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Part 43: Homeland
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Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
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From the inn the road runs through the village, where the mood of
general good cheer from the inn seems to have spread far and
wide. Then it swings across towards a narrow, slow-moving river,
little more than a stream in reality, and crosses it at a ford, before
turning to run parallel with it.
There is a signpost, indicating that this is the road to Bellinford.
After a short distance the way enters a small wood, and then turns
sharp left before climbing a steep incline and emerging onto a
hillside, where it skirts a city of glass and steel. The river is
completely gone from the valley now, though at a crossroads a little
way further on, a sign still points out the way to Bellinford.
Riding through a narrow pass above the valley brings the travellers out
onto a broad plateau, cut by deep gullies which look as though some
giant has dragged a monstrous rake across the land.
Then down into a steep-sided gorge where water splashes on smooth
stones, and brightly-hued reptiles bask in the light of the noon-time
sun.
More forest at the end of the gorge, and then an open plain, marked by
strange lines, diagrams, and images, where a stepped pyramid squats
sullenly in the distance.
For a little while, there is a wall, vast and cyclopean, each block
used in its construction as large as a house. Men in armour of
brass srand upon the summit, spaced every few yards. Horse-tail
plumes flutter from their tall, conical helms as they observe the
riders passing along the foot of the fortification, and there is a
statue of a dragon, also in brass, with outstretched neck and flames
dancing in its gaping jaws.
Veering away from the wall, Jonnee leads the group over a rise, and
then down into a valley beyond. From there the road leads into a
cave, the walls and roof decorated with thousands of paintings, as the
cavern becomes a tunnel, and traces a route deeper into the
earth. The way is smooth, and well-used.
Eventually Jonnee reins in his mount and smiles, "I know where we are."
Where they are is a great chamber, a crossroads of sorts, deep within
the earth. Dozens of tunnels meet in this place, and hundreds of
people are here. Travellers, following roads which snake across
the chamber. Merchant caravans. Winged people circling high
above as they make their way from one tunnel to another.
And the whole scene is illuminated by a bluish glow from the very stone of the walls.
Jonnee takes a moment to look about, finding his bearings, and then
leads the way to another passageway. This one rises, winds and
twists, and there are side chambers and pits, but still the young man
leads them surely.
Finally they ride out onto a hillside. There is a path ahead of
them, flanked by fields of grass taller than a man, and dense forest
beyond. Further away, in the direction taken by the path, is a
city of spires and domes, which gleams with all the colours of the
rainbow in the late afternoon sun.
"That's where we're going."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
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"It looks like a city, but it's really just a single building. The royal palace." Jonnee nudges his horse forward, along the road, "The colours are from gems. The whole place is studded with millions of them."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
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Through the journey, Cyan spends her time staring around herself,
brilliant eyes wide with the changes. No matter how often she
sees them happen, no matter how many worlds they enter, everything
remains bright and new for the bard. Berd, for his part, sits
silently on her shoulders, where he has been allowed to rest.
'Provisionally' isn't a word that has come up, but it almost hangs in
the air.
Her topaz eyes widen even further at the ostentatious display before
them. Well, it would be ostentatious if the gems didn't catch the
light just so, reflecting and refracting it into dazzling sprays in the air, like the light on the mist of a waterfall. Only moreso.
"Jonnee, this is..." Beyond words, Cyan merely stares, and
wonders if the City in the Stone was like this, at the height of its
glory. Or perhaps Aman itself?
"From where did they garner all of these stone?" she whispers
quietly. Berd cracks an eyelid, squints, then promptly goes back
to sleep.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
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(NPC'd)
"They mined them, and traded for them." is Jonnee's reply. "Simple as that. They've had a long time to work on this. You'll see."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
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The group rides forward, and eventually the road becomes more
solid. Great stone slabs, intricately interlocking like some
childhood puzzle. To either side, the long grass stirs in a
gentle breeze, and the songs of strange birds fill the warm air.
From somewhere in the dense forest comes a deep, rumbling groan, the
sound of some large animal perhaps, though far off in the distance.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
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"I
think I ought to let you know that my ring is warning me of danger
ahead. Not immediat danger but a potential danger. It is seems to be
indicating a situation that could turn nasty." Then with a flick of her wrist she is carrying a sword in her hand.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
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"Just like Kaelyn's," Cyan ponders, watching the ring change.
"Only...not." She notes Serena's warning, and peers ahead.
Berd doesn't look terribly disturbed, continuing to sleep on her
shoulder.
"I must admit, I do no like the sound of that," the bard continues, checking Kirilindë. "Thank you for the warning, Serena - I suspect we shall all be on our guard, now."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
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Jonnee murmurs a warning, his voice filled with urgency, "Don't
anybody panic yet. If what you're picking up, Serena, is what I
think it is, then it's just a few of the locals looking us over before
deciding what to do about us."
He stops his horse and stands up in the stirrups, then speaks again, louder now. "I am Jonnee Kay! Last time I was here, I rode with Kalika Wolfblade of the Chunchee people! I come as a friend!"
Then he lowers himself back into the saddle, and urges his horse back into a walk.
"Don't act first. Wait and see. A threatening move could start a fight, and we can't win against the brintizzi." Then, seemingly unable to keep a straight face for so long, he grins, adding, "Well, maybe Cyan could beat one or two, but the rest of us would be coleslaw by the time she finished with them."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
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There is a flicker of blindingly-fast motion, a blurring in the air directly above the road less than thirty feet ahead of the
group, and three creatures are standing there. Green they are, a
good match for the grass lining the roadsides. At first.
As they stand, almost motionless, their skin shifts to a pattern of grey and black bands.
Each stands about seven feet in height, from its clawed feet to the top
of its scaled head. The form is roughly humanoid, though with a
tail hanging to about knee height. Each of the three is covered
with overlapping scales, and adorned with crests, frills and fins.
The eyes are large and yellow, with cruciform pupils, and the nose is
broad and flat, with slitted nostrils. One of the creatures opens
its mouth, inhaling in a sequence of short breaths, revealing dozens of
needle-like teeth and a dark blue tongue.
For all their beastial appearance, each of them has the hilt of a sword
projecting above its right shoulder, the weapon held in place by a
black cord. One of them carries a longbow in its left hand,
though it has not nocked the arrow it holds in its right.
That one speaks then, "You are truly Jonnee Kay?"
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
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"Something stirs here." Arianne whispered to
Aaron, though the fact that she remained audible was enough of a
warning for him. The chille he felt crawl down his spine added to the
warning that Serena voiced, and he nodded in agreement with she and
Cyan.
"I advise caution." Aaron quietly spoke, keeping his singular eye on the absurdly fast individuals. He had a feeling that even if he could manage to unsheathe Ilsefranivr, they'd take him off of his
horse and kill him before he could put her to use. For now, he bided,
and awaited Jonnee's answer.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
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"Yes I am." Jonnee replies, letting go of the reins and raising his hands. He shows them empty, and continues, "I
came here with Kalika Wolfblade, Ellana, Herod, Sarah, and Colen, our
leader. Between us, we rescued your Prince from the World Beyond
the Gate, and became heroes of the brintizzi."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
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<backpost>
James stared in wonder at the size and grandeur of the city of gems, or
perhaps, as Jonnee said, palace would be the right word. It was,
in its way, considerably more imposing than many more remarkable sights
he had already seen in his travels because it was close enough to James
'usual' terms of reference for him to appreciate the spectacle.
</backpost>
That he was caught off-guard by the brintizzi sentries was a little
embarrassing but not a surprise, for essentially the same reason but
reversed. Combat reflexes honed over decades of fighting were
next to useless in such a different environment - and when everybody
moved so damn fast.
Taking a moment to study the creatures as he himself was being studied,
James come to the same conclusion as Jonnee. Unarmed, he was
confident he could take one of them out before the others learnt to
respect his skills. After that, or if they were simply careful in
their approach, coleslaw, as Jonnee so neatly put it.
Through it all, a question: Clearly the brintizzi would make dangerous
soldiers, but was that all that brought them here? The recruiting
of an army?
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
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"Yes, Jonnee Kay. Every brintizzi child knows that tale, almost as soon as they are hatched."
The creature hisses, displaying its teeth. Then it bows, as one
of the others jogs away, along the road, at a steady ground-eating
pace. "I am Ech'hisst, Second in Command,
of the 1012th Legion. I bid you and your companions
welcome. My subordinate is taking word of your arrival to the
palace, and we will follow."
A sharp clicking of his tongue sees a dozen more brintizzi step from
the grass, all studying the humans curiously. One of them, a
little smaller and lighter in build than most of the others, is
bloodied, and has a long gash, still bleeding slowly around the
stitches, running from his left shoulder to the right side of his
chest. Despite the awful wound, he seems happy.
Ech'hisst continues, "I apologise that I
cannot give you a more befitting escort, but there are packs of wild
hunter-killers in the area, and most of my troops are scattered in
search of them." A wave of his hand indicates the injured warrior, "Cha'rsssh
slew his first hunter-killer this very morning, only a hundred paces
from here. He has proved that he is of age, and tonight he will
ask for the right to court a female that he has an eye for. Her
mother will not be able to deny him."
"He has much honour now, and there will be many mothers trying to persuade him to court their daughters, once word spreads."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
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Too fast. That's Cyan's first thought. These
creatures...the britizzi...they're quicker than Jonnee Kay, if that's
possible. She doesn't know if she could defend against them, and
if she did, it would be blind, totally by instinct, and as much luck as
anything else.
It's a good thing Jonnee has brought them to this world, rather than them stumbling in upon it, themselves. A cursed good thing. She keeps her hands off her sword, having no wish for them to misunderstand her motives.
Fortunately, they do have Jonnee, and the britizzi seem to hold him in
high esteem. Not surprising, that; there are unplumbed mysteries
in this young man, and a great deal of wisdom under his casual
appearance. It comes out, every now and then, and takes everyone
(she suspects) off their guard.
The bard's ruby eyes flick her gaze about the company, judging
reactions. From the look of it, puzzlement and respect appear to
be the the most common. For her part, she stays silent, not
knowing the customs. Obviously Jonnee is held in high esteem -
those who are not, may not be worth speaking to, and from Jonnee's
reaction, these people are quite reactionary. Jonnee can handle
the situation, and would probably appreciate people not blundering into
an inadvertant insult.
Berd, for his part, is now well and truly awake. The little
dragon stares at the britizzi nervously, but doesn't take off into the
air, obviously wishing to avoid calling attention to himself.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
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Serena watched the interaction between Jonee and these odd people. They
were obviously very quick and Serena wondered briefly how fast her
spells would work in this shadow.
Although they seemed friendly and spoke of hunter killers which could
have triggered her ring she decided it best to sit tight and be
quiet. As she waited she glanced at Devlin to see what if
anything he was thinking.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
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<backpost>
Devlin was quiet for most of the trip. Inside he was excited, but he
did not let it show. He had seen some interesting things, but nothing
like he was seeing by accompanying Serena. He was also quiet for other
reasons. He knew that he was young, and did not have the experiences
that the others had. He decided it would be better to say, and think as little as possible. He did keep track of all the places they
travelled to. Being there once he would be able to find them again if
needed.
</backpost>
When the group encountered the Brintizzi he still remained calm, at
least on the outside. Inside he studdied the strange new people.
Reaching out with his senses to learn their shape and capabilities.
Devlin noticed Serena looking his way and felt the small hairs on the
back of his neck prickle. What was it about her that evoked this
feeling.... He smiled and went back to studying the Brintizzi. It might
come in handy to be able to mimic these creatures if they were going to
work with them, if that is what Jonnee had in mind.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
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Jonnee looks about nervously at the mention of hunter-killers. He
knows what they are, and even the domesticated ones that some high
level brintizzi keep as guard dogs make his wrists itch.
The young warrior who killed one earlier has got a nasty wound from the
thing. Hardly surprising, since custom, if Jonnee remembers
right, requires warriors to fight unarmed against opposition which
carries only natural weapons.
And hunter-killers are smart and mean, and move in groups.
"If there's hunter-killers about, then I'm glad we
met these guys. James, you've travelled about a bit, Aaron
too. Ever heard of a velociraptor?"
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Ech'hisst (NPC)
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The brintizzi warriors form up into parallel lines, flanking the riders
on both sides of the road. Ech'hisst gives the signal to move,
and the whole group sets off towards the palace-city.
They've barely gone a hundred yards, when a flock of bird-like
creatures flutter up from the grass to the left. The reaction
among the brintizzi on that flank is... startling. Each of them
seems to tense, snd, in less than an eye-blink, every scale fans out,
turning each of the creatures into a razor-bristling avatar of death,
and every joint of every limb suddenly bears a dagger-like horn.
As quickly as these weapons appear, they vanish again as the brintizzi
realise that the suspected attackers are no more than birds.
Ech'hist hisses at his troops, angry at their reaction to mere birds,
and in front of strangers too.
Two hours later, and perhaps half way to the palace, there is a place
where some of the stone slabs have been lifted from the road, in order
to be replaced or repaired. The workers performing this task are
entirely different from the warriors. Nine feet tall, and almost
as wide, with fingertips which almost reach the ground. The
workforce are so muscular that they almost appear to be caricatures.
The goliaths step aside and lower their heads as the warriors pass,
waiting in silence until the interruption to their work is over.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
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"Where I come from a velociraptor was a lizard-like
creature, bipedal, a bit taller than a man, very fast across the
ground, a mean pack-hunter that attacked with claws and teeth.
But most of that is speculation, they died out thousands of years ago."
James watches the Brintizzi's defensive reflex and reassesses his
chances of taking one. His strategy had relied on getting a hold
to stop them using their speed. At best, it would be like
squeezing a handful of broken glass.
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
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"Well, here they didn't. Nor did the other dinos." Jonnee shrugs then, "I don't know why, but they didn't."
He nods towards the brintizzi workers, "Instead
the brintizzi evolved from some of them, millions of years
ago. They have a caste system, and the different castes are bred
to do their own jobs. So the warriors - well, you've seen them,
and those big guys do all the heavy work. But they have one caste
that's really smart, too, and another that's good at reading people
and knows how to negotiate. Hundreds of different castes."
"Oh, and the royalty. That's a special case. There's always
a brother and sister. The sister rules, and the brother finds a
wife from another caste and fathers the next set of twins. That's
why it was so important for the prince to be found, last time I was
here. Without him, their royal line would've ended."
"Sure, they could've gotten a new royal family by repeating the
original breeding program, but it would have taken thousands of years,
and it would have meant a new dynasty, and a long break without a
ruler. The brintizzi are, well - conservative, I guess.
They haven't had a change of dynasty since the original royal pair were
created."
He looks around, wondering how much attention the warriors were paying to his words, then continues anyway, chuckling, "Stick-in-the-muds
is what I call them. The queen they have now is a direct
descendant of that first prince. She can trace her bloodline
back, for about twenty million years."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
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Cyan drinks it all in. From the reactions of her fellow
travellers (what she sees of them, in any case - some are uncommonly
good at hiding their thoughts), to the land, to the people. With
Jonnee taking care of the diplomacy, she is free to do what she wishes,
to study what she wants.
The description of the caste system has her nodding, though. "Interesting. Prime's
people...the Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an...we have met more than one
civilization with similar ideas. It may be a common theme
throughout the Myriad Worlds." She shudders at the memory of the
Sha'a'a'anpurrkanallapa'an caste system, glad their people have been
able to abandon that horrifying way of life.
"And you saved the Prince, did you not?" the bard asks. "Hence
the greeting? If there is a tale to be told, I would hear it,
Jonnee Kay."
Struck by a thought, she rides close to Dorian for a moment.
"Dorian, I have a question," she murmurs. "Memories. Your
mind is as strong as Jack's, I suspect," and she manages the name with
only the slightest hesitation, "and you have powers of a different form
than his. Might it be possible for you to dredge the depths of my
mind? For memories of my parents? I find myself curious, of
late."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
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Serena had flashes a quick smile back at Devlin and then sat quietly
drinking it all in. She had never heard of a 'velociraptor'. Or these
dino's. Serena wondered what they looked like. As she listened to Jonee
explain the government Serena listened carefully it was always good to
know how the ruling parties worked things in shadow.
Then Serena overheard Cyan asking about her parents. Frankly she
figured Dorian had the stronger mind. However Serena felt she had the
right experiences to do this. " Cyan. I would be happy to help you with
memories of your family. I am taking nothing away from Dorian however,
matters of the mind are something I am very skilled in. Bringing up
memories and the like are just another form of mind healing which I
ahve been doing for a very long time. I just wanted to make the offer.
I would understand as you have known Dorian longer if you are more
comfortable with him."
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Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
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The road continues in a series of gentle curves, eventually crossing a
moat by way of an arched bridge of stone, and enters a high walled
courtyard, guarded by a massive gate.
The walls of the yard are plastered, inset with gems and panels of
ornately inscribed metal. At the far side is a door, thirty feet
wide, and forty high. The door itself is of a dark wood, polished
to a mirror sheen, and studded with gold.
The marble steps leading up to the door are carved with hundreds of lines of script.
Another brintizzi approaches them. This one less than five feet
tall, her head and face a mass of crests and wattles. Unlike the
warriors, this one is clothed in a flowing, multilayered robe of white
samite. When she speaks, her voice is not the hissing reptillian
growl of the warriors, but is more like that of a songbird. "I
am named Parenalle. I am to be your liason here in the
palace. Ech'hisst, has been officially assigned to escort you,
and you have been accorded full privileges as visiting dignitaries."
"Her Majesty will speak to you later, until then I am to show you to
the chambers you have been allocated, where you may refresh yourselves,
and rest until it is time for your audience.
"You may leave your mounts with the attendants. We have stabling facilities for their kind."
More brintizzi step forward, tall and thin. Scaled, like all the
examples that have been seen so far, their skin a complex pattern of
blue and yellow stripes.
The doors open as she turns to climb the steps, seeming to expect the
group to follow automatically. Beyond the doors can be seen a
long hall, and standing within is a statue, almost thirty feet high,
rendered in a shimmering blue stone. A human woman, her hands
clasped before her, resting on the pommel of a longsword.
But even without the wolf leaning against her left hip, her features
are immediately recognisable to some members of the group: Kalika
Wolfblade.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
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Jonnee slides from the saddle and passes the reins to one of the stable hands.
"It's okay." he reassures his friends, "These guys are experts on looking after all kinds of anim - woah! That's new!" He studies the giant sculpture of Kalika, struggling to keep his jaw from hanging open.
"Good likeness too. Hey, Hunter, look fella,
it's you. But you look to have gotten a heap fatter since they
carved that."
Jonnee chuckles, but the wolf simply ignores him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
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Serena dismounted and handed the reigns to the stablehand and then she turned to the emissary and replied,"I
thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Although I look forward to
the honor of meeting the Queen I hope he doesn't mind that our
wardrobe's are a bit limited from traveling."
As they enter the building Serena too notices the large statue and
Joneee seems to know of whom the statue was made to look likw,"Paranelle, If I might ask who is that a statue of? It is really impressive."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Parenalle (NPC)
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The brintizzi liason regards Jonnee curiously, "No,
Jonnee Kay, the statue is not new. It has stood here for over
twenty years. Kia Wolfblade came here a dozen years after her
mother's death and requested it, though at that time there was already
a strong movement among the brintizzi to comemorate her achievements."
Turning her gaze to Serena, the reptile woman continues, "I
apologise, I had not realised that not all of you were familiar with
Kalika Wolfblade. She first came here as a bodyguard to a
Chunchee ambassador, almost two hundred years ago."
"At that time, our royal family was in crisis. Our prince had
gone missing. In the company of Jonnee Kay and several others,
she found and rescued the prince. Then, along with the others,
she left on a quest to defeat a creature who threatened our world."
"She returned, one hundred and twenty years later. blind, but otherwise
showing no sign of the passing years. She had just become the new
Chunchee representative at our court court. For fifty years she
worked tirelessly to improve the friendship between our two peoples
even further, and brokered many treaties and agreements between the
brintizzi and others from beyond the Cave of Roads."
Parenalle's voice grows quiet, "It was my
honour to meet her once, when she was very old, and she told me that
her skill in such things was due, in no small part, to her experiences
on other worlds."
"When she died, she was taken home with a full legion to escort her,
and laid to rest in a ceremony which would have befitted royalty."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
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"Thank you, Serena," Cyan says in reply to the woman's offer, flashing
her a quick smile. "I shall certainly keep that in mind - perhaps
yourself and Dorian, together, would stand a better chance of solving
my little problem." Berd, lying on her shoulders, shifts
slightly, and Cyan sighs. "But, as I said...my problem. It
can wait until we have another, brief lull in this storm."
Things continue much as they had before, with Cyan remaining silent,
for the most part. Her eyes take in as much as possible before
they enter the absolutely stunning building, it's glorious colours a
riot on the eyes. She bows to Parenalle, again leaving the
introductions to Jonnee, and follows the woman into the next
room...where she comes face to face with a statue that leaves her
stopped dead in her tracks.
For a long moment Cyan can only stare up at the graven image of Kalika
Wolfblade. Guilt flashes across Cyan's features for a moment,
then sorrow. "Kalika," she whispers. Spirits, I hope you found your peace. A glance to Jonnee, an attempt at a smile that fades as Serena expresses ignorance of the statue. Gone...but not forgotten. Cyan's lips thin as she considers that. No, not forgotten. She is a bard. She will see to that fact.
Kia...came here? After she left us? Twenty years for
her. How many now? Is Kia even alive? Has she found
her father? Does she even remember him? Another
blow. Separated from Jack by worlds, Cyan knows that the passage
of years has grown lengthly between them. Perhaps, for him, a
millisecond has gone by, and she will be dust by the time he thinks of
her again (should he ever do so). Perhaps a hundred years have
passed, and she is nothing more than a footnote in his history.
Gone, now.
And with that, staring up at the statue of Kalika Wolfblade, Jack's wife, Cyan releases him. Completely. Goodbye, Jack. I never knew you. And now I never will.
Turning toward Serena, the bard smiles, her topaz eyes suspiciously
bright. "I...there will be a song, Serena. Soon. A
song to tell the tale of Kalika's wanderings in the Myriad worlds with
Aaron and myself. To fill in the gaps - for that was where she
was, in the years gone by on this world. On this quest, that you
now walk. That all of us walk." Turning back, Cyan stares
up at the woman.
"She was..." Cyan shakes her head, and wipes her eyes.
"Words fail me. I only hope that when I write the song, I can do
her justice."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
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Aaron was silent for the most part, knowing full well the the group
neither expected him to speak, nor did he really feel the need to.
Jonnee's mention of him, and of the interesting creatures on this world
did spark a memory or two of ages past on Ald Thiriel. Of creatures
similar in manner, though not in size, to the ones described by the
natives here.
And along with those memories, other flashes. Other feelings. He made
note of them as he made note of the world around him, once more filing
it within the endless list of worlds he had sworn to save. The
memories, though, remained.
Then he too, saw the statue of Kalika Wolfblade, and was gripped by a force of guilt so great he could barely contain it.
Jack, dragging me up the stairs, as I attempt to make some sort of
lame excuse for my obvious, and utterly irrational misdeeds. Was my
"disease" really the fault of another, or was my "cure" simply a
forgery heaped upon my then-comrades by my own intelligence, a foil to
keep them off my back and to save me from guilt? An invisible insanity
plea when I was obviously at fault?
