Astarael42 Member
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hey aki...I will respond for the younglings if I get a chance, don't want to get spamy but feel my response for the younglings will free you up to wander as you wish
Same but two small rooms.
Brief break at work and posted. Be back later to edit errors.
Vol rested in his tent, comfortable in the darkness and silence that filled his home. He lay, naked and relaxed, on the comfortable mattress, feeling the cool of the evening air softening the heat of his body, drawing the warmth from his skin. He breathed softly, easily, replaying his night over in his mind.
His last lover for the night was gone but her scent still lingered in the air. He sighed deeply savoring the past, every moment. Some would call him callous, and he was. None of his lovers ever escaped being branded, their souls consigned to the Wishmaster at the heights of their passion. He felt no guilt or remorse at doing so. However, there was a part of him that cared for each lover, each tryst was special, unique to him. Even among the uncounted hundreds he had a moment frozen in his memory for each one. That moment, the instant he loved them, was the instant he could destroy them. What gets you in the end, is what you love.
In a comfortable haze he rested, enjoying the night and wonderfully limber feeling in his body. He would have stayed that way for some time, it was one of the few times in the carnival he could relax, however tonight it was not to be.
In the half-dark he spotted the letter winging his way. Only one person sent missives to him in that manner, and that meant he better figure out what was going on. He rose from his bed and lit a gas lamp; his quarters were styled in the same anachronistic manner as his clothing, a dark Victorian style which suited his nature. Reaching out a hand he plucked the flying letter from the air with ease, unrolled it, and began to read.
“Simple enough” he muttered and dropped the letter on the desk. He pulled on a pair of pants, casually shrugged into a button down white shirt, and grabbed his cane. The visitors were gone, the carnival was in that nothing state when gnomes swarmed the place cleaning, other workers relaxed or did whatever suited them, and most put aside the roles they donned for their act. Of course for a few it was not a “role”, they simply were as they were, but the pressure to draw the eye, to allure, to attract was off and people were free to be casual. Vol, for example, didn’t bother with his usual top hat, vest, cravat, coat, or even bother to tuck in his shirt. He was still devastatingly handsome, in fact in many ways more alluring now in casual dress. He never plied himself or his trade in this manner however, and thus was not aware of just what a dashing figure he cut, half disheveled and utterly relaxed. He was confident of his own abilities but he had taken the precaution of tucking his revolver into his belt and twirled his cane easily at his side as he walked.
He found the wolverines sated from their supper and in a somewhat lethargic mood. They rousted soon enough however and with a tap of his cane on the ground they fell into step around him. He could not communicate with them, not as Crow communicated with the animals of the carnival, but he was still able to make his point known and soon he was trailing behind them as they headed off, all five in a completely unorganized manner, to wander the edge of the carnival.
He sung to himself as he wandered, his song replete with siren allure, was not intended for anyone in particular. In fact he only sang because he was alone, none of the other workers in sight. He enjoyed singing, he just didn’t do it often because it created too deeply intimate a bond between singer and listener. Alone now he let his voice wend through the air, a
that could touch the heart, particularly if sung by a siren. Vol of course did not believe in such devoted love, it always brought one to ruin so why allow it?
He did not truly expect to find anything; mostly because he believed that anything powerful enough to kick a badger in the butt, the badger being Seil, would be smart enough not to leave a trace. He was wrong.
The wolverines, loping ahead as if on an outing at the park, were wandering here and there in a rather chaotic manner. Suddenly all five stopped dead in their tracks, turned, and wandered towards the carnival fence. Vol picked up his pace and followed. He found them standing around staring at something on the ground looking so much like a bunch of German short-haired pointers that he actually burst out in genuine laughter.
A hard rap of his cane on the ground and the animals backed away. At first Vol thought it was nothing, just a feather. Considering the amount of angels that roamed the carnival, not to mention other creatures possessing feathers, it was nothing. Until Vol realized it was bronze threaded through with a sickly green. As far as he knew no one or thing in the carnival had feathers of such a color. He tucked it into a pocket for later perusal and rapped his cane again sending the wolverines scurrying away.
