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Part 19: Requiems and reunions
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Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
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The doctor, her grim face softened a little by the emotional charge in
the room looks at Jack, "If you want to wait here, I'll have somebody
fetch you as soon as she is able to see... that is... as soon as she is
ready for you to visit her. It's up to her if she is ready to
leave then. We'd prefer to keep her in a little longer, but
there's nothing we can do, if she's determined to go."
Then she turns to Cyan. "If the rest of you would like to come
with me?" As the others leave the room with her, and the door
closes behind them, Hunter lifts his head and howls. All the pain
that the group has felt so recently is channeled into that one sound as
it echoes through the corridors...
Somewhere else, Kalika sleeps, but in some part of her mind she feels, rather than hears, the sorrow in Hunter's voice, and knows that something has happened to somebody they know...
A short walk, featureless corridors, and a softly-lit room. Ares
lays on a table, a sheet covering his body up to the chest, and still
wearing his armour. The doctor looks a little apologetic,
"Whatever that is that he's wearing, we couldn't remove it without
risking more severe damage, and we couldn't manage to cut it off him."
"I assume that is Milspec equipment too. Pity it didn't protect him from the toxin."
At least Ares looks peaceful in death.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
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Aaron was the first to step to the side of the table.
His face held no emotion. How could it, for a man he hardly knew?
Somehow, though, Aaron did feel sadness. Like he, Ares was a son of Amber.
Aaron and Ares were related, in some small way, even if by the farthest
connection of blood. Not only that, but Aaron had fought with the man,
had seen the injury he had taken at the hands of the powers that would
eventually kill him and blind Kalika.
Aaron closed his eyes.
Son of Amber, rest from your long journey -
Prince of Shadows, retire to your final place -
Worry not for your cause, for its intent will be taken up by other men -
Let your strength show through their desire -
Your memory, through their actions -
May the sun of Amber rise and set before you, Brother
Aaron would weave the tapestry of reality, drawing a mourning path
through existence. They would reach Amber, and Aaron would carry Ares'
weight along with his friends.
For Aaron, the memory of Amber seemed a gray, lifeless comparison to the true reality of loss.
And they had lost much.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
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The lines on his face have faded...death gives an ease to life's pain.
Some might consider that a blessing, but Ares, Cyan knows, would
not. Aaron steps forward silently, and Cyan turns to the
Doctor. "Please...leave us for a time."
Berd, on her shoulder, hunched, stares at Ares with dulled eyes.
He looks up for an instant, and breathes a small wisp of black smoke
into the air. It slowly slides by the Doctor, and out into the
hall, splitting into billions of tiny fragments that settle through the
hospital.
Slowly, Ares is erased. Erased from the minds of those here,
from their records, from the electronic brains that hold his image in
storage. It's a delicate dance - not only are memories being
rewritten, but reality itself, as Berd ensures that nothing, no image,
no sequence of events, is impinged by the presence of the warrior.
Cyan's sketchbook is in her hand. She moves to stand beside Ares,
and stares at him through tear-filled, opalescent eyes. "Ares...I
have lost friends, and more than friends. Mablung, Cúthalion; now
you. It is not right. It is not just. I would give up
much for the chance to hear your voice again, the anger, the joy.
I wish I could have known more of you...but wishes are children's
games, and I fear I must grow up to follow your path. Now, all I
can do...is bring you home."
As she speaks, a picture begins to take shape on the page before her,
Cyan's quill flickering like summer lightning. A mountain, cloud
crowned, standing high. A forest in the background. And a
field of beautiful, tiny flowers, stretching far and wide.
"Home to rest," the Bard whispers, tears falling now as she continues to sketch out the palanquet.
Berd hums, a low, base sound. There are whispers in that sound,
whispers in another tongue, whispers of children, men and women, voices
raised in prayer.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
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Jack simply settled in to wait, watching the others go. To on edge to
sleep and to tired to think, he cleared his mind and meditated.
“Who’ll do the watch tonight?”
“We do my lord.”
Such as they were he and Hunter are the watch for the fallen Kali, The
silent vigil. Care for the wounded, then catch up and honor the fallen.
As much as he would have liked to have been there for Ares and the
others, the living came before the dead.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
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"Aaron, if you are to come, then come now," Cyan says quietly, holding up the sketch. I shall make this into a palanquet as well....
With (or without Aaron, as the case may be), she focuses upon the
sketch of the field of flowers. For an instant, it swims, then
takes on colour...then they are there, Ares' body lying on the soft
flowers beside them.
With a sigh, Cyan stares around herself with deep, amethyst eyes.
She stares at the towering mountain in the distance, so obviously
higher than the others. "Olympu,
he said," she whispers. It towers, vastly higher than any
Everest, stretching to the heavens, with birds slowly
circling...impossibly huge, just as is the mountain. It is like the stories of Valinor....
Raising Ares' body in her arms, Cyan carefully walks towards the nearby cairn of stones. This will prove as good a resting place as any. Let him not be disturbed here, by any traveller who might pass!
Silently, she arrives at the stones, Berd walking behind her through
the blue, blue flowers, head lowered. "Berd?" Cyan whispers, and
the little dragon looks up, dull eyes focusing on her face.
They glitter, and with small sweeps of his wings, the drake rises into
the air. He swoops once, then blurs into dizzying motion, soaring
around the cairn of stones twice widdershins, then blurring into a
tight Immelman turn to complete the circuit once, clockwise. Then
the little dragon comes to a hovered landing on a single stone, and,
raising his head, sings a bright, clear note into the air. It
hangs there, for an instant, somehow seeming familiar. Echoes of
dark metal, a bright sword, hands of terrible skill and an honourable
spirit.
Berd's eyes begin to shine.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
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The whole cairn, twice as tall as a man and consisting of hundreds of
large stones, floats into the air. The stones spread out as they rise,
spiralling and dancing around each other in a sedate aerial pavane.
Beneath them is revealed a pit, easily large enough to serve as a grave
for Ares of Amber.
There is a rumble of hooves from beyond a nearby rise, and moments
later a number of creatures appear over the low hill, galloping through
the flowers and the long grass. Many are horses, the same
coal-black, red-eyed, razor-toothed flesh-eaters that Ares is... was in the habit of summoning. Running among them, though, are more
fantastic things; centaurs, fauns, satyrs, and other beings which have
never been given names in any tale told by men.
The horses gallop past, but the centaurs and their ilk veer towards the
open cairn and the group of Shadow-walkers. They come to a halt a
few yard away, gazing at Ares, and some are openly weeping.
One of the centaurs points at the group, and at the body, inclines its
head to one side, and speaks in a voice like music resonating through
some cavern deep within the earth, "Hestarsin niha Aeres, koho vastak andriom?"
The language is strange, but the tone is questioning.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Berd
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Berd, staring at the Centaur, begins to concentrate. This is, by
far, the most difficult part of weaving reality. He focuses upon
the laws that govern this place, and beyond. To theories, to
abstract concepts...like language.
His eyes shining with the thousands of tiny stars reflected within, he
seeks to bring the two languages, at least for this time, in this
place, together.
Cyan steps forwards, her hands open, her sapphire eyes upon the
creatures, unafraid. "Ares...was our friend. We bring him
home, to his land. If this is not a fit place for him, say on,
and we will give him to you." Her voice holds her grief, but it
is strong for now, and clear. She hopes they can understand.
"We need only wait for our other companions, who would not let Ares go without their own goodbyes."
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
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"This place is as good as any here for Ares to be laid to rest." replies the centaur, "We did not intend to stop your rite, we sought merely to find who was to be buried here, in a place owned by Ares."
"With your permission, we will stay and pay our respects."
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
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Aaron followed Cyan, not just for the fact that he wished to see Ares
off, but also to have the comfort of someone else who was also grieving.
The strength he heard in Cyan's voice as she spoke to the recent
arrivals did not surprise Aaron, but it did make him sympathize, and
appreciate her control. She must have been exhausted from all the
recent chaos.
Casting his eyes about, Aaron thought the landscape a fitting place for
the man, and once formalities were adressed with the approaching
centaurs, Aaron believed it all the more. He couldn't think of a more
spectacular place to set ones' final rest.
He stood a silent vigil by Cyan, keeping his voice and thoughts alone.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
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"Of course," Cyan says, nodding to the man. She places Ares
carefully down on the ground, amidst the blue flowers. Berd nods
his head, satisfied, and the rocks drop down again. "We will wait
until our friends come...I will summon them, soon."
Not wishing to keep everyone waiting, Berd focuses again, this time on
something a trifle more concrete. Entropy; more specifically, the
passage of time. With his strength, billions of years can be
compressed into six days, or a seventh lengthened to eons. He
will slow time, here, to give Kallika and Jack a chance to prepare
themselves before Cyan reaches for them. The little dragon gazes
at Aaron for a moment, then quietly nods his head, as if to a question
only he could hear.