He simply stood still, hands limp at his sides as he stared up at the effigy of a woman he could never hope to emulate.
Unable to contain his emotion, Aaron lowered his head into his hand as
he sighed, as his slowly growing left eye began to boil with pain as it
never had before. Along with the pain came strange memories, histories
of things long past... my
family running with wolves... but not wolves themselves... fighting
like animals... but not animals themselves... worshiping the
beast-gods... but not beasts themselves... and none of them as strong
as the woman presented before me... is this the truth I see? Or merely
a representation of my own wishful thinking and desire for completion?
Do I even know who I am, where I came from, where I'm going?
Aaron lowered his hand and took another look at the statue before him,
amazed, but also greatly saddened. Kalika was dead and he was alive,
that was what mattered. He turned and looked to Cyan then, unable to
hide the tired, worn look his memories and the sheer weight of their
great quest placed upon all of them.
He took solace in the fact again, that he was alive, and that he was
not alone in this. Aaron nodded, mostly to himself, and turned his
attention to Parenalle. His voice was dry and raw, barely discernable
as his own.
"I thank you for such a representation as this," he said, gesturing to
the statue before them. "Even its size cannot hope to convey just how
great an individual that Kalika Wolfblade was."
And then he was silent for a long while after, his eyes upon this great and varied world.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
Since their approach to the palace James had been admiring its
architecture and design. Now that they were inside, however,
James gave himself over to the study of its inhabitants. Being
able to walk between worlds tended to put material things into
perspective and there was clearly much to learn about the intricate
caste system of the Brintizzi.
James stopped with the others before the statue of Kalika. To him
it was just a big statue, excellent craftsmanship certainly, but
nothing remarkable. Still, from its profound impact on Cyan and
Aaron, there was clearly some history there. He knew a little of
the story from Cyan's account of the quest, but even a bard's rendition
pales next to the experience of life lived side-by-side. So James
waited patiently for the others to finish paying their respects.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You honor me Paranelle with the story of Kalika wolfblade. It is a marvelous thing that you have created in her remembrance." Serena replied somberly as she began to put the pieces together.
Evidently,Serena thought Kalika was a world walker. had she been some
sort of relative or had she learned by another method. The latter
seeemed the most obvious. However, Kalika's longevity made her consider
the first option. As she glanced at Aaron she wondered about him as
well. He was extremely old as was Dorian. The healer in her would love
to know why their body makeup had allowed them to become so incredibly
old. For just a moment Serena wondered if anyone would ever make a
statue of her. Her little voice inside her believed that the answer was
no.
As Cyan spoke with that sparkle in her eyes Serena realized that Cyan
had not only known this Kalika but would indeed memorialize her in song
and likely brilliantly,"That is a wonderful idea Cyan. A woman such as
Kalika Wolfblade deserves the best and I am sure that when you create
your song it will be the best. I am equally sure that you will
succeed." Serena then smiled at Cyan her own eyes sparkling but at the
same time there was an odd aura of sadness as well.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Two hundred years?" asks Jonnee, frowning. Then, more quietly, to Cyan, "Crap!
I hate stupid time differences. To me it's been maybe thirty
months since I first ran into Kalike here. And it must be just a
handful of days since Kia came here to see that her mother was being
properly remembered."
A sigh, "And of course it was different time that left me stranded away from everybody I knew at home. I hate it."
"Okay, Parenalle, take us to our rooms."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Parenalle (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
With a small bow, the brintizzi woman leads them away into the palace.
The walls here are panelled with rare woods, and lit by oil lamps
suspended high above. There are tapestries everywhere, and
statues, and strange asymmetrical carvings stand in alcoves and niches.
The floors are of tesselated stone tiles, to better resist the many thousands of clawed feet which traverse them every day.
Endless corridors leading away in every direction, populated by
creatures of every possible shape and size, and every one of the
brintizzi. Many of them are accompanied by warriors, who regard
Ech'hisst and his troops with ill-concealled mistrust and
suspicion. But then they seem to regard every group of warriors
they pass in a similar manner.
Jonnee, who has seen such behaviour before, comments that they are
bodyguards, keeping an eye on potential threats to their own wards, and
points out that Ech'isst's warriors regard the others with equal
mistrust.
The palace is a maze.
They turn one last corner, and find a group of strange brintizzi
waiting there, clad in uniforms of lilac silk. Roughly man-sized.
with pale red eyes and scales the colour of ivory, they bow at the
approach of the humans. Parenalle regards them for a moment, then
nods, and says, "These nine are the staff you have been allocated for your visit, and this door leads to your suite."
Beyond the door are three rooms: a vestibule and a large and small
sitting room. All are excuisitely decorated, and there are a
dozen bedchambers (each with an adjoining bathroom) leading off from
the sitting rooms.
In the smaller sitting room, a table has been set with silver platters
and bowls, filled with several varieties of vegetables, some sort of
cooked shrimp-like creatures, as large as cats, and numerous types of
fruit.
"If you will excuse me, I will return when it is
time for your audience. It will not, I suspect, be for at least
two hours, so feel free to make yourselves comfortable.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian is silent for some time as they ride. He studies the landscape
ahead with only tactical interest, pondering the waste in resources
such a use in gems represents. Obviously, in this world, gems are as
common as ordinary rock. The people are impressive, and he admires such
a clean and efficient caste system. It reminds him of his childhood.
In response to Cyan's question, he merely looks at her for a few
moments, as if judging many things. When Serena responds instead, he
merely goes back to staring off into the horizon, as if nothing had
happened.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
For a long moment, Cyan turns to look at Aaron, a small smile on her
face. It's wistful, oddly enough, as is the look in her emerald
eyes. Aaron - the last person she knows who remembers even some
of those who began this quest. Ares. Kalika. He knew
them, if briefly in Ares' case. Lexy.
It creates an odd sort of feeling in her. A loneliness.
Then that fades as Serena and Jonnee both speak. She shoots a
brighter smile at Serena, and bows in thanks, before throwing one arm
over Jonnee's shoulders (incidentally dislodging Berd, who flaps off,
squawking in annoyance). "My thanks, Serena. I only hope to
do her justice." Then, to Jonnee, sotto voce.
"I have experienced similar pains, Jonnee Kay," she whispers.
"Jack and Kalika...and her loss. And Beleriand, in my past.
I am sorry." Giving the man a quick squeeze with that arm (and,
again, marvelling at how cursed solid the wiry man feels), she releases him, allowing him to take the lead and deal with Parenalle.
The warriors give the bard pause, making her nervous, but Jonnee's
explanations soon calm her. Her mind continues to map out their
path - maze or no, Cyan will do her best to remember the twists and
turns. At one point, though, she turns her head toward Dorian,
gazing at him levelly for a long moment before looking away, shaking
her head in confusion.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, strangely enough, flits from perch to perch, rather than landing
on Cyan's shoulder. The little dragon continues to study the
area, and the britinzzi, as he floats about.
Arriving at the room, he utters a happy little bugle, before stooping
to snatch one of the 'shrimp', laboriously flapping to another perch
and beginning to (noisily and messily) devour the thing. It's
almost as large as he is, but it's obvious Berd's stomach will win -
there will be no leftovers!
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin remains quiet as they enter the room. He looks over the food as
Berd taks himself one of the srimp looking things and decides that the
little dragon is right, though he didn't say anything, food sounded
good; that and putting food into his mouth was better than his own
foot. Keeping his mouth full of the former would keep him from the
latter.
Devlin makes his way to the table, fixes himself a plate full of a
variety of items, including a hunk of the srimp, and then moves over
near the creature. "Is it any good?" he asks Berd. Not expecting an
answer Devlin takes a bite of the thing to find out for himself.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena looked at all the food and helped herself to a fairly large
plate of berries, prawns,breads andfresh vegetables. Then she got a
glass of wine from the bar and sat down seeming oddly occupied.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian looks down at the table with a critical eye, but doesn't eat. He
looks at the others, preoccupied for the moment, it seems. And what
were they doing here, Jonnee Kay? What were they supposed to see here?
He could only hope the answers to that would be soon.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, sitting at on a ledge, chimes a response to Devlin's
question. A pity nobody understands 'small, reality-twisting
dragon'...but a translation accompanies it. Non-verbal, of course.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena began eating but did not make conversation or look around.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee helps himself to some of the giant crustaceans, "I remember these, their delicious. Well worth coming back here for."
He starts cracking one open, "But they're not the only reason. This palace, and the people who live in it, are part of why I brought you here."
"You who live in Amber itself, how old is Amber? How long since
that old loon, Dworkin, drew the Pattern and created the whole world?"
"See, a lot of Amberites will claim that before that, nothing existed
anywhere else, and a lot of them use that as an excuse to call the rest
of the worlds Shadows, and say they're not important. Not real."
The young man jabs at the air with a shrimp claw for emphasis, "But,
and this is an important but, places like this exist. The
brintizzi have a written history stretching back at least forty million years. About two thirds of this palace is library."
"I believe that this place existed before Amber. That places like
this one are just as real as Amber, and that the people who live in
them are just as important as any prince. Even if that's wrong,
even if all those records and histories were all made just a hundred years ago or something, which I don't believe is true, does that make them any less important?"
Waving a hand towards the servants, he continues, his voice carrying an edge of anger now, "Look
at them. Do you think that, even if their whole world is a fake,
it makes the slightest difference to them? For me, there are no
Shadows. There are what Cyan has dubbed The Myriad Worlds. We aren't just fighting the archons for Amber, but for all the worlds."
"And this particular world can help us, I think, that's the main reason why we came here."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James slumps into a seat by the table. Initially, he ignores the
food, then changes his mind. No telling when the next meal break
will come, after all.
"I don't know how old Amber is, but I doubt Oberon
is forty million years old. But you've all seen for yourself how
time works in strange ways on different worlds. I doubt any true
prince would accept a mere forty million years as reason to doubt
Amber's originality. Probably say that this world was created
with thirty nine point nine million years of ready-made history.
I don't know what that says about me, though, 'cause I agree with you,
at least about the importance of each world."
"What kind of help, Jonnee? These guys would make superb
soldiers, but, no offence, if army gathering is what we're about, there
are easier ways of doing it."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Myself, I think the worlds were there all
along. Dworkin made the pattern, and that just made it possible
to get to them, and that hadn't been possible. It's like they
were invisible, and nobody even knew they were there. Then along
comes Dworkin and does his stuff, and suddenly the worlds are visible,
and everybody's, like, "Hey, dude, that old geezer just made all these worlds appear out of nothing - cool!""
Jonnee shrugs, "Either way, it doesn't
matter. When you're in a world, it's just as real as Amber.
The thing that stops anybody screwing about with Amber is not that it's
more real, but that the Pattern won't let them. Maybe some sort
of safety thing to stop people using the Pattern to mess with the
Pattern."
"As for what the brintizzi can do for us. Well, they used to use
a place nearby for a royal hunting preserve. Last time I was
here, they're prince was trapped there, and the gate was locked, so we
went in the long way round. We walked to it, unlocked the gate,
and released the prince."
"We also found something, a trap of sorts, that Brand had placed
there. An artifact that Colen called a construct. Brand was
using it to gather power for his own plot. It might be useful to
have for dealing with the archons."
"Plus having a couple thousand legions of fanatical brintizzi might be
useful. Cyan, Jack and Aaron used spider warriors against the
archons on that place with the metal bugs. They can be taken down
by muscle."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Cyan and Jack used those spiders, Jonnee, not I."
Aaron finally spoke, and he moved over to find a seat, getting as
comfortable as he'd allow himself to be on an unfamiliar world.
Adjusting the blade on his back, and removing it for a time to make
himself somewhat at ease, Aaron leaned back and gazed at the ceiling,
speaking again for a time.
"Our minds share a similar idea, Jonnee. I don't think Dworkin came up
with Amber so much as he refined it and defined its shape, allowing it
to grow into what it's become now. I come from a world that I believe
is nearly as old as Amber itself, though its true age is totally lost
to me."
He lowered his head and his eye, leaning forwards to rest his elbows on his knees as he thought aloud.
"We've all seen a power in the Archons that is clearly undefined by
age. Metatron and his kind are significantly older than most other
beings I've come in contact with, and I personally think that they
don't even completely exist in what most call 'Shadow.' I think they
are outside of Shadow in some way.
As far as that particular term is concerned, aside from the prior point
of example, I no longer refer to it as 'Shadow.' I simply call the
myriad worlds 'reality,' for that is exactly what it is for each group
of beings that exist upon those worlds. Their reality, their time,
their place."
Aaron suddenly clenched his fists, his single eye taking on a look of strange inner turmoil.
"Even despite the words of Amberites who hold more sway and power than
I, I positively refuse to consider my home, my family, my entire history as a mere reflection or false impression of something they deem
'greater.' Though I have Amber blood, I have seen things in Reality
that are just as powerful as things I have seen in Amber."
Unclenching his fists, Aaron rleaxed and leaned back again, letting out a slow breath.
"The Pattern. That is an interesting thing indeed. I have a theory,
that the Pattern itself doesn't so much anchor reality as strengthen
it. The closer you get to the Pattern, the stronger its effect on you
and its surrounding worlds becomes. When we impress the Pattern upon a
world, we adjust it so that it fits our desires. In that respect, when
a Pattern user 'alters' a world, I don't think we change it so much as
we change our literal, physical place in Reality to fit that desire. In
a wider, more extreme sense, I think the Pattern is merely a singular
represenation of a greater force at work."
"If that too, is true, then I'd like to know what that force is, and
whether it can be altered to suit. Personally?" And here, Aaron raised
his eye and looked almost somewhat amusedly, over at Dorian.
"I believe anything is possible. Anything at all, really. That's why
I'm such a ridiculous optimist. When you have the power to shift your
very state of place no matter where you are (mostly), you sometimes
come to believe such things. I have a habit of doing just that, and the
ability and desire to see what's next is one of the things that keeps
me going day after day. That, my search for truth, and Chrissie, that
is."
Aaron yawned, and surprised himself with it. He'd rested in his own way
back at the Inn, but perhaps he figured it was the comfort of the room
itself. To fight it, he rose, and began to examine the room, leaving
his blade leaning against the couch.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I think we all agree our mission is important, no matter our beliefs. I wasn't aware anyone of us had questioned the realness of anything in the myriad worlds. I am interested in this construct you
described, Jonee. Great care should be taken if we approach it. An
amberite such as that would not leave it unsecured, to be sure."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Although many Amberites believe Amber to be the one true world and all
else Shadow. I do not feel the same way. I believe that it is quite
possible that there were places prior to the advent of Amber."
Serena commented although she seemed distracted.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's amethyst eyes grow focused as Jonnee speaks, shining with
pleasure at his words. She bobs her head in agreement, grinning
almost foolishly, but not interrupting - the man is on a roll, as they
say, and she wants to hear where he takes this. So true, Jonnee. So true. "There are no Shadows," she whispers, echoing Jonnee's words.
This is what she has said, too, all along.
And it looks like others in the group feel the same way. A rush
of pleasure as James makes a wry comment, followed by his own opinion
on the matter. An opinion that, coming from a Walker of the
Pattern, means a very great deal. Jonnee's continued explanation
as to the 'reality' of the World of the Pattern, Amber, has her
thinking, touching her lips. "More solid, Berd says," she comments into a break. "Not more real."
Her smile returns, a little uncertainly, as Jonnee puts out his
plans. She isn't sure if the Archons, prepared, could be beaten
by force of arms...by anyone.
Prime's spiders had helped, to be certain. But the
majority of the damage came first from Jack, with the help of the link
to his power-source, and then from....
Her eyes fall on the little dragon, still eating. Berd glances
up, warbles something unintelligible (bits of shrimp falling from his
mouth), and looks innocent for a long moment. Cyan blinks topaz
eyes, looking away, the smile faltering, then coming back strongly as
Aaron begins to outline his own feelings on the matter.
"Berd," she notes, "is old. How old, I do not know.
Metatron and his people knew of him, long ago. Berd has hinted
that his own age is somewhat...greater than that." She
shrugs. "There are more powers in the Myriad Worlds than simply
the Pattern. Serena and Dorian's magic, Jonnee's tattoos - for
they cannot only be the Pattern, they must be something more - Aaron's
World, the Archons, Broken God, even the Courts of Chaos and the
Logrus...for the Logrus predates the Pattern, as I am to understand."
For an instant, Berd's eyes snap up, and lock onto Aaron. And his
psychic presence suddenly pours into the room like water from an opened
dam. I
believe you are not correct, Aaron of Ald Thiriel, that the Archons are
from...elsewhere. It is not impossible...but I have spoken with
Metatron. From what He said, it is not the case, but rather it is
the Broken God who is from Outside. For an instant, his eyes glitter strangely. Assuming, of course, he spoke the truth.
Then he belches, and goes back to tearing at the huge 'shrimp'.
Rolling her own eyes, Cyan takes a long moment to consider Aaron, wondering how well he is holding up. Chrissie. I should finish that palanquet for him.
Allow him to contact her. A grin from her to Dorian, at his gruff
endorsement of the feelings of those in the room. The grin
softens, slightly, and she toys with her hair for a moment,
thoughtfully, before glancing to Serena. The Amber-raised woman
certainly doesn't hold the same opinions as her kin. Another sign
that, while Cyan can be offended by Amber's stance on the 'Shadows',
the Myriad Worlds, not all of her people feel the same way.
"Agreed, Dorian," Cyan states. "We should be careful. We
should all be careful." She pauses, her lips thinning. "I
have...lost many people on this quest. Some of them my
friends. Some...very dear to my heart. I would lose no
more. You..." Her eyes take in bright Serena, tempered
Aaron, resolute James. "Children of the Pattern, whatever your
other blood. But you do not see as they do. Your eyes are
unclouded by...ego? Ignorance? False teachings?
Whatever the case, you are not them. In you, I see a greatness
unstained by predjudice or arrogance." Her eyes glimmer with
sudden, unshed tears.
Then Cyan's gaze snaps to shadowy Devlin, fiery Jonnee, and granite
Dorian. "And you three...not touched by the Pattern, or not
completely." Abruptly she laughs, helplessly. "Proof that
honor and majesty do not arise from walking lines upon the floor!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron cocked his head to the side, honestly considering Berd's words.
He nodded after a moment, a firm look of understanding on his face.
"You would know more of them than I, certainly, Berd. However, if
Broken God is indeed from Outside, then that would fit my own ideas
even more so, that there is much, much more to this than I initially
anticipated or even till now have thought of."
Cyan's final comment elicited a sharp but amused laugh from Aaron, causing a half-smile to appear on his face.
"My dear Cyan, to reduce the effort of traversing the Pattern to a mere
'walking of lines upon a floor' is something I find very amusing. Your
honesty and innocence certainly keep me on my toes." Shaking his head,
Aaron sighed. "And you're really not that far off from the truth,
either. Despite it's inherent benefits, when it honestly comes down to
it, the Pattern may just end up being exactly that. Lines on a floor."
He looked to each member of his group in turn, nodding when he'd sure he'd caught each of them.
"Indeed. It might just come to that if we're not careful, cautious, and
absolutely assured of our actions. I am very curious about this
construct, though I will admit I've become quite wary of anything made
by unknown hands, that wields powers we are unsure of. I've... already
seen the results of such meddling."
Aaron's single eye took on a look of shadowed pain, unable to truly
contain the memory of watching his brother Jadus pass out of his sight
for the last time.
"Yes, I too agree with Cyan and Dorian. We should assuredly be careful.
I ask now this, what do you believe our first, or next, steps should
be?" Aaron asked, spreading his hands out before him to encompass each
of his comrades within the question.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin listens carefully to what everyone in the room is saying, even
if he does not appear to. His attention seems to be on Serena, who
seems distracted by something else.
Talk of shadows, worlds, he thinks to himself that it doesn't matter
what they are called, they've all seemed real to him. How could
anything exist and not be real? ... He does not voice his own opinion
on the subject.
Still not really looking at the others and watching Serena he says, "It
would be helpful if we could somehow have a watcher among these
Archons, perhaps on one of the worlds where you have encountered them?"
It is almost as if he is speaking to himself. "I haven't been to one of
these worlds, so I can not send... anything to them, but... it could
find its way back to me if there was a way to get it there in the first
place, that is as long as it is not discovered and destroyed."
Even though he spoke, Devlin does not seem to be waiting for a reply.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I agree that we should be very careful.
Especially if Berd is correct. I too have lost people along the way in
my life and most definitely would be bereft if anything were to befall
any of you that I could not repair."
"Although I have not known you as long as you have
known each other I find you all to be emarkable people. Aaron I truly
think we should start a game plan before we leave here. I know that it
could end up being fruitless but I think we should try anyway."
Serena's eyes looks briefly at The talented and brilliant Cyan, Aaron
the leader who did not want to be one but was a good one besides,
Dorian who always seemed so aloof but as she was finding out he cared
more than she had thought, James the one with the dry humor, Jonee the
rogue, and finally Devlin who although she doesn't know why they have a
connection.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, one thing we'll have to do is speak to the
Queen about getting access to the device. The easiest way is to
use the gate from the palace, but after what happened last time, there
was talk of closing it, permanently. Worried about Brand's little
toy, I guess."
Jonnee helps himself to more food, making sure that Hunter gets a share of it too. "Using
the gate means it's just a single step from this world to that
one. Trouble is that there's only one other way in, so far as
anybody knows, and only the palace gate will work in both directions."
"If we can't get them to open the gate, and we go round the long way, then we can't get out again."
A pause then, while that sinks in, then, "Last
time, Brand's boys did something to the gate that caused anybody who
tried to get through that way to bounce straight back to the
palace. Sometimes they came back with parts missing, other times
all the parts were there, but not in the right order."
"The only way in was the long way round, which he didn't control.
Once we blocked his scheme, the gate started working properly again,
but the brintizzi got a little nervous and were discussing if they
should bury the gate or something when we left."
"That's why we need to talk to the queen. See if we can have access."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
<backpost>
"Muscle only works against the Archons if you're prepared to lose a lot of muscle, Jonnee."
"Teaching anyway, Cyan. I can't speak for
Aaron or Serena, but I simply haven't spend enough time in Amber to
have picked up their way of thinking."
</backpost>
"Devlin, I completely agree that having a source of
information amongst the Archons would be invaluable, a lot of what we
do is dabbling at the edges of the problem because we don't know the
way forwards. But we don't know any Archons other than Metatron
willing to advise us. The factions might be prepared to sell each
other out, but they'd be manipulating us too, if they didn't just kill
us first. Any physical spy that I know of would be found and
killed within days and mental eavesdropping risks getting blasted into
insanity or brain-death."
"But we've covered this ground before. Aaron, I thought our plan
of attack was two-fold. One, we find a way to corrupt the orbs." James counts off on his fingers. "We
have that in you, now, thanks to Metatron and it's something we can
keep working at when we have the opportunity. And two, we try to
find Broken God's heart. If we can capture it, it would be our
most powerful tool against the Archons."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin answers James, “I wasn’t really thinking of a mental
eavesdropping, though it may be possible. More of a physical watching
of those you know we are trying to stop. The information gained may be
helpful and there would be little risk.”
Devlin finally looks away from Serena and around the room at the
others. He shakes his head realizing that it may be easier to show them
than to explain. Getting up he moves over to the table.
The man then looks at the gauntlet on his wrist and says, “This should
only take a moment.” At the same time that he began speaking his
gauntlet begins to change and it is only moments before a long dagger
like protrusion grows from it. The dagger is situated in such a way
that Devlin could punch with his fist and it would drive the dagger
into whatever his fist hit.
