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Post by Olorae on Jan 13, 2008 8:07:46 GMT -8
High Priest Maximillian was not happy. Baryl had confirmed that the orders had been delivered, and that the paladin had departed. What, then, was keeping him?
He knew the paladin would be taking a ship from Rune, and reports were coming in that Volker, the wharf manager there, had sold him a ticket and seen him board.
But when the ship had arrived in Gludin, there was no sign of the young paladin. He did not purchase passage on the next ship to Giran, as was expected.
With a sigh, Maximillian turned to the priest next to him.
"Put out a contract with the Hunter's Guild for Eriendis Manx. He has failed to report as ordered. I want him brought in alive. Contact Turalyon and see what they can dig up."
"Yes, your eminence," Dustin said as he turned to leave. "Should we tell his wife?"
"No. Not yet."
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Post by Olorae on Jan 13, 2008 8:10:23 GMT -8
This plotline has just begun. Anyone with contacts in the Hunter's Guild would hear about this new contract. Likewise, anyone with connections within the Church of Einhasad would hear about the contract and search for the wayward paladin. This will be taking place both in game and on these forums, to be reposted on L2RPA as it develops.
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Post by sumatraa on Aug 21, 2008 7:11:10 GMT -8
Alyssa sprinkled a soft mist of powder over the damp ink. The latest entry in her journal had her deep in thought. It was true what she had written. It felt at times as if she couldn't breathe. The ache was so strong. Why had he not written to her? It wasn't like him to be gone for so long without contacting her. She frowned and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she stood. The sudden sharp rap of a tree branch striking the window startled her and she looked up dropping her book to the table and overturning the ink. She sighed and stared at the large splatters morosely. She didn't usually come in Eri's study but the rest of the house was so empty since he'd been gone, she'd wanted to feel close to him. Her eyes looked around for a cloth to wipe up the mess but then she stared in amazement as the ink began to disappear. The stain slowly shrank until nothing but the books scattered on the desktop was left, as clean as it was a moment before. Shaking her head she picked up a book and turned it over. It was Eri's journal. she'd thought he'd taken it with him. Opening it she looked to see that no ink was staining the pages when the sight of her name gave her pause. "...Alyssa reads this." Frowning she looked at the top of the page for a date and was astonished to see it was written after he'd left. But surely she'd have known if he'd come home. And why would he come write in his journal and leave without seeing her. She flipped back a page but the date was before he'd left. No other entry was posted after the one she held either. Flipping back to the page she began reading and as she did her eyes grew wide and she sunk back down into the chair as a hot wave of fear washed over her. Eri was in trouble... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Post by Allana on Sept 2, 2008 20:20:32 GMT -8
It was a tiny sound at first, barely noticeable, but it increased steadily and rapidly. Some sort of commotion in the hallway. Most likely nothing of importance, but still it drew Allana out of her lazy meandering thoughts.
She rose slightly from where she lay on the simple bed in her room. Propping herself up with an elbow she waited for the noise to make itself known to her. The door was still open, and she had a clear view into the hall. She was dressed in a battered pair of leggings and a men's tunic that fit snuggly against the cloth wrappings on her chest.
It was only a moment she had to wait. Something small and terrified came hurtling through the doorway so quickly she only saw it as a blur before it disappeared from view beneath the old worn chest of drawers. As expected a much larger shape was just behind it, just slightly slower. The shape seemed to merge with the shadows where they met, temporarily losing definition until brought back into the clarity of the dim light streaming through the one window. She recognized its feline grace instantly. Max had found yet another furry intruder in the hall.
Its eyes intent on its prey, the massive cat drew himself to a pause before the chest of drawers and crouched down, prepared to wait out the other creature. Max paid no mind to his owner's sigh or smirk as he set to work, pawing into the darkness beneath the piece of furniture. He moved fluidly around the three exposed sides of the rectangular piece, methodically taking swipes beneath it with sharp, fully extended, claws.
The cat's siege was short lived though, for on the third pass, that dark blur made a frantic flight from its hiding place. Unfortunately for the critter the cat was already on top of it. It realized its peril immediately, but it was committed fully now. Desperately the furry thing made for safety, beneath the old hardwood desk in the room. From her vantage, it appeared that the creature very nearly made it, before the mass of the panther descended upon it. She heard the panther's jaw snap down on it just before the pair slammed solidly into the side of the old desk.
The impact was enough that the desk slid nearly a foot, and cast everything upon it into disarray. In what seemed an avalanche of paperwork, the great stack of papers she had been procrastinating worrying about tumbled. A couple solid thuds sounded beneath the flurry of parchment, most probably the books that had been placed upon the desk.
Dazed, but reveling in his success, Max blinked and shook off a couple stray papers that had settled atop him momentarily. The dark form of whatever he'd been chasing hung limply now from his maw. Whether killed by the impact of the crash, or the panther's bite she could not be sure, but it did not really matter. Quite pleased with himself, and seemingly unaware of the mess he'd made he half pranced out of the room to enjoy his fresh kill, and in all probability brag to Pookie about it.
Heaving a small sigh, Allana brought herself to a fully sitting position and swung her legs down off the side of the bed. It appeared her relaxation had come to an end. She stretched momentarily, unwittingly giving any passerby in the hallway a lovely glimpse at her toned form.
She bent down slowly and began to pick up the scattered papers. Most of it was trivial unimportant things. Bits of useless intelligence reports on the Cult's recent activities, which after their last actions had seemed to vanish from the surface. Ale had been depositing these bits of paper beneath her door for months now, anything he had thought important or his contacts had requested. She frowned at one tattered request from an agent who somehow was trying to validate a need for a strider in his work. She detested this paperwork. She wasn't a strong reader, though thankfully with a bit of tutoring she was now able to understand most of the script on the multitudes of papers.
