deia876lat

Broken Skies

“You say you are a coward but I have yet to find someone more courageous. It takes an unbelievable amount of courage to refuse to fight even at the expense of pain and suffering. The valuing life is not a weakness. Valuing peace is not a coward’s idea.” He practiced a wider smile, his face tried to protest, the motion not something it was used to producing but finally managed a lopsided sort of grin.

“You feel you are a liability because you have people after you. However, I can assure you that those who truly care about you do not see this as a deterrent. Rather, your plight is much more of an incentive to help you. You asked me before why I helped you and I did not know what to say before. I know now. I pledge myself to help you because you deserve happiness.”

He brushed back a loose lock of hair as she lowered her head. “You may deny it, but you do the same for others. If I recall correctly, you were willing to suffer so that others in that frigate might live. There was no reason for you to do so. In this same manner, I ask that you let me be by your side.”

She had hung her head in shame before she felt his gentle touch, brushing back some of her hair. Looking up at his words the worry could be read in her eyes. His words, he had told her again and again he would be by her side. Her protector. She felt like she did not deserve any of his loyalty one he gave to her so willingly.

The master mage looked past her as if talking to someone or even himself. “I have considered myself a weapon meant only to be used. However, now I see that I am to be a tool and a shield. I have protected some in my way. Now I have a reason strong enough to resolve myself to you.”

He cleared his throat. “I thank you for answering my question even though the memories are painful to you. I promise never again to ask you such a thing unless you yourself want to disclose them. You see, you are a mystery to me and if I am not careful I might cause you pain unwittingly.”

He sighed as he carefully selected his words. “But I promise you that I will do what I can to free you of these chains. To every lock there is a key. You deserve to be free.” He squeezed her hands in his. His voice firm but kind. “Would you let me help you?”

She shook her head at his mentioning of himself being a weapon or a tool or a shield.
"Stop." She said as she ordered him softly, gently to allow her to reply.
"You may make me a thousand promises, but they would mean nothing to me if you don't value yourself as well." She stated as she turned their hands, lacing their fingers as she looked over them to his blurry image.
"You are more than just discardable Arn. I don't want to hear you speak about yourself in such a manner for it hurts me to hear you say so. You have a keen mind and such a warm and loyal heart that you are more than just your magic or your weapons. You are you. My past will haunt me and probably hunt me down, but even if talking about it brings back painful memories I know I can share them with you. I..." Her voice trailed off as his features sharpened a bit, making her smile. Soon she would be able to see her knightly mage.
"I doubt I will ever be rid of these again." She said hinting at her tattoo's. "Truthfully if it wasn't a sin to the All Mother I would have ended it before even coming here. But now that I am here things have changed and I am glad I didn't not give into despair. Even now it is very tempting were it not for a single thing." She stated, making sure he understood the gravity of her words. Before trying to lock eyes with him despite him being a blur.
"You are a reason worth living for." She uttered softly.

Broken Skies

Tyrhallan raised an eyebrow at the curious and nervous addressing of him, it caused him to chuckle.
“I will not eat you alive young master Tailor. If you wish to address me Captain will do. If however, that is too informal for you.” He said with a teasing smile. “Then you may address me with my formal title. Eresh Tyrhallan di Venrai’ye.”
He saw the imaginary sweet drops start to form and the look of worry in Tobias’s eyes.
“Fear not, I am not a man easily insulted, certainly not when I can read the well meant intent behind your words.” He stated before he took some time to allow Tobias to ask his questions and for him to formulate a fitting answer to them. Meanwhile he took one the plates that Tobias hadn’t taken and put it on Tobias’s tray.
“This….is salmon.” Tyrhallan stated as he picked up one of the few plates containing the pink looking fish for himself.
“And as for your other questions...some will not be easy to answer, for I am not all knowing, despite the kind of stories that get told. I’m quite fallible.” He took a couple of more dishes but nothing too extravagant.
“The King is a man with a good deal on his mind right about now. Any leader in his position would be nervous about the outcome of this battle. With the enemy out for blood and growing closer one cannot but try to rally the people.” Tyrhallan answered. “Your perceptive young master Tailor. It will serve you well on the battlefield to keep the same level of vigilance. However yes I do believe the king was calling for help. Wars are not merely fought on the battlefield. They will have an effect on everything, a strong nation, with a willing people will be able to fight back. Moral must be good and the end goal must be clear. The King is a figurehead. People follow him because he is the king, he unites the nation. He also knows that disposing of such a figurehead would be the first thing on the mind of the enemy. So I’d say he has a good reason to be nervous and fearful.”
At the last question Tyrhallan frowned, he wasn’t sure how to answer that one. Seeing the curiosity however in his eyes Tyrhallan felt he owed the young mage some sort of answer.
“Being forced on the defensive is never really a preferable position, not without proper terrain to back you up or any conclusive information on what the enemy is completely capable of. In order to strategise you need to know your enemy and when to pick your battles. Keep the reins firmly in your hand…” Realizing this might be a bit too vague as a satisfying answer for the young mage Tyrhallan added. “Personally speaking, hinder them at every opportunity and lure them where you want to lure them to. Make the terrain work for you and preferably overrun them in waves. Make it so they cannot rest. Hound them whether with fake attacks, sneak attacks, full on barrages and the occasional ‘accidental’ fire.”