But he does not punch anything. Instead he places the dagger’s edge
against the palm of his own hand and quickly draws the blade across it,
cutting himself. Devlin looks at the cut from a moment and the blood
whish is now forming a pool in the palm of his hand. He concentrates on
it and the blood begins to move and change.
It takes less than a minute for the entire process and when it’s
complete a small bird sits in the palm of Devlin’s hand; the cut seems
completely healed; the gauntlet once again in its usual form on his
wrist.
The bird is black and not very large. When it takes off and flitters
about the room it seems to have the same shadowy look the Devlin
himself has in wolf form. The small bird wings over to Serena and
alights on her shoulder, chirps in her ear.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Over all, James, that's true. That is our plan. I was speaking of both
now, and exactly how we're going to accomplish our goals. Jonnee has
made a good point of investigating the artifact on this world."
"As far as a spy within the ranks of our enemies, it is an
idea. However, the Archons seem to have a society that fights against
itself as much as it works together to cause us pain. In a sense,
considering the amount of time and manpower our enemies have, how can
we be sure the right hand is doing the same thing as the left?" Aaron
sighed, shaking his head. "If we have one informer, we must have
others, and even that would be an unsure venture."
Aaron seemed to mull it over, and nodded once.
"Still, it's an idea, as I said. Anyone else?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I don't know why I bother to speak at all, it seems that you're not
really interested in listening to any other opinions." Devlin says with
a look around the room that lingers especially long on Aaron.
The little black bird chirps quietly into Serena's ear,
Turning away, Devlin moves off in the direction of the bedrooms. He
might as well check out the rest of the area they've been allotted. The
bird remains behind on Serena's shoulder.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
At the sudden appearance of the bird, the servants become noticeably
concerned. They peer about, looking for how it might have gotten
into this windowless chamber, deep within the palace.
When none of their guests seem worried though, their own interest in
the presence of the creature fades from concern to curiosity.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee watches Devlin walk away, frowning.
This has always been the problem with the Amberites, those with the
Pattern in their blood. They can't help themselves. Even if
they claim they don't believe they're superior to everybody else, it's
like they can't help acting as if they do believe it.
Sometimes he wonders if the Pattern gets into their heads and takes
over, starts thinking for them. Or maybe it's just that the ones
whose minds can handle the Pattern have similar ways of thinking.
Either way, tact isn't part of the mental scenery.
They can't help themselves. They piss people off without even
trying. Without even realising they're doing it. Result is
that people think they're being belittled, and the stereotype gets
reinforced.
His eyes go th the bird, perched on Serena's shoulder, "That was cool. Never seen that before."
"I think Devlin just showed us how to get a spy into archon
territory. A bird, or a mouse, or even a bug. Something
that'd be ignored."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena smiled a th little bird wa creatd and flew to her shoulder. Then
as Aaron poke she fround. Why did Aaron uterly ignore what Devlin had
accomplished. Jonee was right Devlin had givn them a good way to spy.
"Jonnee is correct Devlin has shown he can
create anythng that can then report back to us.I believe that could be
a very valuable tool. "n Serena remarked and thn lookinga Aaron said, " Aaron,
Devlin is trying to help the group and I find your utterly ignoring him
to be rude. I do not know why you did so. I don't believe he expected
accolades or awards. However, a simple acknowledgement of what he had
offered would have been appropriate."
Serena then rose and took her bag, her wine, and the little bird and said, " I am going to see if I can find a suitable wardrobe change to meet a queen in my bags." Then she walked towards the bedrooms.
Then into the room where Devlin had gone and layed one hand on his shoulder and said,I
believe the bird to be a very useful idea or perhas somehing else but
the theory is excellent. Would you like to talk Devlin? I am sure you
are at lest annoyed,. I know I would be."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan listens quietly while the others settle down and begin their
discussion. It's good to take a rest from the talking - her head
aches, slightly. Maybe it's the light in here. Devlin's
little bird, drawn forth from his blood, garners much more interest
than his blade. Serena has shown something similar, recently, as
did Kaelyn. The bird however...from
his blood? What magic is this? It is like something Berd
might do, or Dorian...save he creates life not from smoke and light,
but from himself!
It's shocking, to say the least. Wonderous. And full of possibility. And disregarded, nearly completely.
Cyan's eyebrows rise as Devlin stalks away, with good reason. She
puts her face in her hand, shaking her head. Berd, for his part,
actually puts his food down, losing interest in the meal, and
chirps. It sounds aggrieved. Jonnee puts forth his own
opinion on the subject, keeping diplomatic. Serena has one as
well, and significantly less diplomatically spoken. The woman
heads off after Devlin, and the bard stands up.
"I cannot believe this. We have been complaining all along that
we suffer from a dearth of information. Now someone comes to us,
voluntarily, and offers us a possible solution to that problem, with a
power none of us can master. He offers an new choice, and what do
you do, Aaron?" Disgusted, Cyan cuts the air with her hand.
"And rudely! Serena is correct! How many plans do we have,
Aaron? One? We stake everything upon one plan, and hope it
succeeds? What will this cost us to try? Oh, yes, we might
be discovered," she says, pacing in a circle. "What of it? Have you not been paying attention? We are so far behind the Archons now that risks must be taken! We require more than one option! We require the
information! That bird can operate without us being there!
While we work on your plan, it might garner valuable
intelligence! We know nothing of its capabilities - if it is of
Devlin, perhaps it can adapt, change as he does! Perhaps it has
the best chance of carrying this out!"
Her hand slams down on the table with a *bang* that echoes through the
room. "What are we? So fearful of the possibility of
failure that we are paralyzed to a new idea? Unwilling to
consider anything that does not fall into line with that which we
understand? We should be so far past that now, we cannot even afford a hint of dilly-dallying!
If we wish to be hide-bound old men and women, we ought to head back to
Amber in order to finally make a report, and wait for them to tell us
what to do!"
Ruby eyes sparking with irritation, she raps the table again, this time
with her knuckles. "Find Devlin! Tell him that he must do
what he can, as long as he feels the risks are warrented! And in
the name of the spirits, apologize!" For a moment she stand
still, then Cyan runs her fingers through her hair and stalks out of
the room into the hallway.
Berd makes an interrogative, chiming sound.
"No, I am not running off! I need some air!" Out in the
hall, the bard leans against a wall, one hand coming up to press
against her forehead. She closes her eyes for a long moment,
breathing heavily.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
It is with the quietest and simplest of movements that Dorian stands,
as he extends his mind outward view the cracks in the world, tiny
tendrils that seek out and connect the fragments group. It's all about
the fragments. He'd learned much of them recently. It was fitting, for
Dorian is a fragmented man.
These tendrils, gentle as they may be, have a goal they will not back
off from. If the connection is refused, they will force the issue. This
once, Dorian will be heard by all he addresses.
As his voice rings across the mental connection, he turns to walk out of there.
His mental voice is gentle, yet loud. Like a storm on the horizon, the
distant rumble so soft yet so loud and promising much noise.
Once, I heard a story, a very old story. A warrior had failed his
master, who had been slain in battle. His culture dictated that he
should fall upon his sword, but, like many such warriors, he found
himself lacking the will to die, despite the dishonor.
And so, deep in thought, he road his horse away from the battlefield.
And as he road, he came upon a small bird. *mental irony* The bird lie
on its back with its feet in the air.
The warrior commanded it to move, but it would not. When the warrior
asked why it did what it did, the bird commented that the sky was
falling, and he was going to catch it. The warrior insisted such a feat
was impossible for the tiny bird, but the bird was resolute.
The warrior then mocked the bird for its foolishness, scornfully, but
the bird replied, "I'm just doing what I can do. What are you doing
about it?"
My vote is we let the bird do what it can do.
Aaron, when you left you stepped down from leadership. When you
returned, you acted as if it had never happened. I think you had it
right the first time. You no longer lead them. Fiona only appointed you
as leader because we could not work together at that point in time.
Much has changed since that point, and we have shown we can work
together, even in your complete absence. Too often, a leader works
against the group, rather than with the group.
My advice to you is to open your eyes and look at the world around you,
for what it is. Do you remember when we were on Auld Thiriel; do you
remember Yggdrasil? You spoke at length with the tree, and what did you
accomplish? Under the surface, I spoke with the tree, I looked at the
tree, and I traced its roots deep into the fabric of the underflow.
Yggdrasil and I spoke at length about the underflow and about Jack--
for Jack was the first of us to discover it, and speak not of it.
Secrets do us no good, for Jack kept that secret with him even in
leaving us behind. I will not leave secrets or lack of words in my
wake. Thus, my advice is to open your eyes and see what is beyond the
world. You will learn much.
James you are like the rock to which this whole group clings. You are
solid in battle, and honest and unwavering in all things. I ask you to
hold them together while I cannot be here.
Jonnee, you are like water, which flows around all things, yet has the
strength to cut a mountain in half when there is nowhere to flow. Lead
them when they need to be flexible.
Serena, do not forget your task. I will only admit this upon my exit,
but you have a psyche that rivals mine, and great skill with your
sorcery. You need to apply creativity to your art, and find new ways to
use it. Don't limit yourself with what you think is possible. You'll be
surprised at what you can do. There are parts of the universe that can
only be understood by the magic kind; lead them through those times.
Devlin, what you can do with your blood is amazing. It is something
I've seen before, for my home is near the courts of chaos. Even there,
it is rare. It is a gift none else in this group possesses. They need
you. Don't let their ignorance sway your intent to help. Help despite
them, if needed. More than that, you have given me an idea. I must take
my leave of you and return to a place I hoped to never see again. If
you posses the chaos-body, you know there is chaos in all things. Lead
them through the chaos.
Berd, you will only be free when you seek reconciliation. Until then,
you will be shattered. There is a part of you I respect, but a part of
you that refuses to learn. If there is anything I learned in my time
with you, it is the need to grow and learn. If you continue to block
Cyan, neither you nor she can grow. Doing so, means you risk not only
yourself, but also her and the whole of the universe. Tell her; no more
secrets, my friend.
Cyan, you will never know the gift you have given me. If we fail, if we
cannot save the universe, at least know that you saved one man along
the way. I tell you this, though it jeopardizes all. Berd does not want
you to find out where you came from; you need to look no farther than
your own companion for the truth. Though I tell you this, I believe the
truth will not be a happy one. It may, in fact, destroy you. If you
need help, speak with Serena. She has great skill, and perhaps the
strength to get through Berd's countermeasures in this area. Keep the
faith, Cyan. I once knew an archer who claimed he could simply feel the
target, the shot would feel right. He said he was aiming at himself. I
think this is what you do; you aim with your heart. There are times
when that is all that can be done. Lead them through those times.
I do not think I will be able to return. I will leave a gift, a messenger, and a part of myself with you, Cyan.
And finally, to all, I say goodbye.
With the abruptness of a severed line, the mental contact is silenced.
And Dorian of Samhain, Dorian of the Storms, is gone.
OOC: Dorian is putting his full Psyche into making sure his message is heard no matter what.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Annoyed?" Devlin says/asks with a smile. "No, not annoyed; concerned.
I get the impression that Aaron either dislikes me or distrusts me;
perhaps both."
He looks thoughtfully at Serena and smiles again before continuing, "I
don't much care if he likes me and I can understand a bit of distrust,
but I cannot figure out what I have done to be worthy of being
completely ignored."
There is a pause as Devlin tilts his head. While the others believe he
is no longer among them he can still hear them quite well. He is sure that they do not understand the extent of what he is able to do with his body. He lets out a chuckle, "And it seems that some of the others feel the same way that I do."
Then he stops as Dorian forces his thoughts on everyone. The man's
words about Devlin, he nods quietly to himself. Then Dorian is gone.
Devlin shakes his head once again but does not comment, he is wondering
at that moment how the others will react to Dorian's words and his
departure.
Instead of saying anything that he might have been thinking Devlin
says, "I wonder if we can find anything for your new friend to eat." He
points at the small bird on Serena's shoulder. "Perhaps some seed of
some kind."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
You're leaving, Dorian? A rhetorical question, of course, Dorian has always been decisive; there is no reason to believe he will relent. *A great wave of sadness* I will try, Dorian. I hope we meet again at journey's end, if not before.
James stands and salutes the air where Dorian had been a moment before.
He turns to face the others in the room. "As
one who has seen a more than a lifetime's worth of conflict and likely
to see a lot more before this is through, I prefer to keep my
peace. But. There comes a time when one must be a
peacemaker and not merely a peacekeeper. So."
"Aaron, the others have criticised you. I will not. You
were perhaps a little hasty, but I think you intended to explore some
of the challenges Devlin's plan would face rather than dismiss it out
of hand. I'm going to go talk to the others."
James walks out following Cyan
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
" Devlin, I do not think that Aaron dislikes you. I believe he simply
was very rude in ignoring you. I think perhaps he has too much on his
mind and does not see value when it is right in frot of him. You gave
us an incredibly powrful weopon that we desperately needed. Aaron
simply did not even acknowledge it. It was very close to being
unfogivable as you did nothing to deserve being ignored in such a way."
Serena says with her voice heated it is a glimpse of what she could be
in full temper. Serena tries to settle herself as she does not wish to
let her temper get out of control.
Then suddenly Serena can here Dorian speaking and her eyes get a far
away look as she listens she nods when he speaks of her task and
listens to what he says about the others. as one tear rolls down her
cheek Serena thinks as loudly as possible at Dorian. 'You will not be forgotten'
As she wondered why Dorian chose to leave Serena quickly wiped the tear off her face and looked into Devlin's eyes and said," My litle friend? Did you give him to me Devlin?" Serena asks softly wondering whether he ahad used a turn of phrase or if it was her bird now.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd stares with brilliant eyes at Dorian, through the man's entire
speech. The little drake sits up a trifle straighter, eyes
narrowing....
...then relaxes, curling up into a smaller ball, the lights of his eyes dimming.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Out in the hall, Cyan slowly stands as Dorian's powerful, spiritual
'voice' washes over her. At first, she does not comprehend; then
tears begin in her topaz eyes as she realizes his purpose.
Another one, gone. Her fingers clench, the blunt, strong nails of
a musician cutting into her palms. Why does everyone for whom I care, leave? Dorian...
...fare you well, wherever your paths take you. Know that you will be in my thoughts.
With that, she chokes, struggling for control, barely managing to hold
on. And the man is gone, his words echoing in her heart.
The ones regarding Berd, those are filed away, neatly, for perusal
later, as is his advice to the little dragon. But his thanks to
her and his gift of wisdom, those she carries carefully in her spirit,
examining them, turning them over and over as the tears carve tracks
down her cheeks.
Cuthalion. Mablung. Ares. Kallika. Jack.
Five people, dear to her, lost forever, three on this damned
quest. The others, too, but those five...and now Dorian.
She wants to curl around his words, and cry the hurt out. Again.
Dorian...would not wish tears, would he? Not true, she knows. There was something inside him, something that wanted to be more than the icy-hearted mask he put forth. Something that was more....
Closing her eyes, she chokes back another sob and leans against the wall. Dorian.
How will we continue without your sardonic wit, your driving purpose,
your veiled compassion? How can we continue, knowing we will
likely never see you again?
May your power carry you safely, down whatever dark roads you travel. And may it carry you back to us, someday.
And that is how James finds Cyan, silent, caught in grief and struggling to keep it from drowning her.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Unable to speak amidst the uncontrolled, and honestly unexpected
outbursts amidst the group, Aaron simply clenched his fists... and then
relaxed them, before turning and leaving the room without a word.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd slowly uncurls himself, and stares after Aaron. He doesn't
fly after the man, but instead sighs deeply and picks at the food
dispiritedly. Very uncharacteristic for the little beast.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, in a way." Devlin says. "I needed to give it some instruction to
follow. I told it to watch after you." He looks at the bird, "It is
connected to me, there is a link between me and it." He looks back at
Serens, "But I must continue to give it direction and pay attention to
the link or it will be lost and eventually be just another bird."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
'Well, I like the little bird and I appreciate the thought of your
setting something to watch for my well being." Serena replied. As she
sat there she wanted to say something to Devlin about the link or the
vibes or whatever it was that seemed to bring them together but did not
know how to begin.
" I think it is a good idea we are in here. I am sad Dorian has left us
but I am not as close to him as the others. They will need to mourn his
losss in their own way I expect." Serena said then continued," How
exactly did you make this little bird?
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Once Aaron attempted to find a place well out of earshot of anyone (an extremely hard thing, due to his unfamiliarity with his
surroundings,) he eventually discovered one, and did the only thing he
could think of.
He roared. Like an angered animal. Really, that's the only way to describe it.
Once that childish outburst was finished, he honestly began to consider the last few minutes in the room. How had he missed Devlin forging a beast out of his own blood? Surely he was
used to such things, as you see a great many strange occurences on a
journey such as this. However, that wasn't the reason, and he began to
churn the memories over and over.
Suddenly, it hit him like a ton of bricks. The reason was so
ridiculously obvious that he almost started laughing at it, just before
he got a message.
With a sigh, Aaron lowered his eyesight.
He turned then and walked back to the hallway, slowly stepping into it
and noticing both James and Cyan. Aaron couldn't believe the reason why
he'd 'ignored' Devlin, but it was so obvious to him now that he
couldn't help but shake his head about it.
"James, Cyan..." he said, quietly. "I've been in thought, wondering
about how I could miss something so obvious as Devlin's interesting
ablitiy." Aaron sighed, shaking his head again. "And the answer is so
ridiculous that I'm almost angry at myself for missing it. I didn't say
anything about it because I didn't see it." And here, he pointed to the mangled remains of his left eye. "I
kept thinking about who I had seen in the room, and Devlin just wasn't
in my field of vision. It's a wonder I missed his ability until after
I'd spoken. And by then, it was too damn late." He sighed and swore at
himself because of it, unable to hide his own distaste at his
disability.
Aaron moved to the opposite end of the hallway and leaned against the wall, staring up at the ceiling.
"Is Dorian right?" he finally asked them both, looking at them with
that one, oddly colored eye. "Do you need me to lead, or are we better
off just going with none to have a final say? Is a leader really
necessarry? His loss is an awesome blow to us... but we still must move
on, and that question is one we must put an end to before we continue
on."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin sits close to Serena. There is that feeling again, and he's
alone with her, but he can think about how to say anything. The whole
thing is confusing to him. This woman is related to him in some way,
but surely not more than a distant cousin.
He gently places his hand on hers and to think about something else he
tries to explain how he created the bird. "I created it in much the
same way that I change forms myself, or the way that I changed you into
a wolf when we were in the woods near that old church. What I did was a
combination of the two." Devlin sudenly realizes how dificult it is to
explain something that is just a part of who he is.
Shaking his head, "I'm not sure how to explain it further, but do you follow at all."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
And so it goes.
How many times has this group been split into factions? How many
more times will they end up not talking to each other? How long
will it last this time?
Jonnee sighs and gives Hunter a look which says it all: wolves
have it so much easier - step out of line, annoy another wolf, and
somebody gets the crap knocked out of them, and then it's all over -
things go back to normal.
"Sometimes I wonder how people ever manage to get anything done." he remarks, to nobody in particular.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James chuckles. "That would be right."
"Aaron, at some point every group needs a leader, but I think Dorian
hit the nail on the head. We're each better suited to different
circumstances, it's what makes us work well as a team, but it means no
one person can lead us effectively all the time."
"I was about to go talk to Devlin and Serena, but it's probably better
if you do it. It's obvious that there's some...ill-will there,
but I think you can talk it out. They need to be able to trust
you Aaron...and you need to be able to trust them. Otherwise
we're just going to start bickering again."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan pushes herself up straighter as Aaron approaches, brushing at her
face with her fingers. She nods to him, obviously
embarassed. She stands silent, though, absorbing his explanation,
grimacing at one point, and closing her eyes. Then she nods, once
again, at the end...but still doesn't speak. It's obvious Aaron
has more on his mind - better to let him have it out.
And he does. Perhaps we will be without a leader,
again. Well...we have not done so well either way, and I do not
think the fault lies entirely with Aaron. With myself, certainly,
and others. She slowly nods to James' reply - as always, the
man cuts to the heart of the situation. "James...and Dorian,
yes. I would listen to them, Aaron. We are past...well,
mostly past the point where a leader is needed to keep ourselves from
each others' throats. Jack is gone, as is Kaelyn."
There. She said the name without stumbling. It's a step in
the right direction. "Now, we must pool together our resources,
as equals, I think. Sometimes one of us must lead, and the others
follow, but it needs not be the same person each time. This is no
reflection upon you, Aaron, but upon the situation and the people with
whom you must deal."
She raises her hands, helplessly. "And I am sorry. I once
again leapt too soon to an improper conclusion. A failing.
Berd often says -"
Cutting herself off in midsentence, Cyan thins her lips. Then she
shakes her head. "In any case, you have my apologies. I was
wrong. And I am very sorry for it. I can only hope my hasty
words did not sting too bitterly." A quick bow, and then the bard
casts an amber glance back into the room. "I should apologize to
Jonnee, as well. This disrupts his attempts to give us a gift -
the gift of his counsel. James." With a measured look and a
nod to the other man, and another, embarassed glance at Aaron, she
turns on her heel and hurries back into the room.
Casting one, brief look toward Berd (who is curled up on his perch,
apparantly asleep), she walks directly to Jonnee, offering him a
bow. "Jonnee Kay, I offer my apologies for my disruption.
My harsh words were ill-considered, both for Aaron's sake, and the sake
of this gathering you have called. Aaron is going to see to
Devlin and Serena - tender apologies of his own, I suspect - and I have
done so with him, already." Her second bow is lower. "I am
truly sorry, Jonnee," she whispers.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Parenalle (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
It's been nowhere near the two hours that Parenalle had suggested as a
minumum, but she returns, passing Ech'hisst and the other guards in the
corridor near the suite only after a complex, almost ritualistic,
series of security checks.
It seems that brintizzi bodyguards take their work very seriously.
"The queen has asked me to bring you immediately,
Jonnee Kay, and the rest of your group. She has rescheduled her
appointments for this afternoon in order to make time for you."
"If you will please gather your group, and follow me."
There is a brief interlude, as group members are located and summoned,
and a slightly prolonged interlude as Dorian's sudden absence is
explained, then Parenalle leads them out of their suite, and further
into the palace. A consumate diplomat, she gives the impression
of not even noticing that there is a certain ammount of tension in the
air, but occasionally her mask slips momentarily as she glances at some
of her charges. The warriors are less adept at hiding their
feelings, and they seem to be picking up on the air of mistrust which
lays upon the group they are escorting. More than one of them has
unslung his sword, and carries it, sheathed, in one hand.
There are broad flights of stairs, leading higher into the structure,
and broad corridors, and everywhere the myriad forms of the brintizzi,
each of them bred down the eons to suit a specific duty.
Lumbering workers moving bulky loads. Greyhound-thin messengers
darting through the palace. Liasons, like Parenalle, moving with
their own groups, and some of those groups are clearly not
brintizzi. Diplomatic missions from other worlds?
Small, winged creatures tending to the oil lamps high overhead, and
still another type of brintizzi, with a bulbous skull, large eyes, and
extraordinarilly long fingers, seemingly oversees a team who are
positioning an ornate carving in an open chamber where four corridors
meet, fussing about as the underlings shift the carving by
infinitesimal ammounts.