She had nearly picked them all up when an older, wrinkled letter with the mark of the Hunter's Guild caught her attention. She started to skim it briefly, assuming it to be another silly request for windsus tusks. Immediately it drew her interest, and she idly shoved the bulk of the paperwork back onto the desk for further procrastination. Staring down at the paper she read it over twice, carefully, sounding out the words. It seemed the church had misplaced one of their little minions.
She looked up from the paper and stared out the window at the rooftops of Gludin in thought. Quietly she ask the empty room "Did he have a change in heart? Or did something stop him from arriving where he was supposed to?" Either way it was interesting, but how old was this notice? She glanced at the stack of papers again, there really was no order to them anymore, a few still lingered on the floor.
It seemed she had something to do now, so without bothering to pick up the last few papers she began to strap her armor on. If he had turned, she could offer him protection, she herself was a heretic. If he was still trying to reach the church, she could put him to the question and kill him. Either would be salt in the church's wounds, assuming the paladin had not yet surfaced. She hoped he wasn't already dead.
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Post by Olorae on Sept 2, 2008 22:09:16 GMT -8
The paladin lay against the wall of his cell, facing the cold stone, running his fingers along it methodically, just as he had for every waking moment for the last two years. His clothing was in tatters, his frame gaunt, muscles only a forgotten memory. The scars that laced his back stood out in dark contrast to his pale skin, but paled themselves beneath the fresh wounds that had been opened but hours earlier.
No words came from his lips, his voice had long since left him as he cried his prayers to Einhasad. Just as well, he had thought... He truly had been abandoned. And for what? What was his crime? His captors, his tormentors, his torturers, they had told him nothing since they day they had taken him.
He had been abandoned, even by those on the outside. None of the Church had come for him, not even Alyssa.
He heard the door open, but he did not turn to look at them. He did not tense when they reached for him. He did not cry out when the whipping began again. His eyes simply stared blankly at the cold stone before him.
His lips moved again, unseen behind the beard that had grown.
"Kill me, Einhasad, if you have any pity..." was the request that went unheard.
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Post by Olorae on Sept 25, 2008 16:56:23 GMT -8
How exactly does one lose a paladin, Theren mused as he drove home the dagger. It isn’t like you can easily hide their pompous asses. Pulling the dagger back, Theren watched as the wyrm fell, collapsing upon itself as it let out its final defiant -yet futile- roar. He hated those things, even though they barely scratched him these days.
He narrowed his eyes, looking around the pass for his companion. She was out here somewhere, seeking the basilisk scales just the same as he. But her reason, he imagined, was not the same. She hunted on his suggestion, to obtain the license from the Hunter’s Guild. While he sought the license as well, that was only a fraction of his purpose. Once he was licensed, he could begin asking the questions regarding the missing paladin.
Once he could ask the questions, he could start following the trail, and, gods willing, he would have an answer for the dark knight. She had tasked him with gathering the information, yet also tasked him with remaining unseen and unheard. The latter two were simple, but all he had to go on was a name and a referral to the Guild, who had so far been of little help.
Spotting the dark elf, he tensed and lunged forward, sliding down the hill, hitting the ground running. His bag was nearly full of the scales; surely hers would be soon as well. She spotted him approaching, and with a signal of his hand and a whistled bird-call, they were off toward the bridge, where they would make camp for the night before completing their test, obtaining the roots of the lizardmen shamans.
All this, just for some trumped up, errant tin-can that would probably burn me at the stake than look at me, he mused as he darted over a fallen tree. But a job was a job, and he would make sure it was a job well done.
If only he realized a clue lay in his pack, closer than anyone would expect.
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Post by sumatraa on Sept 30, 2008 17:09:42 GMT -8
The cool wind whipped her hair back from her face bringing with it a gentle ocean mist. Although the coolness was refreshing, serving to cool her fevered skin, she could not fully enjoy it. The great ships movements usually a comfort, were an annoyance. She wished it would move faster. She needed to reach her destination and quickly. Glancing sideways she watched as the captain spoke quietly to a nearby crew member and she instinctively tugged her cloak closer around her making sure her hood covered her head completely, cloaking her face in shadow. It had been difficult to find passage alone on a ship heading in this direction. Her jaw hardened and she bit back an unladylike oath as she thought of the difficulties she'd faced in getting this far in her journey. The church had been no help whatsoever. They would tell her nothing of Eriendis' mission. She hadn't told them of his diary. She felt it a personal thing and felt they would only brush it off. As they had so callously brushed off her concerns. Why would they not tell her anything. Have they heard from him? Why would they keep news Her eyes glinted angrily as she watched the distant horizon. The church had never failed her before. And yet, here she was on this solo mission. With only her faithful wolf for company, and protection. Her hand reached down to stroke the soft fur of her companion who even now stood rigidly by her side, an ever watchful guardian. What did she, a healer, a priestess of Einhasad, know of battle. The few trainings she'd been in with the Templars were so long ago. She'd been a mere child then. NOw she faced a long journey alone. A shudder of grief wracked her petite frame and she bit her lip hard forcing back the tears. crying would not help her. Not now. She must be brave and strong, she told herself. 'Gran would want me to be strong.' Another wave of grief made her hands tremble and she gripped the railing tightly to keep from falling to her knees. Gran... She'd prayed endlessly for the first few months since she'd read Eri's journal entry. She recalled her please ans cries when she'd gone to the priests to beg for help. They'd told her to leave it in Einhasad's hands. Did they not understand!? Only Gran had understood. The woman had sacrificed her very health to assist her granddaughter in the search for her beloved husband but it had all come to naught. One dead end after another. The frustration was almost a physical thing. Bile in the back of her throat. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the clanging of a bell and looking up she saw they were nearing the port. She sighed in relief. Nearly four months had passed since she began her search. Her Gran had insisted she allow others to go in her place. Had even funded their efforts herself. But now, Gran was gone. She had finally succumbed to her illness leaving Alyssa to continue her search alone. Only hours after she'd left the Temple, the words of the High Priest bidding Grans' soul peace still ringing in her ears, had she boarded the first shipped bound to the north. She even hadn't stopped at her home to collect her things. Somehow her loyal hound had known she was leaving and had arrived at the docks only moments before she did. Now as they stepped off the ship, to begin another leg of their journey, Alyssa hoped, for she felt praying seemed not to be in her favor; she hoped that he had not given up. Pulling her cloak from her shoulders she stuffed it into her pack and hefting her sword she headed towards the town her wolf close by her side. Perhaps the High Priest here would have some information for her. She glanced up at the sun as she went. It wasn't very high in the sky but already she could feel a sweltering heat begin. The heat didn't bother her. It was only the thought that he would never see it again. She hoped she wasn't too late. She hoped she would at last be reunited with her beloved Paladin. She hoped that wherever he was, he knew she was looking for him. That she would not give up until he was safely back in her arms. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Post by Olorae on Oct 1, 2008 16:35:09 GMT -8
Theren hated the cold, hated the snow and the chill wind that blew through his clothes unimpeded. But yet, here he was, plodding his way down the steps from the main plaza of Schuttgart, looking for the house with the lily burned over the door, the home of the paladin and his wife.
