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Part 39: Beasts and burdens
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Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dworkin (GM)
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Chialla smiles at Cyan, and signals for the box, so that she can return
the knife to its resting place. Then she speaks once more, "I have respect for your decision, just as you have clearly shown respect for our traditions and laws."
"I salute you, Cyan of No Place In Particular."
The woman bows, and performs a complex series of hand movements, before
standing upright once more and gesturing in the direction of the
raft. "Will the two of you walk with me, and I will explain the obligation Cyan has accepted?"
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Jonnee
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Jonnee is happy to tag along. He wants to find out exactly what
Cyan has gotten herself into. He's also curious about the caged
animals, wanting a closer look.
Though not too close, obviously.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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"My thanks, Chialla." Seating her sword correctly on her
shoulder, holding the cord with one hand, Cyan pauses for Jonnee to
come up alongside her. "We would hear more of what you wish of
me, yes. I, personally, would greet your associates, to know them
by name. But that should be dealt with at a later time, I
expect." Her lips thin, slightly, and ruby eyes drop their gaze
to the ground. "I would know the names of Nethick's friends."
Back at the camp, Berd (sitting on James' shoulder), begins to make an
odd, faintly musical warbling. After a moment, it can be clearly
identified as snoring.
The bridging remains, though.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
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"First we need to build an enclosure with a high palisade, a drop-down gate, and two smaller openings." Chialla explains as the trio approach the raft, "Then we butt the cages up against the small openings and release the carthuu into the pen. Though swift, they are poor jumpers and climbers,
so they will remain shut in until we have made good our escape."
At this range, the carthuu are things out of nightmare;
like tigers in form, except that their heads are distinctly reptillian,
with long snouts filled with four inch teeth, dripping a black fluid
which hisses and evaporates when it hits the floor. Every square
inch of their hide seems to be covered with quills, barbs and spines,
and they are sriped like hornets.
The worst thing though, is their eyes. The eyes are crimson, with
cruciform pupils, and they glare at the trio as if they comprehend
every word which is spoken about them, and are noting it for future
reference.
"Before we leave, we set a candle to burn through
the rope which holds the main gate closed, and then we make for the
raft. By the time the rope breaks and the gate falls open, we are
several miles away. And it is well that we are. A typical carthuu holds a grudge better and longer than any man I ever met." Chialla turns her back to the cage then.
"If the candle goes out, or the rope doesn't break,
then they will get hungry enough to break out themselves within two to
three days. I will cast a simple magic on them, which discourages
them from moving back toward Greenford. So far from the easy prey
back there, the work is half done anyway, for there will be little to
tempt them to go that way. The spell simply... promotes that lack
of temptation."
"You may think it strange that we take such care to return them safely
to the wild instead of slaying them when they raid our towns for food,
but they are rare these days, and when all is said and done, they are
magnificent."
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by D'Ombra
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Lying in the grass, unseen, D'ombra is thinking, and not hiding his
thoughts from the others, though he does not realy relize that he does
so.
I wouldn't mind observing these creatures hunting. The look like an interesting form
Then his thoughts turn more serious and this time he means for the others to hear them. Shall
I remain hidden? Return to the camp? Or should I reveal myself and help
you with this task? We could likely finish the work quicker than your
new friends.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by James
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I will remain here for now. James sends over the bridging.
This 'fae' business worries me. I don't think we should leave the
fort or Gil unwatched and Serena needs time to prepare her magics.
James walks back down into the fort, trying his best to move smoothly and avoid jostling Berd.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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Following, Cyan watches politely, also keeping her distance from the
beasts. Looking at them sends a shiver up her spine - not from
their hideous appearance, but from the awful knowledge and vicious
hatred in their eyes.
"A fine enough system," Cyan notes. If a trifle overcomplicated...but how else to take care of the problem? "I believe it is possible in a short period of time, with some assistance."
"I am glad to see you are not a people who kills without necessity -
though that might well be sorely strained when dealing with such as
these, magnificent or not." That said with a wry, amethyst glance
to Jonnee.
I suspect that we can get this finished quickly with aid, Devlin. It might be a good thing, and I trust your judgement.
Indeed, James - keep a sharp eye for anything out of the ordinary,
though in a strange world it might be difficult to discern. The
fae, if they are similar, are caprecious, wild, and...deadly.
They are malevolent in the same way as a hurricane, for it is merely
their nature to be dangerous...but that is no reason to treat them
lightly.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Jonnee
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Jonnee studies the creaturs from a distance. They certainly look
dangerous enough that he wouldn't want to live next door to one.
He listens politely to Chialla's explanation, then asks, "Chialla,
I have a question. Cyan has sworn to help in this task, and she
will. But we have a saying where I come from: many arms make the work easier.
Is it permitted for a person so sworn to get help from friends to get
the task finished sooner, or must they take on the work alone?"
Over the link, his thoughts come clearly, If
we're allowed to help, then we can get this done quicker. Showing
how many of us there are might squash any plans for a double-cross that
might be lurking about too.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
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"Friends can help." replies Chialla, giving Jonnee a puzzled look, "A person can use any resource at their disposal, and friends are a most important resource."
"A great many years ago, Cyan would have been permitted no help in
this. But then one man managed to convince the township leaders
that he would be setting a poor example if he allowed his friend to pay
the wereprice alone, since the friend would almost certainly die in the
process."
Her eyes narrow as she stares into Jonnee's, then she gasps as she realises the oddity of what she sees, "You truly are strangers here, are you not?"
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
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Storms. There had been a lot of storms, lately. He seemed to be
at the center of many of them. How many, like this one, had he just
conjured up at will, as a shield? His mood was as dark as the broiling
storm clouds that had filled the sky so recently. Lately, it had indeed
been one storm after another. Perhaps, that was just what it meant to
be Dorian, or perhaps they were a shield in more ways than one.
As he walked with his black cloak wrapped around him and his cowl high,
he watched the small gathering. Cyan, he wouldn't think about. He
pushed her from his mind.
Jonnee, he considered, was so much the opposite of himself. Instead of
storms, there was open sky. So simple, yet so deep and spanning. His
offers to help were always so pure and uncomplicated, free of guile or
manipulation. He pondered why he couldn't be like that, for he knew he
never could be.
Chialla, the priestess of these people, it seemed, was an innocent
unaware of the toil she had just became enwrapped in. And yet, she had
lost a man, a good man. That didn't matter to him, but it mattered to
Cyan and the others. Somehow, that meant he had to make it mean
something, though it never truly would. Not because it mattered to
them, but because it didn't matter to him. He had to make it matter to
himself, if only to quell the storms for a moment.
"Chialla," He spoke as he approached them, reaching up to lower the cowl of his cloak. "Cyan's debt is my own. I am Dorian Stormbringer."
Deserved as the name was, it was more. In one way, it was an admitance
to Chialla of who he was, the bringer of the storm that killed her
worker. But moe than that, it was his own way of making the man's death
mean something; a reminder of the consequences of his actions. He had
to make the individuals of the many worlds mean something, or he might
not have the will to go on when it mattered.