Broken Skies

Eilis listened to Arn’s words allowing his warmth to comfort her and his hands to stroke and hold her. To her his kindness was quite alien. Most of her life had been filled with commands and servitude, the few males she encountered always distant, gruff and demanding.
She thought for a while on his words.
His attraction to her could be for the same reason…
“My tattoo’s are my punishment. They are my prison.” She summed up with a tired exhale.
“I was disobedient, I was supposed to comply with their orders, but I did not want to.” Her mind moved back to that moment, her gaze hardened and true anger emoted itself on her face.
“I killed him.” There was a flicker of remorse on her face, her expression morphed for a second before it settled on disgust.
“He wanted me, but I did not wish to submit myself to him. Nobles and Battlemages would always chose girls from our coven. The Mardras always ordered us to comply with whatever wishes they had. We were to become adept and serve them as best we could. Certain girls were selected for certain specific tasks. The Fair with the Fair, the Adept with the Adept and those of ‘lesser disposition’ to the will of the buyer.” She swallowed not sure if she was ready to tell him, but figuring she might aswell give it a try.
“I as you noticed am well versed in magic, but I’m a coward. I’d rather not fight. Seeing the potential in me however, they spend countless hours ‘trying to force’ me to overcome my ‘weakness’ as they called it.
After numerous failings I was left alone finally to my own devices. They stopped forcing me stating I was a lost cause.
I figured ‘Fine with me!’ if it meant I would no longer have to fight.”
She stopped for a moment as she noticed her eyesight slowly returning with a look of pain. She raised her arm to see what she was able to discern only to still see simple blurry shapes. It didn't surprise her she would take more time.
Her voice changed to a solemn resigning tone.
“I was wrong.” She lowered her arm again.
“During my briefest moment of peace and quiet I enjoyed the simple things in life, my diary, a strange feather found near the school’s boundaries and I had made with a small dog, I fed her from my rations and played with her in my downtime. She was so loving and trusting. I needed that. With all that had been going on she was the only one that ever truly loved me for me.” She said broken.
“But good things never last. I noticed something was off that late afternoon, when she didn’t appear when I whistled. I should have known then, but what’s done is done…” She said with a painful sigh as she ran the replay on her memories.
“I’ll never forget that looming shadow of his...the moment I turned around I knew, he was there waiting for me, he didn’t have to say anything. I knew he had something to do with it. He told me to follow him and was led back inside, down into the cellar.” Her mind’s eyes seeing the room again in front of her.
"The cellar was for 'special occasions'. Certain rituals and the preparation of those that would be 'chosen'." She explained by not explaining.