"If you would," Cyan says quietly, "I would know of Ares. If
there are stories, songs..." She chokes, and regains her control,
staring up at the Centaur with burning opal eyes. "I am a Bard,
and I would sing of him through all the worlds I travel. And I
fear I hardly knew him...though even that was enough for friendship."
Perhaps then Aaron will know Ares too. It seems only fair, that two forgotten or lost children of Amber should be introduced before saying goodbye forever..
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
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Slowly, Kali begins to waken. Her mind fights with her drugged body, an
difficult battle. She is semi-conscious when Hunter's cry reverberates
through her body and mind, bringing both to instant wakefulness, the
lingering affects of the sedative banished with that single howl. She
flexes her arms and is relieved to feel that the bonds have been
removed. She rubs the sore flesh and feels slight abrasions from her
straining. It itches more than it hurts. She opens her eyes to total
blackness and feels the salve on her face and the bandage on her thumb
and she smiles. The smile is fleeting, for the full extent of Hunter's
sorrow hits her and, though he tried to block it, she easily discovers
what has happened. They had been bound for so long that they could
hardly hide things from each other any more. She sits up quickly and
her body sways as she fights the nausea caused by the sudden motion.
Jack? Hunter? she asks in a small, almost childlike voice. She
feels their connection and knows that they are there, but her body is
still weakened by the drug and she cannot leave the room without
assistance... assistance she refuses to ask of the medical staff and
she can feel hovering around her. In her mind's eye she sees jackals
circling and sniffing their prey to determine if it is truly fallen and
ready for them to eat and her mouth sets into a firm, unyielding line.
Kali is aware of Ares' demise, but pushes the feelings caused by that
aside with the effectiveness and practice of a trained fighter who has
seen comrades and friends fall in battle and been forced to fight on
and mourn for them later. Right now she is staying focused on leaving
this room, the jackals, and returning to her love and her Bonded.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
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Jack had little more then settle in and
found a half lucid state that was restful and comfortable when he hard
the call. We are here lalai, he could feel her desire to leave, he need for assistance and her refusal to ask the med techs for help. and we will be there in a moment. Hunter lead me to her now? it was both a command and a plea, he needed to go to her. Though he was as certain Hunter did as well.
Starting off for the room where they had been
working on Kali, but watching Hunter in case he took a different
direction. He hurried toward his bonded. How are you holding love? He asked worriedly.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
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The centaur bows its head in thought a moment, then lifts its face
again and smiles at Cyan, sadly. Then he begins to speak in slow,
careful tones, "I know no songs of Ares, but I can tell you the tale of his coming which was passed down to me by my sire..."
"Always there has been an Ares here, but not always the same
Ares. In my great-grandsire's time Ares was older, and more
cruel. He would hunt beasts and half-beasts alike, purely for
sport, and none could stop him."
"One day a vagabond appeared at this exact place, which was then marked
by a tall spire of stone. Ares arrived to confront the intruder
and they did battle here, on the plain and on the nearer slope of
Olympu... "
The centaur pauses to draw breath, and somewhere within the crowd of
beast-men it becomes apparent that somebody is playing a flute, a
quiet, mournful tune.
"For twenty days they fought, back and forth
across the land. Ares summoned storms, and armies of bronze-clad
soldiers, and even the Sisters themselves... but he could not
prevail. The vagabond resisted the elements, fought the armies,
and even slew one of the Sisters, Euryale, who had been considered
immortal until that time."
"The storms abated as Ares' power faded, the armies retreated before
the wrath of the newcomer, and Medusa and Stheno carried the body of
their Sister home, swearing eternal emnity towards the intruder."
"Finally... there were just the two, the God and the vagabond."
"Ares struck a desperate two-handed blow with his axe, but the stranger
parried it, and the haft snapped. The blade of the axe struck the
spire and shattered it into the cairn of rubble that stands here
today. Before the last of the fragments had settled, Ares lay
dead."
"The stranger took the name of Ares, as had Ares before him, and the one before him, and so on, back through all of time."
"This new Ares did not hunt our people, but protected this land for
us. He ensured that the two remaining Sisters stayed only in the
farthest reaches of the world, and drove the harpies away from the
slopes of Olympu, into the bleak wilds beyond."
"Since that day, our numbers have grown, and we have prospered.
Ares will be missed. It is my hope that the next Ares is as
generous to our people."
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
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Aaron listens to Cyan, and as she falters, he places a hand on her shoulder to steady her silent resolve.
Attentive, his thoughts on the story that the centaur spoke he felt
Arianne, silent and recording the story into her own magical repository.
Much of the story interested Aaron, and it reminded him of a few
legends he had heard in Anynian history. Reflections of the same man
returning to a singular spot, or being mentioned in past recordings.
Amber had that effect on reality. Those who were stronger to her made
more reflections, or so he believed.
That cemented Aaron's own thoughts. Many memories had returned since
his long, tormented time, a great many of them were full of pain, but
he no longer dwelt on those.
Now, he would push on. Amber would see them soon.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Hunter
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Hunter looks up at Jack and snorts softly. Of course the wolf replies a little cynically, but doesn't make a snide comment.
He knows how stressful this ordeal has been on Jack... and on himself.
He follows Jack down the almost familiar corridors unerringly and then
stops at the door to Kali's room. In here he says, some of his eagerness to be reunited with Kali brimming over into the sending through their link.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
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The stern frown stays on Kali's face and she hopes it will ward the
hospital workers from bothering her while Jack and Hunter make their
way back to her room. On the inside however, she is smiling at having
heard Jack's voice. It was good to be awake again.
I am weak she admits grudingly Whatever they injected me with is strong... oh and I can't see she jokes badly, and he can feel her concern for him How are you holding up? We need to leave this place, say our farewells and then rest she decides, for she can feel the weariness that he is so adeptly keeping at bay and it worries her If there is such a place... she comments wryly and sighs heavily in the room. She hears the
heartbeats in the room quicken a little and feels the heat of one of
their bodies grow warmer as they move towards her.
Moving with lightning quickness, Kali jerks her head to face the
staffer, her mouth and teeth already shifting. She snarls savagely,
wicked, wolven teeth gleaming in the stark light of the room, the snarl
filling the quiet room with an animalistic sound that no human throat
could make.
"Stay away from me!" she growls angrily, her lip curling with disgust and anger.
Part of her intensely wishes that they provoke her, give her a reason
to attack. Her fingers begin to tingle with the change, a clear vision
of claws in her mind, but she controls the beast. These people had
tried to help her, and Jack and Hunter were getting closer by the
minute. Her weakness and solitariness put her on edge and the small
woman couldn't help feeling like a caged animal... an animal who
desired her freedom.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
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Thanks Hunter Jack sent flinging the door open as he burst through. Kali, no! They have helped and their way is different. We will have you out of here safe and sound in a moment. Jacks long strides carried him across the room to his changing love. He
spared a considerate look for the medical staff, they had tried to help
if nothing else. They had tried to help. “We are here Lalai, and I am
certain that Hunter is as ready to leave as you are.” His tone soft and
reassuring as he moved forward
Kali could smell Jacks reassuring earthy
smell even before he made it to her side. She felt his
muscular arms gently close around her, enveloping her. “Are you ready
to move?” <i> We really should be some place private when Cyan
call for us using my card.”
Even as he asked her that, Kali and
Hunter can feel Jack walk the mental pattern of his mind. Sliding along
the dark cracks of the pattern ever so deftly he sent black tendrils
out searching for the red haired Bard or Berd. He may not be able
to travel well through the worlds, but he could call for a pick up.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
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The story is simple, nearly painfully so. These creatures have
been aided by Ares in their freedom, for some time it seems.
Victimized by the former rulers, they had been freed by Ares' skill
and, more importantly, honour and determination.
All of that...gone, now.
Cyan bows her head in grief. This quest continues to cost, and it builds higher and higher. There will be a butcher's bill aplenty to pay by the end, I am thinking.
A dark look is in her amethyst eyes as she looks up to the
Centaur. "I have heard your tale," she says quietly. "It is
one that I would have expected of Ares' past. It tells me little
of from whence he comes, but much of the man. I thank you.
Ares shall not be forgotten."
And neither shall you. Too many things. Otandal's people must be told. Duncan must be found, if he yet lives, though a palanquet may be the first step in determining that. The people of the
frozen world need assistance against the Giants of Winter. And
now, here...there must be an Ares.
