there be some document
to sign?" Her tone indicates curiousity, rather than derision -
Cyan is well aware that customs differ from world to world. What
is common and accepted somewhere, might be a slight on honor (itself
variable) in another world. And, she has often asked people, why
is it that people must accept that the word of a stranger is above
reproach?
No, should they require more from her, she will give it. Handily.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy continues to watch. The fact that they were not met by spears and
arrows is a good sign. Words of welcome are an even better sign. And
quite frankly, she doesn't blame the guards one bit for not trusting
the animals. Heck, they probably look very odd indeed to them. One
thing that nearly blends into the snow, with wings, and is generally
fierce looking, another creature kind of like the first but grey and
black instead, no scales or wings, and yet another one, a small lizard,
this one with wings. Heck, she would indeed be wary if suddenly
confronted with such a strange assortment of creatures.
So Lexy tries to look harmless, just sitting in the snow. But if they
really make a hassle, she knows that she can stay outside. Or at least
pretend to. These walls wouldn't stop her if she chose she wanted to
get in.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The guard nods and stands aside, "Yer
spoken word is good enough here, Mistress. If ye pass through the
gate and bear sharp left, follow the inner side of the wall for perhaps
fifty paces, ye'll find a courtyard to yer right. There is an inn
faces onto that yard." He uses his still-empty right hand to gesture and point as he gives the directions.
He stands by as the group pass him, staring hard at Berd and Lexy, but
hardly giving Hunter a second glance. As Jack and Kali approach,
his eyes narrow, and suddenly he drops to one knee, his head
bowed. "Forgive
me Honoured One, I did not know they had a shaman with them until I
smelled the wolf's sister living inside of ye. I would not have
delayed entry for ye had I but known."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Well. That was easy. Pleased, Cyan waits for the
others, and is even more pleasantly surprised at the man's reaction to
Kallika. The bowing doesn't seem to be necessary, and she
imagines it will merely make Kallika disturbed, but it really doesn't
matter all that much.
The important thing is that they get Jack to the Inn.
Motioning the others to follow, she turns to the guard. "I fear
we must hurry - our friend is sorely injured." Quickly, Cyan
leads the way, ruby eyes hunting along the guard's indicated pathway.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Looks like you are the Ultze here lalai.” Jack
whispers softly to Kalika. Other than that the woman seemed to be
handling it so well and there was not anything he could do himself. So
he followed the advice he had given to Aaron and kept his big trap
shut, trying to look pathetic and hurt. It was the easiest part he had
ever played in his life.
With an arm across Kali’s shoulders they hobbled
along after Cyan, letting them deal with all the little things like how
the lodging and food would be paid for.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron was surprised by the reactions of the guards, but as long as they
were still friendly, he didn't care one bit whether they bowed or
sacrificed a goat right there.
"How are you holding up, Jack?" Aaron asks quietly after they pass
through the entrance, keeping beside and just behind Jack in case
either he or Kali stumbled in their approach.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy goes with Cyan into town, trotting by her side to the inn. She's
getting some odd looks, to be sure, but heck, that doesn't faze her at
all. As long as she stays harmless looking, she's fine. And trotting
contendly by Cyan's side is one of the ways to look harmless.
When the inn comes into view, Lexy is quite glad. Jack need some
medical attention, and perhaps there they would be able to provide it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
”I’ll make it Aaron.” Jack said tightly struggling
along. “Just get me a room and let me be, I’ll be alright.” He was pale
and hurting, but he was not going to stop or make anyone carry him. He
had to pull his own weight as best he could if only in Kalika’s eyes.
Other then occasional grunts of pain he simply kept hobbling along.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The inn is like all the other buildings here, log walls, the gaps
stuffed with dried mud, and a roof of turf, partly covered with
snow. There is only one window, a small one high up on the gable
end of the building, right beneath the roof. There is no glass in
it, and pale smoke flows out of it and rises almost vertically into the
green sky. The door is directly beneath the smoke window, and is
covered by a heavy white animal pelt which hangs to the ground.
Only a tattered piece of leather nailed to the wall and bearing a crudely painted tankard identifies the place as an inn.
Pushing the fur aside, the group step inside the building, into a
single large room. Half of it, the half nearest the door, is
filled with wooden tables and benches, and there is a fire-pit in the
centre of the room which provides most of the light, apart from a few
torches around the walls. A large animal of some kind turns on a
spit above the flames, attended by two men who turn the spit and cut
slices from it onto wooden platters. Fat dripping from it causes
the fire to spit and flare.
Beyond the fire is a large open area of packed dirt floor, where a few people are asleep, wrapped in blankets or furs.
A long counter runs half the length of the right hand wall, and a shelf
behind it supports several barrels. Two men are there filling
leather jacks with ale, and passing them to three women who carry them
to the tables.
Most of the people in the inn, perhaps twenty in total, are seated at the tables, eating and drinking.
The room is warm, dimly-lit, and smoke-filled.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
In spite of himself, Aaron coughed. Being out in the fresh air of more
than one Shadow had him used to breathing naturally. He'd have to
concentrate for a few moments before he got used to breathing in here.
He was more concerned for Jack, however, and how he would fair
throughout the rest of the day. He was looking none too healthy at the
moment, and all that smoke wouldn't do his lungs any good.
However, he was glad that they were inside, somewhere warm, where all
of them could get some considerable rest without the ballyhoo of
attitudes or annoyances. For once, the group actually seemed to be
acting like one.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
One of the men at the counter, the older of the two, perhaps in his
fifties with greying hair and a considerable paunch suddenly bellows, ""Aha! Well met travellers, and welcome ter the finest inn ye'll find in Caina." he roars with laughter, and slaps the other man on the back, "Though truth be told, 'tis the only inn in Caina, so it's also the worst ye'll find, eh Nev? Take
yerselfs a seat, and one o' the wenches'll be right with ye. If
ye've coin, ye can pay with that, if not then we can
barter-trade. All trade is good ter me."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I am - We have silver," Cyan says, stepping up to the man. "And
we need a room - our companion was injured in an avalanche on the
mountains." About to state that she is a bard, and could offer to
play for an evening, Cyan clamps down on that. There will be no playing for you, for a while.
A pang of loss accompanies the thought, but she digs out a handful of
silver coins. "Preferably three rooms, if possible." She
gives the man a tired smile, jade eyes dull.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy enters the inn, and almost leaves just as quickly. This place
reeks! Human sweat, stale ale, burnt fat and meat, and even worse
smells, all mingle to provide a formidable assault on her sensitive
nose.
Wincing, Lexy forces herself to stride into the room. Perhaps she
should just have waited outside. But this place was safe, and they
needed to tend to Jack. So, she'll have to put up with it. She makes
her way through the room, following Cyan. After the bard has made
arrangments for the evening, Lexy very gently takes her hand between
her sharp teeth, and gently pulls her to one of the nearby vacant
tables.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Cyan,” He spoke softly through the dull pain “This place has but one
common room. I need someplace dark alone.” Jack reached out and touched
the bards shoulder
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Of course," Cyan says, wincing at her error, and the tugging of Lexy's
teeth, "if you have only the one room, we shall make do."
Turning, she looks back to Jack, amber eyes growing more tired at his
words. "Yes. I suggest you and Kallika take care of those
arrangements," she states quietly. "Otherwise, if you wish, you
may take my palanquet and go to my home, then use it to return here when you have healed. The choice is yours."
Frowning, she looks down to Lexy, then smiles.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The man (if man he is, because when he stands up straight it can be
seen that he stands a good seven feet tall) comes around the end of the
counter and waddles across to look at Jack"Hurt
ye say? Aye, he looks in a bad way and right enough, Lass.
Well, as ye can see clear, I only got one room here, and ye're standing
in it. But if the lad needs a bit o' quiet, well there's a barn
out back ye can all use. It'll be a mite cooler than here, but
it'll be quiet."
"I can let ye have some extra blankets, and o' course I'll not
hear o' charging ye ter sleep in the barn, just fer yer food and drink."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dark again? I wonder.
Aaron had thought that he had heard Jack mention that to Cyan previously. The man rolled this over in his mind for a while.
He understood that Jack needed rest, not only that, the glare of light
upon snow would be enough to cause anyone to wish a darker enclosure.
But still...
Aaron sighed and looked about the "quaint" Inn. He would sit down
eventually, but he took in the sights anyway. Their host was... also of
an interest. Aaron wasn't tall, and most of the group he was in were
also of considerable height, but that man was quite a sight.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hand still enclosed gently in Lexy's jaws, Cyan attempts to divide her
attention three ways, and somehow manages to succeed. Still
maintaining a light, psychic contact with Lexy, she smiles up at the
innmaster, bowing slightly. At the same time, she manages to
comprehend a message, sent to her by Berd, regarding the barn.
Decision made.
"The barn, then," she states, firmly. "We would be pleased to
partake of your food, wine, and brandy, if there is aught. I can
pay in silver, if you wish."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy keeps her eyes on Cyan, not leaving her side. She keeps the bards
hand in her mouth, not planning on letting go anytime soon. However,
she is touched that Cyan trusts her enough to have her hand in her
mouth in the first place.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali continues to assist Jack down the track towards the little hamlet,
offering her own sense of reassurment as they make their way slowly
after the gtreeting party.
her response is the sense of her love and support. She is deeply
touched by his concern for Hunter and his willingness to befriend the
male. "After the Triad is formed, such things will be easier... for now
it is perhaps best to leave him to come to grips with the Bonding"
worry enters her feelings for a moment, but her concern, relief, and
love for the man she is assiting washes over it almost instantly.
They reach the gate, Hunter keeping pace with Kali, his hackles
slightly raised as he takes in the smells, sights, and sounds of this
new place. the guardsman words suprise Kali and she does not know how
to respond. Instead she simply nods her head, her silver hair glinting
wetly from the melted snowflakes that were caught in the strands. Jack
can feel her puzzling over being named a 'shaman.'
"The barn it is then" she answers the innkeeper her yellow eyes
reflecting the fire light in an animalistic way. She starts to move
towards the back door, Hunter moving forward to scout ahead, and then
pauses.
"If you have it, a bowl of soup or stew, and hot water and a clean
cloth is needed in the barn" she tells the man, her feral eyes locking
with his while she awaits his response. Still keeping the contact open,
a nice visual of a sponge bath to ease the brusies and abrasions tells
the story of what she has in mind for the water and cloth.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The innkeeper winks at Cyan, and lowers his voice to a dull roar, "Heh! I do have a drop o' brandy, as it happens. Keeps it fer meself, fer
medical reasons ye see. None o' this lot likes anything excepting
ale anyhow. If I was ter serve 'em brandy, they'd just ask why it
weren't in a pint pot."
"Anyways, by the looks o' yer friend there, this is medical business. I'll fetch ye the cask, and ye can use what ye want."
He nods to acknowledge Kalika's request, then rubs at his chins while he thinks it over. "Water
and cloths'll be no worry. I have them ter hand, ye see.
Soup is trickier, all I got is what ye see over the fire there. A
fat, juicy longhorn."
He snaps his fingers and calls to one of the serving wenches, "Hella, is yer sister'd lad still down sick?"
"Aye, Bjeoric, he is. What of it?" she replies.
"Could ye run round there and see if she can spare a little soup fer this one?"
The woman studies Jack for a moment, "Ye've been battered haven't ye? The mountain was it?" Then, without even waiting for an answer, she's gone to look for soup...
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
For the moment Jack is just kind of
standing there leaning on Kali, enjoying the warmth and comfort despite
his pains and letting himself be ushered around. It was ironic the
general role reversal compared to the fairy histories of his world.
Princes generally swept the maidens off their feet taking them away
from it all and making them feel safe and secure. Definitely ironic,
but in a good way.
He made a mental note to speak with her about her
worries of the bonding once they had a quiet moment. Also to explain to
her about the shaman comment.
Eyeing the meat in the spit Jack added his
two cents worth. “The soup sounds great, but can I also have a slab of
that longhorn also? I am just plain starving!” He didn’t understand
why, they had just eaten such a short time ago and already he was so
hungry.
Glancing over at Kalika he grins like a school boy
at the image and then winces as it reminds him of the countless bruises
and scrapes. Jack smiles at her warmly, reaching up he strokes
the Chunchee woman’s cheek. “I must break mental contact for a bit
Lalai.” Jack says “I have to talk to a man about a horse and it may
take a bit for me to find the man. Not to mention I do not trust him.
Take me to the barn and tuck me in, then you can do what ever you want
to me.” He gives her a wink and a playful squeeze, wincing in pain from
it. Then he broke mental contact with her, pulling away. For a moment
she gets an image from jack of three wolves running through the forest,
Hunter, herself and one unseen in the brush.
Reaching out with his mind he searched, looking
for something without knowing what and half hoping he would not find
it. He searched the cracks of the world around him asking mentally “Are
you there?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Turning to the innmaster, Cyan cocks an eyebrow. "If you might
spare some raw meat as well, I should be feeding our companion," she
says, wiggling the hand in Lexy's mouth humorously. "Before she
takes her pound of flesh from elsewhere!" A laugh tells the
innmaster it's a joke, and when she gets confirmation, Cyan pays the
man for his hospitality with silver coins of various sizes and
weights. Given that fact, she makes certain to over pay.
Berd doesn't both stirring. Anyone who would accept barter isn't
going to be terribly irritated over oddly shaped silver. There's
no need for him to fiddle around with it.
Onces that's finished, Cyan leads the way to the barn, her dark,
sapphire eyes shadowed with weariness and the heaviness of deep
thought. The barn is chilled, but not alarmingly so, and she
nudges Berd. The dragon awakens slightly, and one lid slides
open, revealing a glittering shine for an instant.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
An answer comes to his mind as Jack searches the cracks of reality.
I am here, what is it you want? ~
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack puts up his guard against the contact yet
tries to maintain comunication. “Who are you? Was it you that
healed me in the restroom?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
The reply came; Of
course I am here, I am everywhere the breaks exist. However I
will not answer your questions for you already know the answers. ~
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacks brow furrowed in concentration trying to nail this thing down.
“Why did you heal me? Will you do it again?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
I must take care of what is mine Jack. You can be healed
again if you embrace the darkness and surrender yourself to the
breaks. You are I are not so different Jack of Breaks- not so
different.
The mental voice grows weaker
Surrender to it and you will not have to worry about it any more.
Fainter
Give in, no worries. ~
Gone
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
His body is tense and for a moment Jacks eyes
sparkle black like twin sapphires. Though they quickly fade back to his
normal deep blue, almost like smoke dissipating in the wind. “Wait,”
Jack called out mentally and physically “Don’t go! What do you mean
what is yours!?! I don’t understand!”
Frustrated Jack opens his mind to Kalika again, still
leaning on his love. He looks around for a suitable spot to lie down.
Looking up towards the loft at a deep pile of hay, back in a darker
corner. “That will do.” He says not quite meeting any ones eyes and he
starts moving towards the ladder. He listens for any hint of the mental
voice.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy stays behind to make sure that everyone gets to the barn allright.
Her presence has a double purpous, a warning to all those that would
believe the wounded man easy prey. Much the same as they had done in
the forest, a clear warning had to be issued. Anyone ignoring such a
warning... well.. she was pretty hungry.
Once the last of the group has gone to the barn, she'll stay a moment
longer before herself leaving, padding away quietly to the barn to
rejoin the others. And even there, she resumes her vigilance, taking
guard duty as others tend to Jack.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The barn is cool now, but doesn't seem as cold as it had done at
first. It is mostly empty, except for a couple of llamas in two
stalls right at the back of the building, ghostly shapes in the gloom.
After a few minutes the innkeeper appears, laden with blankets. A
one gallom cask and something wrapped in white cloth are on top of the
stack of bedding. With him is one of the other men, who carries a
lage platter balanced on his shoulder and steadied with one hand.