****
The carnival had regressed Nate, emotionally. Normally a very quiet but intelligent young man this place had changed him. At least for a time. When they first arrived the color, life, and activity had lent him a childlike exuberance he never exhibited in normal life. Particularly not of late when things had been so dark and depressing. Then everything changed and fear set in. Fear of being alone, of the strangeness of the place, of being a mortal in the realms of Azure was tough enough. He was pretty sure that here would be even worse. These people were beyond skilled at their chosen professions, they would consider himself and Nalia to be worse than useless. He was also afraid at what he would have to do. Mr. Seil had explained it to him just as if Nate was a grown up, he appreciated that at least, despite his fear of his new place and what his life would be now.
He was sticking close to Nalia. He couldn’t believe the sacrifice his sister had made for him, he would never forget it. He would have sacrificed almost anything for his sister, only his mother did he love more. However consigning one’s life to such a contract was so above and beyond sacrifice that he wasn’t certain he could have mustered the strength to do it. That was why he didn’t hate his father, not completely. He still held hope that his mother would live, and he still held hope his father and mother would return and rescue him somehow.
Nalia had no such delusions. Her father was as dead to her as she to him, in truth had he cared enough to return for them she wouldn’t go. Not after what he had done to his own son. Apprenticed him to a place like this. It was plain that this carnival was more than just an ordinary carnival. Just how much more she was yet to learn.
The two wandered on the fringes of the action, trying to find a way to learn what they needed to know. They were turned loose in the carnival with very little direction. They knew what they had to do, just not how or where or such other details. When the gnomes popped out from everywhere, literally popped out, they were truly startled. That turned to fascination rather quickly. It was almost mesmerizing how fast the little beings worked, or how quickly everything was returning to its pristine condition as it was at the start of the day. Azure was one surprise after another.
When the pretty blue eyed girl from the aerial show walked up Nalia actually caught her breath. The girl was even prettier up close. She nearly swooned with a rapidly blossoming girl crush. She could never be like that. Pretty and talented and Nalia was sure she had to be the envy of all. The comment however put Nalia on the defensive and caused her to stiffen. Of course with Nalia’s attitude getting her on the defensive wasn’t a difficult feat.
“We are not lost puppies” she said icily. “I’ll have you know…”
“Lia” said Nate slipping up beside his sister. “We need to know what to do, try not to bite everyone’s head off.”
Nate’s eyes were almost as blue as Ty’s, just not so vivid. He stared at the young woman for a moment somewhat stunned by her appearance like his sister had been. On the ground she was much more “real” than in the air. He gripped his sister’s hand tightly and stood tall beside her.
“We saw your act” said Nate by way of conversation. His voice was soft but polite and conversational. He missed the fact he had yet to introduce himself. “It was neat enough. Of course Lia loved it. She wants to be a gymnast. Or she did until our father made her quit lessons. She’s pretty good though. You should see her. Plus she can climb a tree like nobody’s business.”
“Nate” hissed Nalia “She doesn’t need to know that.” Nalia was mortified for she was sure her aspirations of being a gymnast would be nothing more than mildly amusing to a professional like Ty. “I’m Nalia. This is my brother Nathan” she said by way of introduction. “And yeah we’re new. I guess we need to know what to do and where to go and all that. Not that we have much in the way of talents to perform or anything. Not sure how we are supposed to…you know. Oh and sorry about before. Everyone always tries to walk all over us. I won’t allow it.”
********
Vol was nearing the end of his wanderings when he heard the wolverines ahead snarling and snapping, like they would do over dinner. He frowned and jogged forward to find them fighting over something on the ground. He rapped his cane on the ground in command but they ignored him.
“Hsst” he said sharply with another rap. One of the wolverines looked up snarling at him. Vol glared back unperturbed. A large part of his ability to control the animals came from his complete lack of fear and supreme confidence. The wolverine backed down, as did the others, and backed away from what they were fighting over.
Vol closed the distance and looked at the mess on the ground. He frowned. It was entrails. And not human. They could be just some animal but he doubted it. There was a smell that permeated the area that he couldn’t quite place but it seemed very out of place. He wasn’t a feral animal however, he simply couldn’t get that pinpoint accuracy of scent. Also he wasn’t about to pick up the entrails, that was beyond revolting. He grabbed several sticks and jammed them into the ground around the mess. He’d let someone else deal with that. It may be something as simple as one of the supernatural animals that inhabited the carnival dined on one of the others.
He almost tripped over the bag nearby as he was ushering the wolverines from the area. It was dark brown leather and hidden by the shadow of a near-by tree. When he reached down to pick it up the shock he received nearly ripped his arm off. He dropped it like a hot coal and hissed to himself. Magic. It had to be some sort of magic. Not mortal magic. Something deeper, stronger.