He and the Abyss Walker trudged through the cold wind, finally locating the house at the end of a cul-de-sac, flush against the side of the mountain and the city wall. The mark above the door was there, alright, but the house was boarded up, dark and empty. He stood back, observing it a moment and formulating a plan before acting, but his wolf had other ideas.
Ukiah slipped from his side, walking up to scratch at the door. He whimpered, the high-pitched whine echoing off the rock, but no response could be seen inside. Ukiah continued to paw at the door, whimpering and whining and begging to get in: He knew home when he saw it, knew the smell of Eriendis and Alyssa, and of Daramu. He didn’t know what was wrong, or why his master wasn’t coming to get him. Confused, he curled up on the step and lay down, and no urging could convince him to return to Theren’s side.
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ValerieRose
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Post by ValerieRose on Oct 2, 2008 8:36:46 GMT -8
((Question!
How well-known would Eriendis be amongst the Gludio Knights? Being a righteous paladin and all?
Cause I might have a char to interact on this. And another question... are we going to bring it IG too? ))
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Post by Allana on Oct 3, 2008 4:46:08 GMT -8
((At least part of this has already been brought into the game.))
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Post by Allana on Oct 3, 2008 22:47:04 GMT -8
She did not return to her chambers immediately after receiving the rogue's information. After seeing him with that little trollop she had changed her mind. That younger woman bothered her, she seemed too close to him in that alley. She wished she had eavesdropped a moment longer before making her presence known. A woman that clingy could ruin a man, turn him into a lapdog. She wanted a wolf not a tame neutered mutt. Her instincts had been further agitated by the woman's presence in the street, guiding the hunter away immediately after their discussion.
It took only three attempts before she came across the watering hole Ale had chosen for the night. She entered the smokey hall, looking around the din of laughter and rolling dice was thick but she found him immediately. She allowed her gaze to meet his for but a moment, and then stepped back out the door.
He appeared in only a couple moments, most likely just long enough to scoop up his winnings from the night, excuse himself, and toss back another swig of ale.
A half an hour later she was pacing his cramped little cottage, dictating to him. And he was scratching script onto two parchments, while sitting at an old battered desk that looked ready to collapse. "...and this young woman who claims to be of the cult has been dealing stolen Chisolite bearing cultist symbols."
Ale read back the message, carefully as it ran through the description of Theren's young lover, to include the address she'd followed them to that night. The letter was sealed with a glob of wax, and the crest of a dwarven guild. "Well, I be knowing that theres much spying in the guilds. They've not changed their sigils in a hundred years, so I don't see why they woulda now. Any letter that this fella gets, might as well be sent to both the Church, all the dwarven guilds, and Cult. They so busy spying on each other the guilds dont pay any mind to the outside influences.
In faith and honor, Bryne Broadhand"
Allana smiled coldly. "If the cult doesnt kill her for pretending to be a cultist, it will prove to the church that she is in fact one, and they might just kill her. Are you sure this Bryne fellow is the right one to pretend its by?"
Ale grinned. "Oh yes, perfect for the task. In fact he'll probably claim it was his message in the first place if they ask of it. He be so busy kissing arses I think he might have forgotten exactly what he'd did ta get his lips dat close."
And the bird winged its way up to Elmore, a tiny note in dwarven script fixed to its leg. Meanwhile Ale headed out to plant a couple bars of Chisolite behind a house in Gludin.
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ValerieRose
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Post by ValerieRose on Oct 4, 2008 7:04:23 GMT -8
((Just as reference, Lavinia has absolutely NO ties with the Cult or the clan whatsoever. She's in the academy OOCly. And if any little investigation should be done around Gludin alone, it'll be clear her ties are to the Gludio Knights, especially Klaus Vasper. Any information on her bio should be well known around Gludio, Gludin and the cities around. She's well known))
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ValerieRose
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Post by ValerieRose on Oct 4, 2008 14:27:16 GMT -8
Lavinia pushed a lock of hair that insisted to fall on her face as she read some documents that had previously been given to her upon her personal request. Documents she had glanced at before, but never bothered reading into the details: Information about the Continental Knight League, about the Gludio Knights and their History. She needed to find a clue somewhere that would tie the Knight organization with the missing paladin, but all the young Knight found was old-school news to her, things she had learned before during her Knight training and that gave her no new light upon the matter. The question still remained inside her mind. Why was he so important? And why did all those people needed to find this Eriendis Manx so badly? Her own grandfather did not explain much, all he told her was the need of having this Paladin found. But why?