The platter is heaped with steaming slices of the meat from the
spit. In his other hand he carries five empty mugs.
Bjeoric signals for him to put the platter and mugs atop a bale of hay, then speaks to Cyan, "Here's
the blankets and brandy I promised ye, and this bundle here is a haunch
o' goat fer yer animals. If the girl can get any soup, I'll send
her straight out ter ye with it."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan watches Jack with deep concern - his outburst is
rather...unnerving. She's about to go over to him and Kallika
when the innmaster arrives, carrying the food. She thanks him,
profusely, and waits until he leaves to broach the cask of
brandy. If this is all he has, best we be careful with it...though we can pay him handsomely for the privilage.
Moving to Lexy, she unwraps the haunch of goat, and offers it to the
woman. "Not exactly the best," she says with a wry expression,
"but then, we are not exactly eating the best, either. I suppose
it shall do."
Berd merely appears disgusted by the lack of variety.
Pouring several cups of brandy, Cyan takes two over to both Kallika and
Jack, leaving the brandy cask open. It isn't as though it will
freeze. Wrapping herself up in a blanket, the Bard offers both
the cups, and moments later, blankets, to Jack and Kallika. She
then sits down a few feet away, and gives Jack a long, appraising stare
from her narrowed, ruby eyes.
"Jack. When will you explain to us what is going on? I am not demanding...merely requesting."
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Finally, Aaron too, sits, not before removing a few slices of meat from
the pile for himself. He's male, hungry, and a few other things at the
moment.
However, Cyan mimics his current train of thought almost exactly, and
the man had positioned himself a distance away from Jack, keeping an
eye on him and his relation to the rest of the group, physically and
mentally. Actually, he had positioned himself just-so within the barn
so that he could look out towards the entrance as well.
He thought of asking Jack Cyan's question, but perhaps pressing the
issue would only cause Jack to become more cautious. Right now, he
wanted some answers, especially if Jadus called soon.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy remains apart of the group, but well within earshot. She want's to
hear what's going on. But for right now, there is a haunch of goat that
requires her immediate attention.
As she eats, she continues to watch around them. She really hopes
nothing is foolish enough to interupt them, but if it does, she'll be
ready.
===========================================================
Re: Part 15 - Decisions and departures by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack leans on the ladder that leads
to the hay loft, the man looks tire and beaten. He turns to look at
Cyan, “Honestly I’m not certain what is going on.” He shakes his head
“Since the time of the Gatherer I have felt something odd about the
cracks and shadow of reality. At first I thought it was just the mind
Gatherer’s effects on me. Back on the ship I-“ Again the head shake
“something healed me. Then when I was talking to Aaron. . . I don’t
know, it didn’t feel right. I can’t explain.” The look on his face is
one of perplexed frustration.
“Moments ago I searched the break of
reality trying to find what had healed me and something spoke to me. .
. Something hidden and arrogant. I only think I found it because it
wanted to be found. It told me to embrace the breaks. Why what have you
all felt and seen?”
As Jack speaks he walks the pattern of the
mind, sliding along the breaks of reality time and time again towards
the center. He studies the breaks as he does so. Once in the center he
summons the dark well bringing forth the lens to see what he can
see.
===========================================================
Time for the dark side by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
That was all that it needed, it was time.
As Jack speaks the shadows behind him
start to move and stretch towards the broken man and snow tressed
wench. Reaching for him they slide across the ceiling, walls and floor
as is if someone were moving a lamp making them change direction.
Instead of fading as they move into the lighter areas of the barn, the
shadows grow darker until they are as black as midnight in the depths
of the underworld. Closing in on the unsuspecting man and woman.
Looking almost solid in their inky blackness.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Your eyes," Cyan says, flushing slightly, dropping her topaz gaze to
the floor. "I have observed them changing colour, and outside of
the people of Shasivae, I do not think-"
Berd hisses, shooting into the air, his eyes burning with fury. A
silver wheel appears for an instant in the air as Kirilinde clears the
wooden scabbard. "Jack! Kallika! 'Ware your
rear!" Cyan's silk shirt begins to shimmer slightly as she steps
forwards, to stand between the two lovers and the encroaching
darkness. A rainbow flicker, similar to that of a palanquet, runs up and down Kirilinde's silver blade.
Berd snarls again, dropping to land on Cyan's shoulder, wings spread in
a threat that should seem ridiculous, but somehow does not. He
stares at the growing shadows, trying to discern their nature.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Even as Cyan and Kirilinde step forward hundreds of inky
tendrils shoot out of the shadows of all directions with the psychic
sound of a dark wind. They flow around the two women weaving back and
forth some even seeming to pass through them like so much darkness. For
every one Kirilinde cuts dozens seem to take it’s place, only to
converge upon Jack. Wrapping around the broken man where they touch
they seem to both flow over him and infuse his body with pure night.
His body goes rigid at their touch arching in pain
and effort, his mouth open in a silent scream. The blackness flows over
him like a liquid , pushing a wave of monochrome black and white a few
inches in front of it. Giving those areas the look of an old black and
white movie for a moment before being engulfed by inky blackness. The
parts of him that care covered appear as nothing more than a
three-dimensional shadowy representation of the man.
In the space of a second or two all that is left
not covered by utter dark is his face, now a pale white and faded blue
eyes, nothing more than a parody of the deep blue they used to be. Then
even that is lost in the blackness as a gasp escapes his lips. Shadows
snap back into place and the room returns to normal. As Jack pitches
forward falling to his knees, a shadow of the man he used to be.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack fell to his knees as the shadow
tendrils infuse him what whatever they are, what ever it is. His arm
shoots out to grab Kalika for support and passes right though her.
“Ahhrrr!” he cried out at the strain. Falling forward catching himself
on the ground with his hand, head hung low. “What’s. . .” he said but
the rest was lost as a mumble, his voice sounding hollow and distant.
Like an echo in a large cavern.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy had turned quickly when the shadows stretched, and then attacked
Jack. Her hackles raised, she tried to snap at the tendrils, trying to
free Jack from their dark embrace. Her sharp teeth closed on shadow,
and were inefective. Might as well snap on air.
But it did not take long for the shadows to depart, leaving naught but
a hollow shell of a man. As others ruch to Jack's aide, Lexy casts out
with her mind, trying to find the source of this attack, any sign of it
at all.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hella arrives at the barn, stepping into the dim lit gloom carrying
something covered with a square of white cloth. She places it on
the bale which is serving as a makeshift table. Removing the
cloth she reveals a wooden bowl holding perhaps a pint of soup.
Steam rises from the surface, and she announces, "It's just a lbit o' chicken broth. It might do hime some good."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd's head snaps around, and he focuses burning eyes on the woman
entering, pushing off from Cyan's shoulder to clear the distance and
hang before her. He breathes a cloud of shimmering particles into
her face.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
As the door opened instinctively it’s head
snapped up and it flowed to the shadows diving into Kalika’s shadow to
hide and escape. Easily it bacame two dimensional and blended like a
chameleon to the shades of darkness. From there it flowed with amazing
speed along the shadows sinking into the darker deeper depths of the
barns gloom and chaotic jumble of straw, virtually invisible. There it
would hide, heal and wait until it was safe, which would not be long at
all.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hella glances through Berd, seeming to not even see him, and she smiles, looking vaguely puzzled about something. "I'll be back later for the dish. Hope you enjoy the soup." Then she steps back out into the cool afternoon light.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Eyes changing color you say?” Came the
soft whisper of Jacks distorted voice from the depths of the shadows
his shadowy face formed on a wall. “How utterly odd. . . Has there been
anything else unusual?” The tone is had to tell if he is serious or
mocking. The healing was well on it’s way even in these few moments.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Jack..." Cyan begins warily, her sword still out, but point down now,
her burning ruby eyes searching the face on the wall. "Is
that...still you?" There's a chill in the air that has little to
do with the cold, but Cyan refuses to let herself descend into fear,
recalling what happened the last time. Calm, you fool! Stay calm!
Satisfied, Berd turns back to land on Cyan's shoulder, and stares at Jack's face as if deeply affronted.
"I would say that this manifestation was more than a little unusual,
Jack," Cyan finishes, still uncertain. Still armed, but not
defending, not threatening. Her shirt has grown slightly darker,
and now tiny sparks of light begin moving along it...as though it is a
star field one flies through.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali watched Jack as Cyan posed her question, and silently waits for
the answer to her own unasked question. Her first instinct has her
moving to push Jack down in a vain attempt to keep him away from the
danger while the others fought it, but it is an unfair battle. Despite
their best efforts Jack is cocooned in the shadows and when they flee
all that is left is but a shadow of the man.
Kali turns sharply, looking for where the shadow Jack went. Her eyes
widen as realization hits and her nostrils flare as she intakes how
this new development as affected his scent. She was used to people
taking other shapes, but this was not one she had ever seen before. An
unhealthy pallor over takes her skin and without speaking, the
bodyguard reaches forward with a callused hand, slightly shaking,
trying to touch the shadow thing's face. One thought is repeating over
and over in her head, a broken record that tells the story of her life,
in agonizing detail over and over and over and over again.
I have failed
The alpha wolf, always at his mistress's side, has a lupine smirk on
his face, it fades quickly though and as he regards Kali quizzically
and whines softly. He moves to lick her face, but her other hand moves
lightning quick, grabbing his snout and stopping. Irritation flares in
his yellow eyes and a growl deepens from his muscled chest. Kali
wrenches her gaze away from the shadowy Jack an looks at Hunter.
Something unseen passes between the two and the wolf backs down with a
quiet whine, lying down in submission before her.
"Is it permanent?" she asks, her voice husky with the timbre of wolf,
her feral eyes focused back on the shadowy-Jack as she slowly returns
her outstretched hand to her side. The hand grasps the hilt of her
sword in a tight grip and she is breathing deeply, calmly, as if
preparing herself for something. Hunter cries out a despairing,
desolate howl. A single silver eyebrow quirks, but the Chunchee does
not comment.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack silently regards Kalika
“Permanent. . ?” Comes the soft whisper of a voice The rest of his body
form’s out of the shadows, giving the impression that he is less in the
state of being in a from but formlessness. “Let us find out.” Once he
is free of the depths of the shadows he steps forward, still a dark
man. The darkness that makes him up wavers taking on a different feel
and texture.
The black eyes lighten leaving a hint of
blue to them, his hand slowly rises and brushes Kali’s cheek, with the
back of his shadowy fingers. The touch is a curious mixture of real and
unreal textures. Then the darkness rolls back from his fingers and
face, the washed out blue eyes look into the Chunchee’s Amber ones and
she can feel his fingers take on a solid feel and warmth. The Darkness
starts to slide back up as if trying to cover him back over, but his
eyes close black and white face forms a mask of concentration. The
shadows are pushed back off of him, flowing off like a two-dimensional
black liquid. Slowly relinquishing not just the body but also color
back to the man.
“I would say, no that it is not permanent,
but I wonder if it can be repeated?” Jack says to Kali, there is now
not a sign of bruise or abrasion on him and he is not favor his leg as
before. Jack slips his arms around Kali to comfort her if she
does not resist his hugging her close.
Looking over at Cyan with deep blue
eyes he says. “Unusual. . . From someone who wears rainbows and
galaxies. . . From someone that steps between worlds and has a dragon
for a teacher. . .Right.”
He glances back at Kali, "Are you okay?" he asks
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The alteration from shadow to man is deeply disturbing, on an
instinctive level. Cyan averts her amber eyes for a moment,
keeping track out of their corners, before turning back to the
discussion.
Cyan stares at Jack for a long moment, then shrugs, her shirt fading
back to normal. "Unusual, yes. I believe you know exactly
what I mean, Jack...but if you do not wish to speak of it, I will
respect your desire to keep your secrets." She smiles,
faintly. "I suppose you will no longer bemoan the fact that you
cannot change your shape?"
Inside, though, she's befuddled; more than a little. Jack has
been acting...odd. He speaks of another person, where there is
none. He explodes into a shadowy form, and then acts as though it
was nothing, though he has never displayed such an ability (if one can
term it such) before now. And then he refuses to clarify,
obfuscating and turning the question back on her in such a way that she
will appear rather silly for continuing. He confuses the issue,
brushes it off as if it were nothing, when it was patently not.
How much does she know about this man?
Quietly, Cyan moves to the soup, placing it down where she can wrap her
bedroll around it. That will keep it warmer, longer. All
the while her mind is thinking, furiously, but...there is nothing she
can determine. Cyan's thoughts do not easily unravel puzzles; she
is more Alexander than Holmes. It is confusing.
Still, she resolves to not pry. She has attempted to speak of it,
but obviously Jack is not interested. Should he wish to do so, he
will come to her, or give her signs. As his friend, Cyan knows
she should not pry unless things become more serious....
More serious. How much more do you wish, Cyan? Will this put you in danger? Will this put HIM in danger?
"Jack," she says quietly, stirring the pot, hoping he will not become
angered, "this is a serious matter. My abilities, my skills, my
knowledge, they is all known. This...it is obvious that this was
not even known to you before now. Should you tell me to drop the
subject, I will. But I must ask until you do so, or speak of it."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Cyan,” Jack says his face softening. “I will not
tell you to drop the subject. . .I’m- I just don’t know the answers.”
His eyes focused on the pot of soup and danced back and fourth between
it and the platter of meat. He was so hungry!!! “I’m still not certain
what has happened. As I was saying things have felt different since I
was confronted with the Gatherers mind. I’m not certain what just
happened, however it was like I could intuitively feel how to flow and.
. . I don’t know, exist like that? I don’t know what I should and
should not bemoan until I know what happened.”
Jack held Kali as much for his own comfort as for
hers. “Cyan, I am frigh- I am worried. Something is going on to
say the least and I am in the mix of it somehow. You- many of you seem
to look at me as the one that must hold it together and keep things
together. I can’t afford this. . . I can afford to be ill, I can’t
afford to be weak and I can’t afford to loose it. I must keep pushing.
. . for the quest, for Kalika, for the rest of you. My concerns
don’t matter, especially since I can’t even understand them myself.
Everything else has taken precedence, the quest, Aaron with his
attitude, you and Berd with yours, Kalika alternating between her quiet
distance, close warmth and the potential upcoming event. What was I
supposed to do Cyan? So I put my troubles off for another day, avoid
them, laugh them off. So ask what you will, I can’t promise any
sensible answers. Though I will give you what I can.”
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan listens silently, slowly nodding her head. She can see they
have been extremely unfair to Jack - SHE has been extremely
unfair. Slowly she pours a cup of soup for Jack, handing it
across to him, feeling greatly shamed by the weight they have placed on
this man.
Berd crawls off her arm, and lays down on the floor. Slowly, the
little dragon's wings begin to glow, slightly. The air around
them wavers, in a heat haze, and warmth fills the small area.
"Very well, Jack. We have wronged you. We expect so much
from someone as much in the dark as ourselves. But we, too, are
in the dark. I knew nothing of Lazarus, save that he came from
the Courts. I knew naught of Duncan. I knew more of ARES,
than everyone else, and he protected his past." She stirs the
soup, pulls out another cup and puts it down for any to take. "We
are supposed to assist each other, to be friends, but how, if none know
each other by more than their names? I would help you, Jack, as
you have helped us. But...in order to help, we need to know
you." Her topaz eyes are clear and bright as she stares across
the haze at Jack.
"Set aside all other concerns. The quest, whatever troubles we
have laid upon you. Think of yourself, now, as we will.