In truth, we could with out various powers
accomplish this task with but a moment's effort. I think we should not,
though. I think we should do this on their own terms, in their own way,
to honor their lost. What meaning would it have to the deceased if we
reduced his labor to a snap of the fingers, a sweatless moment of
distraction before we leave this place? For this once, I will not use
anything but my hands.
And, he thought to himself, I can only pray it will purify me in some small way.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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Cyan nods at Jonnee's question. It's a valid one, and one she had not considered. Would it be permitted? I do not think they plan any deviltry, Jonnee...but it is indeed best to be prepared.
The answer comes quickly enough, with a revelation of their origins
following. A quick glance at Jonnee - strange, how one could so
easily get used to the differences in another's eyes - and then Cyan
turned her own, emerald gaze back to the woman. "Indeed, we are
from elsewhere - hence our questions regarding your customs."
Another look back to Jonnee. "Many elsewheres, one might say - we
have all been strangers to each other, recently, but have gotten over
that particular affliction very quickly. For which I am not
displeased! But see-"
Then she senses him long before she hears him, walking towards them
from the newly created fortress. The leashed pressure of his
spirit is impossible to miss, not when connected to them in the bridging
Jonnee, standing nearby - sheer, raw physical focus on a level none of
them could hope to match. Then Dorian, striding toward the small
knot of people like an avatar of death, dark cloak falling away to
reveal his sharp-planed face - spiritual power, there, of a kind very
few might rightly call themselves peers.
Two, very dissimilar men, and yet both of them have come to stand with her.
Cyan feels...humbled.
And humbled further by Dorian's words. In
truth...I believe Dorian is correct. Certain of us would deal
with the issue in moments, but...it would be the wrong approach.
What might we learn of these people in seconds? As Dorian says,
what honor would we bring, to them or us?
Stormbringer. A name, taken now or from long ago, for the
man has never introduced himself as such. Dorian does not strike
her as the sort to preen over titles self-bestowed or otherwise.
And what are his reasons? Save to claim my debt.
"Say, then, that the debt is all of ours," she replies to Dorian's
spoken words. "For do we not stand together, Dorian
Stormbringer? Jonnee Kay?"
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by James
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Back in the fort, James stiffens slightly at Dorian's suggestion. I did not expect that. Interesting. Ah, crap. I just thought that out loud, didn't I? James' tone carries genuine surprise and curiousity and an afterthought of wry amusement at his gaffe.
You know where to find me if you need any heavy lifting done.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
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"Again, I must beg forgiveness. You said you were from distant places, but I had not realised quite... how distant." Chialla turns away from Jonnee then, and regards Cyan.
"Your own eyes are of uncommon appearance too, I now note."
She looks over the bard's shoulder then, seeing Dorian's approach, but simply asks, "Another friend of yours?" Listening as Dorian introduces himself, she stares into his eyes, comparing them with those of Cyan and Jonnee.
"Are there more who would claim your wereprice as
their own, Cyan? Very well, let us begin. First we must
construct the enclosure. There is timber aplenty here."
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
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"Indeed," Dorian says with a glance at Cyan. "All of ours; and there are more of us. There is also James, Serena and Devlin, who
you will likely meet soon. By way of explanation, Chialla, we sensed
your approach and knew not your intentions. We are involved in a very
serious conflict which spans and threatens many places-- all places,
in fact-- and we used the storm to slow any aggressors while we could
construct some crude defences. However, it was a rash move, bourne out
of so much conflict and ambushes at every turn. It was not a necessary
action, and for that we apologize."
He still didn't understand his own actions entirely, save that he'd
felt a growing need within him lately. Perhaps it was a need for
understanding. Perhaps he was taking it too far.
"But there is work to be done. I am ready to begin."
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
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The men are at work now, axes have been fetched, and trees are being felled.
"Too often in these days, sadly, is mistrust of
strangers the most prudent course. I do not blame you for your
actions. The storm itself would have been, under other
circumstances, a harmless method of delaying our approach."
"Unfortunately, these were not other circumstances, and a
man has died. Although this was an accident, the Law is clear,
and the wereprice must be paid."
Chialla beckons to her men, and soon the strangers are provided with cleaver-like blades. "The trees must have their branches removed, and their ends sharpened to points."
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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Heavy lifting may be a prerequisite of the job, James. Cyan watches the men begin felling trees, and nods. This is going to take some work.
She does blink in surprise as Dorian reveals the names of nearly all of the Questors. That's...rather astounding. From Dorian. An abrupt departure from his usual manner...and why? It is not, however, inconceivable.
Searching his face with amethyst eyes, recalling the glance he has
thrown her way, she wonders if it is because he believes Chialla.
And he feels...something. He has rarely offered any explanation for his actions, and here...yes, he feels guilt.
This self-proclaimed tyrant, who has led vast armies, feels enough
guilt for the death of a single man that he has set aside his normal
reaction to strangers. How well do we truly know Dorian? How well does he know himself?
Taking the tools from Chialla, Cyan halts her ruminitions and sets to
with a will, adeptly smacking the branches from the trees with the
cleaver-like blades. She works hard and quick, employing her
strength to its greatest efficiency, but mindful of others and not
attempting to steal work from them.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by James
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Alright, I'll be down in a moment. If Berd agrees, he can stay with Serena.
D'Ombra, if I come down to the work site it might be useful to have Devlin back at the fort.
James didn't think Devlin would mind, it hadn't escaped his attention
how fast Devlin moved to protect Serena when Jonnee gave warning about
Gil.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dworkin (GM)
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With the storm dispelled, and the sun climbing higher, the day grows
hotter. The work is hard, and by noon the enclosure is barely
started, since most of the morning has been spent cutting and trimming
trees.
Now the band is divided into three uneven groups. One group fells
the timber needed for the construction. The second, and smallest,
group moves the lumber to the construction site, while the third works
to erect the palisade which will keep the beasts contained.
With the sun eventually reaching the zenith, Chialla calls a break to
the work. The men from Greenford head for the river and splash
water on themselves in the shallows, while keeping a wary eye on the
deeper water further out. Then they each find themselves a shady
place to rest and take a meal of cold meat and fruit.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by D'Ombra
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Hearing Jame's suggestion D'Ombra tends to agree. There's no more
reason for him to stay to spy on the group and there's no reason to
have everyone helping with the project.
I am on my way back to the old fort.
The wolf starts back toward the others. Once within the trees around
the old structure on the hill he returns to his previous form. He's not
all together sure how Gill would react to yet another wolf appearing or
what he would think if he saw a wolf change into a man.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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Berd merely mutters something unintelligible (as if it would be
otherwise), then crossily crawls off of his warm spot and hunts for a
suitable rock. Preferably one that has been out in the sun for
some time.