She let out a sigh of frustration as she closed the book in front of her. A female panther was still by her side, purring softly; Maik was always a faithful companion since Lavinia had adopted her at a young age, and the big feline could always feel her owner's emotional changes. The panther reached up to touch the young woman's leg with one of her paws, the look in her yellow eyes almost bearing a question.
"It's all fine, Maik", Lavinia said, reaching to scratch the top of the panther's head. "There's much more to it than meets the eye", she continued, this time almost to herself. The presence of that female Dark Avenger with Theren was unsettling to her. Although his explanation had been sufficient to her, she still felt something was wrong about -that other one- . The older woman had followed them, and Lavinia knew better, however, to realize it in time and change their destination for that particular conversation. She didn't feel like allowing the woman to know her true location, especially not to be seen alongside another male entering the Vasper household; that would only cause more trouble and more work for Grandpa to solve, as usual. She would have to hear him yelling once more, hear him grumbling about her "deviated ways", and they would fight once more, only to forget everything days later... and the brave and honored Klaus Vasper would just erase the traces of his little girl's behavior. As usual.
But there was something more to it, a look in the woman's eyes that Lavinia caught with a glance. And that particular night, she took Theren to a nearby apartment that belonged to one of her household servants, Eleanor. The maid was one of Lavinia's closest confidants, and she had allowed Lavinia to keep the keys to the empty house she no longer used since she moved into the Vasper household - in case the young Knight wanted to have a private encounter with anyone without compromising the "family's name". And Lavinia was always quick-witted enough to realize danger when she faced it. She often didn't show it to outsiders, but behind the free-spirited, light-humored girl's façade, there was also a very intelligent young lady. And although she lacked the subtle skills of a Scout, she was a very good battle strategist. And the whole deal started to have the feelings of war.
A knock at the door woke the young Knight from her thoughts, however. "It's open. Come in", she said from the inside. One of city guards entered, saluting her in respect as they usually did. Lavinia stood up and nodded at the man.
"You called for my services, Miss Vasper?"
Lavinia nodded. "Yes, Luis. I want you to get a few of your men to guard Eleanor's house. Starting from this moment. And report any unusual activity to me"
The guard nodded. "Are we to look for something in particular, Miss Vasper?"
The woman shook her head. "Just anything unusual, Luis. Some people might have spotted me there with a young human male. I want to make sure the information stays hidden. There's not much else I can tell you at this moment".
The guard nodded, trying to keep a stoic face. "Anything else, Miss Vasper?"
"I know what's going through your mind, Luis. Most likely your thoughts are 'And how is that different from previous situations? '. I can assure you, however, that this time it has more to it than it seems. But I do not wish to involve any of the Gludin Guards into this matter".
Luis shook his head quickly. "I... wasn't... really thinking..."
"It's not a problem, I know what is said of me amongst some of the people in this town", she said, not showing any signs of embarassment. "Just follow my orders this time".
The guard nodded. "Shall be done, Miss Vasper. How many men am I to enroll into this?".
"Not many. Five of your talented fellows should be enough. Four for each of the house's main entrances. Guard doors and windows. Place one of them roaming around the area. If anyone tries to enter the house, arrest them for invading the property. If any unknown person asks about me, do not say a word. And especially if you see a woman that fits this description", she said, handing him a piece of paper where she wrote, in detail, the description of the woman that Theren had met the previous night in that hidden alley. "Keep your ears for any mention of a Dame Kolarae as well", she told the guard as his last instruction.
Luis nodded in agreement, then bowed respectfully and left to follow her orders. Lavinia closed all the books and stood up. The whole deal was becoming a lot deeper than she had originally expected. It was time to pay Grandpa a little visit.
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Post by Allana on Oct 4, 2008 22:40:51 GMT -8
((Lav has no ties to the Cult or Church that Allana knows about, nor cares about. In fact if Lav had those ties it would have been detrimental to the letter's purpose. A Gludio Knight, Blacksmith, merchant, cookie vendor... a church spy or cult spy would not be above any of those, and they arent always hiding covertly, sometimes the best spy hides in the open.
If it wasnt already understood to anyone reading this who wasnt there for the in game RP, the letter written was an entire fabrication intended to further Allana's goals, and won't be common knowledge. Though organizational members on the radical sides of the cult and church could potentially get filtered versions.))
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ValerieRose
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Post by ValerieRose on Oct 5, 2008 2:36:20 GMT -8
((I know. I was just saying for anyone else reading it, just in case. Although Lav has more than one way to prove otherwise. So it might not be that easy to fabricate information about her and get people to believe it. Just so that is clear too))
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Post by Olorae on Oct 6, 2008 22:34:42 GMT -8
Something didn't feel right, and Theren wasn't one to ignore his instincts.
Why did this paladin, this low-ranking knight, seem so important? Why so much attention from so many places?
When he'd taken the job, it was just that: a job. No cult, no temple, no knights. Just a missing paladin and a few rumors.
Now, Theren felt something stirring, the feeling that all warriors come to know before a battle. He'd felt it as soon as Lavinia had left their presence in Heine, after placating Rhedyn's worries.
Something about it just seemed too convenient, the way she'd found him, the way she'd spoken and reacted to him. The way she'd immediately brought up her brother when the Abyss Walker arrived.
There was a fight coming, and he'd be damned if he got them caught in it without being ready.