And everywhere, the warriors, and the careful way in which they pass
each other. Always watching, while trying not to be seen watching
too closely. Trying not to be seen staring at those who are
guarded by other warriors. Trying not to appear threatening.
So many warriors. Ech'hisst is part of the one thousand and
twelfth Legion. How many Legions are there? How many
brintizzi make up a Legion? Clearly there are a lot of warriors.
Finally there is a wide passage, with a high, arching roof of
delicately tinted rose-coloured crystal. The walls are shrouded
in flowering vines, and the air filled with perfume, and swarms of
plate-sized butterflies. There are eyes among the fronds, and
occasionally a creature little bigger than a raven appears, using
delicate digits to remove what are, presumably, insect pests from the
greenery. Their clothing and the tools hanging from their belts,
reveal them as still another form of brintizzi.
At the end of the passage is a vast set of doors, guarded by dozens of
warriors. The doors swing open, but the Parenalle stops,
reporting to another of her kind, this one dressed in an extremely
ornate uniform, and standing at a lectern. Finally, the official
consults a large tome resting on the stand before her, and then signals
that the warriors should let the group pass.
Beyond the doors is a massive hall, filled with groups of brintizzi and
non-brintizzi. Each group is surrounded by warriors, and the
groups don't mix, instead standing far enough apart that the warriors
don't feel threatened. As Parenalle leads this new group in,
there is a shifting across the floor, as the guards already present
change positions slightly, allowing them to watch the newcomers too,
while still watching everybody else present.
Parenalle does not wait. She leads the way across the floor, a
mosaic of geometric patterns, towards a two tier platform which
stretches the full width of the hall. The lower tier, about eight
feet from the floor, has a row of warriors arrayed across it like a
living fence. The higher tier, a further eight feet up, has two
brintizzi in robes of crimson and blue silk. Each of them stands
behind a lectern, one on each side of throne of dark, red wood, inset
with pearls.
Before the throne stands a statue of marble, approximately human-sized,
and with its back turned to the main part of the hall. A
brintizzi, it is, with a fantastic array of vanes, frills, and
horns. Every scale has a gem set at its centre, or a plaque of
precious metal, and every horn is tipped by a metal cap, with its own
jewelled pendant. The statue has been clad in a robe of plain,
lemon silk.
Then the statue turns. Marble is revealed to be polished scale,
though the metal amd gemstones are just what they appear to be.
She smiles, and spreads her hands in a gesture of greeting.
"Welome to my land, strangers, and old friends."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It is good to be back here, Majesty." Jonnee replies, witha bow which is, by his standards, remarkably formal.
"The brintizzi people were most hospitable to me,
and to those I journeyed with, on my last visit. I have good
memories of this land, and of the people."
"I am pleased to see that the people here have equally good memories of my friend, Kalika Wolfblade."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
This place is truly amazing. Cyan can't keep her eyes from
wandering. The architecture, the citizens, even the way the
guards pick up on the conflict within the group, and react to it.
It's fascinating, and with so much to see, she spends a lot of the time
rubbernecking.
But the most incredible thing are the visitors from other worlds.
It's obvious they came through those tunnels through which Jonnee led
them - natural fissures between worlds. And all of these worlds
have cooperated - probably not without past conflict - and created
something bigger. Something far, far greater than their singular
selves. It's gratifying, and humbling.
It gives hope.
The fact that so many of the people of this world have been bred for
their purpose indicates great age. Only a civilization with
thousands, many thousands of years behind it, would be capable of such
precision. She wonders at that, the similarities between this
world and that of Prime. Workers...soldiers...Where is THX 1178, now? I should finish that palanquet, and see to bespeaking it.
Cyan does not agree with such worlds - freedom to chose is important to her, of critical importance. But they are what they are, and it is none of her business how they conduct themselves.
The great hall before her clamps her mouth shut. The bard
abruptly feels small, very small. So she felt in Menegroth,
before Élu Greycloak and his divine wife, the Lady of the Girdle.
But even there, one did not find such glory and masses of different,
important people. And here Jonnee strides, without hesitation, to greet a Queen respected upon a dozen worlds. Her estimation of the man, already high, rises.
Not that he knows a Queen. But the matter of his comportment,
that is impressive. He is respectful...but not bowed down before
her grandure, as the Queen turns to greet them.
Cyan, for her part, tries to keep her mouth shut in the face of such splendor, blinking amethyst eyes in amazement.
Berd, landing on the ground beside the group, sleepily blinks his own eyes, then quietly sits himself and watches.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
The grand tour of the palace is all well and good, and a bit
interesting, but Devlin has too many other things on his mind to pay
much attention.
It seems that some members of the group took his trick and then what
followed worse than he himself took it. But even that is not what
bothers him the most.
Several times he's offered help of one kind or another, the horses, the
bird.... others, and always it seems as if his offer was snubbed for
one reason or another. He is concerned that he did something to anger
or alianate some of this group and he cannot figure out what it was.
And then there is Serena. If Devlin looks at anything or notices
anything during the walk to this meeting, it was her. Her and the bird
that alternately perches on her shoulder and flutters around her head
as they make their way through the palace.
And what will he do about the bird?
Now they are standing in front of a queen that Devlin barely notices.
He's sure that the others can handle this meeting better than himself,
so he keeps his mouth shut and his mind on other things. He notices the
small dragon creature, Berd, curled up on the floor and has a thought.
After a few short moments Devlin turns at least part of his attention
to the groups meeting with the queen. He doesn't want to miss anything
important even if his attention is now devided in several directions.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd blinks once or twice, then shimmering, golden eyes turn up toward
Devlin. The little dragon exhales slowly, and a thin, rainbow
mist floats from his nostrils, fading quickly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
She moves forward then, towards the edge of the platform, her every
motion filled with fluid grace and poise. The warriors on the
lower tier tense as their ruler comes closer to the drop, a reaction
which is mirrored by those under Ech'hisst's command.
None of the brintizzi, least of all their queen, seem to pay any
attention to this. After all, it is yust the wat warriors are.
The queen stops with her feet at the very edge, her skin shimmering
with points of light, and inclines her head slightly to her left. "And
why should you not be welcome here, Jonnee Kay? Or Kalika
Wolfblade, and the noble Hunter, commemorated by all the
brintizzi? You helped to save the life of my grandsire, and so
ensured the continuity of order here. What is more, in order to
do so, you took time out of a far more important quest, beside which
the troubles of the brintizzi seemed trivial."
"Only after you had helped us, did you move on with your quest."
The queen's eyes sweep across the faces of those who stand with Jonnee,
paying equal attention to the humans present, and to Hunter and Berd.
"Then Kalika Wolfblade returned to us, and helped us
to live in peace with those who dwell beyond. The brintizzi have
never been wealthier, or more successful, than they are now."
"You are all deserving of the honours we bestow upon you, and much more
besides. But, when last you were here, the brintizzi promised you
aid should you need it at any time. Has that time come? The
time when we may repay our debt?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Majesty, that time has come. But only in the most desperate need did I think to call in the debt."
Jonnee considers his words carefully. How to impress on these
people just how bad things are. He takes a deep breath before
continuing.
"Last time I was here, I was fighting a man named
Brand, who threatened all places. He was looking for a way to
rule all worlds. As part of that plan he created a machine to
destroy the brintizzi way of life."
That's right, make them feel important, a really big part of Brand's
scheme, instead of just somebody who got in the way by accident
"The enemy we face now makes Brand look like an amateur. Brand wanted control over everything, the Archons' plan will destroy everything. My world, Kalika's world, the brintizzi world - none
of them are comfortable for the Archons. So they'll change all
the worlds to fit what they want, which would make all worlds deadly to
everybody else."
"I have seen Archon worlds."
He describes the places he's seen, and heard of, where Archons
rule. He describes burning skies and wheels of flame and
blades. He describes the enslavement and death of the people, and
the breaking of worlds by alien devices. He exaggerates not even
a little, because it's impossible to exaggerate such attrocities.
He shows the brintizzi the end of everything sane.
Then shows them Hope. "But they can be stopped."
Jonnee gestures around him, at his companions, "We
have fought them, and defeated them. Stopped their schemes in
some places. To make it easier to beat them, I need three things
from the brintizzi. Three things that only the brintizzi can give me."
"First - I need you to spread word among all the worlds you know of. Warn them of the danger they all face. No, we all face. Warn them to be alert. Second - I request that
you lend me an army. Warriors who will stay here, to defend your
land, but will come if I call for them."
A short pause to let that sink in, then the tricky one, "And third - I need Brand's machine."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan listens to Jonnee, deeply impressed. The man has
complimented her own oratory abilities in the past, but never
demonstrated his own. Now he does, and she follows the thread of
his strategy, his choice of tactics to use in order to persuade the
listeners.
ALL of the listeners.
For Berd absently deposits a small slice of information at the edge of the defenses of those in the group. I/berd have {signified/scanned/tasted} of (people/diplomats) present/inroom. I/Berd {taste/sense} signature of eighty (worlds/spheres).
Eighty. Eighty worlds, represented, here in this room. How
many in Amber's 'Golden Circle'? How many more worlds do some of
those in this room touch, who are not represented? This is a
gathering, not merely of philosophies and ideologies, but of creatures
who know of travel between the worlds. Who will understand.
Her respect for Jonnee's choice skyrockets. This was the
right decision. Coming here. Thank the spirits my
foolishness back in the rooms did not disrupt these discussions. She can't afford to take issue with Berd. Not now. This is too important.
And the best part is, everything Jonnee says rings truthfully.
Because it is, and he is a plain-speaking man, for all his skill. Jonnee...too
long you have been the clever fox within our ranks. The laughing
cat. Now you show us the truth behind the fox's grin, the
razor-mind behind the cat's laughter. Sharper than your blades, I
think, your choice in coming here, and your plan of what to
present. The Queen will not be the only one to hear.
Eighty. Worlds. Here, alone.
And look, there. One of the Chunchee. Kallika's
people. They will remember. They know where Kallika
travelled.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
For his part, James' reaction on entering the throne room was to study
its defences. He couldn't help it. Having served a number
of years as a bodyguard to various dignitaries, he was interested to
see what defences were used to protect a dynasty that had lasted
millions of years.
The wall of warriors was an obvious starting point - overkill threat
response as deterrent. And James was sure that any threatening
move against the queen would be met by every warrior in the room.
They may take their own lesser roles seriously, in fact, James was
certain of it from the way they reacted to the other groups in the
hallways and throne room, but there was doubtless a higher loyalty.
Still, unless they had some flight capability they were dangerously
exposed. Every good defender thinks in three dimensions, because
every trained attacker does likewise. The canopy under the dome
would make superb camouflage and its shape meant that as few as three
snipers would have a field of fire to cover the room. Idly, James
wondered whether the brintizzi had a chameleon caste. The other
possibility was to hide in plain sight. Those workmen up there
could be killers as well.
James forced himself to return his attention to the matter at
hand. Jonnee's eloquence had, for the most part, ceased to
surprise James, but he was out-doing himself this time, choosing words
with the precision and grace of a trained diplomat. And if Berd's
information was correct, he needed to. 80 worlds. James
thought that the Golden Circle of Amber probably numbered less than
half that. Make no mistake, the scions of Amber would have their noses seriously out of joint after seeing this place.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Though Devlin pays attention to the things around him, and hears what
is said and even turns to look at the speakers, but his eyes have a far
away look about them.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron was astounded.
All of the things that had been troubling him seemed to fade away at
the sheer represenation of so many worlds. Indeed, Jonnee's choice to
take them here was a work of pure genius.
However, there was still much to be considered, though for the moment,
Aaron could not help but consider his place in things. Though no matter
how self-centered and singular his mindset might have been, that was
how Aaron survived. Comparing himself to his place in things had kept
him alive... and gotten him into more trouble than it seemed the
mindset was worth.
As he considered such a thing though, he coudln't imagine for a moment,
his homeworld being a part of such a great community as this. Ald
Thiriel was much too wild, too uncontrollable... but it had its focus
as well, even though that focus was only represented by a small few of
Aaron's kind... or so he believed.
Eighty worlds. That number took a good long moment to settle in.
Eighty.
And yet even that number was still a small one, when compared to the
sheer innumerability of the worlds that were endangered by their
enemies. Immediately, Aaron became focused, isolating his attention
upon Jonnee and the queen. He hated the Archons, those who chose to
dominate and destroy, and yet he also knew that there were Archons who
were not as evil as their enemies, Archons who even now chose to fight
against such a massive threat.
In the face of such a great many worlds as those which stood around him
now, Aaron became hopeful, knowing that even their enemies could not
continue their great crusade forever in the face of mounting numbers.
The worlds were coming together, and Amber seemed to be just another
world in the great community that made up Reality.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The queen listens to Jonnee's words, and the other brintizzi on the
platform edge forward, one on each side. They speak to her in
hushed tones, and she listens to their words, nodding
occasionally. Then one bejewelled hand is raised, and the two
advisors bow and back away from their sovereign.
"The brintizzi, as has been said, owe a great debt
to you, Jonnee Kay. As well as to Kalika Wolfblade and
Hunter. There is an Honour Bond between us, and such a thing may
not be lightly set aside."
"The army is yours, Jonnee Kay, as you have requested. Sadly,
since you speak of a danger that may attack us here, and we must ensure
the safety of our own realm, we can spare you no more than one hundred
legions."
"We will also send word of this threat to all worlds that are known to
us, and advise them to contact others that they might know of. We
will also ask that they deliver any knowledge of these... Archons... to
the brintizzi."
"We will then endeavor to bring such intelligence to your attention."
She glances back towards the advisors, and her voice drops, a hint of sorrow creeping into it.
"In the matter of the device created by the False
God, Brand. Xtrochrech and Gherrachlet speak against this
request, and they have been advisors to the rulers of the brintizzi
since the day my aunt ascended to the throne. One does not
disregard the advice of such as they with impunity."
"Nevertheless, in this, I have chosen to do so. I will order
artisans to reopen the portal to the device, and you may remove the
accursed device."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
They can only spare one hundred legions!?!
Jonnee has to try hard, very hard, not to burst out laughing at that one. "These are all most generous offers, Majesty."
ONLY one hundred legions! he smiles and bows his head. One hundred legions!
The other things are significant, but in each of those cases, he got
exactly what he would have expected, if the request had been granted.
But a hundred legions? He had expected to be offered one or two
legions at most. Is the queen simply being exceptionally generous
in repaying a two century old debt? Or is something else going on
here?
One hundred legions!
If brintizzi military organisation hasn't changed, and that's doubtful,
with brintizzi conservatism, then their group just gained command of
about one hundred and fifty thousand brintizzi warriors.
Just for a second, he's tempted to head for home and sort out some old
turf disputes. Pointless of course, since the people who might
remember the disputes are all dead by now.
That thought wipes the smile from his lips. Almost.
One hundred legions!
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
As stunned as Aaron was by the amount of representatives around him,
the queen's words nearly caused Aaron to choke on his own spit due to a
barely controlled gasp, though he tried very hard to hide it.
One hundred legions.
Aaron was extremely unfamiliar with what the brintizzi considered a
legion, but if Jonnee's almost palpable sense of surprise was anything
to go by, it was more than likely an amount of force that even he
hadn't anticipated.
Arianne however, placed him back on his guard, for the mention of the
manipulations of Brand, and the resulting request of Jonnee had
apparently raised a bit of ire amongst those surrounding them. Aaron
instantly became on his guard, and made sure everyone around knew it,
casting his eye to each member of the group in turn, and catching
Cyan's attention especially.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd's heavy lids slowly blink, once, and his psychic voice whispers, this time, to the rest of the group.
Do not be alarmed. Should you sense
hostility or danger, it is not immediate. I sense the avians,
*there* - [a group of birdlike beings are indicated] - disagree with
the Queen's decision. Strongly. They are displeased, and
may very well act upon their displeasure...or may not.
But should they do so, it will not be at this moment.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Queen's words put a flood of relief through Cyan - it's obvious,
from the instant she begins, that she will give honor to Jonnee
Kay. How much honor isn't apparent until she continues.
The numbers tally in her head almost instantly. 'Legion' is a
term that assumes soldiers in the thousands, usually between three and
four thousand per. To have one hundred legions, Cyan muses,
indicates an army of likely more than two hundred thousand soldiers.
That is, simply put, insane. Two hundred thousand. Of those soldiers? The non-analytical side of the bard struggles to keep her mouth closed in the face of such a statement.
And more. A promise of assistance. A promise to spread the
word. They may, yet, draw a line against the Archonos. No
doubt some of the worlds will attempt to deal with them, become their
allies, but the gains more than justify the losses...and they deserve
to know. To know what is coming, to have the chance to assist, should they so wish.
And finally, one, even greater honor, demonstrating the regard held for
Jonnee Kay by the Queen. Against the wishes of her own ministers,
she allows an attempt at this no-doubt terribly dangerous machine.
What does that say, save that in the future, a statue of Jonnee Kay may
very well be kept by these people, in the same awe that they hold
Kallika's?
She swallows, thickly. They came here looking for answers, and may have found far more than that. And questions, too. Many questions.
Many questions, indeed.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Very well. My decision is made, and
recorded. You may return to your chambers for now, or
explore the palace further. As you will recall, Jonnee Kay, there
are many galleries of art, and you will all be granted access to our
libraries and records for the duration of your visit."
The queen raises her hand, indicating Ech'hsst, "I
have sent messengers to bring more of your troops back to the
palace. The escort for the visitors is to be doubled as soon as
the additional warriors arrive."
"Understand this, Commander Ech'hsst, I am sure that I need not remind
you, that it would be shameful indeed if anything were to happen to
these honoured guests while they are enjoying our hospitality."
"While I trust you to do your duty, I think it prudent, given the
nature of their mission, and of the enemy they face, to afford them
such extra protection as we can provide. This is in no way
intended as a slight upon your loyalty or your capabilities, nor upon
those of the warriors under your command. Rather it is a comment
upon the danger which they face, and upon the high regard in which we
hold them."
She turns her attention back to Jonnee and his companions, "Please, rest yourselves, and enjoy the distractions our palace can offer. When the gate is opened, you will be informed."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Parenalle (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
On the way back to their chambers, Parenalle us silent for much of the
time, seeming to be deep in thought. Finally she speaks though,
as they approach the door to their assigned suite.
"I will send messengers to attend to your
needs. If you wish to speak to me, a messenger will find
me. That is what they do. Should you wish to explore
further, I can also provide guides, as many as you desire, to assist
you."
The warriors take up their guard posts in the corridor, Parenalle opens the door, allowing access to the suite.
"The messengers will be here shortly. I will
order them to wait outside, so as not to disturb you, until you ask
them to deliver a message."
Bowing, she stands aside, so that the guests can pass.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin speaks up to ask a question as they are returned to their
assigned area, "Can you tell me if there are any windows, or perhaps
even a balcony where I might get some fresh air? He bows his head
slightly, "I am used to being outside more and I'm finding being stuck
inside without site of the sky is making me a bit clostrophobic."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James pauses outside the door to the suite. "Parenalle,
would you send a guide for me please, I would like to see some of the
palace's art collection while we wait for Her Majesty's summons."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd watches Parenalle silently, his eyes flickering slightly. He
then turns his head toward Cyan, but she still ignores him, obviously
lost in her thoughts. The little dragon lets out a small sigh, a
tiny, sparkling cloud released from his mouth to drift away, slowly
changing colours, and flaps over to land on a table near James.
Behind him, Cyan slowly sits, fumbling in her bag and pulling out her
sketchbook. Flipping it open, she arrives at Serena's sketch, and
begins readying her quill pens. Satisfied, the bard begins work,
strengthening the lines, adding background to the body and face.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Parenalle (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Parenalle gives her assurances that guides will be sent to lead Devlin
to one of the upper terraces of the palace, where there are extensive
gardens. She also promises that James will be taken to one of the
brintizzi galleries, though she does explain that visitors are often
perplexed by brintizzi art.
Having ascertained if anybody else will need guides, she then takes her
leave, again promising to provide messengers and guides, and
reiterating that additional warriors will arrive soon.
"I apologise for the somewhat small guard force that you were assigned, and assure you that no insult was intended."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"And no insult was take, Parenalle. We
hadn't realized our own importance either. Thank you for your
help. I'm gonna stay here and rest a while. All I really
need is more food."
As soon as the brintizzi is gone, Jonnee slumps into a chair and looks at the other members of the group, each in turn.
"Well, that went better than expected.
Wonder why. I mean, it's not that I don't appreciate it, but
things don't normally go that well. Makes me think there might be
more going on here than meets the eye."
I mean, all our requests granted that easily, and a hundred legions is an insane amount of troops!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan starts work on a sketch of Serena, ignoring (and now largely
ignored by) Berd, who seems to turn his attention to James instead.
James and Devlin wait for the guides they have requested, while Jonnee
awaits food, trying to ignore the hopeful expression on Hunter's
face. The young man from Las Angelos wonders aloud about the
willingness with which their requests were granted.
Serena and Aaron seem deep in their own thoughts...
A few minutes after Parenalle left, there is a gemtle rap at the door,
and two servants enter, bearing trays of fruit and the shrimp-like nodhi.
Behind them are the guides that were requested, similar to Parenalle,
though smaller, and less-ornately crested.
Behind them, in the corridor, another kind of brintizzi can be seen,
standing opposite the door. Smaller and slimmer than most others,
with proportionately longer legs. It's movements are quick and
jerky, head bobbing like a bird's. A messenger perhaps?
James, with Berd perched on his shoulder, follows one of the guides,
while Devlin leaves with the other, each bound for their respective,
chosen destinations.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, still filling out the soon-to-be-palanquet,
responds slowly and thoughtfully. Obviously part of her attention
is on the drawing before her, her emerald eyes following her darting,
anachronistic pen. "I wonder...I have never been one...to examine
a gift horse's teeth...but in my recent travels I have
become...suspicious."
She ponders Jonnee's words, and continues a few moments later.
"Do the brintizzi...have many more troops? Or is this a
substantial amount?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee looks up from a platter of fruit, swallowing what he has in his mouth. "Sorry?
What? Oh - brintizzi troops. Well, when I was last here
they'd got just under nine hundred legions. Our boys are with the
1012th, so the number's gone up. Maybe we should ask them, I'm
sure they'd tell us a rough number."
Another bite of something green and dripping with juice, which he wipes
from his chin on the sleeve of his leather jacket, then he continues,
with his mouth full, "As
I heard it, they're mainly used for protecting their cities, which
they've got hundreds of, by the way, from some of the nastier monsters
round here. But just before I was here before, there was a real
war, somebody made the mistake of invading." a grin, "Eight
days later, the invaders surrendered, and very politely asked if they
could please have back the territory the brintizzi had conquered, which
was like most of the invader's country. The brintizzi agreed, if
they promised not to do it again, and as an added incentive, pointed
out that they'd only put about a tenth of their warriors into the
field."
"Oh, yeah, I just thought of something else too. The warriors
have to breed, or they die. Something in their system kills any
of them that don't breed at least once before they hit thirty years
old. And when they breed they lay eggs, twenty or thirty at a
time. They're ready to fight by the time they're ten, male and female, and they only start to slow down when they get to about ninety or a hundred."
"Helluva military."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Before Devlin leaves the room he gives a short whistle and the little
black bird fies to him and perches on his shoulder. He looks quickly
around the room before leaving but decides that everything else can
wait for now.
