Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: RedRuby on 22-06-2011, 06:24:44</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 06:24:44</strong>
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				The barren wastes of the Human lands... Most of the eastern parts were nothing but desolate wastelands. But, here she was. Aikiden, a young girl of De'rosovian descent, was walking through the land, going nowhere in particular. The dusty winds blew against her face, making it hard to hold up her hood. As she looked around for shelter, she could barely see forty feet in front of herself.<br><br>She eventually stopped as she saw a caravan emerge from the duststorm. She warily watched it, and saw the driver blankly looking ahead while some men with weapons in the back sat, looking at her. A merchant caravan? Those men are probably mercenaries... She thought to herself. Why would a merchant want to take these roads? Albeit they may have been shorter distance, but it's less hazardous taking the paths around the wastes. After they exited her view, she continued the way she was going. <br><br>After another hour or so, she had worn out, and needed to stop. She looked around, eventually finding a mountainside. She followed it for a bit, and after yet another hour, she found a cave. The system ran deep into the mountain, but Aikiden only needed shelter from the dust and wind. The heat wasn't too fun either. With a heavy, lonely sigh, she leaned against the wall, but was stopped by her spinal spikes. That's right... She hadn't cut those off in a while, she'd have to do that when she got to civilization. She cringed at the thought of cutting them, as it always hurt a lot and made a huge bloody mess.<br><br>As she relaxed, ready to fall asleep, she heard movement outside the cave. It was that caravan, but this time, five men came out, holding their weapons. A sixth exited, looking much more powerful than the others. "Hmm... How much you think she'll go for?" <br><br>Aikiden's English wasn't too great, but she wasn't getting a good vibe from these men. She picked up her Naginata, pointing it at them, backing up slightly. Another one of them spoke up. "She has a nice body, and the skin colour seems De'rosovian, which is exotic, so probably a lot. So we had better not damage her! Take her down!"<br><br>She had no clue what their intentions were, but from all that, 'take her down' was well enough into her vocabulary that it meant she was in a fight. The men all drew clubs, stepping slowly towards her. This was very bad... Her walking had exhausted her all day, and she hadn't slept in at least 22 hours. And she was fighting five to one. Six to one if the leader got involved. She stood her ground as one came at her, swinging towards her head. She dove to dodge the attack and stabbed the man in the leg as she passed. He yelled out in pain, falling to the ground, where Aikiden quickly finished him off with a quick slash to the throat. At this point, the other four weren't wasting any time. All four ran towards her, swinging away. She dodged a few high swings, but upon blocking a swipe from below, an attack towards her ribs connected, making her shout very loudly in pain. She stepped back, clutching her chest. She didn't understand these men... She had nothing! Why attack her? She lashed out, clipping one's arm, making him step back, but she realized anything she did were futile.<br><br>When another swing connected with her hand, it made her drop her naginata, now defenceless to attacks. The men moved in now, one taking hold of her from behind, avoiding her spikes, as another readied his club. "Night, night, Spikespine." He then hit her across the face. It didn't knock her out, but it was damn close to it. She fell to the ground, breathing hard. She then heard on call back towards the caravan. "Hey! Get the rope, we got her!"<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wolf Heart</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 08:49:11</strong>
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				Isk'Karra wandered through the wastes, shielding his eyes with one of his tendrils as he walked, a sour expression on his reptilian face. <em>Why</em> he had chosen to allow himself to come to this dusty, excessively dry stretch of land, he could not fathom... Yet there he was, trudging up more dust that simply got lost in the flurry that assailed him. He felt absolutely parched under the unforgiving sun and abrasively dry air... despite having only taken a drink minutes before.<br><br>He sighed heavily, stopping momentarily to wipe his brow of sweat and dust and take another drink from his water skin. As he lowered the canteen with a rather exaggerated sound of satisfaction,&nbsp; he looked about, trying to see if he could find any shelter from either the sadistic sun or devilish dust. He could hardly see anything through the thick cloud, but he managed to spot the silhouette of what might be a caravan and either a large outcrop of rocks or a cave. He couldn't sense anything from where he stood, but decided to press on towards whatever unfortunate fool had decided to cross these lands... "As I have." He added to aloud, reprimanding himself for insulting people he did not know.<br><br>He was tired, but not overly so... So when Isk'Karra finally heard fighting on the wind and felt the malicious intent of several men, his expression went to one of comprehension, then anger. He held an open hand facing out and to the side, gathering the energies necessary from himself and the world around him for his glaive. It swirled like dizzy fog up his arm and out to either side of his palm, forming the shaft and blade in mere moments as he began running. <br><br>He rushed past the malefactor whom had been sent to fetch rope, attempting to knock the man flat and out with the butt of the long pole-arm. Once inside, he noticed the seven people within the cave... two down, though one was dead while the other just dangerously close to blacking out... and, on a completely separate note, clearly neither human nor male. Ignoring her for the moment, he turned a dark glare upon the people he guessed were slavers. <br><br>"Men of malicious intent..." He spoke with only a slight accent, but haltingly, as if he had not practiced speaking English in a long time. "Cease your activities and leave..." The cave was to small to really get to work with his glaive, so he settled for the shock value of having half of it split off, the two parts becoming wicked looking twin long daggers. "Or I will force you." He settled into the stance his master had taught him, both daggers ready for the fight Isk'Karra was sure to come.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caela</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 14:52:44</strong>