So many things. There is only so much I may do, but
this...perhaps I can do this, and assist the people of the land of ice
simultaneously. Cyan can only hope. She begins to wonder if this quest is worth continuing. Surely there are those in Amber better capable of taking this up - the fabled Princes and Princesses. Surely....
Unfortunately, there is little she can do about it NOW.
And...there is the matter of getting it done now, for the sake of those
in the Myriad Worlds who might be affected. From the sounds of
it, those of Amber do not seem concerned with 'Shadows'.
"I shall see if my compatriots are prepared," she says, quietly, pulling out her deck of palanquet. Moments later, she holds Jack's card in hand, and focuses her will upon it.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali hears the door open and the tension begins to leave her before
Jack's smell hits her. She inhales deeply, teeth retreating and her
throat blurring as it shifts back. The tingling leaves her fingers and
then his arms are around her, and she relaxes in his embrace, her head
falling onto his shoulder, her eyes closed. She breathes deeply and
nuzzles the side of his neck, kissing him softly there. She didn't
realize how acutely she had missed him until he was back.
Kali clears her throat before speaking "More than ready" she sasy
quietly, squeezing him in a return hug "but I don't know what they did
with my things" her sword, pack, and the deeply hooded cloak from Cyan
flash in her mind's eye, but of them all the one she refuses to leave
without is her sword.
Hunter stands in front of them, watching the medical staff while Kali
and Jack get ready to leave. His reunion with Kali will wait until they
are in Ares' world and away from this place of tall buildings and
advanced technology.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
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Jack savored the hug and was simply relived
that she was alive, so relieved and grateful that little else mattered.
Hushing down he slipped a arm behind Kali under both of her arms,
changing the direction if his tendrils search he sought out her
equipment. “No problem Lalai it’s all in the cupboard” He said leading her over to it.
Glancing back behind her for a moment
he looked down “Um. . . Dear, it seems your hospital gown is not tied
in the back.” He added before opening the cupboard and retrieving her
things. He placed the sword in her hands knowing she would feel better
for it but sending Do not be rash with it here, Hunter and I shall protect you. He started to lead her from the room, knowing it was best to get someplace private to contact Cyan.
He felt symapthy for the great wolf as he moved. He knew
that Hunter wanted to be as close to Kali as Jack was at the moment and
take the time to greet her properly.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali stands on shaky legs, leaning heavily on Jack for support, her
body not entirely released from the influence of the sedative. She
feels the draft at the same time Jack shares his observation. She feels
her cheeks lit up, burning with an embarrassed blush. She wants to try
to cover herself, but her hands are tied, one holding Jack's side, the
other gripping her scabbard and she was loathe to give either up. She
sighs in defeat. Well it's not as if you haven't seen it before she comments. trying to forget her embarrassment and ignore the cold draft as they move from the room.
At first her steps are halting and slow, but the more she moves the
more her strength returns to her and by the time they are half way down
the hallway the arm around Jack is there for affection rather than
support, but she is still moving slowly, taking things cautiously.
Moving too fast made her feel nauseous.
"Lalai, before we join the others I'd like to change" she
got a good look at her rear end by borrowing Hunter's eyes and the
fading blush renews itself "To visit Ares's gravesite like this would
be a terrible insult" her black set of clothing was ruined, stained by
blood and venom and torn for makeshift bandages, and the set of layered
greys, deeply wrinkled, wasn't faring much better, but anything was
better than the revealing hospital gown.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
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Jack held Kali firmly yet easily, easing up
as she gained her legs again. He let go of her letting her sort through
her stuff. “Certainly yes, can’t have you running around like
this. Though I don’t mind it in the least.” He teased her as he
dug in his own pack for a moment and pulled out a black sweater, he had
picked up back on the ship. He had gotten the clothes ha now wore and
some extras for changing then. Handing her the over large
sweater, he smiled uncertainly. “You are not exactly my size but this
sweater would make a dress for you. I have a button up shirt if you
would prefer.” He chuckled
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
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Jack felt an odd felling in his head, for a moment he
resisted it trying to figure out what it was. “Kali. . .” he said in a
warning voice, before he realized it must be the cards that Cyan uses.
. . He hoped. A power word on the tip of his tongue just in case he
tried to answer the annoying feeling in his mind. Tentatively opening
himself to it.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
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Kali stops when Jack does and then sits on the floor with her pack.
Hunter approaches her and she hugs him tightly, relishing in the
feeling of his soft fur. She had missed him as well. He licks her face,
careful to avoid the salve on the venom burns and she giggles,
playfully batting his snout away. The large wolf then sits down across
from Kali and looks at the pack, lending her his sight so she can find
her clothes. She looks up when Jack offers the sweater, and then
silently curses her stupidity. Hunter starts to turn, but she asks him
not to. She shakes her head, a quiet 'no.'
"Thank you for the offer though... when attending a wake it is proper
to dress in your best, to show the spirits how rich a life the deceased
lived so that they would lead a richer life after death and not be
sucked into the depths of the ocean" she shudders and then shrugs out
of her gown unabashedly.
She tenses at Jack's warning, but doesn't want to keep them any longer than necessary. If you need anything love, let me know she sends, lending what support she can while not focusing all of her attention on it.
Kali is quickly dressed, but she starts to struggle with the ties to
her pants, but she remembers Jack's words from when she cut herself
sheathing her sword and takes her time and doens't think about it so
hard. Soon she is fully dressed in the tight, fitted layered cottons
and pants. She smoothes at the wrinkles, but doesn't waste her time.
Instead she gropes around for her comb.
She undoes what is left of the braid and begins to comb out her long
silver hair. Once the snarls are out she feels around in her pack, and
smiles when she locates what she is looking for. She pulls out a small
bundle and then, borrowing Hunter's eyes, pulls out a glimmering,
irridescent chain. She braids her hair, deftly weaving the shimmering
metal into the braid so that sparks of rainbow color shine from within
the sea of silver hair. Kali does not come from a rich family, but she
does what she can for Ares' sake.
Her pack is quickly filled and secured once again. She feels more
comfortable with her blade at her hip and then dons the cloak. She
pulls the hood up so that her disfigured face is hiden by the shadows
from the deep hood. She reaches for Jack's hand and laces her fingers
through his and then cuts the contact through Hunter, her free
hand stroking the wolf's thick fur.
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
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The contact is simple, as Jack opens to it. Had he been less
wary, he likely would have an image to go with it, but as it is, there
is only a presence. A quicksilver personality, twisting and
shimmering through shapes and states, but dulled now, heavy with the
cold of grief and loss.
"Jack? It is Cyan. How is Kallika? Are you ready to come, or do you require more time?"
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Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
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Jack opened himself largly to the contact letting it come as it may. Cyan! Kali could sense it all through the link, then again Cyan was getting a
pretty good feel for everything through trump contact as well. The
minds of Kali, Jack and hunter maintained an easy free flowing constant
contact. Three individuals, being as one. When he feels Cyan’s grief,
it is a stark reminder. Yes, I believe we are ready my friend, bring us through when you are ready.
He reached for Kalika taking her by the hand I’m not certain how this is supposed to work, but you should hold onto Hunter just in case contact is needed lalai.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Come, then. As the contact becomes stronger, an image of
Cyan, standing amidst a group of odd creatures, in a field of grass and
small, blue flowers becomes visible to his mind's eye. There is a
rainbow shimmer for an instant as she reaches between worlds, to take
his hand.
A tug, as spiritual as it is physical, and the trio is there, as simply
as that. Cyan stares at the three of them through agate eyes,
darkened by sorrow, a sorrow that deepens when she sees that Kallika,
while on her feet, is not healed. Slowly releasing Jack's hand,
the bard manages a tremulous smile. "Welcome," she
whispers. "Kallika...I am sorry." Respectful of Jack, and
the other woman's feelings, that is all she has to say.
Before them is the cairn, the beings of this world, Aaron, and the
black-armored form, lying silently on the ground. His sword is
beside him, his helm on his chest, left hand atop it.
Berd huddles atop the cairn. He seems...preoccupied. Focused.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Somehow, Aaron felt that he should have done more for Ares' funeral
than merely witnessing it, but he was at a loss for any ideas. He was
sapped of both memory and strength for this small moment, and Arianne
was a gentle influence.
Too much has happened to us in such a short time,
Master. All of us need to rest, Kalika especially. Would it do us well
to discover our next destination?
With a curt nod, Aaron turned to Jack and Kalika, nodding to them both
and stating their names with a grim look. They too, would require time
to grieve, and then he would inquire of their next move.
He had a feeling the Pattern would come into play. With Ares gone, he was the only one physically attached to Amber.
That was enough to satisfy him. Amber had much to answer for.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
With the arrival of Jack and Kalika, the beastmen seem to guess that
things will start soon. They move in closer, forming a circle
around the smaller pile of stones, while more of the fragments of the
cairn still revolve lazily overhead.