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Post by ValerieRose on Oct 8, 2008 12:18:17 GMT -8
Something was wrong. She could feel in in the air. Yet, it was hard for the human Knight to pinpoint exactly -what-. Her previous encounter with Theren in Heine, where she delivered his new dagger as part of their agreement... There was something about him that was intriguing and suspicious at the same time. No one could be that calm all the time, not in a situation like the one they were going through, unless they wanted to hide something. And the more she felt herself drawn to him, the more she felt it was not the right moment. Not until she knew who he really was, or if that small amount of pride and loyalty she could gather from him stood on her side, or not. The fact that he was already working for that other woman, and working for her at the same time... it bothered her. And there was his friend, Rhedyn, and her relationship with her brother... All at the same time, all when she could simply not deal with it. Rhedyn and Kennard would have to wait. There were more important things at stake. His promises were not to double-cross her, but how far could she trust him on that? Lavinia wasn't about to take chances, and she would not allow her physical attraction to him get in the way of her best judgement... Until the job was done, it was just that, a job. She wouldn't fall into his tricks, she would know better not to push away her reason. If by the end of all that, she could be certain of his intentions, perhaps maybe then things could be different. But at that point, it was business. Although she knew Theren himself was the least of her worries, she believed him to be just a pawn on a bigger match as well. Just like herself, being played, perhaps? Diverted from the path. All for a mere Paladin. Why? She had been pacing around her room at the Vasper manor in Gludin for a few hours, trying to reassemble all the thoughts inside her head, but failing miserably. There was too much she still didn't know, and she could catch it on Theren's face, as stoic and calm as he tried to be, that there was so much HE still didn't know. Maybe why she felt his distance, in a way. Her senses never lied to her. He was afraid of what could come next, and so was she. And any warrior must learn to understand where loyalties stand. Where did Theren's loyalty stand? With her? She wasn't sure, and she wasn't about to take risks either. It was just a job. A knock at the door woke her up from her thoughts once again. "Miss Lavinia, your grandfather needs to speak with you". "Thank you. Is he at the Study?" "Yes" Lavinia simply nodded and left her room, pacing fast towards her Grandfather's Study. He was there, sitting on a chair, with his back facing the window. He heard her steps entering the room, and didn't move to face her. "My dear, I need you to understand what I'm about to say". She stepped closer to him, the tone of his voice was more serious than usual. "I need you to abandon the job I comissioned you". "Why?", she asked, with a frown. "Why would you even give it to me if you didn't trust me to do it?". "I trust you to do it, Lavinia", Klaus Vasper said, still with his back turned to his granddaughter. "But at this moment, with the turns of events, I fear for your safety". And finally, the Gludio Knight turned to look his granddaughter in the eyes. "I do not want to lose you, Lavinia. You and your brother are the only things I have left" Lavinia shook her head lightly and stepped closer, placing her hands on the table and leaning forward. "Why? Why are you saying this? What EXACTLY is going on?" Vasper shook his head in frustration. "I am not exactly sure, my dear. I've heard from reliable sources on the Aden Knight League that they have decided to take matters into his own hands. They've hired someone else for the job, and if they had to resort to him... things are more dangerous and more serious than I expected. They haven't told me, however. Their only instruction given to me was that I was supposed to remove you from your task". Nothing of what her grandfather said made any sense to her. On the contrary, it only made things worse. She needed answers, she needed clear information, not another series of quizzes that she would have to spend hours trying to solve. "Why is he so important, Grandpa? Why does the League need to find him?". The League, the Cult, the Church... and if she were religious, she'd probably assume that the Gods were after that man as well. All for one simple Paladin. "Just... stay out of the way, Lavinia. It's all I ask of you", he said, ignoring her question. On purpose, as usual, as he always did. The young Knight nodded with a frustrated sigh. "Promise me", Sir Vasper asked, once more. "Yes, grandpa. I promise you", she said, giving him a smile and walking towards him to hug him for a few seconds. "I'm sorry I disappointed you". The older Knight ran a hand through his granddaughter's hair, then gave her a soft kiss on the top of her head. "You haven't". "I think it's better, though, Grandpa, that I stay a few days in Giran", she told him. "It might be risky if I stay around Gludin". Vasper nodded. "I understand, that's why you placed the guards at Eleanor's house. The Giran house should be safe enough, and the Warrior Guild is right by it, in case you need any help. Let me know, however, if you move. I need to know you're safe". "I will", she said, hugging him once more before she proceeded into leaving the room. "I'll prepare my things". -------------- ((OOC: This part was approved by the Boss. )) IC: "Did you manage to find him?" "Yes, Sir. His price was a little steep" "It always is. But it is worth every Adena. Is he ready?" "He's ready to receive orders, yes, Sir". "Tell him he knows where to meet me". The older Knight dismissed the younger man and proceeded to walk out of his Aden house, to an alley not far from the Warrior Guild. A few minutes later, a mysterious man seemed to appear out of nowhere, crossing his arms in front of him as he faced the Knight's back, with a grin on his face. "It would have been way too easy. You Knights might be good at defending and protecting, but... I could have killed you in a hearbeat. If I wanted to". The Knight quickly turned to face the Dark Elven man. "You know better than to play pranks. Did you understand the assignment?" The Dark Elf nodded. "Find the Paladin, bring him back. If he's alive, bring him back alive. If he's dead, bring his body. Clear as water". "Operate secretly. It's important that no one finds you, or sees you. It's a private service, and I've already dismissed Sir Klaus Vasper's granddaughter from the job, so your field is free". "Shall there be interferences...?" "You deal with them accordingly" The Dark Elven man grinned and nodded. "Consider it done. Any other instructions you might want to give me?" "Do not mention my name. Or the Aden Knight League. Especially the Gludio Knights should not have any knowledge of what is happening. And I repeat, do not make yourself heard or seen." The Dark Elven assassin twirled his dagger on his fingers. "That comes easy when one walks the Abyss". And in the blink of an eye, the man was gone.