My thanks, D'Ombra, for your safeguarding, Cyan sends as the wolf leaves. Then she sets to work.
Time passes, as is its wont.
Finally the break arrives. Cyan has worked hard, and looks
it. Her hair, in the damp heat, is plastered down around her
face, and the bard, staring at herself in the flow of the river, lets
out a quiet laugh before ducking her head under the water.
Snapping it up again, she tosses her hair back and wrings it out before
picking up some fruit and sitting down under a tree with some of the
other men, giving them a small bow as she does.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dworkin (GM)
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The break is all too brief, and the day grows warmer still as the
afternoon. The great beasts come down to the river to drink, but
turn aside when they scent the caged predators. They move further
downwind, and approach the water warily, hooting and trumpeting
constantly.
In the fort, Gil, who had been sitting deep in thought, suddenly raises his head and asks, "What is that?"
Berd raises his head and peers at the creature which has appeared next
to him on the warm stone. Fish-like it is, though with several
short, insectoid, legs. Perhaps four inches long, it lays on the
rock and squeals angrily at the drake, who, for his part gives it a
disinterested look.
Gil starts forward, spear held before him, peering at the strange creature. Then he whirls about, "Now what?"
There is a sound like tearing cloth, and a thin column of pale light,
about eight feet tall rotating vertically in the air a few inches above
the ground.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
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Finished with work, Dorian sits alone off to the side when the break is
announced. Somehow, though no less somber than before, he looks
pleased, almost triumphant. It is not unlike the look he wore on
several occaisions, picking his way with his men through a city they'd
taken by force, surveying his new toy. It is this, but tinted with
introspective focus.
At last, Dorian turns his attention to the caged beasts.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by James
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James works solidly through the morning and the afternoon, further
underlining the group's alien nature by picking up whole trees over his
shoulder and carrying them to the cage site.
Working out in the sun, James is glad that he had the chance to drink
Serena's tonic, and happy also to take a break along with everyone else.
During the break he notes idly that while Cyan has been working hard,
her clothes are still spotless and showing no signs of sweat.
Even the water from her hair beads and runs straight off. I must ask about that one of these days.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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Down at the worksite, Cyan waves to both Dorian, and James, looking
around for Jonnee. "There is room enough over here, should you
wish. Though I find myself hard-pressed to talk, given the
exertion and my hunger." An out, should they choose to take it.
Frankly, she's isn't certain how James still stands.
Dorian holds a surprising strength in his wiry form, and seems as
inexhaustible as Jonnee. She, herself, can heft heavy logs and
move them, as can their speedy friend...with great effort. But
James hefts them like bags of flour, carting them from place to place
without pause.
It's a shocking display of raw might.
Dorian, for his part, looks pleased with himself in an odd, almost
surprised way. She likes that expression on the hawk-like
features, and cocks her head curiously as he studies the beasts before
turning back to the men with whom she eats. "Well. Fine
work thus far," she says more quietly, eyes dulling to a dark
sapphire. "I can only hope it is sufficient to the task, though I
know nothing will return Nethick to you."
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Berd
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Glancing at Gil with some amusement, Berd moves to the creature and sniffs it, carefully,
before two, tiny faeries manifest in the air beside his head, popping
into view with a burst of small, shimmering soap bubbles. The
male looks down at the creature with some disgust, and the female sighs
soundlessly before swooping down to pick it up. Grudgingly, the
male joins her.
But as the two Faeries float through the air toward Gil, Berd's head
snaps to the side and he stares at the brilliant slice in the air,
absently noting Gil's reaction to it before it had appeared. Simultaneously, he works on several different
levels, the only visible one being his sudden rising into the air,
getting some distance between himself and the opening gate.
Instantly, the image of the gateway appears to everyone in the bridging.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
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A mental sigh.
A mental growl.
What now? Is there no peace?
Dorian doesn't move, though his expression changes and his countenance
darkens. Without realizing his movement, he pulls his cloak in close
around him and straightens his posture, the beasts forgotten.
Perhaps it is merely Aaron and Metatron returning.
And what would Aaron find? Bereft of leadership, the team abandons
saving the cosmos and takes to helping the locals save a couple of
animals. Foolish, Dorian.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dworkin (GM)
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The workers return to their tasks after the break, all unaware that
there is something strange going on in the ruin on the hilltop.
They are, for the most part, too busy, both with their work and with
staring at the strangers as they perform seemingly impossible feats of
strength and endurance.
There is no hostility though, as the men are well aware that such aid
will enable them to finish this task sooner, and return to their homes
and families. Their conversation, as they work includes a lot of
references to somebody, or something, called hardunna. Sometimes the word is spoken in awed tones, and at other times they are laughing when they say it.
In the fortress, the column of light spins faster, shading now towards
blue. The cloth-tearing sound becomes more high-pitched,
eventually reaching the stage of sounding exactly like
fingernails being dragged down a blackboard, a noise which appears to
be universally annoying.
Gil walks around the pillar, eying it suspiciously, his spear held
ready. Once, and only once, he jabs his weapon into the
light. The impact causes him to stagger sideways, and the
spearhead glows a dull red afterwards.
Chialla looks up from her work, performing some sort of blessing upon
the timbers and the ropes to be used in the construction. She
looks to the sky, and then her gaze goes to the fortress, and she
frowns.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Devlin
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Devlin arrives just in time to see Gil test the gate with his spear, he
doesn't say anything because he himself has no idea what it is. There
is something from Berd... directed at him?... but he's not at all sure
what the creature is talking about.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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Berd, after staring at the light for a few heartbeats, slowly flaps
back down next to the irate creature on the rock. He looks pretty
irritated himself, no doubt at having his rest disturbed.
A snort of exasperation releases a puff of multicoloured smoke into the air.
Berd's irked voice, tinged with a hint of satisfaction, trickles down the bridging.
(Bladebound/dancingheart) {returns/enterstageleft}.
Slowly.
Cyan starting to stand, sits down again. It is Aaron. His time with the Archons is, apparantly, over, but the way back is long.
Her emerald eyes flick toward Chialla. "One of our people returns
to our camp, through a more circuitous path," she explains.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
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Aaron was hurled through the gateway with very little in the way of
preparedness and to say that Metatron had been kind would be the
overstatement of the century. When Aaron finally did reach the end of the portal, he landed not on his feet, as he had
oriented himself, but rather on his head, discovering only too late
that his orientation had been backwards.
The only good thing about the landing was that he hadn't landed on his nose.
Having skidded across the ground, heels over head as it were, he
swiftly discovered his equilibrium and hopped to his feet. Immediately
his mind set to work, absorbing information about his surroundings, and
gauging his current state of frame and mind.
"That was far from pleasant."
Rubbing his eye, Aaron merely grunted in response, and took a few
cautious steps forward, making sure he was stable and secure. He was
apparently in a fortress of some kind, though how old it was and
knowledge as to its true nature was still quite unknown to him.