All of the creatures present are still, heads bowed slightly.
From somewhere among them comes an odd, musical humming noise, low and
somber, almost as if a swarm of bees were in mourning.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali intakes a quick gasp of a breath at the sudden tug on both her mind and body. Her finger's tighten in Hunter's fur. They
emerge in a different place, and Kali sinks back into the shadows of
her hood, unsure of their surroundings. Hunter offers his eyes, but she
shakes her head ever so slightly. This was something that she needed to
do on her own. She breathes deeply of the air through her nose,
adjusting it minutely to shift through the myriad of smells to try to
identify them. Her companions scents are in the air, as well as an odd
mixture of horse and man, as well as the scents of the world... it was
a world she had been in before... Olympu... Ares' world she recalls.
Cyan speaks to her, and she head moves to face the other woman. She
deliberately pushes the hood back, revealing her burned face and
striking white eyes. The chain woven in her hair sparkles with rainbow
irridescence and it is a the unnerving white orbs are "looking" at the
Bard. She hears the sorrow in her voice and inside, something hardens.
"No Cyan... keep the sorrow for those who need it..." Kali says, her
hand squeezing Jack's for support before she releases his hand and
motions to the circle of thundering hearbeats and heat. She makes an
assumption and rolls with it "The people of Ares' world"
That said, Kali next looses her grip in Hunter's fur and she steels
herself. She moves away from Hunter and Jack and approaches the
circle, the source of the faint scent of Ares, tingled with the smell
of sterile hospital and salve. She stops when her foot kicks a stone of
the cairn. Surprise jolts through her and she stumbles, but catches her
balance before falling, the chain chiming, announcing the misstep to
those who missed it. Cheeks flaming, Kali allows herself to grieve.
The feelings are intense, as are the memories. The playful glint in his
eye when relating the exploits that led to his removal from Amber, the
skillful way in which he conducted himself in battle, silhouetted in
sunlight speaking with Cyan on a beach, selflessly offering to stay
when no one else would. He died from battle, as was fitting, and he
would be missed. She wished him as much adventure in the afterlife as
he enjoyed in this life. She rises and turns away, returning back to
Jack and Hunter, slowly and cautiously retracing her steps. Ares is
gone to her, dead. She had allowed herself to mourn, but such was her
lifestyle. One day it would be her in the cairn with the others
grieving and then moving on with their lives, their own personal
quests. She reflected on past funerals, of her people throwing
themselves, wailing, over graves and never being the same. Such a
display of weakness from one of the Chunchee. There was no death that
would reduce her to that state... no death but of those she was bound
with and when that time came it was not a state she would be in for
long.
Kali lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, her hands
questing the reassuring feeling of Hunter's fur and Jack's grip as she
took in their scents. She was preparted to patiently wait while the
others said good bye in their own ways.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan bows to Kalika, respecting her wishes. Her wishes, and her
sympathy to the people of Olympu. She slowly turns back to the
cairn and watches as Kalika moves to Ares' body. When she
stumbles, Cyan winces, but nothing more; this will be hard for the
warrior, but she will do it alone.
Kalika silently finishes, and Cyan stands. She walks to where
Ares lies, her opalescent eyes brimming with tears. As always,
the Bard, uncaring, wears her emotions where all can see; kneeling down
before Ares, she stares at him through shimmering vision. All of
her memories of him sweep through her, each with the power to wrench
her heart, but one strikes her to the core. Not Ares battling,
the glorious skill and bravery at work; not Ares travelling, grim
determination and honor, despite his checkered past. No, this was
the one time, the only time, she has seen Ares laugh. Laugh at
the simple joy of communication, laugh at the surprise and pleasure of
touching another mind and finding an unexpected greeting.
For an instant, as it was now, the lines of care had vanished from his
face, and she had seen the Ares within. The true man, the young
man beneath the weight of experience and deeds, of responsibility and
fate. It stabs to her heart now, for that face, free of care, was
alive, and this one is cold and silent in death.
Unashamedly, Cyan began to weep.
The tears pour silently down her cheeks, and while her breath grows
raspy, she holds back the sobs. They ae not seeming for such a
solomn ceremony. The Bard runs fingers down Ares' brow, touched
his closed eyes. "Safe in the arms of the One," the Bard whispers
in a strained voice. "Go to your reward, Warrior.
Protector. Defender." A single blue flower is in her
hand. She wraps it carefully in a silk strip, cut from her sash,
and slips it under the helm pn his chest.
Slowly, Cyan stands and walks backwards from the fallen Ares, back
straight, keeping her eyes on him. The wind on the plain picks up
slightly, and runs over Cyan's harp, lying beside her pack. A
ripple of shimmering notes, slightly discordant, pours from it for an
instant, and the Bard's tear-streaked face nearly crumbles. Grief
is rarely pretty.
But she stands alone, waiting for the end of this. The now-ragged end of her sash snaps in the wind, once.
Berd continues to crouch on the stones, also waiting, eyes dull.
His head comes up, and he stares at Jack, then Aaron, then sweeps his
gaze across the gathered, myriad creatures.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
The unfamiliar tugs and relocation of
both body and spirit ever caused Jack to be disoriented for a moment.
Recovering quickly enough he nodded to Aaron, standing there in silence
he provided emotional support for Kali. With a gentle squeeze of her
hand he let her go do what she needed, there was something he needed to
do. Turning he moved quietly from the assemblage, though he stopped
with a intake of breath feeling Kali momentarily loose her balance. It
almost felt as if he himself were about to fall.
As he sought what he needed he
pondered his own time with Ares, feeling the Chuchee’s. He did not know
the man as they did, by the time he had came on seen Ares was silent
mostly. Yet he was there for the group, there as a person. Jack had
know Ares would have helped him find his pattern, there by finding
himself. Jack just had not had the patients. Getting Aaron to open
himself, where Ares had the caution not to due to the threat of the
Gatherer. Ares, ever cautious, ever the voice of reason. Despite knot
having the time to truly know the man, he had liked him. Ares was the
patriarch of the group. . .
Jack found something that would work, a
beautiful thistle like flower. Lush and full laden with many prickly
blooms. The stems and leaves were tough, spinney, a silvery green-grey
color, but the flowers were soft and a deep royal blue, rich and deeply
vibrant. He pulled a single sprig with six large flowers, and then
pulled three more flowers from the same bush. His hand feeling the
worse for ware as the thorns pricked his skin. He trimmed the thorns
back off of the stems. The pain helped him deal with it all, life was
pain and joy as well.
With this done he came back to the group, slipping
one of the two flowers that were separate into his lapel. He took the
other two and handed them to Aaron speaking softly. “One for you and
one for the lady of the blade, Arianne.” He said slipping one of them
into Aaron’s lapel button. Moving on from person to person he gave each
of the rest of them one of the blooms from the single stemmed bunch.
Pealing each away with care. Lexy. . . then Cyan. . . Berd,
though he stopped and looked at Berd for a moment. Then he twinned the
stem of one gently weaving it in hunters fur. He took the second to the
last one and after making certain that it would not sting her he wove
it into Kali’s hair by her ear.
The last bloom he took and placed in Kali’s hand, at the same time taking her hand. Lets give him his bloom, and let him rest. He guided her hand to place the flower on Ares. Speaking as he did so,
“Still waters run deep old friend, never had I seen a person calmer or
with more depth then you Ares my friend. Rest well, your memory will
live on.” Jack looked at Cyan for a moment “Your songs sung and tales
will be told.” perhaps that would motivate the bard to play and
sing again. “A man of peace as much as war, I would like to think.”
Jack swallowed his adamsapple doing a
dip, this was the part he dreaded. He looked again at Berd
sending the bad news. You
know we have to burn him don’t you? Remember how they were using the
hand. . . What would happen if the got the whole body of an Amber man?
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd's dulled eyes turn towards Jack.
For an instant, there is a burning light within the drake's eyes, then it fades.
Cyan's tears continue to fall as she accepts the flower from Jack. Her head bows.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack looked to Berd, I’ll trust your safe guards Was all he sent, as he did not want to burn Ares, but he worried. The
deaths as well as the lives of those with power had a profound effect
on the worlds. As they went he had gained a better understanding of the
true pattern and how it effected everything. There were no small
actions for people of the true pattern, no small thoughts. An errant
thought could effect wolds. What were the repercussions of Ares
death?
Jack waited and worried. . .Letting
the others take their time and do their thing. A silent pillar of
support for Kalika and held her hand to be there if she needed him. The
thistle blooms. . .they were the binding of the group, dead or alive.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the group let their sorrow be known through the use of
flowers, words, and tears, yet Aaron felt that he needed to keep his
mind on things ahead.