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ValerieRose
Alumni
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Zaken's Wife
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Post by ValerieRose on Oct 8, 2008 12:52:00 GMT -8
Lavinia had left her grandfather's study as soon as their conversation was over. Back to her room, she found her brother there, as she had previously asked him to, holding one of her bags. "Are you sure you need all these?"
"Yes, Kenny, I am"
The Gladiator shook his head. "You won't tell me what's going on, will you? No one is telling me what's going on", he sighed. "You won't tell me, Theren won't tell me..."
"Theren?", she said, facing him with an eyebrow raised. "What won't he tell you?"
"Anything!", Kennard said, frustrated. "He's hiding, he took Rhed with him. And he won't tell me why. You're acting strange, and you won't tell me why. I'm getting tired of being treated like an ignorant fool". The Gladiator's voice was filled with frustration and anger.
"You're not an ignorant fool", she said, caressing his face with her hand. "But it is best if you stay out of this", she told him, then made a small pause before continuing. "He told you he was going to hide?"
"Yes, yes he did. And he's taking Rhed with him. You see, I might not see her again. He couldn't promise me to keep her safe"
"It's because he's not sure he will be ABLE to", Lavinia answered, sitting on the edge of her bed. "What else did he tell you?"
"He told me to inform you that the deal between you two is still on", Kennard said, placing the bag on the ground before sitting down next to his sister.
She nodded. At least it seemed he kept his word. But the next few seconds were filled with an eerie silence, that was broken by Kennard's deep voice. "I don't really want to know what's going on here, sis... or what you and Theren are up to. But just promise me you'll do your best to be safe?"
Lavinia looked at her brother and gave him a faint smile, cupping his cheeks with her hands. "I'll be fine. I'm not directly involved anymore. I was dismissed from the task".
"But I know you. You won't give up, will you?"
Her blue eyes stared at the arsenal of swords in front of her table. A Samurai Longsword and a pair of Dual Katanas were separated from the rest of the swords, cleaned and sharpened. "I need to know what's going on. And I need to know whether I'll need to protect other people from it", she said, her eyes then looking back into her brother's blue ones. "And that includes your Dark Elven girl".
"Will you be alone?"
She shook her head. "No, no I won't", she said, looking at Maik, who was standing right beside her master. Lavinia scratched the panther behind her ears. "Come on, Maik. We are going on a trip". She then stood up to put the swords back into their cases. "Head to Giran, to our house, I'll be there in an hour. But I need you to understand that I might be away for a while. In the meantime, I need to stop at the Dark Elven Village. I need to leave a message there"
The two of them left their house in Gludin, and while Kennard departed to Giran, Lavinia took a stop by the Dark Elven Village, more specifically the Dark Forest, somewhere close to the Altar of Rites. She slipped a piece of paper under one of the tents, before making her way back to Giran.
"Come to Giran. You know where to find me. I need your help to deal with something that I cannot face on my own. I'll be waiting for you and I'll explain everything once you get there. Be careful and make sure no one sees you"
A few hours later, greyish-blue eyes were carefully reading the note, the handwriting that was so familiar to him that it didn't even require signing. With a nod, he prepared his bag, grabbed his dual swords, and headed to Giran. With one of his dances, he seemed to disappear in the mist.
Whatever it was, his best friend needed help.
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Post by Olorae on Dec 11, 2008 18:44:29 GMT -8
In the end, the pain was just too much for even the priest's spells to bring him back. In the end, as his flesh was peeled from his body, the paladin let out his last breath and it was over. The priest shook his head, directing the others to deal with the body. They took him and wrapped his body in a shroud after sewing his mouth closed. Into the nondescript pine box he was laid, and into the ground he was cast.
Thus did the paladin die. Meanwhile, in Gludin...Theren was lost. The trail had gone cold, and he'd had to go to ground lest the others investigating the man's disappearance. He'd healed quickly enough after the inquisitor's attack, but it was the assassins in the night that convinced him to take the others and put to flight. Dame Kollarae would understand, he hoped, as he slipped into the clan hall. He hadn't reported back for some time, not since before that wasted effort at the Ivory Tower. There was more to be discovered there, he was sure, but he could not figure out the proper questions to ask to find the answers. This was not going nearly as well as he'd hoped. It was supposed to be easy.
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Post by Allana on Dec 11, 2008 21:02:43 GMT -8
She had left Olorae's house in Aden in an ill temper. Time had done little to ease her festering mood. It was not simply that she had been chastised by the woman. That was a part of it, certainly, but there was so much more that built the storm that was her fury.
Sadori's presence during the meeting, if she dared to think of it as a meeting, had been something to brood on as well. She knew little of the woman, who had returned so suddenly, though it was growing apparent that she held some sway with Olorae. But Olorae had Sithlyn, everyone knew they were a couple. So why was she dandling this woman on her knee? And now she was to be a council member!? Allana bristled just thinking of how the other woman had regarded her, smug, amused, and confident while she was being chastised.
But even that was not the whole of it. Theren had not reported in yet, there was no news, for good or ill! Where was that paladin? Daily she shuffled through the bits of parchment dropped at her door, but nothing there proved fruitful. Likely the lazy sot was bedding that little trollop yet again. Life would be so much simpler if that little witch could have been removed. But no, Olorae had at some point taken her oath to the clan! She was untouchable, how it grated. Perhaps she had been mistaken in giving Theren this task, but it had seemed so suited to his abilities.
And still there was more. The second tasked with looking into the disappearance of the paladin had gone silent also. Another man. Pathetic. He seemed dutiful enough, and seemed disciplined enough, she was certain he would have reported in by now, though she doubted the man would be successful. Knights were not trained for tracking or scouting the way treasure hunters were. Perhaps he was not reporting in because he had nothing positive? Still he should have reported something.