“Guard” he commanded the wolverines and they squared off do just that. He rarely asked this of them, they complied immediately. Running a hand through his thick dark hair he swiftly figured a plan of action. There really was only one. Seil had to be told, Morgue if he couldn’t find Seil. Vol swiftly walked off into the heart of the carnival.
His last lover for the night was gone but her scent still lingered in the air. He sighed deeply savoring the past, every moment. Some would call him callous, and he was. None of his lovers ever escaped being branded, their souls consigned to the Wishmaster at the heights of their passion. He felt no guilt or remorse at doing so. However, there was a part of him that cared for each lover, each tryst was special, unique to him. Even among the uncounted hundreds he had a moment frozen in his memory for each one. That moment, the instant he loved them, was the instant he could destroy them. What gets you in the end, is what you love.
In a comfortable haze he rested, enjoying the night and wonderfully limber feeling in his body. He would have stayed that way for some time, it was one of the few times in the carnival he could relax, however tonight it was not to be.
In the half-dark he spotted the letter winging his way. Only one person sent missives to him in that manner, and that meant he better figure out what was going on. He rose from his bed and lit a gas lamp; his quarters were styled in the same anachronistic manner as his clothing, a dark Victorian style which suited his nature. Reaching out a hand he plucked the flying letter from the air with ease, unrolled it, and began to read.
“Simple enough” he muttered and dropped the letter on the desk. He pulled on a pair of pants, casually shrugged into a button down white shirt, and grabbed his cane. The visitors were gone, the carnival was in that nothing state when gnomes swarmed the place cleaning, other workers relaxed or did whatever suited them, and most put aside the roles they donned for their act. Of course for a few it was not a “role”, they simply were as they were, but the pressure to draw the eye, to allure, to attract was off and people were free to be casual. Vol, for example, didn’t bother with his usual top hat, vest, cravat, coat, or even bother to tuck in his shirt. He was still devastatingly handsome, in fact in many ways more alluring now in casual dress. He never plied himself or his trade in this manner however, and thus was not aware of just what a dashing figure he cut, half disheveled and utterly relaxed. He was confident of his own abilities but he had taken the precaution of tucking his revolver into his belt and twirled his cane easily at his side as he walked.
He found the wolverines sated from their supper and in a somewhat lethargic mood. They rousted soon enough however and with a tap of his cane on the ground they fell into step around him. He could not communicate with them, not as Crow communicated with the animals of the carnival, but he was still able to make his point known and soon he was trailing behind them as they headed off, all five in a completely unorganized manner, to wander the edge of the carnival.
He sung to himself as he wandered, his song replete with siren allure, was not intended for anyone in particular. In fact he only sang because he was alone, none of the other workers in sight. He enjoyed singing, he just didn’t do it often because it created too deeply intimate a bond between singer and listener. Alone now he let his voice wend through the air, a
He did not truly expect to find anything; mostly because he believed that anything powerful enough to kick a badger in the butt, the badger being Seil, would be smart enough not to leave a trace. He was wrong.
The wolverines, loping ahead as if on an outing at the park, were wandering here and there in a rather chaotic manner. Suddenly all five stopped dead in their tracks, turned, and wandered towards the carnival fence. Vol picked up his pace and followed. He found them standing around staring at something on the ground looking so much like a bunch of German short-haired pointers that he actually burst out in genuine laughter.
A hard rap of his cane on the ground and the animals backed away. At first Vol thought it was nothing, just a feather. Considering the amount of angels that roamed the carnival, not to mention other creatures possessing feathers, it was nothing. Until Vol realized it was bronze threaded through with a sickly green. As far as he knew no one or thing in the carnival had feathers of such a color. He tucked it into a pocket for later perusal and rapped his cane again sending the wolverines scurrying away.
****
The carnival had regressed Nate, emotionally. Normally a very quiet but intelligent young man this place had changed him. At least for a time. When they first arrived the color, life, and activity had lent him a childlike exuberance he never exhibited in normal life. Particularly not of late when things had been so dark and depressing. Then everything changed and fear set in. Fear of being alone, of the strangeness of the place, of being a mortal in the realms of Azure was tough enough. He was pretty sure that here would be even worse. These people were beyond skilled at their chosen professions, they would consider himself and Nalia to be worse than useless. He was also afraid at what he would have to do. Mr. Seil had explained it to him just as if Nate was a grown up, he appreciated that at least, despite his fear of his new place and what his life would be now.