He was saddened by that, also, even though he felt it was only because
of the fact that the rest of the group knew Ares better than he did.
Something about the way Jack looked at the moment caused Aaron to gaze his way.
He didn't question the man, and he didn't let any of his curiosity
show, but he would have to inquire of his thoughts later on. Was
something bothering him?
Sighing, Aaron looked to Cyan, saw the tear-stained streaks tracking
down her face. His downcast eyes took in the earth between them.
He could say and think no more upon Ares. He had said his goodbyes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali is touched by Jack's actions and joins him to place the thistle
bloom with Ares. Her movements are more confident, more sure when she
moves with Jack. She makes a mental note to press the flower in her
book after they moved on.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Throughout the simple ceremony by Ares' friends, the creatures of
Olympu watch quietly, not interfering. Only when the last of his
companions has said their farewell to the man do those he had defended
step forward. They form a tight circle around the group at the
graveside, and there is a feeling of tension in the air, as if
something is about to snap.
Berd hisses as the stones of the cairn rise into the air once more,
this time spiralling inwards and piling on top of the grave. Now
though, something is different...
The cairn is taller and narrower, and the stones are glowing, red
hot. The heat increases, driving all back from the cairn, and the
stones become hard to see through the heat ripples in the air.
Finally the last stone settles into position, and the heat flares for
an instant before the stone cool down to a dull red glow, which fades
rapidly. In place of the cairn, there now stands a tall spire of
unbroken, glassy-smooth stone, still radiating heat.
The denizens of Olympu turn and leave, save the centaur who had spoken at length earlier, "We
thank you for bringing Ares home to us. The half-men of Olympu
will do their part in honouring him, by keeping others away from this
place."
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan glances at Berd, only to see the small dragon flit to her
shoulder, landing with a dull look of sadness to her. She turns,
and bows to the creatures of Olympu, facing the Centaur. "Thank
you...I can say nothing more than that," she manages, opalescent eyes
still filled with tears. "I hope we meet again, under better
circumstances. I am Cyan."
When the Centaur leaves, the Bard silently sits down on the ground,
cross-legged, and pulls her hood up to shadow her face. Berd
crawls down, and moves up to the newly forged tower, sniffing at it
curiously. He utters a sad, peeping noise, then, back hunched,
walks back to where Cyan sits.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack arose leading Kalika over to Cyan
if she was ready, but if she was not he went over to Cyan anyway. He
had things to do, realizing he had been lax in his duties and remiss in
his creativity. Looking at Cyan through his deep blue eyes he asked,
“May I borrow the cube?” it was time to learn and grow. He may not be
able to travel through the worlds as easily as the others, but he could
gather information with the best of them.
Now was the time to find out about the paths that lie before them, so they may chose the best one.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan silently produces the cube, and hands it to Jack. Still
keeping her face shadowed by her hood, she stands, walking over to the
plllar and holding her hands about a finger'swidth from the cooling,
fused stone.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack understood Cyan’s need to
be by herself and felt badly for having invaded her space. Still life
went on, he hated what had happened, but there was nothing he could do
to change it. Though. . . “I will always remember the fact that Ares
was willing to help me, though he didn’t know me from Jack.” Okay it
was a bad joke and this was not the proper place or time “Ares seemed
like the type of man to live life in his own quiet way. I honestly
believe he would want us to cherish our time with him and celebrate his
life. With that I would like to hear what each of you remember best of
Ares. What good you take from having known him, if you are able.” He
probably should have let it lay, time heals. It would simply take time,
but did they have time?
As Jack spoke he looked the cube over, examining each
side without truly letting himself concentrate on and side. Time and
time again he was drawn to the picture of the glass buildings. It had
dawn him from the first time he looked at the cube. He walked the
pattern of his mind again sliding along the black paths of the breaks.
This let his avoid the veils rather than press through them. Using the
tendrils of the broken pattern he reached out into infinite worlds. .
.Searching!
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack takes the cube from Cyan and studies it, turning it in his hand
far more times than simple Euclidean geometry would suggest should be
needed, until he finds the desired image.
Tall buildings of glass, translucent, and filled with the shadowy
outlines of glass structures and forms within. Streams of light
flood through them from the sky beyond, and the shapes of the clouds
are hazily visible through the constructs' walls.
As Jack studies it, the image comes to life, the clouds start to move
and thr shafts of sunlight scatter and shift with them. But there
are other things moving too... gleaming things that seem to swarm
across and through the buildings.
And as Jack studies, the cube itself shifts in his hands, writhing as
if alive, twisting in ways that his eyes cannot follow, and which the
tendrils of Broken Pattern refuse to even attempt to discern... and
when it is still again the cube has grown once more, and an image of
Ares' grave marker is on one face of it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack has a far off look in his deep blue
eyes and his somber face grows even more grave if that is possible. He
speaks but it is soft and distant as if he is only half here. “A
world. . .A world devoid of life. . .Lifeless. . . Yet active. .
.Filled with spider like machines made of crystal and metal. . . Oh how
the glisten in the light. . .” His voice becomes worried and excited as
he grows more upset “A complex of buildings, beneath them. . .
Hundreds. . . perhaps thousands of the orbs like the one of the gathers
world! How many dead worlds do these represent? How many peoples. .
.How many worlds deaths shall there be in the name of power?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan thinks quietly about her recollections of Ares. There are
quite a few, from the short time she knew the man. They certainly
did not see eye to eye at first....
But Jack has found something else of interest. It seems possible
he has discovered the origin point of the spheres. Cyan turns
away from the piller, and walks over to sit down in front of him, a few
paces off.
"I expect that is where we shall go next," she says quietly, after a time.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Concentration weighs heavily on Jacks
brow as he tries to discern if the orbs are active of just in
storage. “Hmmmm?” He responds still not all there, the biggest
part of his mind is many worlds away. “I- I don’t know. The
broken god perhaps had something to do with the ones that killed Ares.
. . And the broken god looked like the one described on Cylla’s
world. . . The one that set her to the task of putting out the orb on
the Gathers world. If that is so then not only may we seek him for
revenge, seek more knowledge of The Broken God and the thing of light
we encountered out in the worlds. . . We must decide how to proceed
from here together. . .I am only collecting information to aid that
decision.”
It is clear to tell as Jack speak softly that he
is still lost in concentration. Trying to learn what he can from afar.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
After the centaurs had departed, Aaron decided to sit down before the
grave of Ares. His attentions had been upon Cyan as she approached the
last place of her friend, but he was soon divided towards what Jack was
accomplishing.
"While I agree that we should investigate that new world further," he
said, "allow me to place the first words of unneeded caution. I,
personally, would not like to encounter another of those beings of
light, especially after our first meeting with it."
Aaron glanced in Kalika's direction at that, knowing that the "broken
god", as Jack called whatever started this mess, must have been
considerable in and of itself, if it could call upon such beings as
that.
"I would try to gather, not only information on what we're stepping
into, but also as much supplies and equipment as was necessarry. While
I could probably use the Pattern to get what I desire, I'll honestly
admit that I'm unsure as to my current skill. In any event, we should
prepare for whatever eventuality we decide."
Raising his hand, he gestured to each of them.
"I'm prepared to continue until the end, no matter how long it will take us."
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali recognizes how much of Jack's attention is devoted to the task of
helping them with their next move and she wants to keep distractions to
a minimum. Thusly, she gently blocks her connection with him, the great
wolf doing the same, so that all of his attention can be focused on the
task before him.
When Aaron speaks up, Kali's head moves in his direction, although she is oblivious to his look.
"We can discuss this after the reconassance is completed. Until then
please allow Jack to keep his will focused at gathering information. To
divide his concentration will only mean that much less information
gathered... and you know he can't resist retorting your points Aaron"
within the shadows of her hood, Kali smiles loosely at the Amberite and
it is hard to tell if she is kidding or being serious.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack continues his study of the cube, and the image becomes sharper,
and now the faintest suggestions of sounds can be heard; a distant
tapping, a hint of unearthly music, just at the lower limit of hearing,
perhaps not even there really...
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack breaks all contact with the cube, not
wanting to open a gate between there and here. Or at least close it if
he has opened anything, he sways back and forth for just a moment. “The
orbs are in a stand-by mode, functional, but not active.” his
eyes swam back into focus and smiled sheepishly at Kali. “I happen to
agree with Aaron this time.” he said a little embarrassed that she
though he would argue with Aaron just to argue. How bad of a showing of
himself had he made? Well he would make it up to them. . .
With that he silently moved back away from the
group, unobtrusively moving into the back ground mentally and
physically. He closed himself off so that he would not sway
anyone’s decisions. Silently he glanced at the cube thinking
about checking some of the other areas. . .