"Trouble, it all wreaks of trouble. Give me some damned news!" She blinked realizing she had nearly bellowed the words and glanced over to meet the wide eyed questioning gaze of the one who called himself "Ale" yet again she wondered what his real name was, in this mood of hers even that seemed sandpaper rubbing against her last nerve.
"Trouble, Lass? O course, Mistress Allana, tis always trouble when ye be payin smiths bu I goat ye a good deal. Naow as a had been sayin..." She forced herself to go through the process of listening to the old dwarf read through the lengthy missive. It seemed like an eternity before he had finished. Yet another parchment that was of NO current value. Though The Hand of Shilen was flourishing nicely. The blacksmiths had finished the last dozen insignias of the order, and already there were armored guards patrolling alongside servants of the lilly. At least that was something positive, but still by the time the dwarf let himself out her temper had gone back to festering. She yearned for news.
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Jhaelle
Recruiters
Cookie Connoisseur
Sell me your soul for a cookie, sucker--I mean, good sir. I'll turn it into the finest soul shots!
Posts: 1,050
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Post by Jhaelle on Dec 12, 2008 4:51:25 GMT -8
((Ohhh, excellent writings! I very much like Lala's POV writings, good for helping understand our mysterious lady knight! ;D
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Post by Olorae on Dec 14, 2008 16:23:18 GMT -8
"Prophecy."
He didn't know if she was being cute or not, but when she said that word, it gave him reason to stop and think. Why was the paladin so important. Nothing could answer that question, and without really meaning to, she'd given the piece that might just fit the puzzle.
Of course, it raised more questions. Always more questions, never enough answers. This was going to drive him crazy, he just knew it.
As he finished his report and thanked the knight for naming him a lieutenant in the order, he excused himself, wondering where to go from here. The knots were coming undone, but only revealed further knotting.
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Post by Olorae on Dec 18, 2008 22:01:05 GMT -8
He felt the presence before he saw the man, something foreboding and evil. Whirling, Theren caught just a glimpse of the platinum blond hair, the hollow blue eyes, before they were swallowed up in darkness.
I hear you're looking for me the voice, empty and echoing, rang in the rogue's head. Theren continued to whirl, eyes scanning the shadows, his shadows, his sanctuary, for the source. His dagger's glow did little to illuminate them, only allowed the slightest hints of the knight's armor to reflect back, a teasing wink at the corner of his eyes.
"Show yourself," he said, hearing the tremble in his voice but unable to do anything about it. "Come with me... We can help you."
The sound that came as a reply could have once been called a laugh, but froze the rogue to the bone.
You? Help me? You and the demons you work for? I think not.
There... Theren saw him. Sitting opposite him in a simple oak chair. He looked down at the wolf at his side, smiling. At least he had something familiar...
You brought my pet home, how thoughtful. But I do not need him any longer. I have... something better.
The growl that came from the wolf's throat was eclipsed by something else. Something primal, something feral. There, beside the paladin, were a pair of eyes, glowing amber like the light of a thousand candles. The beast's form melded from the shadows, something familiar, feline, but larger, more sinister.
The Light has faded. Her own children draw the curtain. The time will come again for Her beacon to shine out its purity. And I will light that flame.
Theren frowned. The words were lost on him, but not his prize. Here was the paladin that he had sought for so long, in the depths of a catacomb so far below the ground. Here was his victory.
Pity you won't be around to see it. The paladin lunged from the chair at an impossible speed, faster than Theren himself could move. The dark shape moved too, and before the rogue had a chance to bring his knife to bear, he felt the tearing of his flesh by claw and sword...
And sat up straight in his bed, body drenched in a cold sweat, heart thundering in his chest. With wide eyes, he looked around. The girl lay in bed beside him, slumbering peacefully. At the foot of the bed sat Ukiah, the paladin's wolf, looking at him with his head cocked to the side curiously.
It was a dream.
Wasn't it?
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ValerieRose
Alumni
Kama Freak!
Zaken's Wife
Posts: 2,196
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Post by ValerieRose on Dec 19, 2008 11:03:07 GMT -8
((Wow... just... wow...
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Post by Olorae on Dec 21, 2008 23:16:34 GMT -8
Some time ago, there was a girl, not even yet an adolescent, that had recited a prophecy. The priests and bishops that heard it declared her a heretic, and threw her into a dungeon, deep beneath the temple of Oren. There, she languished, the outside world knowing little of her, as she was subjected to the conditioning and conversion techniques known to the priests. Through it all, however, she held to the scrap of prophecy she had given.
Theren had obtained that information at great cost from a worker in the temple. He knew she was still there, this prophet, and if the priests were keeping her isolated it meant that it was something the church did not want known to the outside world. He knew already how they dealt with the Revelation of Kaisha, and so he knew that they would have to get to the prophet before it was determined she would not convert, would not repent, and was burned at the stake as all other heretics.
So it was that he and his companion, the Abyss Walker who played in shadows as if they were an extension of her skin, traveled again to Oren, taking up residence in an abandoned home while they studied the temple.
They would need to be silent, they would need to be swift, and they would need to be careful.
Faith was something people would die for, and more important to them, something people would kill for.
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Post by Sadori on Dec 22, 2008 17:46:56 GMT -8
The late watch passed beyond the end of the valley. Aquamarine eyes flared momentarily then went inky black as she counted of the seconds in her head. Eleven… twelve…thirteen... Pressing herself into angled corner, she flattened out as best she could and slid between the outer city wall and the Dark Elf Guild. The fit was tight. Tighter than she expected… like her leathers had been when she pulled them on this evening. The life...lives, within her were making their presence known. Cold claws of fear gripped her heart and mind, making her panic. She could not afford to panic. Theren was counting on her. Taking a slow deep breath, she pressed her back to the building and toes and fingers to the wall- creeping slowly upward to the top of the outer wall.