Please." She gives him a sad smile. "I am no puzzler, but I
will try to riddle this through. Please, Jack, start at the
beginning. Who are you? Where are you from?" Cyan
waves her hand in the air. "How did you come to be in the desert,
where we found you? All answers come from the beginning."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy watches Jack, watches as the shadows are leached from him, and his
normal countenance is returned. No longer a shadow man, Jack tries to
explain the situation without actualy explainng anything. Lexy's eyes
narrow at the non-explenation. Something is wrong here, she knows it.
She walks up to Cyan and once more takes her hand into her mouth.
The contact is short, and then Lexy trots away once more, sitting down
and looking at Jack with an unblinking stare. She wants to hear what is
to follow.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Oh no!” Jack says in surprise “You have not
wronged me Cyan, none of you have!” He was staidly not accepting this
view. Keeping his arm around Kali he guided her to sit down with him in
some hay, taking a blanket and wrapping it around them both and taking
the soup. “There are simply more important things to deal with than me
an my problems. Even now that is true. . .They said Cylla was from
Cania, we should have Kali and Hunter searching for her scent. We
should be showing the picture around and quietly asking questions. Not
in here worrying over the likes of me. Some things are more important
than one man.” Jack says adamantly.
He shakes his head looking around the group. “You
certainly have put me in a spot, haven’t you Cyan?” His eyes focus on
Aaron “There are those here that I’m not certain I trust not to use
things like this to their own ends,” His eyes turn towards Lexy “and
others that I don’t even know. Yet I will tell you what I can.”
He started the tale. “I was born a prince on a world,
some here would call it a shadow I guess. Though my home has enough
primal reality to it that it can’t be as easily bent to the wills of
the powers that be. A place where magical marvels existed side by side
with technological marvels. Ah the life of princedom, I was spoiled
rotten and the world was my oyster growing up. Though I did lean over
the years, I grew from being a spoiled rich kid hunter to be a
conversationalist. From being a child that saw no one else as being
truly real, to being a diplomat that had to understand the concerns of
others and their views. My family had more than their fair share of in
fighting that I grew up in, but I usually tried to separate myself from
this.”
“One day I was hunting on Mount Faust Tracking a
particularly large hart, when I stumbled onto a cave opened by a recent
land slide. Inside is where I first saw the broken pattern, I stepped
on it and my world changed. There was no going back. Still of my
home world I was and yet now an outsider, like no one else in my world.
I built a cabin up there and it became my retreat.”
“I tried to fit in, but it grew progressively
harder as I traveled worlds. Civilizations like to think of themselves
as the center of the universe. It changes you when you realize it
is not so, for better or for worse. It already looks to be changing
Aaron, how will it change him when he meets a God and finds out that he
is an unreality, nothing more than someone’s dream? They say you can
never go home and they are right. ”
“Time lost meaning as I traveled the other worlds,
I had seen centuries to my family and friends years. Then I tried to
return home, I was so tired of the constant struggle that comes with
traveling broken paths, so many worlds and so much struggle. Sure I
made it back physically, but not the same. Still if you can’t go back
you can go forward. I met a young countess that held the lands near
Mount Faust.” By this point Jacks eyes were staring off into nowhere.
“She was special to me, she was the one that gave me the matching
flintlocks that I left behind on the last world as payment. I watched
her die in an assassination attempt that was meant for me as one tried
to remove me from potential throne rival. It took me a over a year to
find and kill him.”
Jack looks at Cyan, his attention coming back from
where ever it was. He turns to Kalika giving her a hug and a kiss on
the head. “After that I retreated from life, becoming a hermit on Mount
Faust. After living like that for the biggest part of a year, one
day I walked to the center of the broken pattern to see where it would
take me, to see if I could find myself and a reason for life again. I
woke up looking into Kali’s eyes, remembering nothing of myself.
A new man in a brave new world, with hope for life if not a reason.”
“You pretty much know the rest of the story.
However I don’t think my distant past has much to do with it. Again
something has been different since my time in the Gathers mind.
Something is there I tell you. While we were coming to the barn I
searched for it and I spoke with it in my mind. The Gatherer and the
broken pattern have something to do with it, but I don’t know what.” He
grows a little excited at the last, but calms himself with a deep
breath now. “Do you have any questions? Does any of this help
you? DO any of you have any questions?”
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Shade
-----------------------------------------------------------
It had not wanted to surrender so soon, yet it was not prepared for the
Chunchee woman to die. For the life of it, it couldn’t understand why
she mattered. Was this emotion? In effecting Jack and having him take a
step into it’s world, had it taken a step into his?
It did not like the sound of that at all! There must be a way to surgically remove these icky emotion things!
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan listens to Jack's story, her eyes shadowed behind her hair as her
head droops. She is lost in thought, but cannot come up with
anything that might assist.
"Jack," she says slowly, "I do not believe you are correct about one
thing." Looking up, she stares at him with amythest eyes.
"No quest is more important than a single man's wishes and wants.
Perhaps he may MAKE that quest his wish or his want...but if not, he
should not be bound to it." She slowly shakes her head. "It
seems that you have a larger problem than this quest. And yet, if
it is connected to the Gatherer somehow, perhaps it is connected to
what we do?"
Pausing, she bites one finger speculatively, then points it at
Jack. "You say there is someone else, within you now. You
have spoken to them. Can you not continue to do so, learn
more? Is is possible that this..." and she waves her hand around
the room, indicating 'what just happened' "...is nothing more than an
attempt on its part to take control of you? Or, possibly, lend
you assistance?"
Cyan shrugs, sighing, and rubbed the back of her neck. Berd glances up, but continues to simply radiate heat.
"It would seem you are in a difficult situation, Jack. I do not know what to advise."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Maybe so, maybe not Cyan.” Jack says “But to me ensuring
that Kali is alright, that the quest is a success for her and she gets
what she needs to feel good and whole of herself and in the eyes of her
people. That means more to me than my own well being.” Jack gave Kali a
hug “Heck, Kali, hunter, you, Berd, Lazarus and Ares are all of the
friends I have and I would lay down my life for any one of you. Perhaps
Aaron and Lexy as well. . . Yet I don’t know either of them so well.”
“With in me? I don’t recall saying that. . .” Jack looks confused. “Oh,
I meant when I spoke to it in my mind that I talked to it psychically I
believe. I was trying to peak to them before my little outburst and I
lost contact. Once you are all comfortable with this and we have time,
I will try it again.”
“Are you alright Lalai?” Jack asked Kali taking a moment to study her.
He opened himself to mental contact with her to be there is she needed
him, yet did not press for it as to not be threatening.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron was significantly less than surprised.
He had felt, personally, that something was more than off about Jack,
especially recently. Because of this, and a few other sensations, he
had prepared himself accordingly. "Expect the worst..." and all that.
That was pretty much all he had felt as soon as Jack's body
transfigured into... what he considered an actual essence of "Shadow."
Quite a significant change, for someone who may or may not be a
shapeshifter.
Out of the entire group, he was still sitting over against
the farthest wall, one leg bent and pulled up towards his chest, the
other extended out infront of him. He watched, listened, and payed
attention to everyone before him. One hand on his knee, the other upon
the floor.
His sword was, most surprisingly, where it should be. Sheathed, resting in her cradle.
He hadn't moved a single inch since he had sat down. Not even when the
change occured, Cyan drew steel and Berd "readjusted" their prior
visitor.
However, what really got to Aaron was the fact that Jack really didn't seem all too phased about the fact that he just changed into a living shadow.
And pretty damn close to the time where he "contacted" whatever was
tapping into his mind. Ilse must have detected it back on the ship when
whatever it was touched him the first time.
Brown eyes moving from one person to another, he remained the absolute
icon of patience, and finished the last slice of meat he had purloined
from the tray previously, wiping his hands on his pants in a most
unfashionable manner.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan relaxes even more. She's starting to cool off - for a moment
there, she had been afraid something was attacking Jack. Now, it
seems, a different purpose was being fulfilled. Perhaps.
"Jack...Lexy wished for me to ask about the Broken Pattern," Cyan
states quietly, her sapphire eyes glancing down towards Berd for an
instant. "What does it do? And Berd is somewhat concerned
about your transformation, as am I. You still haven't explained
it...is it common among your people? If not," and she looks
worried, very worried, "well, I myself am very concerned. In
years of travel, I have never, ever seen someone change as you just
did. I would think it is not an ability that simply SPRINGS into
being!" She sips at the soup, pouring a mug for Aaron and putting
it down on the ground (in his direction), and pouring out a bowl for
Lexy as well.
"I would think," the bard states, raising her eyebrows, "that if we
wish to finish this quest, we must first understand if there will be
any more surprises from the people with whom we travel!" Her
words could be taken poorly, but there is only concern in her tone, and
a slight, ironic twist to her mouth. "So...tell us of this Broken
Pattern, if you would, and if you have any...theories about this
change."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack literally drinks the soup down
with minimal chewing “More please?” he asks Cyan handing the bowl back
to her “And some of that brandy as well if you would. Gads I am
ravenous!” Jack’s knowing smile finds it’s way back to his face. “So
much of this I have been learning as I go, so bear with me. The pure
pattern I have been able to reason out, based on the broken pattern. I
understand this chaos Logrus less but I’m getting there. There
was only chaos and then through the pattern order was instilled on the
universe of universes. Yet I think perhaps the pattern is little
more than a piece of the chaos slowed way down. Order from chaos is the
myths of many worlds. So the order is the pattern within chaos. . .
Chaos at one end and order at the other with an infinite infinity of
worlds in between. Yet order sprang from chaos, they are two side of
the same coin.”
Jacks voice was intense “In these worlds
between the two and patterns, like the original, yet flawed to varying
degrees. These flaws are the imperfections that you get when you make
copies of a copy of a copy. In these flaws, breaks, imperfections,
whatever you want to call these the garbage of the universe collect.
The worst places in each world are along these flaws. I have seen such
things Cyan, such horrors, the flaws are the heals on each world, on
each universe in the grand universe. The Gatherers world is a
perfect example of a broken pattern world. So while you guys have been
larking about, I have faced down worlds like that. This is not the
strangest thing I have seen in my travels.”
“When you walk the broken pattern you do not cross
the veils as Aaron called them, you are slid towards the center on the
flaws. A curse and a blessing as your powers are tainted gifts. I
suspect I can do anything that Aaron or Ares can do and possibly more.
Some of my powers come from the Dark Well, fishers and faults
themselves. The tendrils that I use come strait out of the black depths
of the flaws and Dark well.”
Jack continues “No, no one else on my world can do
what just happened to me, but no one else on my world has walked the
broken pattern either. “Let me consider it and I will
give you my ideas as to what may be going on, but to be honest I will
know what it is unless I can repeat it and tinker with it. Let me ask
you this though. If we can not find answers. . . If it is something
incomprehensible to us, like that Gatherer, shall you leave me behind
and continue the quest without me?” There is something
challenging in that last question.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan silently passes Jack a cup of the brandy, and takes one for
herself. Berd snorts in disgust, but continues to listen silently.
Cyan attempts to digest the explanation of the universe. It makes
sense...but the Bard feels there is something missing. It's too
pat. Too simple. Too...typically arrogant. Does that mean it is wrong? No. But possibly not correct.
In any case, the arrogance is not Jack's - he is merely speaking of
this creation theory. He, himself, according to that theory, is a
'shadow'.
Larking about! She stifles a laugh. Evidently he
has never travelled with Berd. Too true, I have likely not been
to the most horrid of places, as he has, and that is good luck for
me. But there is a reason we have been searching for Amber for
the last five years.
And now that she is within reach, Cyan has found she no longer wishes to visit that legendary place.
"I have no doubt we have all seen strange things in our travels," she
states aloud. "And I also have no doubt that everyone here has
seen far more than myself." This Cyan knows is true. Jack
is right - she hasn't seen a tenth, if that, of what everyone else has,
much less the horrors through which he has likely travelled. Cyan
has a sneaking suspicion that most of the people here, with the
exception of Kallika, and perhaps Hunter, but she wouldn't bet on that,
are rather older than her. By a wide margin.
"Well. That does explain your Broken Pattern more thoroughly,"
she continues, nodding her head. <i>Now. If only
someone could do the same for the non-broken Pattern, or this
'Logrus'.<I> Well. One cannot have everything.
"Thank you, Jack. That helps, a great deal." And it does.
"As for leaving you," Cyan says, amythest eyes shining in the dim
light, "did you really think we would do that? You are not the
Gatherer, Jack. You are not a danger to us. I will leave
you behind on one occasion - were you to ask for it."
"So," Cyan finishes, "attempt your tests, and let us know the results!" She pauses, then looks down at her uninjured hand.
"Jack...if you could return to your world, take up the reins of power, would you?" Her question is quiet, thoughtful.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy listens intently, jade eyes shinning in the dim light. Jacks words
are of great interest to her, for more reasons then one. The knowledge
he has of the broken pattern is totaly new to her. She knew of the
Pattern and the Logrus, and those were the two primal powers. But the
more she thought of it, the more sense it made. If everything was a
reflection of Amber or the Courts, then it would make sense that the
Logrus and the Pattern where copied as well. Flawed, just like the
reflections... but there must be a point of dimishing returns on these
things. If each of the broken images are naught but reflections of the
original, then each one must be more flawed, until the reflection is
too warped to used.
So, the question is, how many of these flawed copies exist, and how
many others know of their existence? For surely their existence is no
secret to some. It's a very interesting question, indeed.
Lexy goes back to her meal, chewing the raw meat as she continues to
watch the entrance and Jack. The man was full of mysteries, that given
enough time, she would unravel.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack laughs a deep booming laughter,
finally taking a sip of his brandy as it dies off. “Cyan, I made my
choice some time ago to be here, I could have left at any time.” His
arm slides up around Kali’s shoulders and he smiles warmly, “here is
where I want to be. Yet even if I had to return home I would only
return to my simple life on the mountain. Though I do admit it would be
nice to be able to visit there from time to time, it is part of me, my
history and culture. ” Jack deep blue eyes stare into Cyan’s
“I’ll tell you this, right here and now wrapped in this blanket, I am
home. Home is where the heart is.”
“Now, did I think you would cast me aside?”
Jack licks his lips “Some of you I knew would not,” He gave Kali’ a
squeeze “others I’m not so certain of. Most of us, the seekers as
I have come to think of us, we have that which is within us that seems
fickle and capricious. I would be a peeved if I did wind up on the road
side carrying a sign that said Mount Faust or bust.”
“You wanted theories,” Jack flows along “there are far to
many of them. To many possibilities, infinite possibilities when it is
all said and done. Though I do think it is interesting to weave the
possibilities of one man with the possibilities of the quest and indeed
the possibilities of the great universe. Something or someone out
in shadow,” He almost spat the last word out in disgust,” is
threatening the two poles. Amber and these courts, order and chaos. It
could be as simple as someone from one of these places making a bid of
power for the entire ball of wax. Or. . .Power indeed life often lies
in balance, what if there is something else in the center that balances
it all and utilizes both the pattern and logrus. Or perhaps we the
shadows are finding our own lives and reality, finally usurping the
gods of order and chaos at the extremes.”
Jack voice is growing very intense “After
all we have found two massive power sources that are not Chaos or
Order. The circles and the Gatherer, both with a similar feel to their
power and yet different. The power of both ancient and primal beyond my
little broken pattern. Most of us in this group they would call
shadows, and yet each of us seem to have enough reality to be here
holding our own in their presence in the first place. Wouldn’t these
Amberite’s be threatened if the Shadows started coming into their own
power and demanding their dues?” Jacks grin turns wicked for an instant
Jack stood up moving away from Kalika and the
blanket after finishing his brandy. “As for me and my problem, I don’t
know. Perhaps something out side of me is causing it, perhaps it is
something inside of me?” As he moved deeper in the barn he focused on
the shadows, all you can see is his back “Maybe the Gatherer has caused
it by scrambling my brain and infusing me with it’s power.” The Shadows
around him darkened and reached out to him. “Maybe it all has to do
with the Dark Well and those black cracks in reality.” The
tendrils shoot out of the darkness wrapping around him, repeating the
transformation as before.