Whatever the case, Metatron had thrown him here because this was where
is group was. That was where he needed to be.
"Leave it to Metatron to transport me using one of the more unpleasant
methods in Reality. Oh well. At least it wasn't Broken Pattern... or
Logrus, for that matter."
I second that.
Immediately, Aaron focused on his blade, carrying Arianne's sensations
along with his own, hoping to detect not merely any nearby danger...
but any tools of their enemy that may have been placed within this
realm. He had discovered that there was apparently more to the orbs
than he had initially anticipated, and that wasn't exactly a bad thing.
Again slowly, he began moving towards what seemed to be the nearest
exit, one half of him paying attention to his senses, and the other
paying attention to his immediate surroundings. Reaching into his
jacket, he removed Cyan's Trump, just in case he'd need it.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dworkin (GM)
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"Stand where you are!" the old man says, as
he steps into view carrying a spear, the bronze tip of which glows
faintly, as if very hot. His skin, what Aaron can see of it, is
covered with interlocking blue circles, tattoos. Lots of them.
Despite his apparent age, he moves with grace and catlike agility.
"Who are you?"
Looking past him, Aaron sees Berd, and further off, a startled-looking Serena.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
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"Woah! Hold, sir!" Aaron yelled in surprise, raising his hands in a
fiegned defense. "I am Aaron, of Ald Thiriel, and I am merely searching
for my companions. Have you seen anyone unfamiliar come this way
recently?"
He knew zero about the culture of this place, but this man seemed more
than able to handle himself. He looked old... but Aaron himself looked
a hell of a lot younger than he actually was, and he'd long ago learned
to not take everything at face value.
Either way, there was a weapon in his face, though he didn't like it he'd prefer to avoid confrontation at this point.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Berd
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Berd, deciding that discretion is the better part of valour, elects NOT
to get between Gil and Aaron. Instead, the little dragon warbles
a bright cry of greeting, turning brilliant eyes on the confused
Amberite.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
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Hearing a familiar call, Aaron's head spun in the direction of the noise, and his arms lowered immediately.
"Berd! Thank God! Where's Cyan?" Turning to Gil, Aaron gestured to Berd
and tried to relax. "You know Cyan, ah... Gil, is it? I'm one of her
comrades. I've got information for the group that's quite important."
Turning his gaze to Berd (though not without eyeing Gil's spear once
more), Aaron chuckled nervously. "What've you guys found here? I know
my exit was a bit much... but it feels like I've been gone for quite a
while. The group's not in trouble, are they?"
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Devlin
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"They are in a bit of a situation, but nothng that seems dangerous." Devlin says, loooking at the familiar looking Aaron.
"This man speaks the truth, Gil. He is a friend of the others who has been on an errand, of sorts."
Devlin turns toward the new arrival, "Welcome back, Aaron." Then he
turns back to Gil with his head tilted to the side. "Instead of waving
that sword about you should concern yourself with that creature." here
Devlin points at the fish-like creature with the insect-like legs.
"That will restore your memory to you. As I understand it you place it
on the back of your neck. It is symbiotic, that is it will become part
of you. Your body will neroush it and in return your memory of your
life will be returned."
That is all he says to Gil. The man will have to choose for himself if he wants this creature attached to him, likely forever.
Devlin turns back to Aaron, "I have only just returned to this fortress
myself. The others are below performing a task for some of the local
inhabitants. Cyan insisted. She felt resposible for the death of one of
their men." Devlin shakes his head. "The man would have died anyway of
his own stupidity, but..." Devlin squints, "She is a stuborn one, once
she decides to do something."
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Despite the fact that Gil still pointed his weapon at him, Aaron
visibly relaxed at Devlin's words. Considering this interesting
situation, his countenance became firm and he nodded to the man.
"That certainly sounds like Cyan." he said, sounding both amused and
relieved. "I thank you, Devlin. I wish I could have returned sooner,
but... bah. It's no matter. I'm going to head on then, if that's
alright."
Before he moved on, he turned to Gil and smiled slightly, an odd look on that scarred and mangled face.
"Pardon me. I don't know why, but something about you is... familiar to
me. Mayhap it's just my imagination, but I feel something about you
that's akin to my own state of being. I have been alive for... quite a
long time. I would speak with you, Gil, after I've had counsel with my
comrades."
Aaron then turned and began walking towards yonder distant gathering,
stopping momentarilly to thank Devlin once more with a nod and a pat on
the shoulder as he passed.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd yawns, crackingly, then stares back at Aaron.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pausing just past Deviln, Aaron turned to Berd and raised his one good eyebrow, before barking a sharp laugh.
"That change does not surprise me in the least, Berd. When you remove
the head of a beast, even if the head was useless, the beast must
either die or change to suit the loss. I only hope the change has been
an improvement, and if they rage for it, then let them rage at me all
the while."
He knew that the others had no idea about what he spoke, but Berd knew, and that was enough for Aaron.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee drops a the fallen tree near the hole that has been dug out for
it. Then he sets out to fetch the next. He stops, hearing a
comment, then makes for Cyan instead.
When he gets close, he leans in, as if helping her with her work, and murmurs, "You've spoken to these people more than me. I'm just wondering, you got any idea what a hardunna is, when it's at home?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Glancing back at Jonnee, Cyan raises an eyebrow over a glittering,
topaz eye. "I have heard them mention the name several times,
Jonnee Kay. I surmise, given the context, that they speak of
legendary heroes or creatures. Not devils, though - the reaction
seems positive." She flashes a quick, embarassed smile.
"Perhaps we are making an impression. I expect you and James
certainly are, and Dorian too...the man simply does not stop."
Up at the ruins, Berd lets out a puff of jeweled smoke, which slowly
falls to the ground, grows legs, and crawls away to hide under a rock.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chialla looks up and spots Cyan and Jonnee talking. She walks across to speak to them, smiling as she approaches.
"The work goes well. With your help, we will
finish several days earlier than we had expected to, which means we can
return to our homes and families that much sooner."
She pauses then, looking embarrassed, "Cyan.
It is my belief that in one day, you have more than fulfilled your
obligation to us, even excluding the work done by your
companions. Alone you have done as much work today as any man
here could do in three. Between you, the three have done the work
of ten men today."
"I offer you the choice, Cyan. Do you wish to be released from
your obligation at sunset today? Remember, it is an obligation
which you have already more than fulfilled."
Gil lowers his spear and steps back from Aaron. "Well, if my friends here will vouch for you, then I must suppose that you are safe to be near."
He turns to Devlin, and studies the creature, "So, if I put this insect... fish... animal on my neck, it will unlock my memories?"
"Well, now... I can't say I like the looks of it much. It's not
exactly a cute little kitten, is it? But... if it'll help me
remember, then its looks count for nothing, as far as I'm concerned."
"I think I'll call him... hmm... what's a good name for a fish-beetle-thing?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian closes his eyes in quiet contemplation. he leaned forward and
pulled his legs around in a cross-legged position. He exhales slowly,
looking as if it were a breath he'd held for a long time, perhaps even
while breathing other breaths.