"A long table with straps stood ready, the wood cut out and carved up at certain places in order to drain away the fluids. A couple of closets with a variety of tools and contents and a standing rack all set up and prepared.
The Mardras was there too, specially robed for the occasion.
“It is time Eilis….” She had said. “Time for you to learn the transgressions for your disobedience, provided you fail us once more. Take this opportunity, child for your own well being. For he will have you one way or the other.” She told me matter of factly.” Eilis said shaking her head.
“I was told to…” She swallowed finding it difficult to talk about.
“I was ordered to undress, when I didn’t react quickly enough the Mardras decided to take action herself. I felt her knock me out, long enough for her to ‘taint me with the bind’. I remember waking up halfway through, feeling her needles scratch in me, but ‘he’ noticed and took my breath from me until I passed out.” The pain showed itself on her face for a moment feeling spent and torn whether or not she should continue.
"When I finally came to I heard them claim their success, I would be forced into compliance. He desired me for his own experiments, but just to make sure everything was in working order they would test the strength of the binds.
They brought in my dog.
He said I had to rid myself of my weakness. To kill it.
I...I felt my own body move on his request, as if I was no longer in control. For the briefest and luckiest of moments I regained control again and I did not need any incentive on what I should do. I killed him and harmed her, before I freed the dog and ran.”
She sighed as she buried her face in her hands.
"They tried to hunt me down ofcourse. The only reason why I managed to escape was because my little doggy distracted them. My tattoo’s prohibit me from using my powers, since the man to whom I was supposed to listen was meant to control them. Now every time I tap into the Aether my tattoo’s react. I bleed, because they are meant to control me and when I would prove too unruly, to destroy me from within.”
She ended turning to the now blurry shape of Arn.
""Eilis listened to Arn’s words allowing his warmth to comfort her and his hands to stroke and hold her. To her his kindness was quite alien. Most of her life had been filled with commands and servitude, the few males she encountered always distant, gruff and demanding.
She thought for a while on his words.
His attraction to her could be for the same reason…
“My tattoo’s are my punishment. They are my prison.” She summed up with a tired exhale. “I was disobedient, I was supposed to comply with their orders, but I did not want to.” Her mind moved back to that moment, her gaze hardened and true anger emoted itself on her face.
“I killed him.” There was a flicker of change on her face, her expression morphed for a second before it settled on disgust.
“He wanted me, but I did not wish to submit myself to him. Nobles and Battlemages would always choose girls from our coven. The Mardras always ordered us to comply with whatever wishes they had. We were to become adept and serve them as best we could. Certain girls were selected for certain specific tasks. The Fair with the Fair, the Adept with the Adept and those of ‘lesser disposition’ to the will of the buyer.” She swallowed.
“I as you noticed am well versed in magic, but I’m a coward. I’d rather not fight. Seeing the potential in me they spend countless hours ‘trying to force’ me to overcome my ‘weakness’ as they called it.
After numerous failings I was left alone finally to my own devices. They stopped forcing me stating I was a lost cause. I figured ‘Fine with me!’ if it meant I would no longer have to fight.” She sighed as she noticed her eyesight slowly returning with a look of pain. She raised her arm to see what she was able to see only to still see simple blurry shapes. The tattoo's were lines of a darker hue, set etched in her skin. Though most of the lines were a straight solitary line, small cracks in the skin were visible from the last time they had been activated. It appeared weirdly similar to cracked glazing on crockery.
Her voice changed to a solemn resigning tone.
“I was wrong.” She lowered her arm again.
“During my briefest moment of peace and quiet I enjoyed the simple things in life, my diary, a strange feather found near the school’s boundaries and I had made friends with a small dog, I fed her from my rations and played with her in my downtime. She was the only one that ever truly loved me.” She said broken.
“I noticed something was off that late afternoon, when she didn’t appear when I whistled. I should have known then, but what’s done is done…” She said with a painful sigh as she ran the reply on her memories. “I’ll never forget that looming shadow of his...the moment I turned around I knew, he didn’t have to say anything. He told me to follow him and was led back inside, down into the cellar.” Her mind’s eyes seeing the room again in front of her.
A long table with straps stood ready, the wood cut out and carved up at certain places in order to drain away the fluids. A couple of closets and a standing rack all set up and prepared.
The Mardras was there too, specially robed for the occasion.
“It is time Eilis….” She had said. “Time for you to learn the transgressions for your disobedience, provided you fail us once more. Take this opportunity, child for your own well being. For he will have you one way or the other.” She told me matter of factly.” Eilis said shaking her head.
“I was told to…” She swallowed finding it difficult to talk about. “I was ordered to undress, when I didn’t react quickly enough the Mardras decided to take action herself. I felt her knock me out, long enough for her to ‘taint me with the bind’. I remember waking up halfway through, feeling her needles scratch in me, but ‘he’ noticed and took my breath from me until I passed out.” The pain showed itself on her face for a moment feeling spent and torn whether or not she should continue.
When I finally came to I heard them claim their success, I would be forced into compliance. He desired me for his own experiments, but just to make sure everything was in working order they would test the strength of the binds.
They brought in my dog. He said I had to rid myself of my weakness. To kill it. I...I felt my own body move on his request, as if I was no longer in control. For the briefest and luckiest of moments I regained control again and I did not need any incentive on what I should do. I killed him and hurt her, before I freed the dog and ran.” She sighed as she buried her face in her hands. They tried to hunt me down ofcourse. The only reason why I managed to escape was because my little doggy distracted them. My tattoo’s prohibit me from using my powers, since the man to whom I was supposed to listen was meant to control them. Now every time I tap into the Aether my tattoo’s react. I bleed, because they are meant to control me and when I would prove too unruly, to destroy me from within."
She turned to the blurry image of Arn, her eyes pleading.
"So you see...I am a liability. I just..don't want anyone to get hurt over me anymore and you, you have been so good to me...I'd hate for you to get hurt too." She looked down at her own hands.
"They turned me into a monster, a weapon, a plaything for their pleasure...if they were willing to do 'this' to me how much worse will their treatment of 'the enemy' be."