His body went rigid for a moment and a small gasp
escaped his lips. He relaxed from it, “I can feel the flows
in the darkness and the cracks of reality, I can see them plain as
day.” He warped and flowed blending with the shadows and moving faster
than the eye could follow
A dark whisper comes from several points around
the room as he flows through the shadows with impossible speed.
“Perhaps . . .” “subconsciously . . .” “I’m
just . . .” “pissed about. . .” “being called. .
.” “a shadow!” The last words come from Aaron’s own shadow.
A moment later the Shadow Jack steps out of the shadows in the back of
the barn. It is obvious that in this state of being he is formless,
merely shaping himself to what ever is his convince. As he walks
towards the group his form flows from that of a big shadow man to a
massive shadowy Warg, “Dam it!” comes the whisper from the shadowy Dire
Wolf. “Hmm, I was trying for something closer to a true wolf, I suppose
the breaks must even effect this part of me.” The huge wolf trots
forward becoming more solid in texture though it still looks like a
three dimensional shadow.
It looks at Cyan more shades of black and gray than
solid black. “Can you still understand me?” It voice still distant and
hollow, but not the whisper of the other state of existence. Then it
lays down putting it’s head and paw in Kali’s lap with a soft whine.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Home is where the heart is. For an instant, Cyan stares at Jack and Kallika with eyes of burning jade, then looks away. So true.
"Perhaps it is about time that the Worlds proved to these so called
Masters of Order and Chaos that their power, their control, is not
absolute," the Bard says thoughtfully. "And yet," she continues,
shaking her head, "I cannot countenance war. And I have sworn to
a quest."
Though now I wonder, had I to make the choice at this instant to swear the same oath, would I?
Berd lets out a small chime of laughter, and looks to her.
"Truth," Cyan concedes. "Innocent lives are at stake. It
must stop, whatever is happening."
When Jack summons the shadows to him (or they summon him?), she tenses
slightly, twitching when he gasps. Her lips thin as he melts into
nothingness, and her eyes flicker around the room, instantly tracking
the sounds as they occur. She cannot follow his movements,
though, and a worried expression comes over her face. I wonder if he can come back?
That question is answered immediately, but then Jack does not fully
'return'. Instead, he summons the form of a giant wolf, like
those she fought on the shores of Belegar in a desperate holding action
against the forces of the Lord of Fetters. Berd stares nervously
at the gaur,
and Cyan shifts slightly at Jack's question. "Yes...yes we
understand you, perfectly. But Jack...taking on this form.
Does it change you? Does contact with this darkness touch your
mind as well? You said the Broken Pattern was what caused your
loss of memory," she continues, waving her hand at the creature.
"What about now?"
There is no fear OF Jack in her voice, but fear FOR him.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Change me?” You realize a large portion of his
voice in this and the other form is more of psychic resonances then air
borne resonance. It gives more of the perception of hearing than actual
hearing a sound. His voice is already sounding tired and
strained. “Every thing we do changes us. . . Every song you sing
changes you. . . You are not the same Cyan I met two days ago.
None of us are the same.” The Warg lets out a soft gasp and slowly
flows into being a man, then the shadows flow off of him and back into
the gloom. Jack lays there breathing heavily for long moments. “I- I
couldn’t hold it that long. It harder to take and hold the changes in
between substance and shadow.”
Closing his eyes Jack sits and rest with
his head on Kali’s lap for long moments. Finally he opens his
eyes and reaches out for a slab of meet, then grabs a second one
throwing it to Hunter who he is certain is unhappy with his last little
display. “When I am like that. Yes I feel the darkness in my mind Cyan,
I feel it in my soul, I am at one with it and free. I could also feel
the nature of the Warg. Berd looked like a light snack, especially when
I started getting weak and tired. Hunter and Lexy looked like
competition, both of a different nature.” He looks tiredly at Cyan from
his pillow of Kalika’s legs. “But I still remembered who I was, I
remembered the man.” Jack looked like he might add something else and
instead sets upon devouring the slab of meat.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Outside, the clouds gather overhead, true to the prediction of the guard at the gate, it starts to snow.
Inside, the llamas, disturbed by the strange events they have just
witnessed, start to relax again, though they still keep a wary eye on
Hunter.
A short while later, Bjeoric turns up with another load of blankets, "Looks
ter me as ye'll be needing these. Bad weather it is, and Old
Hrolf reckons as how he's never seen snow like this afore... not so
close to Midsummer at any rate."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, about to respond to Jack, pauses as Bjeoric walks in with blankets. "Thank you, sir." She pauses.
"I was curious," she states, hunting around in her pack for her small
book, and then opening it to the picture of Cylla. Holding it
out, the bard shows it to the innmaster, her dark, sapphire eyes
unreadable. "Have you seen this woman before?"
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy continues to watch Jack, and is especially interested when he
pulls his little shadow shape shift. This Jack is full of surprises.
And yet it wasn't shapeshifting as she understood it. Now spell or
natural ability behind this one. Instead, it seems to have something to
do with the flaw of the broken pattern itself.
Lexy finishes the meat and lays down, placing her head on her forelegs,
curling the long tail around her body. She looks relaxed in this
position, though her jade eyes remain wide open, looking around, and
her ears flick from time to time at an especially loud sound.
For now, she will continue to observe and watch, especially Jack.
However, she has allready come to a decision about him, and now it just
remains to be seen what will happen next.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron had thanked Cyan, albeit quietly, for the mug she had set nearby. This, he nearly drained, but left a bit for later.
Jack's commentary on the Broken Pattern seemed to conincide with what
Aaron's brother, Jadus, had told him of its works. However, Jadus
hadn't told Aaron everything, and even with that fact, the man still
couldn't picture Jadus acquiescing to becoming a literal portion of
this "Dark Well" as Jack may have. The sheer possibility of what Jack
might have accepted surprised Aaron the most.
Aaron was beginning to feel seriously concerned for Jack's stability, mentally, and now physically.
The fact that Jack again allowed the Shadows around him, and even acted
it out by coalescing through Aaron's own shadow, told Aaron a few
things.
It told Ilse a few things as well, apparently, for all Aaron heard ringing through a part of his mind was
dangerdangerdangerdangerdanger
as the Jack-shadow neared him... yet he restrained himself from drawing
her, even when his right hand almost started twitching from the
sensation. He endured.
Aaron would have asked Jack a few of his own questions, but Bjeoric's
entrance and now Cyan's question had distracted the group for the
moment. He would wait a silent second before he spoke.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bjeoric looks at the image, then takes it from Cyan and turns it to better catch the light, before handing it back, "Aye, well. I'd say it looks like the hetman's daughter, Cylla, but she's not as old as this here woman... "
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you, sir," Cyan says. "Well, I doubt it is the same woman." Perhaps a reflection of her, in this world? Or a sister? A grim thought - they might have to tell the hetman his daughter is dead.
She looks back at the others with raised eyebrows.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron caught Cyan's look and raised an eyebrow in agreement. Certainly an interesting set of possiblities.
He also made a gesture to wait, for he would prefer it that Bjeoric
wasn't in the room when conversing about their journey. The less the
Shadow dweller knew, the less he'd provide if anyone were following
them.
Add to the fact that they still had Jack to... "deal with."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack sat up tiredly, he couldn’t believe his
friends didn’t try to pick away at the mystery. “Good sir,” He said “We
have two scalds in our group, but they can’t seem to agree on the tale
as to how this land came by it’s name. Could you settle the dispute and
tell us what you know of the lands name and where it came from?” Jack
shakes his head “you know how it is, their constant debate of the issue
is about to drive me mad.”
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bjeoric tugs at his ear, "How'd
this place come ter be called Caina? Well, it's always been
Caina, so far as I knows. In the old speech, Caina means the
green place."
"Mind ye, it ain't always been like ye see it now. In my
grandpap's day they reckons the snow was gone off the land from early
spring ter late autumn, even up on the slopes, an down here in the
valley, the snow would only lay in the winter."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack nodded to the Inn keep
“Thank you sir, and thank you for everything.” sitting up Jack put an
arm around Kalika as the inn keep left., but his was soon easy to tell
that the white tressed Chunchee was propping him up as much as
anything. He waits for long empty moments until he is certain the man
is gone, reaching out with his tire mind to make certain there is no
one and nothing watching them except Lamas.
“So a land locked in Fimble winter. .
.The possibility of two Cylla’s and a land that carries the name of one
of these Amber princes. . . You know it will be all over the village in
no time that we asked about a woman that looks like this Hetman’s
daughter. Does all of that sound correct?”
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Caina...I had not even considered the name," Cyan says.
"Interesting. But then, I am poor with puzzles. Endless
winter, too...and yes, gossip will spread. Mayhaps it will bring
us answers...or more questions." She sighs, and rubs her
forehead. All of this planning, thinking...it gives her a
headache.
Simple, people call her. She prefers the term 'uncomplicated', but knows well she only puts a fine face on 'simple'.
"As for two Cyllas, I doubt it. More likely," Cyan states,
staring moodily down at Berd with emerald eyes, "her travels across the
myriad worlds have aged her, more quickly than time passes in this
place."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Rumour will spread quickly, muses Lexy, and it migh generate
questions.. or it may generate hostility from some. But Jack brings up
a goo dpoint about the name of the land. Caina. Could it actually be
connected with Cain of Amber, or is it like so many things in shadow, a
coincidince?
But if this place really is connected to Cain, then they had best tread
carefully indeed, for what she had heard of him was less then
flattering, to be sure. Stories covered the gambit of possibilities,
but they all agree on one thing. Cain is not to be trusted.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
There Jack went again, thinking everyone
else already understood the possibilities that were obvious to him. It
was a nasty habit and he’d have to break it. “Well I only heard the
name Cain mentioned once in you bardic recounting of events. I will
admit I do not know this Cain from Jack, and the name of this place
could be directly the Amber mans doing. Or it could be coincidence or
it could be a frame set to fall around his neck. You know something to
set seekers upon wrong paths. So let us be careful and assume we are
deeper in enemy territory.”
Jack had wondered at the time why Cyan had blew him
off when he mentioned the name of this place and why everyone had been
more worried about him than the quest. Now he knew. . . “Yes my
suspicions were along those lines.” He has other suspicions; Jack
understands the concept of having control over a world, or shadow or
whatever these people wanted to call it. If these Amberites were using
better powers than himself and they all seemed to. Well. . . “This
could all turn to crap in a heart beat.” He finishes. “There was that
large building in this town that my tendrils could not pierce to get a
feel of. Crap, crap, crap. . .”
“Are we done discussing my latest
idiosyncrasies?” Jack asks with a note of impatiens “We need to
either get some rest, in my case that means sleep or go see what
information we can gain quickly before this goes sour.” He looked over
at Aaron and Lexy, it was obvious Jack was getting cross. “Do either of
you have anything to add?” He asks sharply “Oh, I forgot one of you
refuses to leave a form that can’t give an opinion and the other is so
lost in thought that he may as well be deaf and dumb!”
Yes Jack was tired and a bit vexed,
he could not blame Cyan and Kalika. They were both innocents in their
own way. “What about you Berd? I notice you can always chime in with a
smart remark and make yourself understood even when you are not
speaking? What say you now oh majestic drake? Where is your wit?” the
sarcasm as dripping from his voice, as he was getting the feeling that
he may as well be talking to himself and quite probably was.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Building?" Cyan blinks in confusion. "I was not aware
there was a building here your...tendrils could not pierce. You
did not-" Then she jerks back in surprise at the sudden acid in
Jack's voice, staring at him in shock. In an instant, he has
attacked the entire group, even her, with his defensive comments about
'idiosyncracies'. It seemed...rather important to speak of at the time! she thought, listening to him turn on both Lexy and Aaron. Then
he levels a surprising amount of fury in Berd's direction, and her ruby
eyes widen in shock.
This...he is tired, but this is enough!
Berd, apparantly, has come to the same conclusion. Startled by
Jack's sudden attack, he raises his head and releases the heat in his
wings in a sudden flare. The room, moments later, is lacking in
the warmth he had been providing. The little dragon turns
confused eyes towards Jack; they narrow, then, as the man continues to
spit bile in his direction. Then his eyes slowly turn towards
Hunter, sitting on the ground, not two paces away. Then back to
Jack.
The implication is clear. Berd would have plenty to say, about
this in particular, except for the fact that there is a hostile,
toothed engine of destruction within easy reach.
The tired dragon picks himself up and walks over to where Cyan sits,
the Bard still staring at Jack in surprise. He crawls under her
feet and lies there, slowly beginning to radiate warmth, though not
nearly as much this time.
"Jack," Cyan says slowly, "I am confused. I...thought that what
happened to you, just now, to be of import. I thought it best to
speak of it. If I have given offense, if WE have given offense, I
apologize!"
Staring at him with wide eyes, the redhead continues.
"Perhaps...perhaps we could gain more information? Which building
is it that you cannot penetrate with your mystic senses?" She
stands, and Berd chirps in annoyance. Cyan shushes him. "I
will go there...investigate. That is something I can do," she
says, clinging to that fact. She may be terrible with puzzles,
but she knows she can hold her own there.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacks head dips for a second as if woozy and comes
back up blinking in confusion. “No, no. . .”he says a note of that
confusion in his voice. “It is I who must apologize, I- I don’t know
where that came from and it was wrong of me to say those things.” His
head hung cheeks burning brightly with the red flush of shame. He
stood and walked to the barn door, stopping as he opened it he looked
back. “I am ashamed and deeply sorry.” with that he stepped out of the
barn door and into the bite of the cold.
His friends had each been nothing but kind and
supportive of him since they had come to this world. They had saved his
life up on the mountain and this was how he repaid that?
He continued to walk away from the barn.
What was wrong with him? What was going on? Had
something come with the darkness? Was he now a threat to the quest and
the seekers? They probably would better off without him and what ever
was ailing him right now, but he could not bare to leave Kalika. He was
to become the third part of the triad, he had to protect her and
Hunter. He had to be loyal and remain steadfast by their sides no
matter what. He didn’t even know or see where he was walking as he
moved away from the safety of the barn and his friends.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy listened to Jack's outburst, and in a way, she was not suprised by
it. Something was happening to this man, something which she did not
fully understand. She had her suspicions, of course, but that was all
they where; airy nothing that may or may bot be true.
She takes no offense at the tone or from the man himself. His outburst
matters not to her, his words rolling off of her like so much water
from the back of a duck. But she does seize on the pieces of
information that he does give them. Something about a building that he
could not penetrate. Very interesting.
So while others where involved in apologies, Lexy left the barn.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
What Aaron does in response to Jack, insult and apology both, is completely in character for him of the moment. He yawns.
Then Jack and Lexy both leave. Interesting.
"Cyan, I must inquire. Is all of this as confusing to you as it is to me?"
His legs are stretched out before him, crossed over one another as his
arms are before his chest. Aaron leans back against the wall, his cloak
bunched behind him, and Ilse ever present over his shoulder.
"Jack may have believed that I was lost in thought, but I was paying
rapt attention to him. I believe something is seriously wrong with him,
something that he doesn't understand himself."
Cocking his head to the side, he mulls this over.
"And the mention of this place as 'Caina' seems to interest me, at
least slightly. I know it's less than even the hint of a possibility,
but let's say that Cylla and Cain are in league with one another. That
strange building that Jack can't inspect may have something to do with
them. Of course, that's all an extreme amount of speculation."
"Both Jack and Lexy have left. Either of them could be on their way to get a closer look at that building. Alone."
He shrugs after that statement, having expended his train of thought
for the moment. Or at least, stated what he wished to reveal.