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Strike to the source," Cyan states quietly, pulling her hood
off. Berd gratefully crawls up her arm to sit on her shoulders
again, and the Bard rubs swollen, agate eyes. "I believe it
should be our next destination. As for equipment and supplies,
what more would we require? We could load ourselves down like
packanimals, and still be missing that crucial thing that would foil
our foes. Either we have it within ourselves to adapt and
overcome, or we do not," she continues, not arguing, but pointing out
her own opinions.
"But if you have something specific in mind, perhaps we can 'get'
one. It may be during our full reconnaissance we shall determine
the necessity of an item or three, as well."
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
With a small laugh, Aaron smiled at Kalika, though he knew she couldn't
see it. At Jack's aggrement, and Cyan's resultant comment, the man
nodded.
"I am simply being cautious. We have taken a great amount of pain to
get to this point in the journey, and it would strike me as ill to go
into our next situation unprepared. While there are certain things I
would like to apprehend, they are currently out of my reach, and are
particularly specific to myself."
Aaron sighed. His entire Anynian field suit would be preferable, now
that he had a space to think about it, but even a close approximation
of it wouldn't be suitable enough for him. They were at the gates, so
to speak, and they needed to step through now.
No. Tracking a pathway through Shadow to San Anyn wasn't the best idea
at the moment. There were too many variables, especially for one as
inexperienced in traversing worlds as he.
Aaron ground his teeth. Cyan was right. It could wait.
"Well, in lieu of our current situation, I'll forego my paltry
necessities. It's best that we accomplish what we can now, without
wasting our time."
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
When Jack speaks up Kali removes the block, no longer afraid of being a
strain on his concentration. She knew that Jack was extremely
accomplished when it came to matters of the mind, but she couldn't help
being cautious. As soon as this lift takes place, Jack can feel Kali's
mirth. The comment was meant in a teasing manner, but she is still on
the fence about the Amberite so the joking did not show. She did want
him to stop talking, and made a joke about he and Jack's past
interactions, but it her delivery was terrible. Aaron was making a
better name for himself in her eyes everytime he spoke, but people
could do a lot of talking... she needed to see actions before she'd be
fully convinced of his "recovery."
"I agree. This place should be our next destination. Before travelling
I suggest we acquire one of these orbs so we can test ways to destroy
it so we are able to destory them en masse once we enter that world.
While I agree we should go to this world next, we need a better plan
than 'let's go to that world and see what happens'" she shares her
thoughts with the group and rubs her bandaged thumb, her mind wandering
to ways to try to destory the orbs while she waits for the others'
input.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Aaron, if they are, indeed, necessities, they should be
acquired. Can you not...simply ensure that one is nearby
and...ah, 'walk' to it?" Cyan asks quietly. "If they are not
necessities, well...Kalika is correct. A bit of reconnaissance is
a fine idea. That would give you enough time to pick up whatever
you are missing, and for us to determine a means to destroy the globes."
She pauses, then looks directly at Kalika. "And destroying the
globes is a fine delaying tactic, and a good beginning...then we must
find a way to END this. Else they will simply...what is the
word. 'Manufacture' more of them. They have the
means." The Bard frowns. "We need to plan out our goals."
Holding up her hand, she begins to tick off fingers.
"One. Find a means to destroy a globe."
"Two. Find a means to destroy their...industry."
"Three. Find their command structure. Destroy it, and the head."
"F-" Pausing, Cyan frowns, her jade eyes darkening slightly, and
switches hands. "Four. Find out where these globes have
been taken, how many have been strewn through the myriad worlds, and
where."
"Five. Most important. Find out their GOALS. Even if
we shatter their leadership, scatter them to the winds, there is
nothing preventing this from happening again unless we understand why
and how, to deal with that as well. Understand yourself, and you
have a fifty/fifty chance of success. Understand yourself and
your opponant, and you cannot lose."
Pausing, she looks around. "Are there any more goals that do not
fit into that little list somewhere? Other than staying alive,
that is."
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron mulled it all over. He had an idea, as far as his own necessities were required, and he felt it would be good to share it.
"A very good outline, Cyan. As far as my requirements, ah, as I said,
I'm still not as experienced as I wish to be when it comes to the
Pattern. In that light, I ask all of you for the opportunity that I...
what's the word... ah, hellride, is it? Yes."
He clears his throat and crosses his arms before his chest, looking to each of them.
"I can take quite a bit of punishment, but... after Ares..." he pauses,
as if trying to find words to his recent thoughts, "well, no amount of
armor will protect me from absolute death, but I would feel safer with
total preparations. My idea is to hellride to San Anyn, where I can
gather my goods, and any supplies we may need before we totally strike
against our enemies."
"And to clarify, the distance from where we are here
in 'Shadow', is not very far from San Anyn. I have that sense of
direction."
That surprised Aaron. "You...?" he began, before shaking his head and
returning his attentions to the rest of them. Arianne had her own
secrets, it seemed.
"If the opportunity presents itself, then I will hellride to San Anyn
and return to the rest of you at my best speed. Preferably via one of
your Tru... ah, palanquet, Cyan."
Silver eye flickering in the sunlight above, Aaron nodded.
"What say the rest of you?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan’s hand fumbles at her pouch for an instant as her face darkens
slightly with the reference to Ares. But she manages to remove
the palanquet well enough, snapping the single card out from her pack with the ease
of a trained conjurer, minus a finger or not. It doesn’t matter
that Ares held the card; it is in her deck, now. Standing, the
Bard holds the card out to Aaron between two fingers.
“Best if you get what you need, Aaron. That is my vote. We
shall continue our efforts while you are gone. Call these what
you will - palanquet,
Trump…it matters not. All that matters is that they work.”
She glances around to the others with dark, ruby eyes. “That is
my view on the matter, and I require nothing, myself – hence, I shall
not need to leave and return. Should others wish to go and find
what they need, I will await here…with those who stay or alone, if
necessary.”
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack had found a tree
and was quietly sitting in it’s shadow, He eyed the card handed to
Aaron. It was not his card so it was not his choice. Perhase it
was for the best as he could work things out on the fly himself, he had
become far to relyant on the others. From where he sat Jack seemed to
be missing something that was the heart and essence of Jack. No knowing
smile rested on his lips, he seemed not to even be able to find more
then a spark of amusment at Kali’s wry humor. Somthing that would
normaly set him off so much even if he did not show it.
He nodded to the Amber man, “God
speed Aaron, get what you need. Though if you could pick me up some
arrows, pistols and powder while you are out.” Jack looked pale and
worn, much of the color gone from his from his sun tanned cheeks. His
attention swung back, “I agree we need a better plan than charging in
there. Your goals are great Cyan, but a little much of just a high
level overview for my taste. We could have Lexy try and bring one of
those orbs with her chaos powers. However I still remeber Lazurus
flying through the air when he touched it with the chaos tendril.”
Jack shook his head no his voice
soft, eyes closed and head leaned back on the tree as he spoke. “I am
worried that they have them guarded against the powers of Chaos. I do
not want to see Lexy or anyone of you harmed needlessly. To this end I
am offering to go to this world and retreive one of the orbs myself. I
am the best choice, other then Lexy’s chaos powers. I can get in and
out quick and quiet, like a shadow in the dark. In doing so I must go
alone though. . . “
Kali could feel him watching her via
the link. He was watching her reaction, yet what he said was plain and
simple fact as he could get in and out of almost anyplace where ther
were shadows. He could not take her with his if everyone agreed that he
sould do this. Jack could not even afford to take Hunter, as the wolf
would have slowed him down to much and been to noisy. He would rather
the great wolf would stay and protect his mistress anyway. If they did
it this way he had to walk this one alone, he didn’t want any of the
other getting hurt or worse.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
With a sigh, Aaron nodded. He took the card from Cyan's hand, gazing
down at the image placed within the symbol itself, and gritted his
teeth.
"You will hear from me soon." he said, before turning away from them
and beginning to walk away from the site of Ares' grave, towards the
east.
"I had thought to bring back a pair of pistols for you, Jack. Also,
don't do anything stupid while I'm gone." he chuckled as he continued
on, glancing back. "Wait until I return, and then we can do stupid things together."
He laughed a little louder, before going silent as his thoughts turned to concentration.
You know that San Anyn is of a faster rate than this place?
Aaron nodded. For every day that passed here, a week would pass on San Anyn.
More time for me to get what we need. The pistols will be a problem, but not much of one.
Aaron focused, and the Pattern moved through him. As was his birthright.
Soon, his form disappeared from view.