Devlin follows the guard out and to the outside. While he follows the
guide his attention is not really on him, but on something else.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron sat down and whistled at Jonnee's answers to Cyan's question.
"I guess the offer of so many troops sounded odd to more than just me."
Aaron shook his head at the memory. "I mean, it's an amazing offer,
but... let's be honest. How many options would we have with such a
force, and what if there is more to this than we're seeing? That is what concerns me the most."
He watched Devlin leave, and quietly sighed, knowing full well he'd have to make his own apologies... if time worked that way.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Less than one legion in ten, then," Cyan mutters distractedly.
She shoots a quick glance at Serena, as if measuring the woman for her palanquet, then goes back to her work.
"Not so many...when you have two million...giving a hundred
thousand...is a great amount, but not...I think, unreasonable."
She pauses. "Especially to make a point," the bard notes, tapping
the quill against her cheek (incidentally leaving a small, red
streak). Ruby eyes unfocus again as she goes back to her
work. "But Aaron...is correct. What will we do...with
them? You masters...of reality must have some idea."
All the while her fountain pen continues scratching.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
While those in the apartments continue their own activities, and their
discussions, their companions explore the palace, accompanied by
brintizzi guides and a handful of warriors each.
Two hundred feet above the ground there is a garden, of sorts.
Several square miles of carefully maintained forest, cut by smooth,
curved, paths of interlocking stone tiles. On three sides the
garden is bounded by the tall towers, spires and domes of the
palace/city. On the fourth is a lip, perhaps eight inches tall,
and then a vertical drop to the earth below, and a view of open fields,
and the real jungle beyond.
Scattered across the garden are ornamental ponds, fountains, gazebos,
benches and statues. The whole place is a carefully balanced
blend of nature and artifice.
Brintizzi art is widely varied, as is perhaps to be expected from a
people with such a long history. The gallery is, it seems, just
one of many. A columned hall, almost two miles long and a half
mile wide. The ceiling is over a hundred feet high, and there are
four walkways of beautifully-crafted wrought iron running around the
walls at different levels
There are paintings of every conceivable style on every vertical (or
near vertical) surface. Statues in a seemingly endless variety of
materials and forms. Things that defy definition, such as flat
panes of coloured class.
There are sections of metal arranged on a frame in such a way that when
viewed from one angle they form a three-dimensional image of a
brintizzi warrior, but from another angle it is a messenger, and from a
third, it is a labourer.
Odd, interlocking hemispheres of stones, rotating across and around each other while a blue liquid flows over them.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
After the small black bird fies off on its errand, Devlin looks around
for a few minutes, admiring the sight; the view from the garden is
quite impressive; he should have waited for Serena to join him on his
errand; perhaps there will be time to return.
After a short time Devlin tells his guide that he's ready to return to
the others. He's sure he cold find his own way, but thinks that it
would be wiser to allow the guide to lead the way.
---
When he returns to the room where the others are gathered and talking
Devlin decides that now is as good a time as any to tell them what he
has been up to. Without preamble he says, "I have sent off the little
bird to a place that Berd showed me. The place that is, how did Berd
put it?... "Off the breaks".
It will try to enter the fortress that Berd showed me there; the one
that could not be seen into; the one with the creatures of fire within.
It should be able to take the form of a fiery creature itself. I will
give it further instructions when I have seen whatever it is there is
to be seen."
Devlin wonders how they will react to his statement, and while he waits
to find out he moves over to the table and begins fixing himself a
plate of the various foods that are there. "At least we will eat well
while we decide what else we are going to do." the man says in an
off-hand kind of way as he goes about the task.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James wanders up and down the aisles of the gallery at his leisure,
stopping here and there when he spots an artwork that catches his
fancy. The meaning of many of the pieces is lost on him, but that
is hardly surprising and James can appreciate the beauty of the work
and the skill of the artist without concern for language or
culture. He is taking his time, content that the others will call
him if needed, assuming Parenalle doesn't simply send a messenger to
find him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena who had been largely quiet and had been eating and drinking
seeming involved with her own thoughts. She wondered why her ring was
still at times indicating danger although not immenent danger. Speaking
softly to her fellows Serena said,"When we were back in the room with
the brinittzi my ring again warned me of danger. However, again it
wasn't immenent danger. I wish it were clearer"
As Devlin walked in and told his story Sernea replied," That was a good
idea Devlin." Serena smiled at him and continued,"I wonder if the place
"off the breaks" has anything to do with what my ring keeps telling
me." Serena had not had a chance to respond to what happened when she
and Devlin were alone and interrupted. She would love a chance to get
him alone again to discuss it but it seemed to her to be a difficult
task.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You were getting some kind of danger signal, in the hall?
Jonnee sits up straighter in the chair, though he doesn't stop eating.
"Could you tell whaat might be causing it?"
He frowns, "I don't think the brints'd turn
against us - they like me too much - but some of the other visitors
might be jealous I suppose. Wonder if somebody else came looking
for troops, and got turned down?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan grimaces at Devlin's words, though it's obviously more from the
mention of Berd than his plan. Indeed, she nods along,
thoughtfully. "I think it is worth the attempt, Devlin. We
are so very far behind...in gathering information - any risks in your
plan are...outweighed by the possible benefits." She continues to
sketch, her pen slowing as she talks, her concentration split at least
two ways.
Perhaps three.
"Berd did mention," she continues, frowning, ruby eyes clouding, "that
the race of...avians, he called them...did not seem pleased by
our...requests." Her gaze flicks to Serena. "He said they
were a threat...though not an immediate one...perhaps that was what
your ring...reacted against?" Fingers tap against the sketch for
a moment, and a hint of a smile touches her focused features.
"I would be curious to see...what you, Serena, and Devlin...make of
that other world, off the breaks...a bastion of the Enemy we have
ignored for too long." Her lips thin. "A hidden
fortress. Off their path of destruction. Does it not make
sense...that there is where we may find answers?" Frustrated by
her lack of ability to concentrate, she puts down the fountain pen.
But the partly completed palanquet remains in her hands.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, sitting on James' shoulder, lets out a disgusted squwak that has nothing to do with the art.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James turns away from examining the artwork before him, one of those
that consists of a single coloured pane of glass suspended from the
ceiling high above. "You're right, Berd. I don't understand it either."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Ilsefranvir
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I too, sensed the threat of possible danger when we were amidst the many assembled groups in the great hall." Arianne's melodic voice drifted from beside Aaron, the sheathed sword leaning up against the couch upon which he sat.
"Though I will say that I am unsure as to the exact reason for such a sensation, though most assuredly my initial
understanding of it shares that of the rest of the group. Most likely,
the assembly did not agree with the Queen's decision. Unfortunately, I
fear that may put is at a disadvantage, whether the Queen likes it...
or even knows of it, or not."
Aaron looked up, his eye drifting out of thought, and he caught Jonnee's eyes.
"Do you think any of the others here would dare try to act against the
Queen's orders and delay our plans in some way? We don't know anything
about the other visitors on this world. And with such a plan as ours,
what little of it there is, that's a heavy amount of variables."
He was concerned about Devlin's bird and the path it was traveling, but
Aaron felt he'd be better off knowing about the here and now, choosing
to place his other questions by the wayside for the moment.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Berd is...safeguarding the Queen from spiritual harm," Cyan states, picking up her half-finished palanquet and continuing to work on it. Her amber eyes flash with irritation, but she seems calm.
"I suspect...deviltry on the part of that delegation." With a
hiss, the bard corrects a line on the page before her. "Plotting,
perhaps. Against us. Or the Queen." She frowns.
"Serena, might you come here and have a look? I wish your opinion
on this...and I require better light, for details."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Deviltry?" Dorian asks, stepping into the room. His black cloak
trails behind him, and his hood is in place. He lacks the knowing smirk
he might usually wear upon such an entrance. Instead, he looks weary
and stone-faced. "I wish it were something so harmless as devils we
had to worry about. I managed to… overhear… a conversation and it is
the Archons we have to concern ourselves with, for it is the Archons
they seek to alert concerning our presence. Unfortunately, they
were in motion and I could not snare them, nor identify them-- I was in
the midst of certain critical work, and only barely aware of the world
around me. Had I not been involved in such a difficult balancing act, I
would have given them something less interesting to report to their
masters. We have not been subtle in our presence here; I fear the
Archons may already know of our presence. If not, they soon will."
He folds his arms across his chest, adopting the stance of a professor
chiding his students for giving the wrong answer too many times.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dorian!" It is a glad cry from Cyan, and she starts up from her
seat, the pad almost slipping off her lap. One hand snaps it from
the air; the other adroitly captures the tumbling fountain pen.
"You -" Getting ahold of herself, the bard bows, formally, but is
unable to keep the broad grin from her face. "So, you return,
dark one - in the very teeth of time." Mock-sonorous as her tones
may be, they are belied by the pleased shining of her amethyst eyes.
A shining that fades, an instant later, as Cyan grows more serious in
the face of his news. "The Archons...of course. With a
gathering this large, we should have known at least some of the peoples may have been subverted by the Archons!" Irked,
Cyan clenches a fist, all thoughts of shocking Dorian out of his grim
demeanor with a hug forgotten. "We did not give enough thought it
is true...the story of my life, I fear." A sidelong glance to
Dorian. "Is there any way we might halt them, deny them that
ability?"
The confused, irritated bard of before is gone. Something more serious looms, now.
But there yet remains uncertainty in her eyes, and suddenly she takes two quick steps to lay one hand on Serena's shoulder.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"In truth, I never left." Her enthusiasm is like a beacon of
hope to him, but he can't let her see that. How he wished times were
different and that he were a different person. She brought back
feelings of Mum's cabin, and he longed for that feeling again,
peaceful, quiet, relaxed. It wasn't necessarily a romantic feeling, but
one of friendship and familiarity-- things he'd lacked for many cold
years. He had begun to see that, to understand, and understanding
brought some much needed peace. "It was my intent, but I opted to
merely find a quiet place to gather myself, prepare my spells, think. I
admit it was merely fortune that I overheard them in an adjoining room.
As far stopping them, I will try, but there are many, many minds here
and many, many passages. Those of us with the power can search, but it
would be a improbable search. If only we knew where they might head or
how they might travel between worlds." Where his voice had
initially been a reenactment of the coldest of Dorian's moments, now he
seemed smooth and almost gentle, peaceful. His face appears warmer by
contrast, the muscles finally allowed some measure of relaxation. His
dark eyes smolder with that warmth, now. At long last, the man seems approachable. Even his very breathing seems somehow relaxed, free of pangs and tension.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I will help in the search if we choose to do it, though I will admit
that I feel we should hurry our plans and get them finished here as
soon as possible. This place no longer seems as safe as it once did."
Aaron merely nodded to Dorian, though he couldn't help but remember the
sheer finality of Dorian's last speech before his departure. He had
said many things that had caused Aaron to both doubt himself, and
rethink his plans... and his outlook.
He could not help but clench a fist, and Aaron could sense Arianne
attempting to calm him. Aaron had a hate for the Archons that few could
match, just because he had seen the differences within their own group.
When he had met wtih Metatron, he had seen within the being that there
was at least a hope that not all of them were amoral and destructive.
That hope only made him want to finish this all the sooner.
"Thankfully, Devlin has sent his scout towards our enemy. Perhaps it will give us an insight as to specific factions here, that serve the Archons. It's merely a hope of mine, but..." he sighed, shaking his head. "That is not my only hope."
Aaron nodded firmly.
"We must make haste, but not without caution. If our enemies learn that
we know of the Archon's subversive intent, our time here is going to
get even harder than it already is."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
While Dorian delivers his grim tidings to his companions, and James and
Berd continue their exploration of brintizzi art, in a long forgotten
room in am until-recently locked basement, brintizzi workers start
breaking down a wall.
They don't just smash the wall down though. They dismantle it
carefully, cutting the blocks out carefully and putting them to one
side in order to preserve the painted pattern of complex curves and
lines, intended to blend the newer wall in with the rest of the
room. One by one the blocks are removed, and a blue-white light,
harsh and bright, floods out into the subterranean chamber, casting
everything into stark relief.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Wouldn't these people that have been so generous to us know where to
find those that seek to inform the Archons of our presence?" Devlin
asks. "If they work against us then they work agains these people as
well."
He looks around at the group, head titled, obviously not sure of what
he's saying. "could we not send one of the messangers or runners to
bring this news to the Queen? tell her of the treachory? She could see
to it that they do not leave, or are brought back here, faster than we
ourselves could, couldn't she?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Five minutes, perhaps six at the most. Dorian says. "Given the size of this place, and the need of many worldwalkers to actually walk,
we could assume they are still within this world. If Berd currently
shields the Queen, then he should be able to contact her more
immediately than a runner could; perhaps, even spread the word among
the guards. I don't know what they look like, but I heard their
voices... it would be difficult to identify them on only this."
He looks at Devlin. "These creatures of your blood, can you
create more? Could they help us search for anyone with traitorous
thoughts, perhaps-- or anything similar to that?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, standing with her hand on Serena's shoulder, sways slightly at
Dorian's words. She smiles, a thin-lipped expression, her face
pale. "So little time," she says, oddly enough sounding like she
directs the words to Serena. Then she looks up at Dorian.
"The avians. That is who they will be. Inform Berd, Dorian
- he will be able to tell the Queen, immediately. I believe his
intention was to safeguard her from any treachery. You could also
'demonstrate' to him your memory of their voices."
Her emerald eyes narrow further. "Or worse. With palanquet,
one needs only open a portal. The same can likely be said for
many other powers, including sorcery. Is it not possible for them
to do so, here? Best if you bespeak Berd of this, too, Dorian."
Her head tilts to the side, slightly. "Dorian Stormcrow we should
call you, in memory of the Grey Pilgrim. Though it was meant as
an insult to him, I do not see it so. You ride on the teeth of
the wind itself, before the lightning and thunder, offering fair
warning of their coming."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Stormcrow? Gray Pilgrim?" Dorian muses. "I know not this story." He gives a little shrug, turning and getting a distant look in his eye.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd sits on James' shoulder, clouds of multicoloured mist boiling from
his nostrils, his jaw seated firmly on one 'paw'. He looks for
all the world like a small, scaley man, deep in thought.
Smoking, of course.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dorian it is good to see you back."then turning to Devlin she says,"Dorian
had a good idea as did Cyan. Could you make a creature like the one
that currently rides on my shoulder to use a s a seeker?"
Serena then seems to be very focused on something all of a sudden and
doesn't say anymore although it had appeared as though she would
originally.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"As long as I eat and allow time for the blood loss I can create more
creature's." Devlin replies, though he's not sure that those that asked
are still listening. "I do not know if there is a limit other than how
many I can keep control of at the same time... that and I must eat and
give time for the blood loss and energy expended in their creation."
He looks around, "As far as detecting treacherous thoughts, I can give
them a measure of my own abilities. They are, in a way, an extension of
myself. I don't even know if I can detect treacherous thoughts in
others, but then, I didn't know that I could communicate without
speaking until I found you."
Devlin looks around, and then at Serena, "Perhaps if someone gave me a
picture in my mind about how you would do this I... might... be able to
convey a measure of the ability to my small friends."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
" My ring has been emitting danger
signals again althoughthey are not imminent I am guessing it is the
Archons. I would be glad to link with Devlin to assist him in
communicating what we desire for the creature to do."
Seren thought back to whent he were alone in the room at the palace
before they had been summoned so abruptly. At least I know he feels the
same way Serena thought. Although at the rate things are goping we will
be greybeards before anything comes of it. then feeling silly for
thinking of such things she made herself refocus on the issues at hand
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, on James' shoulder, suddenly tenses.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I say we tell the brintizzi, and let them deal with the bastards. Not so tolerant of spies, the brintizzi." Jonnee growls, drawing a quizzical look from Hunter. He slides a
tray of food across the table towards Devlin, then reaches down to
scratch the big wolf between the ears.
"Eat up, Devlin, the sooner we can get more of
those spies of yours out and about, the better. Only if it
doesn't cost you too much though."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I have a personal desire to want to distinguish fact from fallacy." Aaron shook his head with a sigh. "Even if we discover who was plotting against us, how can we be sure they won't
try to turn that knowledge against us in some way? We are merely
visitors, just arrived on this world. Even despite Jonnee's high
standing here, and the fact that some of us have fought beside Kalika,
surely our enemies will try to turn anything we say against us."
He sighed.
"We must be cautious and act fast, before they find out that we know, no matter what defenses they attempt. I have a feeling they're still on this world,
that they wouldn't leave without being sure of our movements first."
Though considering the strategy of the Archons, he had a feeling that
they wouldn't necesserally have to leave to get in touch with the enemy.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan stands next to Serena, lips thin, glancing around at the
others. They're coming up with ideas, bang, bang, bang.
Fast. She could, of course, interject with her own. But
right now, the last thing they need are more...and she doesn't see how hers would be any better than theirs. Worse, perhaps.
They do have more experience with this kind of thing. Dorian,
returned. Serena and Devlin, the newcomers, standing foward with
their own strengths. I think we are as strong as we ever have
been on this quest.
So she stands still, one hand still on Serena's shoulder, eyes like pale, pale sapphires. Very pale - almost sky blue.
Then - something on which to act. "Quick movement is necessary, but directed motion even more critical. We might have only minutes to come to
the correct conclusion. The question is - what might that
be?" Cyan ponders for a long moment, her mind distracted, and
manages to focus enough to speak again.
"Will they summon the Archons directly? Recall, you all, the gate
beneath the pyramid. Just before you came, Serena. The
Archons can travel through the Myriad Worlds, but I suspect only following
others...or perhaps, very slowly in most cases. For a great
amount of them, a dangerous amount..they create gates."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron's single eye widened at Cyan's statement.
"My god. If there's a gate on this world..."
It was almost too much to consider, and Aaron had to take a moment to focus his thoughts before he spoke again.
"We need to get everyone together again. What if the Archons have been
planning to take this world all along, but were just waiting for the
right time? If the Archons struck now, they might think they'd be able
to take two birds with one stone. A great world such as this, and the
gnat that's been bugging them for far too long."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian's eyes grow distant at Cyan's words, so that he misses most of what Aaron is saying.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, nobody knows this place like the
brintizzi. If we warn them, they can find these guys, wherever
they're hiding, and deal with them. Same if there's something
here that shouldn't be."
Jonnee looks around the room, then shrugs, "'Sides, we can't just keep them in the dark if they're in danger. They deserve some advance notice."
"My guess would be that the Archons are after the same thing we
are. Brand's machine. They might not have any need for it,
but if they have it, it stops us having it. Or anybody else."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's face, now pale, has become a frozen mask, and she slowly pulls
her hand from Serena's shoulder. Her eyes darken as she passes a
trembling hand over her brow, and she swallows. Her other hand
slowly clenches, first into a claw, then a fist. "Best we
prepare," she states, hoarsely, moving almost mechanically to her gear
to pick up Kirilindë.
"Indeed. Summon James and Berd." Her smile is bleak.
"Though I have no doubt they are on their way, even now." Her
obsidian gaze turns on Jonnee, then, and the bard nods. "They
cannot be allowed to reach the machine. Should we not move to
secure it?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena who had seemed occupied with something else turned and assked,""What
can you tell me about the Archons offensive weopons. The more I know
the better I can come up with counters for their attacks.
Serna then walked back over to where cyan was and laid one hand on her
shoulder. Serena looked angry about something her whole body showed it.
Herlips were thinned and her eyes fairly sparked with anger.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
There is a sense of change in the city which is a palace.
Messengers are running everywhere. Not as fast as warriors, but
faster than horses, and able to sustain that pace for far longer than
the larger fighting caste.
Warriors, too, are moving through the corridors at a trot. James
and Berd see several groups of them as they make their way back from
the gallery at the drake's sudden insistence. Is something
happening to their friends. Then they run into Parenalle.
The brintizzi liason approaches them, "You
must return to your chambers, for your own safety. The queen has
issued a decree for the arrest of the domherra ambassadors, and
commanded all warriors to increased vigilance."
"You would do well to return to your friends, in order to avoid
unnecessary encounters with other groups of warriors. In their
agitated state, a misunderstood movement could result in...
unpleasantness."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian's eyes come back into focus. "There
is a gate, indeed, in the... basement, you could call it. Below, but I
don't know if this is the one these creatures use or not. I will watch
it for activity."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you, Parenalle. As it happens we were just leaving. I will be cautious amongst the warriors." And in fact James had been moving towards the exit to the gallery when he came across the brintizzi liaison.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin laughs as Jonnee pushes the food toward him. "I think I have
plenty of strenght right now, but I'm still not sure how to sense the
intentions of others thoughts. To be honest, I don't think that
wondering around aimlessly searching is a good idea."
The subject of the gat comes up and Devlin becomes curious, "Is this
gate that the Archon's use the same gate that hides this device we
seek? I think I'm a little lost here. If that's the case then... it
seems to me that brand must have been working with the Archons if his
device is withing the gate. Or are we talking about two different
gates? Perhaps they already posses the device?"
Too many things going on at once, it seems to Devlin that nothing is
sure and he's never liked to act until he was sure of facts, but then
he really has not had many facts to work with since joining this group.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Parenalle (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Escorted by their own handful of warriors, and guided by Parenalle,
Berd and James return through the maze-like palace. It becomes
increasingly obvious that there are fewer non-warrior residents in
evidence, and the warriors seem to be carrying their semi-ritual
displays of wariness to extremmes.
Entering the corridor outside their own suite, they realise that the
guards there have been increased. With a word from Parenalle,
they are allowed to pass, and the three, with Parenalle in the lead,
enter the chambers which have been assigned to the companions.
"You must all stay here for a short time.
There is a dangerous situation in the palace, and the queen has ordered
action to deal with it. The action ordered may also prove
dangerous."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, perched on James' shoulder, watches the confusion about them as they move. His eyes are cold and dull.
Then, just before they reach the room, the little dragon suddenly seems to gain mass. His eyes flare like tiny suns, and he rises up on James' shoulder in fury.
Just as quickly, the anger passes, and he hunches, eyes dulling again.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
With a business-like air, Dorian settles into a cross-legged seating
posture on the floor, his head bent in concentration, his brow furrowed
deeply. "Berd,
would you inform the queen that I am deactivating the portal in the
basement-- whether she is aware of one there or not-- temporarily, so
nothing may enter or leave the world by that means, until this is
settled-- given her permission, of course." His breathing becomes deep, but relaxed. His loose, black hair drapes down before his face, obscuring it in shadow.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan tenses as James enters with Berd, her eyes as black as oiled
obsidian. She carefully steps away from Serena, lips pulled back
in grin that has no hint of humor. Berd stares at her warily, and
she slowly shakes her head, breathing coming harder and heavier.
"Will you tell me, Berd?" she asks quietly. "Bird? The truth about Shadows?"
Without warning Berd explodes off James' shoulder, an instant before
Cyan begins to move. The little dragon rises up into the air,
hunting for distance and balked by the ceiling, as Kirilindë comes out like a wheel of silver light, too fast for the reaction of anything but a creature already in motion.
Berd is that creature, but it doesn't matter - moving with the draw,
Cyan spins almost a full circle to gain proper position and angle, and
the sword leaves her fingertips, launched under-handed in a instant of
terrible grace and power, lancing through the air like a spear.
So quickly does this happen that Berd, even with his senses howling
warnings, almost does not react in time.
Almost.