He was sticking close to Nalia. He couldn’t believe the sacrifice his sister had made for him, he would never forget it. He would have sacrificed almost anything for his sister, only his mother did he love more. However consigning one’s life to such a contract was so above and beyond sacrifice that he wasn’t certain he could have mustered the strength to do it. That was why he didn’t hate his father, not completely. He still held hope that his mother would live, and he still held hope his father and mother would return and rescue him somehow.
Nalia had no such delusions. Her father was as dead to her as she to him, in truth had he cared enough to return for them she wouldn’t go. Not after what he had done to his own son. Apprenticed him to a place like this. It was plain that this carnival was more than just an ordinary carnival. Just how much more she was yet to learn.
The two wandered on the fringes of the action, trying to find a way to learn what they needed to know. They were turned loose in the carnival with very little direction. They knew what they had to do, just not how or where or such other details. When the gnomes popped out from everywhere, literally popped out, they were truly startled. That turned to fascination rather quickly. It was almost mesmerizing how fast the little beings worked, or how quickly everything was returning to its pristine condition as it was at the start of the day. Azure was one surprise after another.
When the pretty blue eyed girl from the aerial show walked up Nalia actually caught her breath. The girl was even prettier up close. She nearly swooned with a rapidly blossoming girl crush. She could never be like that. Pretty and talented and Nalia was sure she had to be the envy of all. The comment however put Nalia on the defensive and caused her to stiffen. Of course with Nalia’s attitude getting her on the defensive wasn’t a difficult feat.
“We are not lost puppies” she said icily. “I’ll have you know…”
“Lia” said Nate slipping up beside his sister. “We need to know what to do, try not to bite everyone’s head off.”
Nate’s eyes were almost as blue as Ty’s, just not so vivid. He stared at the young woman for a moment somewhat stunned by her appearance like his sister had been. On the ground she was much more “real” than in the air. He gripped his sister’s hand tightly and stood tall beside her.
“We saw your act” said Nate by way of conversation. His voice was soft but polite and conversational. He missed the fact he had yet to introduce himself. “It was neat enough. Of course Lia loved it. She wants to be a gymnast. Or she did until our father made her quit lessons. She’s pretty good though. You should see her. Plus she can climb a tree like nobody’s business.”
“Nate” hissed Nalia “She doesn’t need to know that.” Nalia was mortified for she was sure her aspirations of being a gymnast would be nothing more than mildly amusing to a professional like Ty. “I’m Nalia. This is my brother Nathan” she said by way of introduction. “And yeah we’re new. I guess we need to know what to do and where to go and all that. Not that we have much in the way of talents to perform or anything. Not sure how we are supposed to…you know. Oh and sorry about before. Everyone always tries to walk all over us. I won’t allow it.”
********
Vol was nearing the end of his wanderings when he heard the wolverines ahead snarling and snapping, like they would do over dinner. He frowned and jogged forward to find them fighting over something on the ground. He rapped his cane on the ground in command but they ignored him.
“Hsst” he said sharply with another rap. One of the wolverines looked up snarling at him. Vol glared back unperturbed. A large part of his ability to control the animals came from his complete lack of fear and supreme confidence. The wolverine backed down, as did the others, and backed away from what they were fighting over.
Vol closed the distance and looked at the mess on the ground. He frowned. It was entrails. And not human. They could be just some animal but he doubted it. There was a smell that permeated the area that he couldn’t quite place but it seemed very out of place. He wasn’t a feral animal however, he simply couldn’t get that pinpoint accuracy of scent. Also he wasn’t about to pick up the entrails, that was beyond revolting. He grabbed several sticks and jammed them into the ground around the mess. He’d let someone else deal with that. It may be something as simple as one of the supernatural animals that inhabited the carnival dined on one of the others.
He almost tripped over the bag nearby as he was ushering the wolverines from the area. It was dark brown leather and hidden by the shadow of a near-by tree. When he reached down to pick it up the shock he received nearly ripped his arm off. He dropped it like a hot coal and hissed to himself. Magic. It had to be some sort of magic. Not mortal magic. Something deeper, stronger.
“Guard” he commanded the wolverines and they squared off do just that. He rarely asked this of them, they complied immediately. Running a hand through his thick dark hair he swiftly figured a plan of action. There really was only one. Seil had to be told, Morgue if he couldn’t find Seil. Vol swiftly walked off into the heart of the carnival.