Had he accomplished his purpose, whatever it was? He felt a little more
at ease now, if that was any indication. But no, there was more to be
done. Always.
Cyan, while it might be tempting for all of us to
fulfill our obligation to the letter of the law, I must remind you that
we have an important mission. If we fail that mission, this is all
meaningless, anyway.
Again, we could finish this work with but a moment's work-- it would
take little for me to make the adjustments to the creatures minds,
even. However, I do not wish to devalue our work here.
Let us leave them to finish. Perhaps I could conjure some simple workers for assist them in the rest of their labors.
...
I also feel the urge to tell Chialla what we really are, at least in
part. I believe the suspect us to be something we are not...
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James stops work at the mention of Aaron's return and walks over to
where Cyan and Jonnee are talking, arriving in time to catch the last
of the hardunna comment. James looks a little sheepish, almost embarassed.
It feels nice to have his strength recognised, but he's spent so much
of his adult life concealing the extent of it, that he still feels as
though he's been caught doing something naughty.
Ordinarily I would say that the full debt should
be paid. Although, I still don't think the death was our fault, a
man's life should be worth more than a single day's work. But
Dorian is right, we have a duty beyond these people. We should at
least find out what Aaron has accomplished and work out where to go
from here.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee looks to Chialla when she speaks, then back to Cyan. He
says nothing about the debt of honour, the obligation. That is
Cyan's decision alone, and she is, to his mind, more the leader of this
group than Aaron. She, at least, doesn't keep running off.
Instead he says, "Sorry, Cyan, what you said makes sense, but I always reckon the best way to get an answer is, if you get the chance, to just ask somebody who knows."
He grins then, as a memory passes through his mind, "Of course, Cain didn't agree with that, but then he's from Amber." his eyes cross, his tongue pokes out the corner of his mouth, and he
twirls one finger alongside his temple. Then his expression
becomes more serious as he asks Chialla, "Chialla, what's a hardunna?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Appearing somewhat bemused by Jonnee's antics, Chialla's expression
clears when he asks her his question. She smiles, then says, "Ah, you have been listening to the men." Her eyes and voice are filled with amusement.
"Hardunna is a legend, a king out of the old tales of our people."
"He had the strength of fifty men, and lived for many lifetimes.
Hardunna it was who commanded the rivers to flow in their ordained
courses, and defeated the monsters that ruled the land."
She shrugs, and gestures towards the workers, "Some
people still believe the old tales, or at least half-believe
them. Some even believe the stories that say Hardunna will return
to us one day."
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan considers what everyone has said. They make good points;
normally, she would be more than pleased to fulfill the entire time the
debt demands, but their circumstances are extenuating. If the
debt is acknowledged as complete by Chialla....
There is a part of me which sorrows at the
thought of not finishing our time here. But is that ego, on my
part? To drive forward, to complete a task already acknowledged
as sufficient, in order to satisfy myself, when we have compelling
reasons to be gone from here?
A moment of agonized indecision.
If Chialla says it is complete, and we have a
driving goal before us, our duty and honor commands us to
continue. My heart is heavy at the thought but you, Dorian, and
you, James, hold the wisdom, here.
And the offer of workers, golems to take their orders and assist
them...I believe that also shows wisdom. Not to remove our
obligations, for those have been fulfilled, but to assist these good
people. As well, we should speak to them of our purpose, I
think.
A nod to James as he arrives and a quick glance to Dorian, still
sitting in the shade. Lips thinning, ruby eyes saddened, Cyan
takes a deep breath.
A man's life...this is not the worth of a man's
life. This is how we honor him - by fulfilling his purpose here,
with his friends. But we cannot be here forever, and we cannot
take his place.
Jonnee's not-so-subtle mockery of the Lords of Order brings a smile to
her lips, despite the heavy thoughts within. All too soon,
though, Cyan lapses back to seriousness, a trifle out of character in
the mercurial woman.
"Chialla...we have urgent matters that would take us from here," the
bard begins when the woman is finished her explanation. "We are
no Harduuna - we are travellers, from distant lands. Distant
worlds, one might say. Our quest is critical, not only for
ourselves, but for uncountable lives. If you say honor is
satisfied, I fear that I must take your offer, though I would stay with
you here to honor the fallen." Grimacing, Cyan shakes her
head. "Needs must."
"But perhaps, in the name of friendship and sorrow over the loss of one
of your own, we might leave some assistance with you, to ease the
burden of this work and speed you home." With a wave of her hand,
she beckons Dorian to join her, James, and Jonnee Kay.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You need not apologise to me, Cyan. You, and
your companions, have more than honoured the fallen here. Had you
not, I would not have offered to release you from your obligation."
"This is not considered a pleasant duty, by many. It is arduous
work, and not without danger, even under perfect conditions. The
example which you, and the others have set, has been a good one.
Seldom have I been on such a mission where the work has gone so
quickly, and the men grumbled so little. The men themselves
worked harder, inspired by your example."
She turns, considering the other workers, "They realise that they will go home sooner, thanks to your help, and that is what is important to them."
Gil gingerly picks up the strange creature, between thumb and
forefinger. He sniffs at it, wrinkling his nose and
frowning. "You
say I just need to put it on my neck? Does it bite? Ah,
doesn't matter. It will or it won't... knowing in advance won't
change what it does."
He bends forward and pulls his hair aside, before placing the thing on
the nape of his neck. It sits still for a moment, then moves like
lightning to a new position, where it splays its legs and uses them to
take a firm grip on his flesh.
"Hey! It's warm, and it purrs like a cat."
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd watches Aaron move off, then turns back to Devlin.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian notes the wave of Cyan's hand, so graceful, and yet not without
deadliness. It was much like her, but also he felt, much like their
mission. It seemed so simple at times, yet so much hung in the balance,
as it were.
Aware of the conversation through the mental link, he stand and approaches her and Chialla with a businesslike manner. "Though
we appreciate that the debt is repaid, we felt the need to leave
workers in our place. If you permit, I can conjure some beings that will serve you for a time, in our place. They will not be people,
as such, but they will follow orders and perform as well as we have."
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"What manner of creatures?"
Chialla turns and looks Dorian in the eye, "We
would be grateful for any help you give, in excess of that which falls
within your obligation, but I must know the nature of the aid. We
are not slavers."
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
We are not slavers. Interesting that she feels strongly enough about it that she tagged that on the end.
"Neither are we. I think what Dorian's talking about is some kind of magical machine." says Jonnee, trying to smooth the crack over, before it even forms. He understands about machines, automation, robots, but Chialla likely doesn't.
"Less mind than any animal, but lots of muscle to help with the work."
We are not slavers.