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				Kathwyn actually liked the Wastes. The heat seemed to sink into her bones, warming her for those times when heat would be precious indeed and while it was dry and dusty it had a stark beauty that few, other than herself, would ever appreciate. She'd crossed them many times in her travels and knew that if you didn't respect the Wastes, they killed you, and that was a position she could understand all too well herself. She always walked when she crossed the wastes, never making her horse, MoonShadow carry her. It wouldn't have been fair to the horse to add her weight to the burden of dealing with the hot, dry, dusty air on top of the fact that the gelding already had a sort of sled strapped to him that carried their water supply for crossing the land.<br><br>One entered the Wastes without extra water at their own peril.<br><br>Walking beside her horse, she was humming softly to herself when she heard the sounds of fighting. Fairly one sided from the sound of it too. She turned toward it but then it stopped, making her wonder who had won. Considering how little happened in the wastes she thought it worth the diversion to find out and headed toward the nearby mountain. It's system of caves was often a resting point for those unfamiliar with the wastes...and a stopping point for slavers who knew they could often find easy prey there.<br><br>Leaving MoonShadow at the base of the mountain she climbed to the cave in time to hear the Starscale threatening the slavers who had already caught their prey. She had a moment to think that you didn't see many Starscale's out in the Wastes before her attention was draw by the slight movement of one of the slavers. The man had slipped a throwing knife into his hand and was aiming for a throw. It was his bad luck that he was slower that Kathwyn who released and threw a blade with a flick of her wrist, pinning the mans shirt to the rock of the cave wall with the sharp blade.<br><br>"Tsk, tsk. Trying to stab a man in the back isn't very sport now is it?" she asked, her voice rick and thick, almost sounding like an invitation to something wicked but the face, the face held no invitation in those cold eyes. Glancing at the Starscale she gave a small nod and glanced at the other five slavers, "So, is this a private party, or can anyone play?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brittlby</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 18:51:06</strong>
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				Mezolene loved the feeling of bone through lace. Comfort was bred from familiarity, but there was a goose flesh tickle that never became too familiar at the smooth sensation of ivory. She ran her thumb around the hilt of her parasol, shading herself from the sun as the slavers caravan jostled back and forth across the roughly laid wasteland "road". <br><br>The sculpted bone grip of her umbrella had once belonged to a creature named Bellingham, a Valerian gladiator by trade, who was most notorious for his sexual deviance and viciousness to the fairer sex. A man with a reputation mostly built around his bedroom activities was an impressive feat, when ones day time work was essentially mass murder as a spectator sport. She had never had the pleasure of meeting him while he was still alive, but to her, this wasn't the hardship it seemed to be to most people. Many of her better friends had been shuffled loose from this hard world of living and breathing.<br><br>One thing that every deadspeaker had in common was a zest for life. The best thing to take to the grave was a life well lived, because you and your memories were going to be together for a long long time. Nine times out of ten, a person regrets what they didn't do more than the things they did. Not that she was a creature that had the capacity for regret...<br><br>She had hitched a ride with the slavers in Baduin. They were always on the look out for new "talent" and she certainly stood out amongst the standard desert fare. In the beige of the little desert shithole, she was easy to spot. Despite being hidden from the sun beneath the lace shade of her parasol, the fire of her vibrant red hair stood out starkly against the sun faded surroundings of the village of Baduin. She dressed as a lady of quality, satin and silks hugging her form in a manner that only custom clothing could. Fabric the color of bone, it was difficult to say where the garment ended and her own pale flesh began. <br><br>While the slavers had mistaken her for a woman of position, there were certain telltale signs she was something else entirely. Firstly her lack of escort. Unusual for a woman travelling through the wastes, let alone a noble of Damacian. Either she did not warrant an escort, could not afford one, or she could take care of herself.<br><br>Second, and more subtly, she did not hold herself as a noble might. The false pretense of austerity and oppressive ego were absent in her. Her movements had the soft spoken sensuality of a courtesan. She was practiced in seducing with more than simple words, but the tiniest of cues, her body language quietly promising the world in a single gesture.<br><br>Most telling and yet, most subtle... she stank of death. The fragrance was muted by the scent of lilac oil and spices, but was there none the less. Like anisette candy and decay. <br><br>They had made it ten miles out before they had tried to take more than the fare she had offered for passage through the wastes. Mezolene disagreed with their position that she should offer them something more substantial than her gold. Perhaps her body? It wasn't that she was particularly shy in this regard, so much as, she knew quite well what the value of the journey was and she had happily offered a price that was both fair and equitable. They remained firm in their position, the discourse turning sour as weapons were brought to the negotiating table. <br><br>It had been tense for a few minutes, but in the end, they all came to a fair settlement. Well, all of them except Rivel. What was left of the man after the negotiation could fit in a canteen. It had taken them only five minutes to bury him, the occasional wary glare cast back to the only passenger they had that wasn't wearing chains. She simply sipped delicately at her wine, the burgundy staining her pale lips as she shrugged back at them.