I think it'd be cool to either leave it open for plot purposes or invite a new player ^.^
I had thoughts about Auriel somehow taking up the mantle of spear hero through as of yet undecided means. But it'd be fun and a natural fit since she is already very skilled with a spear. Definitely would need time before that'd happen, not like it'd just be a post any time soon like "Oh yeah look what I can do!"
Ah shit, elevated beyond mere servant of the spear to be the wielder of the Spear..."you did not lose your wings in vain. Heroes already soar through the skies" lol
So we getting a bow Player? cool. No spear takers? Shame. Looking forward to meeting them and looking forwrd to the Waves...may the odds be forever in our favor.
Arn was still shifting through scenarios when the group he was expecting came joyfully through the door. He noticed that there seemed to be a trio where he had counted more. His brown eyes spied the fiery hair of the woman who had so pointedly introduced her knee to the elven man’s family jewels. The young dwarf made a mental note to avoid arousing her anger and avoid her knee as well. The strong looking demi human came in tow too. The male’s eyes seemed to be sharp and calculating. No doubt, this man had seen much action. He seemed much more capable when not on the shoulders of a retreating lizard brute.
The of course, there was the princess. Her elven eyes quickly found him, though his position so close to the door and being the only one not huddled in a group could have helped. Her jovial greeting made the healer’s stomach sink lower. Perhaps he could have handled a professional princess full of court manners and decorum. This would have allowed him to revert back to the shell of military bearing that is drilled into each recruit. His movements and speech would have been automatic and precise.
Instead, he was faced with a friendly princess whose smile was radiant, a true avatar for the light her elven people worshiped. The soldier gulped. He raised a hand gingerly in greeting and acknowledgment. The trio approached and Arn found himself holding his breath. Instinctively he leaned back ever so slightly as the princess leaned towards him. Perhaps there was some sort of comfort in not being too close. He shook his head at her apology for being delayed and the abrupt meeting the night before.
”What’s your name?”
When the young dwarf took in a breath to answer simple question he regretted it. Being so close, he could not help but breathe in a sort of sweet fragrance that could be emanating from none other than the princess. This realization soon brought a dark blush to his face, most of it thankfully hidden behind his reddish beard. “Umm…” He stammered as he seemed to have forgotten his own name. A wave of panic took him for a second and his eyes went wide. Clearing his throat he tried again. “I…am Arn…Thorson” he hesitated on his last name. What was he supposed to address himself as? Should he reveal his newly discovered parentage?
There was no time to dwell on this as the other two came forth offering their own introductions. The side conversation she was having with an interesting bracelet was not lost on the young soldier even if his eyes looked terrified at the red haired girl who introduced herself as Shae Though the lass put on a polite face, he could sense and undertone of hot flame. Putting on a polite face himself he nodded respectfully at her and tried to mumble something about it being his pleasure.
The strong looking man remained silent so Arn gave the man a nod, his presence helped stabilize him. He could not tell why but he felt a sort of kinship and understanding with him. Perhaps it was his lack of introduction that helped put the soldier more at ease. After all, it was believed that a person need not reveal his name to one who was not fully respected or trusted. That man would never have his name sung in the ale houses or remembered in a surviving friend’s stories.
”So. What led you to me?” That small island was soon tested as a tumotuous wave of possible answers assailed him. How could he answer that question? Should he tell her that he is the newly discovered bastard son of the King of Ironhold? Should he tell her that until recently he had been living the life of a typical Legionare elbows deep in blood and gore of his brothers and sisters in the defense of their ancient homeland? Should he tell her his sudden jump into affairs his upbringing never prepared him for? Words came and went in his mind as wind swirling around a storm.
Instead, he produced the letter that had been entrusted to him. What did it contain? He did not know. The young soldier had been a faithful messenger. Who knew what fate awaited him or what he was required to do? He had only been tasked with finding the princess, delivering the message, and making himself available to aid in whatever way she required. A trembling hand offered it to her as if it was some sort of fragile fairy wing.
Finally, unexpected even to him, his eyes met hers. In them was reflected a sort of commitment. He did not know what the letter held but he was damn sure that from what he had seen and heard in his short time in the “outside” world, people would need him. There was a war about to break upon all of Avalia and his duty was to save as many as he could. If this was through teaching those that would aling themselves with the Elven princess (a quick flash of Rues lovely porcelain face appeared in his mind’s eye) or healing those who offer their weapons in battle (the reckless face of Bowyn appeared too) even if it meant he himself stand along side her with shield in hand, he would do so.
There was much suffering to come. He made it his personal responsibility to deny death his prize. The earth would already drink heavily the blood of friends or foes. Arn was not about to let his nemesis have their souls so easily.
Technical dificulties on my part but I think we got it sorted out. I dont think our Collab should interfere with your posting though until we interact with you guys again. I think.