A friendly grin, his best trade-marked Jonnee Kay Special, guaranteed to make him look honest and harmless. "Why do you say that, Chialla? Are there people around here who are slavers?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron followed what seemed to be a somewhat worn path down towards the
gathering. He finally came to a point where he could see his entire
group, conversing with a woman whom Aaron could only assume was one of
the locals.
He stopped then and crouched, watching the lot of them. He decided to
bide the moment, though he knew his news was important in itself, Aaron
sensed that they were on the verge of some sort of decision.
You'll have to pardon me, Aaron, but I will admit
I'm somewhat... hesitant to return. I think I've come to loathe our
consistent departures from the group, even if this particular departure was a decidedly necessarry one.
Aaron sighed audibly, nodding in agreement with the words of his most trusted friend.
"My last departure, and especially my announcement, was but one more
step towards the greater goals. I need not remind you of those,
Arianne."
Now it was her turn to sigh, and he sensed that she did so.
I feel time counting down. Whether it is my own
personal time within this place, or the greater time of reality itself,
the fact that it speeds ever closer to finality is what drives me now,
Ara'an. One way or another, those goals will be fulfilled.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Golem, magical machines, are one form they could take. They are
then tools, not beings. What I had in mind were more akin to giant
ant-like creatures; it is their nature to work and to follow
directions. They need such, or they waste away and die. Slavery,
however, was far from the idea-- before I resorted to such, I would
simply snap my fingers and summon the structure whole and complete...." His voice trailed off slightly, realizing he'd said a little more than
he should have. He was distracted, feeling Aaron approaching, anxious
to continue their mission. With something of a scowl, he finishes. "It is your choice, Chialla. What form will the workers take?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, stepping back, listens with grave interest to Dorian's
solution. It's a simple one, and fully workable - to her, those
are the best ideas. Complex, convoluted plans invariably fall
victim to someone known only as 'Murphy'.
His specific distaste for slavery is interesting - it disturbs him
enough that he inadvertantly lets slip information regarding his own
strength, something Dorian is not wont to do. Fortunately, Jonnee
Kay is there with a question and an innocent grin, if delivered before
the information leak. Cyan has to admit, between Dorian and
Jonnee, Chialla is likely off her guard, and might just miss that
little hint as to Dorian's strength. I do not see how she could not be, between Jonnee's smile and Dorian's presence.
Aaron, paused up the hill, catches Cyan's eye; she turns toward the
man, and waves, before returning to the conversation, curious to see
how it will turn out.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"ah, I stand corrected." Devlin semmingly says to thin air and then
turns back toward Gil. "I was incorrect. It seems that the creature may
return some of your past memories, but not all. It will however allow
you to remember everything from this time forward and not loose
anything else."
He pauses for a moment and then adds, "As far as what to call it... It may already have a name, but I wouldn't know."
Devlin is actually surprised that Gil would just take his word for it
and consider allowing the creature to join with him so easily. Other
than what he's been told about it he has no idea what the thing will do
to the man.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gil smiles at Devlin, "Its name doesn't matter really. If it helps me to remember things, anything, I'll name it Sarah, and ask it to marry me."
He chuckles, and adds, "Not that I'm desperate, you understand, Son."
Near the river, Chialla nods at the explanations. Her eyes narrow as Cyan waves to Aaron. "Another of your companions, I presume?"
If the woman heard Dorian's gaffe, she chooses not to respond. Finally, after some thought, she says, "I
believe that the workers you propose to summon would be acceptable,
whatever their form. If they have some form of armour available
to them, whether through the very nature, or crafted, then they may be
useful when it comes to moving the beasts, which is the most hazardous
part of the task."
"If they can prevent any of the men having to go too close to the cages
again, then they may save lives, and they will certainly earn much
gratitude."
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"As you wish, Chialla. I will require a few moments without interuption, then." He smiles cooly and gives a brief bow.
With a nod to the others, he turns and strides off some distance and
sits upon the grass cross-legged, bowing his head in
concentration. It bothered him that he'd let so much slip, that he'd
done things so differently. He'd tried to dismiss it thinking it was
merely because Aaron was away, and there was nothing better to be doing. But it was more, there was no denying it. And he needed to
correct it, before the others thought him soft. Before he really became
soft.
The slip didn't matter to him. Conjuring these beasts of burden would
be enough of a clue that he could do more, even conjure the structure
whole. Chialla was no fool. It did bother him, however, that he'd said
more than he intended. He was getting soft, letting the others, Cyan,
affect him. He was becoming like them. He couldn't let that happen.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James did little more than watch the exchange between Jonnee, Cyan,
Dorian and Chialla. He did wonder briefly why Aaron did not come
down from the fort to join them, but supposing their one-time leader to
have his reasons, James was prepared to wait.
To James, the most interesting aspect of the day's developments were
the changes that were becoming evident in Dorian. Spending time
in the company of people who considered him equal rather than superior
or inferior was having an effect on the black-clad sorceror, small and
incremental but present none the less.
James was curious to see how Dorian would react, would he welcome the
chance to open up or would he cling to the comfort and security of the
old ways of power and isolation? To James, the answer was
important. He appreciated now, having had the chance to fully
exert himself, that even compared to his present company he was
strong. But strength was simple and great strength was merely an
extension of familiar forces. The powers wielded by Dorian, and
Jack before him, were something else. As an heir of Amber, James
could, in theory, find anything he wanted just by going to wherever it
was. Dorian went one step further, he could find it and bring it
to himself.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Seeing Cyan wave, Aaron waved back and rose up, beginning a walk that
felt like forever. How long had he been gone? A day? A month? Long
enough for the group to change... so a day was out of the question.
Had he changed? Yes, he thought. He changed the day he decided to
forgoe the responsibilities of a leader, knowing the truth that his
skills as one had been lost forever. Or perhaps, knowing the truth that
he would never again try for that responsiblity, for fear of failure.
He knew better, though. Knew his true skills and callings, and the fact
that not everything he had lost was distant or impossible to recover.
Aaron neared them now, and slowed to a stop when he saw that he could face the lot of them.
"I greet you, comrades." he said, no pleasantness in his voice, the
sound a flat monotone. "I bring news and reports from our powerful
friends in distant lands." He had seen Dorian walk off, and knew enough
to keep all of the solid information back until the man was done.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Chialla (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chialla eyes Aaron with interest as he approaches. Another of
Cyan's strange companions. Presumably he is also gifted with
superhuman strength and stamina, which then begs the question; if he is so powerful, what then could have wounded him so greviously?
"I greet you, stranger. I am Chialla, and I
lead this work party. Your companions have been aiding us in our
work here. Our gratitude is beyond measure."
Where Dorian sits, off to one side, shadowy forms begin to materialise
around him, lookming like some strange cross of man and insect, large
and heavily armoured. They have six limbs, and stand
centaur-like, and the foremost limbs have complex, long-fingered hands,
appearing capable of feats of great dexterity.
They grow more substantial with each passing moment.
