Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 11, 2010 18:05:18 GMT -8
((This is a dream sequence =^_^=))
At first, there was nothing but darkness. A warm, soft darkness, as if she was wrapped in a thick blanket. There was music somewhere nearby, someone was humming a lullaby. A soft breeze rolled fog across the ground, as the world slowly took shape. Giant books rose from the fog, their etched with maps of Aden and Elmore, their pages rustling open, folding into towers and castles, and quaint little cottages. Sunlight shone above in a vibrantly blue sky, warming the earth, burning away the fog to reveal more of the world. The ground rolled out in all directions, covered in a thick, soft carpet of cool green grass, dotted with flowers of all colors.
There seemed to be a small gathering, near a tower that looked similar to those found on The Isle of Souls. A gathering of. . . children? No. . . they were dressed as adults. . . but ridiculously deformed, lacking the detail a real human would have. Their hands lacked fingers, and on close inspection, stitches could be seen. . . they were DOLLS. Giant, moving dolls. All but one. . . a Kamael girl, her single wing pure white, covered in the fuzzy baby-fine feathers of youth. Her white hair was insistent on floating everywhere, escaping from the tiny braids that fell across her face, and the buns on top of her head.
She was only a child, passing out cookies and milk to the gathering of dolls. There was an empty spot already set, waiting for Jeswarai's arrival.
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Post by zethrodraithius on Aug 11, 2010 18:05:34 GMT -8
((Interesting, I like it))
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Post by Sadori on Aug 11, 2010 18:25:09 GMT -8
She drew nearer to the odd scene, the young arbalester not knowing what to make of this dream and therefore deciding to follow it to its conclusion.
A long misplaced smile curved across her lips as the simpleness if the childish tea party charmed her. The child seemed somehow familiar to her, but she brushed this thought aside as she knew no children.
She drew to a halt a few feet away from the scene and merely watched, enchanted.
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 11, 2010 21:54:38 GMT -8
It took the child a moment to realize that Jeswarai had arrived. In fact, it was only after a couple of the dolls had turned to look, that she turned as well, a smile lighting up her small face. Really, she couldn't be more than five or six, her clothes seeming a bit odd, mimicking the dress of a Kamael just set upon the path of a warrior. It would have seemed more natural for her to be dressed in the simple, soft garments children normally wore. A dress perhaps, or at least plain trousers and a shirt. She hopped up to her feet, her wing spreading a bit to help her catch her balance, before she raised her hand high, waving to Jeswarai as if she were a long-time friend, or a sibling.
"You're here! You're finally here! It's taken you FOREVER!" The childs voice was clear and expressive, and it seemed unlikely that she would be capable of telling a lie, even if it occurred to her to do so. She stepped carefully over plates of cookies, and around glasses of milk, before running to the elder Kamael, taking one of her hands in both of her own, and giving a light tug. "I've been waiting! And the milk was getting warm and thecookiesweregettingcoldand," she paused a moment to take a breath, and give her a somewhat reproachful look, her lower lip jutting out. "I was worried!"
Well, at least the child had paused long enough to give Jeswarai to collect her wits, although she seemed to have a fair amount of pent-up energy. Or perhaps it was just excitement. . ..
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Post by Sadori on Aug 12, 2010 18:55:25 GMT -8
Charmed indeed. She could not help but smile brightly at the little girl's actions as she waved and made her way through the obstacle course that was the tea table. That is, until she realized the child was talking to her and coming straight for her. Her smile faltered as she seemingly looked for a way to escape or perhaps hoping the girl was actually beckoning someone else. As the tiny Kamael grasped her hand and tugged, Jeswarai looked down and once more smiled as she allowed herself to be lead to the gathering of animated dolls.
"You were waiting for me? That's very kind of you, but have we met?". ~Such a strange dream~, the elder Kamael thought to herself. ~I wonder what it means.~
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 12, 2010 21:41:47 GMT -8
The child seemed to accept the oddness of the world without question, undaunted by Jeswarai's hesitation. After all, this was hardly the oddest thing in the realm of sleep, and she had faith that here at least, she had nothing to fear. The dolls watched both Jeswarai and the small child with polite silence, although their sewn-on mouths didn't seem helpful for speech to begin with.