I believe it refers to when the old guild crashed/vanished and left alot of us in limbo till this one got up and running. An RP that kept going even after a month dead time and switching sites is a testament to the drive of the GMs and the players.
*reads newspaper* that is kinda cool--
I woke up this morning sans headache...for the first time in three days. You can't undrstand how wonderful the silence and lack of pressure in your head is until you've been there. Of course I also logged 12 hrs of sleep last night--7pm to 7am. I'm still putting the release of pain down to Sweet's soup however. Far more interesting than saying I just got enough sleep. I am writing now, and will till I must get ready for work. If I make it up this morning great but if not I shall take to to work with me and write there. Oh my goodness not having a headache is the most amazing feeling in the world. *giddy dance*
I woke up this morning sans headache...for the first time in three days. You can't undrstand how wonderful the silence and lack of pressure in your head is until you've been there. Of course I also logged 12 hrs of sleep last night--7pm to 7am. I'm still putting the release of pain down to Sweet's soup however. Far more interesting than saying I just got enough sleep. I am writing now, and will till I must get ready for work. If I make it up this morning great but if not I shall take to to work with me and write there. Oh my goodness not having a headache is the most amazing feeling in the world. *giddy dance*
I am still here. Out of life with a migraine for the last 3 days (it's still here, nothing has kicked it yet)) I'm still here however. It's just too much for me to focus my thoughts or look at tiny words on a computer screen. Please don't write me off just yet.
Brisa was startled when she realized she didn’t know Ronin’s name any better than he had known theirs. For some reason she had just sort of worked him in among the group as if he belonged. Maybe he did in a way…he was missing someone he obviously cared deeply about as well. If she was a gambler she would bet his “Sir Erikson” met a similar fate as most of those of Twiddledale. She took a moment to point out each of the others before they were once on their way.
Brisa guessed for the others it was a rescue mission…but for herself, and she was guessing for Dakin, this was a vengeance mission. Through whatever means necessary . She didn’t like to admit it but she felt this streak of hatred whenever she thought of Autry. Her feelings on the subject scared her, she didn’t like to think of it much. But when Ronin asked her about what she had found interesting those thoughts came back.
She wanted to hunt the bastards down and turn them into toads then squash them under a giant’s bootheels. She shook her head to clear that thought.
A mage must always have a clear and focused mind…she could almost hear Autry’s voice repeating the comment over and over. Brisa’s mind was rarely focused; she got that lecture quite regularly.
When they settled into a walking rhythm Brisa spoke again. This time she was happy to have something to distract her from her sore feet.
“I’m sorry about your teacher too” she said softly.
‘On the map, well I think its written in the same language as the writing over the…in town. I think it has something to do with everything. If I can find another sample of it maybe I can translate it. Dakin doesn’t know where it is…or what it says either but I’m sure its written in the same language.”
She sighed.
“It’s gotta have something to do with this whole thing. I just know it.”
"What do we do now" she said changing the subject. "It's gonna be dark soon. Are we gonna make it tonight?"
Brisa guessed for the others it was a rescue mission…but for herself, and she was guessing for Dakin, this was a vengeance mission. Through whatever means necessary . She didn’t like to admit it but she felt this streak of hatred whenever she thought of Autry. Her feelings on the subject scared her, she didn’t like to think of it much. But when Ronin asked her about what she had found interesting those thoughts came back.
She wanted to hunt the bastards down and turn them into toads then squash them under a giant’s bootheels. She shook her head to clear that thought.
A mage must always have a clear and focused mind…she could almost hear Autry’s voice repeating the comment over and over. Brisa’s mind was rarely focused; she got that lecture quite regularly.
When they settled into a walking rhythm Brisa spoke again. This time she was happy to have something to distract her from her sore feet.
“I’m sorry about your teacher too” she said softly.
‘On the map, well I think its written in the same language as the writing over the…in town. I think it has something to do with everything. If I can find another sample of it maybe I can translate it. Dakin doesn’t know where it is…or what it says either but I’m sure its written in the same language.”
She sighed.
“It’s gotta have something to do with this whole thing. I just know it.”
"What do we do now" she said changing the subject. "It's gonna be dark soon. Are we gonna make it tonight?"
*nods* I have used them in stories in the past.
No worries! I'll post tomorrow too. :-)
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