"As far as our current state of affairs, do you have any other insight to share? You were, after all, quite rudely interrupted."
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd glances at Cyan, eyes sparkling for a moment, then lowers his head
and pumps out a little more warmth as the wind picks up outside and the
snow falls more thickly...
Lexy sits in the snow, the wind whipping her pelt around her, but she
is as comfortable as any house cat, sat by the stove on a winter's
evening...
Jack walks through the increasing blizzard, nowhere near as comfortable as Lexy...
Kalika sits with Hunter, unsure whether to follow Jack, who no longer
seems quite like Jack, or to wait for him to cool off and return, as he
surely will...
Aaron sits quietly in the barn, his attention suddenly seeming to drift as he stares at the far wall.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan stares after Jack in utter confusion, and then looks at Kallika
and Aaron, Lexy having slipped out after the man. "I..."
Aaron is correct - despite her feelings towards the man, she has to say
he gave no impression of simply sitting in a daze. Everything was
very unfair.
And yet....
"Alone, yes. And with Jack in his state of mind..."
Quickly, she stands, coming to a decision. "Berd! Please
stay with the others - I will find Jack!" She glances at
Aaron. "The only other thing is that the time runs slowly
here...I believe our Cylla is the headman's daughter. But I must
go!"
Quickly, Cyan runs out of the room, leaving a rather disgruntled Berd
behind. The little dragon sniffs disdainfully. Apparantly
he is rather put out, and not surprisingly, having been left with
Kallika (vaguely acceptable), Hunter (not terribly), and Aaron (best
left unsaid).
His favourite people/amusements have all left.
Cyan's topaz gaze falls on the snow. It isn't easy tracking Jack,
but in snow, there are signs that may be followed. It hasn't been
long (seconds really), and Cyan isn't going to let him go that easily.
As she runs, she fumbles around her pouch, hunting for the almost finished palanquet....
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali's grip on her sword hilt lessens slightly when Jack materializes
from the shadow and proceeeds to try to vaguely explain what happened
to him. She looks thoughtful, and for the first time since she openned
her mind to him, Kali does not open her mind to him. Her thoughts and
feelings are on a roller coaster and she needs to get them sorted
out. She squeezes Jack's hand in a show of support while he
shares his past, but does not comment aloud. She is digesting all of
the information he had shared.
When he takes the form of a wolf, albeit a dire wolf, Kali's eyes widen
and Hunter growls moving to his mistress's side. Kali hesitantly
reaches forward and strokes the fur of the shadowy wolf, and her eyes
are unreadable, a concerned look on her face. She longed to speak with
him alone, to clarify things and try to help him, but this was not the
time or the place. Those are the only feelings she lets through to him
while ruffling his fur.
Jack makes an exit soon after with Lexy and Cyan hot on his trail.
Kali's eyes narrow to glittering wolven slits for a few moments while
this information processes and she draws her sword, the metallic sound
of the blade clearing its sheath echoing throughout the chamber.
Hunter, after sniffing the goat haunch Jack had tossed to him, pads out
quietly, moving after the others to see what would happen. Kali looks
at Aaron and smiles thinly "You do not join the others?" she asks with
awkward phrasing as she weighs her blade in her hand.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Out in the snow, Lexy ponders unponderables.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
A few buildings away from the inn Jack sat on the
leeward side of a building, letting the cold air clear his thoughts. No
he was not certain what was going on or where this new found ability
had come from, or even really what it was. Everything he had told them,
all of the possibilities had been guesses in the end. Still the silent
looks that the others had given him as he tried to explain, the new
distrust and perhaps fear in those many eyes. It with the drain
from changing had been enough to bring him to snap at them. All to
often the people of the group sat in silence while one or two of them
struggled and bumbled through things. It annoyed him to no small
end.
They all kept looking to him for answers he
did not have and it was frightening to bare your soul only to meet with
silence. Cyan the only one responding, however that was just who she
was. He could still see it in her eyes. Even Kalika had closed herself
off to him. . . This was how it had been back home when his brothers
had found out that he possessed the powers of the broken pattern after
his return. They looked at him differently as if he were a monster. Now
this. . .
There in his leeward wind break he shivered
and waited. Half expecting to see Kali who had given indication she
whished to speak with him alone. Half expecting to see no one.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
To Kalika, Aaron shrugs.
"Whilst I may not join the others, keeping an eye out for them would be
a good idea. If you require any assitance, with anything at all, just
yell."
Rising to his feet, he proceeded to the door.
"I will be right outside, Kalika."
And with that, he left. Though noise could be heard, as he leaned up against the wall beside the door.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Through the increasing blizzard, the sound of the bell rolls, tolling three times before falling silent once more...
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron takes a moment to tuck his cloak closer to him. The storm was
getting thicker, and having half of his fellow group out in this mess
wasn't adding anything good to his current frame of mind.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Oh blow this for a lark! It’s cold out
here!” Jack said after a moment and started retracing his steps to the
barn and warmth sending out a tendril to guide him home. “Nothing like
the bitter cold to give you perspective in life. Either they will deal
with my new found abilities or they were never my friends in the first
place!”
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Moving quickly through the snow, Cyan spots the figure of Jack coming
out from behind his trail up ahead. "Jack! Jack,
wait! Come back!"
Realizing is, embarassingly, heading towards her, she hurries up to
him. "Where were you going? Jack, please come back to the
barn." Her amber eyes study him for long moments, trying to
assess his mood.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack was surprised to see the bard
here looking for him, and the confused look shown on his face. “What’s
the matter Cyan?” He asked “I was just stepping out to clear my head
for a moment. I realized it’s cold out here and thought to hell with
that. What, did you think I was abandoning you guys?” He shook his head
“Come on, lets get you back inside before your fingers freeze.” He
walked back towards the barn already spotting Aaron by the door.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hunter burst from the barn and his swift stride caught him up with Jack
quickly. The large wolf is a silent shadow beside Jack, a silent
companion to the man. The wolf regards him with large, intelligent eyes
and follows him back towards the barn with Cyan.
Inside Kali doesn't even wait for Aaron to clear the barn before she launches into a set of hita.
The familiar sword manuevers get her blood running, and her silvery
blade whistles as it cuts through the air, felling shadow enemies that
no one else can see. Soon sweat beads at her brow. The distant look in
her feral yellow eyes as she dodges and jabs, parries and slashes,
speaks volumnes to the fact that her mind is working just as hard as
her body.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy looks in the direction of the bell, but doesn't move from her
spot. This is the type of weather she likes... no, this form likes.
Blowing snown, cold.. made things weak, made her hard to spot, gave her
an advantage. And in the great game, you seek all advantages you can
get. Out of sight of the others, she thinks.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Good, good!" Cyan laughs, her amythest eyes dancing with relief and an
odd happiness. "I'll even forgive you the 'fingers' remark - I
do, after all, have only nine, and hence, they must freeze more
quickly!" She struggles to get one glove on, succeeds, and leaves
the other - it will not fit over the dressing, in any case.
"Quickly!" Hurrying beside him, she glances up as Hunter arrives,
and moves aside to allow the huge wolf to take a place beside
Jack. Obviously there is more to their relationship than meets
the eye - Hunter's complex bond with Kallika is evidently involved.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Inside the barn, Berd creeps away to sit near a wall as Kallika blurs
through her forms. He eyes her warily - the little dragon knows
she is skilled, but what with the blade flickering around so
rapidly...well, he'd rather not be short a few inches of tail.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack looked at Hunter questioningly arching an eyebrow but
saying nothing. He smiled a friendly smile at Cyan, shook his head and
said “I swear you people are about as excitable as Aaron. And thanks
for letting the comnet slide, I was not even thinking.” As he walks up
to the barn door he stops and gives Aaron a sharp salute. “One must
show respect to the guardsmen.” He waggels his eyebrows feeling more
his normal self.
Then he looks down at Hunter and uncertainty
crossed his face. He could hear Kalika in there and the uncertainty
deepened. “Well, Hunter. . . Wish me luck big dog,”
Jack rapped on the door softly, opening it he slipped
through. “Lalai?” He asked stooping in the doorway searching her face
with his deep blue eyes. Asking the unasked question, Was she okay?
Were they okay?
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Running the fingers of her left hand through her hair, Cyan merely nods
to Jack in relief. An odd sigh is released, and then she nods and
waves him through the door. "Berd!" she hisses, ruby eyes staring
into the darkness of the bard. Berd passes Jack on the way out,
giving him a mild snort, as if to say that while Cyan considers the
matter dropped, Berd thinks Jack ought to watch himself.
Getting outside, he vaults to Cyan's arm, but refuses to reach her
shoulder. Staring about at the storm, he tugs at her cloak with
his claws, and she relents, enfolding him in the long material.
Leaning against the barn wall on the opposite side of the door from
Aaron, Cyan stares out into the storm, the white wall of falling
snow. Stories of the Helcaraxe, she thinks, and shivers. She missed that little part of the war,
so long ago, but heard enough from the Exiles to understand that what
she was seeing now, and the few winter storms she had endured, were
nothing. Nothing compared to the grinding ice.
I have palanquet to make, she considers gloomily, but she can't, not right now. Not until those two are done speaking inside.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The weather is worsening by the minute, temperature dropping quickly,
and the snow falling faster, mingled now with flakes of ice. The
wind grows stronger, forcing the temperature even lower.
Lexy doesn't even notice. A transparent third eyelid protects her
eyes from the elements, while a dense coat keeps her from freezing as
she studies the building in the centre of the town.
Cyan and Aaron are a little less comfortable...
Aaron stretches out a hand, and suddenly another man is standing there,
dressed entirely in black, tall, with silver-flecked dark hair. "Damn you Runt, you never said it was this cold!"
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Well, this is interesting...
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan blinks with annoyance, topaz eyes flashing with irritation...at
herself. All this time, Aaron has been in contact with someone,
and she hadn't noticed! It doesn't show well for Berd's training
of her.
Then again, Berd hadn't noticed either.
Stepping back, Cyan takes a long look at this new stranger. The
bard stands with one hip cocked slightly, a hand on it, watching as the
man curses the cold. Perhaps this is the...Jadus, of which Aaron has spoken.
Berd rolls one eyeball around and stares at the man curiously. He
slowly scrambles up along Cyan's arm, and sits on her shoulder, his
claws gashing the cloak slightly.
===========================================================
Re: Time for the dark side by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hunter whuffed encouragingly at Jack and followed him inside. The first
thing the large wolf does is shake, droplets of ice and snow melting
into water as he rids his coat of it. He then lopes along the
barn wall and lies down next to Kali's things and watches.
Kali on the other hand, finishes the hita she was in the
middle of when Jack poked his head in. She completes the movment in a
flash of silvery blade and a vicous snarl. She stands there, staring at
the place where the victim would have been were she actually fighting
someone, her shoulders heaving in time with her heavy breathing. After
a moment she sighs deeply and sheathes her blade. She turns to face
Jack and wipes the sweat from her brow. She regards him with deep
violet eyes, and looks relieved that he appears to be himself.
"Jack" she greets him with a nod of her head, her tone neutral, but
relief is on her face "Was something so terrible found, that now
everyone but us is guard?" the relief fades to reveal a look of
confusion. The true sign that something had shook her to the core
though, was her not quite correct execution of the common language.
===========================================================
Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Laughing for a moment, Aaron places his hand on his brother's shoulder, and gestures swiftly to the barn.
"Let us return inside. Then, I can acquaint the three of you with the rest of the group."
He rushed towards the barn, Jadus in tow, and the two men were the last to enter.
Aaron was obviously excited, but he was doing his best to restrain it
as he made sure the doors were closed tight enough to keep them safe
through the storm.
(Part 1)
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan watches with interest, amythest eyes gleaming, as Aaron ushers his
brother past her without a word and enters the barn, closing the doors
behind himself.
She had decided to give Jack and Kallika enough room to talk things
over...but leaving them alone with Aaron and this Jadus seemed...wrong.
Vexed, she opened the door again, and stepped inside after them.
Berd, sitting on her shoulders, laughed musically. "You be
quiet," she whispered, and leaned against the now closed (again) doors.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Right after asking her question, the doors open to remit Aaron and a
strange man. Hunter is on his feet, hackles raised, in an instant.
Kali's eyes (now their 'normal' wolven yellow) narrow as she takes in
their new visitor.
She walks up and takes her place next to and slightly in front of Jack.
Her hand rest casually on the hilt of her sword as she looks up at the
two men. As she waits for Aaron to speak, she breathes in deeply,
taking in and accessing the scent of this new man.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
The two men stood side by side now, before the door. Aaron was the
shorter of the two brothers by at least a foot, but their features
remained quite similar; especially the eyes.
"My friends, I would like to introduce you to a couple of close relations."
"This," he begins, gesturing to the larger man beside him, "is my
brother, Jadus. I have asked him here to assist us with a few of our
recent mysteries, if such things will be allowed."
Then he turns, and steps away from the door. His eyes are clear, yet
both bright and dark at the same time. He can feel it, now, the
familiar reflection of aged memories. He felt a familiar pull...
"And the other I must introduce to us all, is very familiar to me.
However, I must warn you all in advance. It has been a very, very long
time since our... seperation. I cannot guarantee that she will welcome
every one of you with open, ah, arms."
He cast his gaze upon each person, and being, within the room, even
Jadus. Between Jadus and Jack, they would be able to assist Aaron if
anything else occured. Cyan and Kalika... well, he hoped they too could
assit him.
Not as if he deserved it. Far from it.
And strangely enough, he felt something akin to that.
Hesitation?
Fear?
Regret?
A sigh.
Regret.
Swallowing every other sensation save the will to be complete, Aaron
reached behind him, towards the blade he had ceased from unsheathing
for the longest time. Kalika had indeed taught him patience, and Jack
had taught him restraint. Cyan... well, she had taught him quite a few
things. Respect for these people, above all else.
Aaron felt very vulnerable. An extremely odd sensation for him, yet...
he knew these people needed to be here to see this. Jadus, because he
was there once before, and all of them now, to witness this occurence.
He removed the blade from its sheath, and his "toy", as Cyan referred to it, seemed to sigh with the release.
A length of memory flashed through his mind, of him doing this exact same thing decades ago. Of him seeing it done. Deja vu it was not, more like a replay of how to go about it.
He remembered every word. And he spoke them with a voice that was low,
deep, and very old. It seemed to all that his face aged as he spoke,
and Aaron was showing who he really was. Beyond the limits of Shadow.
"Those of you within this place are about to witness an aged occurence.
Millenia ago, others too were bound as these two will be. There are
similar bindings in very many cultures, some deeper than others."
He turns, his eyes moving to Kalika, Jack, and Hunter then, and then to
Cyan and Berd. The sword is held respectively in his right hand.
"But this goes beyond all culture. This goes beyond all sense of
'self.' The binding of one soul, in flesh, to one soul, in spirit, is
beyond mere explanation. To this, you are witness. Aged weapon to aged
mortal coil. The creators of the sword, and artificers of ancient
constructs do say thusly:"
Now Aaron stood and raised the blade, high above his head. He had
moved, standing in the midst of each of them, in the middle of the
barn, where Kalika had been practicing her forms.
"Warrior of ancient strength, we bound thee to fearsome blade. Of
limits, there are none for thee, yet one weakness is. To whomever thee
be bound, thy protection resides. For whence death comes to thy bound,
silence will result in thee. To protect, to instruct, and to experience
eternity, we hereby bind the eternal soul, to he who came from Ancient
blood."
And Aaron lowered the blade, bowing his head and leaning the blade against his forehead, spoke:
"Bind thee now, again to awaken and live on. To this man you are linked
till death. Through these words of Power, rise, our warrior queen."
"Ilsefranvir!"