Longer than she accounted for. She felt slow…almost lethargic and heavy. Her center of gravity off and causing her to compensate. Crouching, she pulled the night shadows around her and thanked Shilen the moon was not behind her as she started to run along the top of the wall towards the temple. Almost there, the now familiar nausea washed over her. Hot and cold by turns as her vision swam and the town tilted beneath her. Stifling a cry, she managed to get to her knees and crawl the rest of the way to the Temple of Einhasad. Once there, she quickly and silently opened one of the louvered windows and slipped inside the upper gallery.
Inside, she pressed her cheek against the cold rough stone wall and waited for the nausea to pass. How dry her mouth was. How desperately she wanted a drink. She was falling apart. Her body betraying her. But not now. She had to finish this. This time she was really needed. This time, only she could do what had to be done. And she was running out of time to do it. Taking another breath and setting her resolve, she moved to the balcony and lowered herself over the edge, dropping the last several feet into a crouch. Her eyes flared blue-green again as she briefly scanned the room. No one in sight. And there, in the corner directly opposite was the door she was looking for. The one that would lead her down past the library and the cells of the priests, and lower still to the dungeon and the prophet. She was here for the prophecy. The answer to everything they had been seeking. The clue she herself had unwittingly held all along.
Memorizing the path before her, she blinked her eyes back to black and dropped the cloak of shadows. Unsheathing her dagger and drawing a set of lockpicks, she moved across the darkened temple…
Rhedyn was in her element, the Buki had come to play.
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Post by Sadori on Dec 23, 2008 16:35:12 GMT -8
The Shadows near the door felt thick…clammy. Shrugging off a sense of aversion, she touched the door, testing the handle…and found it unlocked. Easing the door, she slipped through and down the darkened steps, silent as a shadow. Halfway through the first spiral, a powerful wave of nausea followed by panic swept over and leaving her skin damp and head pounding. Not now. Not now. Placing a hand over her belly, her beaded brow puckered with concentration as she willed the little sparks within her to stillness. Slowly, she continued to the bottom of the stair where meager candles guttered in the draft from some unseen window in a poor attempt to light the passageway. Once more pulling darkness around her, she slipped from shadow to shadow towards the crude door at the end and giving wide berth to the cells of the priests as she went.
Standing in the darkened corner near the door, she glanced back along the hall before sliding over to the door itself. This time she knew the lock picks were needed. There was no chance the priests would be as careless about the prophet below after their attempt to conceal it. Unless, of course, Theren was wrong. The imp chuckled to herself as she set about tripping the tumblers. At least her last adventure would be exciting.
To her surprise, the door swung wide with a well oiled sigh. Her eyes glowing blue-green, she started around the circular shaft that would bring her to the dungeon level; the rank scent of fear, death and torment making her eyes sting. After what seemed an eternity, the passage opened to a wide octagonal room, a door in each of seven walls. And through the second door to the right, there was movement and a groan of pain. Dashing to the door, she raised up, peering in through the barred window into the room. In the farthest corner something moved; something small and dim and foul smelling.
Rhedyn’s hands actually shook as she sorted the lock picks one last time. To be so close to success was heady and frightening. She wasn’t there yet…almost. She calmed herself and worked a long moment at the door, damning that she did not have Theren’s skill. Finally the lock clicked and swung wide, the imp woman dashing in to the pitiful creature mumbling in the corner. Stooping, she turned the creature…no, a woman… to face her- and stared. For some reason, this was not at all what she had expected. A human prophet was what she believed. This was an elf! At just that moment the elf woman seemed to see her rescuer. Bony frail hands reached out to her and seized her leathers with surprising strength. The prophet pulled her close, Rhedyn too shocked to resist. And in a dry and frantic whisper; the elf related into her ear- the words that shook the Church of Einhasad.
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ValerieRose
Alumni
Kama Freak!
Zaken's Wife
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Post by ValerieRose on Dec 23, 2008 16:50:44 GMT -8
((Gah!! -twitches- NOW I WANNA KNOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! -grumbles-
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Post by Olorae on Dec 23, 2008 17:28:47 GMT -8
He was supposed to guard the exit, to ensure that Rhedyn and the prophet would have an escape. But something didn't feel right to him, and after his talk with her the previous evening, he went against his better judgment and he followed her, slipping as he could from nook to nook, avoiding the patrols with a practiced skill.
Down the stairs he went, the hair on the back of his neck rising in a disturbingly familiar feeling. He knew the path she would take, they had gone over it time and again, and so he quickened his pace to catch up. He came to the octagonal room, just in time to see her slip out of the cell, alone. He moved to join her when a second door opened.
The dark elf stepped out of the doorway, the words already on his lips, hands raised to point squarely at the abyss walker. The air around him began to shimmer, the glint of a cross at his neck giving away his position too late.
Theren burst from the stairwell, shouting at the top of his lungs for her to get down. He lept, invoking the magic of the scroll at his hip as he wrapped his arms around her. He heard the inquisitor's final words, the roar of holy fire, and then the magic blinked and whisked them away.
----
The portal opened with a sudden crash, a flash of light brighter than the scroll's magic illuminating the previously dark clan hall. The roar of fire and hiss of burning flesh, accompanied by a tortured scream, announced their arrival, the rogue dropping limp on the floor, the dark elf pinned under him, protected by his larger frame.
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Post by Sithlyn on Dec 30, 2008 12:15:29 GMT -8
((Yay...Sith was mentioned. And after finally having read this thread I really must get at least one of my brood into this plot line.
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