Time: Morning Location: River Port-Inn by the Sea, then The Surfside Cafe Interactions: none Mentions: Bowyn @Helo, Rue @Potter, Ismael @Th3King0fChaos, @Kazemitsu Kharne @princess Annya,
Equipment:
Throwing axes x2:
884 Amas.
It seemed that the dwarf’s strong stocky legs took him right down the stairs towards the common room of the Inn. His brown eyes had glanced in the direction of the winter fairies rooms but saw nor heard any movement. Perhaps they had already gone. It could be that they were with their new friends. A sigh escaped his lips as he took the last step down the creaky stairs. He silently wished the two white haired travelers the best. He did not know if they would ever meet again.
The young soldier bowed his head to the inn keeper as he crossed the common room offering the man a silent greeting. He had not made much head way into he planky streets of the port town when he heard strong thumbs behind him. He stepped out of the way just enough to let a giant dragon humanoid pass. The medic immediately recognized him as the one who had seemed to be part of Princess Annya’s party. Otherwise, how many hulking lizard brutes could be walking about around town? No demi human male seemed to carried on the dragonborn’s shoulders, though. There was no time for greeting and acknowledgement as the giant warrior moved past with a purpose.
Arn wondered if the urgency was because the dragon man was late. If so, that meant he himself was late. The realization made him pump his little legs faster. It moved him at an almost comical pace without him actually breaking into a trot. While the streets were not as packed as the night before they were already being utilized by early morning merchants and sailors. For some reason the medic began moving in the direction of the hulking mercenary when he stopped himself.
He stopped a fish monger busy cleaning the catch of the day prepping it for the customers. The dwarf got a grumbling response from the man and was pointed in the proper direction of the Surfside Café. His breathing came in long breaths and he was beginning to perspire due to the warmer climate than he was used to. His hair, both on his head and on his face, was moist and a few loose strands began to spring up. Taking a few more deep breaths to control his breathing and smoothing out the unruly hairs, he entered the establishment. He was greeting a homely looking matronly demi woman who was delivering some plates to a table that sported a variety of races. Riverport was truly a nexus. Faries from the River Kingdom, Elves, demi humans and even some traveling dwarves and orcs could be seen. Despite this colorful representation of races, he did not spot the dashingly stunning Princess.
The matronly lady approached him as he had not moved to try and sit. “You alright hon?” She asked. Now that she was close, he could see that she was probably a fawn demi human. “Um, yes. Good morning. I was just looking around. Um. I am to meet somebody here. Do you mind if I sit down on a table near the door. I um, don’t know how big the actual party will be.” The matronly wench smiled understandingly. “Sure thing hon. Just call me over if you need anything while you wait.”
She moved away and the young medic took a chair facing the door. He saw people enter and leave in what seemed like eternity but could have been no more than 30 minutes or so. The dwarf even began to worry he had heard the princess wrong. He could have sworn she said the surfside Café. Many elves came through he doors, including a group that held a red headed elf, a feline demi human and a brute of an orc.
Years of battling the green skinned neighbors of Iron Hold caused the soldier to keep his eyes on the brutish humanoid longer than normal. Finally sensing no danger, his eyes returned to the door. While waiting another realization came to mind. How in the seven hells was he going to approach the princess once she entered? The night before he had managed to stammer something, and she was gracious enough to acknowledge him. What was he to do now? Walk up to her and thrust the royal envelope into her face? A soft groan escaped his lips.
Fer followed Rivia’s line of sight towards the dancers. They looked like leaves in the wind. Spiraling through eh dance floor with seeming no rhyme or reason. Yet, at the same time the twirls timed as not to collide with the dancers next to them. A slight smile appeared on the young man’s face. The wolf girl was quite evident a smart one. Despite her lack of human society knowledge, she was brighter than many would acknowledge, to their detriment. Her sharp eyes picked up on the subtle cues that many took for granted.
"Rivia wouldn't mind dancing first. Rivia wants to try."
The declaration brought Fer back to the current situation and very suddenly reminded him of his own peril. Washed in a wave of awkwardness so suddenly he shivered ever so slightly. Still he managed to smile and nod his head in acquiescence. If he had known that to the demi human, the action would be no more than a practice of skill, the young Shield hero might be more relaxed. As it was, he wondered what her next decision of dancing partner would be. Cole’s comment about being a lady’s man did not help with Fer’s awkwardness. His answer came soon enough though.
"Umm...suppose Rivia will dance with Fer first? Then Fer can go and eat while Rivia and Cole dance. Moving on a full stomach is bad. Causes great pain after all."