The thin, silvery blade, a rainbow shimmer running down its length, is
hammered from the air an instant away from piercing one wildly beating
wing, an invisible sledge driving it down and away. The sword twists under the brutal impact, smashed down to the ground beside James.
Another rainbow shimmer dances along its edge, this time stopping
halfway from the hilt.
Fingers curled into claws, Cyan lets out a wordless scream of despair and fury, then lunges for a knife on the sideboard.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, hovering near the ceiling, extends his neck, eyes flashing.
Cyan, in mid-leap for the blade, staggers, stumbles, and sinks to one
knee, the strength seeming to leech from her. One hand scrabbles
at the edge of the table as she struggles, clawing for the knife,
unable to reach it. "Oh, you bastard," she cries. "How long
have you been there, pulling the strings?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena watched as the two who had once been very close began going at
it as though they were mortal enemies. She heard something else but did
not have time to reply just yet.
<green>STOP! That is enough Cyan and Berd! We have real
enemies to fight and although I sympathize and empathize with your
anger this will not continue!<green>
At that Serena through up her arms and uttering two words attempted to create a visible barrier around both Cyan and Berd.Both
of you will calm and when you have I will release the
barriers. When you are ready to discuss things in a calm manner
or at least not try to kill one another off I will feel inclined to
drop the barriers and no sooner.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron and Arianne acted as one, simultaneously moving just as Serena
cast her spell. Ilsefranvir was out, but unlike many of Aaron's past
actions, it was with his words that he acted, and not with the
unsheathed sword.
"Serena," he spoke, his voice quiet amidst the obvious chaos rising
about them. "Release Cyan. She would not act in such a way unless she
had an absolute need and an understanding over those actions."
The mangled mass of Aaron's left eye twitched violently, the man
apparently unable to contain the recurring sense of danger that
continued to roll through his connection with Arianne. His other eye
flared as he pointed his blade at Berd... though if Cyan could not hit
him, Aaron highly doubted that he could, even if he wanted to.
"I demand the truth. Answer Cyan's question." he said, wanting to go to
Cyan, but unable to due to Serena's spell. For the nonce, he held his
eye and blade towards Berd.
"Stand up, Cyan, and act sensible." And God knows I hate seeing you in such a state...
Though he was speaking to her, Aaron still watched Berd warilly, hoping
against hope that what he was suddenly getting a sense of was totally
wrong.
"I think we need to know just what the hell is going on here."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena turned to Aaron and replied,"You
do not understand what is going on Aaron. Cyan is extremely upset
and ragingly angry. I am simply keeping her from making a mistake that
she would regret bitterly. I will release the shield when Cyan is calm
enough to not make that mistake. I do hope you are not threatening me
Aaron. I am asking that you trust me that what I am doing is only done
for Cyan's benefit as I care much for her."
Serena then turned towards Cyan and said,"Cyan,
will you promis me that you will not harm Berd? I know why you are so
angry and you have every right to be. However, I know you would
regret the death of Berd no matter what he did to you. In addition, you
would never get an explanation and would wonder forever what the
details were."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, slumped halfway to the ground, struggles to even reach her knees
as the barrier forms around her. Obviously this isn't emotional
enervation - something is actually preventing her from moving properly.
Berd, for his part, stares at the barrier for a long moment, then
reaches out one clawed 'finger' and taps it, experimentally.
Lightly. His glittering eyes turn to Serena, solemnly studying
her, but he doesn't do anything further...save to speak.
Psychically, of course.
There is no need of such things, Serena, though I appreciate your concern.
The little dragon shoots a quick look down at Kirilindë,
lying on the floor. Then he glances at Cyan, and suddenly she
moves freely, struggling for an instant against the barrier, then
subsiding, slowly pushing herself up from her knees to stand, obsidian
eyes glaring fury at Berd.
"Ask him, Aaron," she hisses. "Ask him. How did you do that, Berd? I was ready for you. I was blocking."
Berd winces, glances away. Safety protocols, one might say.
"In me? You-" Her fists tighten, and she turns to
Aaron. "You wish explanation? My first memory of Berd, the
memory I have of meeting him as a small child - that is my first memory, Aaron. The wall, the block in my mind, my loss of memories...it is a lie. Serena broke the wall down for me, and nothing lies behind it! No hidden memories, no broken shards, no empty space where memories once existed. Nothing. I came into existance at that moment!"
...the fluttering of leaves, with the bright light
shining through them...the fluttering of wings, with the bright light
catching on tiny scales...the glittering rainbow of the waterfall,
dancing in the brilliant sunlight...the glittering in the eyes of the
creature flitting down to hover before her...
The glittering rainbow all around, so like the after-effect of a palanquet...
A child's arm raises toward the tiny dragon.
"Bird! Bird!"
Cyan's gaze snaps to Serena, and slowly presses fingers against the
shield. A press tests it, then the bard closes her eyes and
nods. "Let me out," she says, hoarsely. "I concede." For now is understood. Straightening her back, she runs her fingers through her hair, breathing out once, steadily.
"You told me there were no Shadows, Berd. But you lied. What would you name me?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena waved her hand and both of the shields dropped. Serena then
walked over to Cyan and laying one hand on her shoulder she said,""I
hope you will forgive me. I only felt I was doing what was best at the
time. I consider you a good friend Cyan and I admire you greatly. I
truly hope that I have not destroyed that friendship."
Serena then looked at Berd and said,"I am not
so inclined to apologize to you. I feel that what you did was
reprehensible. I am sure you have your reasons however, perhps now
would be a good time to express those reasons. For Cyan's sake as well
as the rest of us."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin watches the entire scene between Cyan and Berd unfold without
saying a word. He does not know enough to interfere, but then Cyan
talks about when she cam into existance, it seems that the dragon
creature... what... formed her from... something. Cyan now thinks she
is... he has to say something...
"Cyan... while I do not know the specifics of what
Berd may have done, I want you to consider something. Do you remember
the bird that I created?" He waits only a moment, but not for a replie. "Is that bird just a shadow? Does it not exist simply because I created it?"
The man smiles saddly. "The only thing that
keeps the creature attached to me is my will, without that it would fly
off, find its own life, its own purpose. It is as real as anything
else. The first time I... yes, the first time I created a... it was
another bird, I was..."
Suddenly Devlin looks at Berd and talks to it. "Tell
me, Berd, Would Cyan cease to exist if you broke your contact with her?
Is she able to make her own life, free of your influence, if that is
what she chooses?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
There are warriors in the doorway, eyes gleaming as they search for
attackers. They bristle with blades and spines and barbs, and
they look as though their mere breathing would be hazardous to anybody close to them. Even discounting the
naked blades that some of them hold, they are the living incarnations
of Death.
Parenalle, recovering quickly from her startlement at this, most
recent, odd behaviour, steps forward with her hands raised, to calm
them. A scale-armoured fist, bearing a curved sword flashes
towards the liason... and fails to connect as a second warrior moves to
intercept it. Blindingly fast, it isn't clear exactly what
happens, but the sword is deflected.
The only clues are the two clawed fingers twitching on the floor, and the dripping of dark blood.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Of course she has free will," Dorian snaps. Then seeming to remember himself, he adds. Turning to Berd, he looks up with a sigh. "Exactly
as I suspected, Old Meddler. Cyan understands creation, for she is a
creator, as much as any Amberite or Conjurer. I've hear her stories and
seen her art, and they live and breathe as much as any creature. They
have life and power, power to talk or travel among the worlds. They are
real. All creatures are created, no matter the process. It is the
mystery of the universe that all things are created, yet we cannot find
the original creator."
Turning to Cyan, with a sigh he says, "We know Berd was a
broken being back then, shattered. We don't know what he went through,
but we see now that he reached out for help, someone to hold him
together, keep him sane. I have no doubt, to keep him from wiping out
half of the myriad worlds in a suicidal psychotic episode."
Then turning to Berd, he continues. "But… Safety Protocols?
Strings? These are my tricks, which I have employed at every turn of
our journey. Yet, even I would never dare such a violation of my
friends, and least of all would I manipulate Cyan in such a way-- to
violate such a beautiful, pure spirit as hers for such selfish needs
is…. thuggery." With a quiet, yet spiteful tone, he adds. "You don't deserve her love."
After a pause, he glances back at Cyan. "Forgive me, I'll intrude on family matters no longer. It isn't my place."
It was exactly as he'd suspected ever since Berd asked him not to help
her find her parents. Indeed, Berd had said it would destroy her. Much
as he'd like to think so, however, Berd was not the all-knowing when it
came to human emotions. Cyan would survive. She was good at that. For
now, she needed to deal with things on her own. He felt badly, ashamed,
for stepping into what should be a private matter, but his own emption
in this thing had been built up for some time-- waiting only
confirmation.
He mutters quickly, "And you will forget about my own question of my parentage, Berd. I no longer yearn to know."
With his jaw set hard, he steps towards the warriors. "Stand
down, there is no threat here. One of our kind has betrayed another,
but the matter will be settled with words now that the passion of
discovery is passed. There is no enemy in this room."
In a quieter voice to Parenalle, to not interrupt anything between Berd and Cyan, he says. "I
require a messenger; to the queen-- Inform her there is a portal, a
gate into and out of this world down in the basement. Not knowing if
this is known to her, we have disabled it, but we will enable it again
by her command-- we have done this only for the safety of this world.
Inform her also, that we do not detect the presence of the Archons in
the palace, at this time. We will continue to look on this world for
them, and notify her at once of any that appear."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron swiftly resheathed Ilsefranvir, the blade spinning up and around, until it rested again within the confines of its sheath.
With his left hand, Aaron pointed to Berd and spoke in a vicious, damning voice.
"I decry all things that attempt to pull me this way and that against
my own will or volition, even if those things are the foolish end
results of my own designs. To see the engine of such a desire as that
is vile to me. Cyan may not have been real to you, Ancient Liar, but
she is real to me, and if you even attempt such a foolish, selfishly manipulative thing again..."
Aaron clenched his hand into a fist, shutting out his cold anger with a
soft, slowly measured breath as he flung his hand to his side in a
gesture of finality.
"I tire of such foolishness." he said, his voice sounding old and true.
Taking a look at Cyan, Aaron knew that he desired to say something,
even just a gentle hand upon her shoulder... but he knew her well. Now
was her moment, and he would leave her to it.
For now, he moved to Krillinde, picked up the weapon and
walked to a chair, where he sat with the naked blade upon his knees. He
stared at nothing, his mind completely focused upon solidifying his
connection with Arianne... and keeping everyone else out of it.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena saw the warriors and thoughtthey looked as though they were
wanting a fight. Or perhaps Serena thought it is I who am looking for a
fight. After the whole incident with Berd and the unjustice done to
Cyan a fight wouldn't be a bad thing at the moment.
Instead of switching however she followed Aarons lead and remained
weoponless as she stood near Cyan and waited io see exactly what these
warriors wanted. In her mind she began running down her list of
offensive spells deciding which to use first if things became ugly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd hovers silently as people make their opinions known. He
glances from speaker to speaker, his alien eyes dull. Cyan's jade
eyes mirror that lack of luster, and she shakes her head at Serena's
words. "No, Serena, this is not your fault. You did as your
conscience demanded - you have my gratitude, not my acrimony."
She glares up at Berd, then turns away to rub at her forehead, giving
Dorian a wan smile at his words. "Family," she whispers,
quietly. Aaron's challange to Berd closes her eyes, and she
breathes deeply.
The little dragon doesn't spare a glance for the warriors, knowing full
well that, deadly as they are, the people in the room have the capacity
to deal with that threat in any number of ways. Strength, speed,
and armor do not necessarily win out against many possible uses of
Power. Finally, he speaks, his sonorous voice still weary, but
now tinted with heavy rue. Serena, you ask for reasons. Devlin, you wish situational explanation. I will endeavor to provide both.
Dorian is, in a sense, correct. Decades ago, I was hurt.
Weakened. Perhaps due to the Broken God...though I am still
uncertain how that transpired. Metatron's explanations have been
far from detailed in that regard...for all I know, *I* was Broken God,
and *this* is but a fraction...but I digress. I was also not
nearly as stable as I am, now. I was not...thinking
clearly. I needed to hide. I needed assistance. I
needed protection.
You will note that Cyan is not at all alike my other creations. I
poured a great part of my strength into her, weakening myself
considerably, but at the same time ensuring I would not be
discovered. We would grow, together, Cyan and I, and by the time
I was strong enough to be 'seen', as I am now, she, too, would be
strong. I felt it was an acceptable means to protect myself at
the time. Cyan lets out a disgusted sound, closing her eyes, and Berd winces. At
the time, as I said. Yes, in my fearful, maddened state, I
implanted certain protocols. 'Command level entry codes', one
might say. Then I lapsed into an almost instinctive state, from
which I have only recently began to surface.
All/entire (people/travellers) here have {seen/met} this (state/person/life).
Cyan can tell you that what you met was still leagues more collected than I was when I...encountered her.
To answer Devlin, yes. Cyan is a separate being. My controls are only active should I employ them. I have not-
"You have not?" Cyan cuts in, eyes darkening toward obsidian
again. "Liar. Aaron names you true." Berd remains
silent, allowing her time to speak. "Free will? That is
foolishness. I have no free will, Berd. You have stolen
that. Dorian and Devlin are wrong, here. Every decision I
have made is now called into question. How often have you
controlled me, Berd?"
Of late, when I grew sufficiently to fully
realize what I had done, what I was still doing, only enough to prevent
you from considering your past and from speculating upon mine.
And once to stop you from a dangerous, emotional response.
"Really? How do I know that?" Cyan steps forward, looking
up. "And even if that were the case, you pushed me in the
past? Why did I become a bard, Berd? Was that your
decision? Why travel the worlds? Yours, too? If they
were, what does that make me? We are the sum and total of our
experiences and choices, and you have altered mine from the
beginning! My foundation is based on lies! Would I even BE
the same person, now, if you had left me alone to make my
choices? And every decision I will make in the future is built
upon that foundation!" She swallows. "Jack - what of him?"
Berd is shocked out of his obvious sorrow. I never-! If you recall, I did not approve of your relationship with Jack! But I did not interfere.
Cyan's jaw tightens. "And yet," she points out, "if not for your
meddling in my past, would I have been attracted to him? A
question we can never answer, now, can we?"
Berd's head droops. No.
"And how," Cyan continues, "can I know you are not manipulating me in
the future, Berd? Your arm is long, and mightily subtle when you
so choose."
To that, Berd has no answer.
"Damn you," Cyan whispers, turning away and moving to pick up her
sword...which is now in Aaron's hands. She pauses, then closes
her eyes, breathing heavily.
When I finally 'awoke', so recently, I found
myself in an unbearable situation. Free from fear and madness, I
realized what I had done. But...how to redress? I have
pondered that thought for some time, now. ...Have you ever found
yourself in a situation of your making that has become unbearable to
you? But from which there is no simple extraction? And then
you find yourself digging deeper, in small ways, in a desperate attempt
to find some exit, hoping it will come along in the fullness of
time. So, too, here. I ceased controlling you, Cyan, save
in the matters this touches upon, directly. My past. Your
past. And, once, in a reflexive reaction that I wished I could
take back, instants later. I sought time, time to find some way
of correcting the problem without hurting you-
"Hurting me?" Cyan whirls back to face him. "You make it worse, every time!"
I know.
"You created me," she whispers. "This rage that falls upon me, you created that, too?"
Yes. But it was unintended. I
took...portions of my own spirit to create yours. I did not
anticipate the results as they occured. It is a long time since I
have been...wiser than I am, now. As I have said to many of those
standing here, on many occasions, I have made terrible mistakes in my
life. What I have done to you, I am eternally sorry to say, is
not the worst, though I view it as coming a close second.
"What could be worse, Berd?" Cyan hisses. "Come, now is the time to lay things upon the table. Why not?"
There is a pause.
In a fit of madness, long ago, far, far away, I
consumed the people of many worlds. Lives uncountable.
Compared to me, the Gatherer was nothing more than a greedy child.
In the face of that baldly stated fact, Cyan falls silent.
Dorian, Aaron, judge me as you will. You
are both, in your own way, correct, and you are certainly correct to
feel as you do. I hold no blame for you, and offer no
excuses. Devlin, I regret that Cyan is correct - there is no easy
answer. Serena...I blame you not, and thank you for what you did
for Cyan, what I, up until now, could not bear to do. Give her
the truth. Cyan...I am sorry. I have always tried to do the
right thing, even in my madness. I did not know, then, what the
right thing was. I did not know, recently, how I might offer
redress for this. But I have always tried to spare you pain,
foolishly so.
"So have many fathers spoken to their daughters," Cyan says, raising
her arms from her sides. "And yet, here we are, Berd."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
When it is made clear to the warriors that there are no attackers, and
that the disturbance is the result of an internal disagreement, they
are more than happy to stand down. The wounded one has already
stopped bleeding, a yellowish crust forming over the stumps of hwr
fingers. She picks uop the severed digits as she leaves the room.
Then Ech'hisst is in the doorway. "My
apologies. There is a problem in the palace, and certain
ambassadors are being taken into custody. Warriors have been
ordered to stand aside while others arrest the ones they were ordered
to protect. Such situations are always difficult for our kind,
our nature requires that we defend our anestisasa, those we protect, but it also dictates that we are loyal to the queen."
"When the two imperatives clash, there is much turmoil within our
hearts. Others can sense this, and the tension spreads to
all. Tempers fray, and we become, perhaps, a little too sensitive
to danger."
The brintizzi commander drops to his knees, both knees, with his hands
clasped behind his back, as if bound. A position which certainly
looks non-threatening, and would probably slow him down a little if he
were to choose to stand quickly.
"Please do not punish my warriors for this,
which was a genuine error on their part. A thing they had no
control over. If somebody must be punished, let it be me."
Then he bows from the waist, until he kneels, hands still behind his back, and forehead touching the floor.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd snaps a look toward the Commander.
No, Commander. It is we who owe you apologies. This comes at a poor time-
"Is there a good time?" Cyan whispers.
-and no blame falls upon your head. You are merely doing your duty in trying times, as best you can.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin is quiet, he wonders if the creatures that he can create would
feel the same way. They are more inteligent than... he suddenly
realizes that he doesn't care. Dorian is right, all things are created,
some for a purpose, moreso than others.
"Perhaps..." Devlin says quietly, "I
do not understand... Because something is created for a specific task,
does that give that thing any less meaning? Since you feel such, Cyan,
should I not create the creatures that can help us? Granted, my power
to create is not on a scale with Berd's, but it is still very much the
same. When I create life, that life is still under my control, until I
choose to release it. And that life I create is part of me, just as you
were once part of Berd. Is it acceptable for us to create and control
other forms of life if it is not acceptable for others to do the same?
There is no gaurantee that we are not all created and controlled by
some other force. The only difference is that you know your creator and
the puprose for your creation. Does that completely invalidate your
existance? Would you rather that you were never given that existance?"
Done speaking the man moves away and falls into a seat to wait the
outcome. He's not really involved. Perhaps he would feel differently if
he'd been through the things that the others had. Somehow, he does not
think so.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"There is no argument for her existence, Devlin. Cyan is, as I am, as the truth is, as the Pattern is. It is for that reality that we fight on."
"Beast." Arianne hissed from behind Aaron, in obvious direction towards Berd.
"Yes, a beast." Aaron responded, though not quite following Arianne's
point. "One would think that Cyan would obviously consider herself as
such when she finally witnessed the collar and chain that were placed
around her neck." Aaron shook his head, still finding it all hard to
swallow. "As far as madness is concerned Berd?" And finally his eye
looked towards the drake.
"I find madness to be a sad reason for such an act, and I understand 'madness'... better than most."
Aaron rose with Krillinde in-hand. Walking over to Cyan,
he pointed the sword at her, hilt first, his desire for her to take it
from him as obvious as if it were a burden.
"I trust you more with this than I do Berd without one. Though you have
no history, you are part of my here and now, and that is more than
enough for me... even if it's not for you. If there is any way I can
help you with that..." he said, and became silent, unable to continue
for lack of words.
Aaron turned to the commander then and nodded.
"Yes, Berd... is correct. It is not your fault. Can you tell us details
of what goes on outside? How many individuals have been taken into
custody?" And can we be sure they've found all of the culprits?
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian steps back from the warriors, nodding to the commander. "Only
have my message delivered. There is no need for punishment at this
time-- we need your command over them more than we need any feeling of
satisfaction." He felt he knew somewhat how to deal with their kind. Mere forgiveness would only unsettle them further. "When this other matter is settled, report this to your superior with our recomendation of no punishment."
We're just thankful we didn't have to kill the lot of you,, Dorian adds mentally.
"Now that this is all out in the open," Dorian begins. "Perhaps
it is appropriate to let time do its healing work, for a bit. I'm sure,
eventually, Cyan will have much to say to Berd and vice versa. I will
add, however, that it seems this manipulation is more of a concern than
the act of creation..." he gives Cyan a questioning look. "No
matter what has befallen in the past, we can make sure it never happens
again. I believe Berd will now willingly comply to removing any strings-- And not even the Ancient Liar could hide them from me and Serena, given a little time to look, if that is your wish."
He glances at Berd. "Am I right?"
"No matter what has transpired in the past, no matter how much of
what happened is not you, you will have the freedom to discover
yourself now-- free of any taint, with no worry of manipulation, from
now on. It may be a little like starting over, but you'll have good
friends at your side."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The difference, Devlin," Cyan states, obviously struggling to keep her fury inside, and equally obviously not furious with Devlin,
"is that you give them life, and a purpose. Then you free
them. I was given life, told I was free, set with invisible
chains, and lied to for my entire existance. Would that things
had been in the open! I still could have been my own
person." She runs fingers through her hair. "Each and every
secret manipulation shaped me further. I am not my own
creature. I will never be what I could have become. This is
not at all the same as these creatures you create."
Berd, for his part, nods his head to Aaron's words regarding madness. Well-said, Aaron of Ald Thiriel.
Cyan reaches out and takes Kirilindë's hilt with a nod to
Aaron. Berd watches her warily as she sheathes the weapon.
"Thank you, Aaron," Cyan replies, though for what she is thanking him
is uncertain. Probably all of his words. "I am uncertain as
to what help any can give, but I shall keep that in mind." She
slowly sits, ruby eyes dark. Jack. Was that, too, a
lie? Would I have cared for you, had I been allowed to grow
cleanly? Would I even be a bard? Too many questions.
The little dragon's head swings toward Dorian as the man speaks, in a
bizarre parody of the bard's as she does the same. Cyan laughs,
quietly, at Dorian's intimation that she will have things to discuss
with her mentor, and shakes her head. "The manipulation...the
creation..." Oddly enough, she doesn't seem to be able to decide,
then finally raises her hands, helplessly. "They are one and the
same from where I stand, Dorian." A small, miserable smile
touches her lips for an instant as she shrugs. "With
friends. Yes."
Berd waits until Dorian finishes, then seems to blow out a sigh.
When he finally speaks, his spiritual tone is sorrowful. Regrettably,
certain things have not been understood. When I created Cyan, I
created her with what you see. These 'strings', as you call them,
are as much a part of her as her hair, her laughter, her autonomous
nervous system. They are not the result of 'conditioning', over
time. They are of the 'machine', as it were, not of its
programming. They are part of her. If you tear them
from her, what else will you disrupt? What pathways will you
break? What damage will you do, further?