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Within the barn all is still for a moment, then lines of blue light seem to flow out of the air, gathering around the Ilse, no, the Ilsefranvir now. The blade seems to flicker, and in their stall the llamas
are startled awake and start to snort and bray as the weapon vanishes
from Aaron's grasp.
A few heartbeats later it is back again, now with a complex pattern of lines glowing faintly on the blade.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
There was a point, when you forgot me.
I know. I am sorry.
And you made wrong choices. You sent me against them, these people, and I could do nothing to stop myself.
I know. There is no excuse.
You will spend life showing me that you have the wisdom to wield this power - that this is not a dagger in the hands of a child.
Yes. For we are whole again.
Yes, we are. But this is not without price.
Do not forget the price, man of Ancient blood.
****
"Ilse?"
There is a very long pause. So long, in fact, Aaron begins to think that perhaps he was mistaken...
And then, for all to hear, a new voice speaks.
"I will make one thing very clear," resounds
a decidedly intent, mature, and female, voice. The effect of her voice
resontates, not just through the room, but through the whole Shadow.
"I am not, nor will I ever be, a toy."
"Cyan, Jack, Kalika, Lexy, Hunter, Berd. All of you,
never forget. My other half will not treat me like a toy. If he does,
then you may slay him for all his transgressions. Prior and Future.
Such was the judgement made."
"One, or all of you must do it. For I cannot."
Aaron was silent.
For all the memories had come flooding back, as he heard the voice of
the woman he now felt residing in the back of his mind. It was as
familiar as Jadus had been, yet he knew that he had changed since so
very long ago.
And he would not argue with Ilsefranvir. His bond was for life, and if
he again used her in the manner he did previously, he would die for it.
It was final.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Unaware of the happenings in the barn, and the revelations therein, Lexy continues with her own thoughts and actions.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack had looked confused at the question “No. . .No
need to guarded, they are our frien-.” He heard an unfamiliar voice
behind him and added “Hold that thought.” in an intense whisper. He
watched the whole scene with Aaron play out, ironically looking
guarded. “So Aaron,” Jack says evenly “What does all of this mean and
why did you bring someone without consulting the elder seekers?” Jack
asks the man evenly
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, standing against the outer door (she HAD come in after both Jadus
and Aaron), has been watching with interest. Aaron's excitement,
his obvious intensity, captures her attention. She grasps it
quickly - what Aaron is doing has been repeated, time and time again
throughout the worlds.
An ancient weapon.
The one who should wield.
The binding.
She wonders at this. There is a truth, here, for such a story to
be played out in so many ways. And obviously there is a
connection to the pattern this time, between Aaron's blood, and the
image on the blade shining so.
The Ilsefranvir. The bard records the name, the occurance,
deep within her memory. Perhaps someday there may come a song
from this. Then, for a long moment, Aaron is silent. Berd
grins toothily, but not mockingly, eyes glittering faintly in the dim
light.
Cyan takes a moment to study this...Jadus.
Then Aaron calls their attention to the blade again, and this time it speaks. So. Truly this sword is a great weapon, to be so enchanted.
Cyan bows slightly. But this blade cannot bite the hand that
holds it, it seems, though it can, and does, protest against foolish
work. "I take note," the bard says formally, "though I do not
kill for foolishness."
Stepping back, she studies the blade, and Aaron for a moment.
"'Yea, I will drink thy blood gladly,'" the Bard quotes softly, "'so
that I may forget the blood of Beleg my master, and the blood of
Brandir slain unjustly.'" Words of another blade, perhaps the
greatest ever forged. "'I will slay thee swiftly.'"
Berd's smile fades slightly as he, too, recalls the Iron of
Death. He gazes at the Ilsefranvir with cold, empty eyes,
weighing this new addition to their group carefully.
Jack's voice catches her attention, and she steps around Jadus, giving
him a wide berth. "Jack...I find it difficult to remonstrate
Aaron until his guest proves ill for us. I brought Lexy without
consideration, recall? And she had not sworn to the quest,
before. Perhaps Aaron did wrongly..." She glances at the
man with cool, emerald eyes. Measuring, not forgiving.
Withholding, not dismissing. "...but let us reserve judgement,
for the nonce. Things have been confusing of late."
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron turned, his eyes were bright, yet calm. He seemed... at peace.
"There were things I needed to take care of in private. As I am sure the rest of you can attest to, we all have our secrets."
With a sigh, the man looks upon Jack. However, he looks upon him, not with curiosity, but concern.
"Tell me Jack. Was there ever a time when you doubted Kalika? More so,
was there a time when you needed her? Wanted her so much, that you
believed her to be your only choice in anything at all?"
Aaron chuckles.
"I required Ilsefranvir on more than a simple level, becuase I believed
her to be my only choice, which is true. To put it simply: I require
Ilse to remain sane. As we were bound ages ago, so again are we bound
now, because I was, am, very sick. You all have been witness to my
original personality, as it were, the unguarded Aaron, in all his
insanity."
"As for Jadus, well, he helped me unlock Ilse yet again, and allowed me
to regain my senses. Yet, I'm afraid that he also has a secondary
purpose for being here."
And now the man gets a very serious look. He reaches his hand out to
Jack, and sheathes Ilsefranvir with the other. Seconds later, he
unhooks the straps that bind her sheath to him, and he places the blade
at his feet. That in and of itself should be enough to show Jack that
Aaron means what he says.
"My friend, I know you are troubled. Let us help you understand this
new occurence in your life, so that we all may benefit from your
abilities. As you are experienced with the Broken Pattern, so too is my
brother. Because of this, he too can assist with this. You may not
completely trust me, but you should know that there isn't much I can do
without Ilse, and there really isn't anywhere else I'd rather be than
here."
He chuckled then, and cocked an eyebrow.
"You heard what she said. If I use her to hurt any of you, well, you've
got permission to take me down. There isn't much more I can do except
offer the help of myself and my brother. Let me, us, help you, Jack.
All of you." he said, extending the request to everyone within the room.
He knew they didn't trust Jadus either. Hell, he didn't trust him. But Jadus wouldn't be here unless he was willing to help. Aaron knew that much.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
From the floor, Ilse speaks as well.
"I would not allow him to use myself in any manner
dealing towards your deaths, though my defenses towards him are not as
direct as the rest of yours may be. Yet, I feel my other half speaks
the truth, Jack of the Dark Well."
There is a grinding noise, yet, that comes from the sheath at Aarons' feet.
"However, long is my memory, Jack of the Dark Well.
And long will it take me to forget the day in which I felt your mind
touch me. Though I believe your decision was in the right, you struck
me mute and mad back on the seaward ship, and such a force as yours I
do not take lightly. I will remember you."
A tone rings through the air, light, like a small chime.
"Bard, forgive the woman in this blade, for helping
the loss of your ability to manifest your talent. Had I been able, I
would have stopped my other half from causing your pain. Yet, I too
have words for thee: remember those who have sacrificed in the past,
and you too will be remembered. My memories will mark thee well, and
will pass you on, after Aaron has retired."
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan bows again, slightly. "The fault was not yours. The
fault was mine. There is no forgiveness necessary, though I thank
you for your courtesy and kindness." She stares at the sword
silently for a moment, emerald eyes grave. Then she nods, once,
in reply to the remainder of the Ilsefravnir's speech.
Berd's smile is gone, now, and he stares at Cyan, not the sword, with a
grave expression. Something darkens his eyes for a moment, a
heaviness passing over him.
Then he turns his head, curls, and returns to sleep.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“No, no judgment Cyan,” Jack shakes
his head, his voice is even and hold no malice or ill. “Though I have
forgiven Aaron the affronts I remember. I remember a man that has
threatened me with magical steel twice for no good reason. Small
enough, but it will give me room to doubt him. I remember a man who as
of yet has in no way helped the quest, indeed balking and taking slight
when asked to do so. I remember a man that sits silently taking in
everything he sees and hears while giving nothing useful in return. He
has not even truly told us the entire reason of his interest in this
matter. Oh yes it may be one thing for Ares to be closed mouth, Ares
was appointed by the Prince to this task, Aaron was not.
“I remember a man that speaks so
distrustingly of his brother then calls him without showing the respect
of asking any of the elder seekers. I remember that all of the original
seekers that you told me about were hand picked by this The Prince and
most, even those that were Amber men were outsiders I believe. I know
often princes do not like to share information with the rest of the
family. I do not judge, but I do question the respect of the action
with asking first, especially since Aaron gave me his word on the
Gathers world that he would not summon anyone else.”
The entire speech is spoken evenly, and he continues. “Lexy was a
different matter, you are an Elder Seeker and can decide. Lexy is an
Elder Seeker as well, and Aaron is a junior. I reserve judgment, and I
obey your wishes Cyan. However the list of disrespect still grows, and
if he wants it to stop he shall have to lay his cards on the table.
Forgive me, but I begin to question the wisdom of having him here. I
see no change, merely varying levels of disrespect. ”
All of this time he discussed Aaron without looking at
the man, he his however look at Jadus and give him a nod and a friendly
smile. Now he turns to regard Aaron “I meant no offence in all of that,
it is only what I see. If you would have came to us and explained your
dilemma I could see no reason in not allowing you to regain your full
weapon. It is a matter of trust and respect, you understand. What is
more, how am I troubled Aaron? I am not refusing any knowledge
you or Jadus may be able to impart, but what can either of you do for
me? We do not even know if anything is wrong with me as of yet. How can
either of you help me? How can I trust either of you to help me when I
don’t even know who you are or what you want?
Finally Jack looks to the sword and smiles
warmly “You I like. . . You I will trust, I can see something in you, I
can remember some of your mind. I am sorry act so to you. . .I
see some of myself in you. How did a woman like you wind up with a man
like this?” he nods smirking with more amusement than insult to Aaron.
he glanced up at Jadus and smiled again. "I think I like you as well.
Anyone that can get under Aarons skin so, has some saving grace in my
eyes."
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack turned from them, “You’ll forgive me,
I must take care of something important to me.” He started for the back
of the barn. “Lalai, we needed to talk?” a not of uncertainty was in
his voice. With a last glance back over his shoulder, “You may want to
find Lexy and find out for whom the bell tolls.” He held out his hand
for his love.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan scuffs her foot on the ground, looking down. Jack has a way
about him of making her feel every one of the difference of years
between herself and the others in the group. Her inexperience,
her naivete shows, in all things save one, and that one thing something
with which she has no interest.
And he has a way of finding the crux of the matter, and putting a finger directly atop it.
Everything he said about Aaron is true. Jack is quick to forgive,
long to forget...as it should be. Cyan...well, she knows she has
a hard time remembering what she ate this morning. The wisdom of the Elder Seekers indeed...Jack would do well not to trust the judgement of his 'elders', she thinks ironically. Mine has been exceptionally poor, recently.
The one thing that DOES disturb her (beyond the idea of Aaron pulling
steel on Jack, and the Ilsekravnir has apparantly put that idea to
rest...though it did say that it holds no control over Aaron) is the
fact that Aaron gave his word not to summon anyone...and did so,
without even asking. Breaking one's word is a serious offence to
Cyan - she had forgotten that Aaron had given his. Apparantly
Aaron had as well.
If he would break this, what more?
"Excuse me," Cyan says to both Aaron and Jadus, hoping that Aaron will
at least fill his brother in on the situation. No doubt he has
omitted some points. Nodding slowly and with some embarassment to
Jack, she moves a little ways off from the group and, fumbling around
in her pocket, pulls out her sketchbook. Flipping through (and
making certain that nobody is looking over her shoulder), she finds the
sketch of Lexy. While Berd keeps an eye out, she focuses on the
sketch.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron could only sigh and shrug in response to Jack's assault. He
wasn't anywhere close to defending himself, and he really didn't want
to give Jack any more ammunition in the first place.
"Have it your way." he shrugged.
Sliding his foot beneath Ilse, he kicked her sheath up into the air, caught it, and began replacing the blade across his back.
"But the Pattern brought me here, Jack. Of that, I have surmised
certainty. I made no physical choice upon my walking it. Whether you
call to mind my own previous insanity or not, is up to you. Ilsefranvir
can attest to it, as can Jadus, if you ask him. Yet, these are mere
words, and knowing you, you won't listen to them anyway."
He turned, and retired to his previous corner. He would speak when he
felt necessarry, yet, he would be sure to not leave Jadus as a stranger
in this group.
But he will listen to those words.
Of course. What he does, is listen. Keep in mind his
frailty, but do not blind yourself with your own thoughts on it. There
is danger here. Remember his shadow, and the ship, and keep your mind
open to your comrades. Especially Jack.
Yet... had I given my word? Ilse, had I said that I would never
summon another? My mind is clear, but, for all of me, I cannot remember.
And in his corner, Aaron ground his teeth with frustration.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacks head snaps up and
he looks to the door. “Damn,” he softly swears “Lexy just went into the
building that is warded, She beyond my reach. He stands there
looking between Kalika, Aaron and the door. “I will listen Aaron,” He
says evenly yet with a hint of warmth “I will always listen. Will you
speak and tell the entirety of the facts of the matter as best you know
them. I was the one that accepted the words of your apology and they
are still good by me. If anything it is you often lack of words and
explanation that sets me on edge. The lack of words combined with my
extreme weariness from the change caused me to snap at you all. It is a
hard thing to say I don’t know what is happening to me and then look
back into eyes tinged with worry and fear looking at you. Looking at if
you as if you have suddenly became an alien.”
Jack shook his head and moved
over slipping an arm around Kali “Me being able to not find the words
to explain what is going on with me has pushed my friends away from me.
You not being able to find the words or voice them has made you an
outsider. Find the words Aaron, then let the actions back them up, we
are here for you if you let us and let us in. The Pattern may have
brought you here, but you have never reasonably explained why you
stayed.”
After he had finished Jack looked to Cyan
for a decision “What will we do about Lexy? Go after her or give her a
chance to deal with it alone first?”
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
When Aaron goes for his sword, Kali does as well and the blades are
drawn at the same time. She eyes the Amberite with plain distrust and
moves so that she is fully in front of Jack. The Chunchee woman does
not say anything, only watches Aaron with her silvery blades drawn and
held in a defensive position. Waiting... waiting.
Only after Aaron has completed his ritual and the voice of his blade as
spoken does Kali sheath her blade. She still keeps a hand on the hilt.
No matter what the "voice" of the sword says she doesn't trust Aaron as
far as Hunter could throw him. The man had attacked one of them before,
and that means it could happen again. Obviously his sword wasn't
capable of stopping him, but Kali was.
Kali was surprised when Jack offered for them to go speak. She went to
him willingly, a smile on her face. She was about to open herself,
share her thoughts and feelings, when Lexy's disappearance was
noted. The smile faded from Kali's face and she sighed softly,
the sound almost undectable. It's always something she thinks to herself. Hunter perks up and trots to her side.
"If she is just checking the place out, if we might be caused her to be
discovered, but on the other hand I am curious as to why they would
have it so protected. I don't think any of us are going to be able to
go out there in the middle of this storm though. Only Lexy's shape
allowed her protections against this deep cold"
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron, sitting casually, chuckles.
"Lexy has a saying, that words mean very little. I'm coming to find
that she is right, Jack. However, if it will help all of you in
understanding me better, than I will gladly oblige. Yet, I must say,
Lexy's absence concerns me more."
He is obviously concerned, as that chuckle disappears under his stare.
Having figured that he'd be sitting for a while, Aaron shrugged and rose again.
"Yes, I will explain why I stayed, but we should tend to Lexy first. She's more important right now."