Fer actually chuckled at her innocent appraisal and logic. The thin smile on his face widened and the small dimples on his cheeks actually showed. “Rivia, it would be my pleasure to be your dance partner. Though as Cole mentioned earlier watch out for my two left feet…” Realizing she might misunderstand the play on words he explained. “Having two left feet only means I am a bad dancer.” He was saved from further explanation by the loud shrill voice that rose over music and clatter.
"Introducing Lady Auriel! Holy Warrior of the Church of the Four! The Guardian Angel and Companion of both the Sword and the Shield heroes!"
Many eyes turned towards the speaker, Fer one of them. The young hero let out an almost inaudible gasp. None but sharp canine ears could have caught it. Her voice travelled across the hall but what she said was lost on him. His eyes were glued to the image of the winged warrior in her white dress. She looked very much like the angel he had first assumed her to be. Though in that dress, she was more. As she got nearer, his eyes still glued to her, the young man noticed barely discernible reddish spots that could have been mistaken as rubies or elaborate dying of the cloth. These spots did not seem out of place in the bodice belonging to a warrior angel.
Suddenly, Fer’s own face started turning red also. He had noticed that he was giving his holy companion undue attention. He had done the same to their wolf eared one too. “What the hell is wrong with me?” He demanded of himself. The young hero had been too keen in noticing the feminine and beauty aspects of these two warriors. Why was that? Was it because he was finally subscribed to the fact that this was not a dream or some sort of delusion? That these people were actually flesh and blood and not some figment of his imagination? Whatever the case, he needed to curb these teenage urges.
Thankfully, by the time Auriel made it to the trio, the young hero had more or less composed himself. Only a slight pink hue was left and this could be attributed to perhaps wine drinking or dancing exertion. He thanked his God for the darker complexion of his that hid it at least some.
"You look charming. . Truly a member of Zeltoble's highest aristocracy."
Fer managed to keep his composure as Auriel addressed him. “Um..” He started, a questioning smile at her comment. Was she being playful? Compared to the golden clad Cole, he was a pauper in hastily cleaned mail and worn and frayed cape that doubled as his travel cloak. She could not be playing, after all, Fer did not even know if the usually serious and dutiful angelic warrior even knew how to jest. Therefore, she must be trying to be polite. So, the young hero chose to take the compliment.
He bowed slightly and nodded in her direction. “If I am nobility, then you do honor to this world’s holy ranks Auriel. In my world, you would be revered. You look lovely.” Was all he managed to say before he felt the flush start to over take his face once more. He cleared his throat. “No need to apologize. You missed the boring parts perfectly.” Fer was about to introduce their newest member when Cole, ever the leader, did it for him. It seemed their fearless leader was also not affected by the formal dress their angelic companion was sporting. It made the Shield a little jealous of his male partner’s composure.
When Cole mentioned the Shield’s impending dance with Rivia, Fer jumped in. “My services have been requested by Miss Rivia here but I am sure that Cole would be more than happy to oblige you a dance as well Auriel. After all, I should not be the one to have all the fun.” A naughty smirk appeared on the young shield’s face. Payback for all the jeers in his direction. He offered his own hand to the wolf girl trying to escape the scene before Cole thought up any witty comeback.
His mind suddenly made a discovery. Cole and Auriel would make a much more perfect pair in the eyes of high society. The Sword was the King’s own recognized hero. Looking very much the part, he was just as eye catching as Auriel with her big white wings and magnificent dress. With the wolf girl as his partner, he was unknowingly looking even more like the Shield hero. Unknown to him, there was certain perception of who the Shield was and conferring with demi humans was one of these.
A smile crossed his lips as he looked at Rivia once introductions had been done. “Are you ready to suffer my two left feet?” His mind needed distraction as it had started to go down rabbit holes that did not have pleasant ends.
Philosophers and priests debate and theorize what sleep is. Some say that it is the All Mother’s embrace to rest the soul and bring you close to her via the Aether. That only during the detaching of the mind’s earthly chains can one truly become connected via the Thread. It is believed by many mages and priests that the mind is ever present and only suppressed by the Ego that is most rational. Less spiritual mages believe that the mind experiences a general shut down within itself. This allows it to introspect and redirect itself. Whatever the case, Arn had never truly subscribed to either. He saw the merits of both schools of thinking. This had led him to become almost inhumanly in touch with his own Thread. He had discovered a way to meditate so that his body still received the recuperative benefits of sleep while at the same time allowing his mind to remain active as ever. It was in this condition that he had been able to “practice” his spells and theories.
Even now, as he lay there, his strong chest rising and falling lulling his self appointed charge to restful sleep, the master mage looked back unto the events of the day. There had been much that had been lost, but also much that had been gained. He had discovered who the shadow that had attached itself to the sweet light that Eilis gave out. There was a part of him that was excited about the discovery. He had always known that truth was only a window and it depended who looked upon it and from what side.