Do you not think I have considered this, during the last few
months? Did I not say I was struggling to find one way to give
some kind of restitution? Complete freedom from any chance of my
manipulation was a priority, Dorian. I have thought about this,
often, and cannot yet see a way to remove them without damaging the whole. Possibly lethally, to body, mind, or spirit.
The air around the little dragon suddenly warps and shimmers, as if in a heat haze, and his eyes burn like suns.
Nor will I permit anyone to stumble around in
an attempt to tear them free; not unless Cyan herself chooses this over
a cleaner path to suicide.
The glow fades, and Berd relaxes. Cyan opens her mouth, no doubt
to utter something scathing about responsibilities, but he beats her to
it.
Though I have no right to make such claims for her safety.
What I will do is this - give my word I will not use the protocols
again, even under pain of death. Mine or hers. Even using
them in an effort to protect her I have done grave damage to her
spirit. Before you all, I renounce them. As for their being
used by others...though I could be wrong, I do not believe that is
possible. They are attuned to my signature, altering themselves to cope with any changes. I
seriously doubt my mental signature could be duplicated, should any
people even think to search for such controls.
Nor will I cease in my efforts to discover a means of removing them, completely.
"How munificent of you," Cyan whispers. Berd looks down at her, sadly.
Have I ever given any of you cause to doubt my word? I have hidden from you. Lied, even, in extremis. But have I broken my word? Ever?
"...no," Cyan whispers. "Never."
Cyan....
Tiring, the drake swoops down to perch on a wall bracket, not even attempting a landing on a shoulder.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Time will kill this woeful thing," Aaron said, his voice low and melodic.
"We must continue on. Even now, we are still endangered, no matter how
many guards are between us and our enemies. The Archons may already be
preparing to take this world, and we cannot stand idly by."
Aaron looked to Cyan and sighed.
"I do not mean to seem short with your predicament," he said. "But you,
out of all of us, know the price of failure if we do not continue."
"Dorian, you... were right." Aaron said, unable to hide the
disappointment in his voice tone. "I do not lead this group, not in the
least. Not because I do not want to, but because I do not need to. And Devlin?" he said, raising his head to look over at the other man.
"There is much that you are confused by, much that I myself have
fostered by so obviously ignoring you. Understand now that my prior
ignorance was only half out of stress, and half out of... disability. I
did not mean to insult you in the least, and if you need help
understanding anything about our situation, ask and I will provide as
best I can."
He clenched a fist and nodded.
"We must continue on in the face of all adversity. I will not see us
fail. Now, what more can we do while we are here? How many advantages
can we hope to gain in our race against time?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
A ghost of laughter gusts from Cyan. "Aaron, once again you are
wrong." But there is genuine amusement under her pain.
"Wrong, when you say you do not lead. You do not command...but
you lead. You lead by example, and by strength. Strength to
step forward, when it is time to move on. Strength to apologize,
rather than cling to your pride."
The bard clenches her fist, looking up at Dorian for a long moment,
amber eyes dulled, then to Serena. James. Devlin.
Jonnee.
"What do we know?" One, trembling hand brushes across her
forehead, and she ignores Berd, perched on the wall.
"A...gate? I heard tell?" Something to grasp.
Something to think upon, rather than the confusion of the last few
minutes.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Ech'hisst (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Parenalle steps outside and calls the messenger who was assigned to
wait there. The creature, whip-thin and seeming to almost vibrate
with pent-up energy, listens to her words, and then darts away to
inform the queen of Dorian's concerns and recommendations.
Ech'hisst stands again, though his head remains lowered, whether in shame or in deference it is impossible to say. "If
the gate concerns you, then I can take you to see the one which the
queen has ordered unsealed for your use. Then you may be able to
decide if that is the one you have detected."
"We will be able to go when you are ready. I came to inform the
guards, and yourselves that the emergency is ended. The suspect
diplomats have been captured and confined."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Patting Ech'hisst on the shoulder, Luke sauntered past the warrior into the room. "They did tell you they were opening a gate, did they not?"
He surveyed the room, one eyebrow rising at the obvious tension. "So what didn't I miss? Shall I give you the 'I told you so' now, or later, Berd?" The lean man grinned at the group, amusement sparkling in his eyes. "Not
a time for jests, I take it. Rather than them, I'll do you a
favour. The Archons may very well be on their way, or their
allies may have been intercepted before giving the word. Which is
it? Why don't I allow you the freedom to go about your business,
while doing my best to keep an eye out for them?" The smile faded as the man grew serious. "My best, my word. Among people who know me, my word is as good as that old reprobate's." One finger indicated Berd, in case there was any doubt of whom he spoke.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin looks at Aaron, head tilted, when the other man appologizes to
him. He says something about a disability being the cause of his latest
slip. Devlin looks over Aarron and he can only think that Aaron means
his missing eye.
"You know..." He begins to say, and then
Luke enters the room. Devlin had only seen this person once before, at
the Inn were he met Serena. Devlin's impression was the this Luke
person could ot be trusted. The fact that he was able to find this
group so easily, no matter where they might be, was one of the things
that Devlin did not like. Devlin decides it is best to see how the
others react to him and for the moment, he continues what he was about
to say.
"There was no insult Aarron, I figured it was
simply because you had other things on your mind, like now. I do not
know how I might help, at this moment, but if anyone has a suggestion,
I will be happy to try it..." He seems to be about to stop but then he adds, "...
and later, when we have a moment to spare, perhaps I might be able to
do something about your eye. What I do is not like healing, but it can
seem to be. I may be able to create you a new eye from what is left of
the old one."
Devlin looks at Cyan, and nods. He still does not understand what she
is feeling, and may never. He's sure he could actually do what Berd had
done, and if the need arose, he's sure that he would. Then he looks at
the rest and waits for a decision about what to do next.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron turned sharply at the familiar, new voice that he heard in the
room. Clenching both hands into fists now, Aaron hissed a greeting.
"Luke."
"I do not like him. Not one bit."
"How convienient it is for us, that you show up at such a time as this.
Whenever it seems we might be able to make a step forwards, you pop in.
If you can halt our enemies, why aren't you out doing it now, instead
of asking us? Logic would state that if you just went out and did it, we would
automatically have to owe you for it... but wait, we wouldn't know
whether you were lying or not, would we?"
Aaron looked to everyone else in the group, unable to hide his distaste.
"Anyone else object to Luke sticking his neck out for us again?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Glad you two have that sorted out...Aaron," Luke said quietly, "I'm
here to assist. Yes, it's convenient - you require
assistance. I could show up when you don't, but that wouldn't be
much help."
The man frowned at Aaron's accusatory words and replied, voice low and urgent. "I
am offering to take one of your problems away. If I didn't ask
you first, you'd probably do the same as I'm offering to do, and that
wouldn't save you any effort, would it? I can't stop your
enemies, but I can see them for you, here. Give you advance
warning. Maybe stall them. And owing me isn't a factor - I
want you to succeed, not to fail, owing me. I'm not keeping a
tally."
"I honestly can't see how me coming in and offering to take some of
your load, offering to let you concentrate on getting to Jonnee's
machine, is going to stop you from proceeding forward." One thumb jerked at Berd. "And
ask HIM if I've ever broken my word, since you seem to trust his.
But make it quick. The precious moments I could save you are
being wasted. If you want me to leave, tell me now, and I'll stop
wasting your seconds." There was no irritation in his tone, no sarcasm.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena had listened to all the talk betweem Berd and the others.
Howevr, she did not feel it was her place to chime in. Whatever
decision Cyan made in regards to what Berd did would have to be hers
and hers alone. Although, Serena thought very little of Berd as what he
did was ,in her mind, extremely wrong in very way.
As Luke walked in appearing out of nowhere Serena glanced at devlin to
see his reaction as they had both met Luke in the Inn and in Serna's
opinion that was no coincidence. "
"I am surprised to see you here again. I have a
feeling that you had a great deal to do with my running into Devlin
when I did. You say you can save us so what is your plans if I may ask?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke glanced back at Serena, a devil-may-care grin speading over his face. "Well, it certainly seems likely, doesn't it, Serena? Something for you two to discuss over breakfast, I suspect." Her question put a more serious expression on his features. "I
can save you TIME, Serena. If I'm watching the borders of this
realm and what you term the Underflow, that allows you to concentrate
on your business."
With that the lean man put his hands behind his back, waiting with an air of impatience for any more questions.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena looked at Luke sternly and then at Devlin with a look to see how he was reacting to them being set up and replied,"It
does indeed semm likely Luke and although I will not speak for Devlin I
am not very fond of being manipulated. Even if the end result was a
positive one."
Serena nodded and said,"If you are indeed able to do as you say then it would surely be to our benefit." <i> I do not trust Luke as far as I can throw him there is something about
him that bothers me and I don't know what it is. Perhaps it is just
that he manipulated my life course or it may be more.<i>
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke sighed. "Truly,
you are from Amber; jokes have a magical way of falling on their faces
in your prsence. My apologies. No, Serena, while I was
indeed searching for you, Devlin was a bonus. In truth, his
presence was completely unexpected to me." Obviously,
admitting this did not bother the man at all. Serena's words
seemed to have put him in a better mood. Regrettably, Serena was
one among many; he would have to wait for additional approbation before
acting.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You can watch this... Underflow?" Aaron asked, his formerly accusing
tone suddenly bereft of any strength at all. He had found himself
seized by an uncontrollable curiosity.
He shook his head swiftly, apparently changing his mind.
"Whatever. You say you can give us time, and... I believe you." he
said, finally nodding in affirmation. "However, that doesn't mean I
trust you. How much time can you give us, Luke? Enough to get to the
gate Jonnee has informed us of?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian nods to Aaron. "Anyone
who can see it, can watch it. Though, I suspect Luke is more
experienced at it, than any of us-- seeing farther? Perhaps even using
it to travel, Luke? A discussion for another time-- I trust Luke in
this thing. For whatever reason, he does seem intent on assisting us,
for the moment. That doesn't mean I trust him in all things, though."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
When Serena looked at Devlin, he simply smiled at her. He seriously
doubted that anyone had set up their meating at the Inn. He had been
searching for some time for anyone with the scent of moving through
world on them, or the scent of a trail that crossed worlds. Serena just
happened to be the first one he located. He smiles again at her. In
some ways he was glad that he'd found her, and this group... his gaze
moves about the room at the others... and in some ways he was not quite
sure if it was a good thing or not.
Then Luke says something that gets his attention, "A bonus? A Bonus for who?" He asks, then shakes his head realizing there is not time to allow this man to provoke him into foolishness.
At least Devlin is not the only one that does not trust this Luke. It
seems that none of the group really does, if Devlin has judged their
reations correctly.
"I will agree to whatever you want to do." Devlin says, looking at the rest of the group, "But I doubt that I will count on anything. But, whatever we are going to do, I think we should get to it."
Looking at Aaron he asks, "I think it is
important to discover if these agents of our enemy have communicated
our location to them. Perhaps some of us should check on this gate,
while others see if they can get some information from them. Unless you
think it a smarter idea that we are all present at the gate."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
"A bonus for everyone, Devlin," Luke said, raising one eyebrow at the man. "These
people gain the use of your talents and, more importantly, your unique
point of view. At a time they so desperately need them." He chuckled, ruefully. "Do not be so quick to assign nefarious motives to me, whatever the others might say."
Rubbing his chin, Luke looked at Aaron and Dorian. "Yes,
I can, much as can 'Berd' or Dorian, and yes, I'm perfectly willing to
discuss this at another time. ANY other time but NOW, as Devlin
rightly points out."
"And might I say how wonderful it is that you and Dorian do not trust
me...I was beginning to feel taken for granted. The warning?" Serious again, Luke pursed his lips. "I
don't know. I am not omniscient, nor, unlike some here, have I
ever been. I can and will watch for the Archons, give you
warning, and attempt to stall them. If that is sufficient, I
suggest you begin moving."
Then he turned, looking at Berd. "You do know how much I hate to say 'I told you so', don't you? Can we simply consider it done, and leave it at that?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan watches Luke, and wonders. I never really hated Leonardo. I found him disturbing, and irritating, and all manner of other things.
A glance to Berd. No, she doesn't want to consider her feelings
there, now. A quick return of Devlin's nod - whatever the man is
thinking is shrouded behind that impenetrable exterior - and she goes
back to studying Luke. And so. Why do I dislike Luke, so? Beyond the obvious? Another glance at Berd. Something else you have done to me? I do not know what I am, any longer.
You can trust Luke's word, Berd states, heavily, looking away, out the window. And Dorian is correct - he travels within it, in an identical fashion to myself. His head turns to glare at Luke. Thank you, oh, so much, for your restraint. Though the chosen words are bitter, Berd's tone holds only exhaustion.
It hurts her to listen to Berd, now. Betrayal. Lies.
All wrapped up in a quarter-century of love, respect, and
companionship. At
least I know my true age, now. Berd always said I was about three
when he 'found' me. I assumed until now that I am twenty-eight. Her smile is jagged, like broken glass, and just as fragile. I am, therefore, twenty-five.
One hand snakes out to hook in the loops of her pack, and Cyan hefts
it, placing it on her back. "I am ready to go," she says,
determined to bury her confusion and the hollow, empty feeling, in the
work. Moving resolutely, she stands beside Dorian, near the
door. "Who will question the Enemy's lackeys?"
I can do that...if desired. Berd plays with the tapestry next to him with his foreclaws, sounding uncertain. I
can ask the questions I am given, and put them to the Enemy's servants,
without having to be there. It would...make things easier, allow
people to stay together. The little dragon's head comes up. I
am yet a part of this, though if all speak against me staying, I will
take my leave. Post your questions. Ask what you
will. I will attempt to wring the truth from them.
"You would not recognize..." Cyan begins, then trails off. Childish.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I will attempt to wring the truth from them."
Aaron's eye narrowed. Was such a thing possible? More than likely,
given enough mental sway, or the proper power... but did Berd have
other methods for such a thing? Other means? Once more, a new feeling
of curiosity... or an old feeling reborn, arose within him, only to be
swatted down once more by the understanding of the time and place.
"It would do us well to stick together, considering the situation, and our lack of knowledge about the area involved." he said.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Ech'hisst (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ech'hisst is startled at first, by the arrival of the stranger, and for
a brief instant it looks like things might go badly for the
newcomer. Then the brintizzi relaxes. Of
course, it is the one called... Luke. Such strange names
these people have. Luke arrived with the others. How could
I forget?
The commander waits patiently, while those he guards discuss matters which are incomprehensible to him.
Luke travels with them. Why do they
treat him almost as an enemy? If they do not trust him, then why
do they permit him to accompany them?
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin stands, then gives a half bow to Luke (actually, more of an exaggerated nod). "You
are quite correct sir. You have done nothing to hinder or harm myself
and I have not seen you do anything to hinder or harm anyone else. In
fact, when we first met you assisted Serena and myself. I for one will
trust you at your word, as I do with anyone, until they give me reason
to do otherwise. Your assistance will be welcomed."
The dark man turns then to Ech'hisst. "We need to be taken to the gate which the Queen is having uncovered for Jonnee. As quickly as it can be arranged." Turning toward the others he adds, "I assume that we can think of questions for the enemies servants as we move." Devlin is not really trying to take charge, but they have been told
that they must move, some seem too worried about what Luke is doing
here to act, and Devlin is tired of sitting still.
While he now waits to be shown to the gate Devlin looks at Berd, the dejected drake. His head tilts to one side.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"As I said, I don't trust him in all things-- I do not even trust
myself in all things. I trust you in many things, Luke. To trust you
more, I would need to understand your motivation. Though I would
venture a guess, that you have something to lose in this-- this is not
the casual game you oft pretend it to be. The more I interact with you,
the more I find you to be more and more like Berd in many ways-- a fact
which does not weigh in your favor, currently, when it comes to trust.
Am I correct that this is something of an old story coming to the
surface for you? Nevertheless, you set my feet on a certain path once,
and for that, I never said my thanks-- Thank you."
It irritated him to not be the one doing the questioning, but there was
no time to fret over minor details. There was no need to be at the
center of things. Berd was as capable of gathering information as he.
Biting his lip, he said, "I
think foremost, we need to know if they've yet contacted the Archons.
If they have, we need to move quickly. If not, we need to next know if
there is any planned time by which they must report to the Archons or
any other agent on their own worlds. If so, we may have to fake it,
somehow."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena had listened to the others question Luke. Glancing at Berd she sent a mental knock to see if he would answer her..'BERD?" Serena knew things about Luke and was feeling like a traitor to her own
by not sharing what she knew. Dorian was getting very close howeve,r
and Serena thought it time to lay it all on the table. However, she had
given her word and until she could get permission to break that word
she had to remain silent.
'I agree time is short and we need to take whatever
assistance we can get. If Luke can monitor the underflows and such as
he says then it would be foolhardy to not take him up on the offer even
if we believe he may have some unknown ulterior motive." Serena commented speaking softly and calmly but lokking directly at Luke.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke's motivation is simple. He wishes to
survive. And he is not the sort to throw in with the Enemy in an
attempt to bargain. Berd's voice is tired, and
slightly acerbic when speaking of Luke, but there is an odd softness to
the tone. Almost as that of a father, talking about an extremely
difficult son.
He has to lose what we all have to lose - his
life. And given how long he has lived, he wishes to hold onto it,
very, very much.
And for the moment, until we begin moving, I am assisting Luke in his
sweep of the worlds and Underflow - we have acertained there are no
Archons in the immediate area, though some have passed
by...'distantly', through the Underflow.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Luke bowed toward Devlin. "Thank
you, Devlin. Refreshing viewpoint, I must admit. Not to
worry - seeing as everyone seems to accept my assistance, I will be
around." A flourish of the hand. "Crack that whip - get these people moving!
His smile was considerably harder when he turned to Dorian, after Berd spoke. "The
old reprobate has explained my motivation, which, I believe, I have
stated from time to time. I want this universe, and by extension,
myself, to live. As it is, not as some giant, primordial Archon
soup. If it does last....." He turned to look at Berd for a moment. "Places to be, people to see, things to...do." The smile became a baring of teeth, rather than a grin, before relaxing. "Oh, and you're welcome. Even with the comment about me resembling Himself." He snapped his fingers, sharply. "Well done. You sure know how to hurt a man."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You twist words, again," Dorian says. "I did not say you resembled him; I said you were like him, similar to him in nature-- not the same thing as resembling him.
"And further, knowing you don't want this universe destroyed is not the
answer to my question. You admit yourself that it's old news to us, and
hardly an original motivation. I think there is more to it than that, a
history. If you're not going to give us real answers, beyond what we've already heard, then let us be about our
business-- and don't bother trying to turn it around and say I am the
one wasting time; I already know the game."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The tension in the room has racheted up to an unbearable level.
Luke's appearance, Dorian's obvious distrust and dislike for the man,
Berd's presence...all of it is too much for Cyan.
"What matters his reasons for assisting, at the moment?" the bard
questions, hopefully heading off a reply by the strange man.
"Dorian, you are wise not to play his games. We should go, and
now, before something else arrives to cause us distress." Moving
over to stand beside the dark man and, presumably, Devlin and James, by
the door, she motions to the others, sapphire eyes dark. "If Luke
is assisting, I say we leave him to his assistance, and move swiftly
for this...machine."
Action. Motion, carrying through. Anything to keep from thinking about what has just happened.
Berd, obviously agreeing, floats through the air toward the group at
the door. At the last second, almost as though he recalls
something, he swoops up, slightly, avoiding entering Cyan's space, and
slipping through the door to await the group in the hallway.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian actually smiles, and shrugs. "If
we're moving, then his motivation doesn't matter. Otherwise, what
better topic? However, I didn't ask his motivation; I merely put forth
my hypothesis that this was an old story for him-- interesting
reaction, wasn't it?
The problem is, he never sticks around long enough to tell us anything
when it isn't life and death-- so when else to bring it up? But forgive
me, I didn't mean to delay our departure, I merely meant to mention it
while waiting for someone to lead the way-- or do we need to
locate the machine?
"I made an assumption, I fear..." His voice trails off with another shrug, and he looks at Jonnee, his features barely hinting at an apology.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena watching all that is going on around her sends a mental question
in return to Berd's as she has risen and approached the hallway
entrance"I
wish to tell them what I know of you and Luke. What you told me before.
Dorian is already getting close. I think it best if all the secrets
come out at once. However, I made a promise and if you decline to let
me tell then I shall honor that promise."
All of the tension, suspicion, and unhappiness was a palpable thing to
Serena. Serena sighed mentally as she wants to be able to help but in
this case there is erally nothing she can do. She cannot take away
Cyan's anger and pain at Berd's actions and deception. Nor can she make
anyone trust Luke. The whole lot of it was frustrating and upsetting
Serena.
"I agree with Cyan if we are going to go then we should hurry up and be
about it. If Luke can help then that is fine. However, we cannot hang
everything on just one person." Serena said sounding a bit terse for
her but the emotions in the room were hard for her as a healer.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee gestures towards Ech'hisst, "Let's go see the gate, Commander, now. Then we'll know if the one Dorian found is a problem or not."
He doesn't bother to add, Plus it'll take everybody's mind off Luke, for a bit, though that is part of his reason.
"We all go, just in case we have to deal with
trouble. But, Berd, you need to mind your manners. You're
on probation."
He walks towards the door. Then stops, looking to the others, "Well? What are we waiting for?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Do not concern yourself with him," Cyan says quietly, patting Dorian
on the shoulder and looking emerald daggers at Luke. "He will
tell us only what he wishes - as you say, very similar to
another." Her other fingers clench tightly around Kirilindë;
Cyan needs to move, to act. To rid herself of the poisons
crawling around in her body, even if she cannot do the same with those
slithering in her spirit.
"We all assume," she states more quietly. "In most cases, it is no crime."
Berd, out in the hallway, glances up as Serena continues her mental
conversation. His burning eyes flick to Jonnee,
silhouetted in the doorway. When
has my politeness been called into question, Jonnee Kay? My
diplomacy? I assure you, that will not change. The problem
lies with people's opinions of my character, my past actions, not my manners.
Whether or not I remain polite best not have any bearing on the ultimate decision regarding my disposal.
"I stand ready, Jonnee Kay," Cyan states, ignoring Berd's words, prepared to follow.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Turning away, Ech'hist takes the lead, doing his best to ignore the
strange behaviour of the visitors. Luke appears, to the
brintizzi's eyes, to be the most stable of them all, confirming the
commander's earlier assessment.
A dozen warriors fall in behind.
The way to the gate is not direct, and increasingly crowded, as the
brintizzi start to reappear from wherever they had taken refuge during
the emergency.
Along corridors of stone and polished wood, deeper into the palace,
Ech'hist leads. Through rooms whose walls are festooned with
flowering vines, across bridges which span lakes between buildings, and
into a broad, circular chamber, whose floor is lost in darkness below,
and reachable only by a staircase which spirals around the outer wall.
Deep into the cool darkness, and eyes grow accustomed to the
gloom. There are no brintizzi down here, and water trickles down
the chill stone of the walls, slicking the steps underfoot.
At the bottom, there are puddles, and the smell of damp and decay.
There is a door, heavy wood studded and bound with verdigrised
bronze. It takes two warriors to open it, pushing against
protesting hinges. Beyond it lays a short corridor, illuminated
by blue light which filters around, and somehow through the similar door at the far end. The light is blue, shimmering, and it seems to hum like angry wasps.