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack smiled at Kali then turned a
thoughtful Look on Aaron and returns the chuckle, “That’s odd coming
from a bard. Words without the actions to back them are meaningless,
but actions need the words to give them meaning as well. Actions can be
preformed for any reason, but if you really listen to what someone says
and how they say it. You can see the truth of who they are, especially
if you listen all of the time not only when they are trying to impress
you. Who am I Aaron? Have you been clearing your mind and your own bias
and listening?”
Jack clucked his tongue a few times continuing to
watch thoughtfully. “As for Lexy, she is a capable woman that made a
choice. Do you respect her and her choice Aaron? Kali is correct we
could charge in there and jeopardize her as easily as we could help he.
I personally vote we give her 15 minutes at least to check in, then go
cautiously. We could either all go relying on Berd’s Magic possibly, or
I could go, the cold and wind matters not to a Shadow, or a small
strike force of me Kali and Hunter could go. Wolves are not as
susceptible to the freezing cold though it would still test us. If we
give her the 15 minutes I would suggest you and Cyan, possibly Berd and
Jadus go into the inn to find out what you can about the big building
and bells. What ever Kali and Cyan decide is the course we will take.”
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan snaps out of her thoughts. "Nothing. She is blinded to palanquet where she is." The red-head shakes her mane. "I fear that
something may have gone drastically wrong. Yes, very well, give
her the quarter turn of the glass, if you must. But then, if we
go, we all go. Foolishness to split the group piecemeal; Sunzi
would laugh."
She stalks around in a tight circle for a moment, then turns back to
Jack. "I will return in no more than fifteen of your
minutes. Please do not leave without me."
Berd hops from her shoulder, and Cyan quickly hurries from the barn,
heading for the inn. Once there, she quickly locates the
Innmaster.
Best if this be done neatly.
"Innkeep," the Bard says, sliding up beside the man. "I have a
question - we saw a building on the way into town. It was large,
and there were bells. Curiousity has me asking as to its purpose."
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Part of Jack wanted to, question the
Newcomer Jadus about what information he may have on regarding Jack
current problems. Also just to talk to the man and find out what makes
him tick. Part of Jack wants to hear Aaron’s explanation’s and find out
what all of this means to the Seekers and the Quest. Just why is Jadus
here? Part of Jack was worried about Lexy as he would have worried
about any of them.
Kali won out over all of this as she always would and he
moved her deeper into the barn waiting on a response. Silently worrying
that she would consider him a monster of the darkness now and want
nothing to do with him. Could have been worse, he could have been a
monster of the sea.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jadus
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jadus had moved closer to Aaron during Jack's commentary. Thumbing his
short beard with his thumb, he raised an eyebrow at his younger
sibling. He spoke, but quietly, so only Aaron would hear.
"He strikes me as being quite inquisitive. But I've got to say, it
doesn't seem to me that you're accepted well by any of the people here."
"Kill someone, did you?"
Jadus' eyes glinted with a familiar look of direct interest. He had the
same look as Aaron when they were thinking upon things more than
mundane. Yet a small, half-smile was on his face.
The big man sighed and turned his gaze upon Jack. Interesting man, that one. He'd have to get to know him.
Thumbing his beard again, he began to mumble as he eyed the man across
the room. The ring on his right hand flickered momentarilly.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Who are you?" Aaron makes a small laugh at Jack's question.
He shook his head, leaning back against the wall as he waited for Cyan.
Jack was taken by Kali at the moment, so he would have to answer his
question later on.
Aaron was slightly amused, though, that Jack would ask him such a question. Aaron had only recently rememberd who he was, now that Ilsefranvir's power had again quelled his galloping
insanity. He was too grateful towards Jadus to even voice it, but Aaron
was slowly priortizing things.
Regarding himself, the group, his brother, Ilse, the Pattern, and this quest.
Jadus moved closer, and spoke.
"Inquisitive? Yes, Jack is so, but he tends to have a bad habit of
either saying too much, or not saying enough. He's also easilly
frustrated by my apparent lack of attention, of which he is quite
mistaken. You should know, that that is simply how I am.", this ending
with another laugh.
"As for killing someone, well, I almost killed everyone."
he says, giving his brother an eye, and a frown. "And Jack, to say the
least, managed to beat the living crap out of me. Much like another
certain person."
That reminded Aaron, that he was very nearly out of pills for his nose.
He had removed the bandage after Jack's little tumble, even though his
nose was still slightly tender.
"Anyway, Jack and I seem to have an on again, off again relationship.
Sometimes we want to kill eachother, and sometimes we get along like
the best of friends. Then again, I'm a living target."
He laughed a third time, and this one was a loud "Ha!", as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You should stop basing your opinion of yourself on only what you believe. If you listened to others more, you'd gain a better understanding. Both of yourself, and of everything around you."
That silenced Aaron for a moment, and he bit back the "yes mother"
comment he was going to make. As usual, Ilse was correct... much to his
disdain.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack glanced over at the men not catching what they were
saying (Though he was certain kali would.) but catching the glint of
the ring and the look from Jadus. He favored them with a smile.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali is hesitant to open herself when there are other distractions
about. Her mouth sets into a grim line as she watches Aaron and Jadus.
Those two were a pair to watch for sure. Suddenly she starts to laugh
as she retreats deeper into the barn with Jack, her arm around him in a
gesture of support and affection, still privy to his thoughts.
"Yes that would have been a shade worse" she says through a
giggle. The humor fades as Aaron and Jadus begin their little
discussion.
Kali moves her head to one side so that her ear is facing them. From
this position, her keen hearing easily picks up the reverberations from
their voices. One settled farther into the barn, Kali intakes a sigh
and begins to share.
Kali bows her head and hugs Jack fierecely, her face buried into his shoulder.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacks arms wrap around Kali one hand sliding up to
stroke her hair. “There now Lalai,” he said softly “It’s alright.” It
is something that always looks a little unbalanced yet somehow natural
seeing them together, The large courtly man and petite Chunchee woman.
Though Jack still watches the two Amber men out of the corner of his
eye.
Jack stood there holding Kali and
rocking he gently, he pulled his arms from around her long enough to
pull up his sleeve and adjust his armor so his wrist shows clearly. He
slides his free arm back around her. “If a price must be paid, I
will pay it, not you.” He whispers softly, a grim determination showing
in his eyes as his deep blue eyes look for hers, his bare wrist held to
the side, open for what may need to be done. If only to satisfy her
honor and pride. He would do it gladly, but it would either be him that
suffered it or none at all.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The innkeeper regards Cyan, blinking for a moment, then, "Why,
I reckons ye'd mean the church. Sorry, that'd be Sacred Church o'
the Shrine ter the Broken Saint, ter give it its full an proper name."
In the barn, Jadus seems to peer at the ceiling for a few moments, frowning.
Jadus staggers suddenly, and a whisp of smoke rises from the ring on his finger.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Moments later, Cyan stalks back into the Barn. "It's the Sacred
Church of the Shrine to the Broken Saint," she states.
"Now. I'm going. Excuse me...I'll make certain not to break
anything."
Waiting for Berd to swoop down and land on her shoulder, she turns and
walks out towards the building, her amythest eyes dark in the blowing
snow.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jadus
-----------------------------------------------------------
With a curse, the man clenches his right hand into a fist. He raises
his left hand, which shimmers with a silver reflection for a moment, as
he seems to rub his eyes.
"Your friend is quite interesting, runt." Jadus growls, his back to
Jack and Kalika. He felt a migraine beginning behind his eyes.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"As if I didn't know that already!" Aaron laughs, grabs his brother by the arm, and hauls him towards the door.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going with Cyan. The rest of you can blabber amongst yourselves, if you wish."
As he departs, Jadus grumbling but following nonetheless, Ilse can be heard, chiding him on his attitude...
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“It looks like our time for talk has run out Lalai.” Jack says
softly to Kali. “Best to save anything drastic until we have Lexy and
the rest some where safe.” And guides her towards the door stopping to
grab their packs. With a casual glance towards the bothers he says
“Time for fun and games later boys, let’s go if you are coming.”
His voice is even and friendly. Then Jack looks to Hunter giving him a
wink “Come on big dog, it’s work time.”
Hustling Kali and hunter out the door he jogs to
catch up with Cyan and Berd, sending a tendril ahead to find them if
they are out of sight.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Busy poking her nose where it doesn't belong...
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
In the blizzard, everybody is out of sight of each other, but they have
other ways to find each other, other senses than the commonly used
ones. Soon the whole group are trudging blindly into the teeth of
a gale that carries shards of ice. Somehow though, there is a
bubble of calmer, slightly warmer air around them. Razor-edged
crystals seem to veer past them, and freezing swirls of snow seem to
scatter and dissolve before them.
Finally, chilled to the bone, they find themselves at the church.
A large wooden structure rising into the gloom of the storm. The
door stands open, but a heavy red-orange animal pelt hangs in the
doorway to keep the weather at bay. Above the door is a sign
bearing the image of a upstretched hand.
Those with powers active as they enter the structure feel that power stripped away from them as they pass the animal skin.
Inside is a long hall, lit by torches and candles. Within, Lexy
stands in beast form before an altar of black basalt. Above the
altar floats a severed human-looking hand, the flesh ending just below
where the elbow should be. Blood drips sluggishly from the end,
turning to smoke before it reaches the surface of the stone.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
The broken pattern was gone from him. . .”Interesting.”
Jack says, he looked over at Kalika to check the color of her eyes out
of curiosity, fome his place by her side. Then looking around the room
he opens his mind a little trying to reach out and see if he can feel
anything with his psyche. Momentarily distracted by a thought he asks
Kali, “When did you swear in the moonlight? I- I don’t remember it?”
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Stepping into the church along with the rest of the group, Aaron
brushed snow off of himself, but blinked in surprise as a strange
sensation overtook him.
"Ilse?" he asked hesitantly.
Eyes darting, he passed his gaze towards the floating hand, and raised an eyebrow.
"Now that, is an interesting sacrifice."
Leaning back on one foot, he seemed to stabilize himself, though somewhat shakilly.
"Jack," he said, looking to the man, "you don't... sense anything, do
you? I've got the oddest feeling like we've walked into a trap of some
sort."
If what he felt was right, he hoped he wouldn't be practicing his short sword skills anytime soon.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Berd!" Cyan hisses. The little dragon shoots back out the door,
up to land atop the Church and keep himself warm. Cyan, herself,
looks at the altar with narrowed, sapphire eyes. "How horrible,"
she whispers, quietly. It is never good to make a scene and
disturb people in their place of worship.
Quietly she steps forwards. "This place...I am, to be frank,
unnerved." Her hand stays far away from her sword hilt, though.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy looks up as the flap of a door is opened, ready to spring to
action. But the first face she sees is familiar, and the rest are
equaly so. Well... most of them, anyways. There is one she doesn't
recognize. Maybe a local? Probably not. He hasn't the look. A traveler?
Perhaps. There is something familiar about him, but she can't quite
place it.
Instead, she walks out from behind the altar. Judging from her raised
hackles and the swishing tail, she seems to not like this place either.
So she watches each one of them, wondering if they are suffering the
same as her.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack continues to try an examine everything with his
Psyche, he knows that Kali and Hunter probably will be suffering from
the break in their bond. Though he does think it’s funny that Lexy is
still the beast and wonders if that is her natural form? Interesting
thought. . .
He glances at Aaron, “Possibly,
possibly not. Not everything in the great universe is designed to
trap you. Though I do think it is interesting that it was the first
place your mind jumped.” It was nice to understand the people around
you. He thought it was amusing, out side of here he was just Jack,
inside after the big change, he was just Jack. He wondered it Isle
still had it’s calming effect on the purportedly mad Amber mans mind?
“I say we fall back to the barn and rest,” Jack said “We are in
no condition to deal with this. We need to find out if this storm is
natural and take a closer look at this world. Hmmm, I wounder, the last
two worlds. Two great storms. . .” Jack continued reaching out with his
psyche trying to get a feel for what was going on in here. After he
gains all he can he walks to the hand he specifically examines it
looking for traces of power.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shifts, uneasily. The thought that this storm might somehow
be connected to the Gatherer is...unnerving. She glances around
the room, then sighs. Jack's comment to Aaron about this
'possibly' not being a trap for them is amusing, but nothing more.
"Certain idols I have never understood," she murmurs, looking at the
hand, then shaking her head. Exhaustion is beginning to settle
in. It isn't a matter of the time - Cyan knows she can stay up
more than 24 hours with ease.
It's the fact that she has traversed several worlds. Been under
tremendous stress with the Gatherer (and Cyan did not sleep there,
either). Worried about the population of a world. Lost
associates to injury. Entered the state of the baresark.
Had to deal with the repercussions of that. Lost a finger and
part of her hand. Trekked across an inhospitible, cold
landscape. Had to deal with near constant bickering and
anger. Watched Jack nearly die.
Cyan is tired. Tired of everything.
"Let me know when you are finished," she says, happy to stay here to
assist if something goes wrong, but nearly blind, she is so
tired. Slowly, agate eyes dull, the Bard walks to a wall and
leans against it.
This hand...who's hand might it be? And why worship it? It provides...protection? From what?
From us?
A sanctuary from World Walkers? From those who, foolishly, think
they rule the myriad worlds, and would use their powers to enforce that
belief?
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“As soon as I check on these two things I’ll
be ready to fall back to the Barn.” Jack answers Cyan “Unless you feel
we need to go now.” He didn’t feel any better then she looked, Kali
knew just how bad he felt. Still he’d be dammed if he would show it to
any of the others. “What ever the idol is, it seems to work.”
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Arrgh. Cyan pushes herself to her feet, and walks over to
the idol. Despite her curiousity, she does not reach out to touch
the grisely object. Instead, she leans forward, staring at the
hand. Racking her brain, the tired Bard struggles to recall
anything she might have heard about this, or anything Berd may have
told her about places that the palanquet would fail to function.
"All right," she states, her amber eyes dulled. "A different perspective."
Focusing her will, Cyan, too, will attempt to discern if there is anything she can uncover about this....thing.
Outside, Berd, ignoring the cold, sits on the roof and tunes his senses
to the storm. He narrows glittering eyes, and strives to
determine its origins. Natural, or....?
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Close up, the top of the altar can be seen to inscribed with a design
of curves and lines, and the severed fore-arm is tattooed with the same
design. The arm itself looks pale, but is otherwise in good
condition.
Even the most Psyche-challenged character present can detect the energy
coming from the limb, feel it crawling over their skin...
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"What IS that thing?" Cyan asks, pointing to the lines and curves
inscribed on the altar...and the limb. "I've never seen anything
like this before. I wonder if Berd...." Closing her eyes,
she satisfies herself that she can still sense the Dragon, then opens
them again. Their topaz depths now hold an odd glitter.
Outside, Berd's eyes snap open widely for an instant, but he isn't
seeing the snow. Instead, he focuses on the shape before
him...the arm, the curves, the lines...
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
There was a sharp intake of breath from
Jack and he had stood there looking at it. He spoke softly After Cyan
asked her question “A broken pattern similar to mine, the one on
Aaron’s blade and the one I suspect of Jadus.” Curiosity burned in him
as he pondered several questions at once “I had suspected it when you
said this was the temple pf the broken saint. We must be close to
Aaron’s Amber.” Curiosity in Jack was to strong a trait and for the
moment he forgot his fatigue in the excitement. "I wonder where
it is?"
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Stepping forwards, Aaron stood next to Jack and considered the altar.
"Well, I've got to hand it to whoever put this here. It's got quite a grasp of certain power."
Ouch..., he mentally winced. Where the hell did that humor come from?
Chuckling, he shook his head, and reached behind him. Drawing Ilse, he
held her in his right hand, raised her so her blade was pointing to the
floor.
Looking from blade to altar to hand, Aaron compared the designs.
"You're correct Jack, this is certainly a piece of the Pattern.
However, it's not a part of the Broken Pattern, as you and Jadus have.