Gil's face bears an expression of confusion and disappointment. "I don't think it's working. I never saw anything like it before. Are you sure it knows what it has to do?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It's gonna take a few days, maybe as long as a week before you notice
any effects." Devlin says to Gil. "I must have forgotten to tell you
that bit."
Not sure what to do besides wait, devlin does just that. He sits down and watches Serena doing whatever it is she is doing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin can see Serena but she seems to be in some form of intense
concentration or trance state. Occasionally her hands move in an
intricate pattern. She is seated with her legs crossed and a slight
glow is eminating from the rng that she wears.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Suddenly, as Devlin watches her, Serena stretches and starts to get to
her feet. Her joints and muscles, having been in basically the
same posture for much of the day, protest somewhat, but Devlin helps
her up.
Gil nods his head, and the puzzled frown he had been wearing for several minutes fades to a smile, "Ah,
yes, I remember somebody said that it'd take a few days. Just got
a little confused for a bit. What? I don't know. Is
it important? Ah... I see. No, it doesn't matter to me,
though it does feel strange."
Below, Dorian is soon surrounded by a small army of insectoid centaurs which gaze at him expectantly...
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes," Cyan replies to Chialla, her glittering, amber eyes still on
Aaron. "Our leader, times past. Now? Who can say?"
It's a good question. Aaron seemed more than a little reluctant
for the job of late, and the bland expression he has on his features,
coming down the hill, isn't exactly heartening.
As Dorian moves away, leaving room for Aaron to take his place with the
small knot of people (and wasn't that something odd, Dorian offering
his assistance, in such a fashion?), Cyan steps back as well. A
glance to the dark man as he vacates the area, to a sufficiently open
spot for conjuration, no doubt. There's still a question burning
in her mind, a question she needs to ask.
But here is Aaron, now, and Cyan bows to him, shortly, as he
arrives. "Aaron. A fine thing to meet you here,
again. I look forward to your news...I hope." A wave to
Chialla. "This is Chialla - we are assisting her removes these
creatures from their lands. The story is short, but painful - a
death occurred, one in which we inadvertantly had a hand.
Chialla, our leader, Aaron."
A glance to the side, again - things are forming around Dorian, now. Impressively large and attentive things.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian seems to rise out of his trance, though there is little outward
visible expression other than a sudden deep breath and stretching of
the back and abdomen muscles, much like the a person waking. Pushing
himself to his feet, he looks over one of the creations appreciatively
and pats it gently, almost admirably, on the flank.
"Follow me," he says to them, and walks towards Chialla.
He approaches the woman casually, with a slight bow and a faint smile. "Chialla,
these are the workers I spoke of, I call them dræne; it is their will
to work and follow direction. Like many worker-drone insects in nature,
they have little intelligence or ability to think for themselves.
However, they will eat and sleep when they do not have other
instructions-- be careful to give them the chance to do so every once
in a while. If they stare at you expectantly, like they do now, they
are ready and eager to work. Oh, yes, and they cannot reproduce-- I
woulnd't want them to become a new species on this world, and endanger
other life forms by eating all the food, and so forth. They will live a
few years; they can either return with you and continue to serve you,
or you can instruct them to build and maintain a hive, and they will
continue with that the rest of their lives, happily maintaining a small
hive here."
Turning to the large multi-limbed insectoids, he announces. "This is Chialla. You follow her instructions."
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Noting that Chialla never did directly answer his question regarding slavers, Jonnee moves away when Dorian and his - strange friends arrive. He has met a few of the more peculiar races in
the Multiverse, but somehow the bug-like ones always remind him of all
those terrible movies that he used to see as a kid.
Terrible the movies may have been, but they had left him nervous of giant mutant bugs to this day.
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena smiles at Devlin as he helps her up and says,""Thanks for helping me up. I am afraid all that sitting causes some stiffness. So, what have I missed? Do we have any food?"
Serena then took a very large drink fromm her flask and then laughed."Listen to me babble on. How have you been getting along. Do you have alot of questions?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron let Dorian speak first, not so much annoyed or surprised by this
turn of events as almost... satisfied. He was pleased to see that his
group had accomplished this, a benefit for a group of people they
barely knew.
One more small blessing in the grand hostility that surrounded them.
To Chialla, Aaron bowed.
"I am Aaron, a warrior and wanderer of many paths. I greet you in
truth, Chialla and I thank you for accomodating my comrades." he said,
rising, though he did not smile.
Sighing, Aaron's arms crossed his chest as he considered all that had
gone on during the months that he had been gone. Something in him said
that he hadn't been gone nearly as long as he thought he was.
"If we are ready to discuss?" He asked, and took a deep breath upon
final consideration. "Metatron was able to take me somewhere, a place
that housed a great many orbs. This you already knew. The species that
lived there lived, not in fear of the Archons, but rather with a
logical understanding that if they angered them, the Archons could
easilly destroy them. These beings manufactured orbs."
Aaron waved this off, knowing full well that that was certainly the truth.
"Over the two months or so that I was there, I was able to taint quite
a great amount of orbs, though not as many as I would have wished.
There were many times when we had to hide from other Archons, and
though we were eventually discovered, Metatron was able to... educate
me before hand."
Now Aaron smiled somewhat, though it only reached half of his face.
"According to Metatron, at first not even the Seraphim truly understood
how Broken God was supposed to be revived. It was in fact, they who inadvertantly started Broken God's destruction by feeding it with
imperfect orbs. It seems that I am now responsible for continuing their
folly." Shaking his head, Aaron chuckled. "Though I have no idea why
Metatron chose me, or why he chose only me. Whatever the case, it's my responsibility."
"Our next step? Either we update Amber on what we now know, or we
continue on, for I can sense orbs as long as they're in the vicinity. I
don't believe we'll ever be able to get every single orb, but even if
we get half of them, I can see how we'll be able to harm our enemies
quite considerably." Aaron spread his hands, his eye meeting each of
them.
"Your thoughts?"
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Devlin
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"Do I have a lot of questions?" Devlin repeats Serena's question, "Not
as many as I once had. I think I have things worked out. Comes from
being alone most of the time."
Devlin then takes the time to fill Serena in a bit. "The others are
down below. Cyan felt that something was owed to the locals due to one
of their number dying. Hopefully that task will be completed soon and
we'll be able to get on with our own business."
"What about you?" He asks her. "We've never been able to finish the
conversation which we started in that little inn. We have some time to
kill it seems."
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Serena
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"So then Aaron has not returned yet. Frankly, if
you want my opinion I think that might be a good thing. It is not
as though I dislike Aaron. However, the way everyone seems to put all
decisions in his hands strikes me as a bit unhealthy. Perhaps it comes
from my being alone for so many years that it is hard for me to follow
along as easily as the others."
Serena then smiled and said,"Would you be willing to tell me a bit about yourself Devlin, your life and experiences and such?" Serena still felt an odd draw towards devlin and in some waysit bothered her because it was hard for her to tell why.