Broken Skies

"I can feel the questions burning in your mind, young master Tailor. So ask them if you wish to have them answered, for I fear I cannot read minds." Tyrhallan said jovially as they moved into the crowded cafetaria. All of the eyes were fixated on the large screen and the figure displayed on it.
The King.
Gone was the friendly smile that the knight had borne, it was replaced by a frown. He was reminded once again at his failure as he heard the King speak.
Whilst he spend some time at court, if only to aid his Uncle and to represent the family it was not a place he enjoyed being. Too many 'climbers' and too little truth if you asked Tyrhallan. The royal family was well loved, but still at times they seemed quite distant to the common folk, Tyrhallan himself had been knighted and sworn in by the King. But that had been back in the days when the royals still visited the poorer quarters of the capital city. He had accompanied his Uncle once when he had to escort the Queen on her charity rounds. The young Queen had captured the hearts of the commonfolk almost instantly and it was thanks to her that the royals still had such love from the people. Her youth and sweet behaviour had enchanted most of the citizens and in comparison to some other nobles she at least tried to learn the names of those who worked for her.
She had been able to offer her husband a boost in popularity and confidence, not that the king lacked any...but it was good to inspire loyalty and confidence from the commonfolk especially if one was a king.
Tyrhallan knew he hated speeches.
But considering the situation it was only proper that a King should address his nation, prepare them for what was to come and inspire hope.
As he listened he could tell the King was nervous and he did not blame him.
With his own failing to hold the border the King must have been informed of the situation and hearing the enemy was advancing was never something you wanted to hear.
When the King was done Tyrhallan sighed and turned towards the buffet row.
He'd better get that salmon...

Arn moved closer to her and placed a protective hand on her shoulders. His head was comforting and energetic. Inside him, there was a maelstrom of feelings. He wanted to comfort her but he also wanted to burn those who had made her feel so.
His voice was calm but it rang with a truthfulness that could not be mistaken.
“I am sorry for your loss. However, it is not your fault. We were given this life and whether you believe in pre destiny or if you believe it your own, there are choices that are not left up to us.”
He stroked her hair fondly.
“The ones who have traced you may feel that they have you cornered and that there is nowhere for you to run.” His voice took a dangerous turn almost murderous. “However, you are not alone. Those who come for you instead come to their deaths”.
The fire in his eyes made those same eyes flare. He was not sure how or why but using the Aether, he started to push against the walls that the young girl had began to set up. She would have no need of walls, when he reached her, she would be protected and warmed by a sphear of flame that would turn to ash any who came near.
Eilis let him.
She felt his loving hands and heard his calming words trying to soothe and offer her some relief.
"But it is my fault..." She croaked. "It's because I ran away. It IS my fault." She felt how he stroked her hair and asked softly.
"Why are you so good to me? I am a refugee...an enemy..." She turned around so she could listen to his answer, to Eilis Arn was quite the mystery battlemage. She wasn't used to such kindness and attention. A soft voice in the back of her head told her he could be 'too good to be true...' but she didn't want to believe that. He had been nothing but kind to her and she felt quite endebted to him. She tried to wipe her tears away and as she thought about it tried to hide a blush at her overactive imagination.
As soon as Arn pushed against the walls however, the walls pushed back. In fact the force that pushed back was quite a bit stronger then the one Arn had send out. It seemed that it did not come from Eilis as she made no hint or indication that she did any magic, but she and he felt the effects of it immediately.
A cold shock followed the push, like ice, making her shudder and tug harder at the blankets.