This collection of lines is merely a section of the Pattern, much like
that which is reflected from Ilsefranvir."
"The Broken Pattern, as you know, is the Pattern, but with 'mistakes'
within its complicated geometry. The Pattern itself is complete. This
altar, the hand, and Ilse, bear representative portions of the complete
Pattern."
Resheathing Ilsefranvir, Aaron cocked his head to the side and pondered this interesting event.
"Yet... why would anyone in their right mind carve the Pattern into
their arm? Perhaps it's simply another representation? A sigil of some
sort, or possibly something similar to what the Pattern did to Ilse?
This is quite odd." he shook his head.
Glancing back at Cyan, he noticed her intent gaze, but also the tired
lines on her face that are a sure sign of exhaustion. He knew his
fellows could take quite a bit of punishment, but even this had been
tiring for them all.
"Jack, you suggested that we rest up. I agree. We can always return
here, barring any unexpected occurences." his eyes took on a far away
look for a moment, as if he's attempting to sense something. Seconds
later, he shook his head and looked to Jack.
"And anyway, this building doesn't react well with us. Yourself, Jadus
and I can return here later on, after we've discussed this and other
recent events. Do you agree?"
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Yea, I figured that out a little late, the pure pattern,
just not all there.” Jack said Looking to Aaron “Agreed, let’s get some
rest and come back later, we have much to investigate here. Cylla’s
past, this. . .But we have to rest.” Jack turns and goes back to Kali’s
side. “Let’s go guys.” He waits with Kali and hunter to follow everyone
out.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shrugs. "I feel nothing I can identify from this." Her
jade eyes dull slightly as she looks around. "Perhaps...perhaps
we might be better off dealing with this after rest, as Aaron
says. And, as you say, Jack, Cylla's past...."
She yawns, crackingly, then looks embarassed.
Checking with Berd to make certain there isn't anything lying in wait, Cyan heads back towards the doors.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron nodded, satisfied. Adjusting Ilse's straps, he turned, and proceeded towards the doors.
Jadus, however, gazed back at the arm and the altar for a moment,
before raising an eyebrow, and continuing towards the exit with the
rest of the group.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack tryed to herd the rest of them out into
the storm including Lexy, then follow behind bringing up the rear.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
After a few moments, it becomes quite clear that Lexy isn't going
anywhere. Instead of being herded with the others, she sits on her
haunches, looking at Jack, her head tilted slightly to the side. She
seems to be waiting for something.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Lexyyy," Cyan moans, her head drooping. She looks up, staring at
the big cat. "What is it?" Curiousity catches her - Lexy
wouldn't be bothering them for nothing. "Have you discovered
something?"
Above, Berd continues to sit, staring out into the storm.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
A looks crossed Jacks Face Rapid fire. If she wasn’t
going, he wasn’t, you didn’t leave people behind. Frustration,
curiosity and then resignation. He pulled Lexy’s goods from his pack
and set them on the floor in front of her, Took off his cloak and held
it up to cover her from view from everyone, himself included.. “Let me
know when It’s okay.” he says. Not thinking to call out after
cyan and Berd, their ticket back.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron pauses at the doorway and places a hand on Jadus' shoulder, halting him.
Turning, Aaron watched Jack and Lexy.
"Is something wrong?" he asked hesitantly.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack shrugs “Don’t ask me Blondie
here wants her stuff. I’m assuming that she’s going to change. If not
then I’ll look plenty stupid here holding up my cloak for her.”
Jack says a little testily
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Now, now, Jack. There's no need to act that way." Aaron states, a firm look on his face.
Turnig his gaze to Lexy, he raised his eyebrows. He knew she couldn't speak at that moment, but she wasn't stupid.
"Do you sense something?"
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy watches as Jack deposits her things, and then tries to cover her.
But she makes no moves other then to continue watching the man. Her
magic probably wouldn't work here anyways.
After a few moments, she turns her gaze to Aaron.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack stiffens as if he had been slapped at Lexy’s look
He spins on his heals sliding his cloak onto his shoulders in a whirl
and clasping it. Stalking over to Kali he hugs her fiercely and
whispers without ever really looking at her.
Pulling away from Kali he moves over to Cyan, and simply quietly asks
“May I borrow the cube bard?” His face is hard and unemotional the
entire time.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan narrows amythest eyes at the interplay between the two, and grinds her teeth for an instant. If it isn't one thing, it's another. She watches as Jack goes for a quick 'conference' with Kallika, and then comes over to her.
It's with surprise she hears his request, expecting...something else.
"Of course, Jack," Cyan states quietly, handing over the cube
carefully. The cursed thing keeps growing...she's going to have
to find it another keeping place, soon.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack nods and says “Thank you Cyan,
Lexy says we should all go back and get some rest and that she will be
along shortly.” It is spoken flatly as he walks over to the door. “I
don’t know, after charging all of this way in a blizzard I find being
blow off so lightly to be a bit of an insult, especially with no
explanation.” As he spoke he moved over by the doorway. “I can see that
we shall only share that which we wish and that any though of working
together is but a joke.” Again spoken flatly and dispassionately
as he tucked the cube under an arm.
He pulled the gauntlet and grieve off
of his left arm dropping them in his pack. Pulling out his old white
shirt he began tearing it into strips. Without looking up at anyone
really.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan turns towards Lexy and pauses, staring at the woman in cat
form. Then, not trusting herself to speak, she turns and stalks
to the door. "I shall, then, be back at the barn," the Bard
grates to Jack. "My apologies." Her words soften slightly
on that phrase.
Sick and tired of the bickering, the arguing, the grandstanding, the
secrecy, and disgusted by her own contributions, Cyan leaves the temple
quickly. Berd wings down from above, and lands on her shoulder,
crooning, all but unheard over the storm. She hurries back to the
barn and, once inside, finds a small blanket which she pulls around
herself. This
was a fool's errand. I do not fit with these people. They
are old, experienced, and well versed at keeping to their secrets and
thoughts.
Rolling over, the Bard lies down on the hard floor, pulling her pack
under her head for a crude, lumpy pillow. Exhaustion has taken
its toll, and, as Berd crawls under with her, slowly adding heat to her
body, she readies herself to fall asleep. Berd seems to prepare
for sleep as well, but the glittering under one eyelid shows he yet
remains awake...and watchful.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Watching Cyan go and knowing
Berd would follow, Jack knew that their ticket safely back to the barn
had just left. He remembered the razor sharp shads of ice that had
barely missed them due to Berd’s Magic. He dropped the cube onto his
pack making certain that it was tightly tied closed. Then he put his
arm around Kali and ran to catch up with Cyan and Berd. “Come on
Hunter.” He called out.
He could finish what he needed to do at the barn, it would be easier there anyway.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, back in the barn, suddenly sits up, spilling an indignant Berd to
the ground. "Enough of this," she says quietly, and begins to
pack. Berd, catching up to her thoughts, grins toothily.
Quickly she throws her gear together, with the efficiency of an
experienced traveller. "I am leaving," she says, loudly, to all
those in hearing. She will inform Lexy via palanquet when the woman leaves the Church. "I cannot continue with this,
as it stands. Hence, I will return to the place of the Gatherer,
and begin my own search, from there. You may keep the
cube if you wish - I only need to examine it, once more." Her
topaz eyes flash, the energy within her burning away her exhaustion.
"I am weary of bickering, I am weary of secrecy, I am weary of people
promising to 'come clean', and then continuing the obfuscation. I
am weary of ulterior motives, I am weary unto death of the way I, too,
have been sucked into this morass of confusion." Finishing
packing, she stands.
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack held Kali close as the followed Cyan and Berd. Opening back up to her, he let her know what was going on.
Jack entered the barn, with Kali and Hunter shortly behind Cyan.
She had barely settled herself down to sleep when she poped back up .
When he came up with Kali and spoke with her in hushed tones.
Jack looked between each of them, Cyan, His Chunchee love, Hunter and
Berd.“I will go with you Cyan, If you like. Because my frustrations are
the mirror your own. Kali please, I beg of you. Come with me.”
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Aaron may be in the building with us, as well as Jadus.
Cyan is waiting to see if they followed - if so, Cyan will wait to see
what they say.
IC -
"Very well, Jack," Cyan says, sighing, sapphire eyes looking the man
and woman over. "I need to leave in the next tenth of a bell,
though. The time flows slowly here...while we rest, weeks may be
going by outside. In addition, I shall have to go to somewhere
the time flows swiftly, and complete the forging of the palanquets as well as make some others."
That was a frustration in and of itself.
"If you do come, there will be no more nonsense about 'elder questors'."
Where is Lazarus? And why has Ares not returned?
===========================================================
Re: Time for a reawakening. by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“As you wish Elder Seeker Cyan.” Jack said
passively, then smiled and winked at Cyan trying to lighten the mood.
“That is fine with me, it would give me a chance to rest up and
possibly spend some time with Kali and Hunter. Perhaps I will better be
able to use my new found abilities by the time we are done.” He
began searching through the barn making certain that Kali and he had
everything they needed and took a moment to refill his Brandy bottle
from the brandy cask. All of the time watching Kali, hoping for the
answer he sought.
===========================================================
Just what you don't need... by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
With the Seekers, elder and younger divided into two groups, and
tensions seemingly still running at least moderately high between
members of the group, not to mention the howling blizzard blasting
through the town, this would of course be just about the worst possible
time for something worrying to happen.
Which proves the Universe has a fine sense of dramatic irony.
Not to mention a perverse streak.
Cutting through the sound of the wind and storm comes the sound of a horn, long and mournful as it echoes across the town...
As the note fades into silence, those at the barn hear the sound of
people exiting the inn, somebody sees the light in the barn and comes
to warn them, "Ware, strangers, the Jotenjätte come! To the wall
if yer value yer lives!"
Meanwhile at the church, four men, dressed as priests beneath the heavy
fur mantles that they wear, enter and immediately urge those still
inside to hurry to defend the walls, "Leave us to tend the Hand of
Glory, hurry to the walls to defend the town against the Jotenjätte!"
===========================================================
Re: Just what you don't need... by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan slowly looks up, staring at the door. She looks down at her hand. She looks back at the door.
Berd's head droops. He knows what is coming and, with a low sound of hopeless despair, climbs onto her shoulder.
"Giants," she whispers slowly.
Uncertain footing. Terrible vision. Fighting creatures with
great reach, against whom her armor is, no doubt, nearly useless.
And innocent people in the town.
Cyan slowly pushes herself to her feet, laying down her pack. "It
appears, Jack, that my decision has been taken from me." She bows
to him, and Kallika. "I will see you on the wall...if not, we
will speak later."
Assuming we survive. For I cannot leave the innocent behind to perish.
Hoping against hope, Cyan draws Kirilindë...the sword flickers with the rainbow light of a palanquet for an instant, before returning to its customary bright silver, ithilinaur shimmering in the light of the small lamp. She whips the gim through a quick set, all business, no flash, and winces.
<i>The hand is weak...and still injured. It will bleed if I press it, or I will lose the blade.</I.
More than inconvenient. Deadly.
Cyan switches the blade to her other hand, and waits to see what the
others decide. But not long - she will be moving to the wall in
short order.
===========================================================
Re: Just what you don't need... by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack slid on his gauntlet and grieve again
from his pack, tossing the cube lightly to Cyan he called “Heads up
bard.” getting her attention first to make certain she knew he was
pitching it to her. Even as he moved towards the door he
summoned the Dark Well and shadowy tendrils poured over him from the
shadows inside his very cloak. Washing over him even more quickly than
previous transformations.
Stopping he drew the sword from his staff
not that his would be much good with blades like Cyan’s, Kali’s and
Aaron’s around. Being careful he wrapped a shadowy arm around Kali in a
strong hug and kissed her with all of the passion he could muster in a
quick kiss. “I’ll be at the wall, be careful my love.” Before he
disappeared out of the door sending out a tendril searching for one of
the attackers and running for the wall.
===========================================================
Re: Just what you don't need... by Lexy
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lexy watches Jack go, feeling hurt herself, not understanding completly
what just happened. What she had said, she had said of concern for the
others, not to insult or slight him... she sighs inwardly, shaking her
head. Apparently showing conern was wrong. Some of the group go, and
Lexy prepares herself to shift back into human shape. And that's when
the battle horn is sounded.
Lexy's head darts up, her nostrils flaring to take in scents. She isn't
suprised when the so far absent priests arrive, but their urgings do
suprise her. What manner of beasts will be attacking this place?
In the end, it doesn't matter. If this town falls, then there will be
no one left to answer questions. And she had alot of those. Taking only
a moment to push her things to the side, Lexy takes off at a run.
Once out of the church, she halts, looking around. She takes a few
moments to assure herself that her old magic is still there and able,
before she pushes off with giant wings, taking to the air, and heading
towards the walls, staying high up, flying in lazy circles.
===========================================================
Re: Just what you don't need... by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the group left the church, and Aaron and Jadus stayed along
with Lexy. For some reason, he had an urge to stay, if just from her
look, and he extended that gaze to his brother.
However, as he was about to inquire of her, the horn sounded, the
priests made requests towards escape, or at least leaving the church
and assisting, and the two brothers (and one sword) found themselves
outside in the cold again.
Unsheathing Ilsefranvir, the wailing wind and scattering snow scarred his vision, but in the distance, he saw the wall.
"Ilse! A battle sounds around us. Guard my heart, my priestess of war!" the Amberite bellowed into the cold.
The sword rang, a light, musical tone that reverberated into a low
modal hum, accentuating the combat that was no doubt soon to take place.
"None shall clash swifter than myself, none will
pierce or cleave with as true an aim. Mark your targets well, Ancient
Master, for I will kill all you deem worthy of my touch."
Cloak flapping in the growing wind, flickering blue blade glitning in
the gray light of a darkening sky, Aaron and Ilsefranvir trudged off to
the wall.
===========================================================
Re: Just what you don't need... by Jadus
-----------------------------------------------------------
He had been wondering just what was going on with this ragtag group,
and he was hoping he'd get some answers soon, or at least talk to that
Jack fellow. But that was before his brother ran off at the sound of a
horn, and he saw, in the distance, that person named Lexy shift into
yet another form.
"Interesting group of friends he has." Jadus mumbled to himself, as he
stormed out into the... storm, for all intents and purposes.
The cold bothered him, but he knew that cold wouldn't matter during the
upcoming fight. He saw villagers scrambling towards the massive walls,
and he hurried his pace. Jadus knew he could flee, but that Jack fellow
interested him quite a bit.
And now, knowing a battle was about to occur, he focused his mind and
fell back on a few tricks he had readied before meeting his brother.
Following Aaron, he mumbled a few finishing touches. Feeling a familiar tingle in his left arm caused Jadus to smile.
He neared the wall.
===========================================================
Re: Just what you don't need... by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
With Jack and (hopefully) Kallika both out of the barn, and the others
nowhere near it, Cyan nods, and follows the twain towards the
wall. Her ears unerringly piece through the storm's roar to pick
out the spot where the noises are most feverish, and she trots in that
direction, sword slipping back into its sheath for the nonce.
She knows what she needs to know - Cyan is NOT at her best.
A silent question, but Berd is already on the job, sitting up on her
shoulder. Arcane senses probe the snow ahead, searching for the
enemy, whatever it may be.
The enemy. Soon to be the threat.
Cyan's eyes are dark, mirrored obsidian as she hurries up to where the
people are making their fiercest stand, most likely due to past
experience. She wonders if that will be the gates; giants or not,
the gates are certain the weak point in the wall.
Time will tell. Just as it will tell for her hand, her skill, her
life. Kallika, Hunter, and Jack will guard one another - there,
Cyan would only be in the way. As usual, she has Berd. It
has been enough, in the past.
===========================================================
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