Trees to the left and right of me, drifting away, vanishing to
become fields of brown grass... the grass going on for miles, only to
change to gain hills... hills turn to mountains... mountains flattening
to arid desert... skies swirling... myriad colors, purples and blues,
hues reflecting themselves back... a skyscraper in the middle of the
ocean... black sky... blue earth... screaming rocs in flight... the
breeze of dying leaves... the golds, reds and browns of autumn...
mountains of onyx... a giant castle buried in earth...
As long as he moved, reality would shift, to become the forever Autumn of San Anyn.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
After watching Aaron disappear with worried, sapphire eyes, Cyan turns
back to Jack. "Very well, Jack...if you truly believe you will be
capable of eluding detection, then so be it. Would it be possible
for us to keep a light contact with you, through your palanquet,
or through Kalika? I fear I know little of how that works,
but...if we could know if you are in danger, I might be capable of
spiriting you away."
She snaps out Jack's card, holding it up thoughtfully.
"Alternately, you may have my shirt...." The Bard flushes,
despite the gravity of the moment. "I have another, of course."
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali frowned as Jack retreated under the tree, Hunter padding silently
beside the man. Something was not right. He felt tired, no not tired... exhausted,
but even then, something wasn't right. She was tempted to ask, to press
him, but if he wouldn't offer the information she wouldn't press. He
may not even know what it was yet and she would respect his privacy.
The secret part of her heart she blocks without thinking so that her
inner fears remain close to her heart. No need to cloud his thoughts
with those paltry concerns when this larger task loomed over them. She
sighed quietly at his idea, her mind accepting as her heart rebelled.
He was gone from her side, and while she caught his earthly scent on
the wind, she dared not try to follow it.
She noded slowly, hands moving to replace the hood around her head,
cloaking her face in shadow, hiding her unnerving white gaze. "We must
all do our part... be careful lalai a mekia" she says softly into the breeze, the words more audible to Jack through the link than the more traditional way.
She wished that they would have time to rest, to fully recharge before
going off on journeys for armor and guns, to snatch dormant orbs. But
she remembered the old saying of the wise men of her people, and kept
her mouth shut and did not complain. Like a good Chunchee woman she
endured, taking solace from the fact that her love was doing as he
wished and that he had her support.
Hunter looked from Jack to Kali, obviously torn, before lying down next to Jack. Tread lightly in the den of the enemy Princeling, for you know naught when he will make himself known it was the wolf's way of asking him to be careful Return
to us safely. We have suffered much lately, and true to the Triad have
supported each other. Should you need an extra resivour of strength you
know where to come calling he continued, openning the link fully so that Jack could pull from his very essence if needed.
Kali's hooded form settles uncertainly on the ground of Olympu, and assumes a comfortably seated position. So shall it be... she sends gently, and then mirrors Hunter's actions, openning the link
fully to be drawn upon, only the secret part of her heart; the broken
piece, remaining tighly shielded, from Hunter, Jack, and even Kali
herself.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack only half watched the Amber-man
go, “It’s only stupid if it does not work, ol’ bean.” he rallied a
morose half smile letting his fingers run through Hunters fur
comfortingly as he listened to Cyan, Kali and Hunter. Patting the alpha
wolf affectionately before rising.
“The shirt off your back eh? That’s
mighty wide of you bard. I feel so special” he tried to tease slowly
pulling himself up from his funk. “Both are food ideas Cyan I assume
either may work, but I don’t know enough bout either to know for
certain.” He remembered the Gatherers world and the problems they
were having finding Hunter after he had wandered off. “Lets try to use
both the link and the card of me. Yes, please. . .the shirt will help
since you have no other cards of yourself. Best to cover everything.”
By the time he crossed the clearing dropped down
heavily next to Kali, a change hand taken place with Jack yet again. He
had felt not the hidden part of her soul, as he never went where not
invited within his love. Instead he felt her concerns, and in a strange
mix he both opened himself completely to her and steeled himself for
what needed to be done. He fairly melted as he put across her
shoulders, holding her close giving a gentle hug. He did not want to
leave her side, but the sooner they could end this the sooner the three
of them could get on with life. Far to many good people had paid the
price of this quest. It was time for stealth and guile and that meant
the shadow of the dark well.
“Death and hell it’s self will not keep me
from coming back to your side love of my life” He said softly sending
the promise through the link as well. He reached over brushing the hood
aside a bit, only far enough for him to lean in and kiss her goodbye.
He did just that letting his lips gently touch hers, his hand sliding
back into her shrouding hood to stroke her with hair. Letting the
parting kiss build and linger for the longest time. Both to physically
show his love and desire for Kali, and give the bard time to change
without him looking. His full attention was on better things, his lalai a mekia the best friend of his heart.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods as Jack outlined his plan to her. She begins to look
through her pack, but then he moves over to say his goodbyes to
Kalika. A muscle jumps in the Bard's jaw, and she quickly picks
up her pack. "I shall change, over here." Hurrying, she
slips behind the tall piller, and tugs a spare, less iridescent shirt
from her pack. Putting it on, she waits while Berd watches the
two lovers from his perch atop the piller.
He will signal her when they are finished. For now, she frowns,
eyeing the bandages on her hand with a critical, emerald gaze.
It's something else to think about, right now, and Cyan wonders if the
bandages are well enough to come off. Probably not for several days, I would guess.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
When Aaron is dubbed 'ol'bean' Kali starts to chuckle. Despite her best
efforts the giggles invade her body and she shakes, stifling the
laughter. The thought of Aaron as a bean!! The humor was only
amphlified by her heightened emotional state and tears prick her eyes.
She calms herself, almost back in control when Jack seats himself next
to her. Even though she know he is there, she is not focused on his
heat, those things she can still "see" and she jumps a little, muscles
tensing instinctively when he first touches her.
She relaxes almost instantly and smiles at him, and asks "Ol' bean?"
before bursting into renewed laughter. The tears flow freely now as she
hugs him fiercely, never wanting to let go, and it becomes hard to tell
if her tears are prompted by laughter or sadness. She loosens the hug
and returns his kiss, at first hesitatingly, but then with a passion
and love all her own. She catches her breath after they part, and she
pushes the protests from her lips, from her mind. This was how it was
and no amount of begging and pleading would change that. "Hurry back
and no matter what happens remember" she reaches her uninjured hand
forward and lightly touches his forehead, mouth, and heart "that you
are loved" she whispers for his ears only, her hand taking up his and
tracing the small scar there... the mark of the Triad.
She squeezes his hand once more and then releases it, not wanting to make things harder than they were. Do not hesitate to call on us if you can. We are here for you she sends a final pledge. She does not wish him good bye, for doing so
would only curse the mission, and would denote that she had little
faith in his ability to return... when in fact her belief was quite the
opposite.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
“Well he is a bit of a string bean,” Jack
said getting up letting his hand slid free of Kali’s “Kind of
melancholy so I guess that makes him a blue lagoom.” Jack
was hoping he was not about to make a complete fool of himself, with
all of this dramatic build up of parting. “I will not make the jump to
the world unless conditions are in my favor. It needs to be night there
for my abilities to work right . I can’t hold the full shadow form in
strong direct light. . . I need darkness or at least shade of some
sort, not much for it to work. Still some kind of shadows, night would
be best as it would allow me greater movement and speed.”
He looked between them “Any ideas? Also do you
think I should rest first? Changing forms is wearing and I am tired, I
could have to change several times in this world to accomplish my
goal?” He sought advice from the others before barging in. His eyes
settling on Hunter and Berd, both of whom he trusted to use less
emotion. Still he valued every ones opinion, but knew in the end he
would listen to Kali over all others.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan wanders back around the other side of the piller, holding her
shirt out. Jack and Kalika seemed to be finished with their
goodbyes, so giving them privacy isn't necessary any more. For
any of them.
With a snap of the wrist, she tosses the balled up, silk shirt to
Jack. "What sort of form? Should you rest?" The Bard
gives him a measuring look with her topaz eyes. "Only you can
answer that question, Jack. We are not in THAT much of a hurry,
hence, should you require some time to rest, do so. As for your
forms, only you know best what forms you can achieve. Any, it
seems, would draw attention. Living shadow," she states with only
a hint of irony, "often does. Night, it appears, might be best."
Pausing, the Bard rocks back and forth on her feet. "I could
watch for you," she continues, more quietly. "Then you could
rest."
Berd glances down at Jack from his perch atop the piller, and
yawns. His expression says it all - Cyan has neatly summed up
everything the little dragon might have pointed out.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Hunter
-----------------------------------------------------------
Hunter's sharp gaze falls on Jack, appraisingly. He doesn't say
anything, but rather sends memories to the man through their link.
Jack, feeling dead tired, but forcing himself to stay awake.