It was a varied gathering. . . a human warrior, his armor dark, his sword. . . such as it was, to one side, looking as if it could best be used as a pillow rather than a weapon, bearing a strong resemblance to Dachande, or at least as much as a doll could; a second human, similar to the warrior sat nearby, but his clothes were those of an acrobat, and he had no weapon; a Kamael doll, face half covered with a mask, a thin plush rapier close at hand; and finally, a doll which appeared to have no face at all, dressed in white, save for the black cloak that wrapped around it, with the hood pulled low over where its face ought to be.
"This is Dachande, Atrelegis, Mommy, and Jesai." The child named each doll in turn, starting with the human warrior, and moving on down the line, before turning to offer a bright smile up to Jeswarai. So warm. . . with the innocence of youth her quiet shield. "My name's Kesia, and you're Jeswarai! We haven't met yet, but I've known you since before I was made." The way she spoke, it was as if there wasn't anything at all odd with this dream, with the dolls who sipped their milk, and nibbled their cookies, with the adult Kamael, that she knew, but hadn't yet met.
Well. . . it was a dream, and who knew what the world of dreams offered?
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Post by Sadori on Aug 15, 2010 8:09:25 GMT -8
Her wing stilled it's usual gentle movement and all color seemed to drain from her face as she stared at the doll named Dachande. What could this child know of him? A sharp stabbing pain struck her heart for a moment and she gasped slightly as she thought of her love's betrayal. Her gaze quickly moved on to the others. Could this child...Kesia, could she be some aspect of herself? She never knew her mother, and her father always called her "Jesai" rather than "Jesi" like her brothers. But she knew no Atrelegis.
Turning back to the dear child, she smiled kindly and asked "How could you know me before you were born, poppet? And where did you meet your lovely friends?".
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 15, 2010 14:04:37 GMT -8
If Kesia noticed how Jeswarai paled, she showed no hint of it, bending down to pick up a glass of milk, and offer it to the elder Kamael. At the question, her forehead wrinkled, and her head tilted to one side. She looked puzzled, her eyes staring off at nothing in particular as she thought. It seemed to make more sense, to answer the second question first.
"Atrelegis I met on the Isle of Colors, he's very very brave, and looks a lot like Dachande. Dachande took me to Mommy, and Jesai came to me there, but I think she was with the Gremlins too, when I was waiting for him to come back." She paused there, starting to look. . . a little confused. "Dachande was always there. . . until he left. You were always there too, but far away. . .."
She looked a bit plaintive as she turned her face up to Jeswarai, even lonely perhaps. "Didn't. . . didn't you know I was there?"
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Post by Sadori on Aug 15, 2010 16:56:02 GMT -8
The Arbalester wasn't sure what to make of that declaration. Even more confusing was that Dachande had any involvement with this young one. Pushing that concern aside, she focused on the child's question. Did she know? There was an odd feeling of connection to the girl. But nothing she could put her finger on.
Reaching down, she brushed the loose hair from the child's face and smiled sadly. "I'm sorry, Lovely Kesia. I've been locked away for a very long time. But I'm here now. Perhaps you could tell me more about Jesai. My Papa used to call me Jesai when I was little, you know."
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 15, 2010 22:26:23 GMT -8
For a moment, Kesia looked like she was about to cry, biting her lower lip. She hadn't known that she was there. . .. But. . . but now she knew! But she was sad now too. . .. Her eyes a bit over-bright, she smiled up to Jeswarai, and gave her a warm, child-soft hug, all fluffy wing and baby fat.
"You're not locked away now! I wont let them lock you away again!" Although it was unlikely she'd be able to help. . . or even that she knew who "Them" were. But like many children, her attention easily wandered to the other issue. "Your Papa used to call you Jesai?" Her forehead wrinkled, puzzled for a moment. "What's a Papa?"
She shook her head a little, biting her lower lip for another moment, looking at the plush, life-sized doll that represented Jesai in this dream. "Jesai tries to warn me about dangers, an' when things aren't going how they're supposed to. I think she was hurt though, she doesn't trust people."
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Post by zethrodraithius on Aug 16, 2010 5:57:38 GMT -8
((hmm, I wonder if infants dream and would it be possible to add Athruzikor to this?))