Ech'hisst himself opens the second door, and the light floods into the
corridor, changing all colours to shades of blue, and dazzling the eyes
of all.
The room is small, with stone walls decorated with murals. A
group of brintizzi, large and hulking, are carefully demolishing the
farthest wall, placing the painted stones to one side, in a precisely
regulated order. The blue light flickers and shimmers and blazes
in the space behind the partially-removed wall, filling the room with
its actinic effulgence.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Luke
-----------------------------------------------------------
Back in the room, Luke laughed quietly, shaking his head. "What
a champion Dorian is...as are the rest of them. 'How convenient
you turn up now, when we actually require assistance!' 'I know
you have a motive, something to lose beyond your life.'
*tch* And they say I'VE fallen far." His attention still mostly focused on other places, other shadows, he looked around the room. "All alone. Bother. Makes getting the last word somewhat easier, but in an ultimately unsatisfying way."
Shrugging, he discorporated, fading into nothing. His smile lingered, then vanished with the rest of him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Impossible!
Or... not. It had been a long, long time since that day,
or so it felt to Aaron, and he trusted his own body. Still, Aaron knew
that he would wait and bide. He would not attempt to rush his healing
at the moment, and their current responsibilities kept him from asking
more of Devlin's offer from before. He was, however, considering it
greatly.
And yet, there was a great satisfaction in knowing that it was nearly
over. He was so very tired of being blind, in more ways than the
physical. Since that day, he had not felt whole.
He was drawn back to the here and now, despite the glare before him.
Luke's appearance, the shattering of Berd's hold on Cyan, the many and
varied movements of their enemies... those things brought him back, and
he opened his other eye against the glare, attempting to get some sort
of understanding of what lay before them.
In that attempt, he extended his sense outwards, detecting that there was more to this than what he was merely seeing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
As they walk, Cyan drops away from the nervous tension in the group,
back to where the britizzi silently pace the Questors. Her amber
eyes absently study them as she walks, noting weaknesses in their
bodies. Patterns in their movement. Dead areas in their
defenses, due to the nature of their blades, their placement and method
of attachment. She has seen their speed, noted their skill and
precision.
Part of her absently comes to a similar conclusion as Jonnee. One
of them would be too much for any in the group, save her. And
there are legions.
Another part wonders how she knows these things.
"You learn more quickly than any of your kind! In truth, of my kind as well!"
Cuthalion's words to her, long ago, over the points of their swords his
beautiful, inhuman face smiling broadly with delight. One hand
fists at the memory - Cuthalion long dead, now, cut down by the Iron of
Death in the hands of his friend. Betrayal by sword, betrayal by
friendship. She shivers.
Betrayal by friendship.
What am I? You say you created me from yourself, Berd, and
yet...from where does this skill come? I have never seen the like
in you.
Then again, you can hardly wield a blade.
Do I hate you, I wonder?
Her ruminations are cut off by their arrival at the hall, where they
face the 'gate', at last. Cyan frowns as Ech'hist opens the door,
shielding her odd eyes against the light. Reaching forth, she
uses the skills taught to her by Berd, seeking the feeling of palanquet, here. A gate to the Undercurrent of a most peculiar sort, the bard thinks. Palanquet.
Berd, for his part, flits forward, a batlike silhouette in the blinding
light, and perches on the opened door to peer in. For now, the
little dragon keeps his silence, choosing instead to extend his own
senses toward the portal.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena was about to speak when the escort arrived and then it became to late. With a mental sigh she sends to Berd "I
will tell them what I know at the next available break we have. It
would not be appropriate to discuss these things in front of those we
do not know."
As they were escorted down Serena found herself walking beside Devlin
and wondered if it was subconscious for her to doso or if it was simply
that he was less emotionally charged then any of the rest of them. Once
facing the gate Serena concentrated to see whatever there is that may
need to be seen.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes," Dorian mutters. "This is the same portal. I can watch the portal from a distance, alerted as to its activation, and stop any who wish to pass."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Ech'hisst (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The workers will soon be done here." Ech'hisst states, gesturing towards the half-demolished wall. His
eyes are hidden, as are those of all the brintizzi present, by an
almost opaque membrane, a third eyelid of sorts.
"Beyond is a harsh land. A world of three
blue suns, and endless burning sand, if the old tales are to be
believed. The portal opens onto a hilltop, overlooking an ancient
structure in the valley. There are dangerous creatures
there. Huntbeasts they are named."
"It was common practice for princes of our people to go there and stalk
them for meat and trophies, and as a trial of their strength.
That ended when the False God placed his machine there. The
queen, at that time, ordered the portal sealed, to prevent others
taking such foolish risks."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan opens her mouth to speak, but Berd beats her to it. This
gate utilizes the power of the Underflow. It vents through a
crack, a naturally occuring crack, in the World. Rare, but not
unheard of.
Cyan swallows, shooting the dragon a look, then speaks up, her voice quiet, her eyes shadowed by her hair. "I sense palanquet...." She trails off uncertainly.
Berd, waiting to see if she would continue, finally speaks again. The palanquet energies are more directly derived from the Underflow than any of the greater powers. Say, rather, that they utilize the Underflow in a more direct sense, echoing through it rather than
transforming it. It follows that you can taste something familiar.
Cyan's lips thin, and she looks away.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"That's informative, Berd," Dorian says with a small, but polite, smile. "And yet, there is more to Palanquet, beyond a mere lackluster description. They have..." He frowns, as if trying to decide on the right word. "... heart?"
It hardly mattered. He gave a slight shrug, looking back to the door.
There was often much different between art and description, and he
often leaned towards the empirical. He had taste for art, but no
talent. He often envied those who did, with a feeling of seeing
something of great beauty, which could not be touched. The only way, to
him, to sincerely be a part of the art, was to create it. The
observation of art, was merely... well, observation. Like watching a
play of romance, but never experiencing romance yourself-- a thing
which he knew something of, too.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You're right, Dorian. In the differences between Trump and the Greater
Powers, there is indeed a more... artistic sense about them. That
representation of the Underflow, seems to have a life of sorts."
Aaron placed himself in a more focused mindset, knowing full well that
they'd have to step through the portal and into that other world. He
checked his scabbard to make sure Ilse was strapped securely, before he
nodded.
"If anyone wants to stop here, just say so. I certainly won't object!"
and then he chuckled slightly, shaking his head at the likelyhood of
such a thing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"And let you have all the glory? You should know by now we're not that easy to dismiss."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Ya know, it just might be my imagination, but this looks a little brighter than last time I was here." comments Jonnee, squinting against the glare. His pupils are
contracted to slits so narrow that they can barely be seen, razor-thin
lines across his yellow irises.
"Or maybe not, it's hard to tell. It was always bright, but I dunno, it seems brighter."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lackluster? There is a pause as Berd tastes the word. I believe we were discussing the reasons why Cyan could sense the gate, not the art of palanquet itself... His 'voice' is polite, as well.
Cyan looks to Dorian as he speaks; her smile is small, feeble compared
to her old grins, but it is real under her amethyst eyes. She
glances up at Berd again, and her face hardens. The bard swings
her sword, dangling on its red cord, from her back, and grips it by the
scabbard, just under the hilt, allowing the sheath to run up the back
of her arm, the hilt pointing downward. "Ready," she whispers,
quietly, taking a moment to look at the faces. Jonnee.
Serena. Devlin. Aaron. James. Dorian.
"Glory, is it Dorian?" Now the weak smile holds a hint of
amusement, quirking slightly, and she cocks an eyebrow at the dark man.
Jonnee's assessment makes her stare hard at the gate, but she cannot
find anything different. The bard's lips thin, and the smile
vanishes. With a sigh, she prepares to drop her pack, as
well. "Shall we?" the bard whispers. "And do we have any
means to see where the gate will take us?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The workers continue to perform their appointed task, uncovering the
portal which leads to a world where there exists, if all is as told, a
machine which may serve as a weopon against the Archons.
More of the portal is uncovered, but the glow remains constant
Nothing can be seen beyond it. It might just as well be a solid
wall, until one of the workers stumbles and drops a stone which falls
into the glowing barrier.
The block hangs there for an instant, and then there is a flare of
light, a sound like the cracking of a whip, and a smell like burning
metal. The block is gone, the only sign of its presence the
rapidly fading shadow ripples spreading across the gate surface.
Meanwhile, the workers carry on regardless. Nobody has, after all, ordered them to pause in their efforts.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan: "And do we have any means to see where the gate will take us?"
Devlin thinks on Cyan's words for a moment and then says, "Perhaps"
Once again Devlin's gauntlet produces a sharp instument, but this time
is is just a small needle. He pricks the index finger of his left hand
and a small drop of blood appears. This time the transformation is
quicker. A fly rests for just a moment on the tip of his finger.
The insect almost immediately leaves Devlin's finger and flies toward the gate.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The fly lifts from Devlin's finger, and instinct takes over, drawing it towards the light. Then it is gone...
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd watches with interest as Devlin creates yet another servant with
his blood. Thus far, Devlin is the only one has done so save for
Berd, himself, and the little dragon finds it interesting to
compare. His brilliant eyes narrow for a moment, when the fly
passes through the gate.
Interesting. The passage of the fly
reveals that the world beyond is dangerous. To what extent, and
how near it that danger might be, I cannot ascertain without a sending of my own.
I am loathe to do so, though.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin eyes get a far away look as he watches what he can see through
the eyes and mind of a fly, not much but... He suddenly closes his eyes
and turns his head away.
"It is dark," he says, "windy
and cold. There is some type of structure or ruins near to the other
side of this gate. There is, something that has been dead for a while.
The fly was drawn to it... How far can a fly travel in several minutes?
Not more than a few hundred feet, if that. The ruins are there and it
smells of rotting flesh."
Devlin looks around him at the others, "There
is some danger there... but I cannot say what it is. It destroyed the
fly, but what is dangerous to a fly may be nothing to us. As with the
rest of it; I was looking through the eyes and mind of a fly. I may be
interpretting what is there completely wrong."
He shrugs, "I do know that it is cold
enough to dull almost immobilize a fly, that it is windy, and that it
is dark. Whatever this light is that the gate emmits does not come from
the far side."
Devlin then turns to Jonnee, "Did you say you had been through this gate before? Does any of this sound familiar?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The ruins we want are near the gate, down the hill, but that place should be hot as a furnace and blazing bright." Jonnee replies, scratching his head, "Mind you, it might be night, I was only ever there in the daytime, so I can't say what that's like."
"Deserts can get cold at night though, can't they?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan, flexing her fingers, listens to Devlin's explanation, and
struggles to form a picture in her mind. Once it is in place as
much as possible, she steps up to the gate, standing before it.
"Deserts," she says quietly, "become very cold at night. I shall
go through first, if that is acceptable. I am armored." A
tap on her silk shirt. "Are there any objections?"
Berd shifts, nervously, but holds his peace.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No Objections," Dorian says. That was something of a lie, of
course, he objected to anything that put any of these in danger, but
safety was a luxury they didn't have.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Wait Cyan! Serena says quickly before the girl can step through the gate. "When
the block came down I could sense terrible danger emminating from
beyond the gate. There is also some sort of flow in there that I do not
recognize."
"Perhaps there is a way for more than one
person to cross through the gate together. There might be a spell that
would allow that." Serena said musingly and obviously concerned with the idea of any one of them crossing through the gate alone.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd, after a moment, lets out an interrogatory chirp. 'Terrible' danger? My own senses thought it slight. I wonder...perhaps the gate itself interferes with such things.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena looked suddenly perpplexed and said,"The
warning signals stopped almost like someone slamming a door. I don't
know quite what to make of it. However Berd, I do trust your judgement
on this. So, I suppose sending someone in alone would be all right. Althoug she still sounds hesitant when speaking of sending anyone through alone.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd scratches his nose, carefully, consideringly. I did not say it was you who was wrong.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"True enough." Serena said with a slight smile. "All
right then perhaps we should take a quick vote on whether it is a safe
and good idea to send Cyan through the gate what with Berd and I
getting mixed and variable danger warnings. I don't mean to take up
time,but if anything happened to Cyan we would all suffer in so many
ways." At that Serena gave Cyan a very fond smile. She had come to both admire and like Cyan a great deal since she had met her.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The tactician in me," Dorian interrupts with a rueful tone and smile. "Says
we should not send one of us through first. We should send a soldier
rather than a leader; perhaps something more resiliant than a fly. I
could summon such, though it takes time. No doubt, others here can come
up with something quicker than I. The only thing I could call forth
quickly are the drakes of Samhain, but I'm loathe to waste that
opportunity without clear and immediate danger.
We few who know of this insurgency of reality should not step lightly
into unknown danger, when there is an alternative to scout the way."
Knowing the group, he was unsure how they would take his offer. There
are times when a leader should be at the head of the army, and time
when he should be at the rear. When the leader was one of the few who
knew the enemy even existed, it was not wise to plave himself at risk.
There was always the urge to be at the head. Sometimes, there was even
the loathing to put others at risk, rather than self. He understood
these things; he only hoped that wisdom would prevail here.
"And," he added. "I have a bad feeling about this."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I would vote for sending something else through before any of us myself. I only wish my attempt had faired better."
Devlin furrows his brow in thought. He had no idea what it was that they were after, perhaps a bit more information...
"It appears that the workers will still be
clearing away the wall for a bit, so we do have some time to think
about it. I don't mean to sound dense but, exactly what is it that
we're trying to retrieve from beyond? And did someone say wether or not
this is the same gate that the Archons can use to enter this world?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
"That's a great question, Devlin." Aaron said, an turned to Jonnee.
"Just what the hell is over there, anyway? I mean, I understand that
it's a powerful object of some sort, but do you have any idea what it
is, or what it's capable of? And yes, Cyan, I object to you taking that first step."
He glanced at her as he said that, but turned towards the gate again.
"Whatever is over there, we can't stand here debating it forever,
despite the fact that I don't like the idea of any of us stepping
through that thing without a good enough understanding of what we're
going into. And yet... I seem to remember us doing something similar,
just before we met Metatron."
Aaron shook his head with a sigh.
"Caution is our best bet, and we need to decide what to do. Sending
anything with enough sense to give us a better idea seems like the best idea so far. Any arguments?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dorian makes a fine point, and the answer is simplicity in itself,"
Cyan says quietly, her voice edged with steel. "Why not have Berd
simply whip up another couple of his 'ordinary' creatures, and send
them through." She stares at the dragon. "Certainly he can
do that."
It isn't a question.
The difference between Devlin's creations and
mine is that mine leave me open to a spiritual assault. Only a
fully autonomous creature would not...and would provide no real
information for us.
"Like myself," Cyan says, with a baring of teeth that isn't a smile.
Berd declines to answer.
"Why not, Aaron? I would handle a situation requiring quick
reactions faster than any other, even Jonnee. And Devlin did say
there was no trouble until he reached the stones." She glances to
Serena. "Do not concern yourselves overmuch," she continues, more
quietly, less edge in her voice. "I would not be reckless."
Her ruby eyes fall on Devlin. "I do not think the Archons will
use this gateway. If they travel through the Underflow, I suspect
they do not require it. They will likely come from
elsewhere." Her lips thin, and the bard looks worried.
"Likely."
Berd gives the saurian equivalent of a shrug. I
am willing to hazard a psychic attack...my defenses are far stronger
than they appear, and I have other abilities that might stand me in
good stead.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It's a weapon. It works like a Trump." Jonnee replies to the questions about why they're there, "It
can find a thing, or a place, or a person. Then it can reach out
and grab it, and move it anywhere. So how much do you think the
Archons would like an ocean being dumped on one of their cities?
For that matter, how useful would it be to be able to find their
cities?"
"Even if we can't get it working again, we need to make sure the
Archons can't learn anything from it. Brand claimed he could use
it to steal the Pattern itself from Amber."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron's eye widened at the description of the weapon, and he couldn't
help but shake his head at what it could mean if they could actually use it.
Still...
"I'll say that it's definetly sounding like something we should risk our necks for, if it really is that powerful. And Cyan, you're right as far as your abilities are concerned. I just don't agree with any of us popping our heads in there until we're sure." Aaron sighed.
"But I won't argue. If you want to go, Cyan, it's not like I can stop
you." Aaron smiled then, though it was something of a pained, forced
thing.
"Though I think it would be better if you didn't go alone."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I'll go with her." Devlin anounces, "Nightbrand protects me to a degree, and... I can be armored, if needs be.
As he speaks Devlin's eyes take on a different appearance, more like a
cat's eyes than anything else. Then a protective lid appears, covering
his eyes and protecting them from the imense light of the gate, but
also allowing him to see.
Sensing what Devlin is doing, Nightbrand also changes. The gauntlet
grows into a sword, the hilt not in his fist, but actually surrounding
it so that the blade almost appears to be part of his hand.
He moves up beside Cyan, "You did say this was a two way door, we can always run back through if things go badly."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I'll go too." James steps
forward. He has been unusually silent since Cyan's confrontation
with Berd. Even his distrust for Luke hadn't roused him.
Nevertheless, there was no way he was letting anyone go through the
portal without him, in part because he saw himself as the soldier
Dorian had mentioned.
OOC: Sorry, blatantly inadequate but allI can manage for the moment.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods, smoothly. "And thus, we are three. Between
James' strength and will, my skill, and Devlin's arcane abilities, I
would pit us against anything on the other side of that gate, and give
us good odds for survival. More people would simply raise our
chances of complete victory - we might as well send all, if that were
the case." The corner of her mouth rises, a hint of a smile to
James, and her grip tightens on the sheath of her weapon.
"Gentlemen - once the gate is sufficiently cleared, I will move
through, and forward to the right, four paces. Might you come
through, take up my flanks, and we shall ascertain the situation as
best we can?"
A glance at Aaron. "A bridging with the palanquet you bear of myself might be wise, Aaron. Then we can bring the
rest through, if need be, without the use of the obvious portal."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Ech'hisst (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
An angry hiss comes from the brintizzi commander, "This
will not be permitted! You are all under my protection. It
is my duty, by tradition, and by order of the queen, to provide you
with guards. If you believe there is danger beyond the portal,
then you must be accompanied by brintizzi warriors! I would be
shamed if I allowed you to go undefended."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Dorian
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dorian smiles with relief-- exactly what he had been hoping for, but without the awkwardness of asking them for aid. "I don't know, Ech'hisst," He says while picking up a heavy winter cloak from nearby, black. "Some
of us are rather stubborn about such matters. However, I say three
leaders going first is no more wise than a single leader going first."
His smile is playful as he strokes the black fur of his new cloak. "You did say it was cold there, did you not?" He asks Devlin.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Aaron
-----------------------------------------------------------
Aaron echoed Dorian's statement by nodding to Cyan and removing his
Trump of her from within his jacket. Replacing the packet within his
jacket, he held it in his hand and nodded.
He then unsheathed Ilsefranvir, her black and silver blade flickering in the light from the doorway.
"We must do what needs to be done," he said, this one mostly directed
towards the brintizzi. "I do not agree with anyone entering that
portal, but as I said, it must be done. Cyan has the right of it. Too
many people will arouse suspicion, and we have been through too much to
let such a thing as this stop us."
Now he turned his full attention on Ech'hisst.
"Having your assistance alive is better than having it dead, and the
same can be said of my friends. I will have full contact with my
comrades as they enter the gateway. Be assured that, should anything
occur, we will be with them in an instant."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"An acceptable compromise?" Cyan states, quietly. "Why not send
one Brintizzi to guard each of us? Go through in pairs?"
She stares at the warriors, consideringly. "While I would prefer
to send through a servant, as Dorian suggests, we seem to have
none. None who could easily report back, in any case - Berd has explained his own reasons for not sending one, and Dorian's magic should be conserved."
"The fly," the bard continues, "was not destroyed until it reached the
ring of stones. We enter, with the Brintizzi." Her mouth
twists in a grimace - Cyan doesn't like the idea of dragging them into
danger, as well, but it's starting to look like that if they are left
behind, likely as not the warriors will commit ritual suicide in some
horribly painful fashion. Besides which, they likely stand a better chance of surviving than any of us, in the next world.
"Six of us go through. Myself and the Brintizzi, to provide a
reactive force to any ambush. James, for the same reason, as well
as tactical appraisal. Devlin, for his own abilities. We
establish a small perimeter, and await your contact, Aaron.
Should there be trouble, we retreat using palanquet or, if necessary, bring you through. It would be a surprise for
any attack, and you will have had sufficient time to prepare some kind
of appropriate strike."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena listened to the debate and felt the three going through were the
best bets. Devlin not only had sorcery as she did but different and
strong powers and nightbrand. James was adequate enough at tactical
appraisal and Cyan was the obvious choice to go. ""After
the three of you have crossed over and have deemed it safe please send
back for us or word to us. If you are not back within a reasonable
amount of time I will follow through the gate. The last part Serena said with the osund of someone who felt sure enough in her own skills to give aide were aie needed
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Ech'hisst (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Three warriors each. No less!" growls the commander, "The dangers beyond the gate are unknown, and it is better to err on the side of caution."
Meanwhile the labourers continue to shift the stones, quickly and
surely. Only two courses of blocks remain now. Ripples flow
across the gate surface, stirred up by the breathing of the creatures
who work upon the very threshold.
"If nothing else, additional persons with your
group will make it harder for a potential threat to select the correct
targets, particularly if the threat is an unintelligent beast."
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"That could work." James draws Fangmir, it's all the preparation he needs.
"Ech'hisst, you and two others accompany Cyan and
take point. Devlin can then move through and take the right
flank. I'll come last with three more and take the left
flank. That would be an effective bridgehead."
"No disrespect to your rank, Ech'hisst. But whoever goes, Cyan
has command. If she says jump your warriors need to jump, not
look to you for confirmation. Is that ok?"
James looks around the group to see whether there are any objections,
but he finishes by looking to Cyan, leaving the final decision to her.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan makes a quick grimace of irritation at Ech'hisst's
interruption. She wants to move, and move now. To do
something, anything, to get her mind off of the situation. And
it's getting crowded beyond that gate.
Fortunately, James steps in with a solution. It isn't a perfect
solution, mainly because it places her on the top of the totem pole, a
place where she finds herself quite nervous. But it's a solid
plan. She gives James a quick nod, and glances to the soldier's
commander. "Yes...as long as Ech'hist also takes you to be in
command - Ech'hist, if I am engaged with an enemy, you should listen to
James."
Her ruby eyes flick back to James, a pained smile on her lips.
There's a good reason she doesn't take command in combat. James
is far better suited to that, than her. After all, if a battle
should just 'happen to break out', James won't turn baresark...
At the thought, she gives Berd another slow, measuring look, fingers tightening on her swordhilt. Leave off, Cyan. The others have spoken, and you are to leave him be, for the moment. You promised.
===========================================================
Re: Part 43 - Homeland by Devlin
-----------------------------------------------------------
Devlin, even though his "scout" did not give them much in the way of
usefull information, is sure that there is danger on the other side of
the gate. there is a chance that he's wrong, but, he'd rather err on
the side of caution, as Ech'hisst said. He nods at the creature.
"You will not see me arguing with you." Devlin says to Ech'hisst, "But please do listen to us once we pass through."
The gate is almost cleared and Devlin has not been idle while the
others waited and discussed how they would attack the gate. If anyone
touched him they would now find that his clothing was no longer soft
and flowing that it now had more of a matalic feel to it. While it
still seemed to move like cloth, it was harder.
===========================================================
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