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Cyan
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Impressed, Cyan looks over the creatures, studying them. She
feels a little awkward - they sound a great deal like a 'created slave
race' - but Dorian has stated they will not breed, so they will not
continue after this generation. And, like ants, working is simply
in their blood.
It's the ants metaphor that does it for her. Cyan likes to watch
ants - industrious little creatures - and while she cannot understand
being like one, she understand who they are. It is their
purpose. The fibre of their existance.
Wondering how Dorian will take Aaron's reappearance, she studies the
dark man for a long moment, then steps closer to Jonnee, who appears
oddly nervous, putting some distance between himself and the
bugs. It's strange, given his awesome strength and
invulnerability, not to mention his lethal speed, that he should be
concerned.
But then, fear is rarely a rational creature.
A quip and a grin is how he would handle this situation, no doubt, but
Cyan has never been the sort for that. Jokes, she can do, but in
the face of another's fear.... Aaron's words ring out, providing
her with the focus she needs, as well as a line to throw.
"Two months?" Turning to Jonnee, she raises an eyebrow over an
amythest eye. "I fear I shall never be used to the issue of
time," the bard confesses, and it's the truth. A useful truth -
hopefully it will give Jonnee something on which to think (other than
large insectoids). Shifting to see them all, she continues.
"Where to go next? I am reasonably certain that we can find a
means to bespeak those in Amber without going there..." Her mouth
twists into a grimace for a moment. Berd.
She's going to have to deal with the little dragon, sooner or later,
and this brings back memory of where the problem lies. And Aaron
has returned. Oh. Yes. Jadus. "And we
must discuss this idea of tainting Orbs, Aaron. I would know the
particulars of it before we follow this plan."
Dorian. That one, there...he seems to be the wisest of
them all at discerning the faults and flaws in a plan, even more so
than Berd. Even, recently, to speaking out regarding the morality of a situation. His judgement, she values. Between he and
James, they keep the questors on a moral line, something she never
would have suspected from their first meeting. How he has changed.
But then, they all have.
"These tainted orbs. I do not require the information regarding
how one taints them, if it took you time to learn, but refresh my
memory. They must be activated, yes? What happens to the
world on which they sit?"
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Aaron
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Aaron crouched, a tired look in his one good eye. He nodded to Cyan in agreement.
"Yes, we can contact Amber by means other than travel. And I'd like to
speak with Berd and yourself about a request I have, but... later. As
for the orbs," he raised his eye to her, the color of it at once red,
then brown, then yellow and orange autumn colors. He looked at her for
a long time, as if collecting his thoughts.
"Once an orb is placed in a world, it starts drawing upon the power
that binds that world together. If I were to place an orb, I would
place it on a world that was dying already, as I have done in the past.
Our enemies are not so generous."
"The orb will then take root, and will defy anything that attempts to
remove it. An orb, even if it's tainted, will still draw power from
whatever world it's placed on. I... think I already know how to turn
them on and off at will, but I haven't had much practice in that
regard. We should focus on tainting them, until I'm sure of my
methods." He shook his head.
"I'd hate to mess up and accidentally expel the power that the orbs draw upon. Practice makes perfect, as they say."
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Devlin
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Serena typed:"So then Aaron has not
returned yet. Frankly, if you want my opinion I think that might
be a good thing. It is not as though I dislike Aaron. However, the way
everyone seems to put all decisions in his hands strikes me as a bit
unhealthy. Perhaps it comes from my being alone for so many years that
it is hard for me to follow along as easily as the others."
Serena then smiled and said,"Would you be willing to tell me a bit about yourself Devlin, your life and experiences and such?" Serena still felt an odd draw towards devlin and in some waysit bothered her because it was hard for her to tell why.
"Oh, Aarron has returned, while you where meditating;" Devlin cocks his
head, "If that's what it's called. He's appeared, found out where the
others where and immediately headed off to join them."
Devlin thinks over Serena's comment about everyone letting Aaron make
all of their decissions. "I'd have to agree about allowing one person
to make all the decissions, but then again, I've spent most of my time
alone also." He shrugs, "We'll see."
"As far as myself," the man indicates a place, "Sit, and I will tell
you whatever we have time for." Devlin himself sits on the ground with
his legs crossed.
<orange> [The following Devlin not only tells Serena, but allows
it to go out through Berd's link to any of the others that are
listening. He obviously feels that he has nothing to fear from these
people.]</orange]
Devlin waits for a moment for Serena to decide if she will sit or not. Whichever she decides he bigins...
"I was raised by servents in sh..." About to say Shadow, he stops and
shifts gears. It makes no diference to him what he calls the worlds in
the universe. "on a world away from my parents. I didn't even know who
my parents were. I beleive that the estate and the servants that raised
me belonged to my mother." He shugs, "But I'm not even sure of this
much..."
pausing to think, devlin does not say anything for a moment and then he
continues. "Not long ago, for me it has been a year, perhaps more, I
discovered something about myself. I was... startled... and I suddenly
changed into... well, it was different.
"This is when I recieved a new teacher. Another in the service of one
of my parents, I'm pretty sure my mother. He taught me to control my
ability to change shape. He also taught me about shadow and how to use
my shapeshifting abilities to move through it. He told me that my
father was a prince of Amber and that my mother was, well, from a place
he called Chaos, and that this was where I had inherited my ability to
change form from."
Another short pause, "But I was never told who my parents are. I got
the impression that both would rather see me dead than to allow anyone
to know who they where. In fact, I do not even believe that those that
rasied and taught me know who it is that the were working for.
"After leaning all that I thought I could from my teacher I set out in
search of... something... perhaps Amber, though never being there..."
Devlin shrugs again. "I wandered aimlessly for months. Then I felt your
presence, felt you arive on that world, at the inn. I felt the eddy in
shadow left by your passage."
Devlin looks at Serens to see if he can make out any reaction to what
he has said. "And that, I'm afraid, is the extent of it. My life's
history in a nutshell."
He tilts his head again and then asks, "Is everyone so secretive about
who and what they are? Is there some prerequesite that says that I can
trust no one because of who and what I am?"
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Re: Part 39 - Beasts and Burdens by Serena
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Serena had sat and listened to Devlin's story andas she listened she
ran throught he candidates in her mind of who his parent in Amber could
be. After much thought she had the suspicion that it is most probably
Fiona, her own mother. Perhaps,Serena thought, that is the draw I feel
towards him. That is a shame Serena thought.
"That was very interesting Devlin and I
appreciate your sharing it with me. In answer to your question no is
the answer. When I first became a part of this group we all sat around
told our life stories and told what we were capable of and any little
tricks we happened to have. I believe that has not happened with you
due to the absence of Aaron and a lack of free time. If you wish I can
eventually take you to Amber and help track your mother down."
Serena smiled and rose and said,"It is good
to know there is one other person who feels the way I do about Aaron.
Speaking of which I suggest we join the others before all the decisions
are made without our input. What do you think?"
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