Jack, sitting in the medical transport, head held in his hands, eyes burning with fatigue.
Jack, locked in mental comabt with the being of Light, using all of his skill and the combined strength of the party to beat it.
Jack, shifting back from dire wolf to man of living Shadow, hunger threatening to consume him, energy leached from his limbs.
And then one that is not a memory.
Jack, shifting, but not having the energy... struck down by an
unseen foe, unable to act because of the weakness that plagues him.
I can smell your weakness... remember my true name
and think if you wish to walk among enemies in your state. Only you can
determine how quickly this must get done, and therefore how much risk
to take.
The wolf shares his thoughts to Jack alone, and Kali remains silent,
not trusting herself to speak her mind instead of her heart.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack half caught the balled up
shirt though he almost dropped it. Hunter was right and he knew it,
still a part of him wanted to press on. He had felt his system
eating away at it’s self with each change, yet would have been fine
except changing forms was so draining. What’s more is he had
remembered Kali’s reaction when she thought the shadows had gotten him
in the barn.
He nodded not the great wolf “You are right Big
Dog, . .Thank you” Jack sunk back down to the ground beside Kali,
dropping his pack. “I’ll rest before going. ” Sitting there he rested
his head on Kali’s shoulder but looked to the bard. “Cyan there is no
life on that world, I will stand out either way if I do not hide when I
go there. They way I will have to do it is go at night and shroud
myself in shadows. When I become one with the dark I can blend with
shade and darkness totally, but it would be best to do this at night.
Is there any way we can tell when it is night there, without opening a
portal using the cube?”
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Easily," Cyan says, sitting down on the ground and relaxing somewhat. "I can use the cube as, essentially, any other palanquet,
and simply survey without opening a gate. As I said...I can keep
watch." She grins, ruby eyes flicking towards Jack for an
instant, before she sits down, holding her hand out for the cube.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack handed the cube to Cyan lightly
shooting a thankful smile to her, “Wake me when it is time, do not let
me sleep a moment past nightfall.” Then settled back where was to tired
to fiddle with the sleeping bag. He simply used his cloak as a blanket
and pack as a pillow. “Care to join me my love?” He asked Kali. She could feel his fatigue and knew that he had listened
well. Even as he lay his head down she could feel the bonds of
sleep and dreams pulling him into it arms as a lovers embrace. The
shadow man was going to his own shadowy world for a time. It was a
world she now shared with him through the link.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali felt no shame or embarassment at her and Jack's good byes when it
became apparent he would be waiting for night fall before leaving. If
anything she was a little glad to have it out now, instead of the
emotions looming over them like a thunderstorm on the horizon. Now the
storm had rained itself dry, the tension gone. She is about to offer to
get the bed rolls out for him, but her sightless eyes stop her from
actually offering. It would take her too long and she didn't feel right
making him stay up while she fumbled with unseen ties and packs. Better
to leave that for later.
The drug was still in her veins and her body was tired. She had rest,
but not enough. Her fatigue wasn't near the level of her love's, but it
was enough to allow her to slip down next to Jack and sleep beside him,
Hunter curling up at their feet to slumber as well.
Sleep well lalai she sends, not sure if he heard or not for
sleep is already ensnarled him into its grasp, and the tendrils start
to drag her down as her unseeing eyes close.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan watches the two fall asleep with thoughtful, amber eyes. She
studies them for a long moment, then slowly turns away with a rueful
smile. Berd stares up at her apologetically, but the red-haired
bard merely scratches him on the top of his head. "No sense
worrying about it, Berd," she says quietly. "Shall we begin?"
Taking out the cube, Cyan sets it down, hunting for and finding the
'face' with the world they wish to 'visit'. Giving Berd a quick
grin, she begins to concentrate on it, slowly willing a light palanquet contact - just enough that she may observe the world. Wait for
its night, should night exist. And study the world for
weaknesses, information, the Enemy.
Nothing like work to get one's mind off of pain, she thinks absently, and the little dragon nods his assent.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack and Kalika sleep, while Cyan and Berd study the cube, observing
the world which is to be their destination, holding the image always on
the edge of opening, never allowing it to blossom into a portal to that
world.
Time seems to stretch, and above them the sky darkens until the stars
can be seen through the clear air. It grows cool across the land,
but for some reason a bubble of warmth extends for some distance around
Berd.
Finally, within the image, the sky flares to crimson and gold before
fading, slowly, to a dark blue alive with a myriad moving points of
light.
Time to wake Jack.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan slowly moves over to where Jack and Kalika lie. She flushes
for a moment, then shrugs, reaching out to touch Jack on the
shoulder. "Jack," she whispers, knowing full well that Kalika is
likely already awake. If Hunter has not warned her, the woman's
senses would be more than enough to alert her to Cyan's approach.
"It's time," she continues, pausing to look up at the dark sky with her own, deep amethyst eyes.
Berd sits beside the cube, eyes glittering as he watches.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali sleeps, but her ears pick up the vibrations of approaching feet
even as her skin warms with the approaching body heat. She doesn't
bother to open her eyes. She sits up afte Cyan touches and speaks to
Jack and carefully wipes the goo from her eyes, careful to keep as much
of the salve on the burned skin as she can. It is obvious that it is
starting to heal, for under the layer of shiny medicince the skin is
turning a bright pink as the skin begins to scar and heal.
Hunter perks up as well, but does not get up. Kali sighes and reaches
down lightly, trying to judge how far away Jack's actual body was by
the heat emanating from his skin. She brushes his hair quietly,
relishing the contact and trying not to be bitter about not being able
to look lovingly at his face. Instead she smiles softly. "The darkness
awaits Jack of the Darkwell" she says to him, the smile on her face
broadening.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jack was lost in a world of dreams and nightmares
for most of the time he slept as images from a hundred and fifty years
of horrors assailed him. The most propionate aspects and images from
his dreams were of The Unknown being of light, the Broken God, the
snake men, Kalika and Hunter. Who were strapped into hospital beds and
helpless. The harder he fought to save the other two of the triad, the
more he seemed slowed and thwarted. Painful worries dredged up from his
subconscious.
He awoke with a with a small start and a sharp intake of
breath, and them he smiled. He looked like Jack again with that warm
somewhat playful smirk. It could even be heard in his voice again. He
was relived and if nothing else the dream had show him that things
could be worse. He was refreshed and would be thankful for what he had.
He nodded at Cyan “Thank you Cyan, I will be ready in
just a moment.” His attention went to Kali “Morning Glory.” his tone
was both pleased and pleasing. His eyes could see through the shadows
of her cloaks hood, whats more is he could feel her recent thoughts
about her eyes. Yes he worried for her, yes he felt badly for her, but
he was pleased she was here and she was healing. It could always be
worse.
He reached out and took the back of her hand, his
fingers on hers. His palm lightly touching the back of her hand. “See
me with your hand Lalai.” With than he guided her callused finger
tips over his face, tracing the out lines, curves, form and function of
his weather beaten face. The curves were gentle showing a pleasant warm
smile, stubble had begun to sprout up on his cheeks and chin. As he
guided her fingertips over the pleasant smile of his lips he kissed her
fingertips once. The shadows collecting and building around him the
entire time. Then the man was a full shadow fading beneath her fingers.
The shadow man leaned forward giving a final chaste kiss to the top of
Kali’s head. The kiss was nothing more then the psychic ghost of a
kiss. You will be with me in spirit Lalai.
He stood as a shade of darkness, and flowed over by Cyan pausing briefly by Hunter Look after her well, He Who Hunts the Shadows.. Once by Cyan he says in the hunting psychic voice that came with this form, he said. It is time, please open the gate so that I may go do what needs be done Even as he spoke his form started blending with the existing shadow of Ares marker.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan watches silently, eyes hooded in the shadow of the night.
She jerks, once, when Jack's psychic voice sounds, then nods.
Moving back to the cube, she takes it out from under Berd's curious
nose, then holds it up.
"Enter through touching me, Jack. I will not form a gate."
Then she focuses enough on the world to permit contact, and travel.
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Jack
-----------------------------------------------------------
As you wish CyanThe
shadow moves over and makes contact with Cyan, the touch again is a
ghostly touch and more of a psychic contact. He is ready for the
transport. . .
===========================================================
Re: Part 19 - Requiems and Reunions by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shuffling through her own deck, quickly, Cyan brings out Jack's palanquet.
Focusing on it, she brings up a light contact, then increases it slowly
- hopefully enough to give her a visual image of Jack and his
surroundings.
"Kalika...if you cannot sense Jack across the worlds, I can aid you,"
she says quietly, ruby eyes burning as she stares at the card.
Berd clambers up on her shoulder, staring into the image.
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