His arms wrapped a bit tighter around the blonde girl. His resolve to free her had strengthened not only because he knew that the continued symbiotic relationship with Troumaline would be too much for her to bear but also because of the quite selfish desire to see what would happen when he himself combined with the spectral ancient mage. Arn could still feel the power emanating from the shadow and how it seemed to channel via Eilis. It made him shudder, which caused the young girl to shift in his arms and try to cover them with the blanket.
The master mage resumed his steady breathing, the beating of his heart even and strong. The balm continuing with the healing of his body. Knowing that there was not much he could do at this time regarding the impending union, the master mage returned to his task of strengthening and expanding his own thread. It would almost look like a weaver’s needle work. The threads resembling the thick mooring ropes of great ships. Most mages let this work happen naturally. Hence why many burned out much sooner than the Hellspawn. Arn expertly weaved and built his Thread. The frays would be repaired and strengthened.
On the opposite side of the fire, Tobi reluctantly chased sleep away. Feeling the strong back of the girl knight made him stubbornly chase the prospect of sweet dreams away. Alexa had removed her armor, tending to it in an effort to keep herself awake. The young mage had tried to carry a cheeky conversation but he soon found himself blabbering and slurring his speech and he decided against giving the blonde girl any satisfaction.
Unlike the master mage, the young Shooting star was not very proficient in meditating. Instead, he chewed vigorously on the balm to have something to do. Looking up a the starry sky only made him begin to fall off into sleep more. He had drained himself but not as bad as Arn. Mainly, because his little stunt, while effective, was well within the acceptable risk parameters. Through his back he felt Alexa’s back begin to shift to the right. A slight smile appeared on Tobi’s face. He was about to offer a snarky reply when he heard the Knight Captain’s voice.
“Tobias, Alexa you both are dismissed from guard duty.”
Immediately, the knight girl stiffened. “Um. No.. my lord..” She started trying to excuse her sudden weakness. Tyrhallan however, would hear none of it. The girl’s fair skin rushed pink with embarrassment but she knew not to argue. Tobi stood up and doing a smart salute he added. “You have the watch Captain.” Then in a lower tone as Alexa walked away shakily. “Glad you relieved us, I think we could not have lasted any longer.” He walked off next to the fire and shot the sleeping bodies of Arn and Eilis a look. A slight smirk on his face. “You old dog you…” he whispered under his breath, knowing full well that the master mage was still fully capable of hearing the things around him. Soon enough, Tobi lay down to sleep.
The Venray’s voice came much too soon to Tobi’s grumbling stirring as the commanding voice gently woke them up. The master mage merely opened his eyes as he had only just closed them a second before. A gentle hand brushed Eilis hair to ease her awake. Tobi looked jealously at his mentor. “How the hell do you do that?” He asked, a hint of annoyance and grumpiness in his tone. “You know full well how Tobi. With practice you also could….” He was cut short but a dismissing wave from the young mage’s hand. “yeah yea..”
Tobi was glad to see that Alexa was having just as much trouble as he waking up though she was keeping her fight silent. She blinked her blue eyes furiously as if the puffiness was nothing but dust. The party approached Tyrhallan. Alexa adjusted her armor while she listened and Tobi kept on yawning and rubbing his eyes. Arn listened attentively. His own sharp eyes visualizing the plan that was being laid out before them. He had some misgivings of course but the plan was as sound as any.
“I fear we will have to trust the speed of our mounts. No matter how skilled we are, we will be no match against the Guardian, if the stories are true. Whole squadrons have easily gone missing.” He turned towards Tobi and gave him a meaningful look. “Follow the plan.” Tobi made a shocked display at being called out but acquiesced. Then turning to Tyrhallan. “You may be bring up the rear Lord Venray but ensure that you do not try to be overly gallant. You will be as hard pressed as a novice against the predators that hunt these skies. We keep together.”
His body was almost back to normal but he still felt aches and pains. He offered his assistance to Eilis and fussed over her as much as she over him. The master mage could feel her misgivings. After all, they were basically returning willingly to the place she had tried so hard to escape from. When he had settled himself behind her he leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “You are not alone. I will protect you with my life.” He suddenly emanated a comforting warmth. He was not even aware he was doing it but his Thread seemed to know what do to.
Grasping the reins firmly he looked behind him. “Let us be off. May Gia bless us.” He was not a pious man but he figured it would not hurt to enlist all the aid the could. The Wyrm obediently pushed off the ground with strong legs and with equaly strong pumps of its leathering wings it quickly gained altitude. The group set out into the black sky. Nothing but specs in the vast darkness.
Happy New Year peeps. I have one question. According to Rivia, she danced with me first and when she was done that is when Auriel showed up or did Auriel show up, I danced with Rivia and then Cole and Auriel was talking? I just want to make sure I am accurate on the order of events.
Infinite Cosmos
princess