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 16, 2010 11:30:33 GMT -8
((I was actually wondering that myself. . ... On the one hand, Kesia definitely has connections to Dachande and Jeswarai, so that's easy to explain. He DID enter his parents dreams before he was born. . .. ::Thinks:: He technically has no connection to Kesia physically. But they are sharing the same quarters, and Kesia has strong, if terribly confused, emotions towards him. And if there's nothing in the lore saying telepathy DOESN'T exist in Aden. . . whose to say what Lafyel and Dachandes little experiments have caused? A Dark Elf/Kamael hybrid. . . and a Kamael who by all rights shouldn't actually even exist. . ..))
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Post by zethrodraithius on Aug 16, 2010 12:18:55 GMT -8
On the subconscious level, Athruzikor came closer to the scene, yet remained in the shadows, his little wing wrapped about him as a makeshift security measure. He was content to observe, his blood red eyes perhaps the only item of his presence to be seen if they were noticed.
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Post by Sadori on Aug 19, 2010 18:19:52 GMT -8
She merely stood in startled shock at first, then knelt down and returned the child's hug. The innocently brave promise of protection. So sweet, this one. Too bad she couldn't live up to her word, but this prison was one of her making- even if she didn't know what she was getting into at the time. Oh little one, she thought to herself, the things we do for love. She was shocked out of her silent reverie by the girl's next question.
"What's a Papa?" The expression on her face endearing and genuinely curious.
"A Papa is... a male parent. Don't you know your Papa? Maybe you should ask your "Mommy" about him. As for your friend Jesai, I hope she does her job well. In my experience, few people can be trusted." Jeswarai frowned slightly, a sadness creeping into her eyes and voice.
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 19, 2010 19:17:26 GMT -8
The child looked up at Jeswarai, her head tilting to one side. She seemed so sad. . . she didn't want her to feel sad! Her forehead wrinkled a little, while she tried to think of the best way to cheer her up. After all, this was a magical place, and anything was possible!
"A male parent? So. . . a male Mommy. I don't have a Papa." She looked up at her again, and smiled a bit, as if that were nothing unusual. "And Jesai is good, but she doesn't trust people enough. Some people wont hurt you. I wont hurt you." She smiled brighter to Jeswarai, and took her hand, giving her a light tug towards the life-sized dolls. "Lets go play!"
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Post by zethrodraithius on Aug 19, 2010 20:07:42 GMT -8
Athruzikor watched, his eyes following the pair of young true Kamaels go over to the table and tilted his head curiously. If the two noticed him, they would at first think that he was but another doll having gotten away from pack. There were differences however, like his skin color, and the fact he had red eyes and Kamael wing.
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Post by Sadori on Aug 21, 2010 21:08:58 GMT -8
The Arbalester smiled and allowed herself to be led to the huge dolls, but inside her stomach fluttered and tightened. This was the strangest dream. Who was this child? How did she know her? Why did she feel this odd connection to the little Kamael?
She eyed the dolls suspiciously as she drew nearer, not at all sure she liked them.
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 22, 2010 21:33:42 GMT -8
Kesia released Jeswarai's hand as they approached the dolls, pulling out another plate and glass for Athruzikor with hardly a blink. It seemed she wasn't surprised by another presence, or at least wasn't worried. This was a safe haven. . . nothing could harm her here! Or at least, that was what she thought.
"Come sit! We can play games! Like. . like pretend! Or. . . uhmm. . .." She paused, her forehead wrinkling a little as she put a finger to her lips, thinking hard. "Or. . . or. . . what do people normally play?" She looked up at Jeswarai for guidance, her red eyes showing confusion. Truth be told, she didn't actually have any playmates. . . save for her dolls.
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Post by Sadori on Aug 23, 2010 11:28:28 GMT -8
Jeswarai watched the girl set another place with a gently arched brow. She counted the dolls again and wondered what the extra setting was for. Was the child expecting more company?
"When I was little I usually played hide and seek or "scout and attack" with my big brothers. I also liked to watch my father's troops perform drills. I'm afraid I'm not very good at little girl games. I was hoping you could teach me." Jesi smiled and tugged a silky braid.
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Post by zethrodraithius on Aug 23, 2010 20:26:30 GMT -8
Athruzikor slowly approached, remaining in the shadows as much as possible, until he finally stepped forward, where one could see the dark elf skin and the wing on his back like a Kamael. He gazed at the empty place setting for a few moments before speaking quietly, "Th...Thank you Kesia." And sat down after he'd finished speaking.