Broken Skies

I'll be working on the new character today.

On the other side of the wall

Do the magical creatures of Herat have different mechanism of desires? I'm planning to incorporate a persuasive character with potentially high charisma whose high empathy could drive any person through manipulating his/her desires. Don't know if this would help in a world full of sentient beings other than human. :D

I wouldn't say a different mechanism. They have certain priorities, which can differ widely from creature to creature very comparable to you and me. Your desires are different from mine.
While some creature are not too bright, there are ofcourse also creatures that won't be as easily manipulated by a few sentences of well woven words.

On the other side of the wall

Feel free to submit your characters.

Lots of plot ideas - looking for a 1x1 partner

Hi still looking for someone to RP with?

Fantasy Save the world interest check- The Fight for Valeroma

Are all the spots taken or is there still room? I'd be interested in playing.

Also of all the coffee's I prefer a simple strong brewed black coffee and my chocolates filled with nuts.

Broken Skies

Eilis voice had almost turned emotionless, its tone reflecting a sort of resignation to what she considered inevitable.
"They 'traced' me." Realizing that this might not be enough of an answer to Arn she continued.
"They used an old ritual to find me...it sends a sort of beaconlight towards the intended target. It is meant to give an indication where this person is. It is an old an forbidden ritual. One that requires 'certain...elements'. Things that are links to the intended target."[/color] She gripped her blanket a little tighter as she felt tears escape her eyes.
"They 'traced' by blood..." A choked up cry escaped her lips as her hands gripped her pillow in agony, her body shaking from the weeping. With final painful words she explained.
"They killed her...They killed my Mother. They murdered her and its all MY fault." She buried her head in the pillow trying to muffle her cries and her agony.

"Don't you dare tell me how to do my job Venray!" The Captain sneered at him, looking at him with utter contempt and catching sight of Thobias. "Don't think we're done either! I'll get to you and Hellspawn later!" He threatened before he was distracted as he saw Tyrhallan move to the hilt of his sword.
"You don't want do that Evander." He spoke with a calm threatening undertone that indicated he was done humouring this particular lordling.
"I've had a rather tiring and troublesome day...you really do not want to test my patience today." He narrowed his eyes whilst he kept staring at the Mage Captain, who seemed unsure.
Evander knew the Knight Captain was not someone to anger. The Venray's were an old family and had a reputation of keeping their word whether that was in promise or in threat. Oathkeepers and all that schtick as far as he was concerned it was all a bunch of baloney.
"Then stop using MY men." Evander barked though his fury seemed somewhat diminished.
"I will, with one exception." Tyrhallan replied.
"That bloody firemage isn't worth the trouble!"
"And clearly you don't appreciate what he tries to do, since your eagerness to set him straight. Why bother with all the hassle? Surrender him to my command, that would be all I ask." Tyrhallan suggested in demand as he widened his stance even more.
"Refuse and I consider it an insult on 'my honour' and you know how such matters are decided." He dropped casually watching the Mage Captain's eyes widen with disbelief and barely contained fury.
That was before he huffed and threw his hands up violently.
"Fine. FINE. You can have the man. You can deal with his insubordination and his blatant refusal to listen to command." He complained. "But I am 'warning you' Venray...if you take away my men from me again it will be my honour that will be insulted and you will pay for that then." Evander eyed Tobias coldly.
"Tell your master that he shouldn't bother coming back. He...is your Captain now." He stated pointing violently at Tyrhallan's face before turning around and stalking off. As he moved back angry ranting mutters escaping the man's mouth before he rounded a corner.
With the man disappearing from view Tyrhallan eased up again, his hand retracted from his sword and a heavy sigh passed over the Knight Captain's lips.
"All right that went better than I expected..." He turned to Thobias giving the apprentice a friendlier look than that he had given Evander. "Let's see if we can still procur some of that salmon and pray Dalmer hasn't eaten them all." He joked as he gestured for the young mage to walk again.