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 25, 2010 13:33:09 GMT -8
"Scout and attack?" And watching troops perform drills. . . she tilted her head to one side, her forehead wrinkling as she tried to think of games. Perhaps she had read some in a book? Or heard of some? Somewhere. . . Lafyel had always seemed to lead a quiet life. . .. Did all normal Kamael lead such sad childhoods? Devoid of friends and playtime? She looked to the dolls, their friendly embroidered faces, always smiling. For a moment, the warm sunshine of the dream faded, as if a cloud was passing over head. . .. The shadows lengthening, threatening to over-power the sunny, happy day. But when she saw her little brother, she offered him a smile, and the sun returned.
"We could play make-believe!" She said with sudden decision, giving a small nod. It could not continue so. . .. She looked up at Jeswarai, her red eyes sparkling with a kind of impish delight. Her wing shifted, as she folded her hands behind her back, twisting her fingers together. "What do YOU want to pretend to be? I'll pretend to be a healer! We can go on a grand adventure!"
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Post by Sadori on Aug 29, 2010 8:18:32 GMT -8
A Healer? Kamael were not healers! They were warriors! How was this child being raised that she even knew of Healers, much less wanted to be one? She sighed and reminded herself this was a dream. An odd one at that. Jeswarai's confused frown turned slowly into a mischievous grin.
"I'll pretend to be a great and terrible warrior, protecting the first and only Kamael Healer!"
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Aug 30, 2010 23:02:22 GMT -8
A part of her... the part concerned with the real world, and the pressures and fears of it, knew that Kamaels were not healers. Were she to go to the healer halls of any race. . . they would likely laugh at her, or worse, be furious at the idea. But here. . . in this sweet, peaceful dream. . . she could have her wish. She could be a healer, a child, enjoying playtime with the ones her heart called friends and family.
She let out a squeal of laughter, and twirled, dancing around Jeswarai. "Hurray!! And I'll make sure that when you get hurt you get all better! But we'll need monsters to fight!"
Brought on by the childs imagination, the world expanded, the books shifting... multiplying to form a group of houses, and a single temple, similar to perhaps Dion, or the human village on Talking Island. And more plush dolls appeared... ridiculous looking monsters, plush, almost friendly versions of those found on the Isle of Souls. The only monsters not found, at least not immediately, were the Gremlins. No. . . her mind could not warp them into plush, harmless dolls... so they lurked back in the shadows. . . where the clouds blocked the sun at the edge of vision, and the soft rolling grass turned into hard brick, like that found in the Kamael village. There they lurked, waiting... with their horrible, sharp claws, and their terrifying laughter. . .. A sliver of nightmare, on the edge of a peaceful, happy dream.
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Post by Sadori on Sept 3, 2010 18:53:21 GMT -8
The young Arbalester laughed at the child's enthusiasm, merriment turning to uncertainty as the landscape morphed the the "stuffed" monsters appeared. Jeswarai drew her crossbow and loaded a bolt. Leaning down to the girl she whispered, "Do you think they bite?"
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Sept 5, 2010 22:45:59 GMT -8
Kesia turned to stare at the monsters curiously, her head tilting to one side as she considered that idea. Finally, she nodded a little. "Yes. . .. That's why you need a healer." She turned that bright face up to Jeswarai again, and giggled. "But I'll help you!"
A sword appeared in her hand... well, it. . . might be a sword, if it had an edge worth anything... or... any edge at all. It was as stuffed and plush as the monsters were.
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Post by Sadori on Sept 11, 2010 8:29:14 GMT -8
With a decisive nod and a twinkle in her eye, she stepped in front of Kesia and fired her bolt at the nearest of the less than intimidating monsters.
"Stay back, Kesia! They'll have to get through me first!"
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Kitty
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Post by Kitty on Oct 2, 2010 17:17:02 GMT -8
Kesia let out a burst of laughter, her red eyes sparkling, even as the monster exploded in a puff of sparkling star dust and vanilla scented flowers. Hardly the blood-bath of the real world. But then. . . this was a childs dream, and the dreams of children seldom include images of gore and horror.
"Watch out Jeswarai! There's more of them!" Kesia pointed through the drifting flowers, as another stuffed monster ambled forward, it's stuffed face less than ferocious, with it's silly stitched-on smile.
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