<br><br>The trip was uneventful by the standards of a wasteland voyage. She had fastened her indigo hued stained glass visor in place as the sandstorm hit, occasionally stifling a giggle as if someone had said something particularly amusing. The slavers would stare curiously at her, but she would pay them no mind, stroking the ivory bone that had once belonged to Bellingham. If she were feeling generous, she might have shared some of the stories he told with them, but given the ribald nature of the discussion, she didn't want to get the slavers sexually excited.<br><br>One renegotiation was quite enough for the afternoon...<br><br>She paid little mind as they came to a halt outside the cavern oasis, simply sipping idly at her beverage beneath the shade of the canvas top and her lace parasol. Of course, she heard the scuffle, but given that she had pressing business of her own, it hardly concerned her. She had seen enough slaver raids that she didn't think watching one more was worth the effort of hauling herself out of the cart. It was only as one of the slavers burst into her cabin that she decided to take a more active interest.<br><br>His name was Noddy, or at least that was what they called him. She had a feeling it was some sort of inside joke, mostly likely about a sexual deficiency. She had meant to ask him, but there had never been a particularly good time to ask the origin of his strange nickname. <br><br>Now was clearly NOT a good time either. His face was bruised where something had struck him quite solidly. Panic was writ large across his face as he dug through the storage bins, "I should very much like to help, Noddy. What is it you're looking for?"<br><br>"Rope! I need rope! You... you had some. I saw it!"<br><br>"Ah..." She nodded sagely. He began to fumble with her slim valise case in his haste, and she clucked her tongue at him, "Noddy. That's mine. It isn't polite to fondle a lady's things without her permission. Calm down." He applied his elbow to the lock again and again, panic lending him strength. The case made an audible cracking noise as the structure began to give way, "Noddy? Please don't open my case..."<br><br>The latch gave way with a soft click, as if it were opened from the inside. He fumbled with the handle, his fingers damp with sweat and fear. Mezolene's corpse blue eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she whispered, "I can not stress how bad of a choice you are making at this juncture, Noddy."<br><br>+++<br><br>Noddy's scream could be heard across the waste, echoing in the cave. It was tinged with what the Damacian's might call l'effroi. Translated literally it was "The Fright", less eloquently known in the wastes as "pants shitting terror". The shriek was blessedly brief and stifled almost immediately. One of the slaves who had a direct line of sight into the caravan itself turned suddenly pale, fainting straight away. She sagged into the embrace of her manacles, dangling limply from the ropes.<br><br>Noddy stepped out of the cart with a drunken lurch, or at least most of the man did. Headless, he stumbled a few shuddering steps before collapsing onto the dusty ground. Mezolene followed delicately behind, amazingly quite untouched by what must have been a gruesome slaughter. She clutched her case in one slender hand, her parasol raised against the sun still, as she was mindful of the step down from the cart. <br><br>She was put out. Both by the delay and the necessity of killing Noddy. There were few things so upsetting to Miss Myndar than people who refused to listen. She was all about compromise, and often felt she was sometimes too generous in this regard. But without discussion, it was difficult for people to find a common ground. <br><br>That and... she hated it when people touched her case. <br><br>There was some kind of battle within the caves a few hundred yards away. She had only met one side, so she was still unsure who to root for. Given that she had been forced to kill another of the slavers, the Scarlet Companion was reasonably sure she should try her luck with the other team. Noddy's voice was ever present in her ear now, the paniced birth cry of the newly deceased. As she turned to look back at his lifeless head where it had fallen to smear ichor across the wooden floor of the cart, one thing still puzzled her,"... so tell me. Noddy. Where did you get that name?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 20:07:15</strong>
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				Perspiration had his dark locks clinging rebelliously to his tawny flesh upon his forehead and about the sides of his face. Sand grains and dust seemed to rasp against his cheek, joining his faint stubble and leading up to his temple before it meshed with a few strands of his hair. His cheek was pressed to the sands, eyes flickering subconsciously behind his lids as the sands misted around him in dunes and storms which had him inhaling the burning sediment. Kaden came conscious with a raw sound in the back of his throat as sense returned to him gradually. Vision blurred and spinning, he kept the left side of his face to the ground and strived to form a coherent thought, seeing nothing but endless mists which seemed to be swirling, churning as if a wind disturbed its resting place. <br><br>The depths of his green jewels studied the sands, flickering his gaze down to where his fingers rested, tentatively brushing his fingers through the substance, letting it skim softly down his skin. Why did it feel so rough and brutal against his all too sensitive skin, yet so soft when he ran his hands through it? <br><br>The Guardian’s breath caught abruptly in his throat and fists appeared in the sands as he pushed his chest from it and coughed brutally, leaving the passage to his lungs sore and bruised. Sand had collected in the back of his mouth upon inhaling and he spat it out in the hopes of ridding the foul taste and texture which crunched against his teeth when a muscle twitched in his jaw. Raking a hand down his strong features to rid the collection of substance, he pushed to his feet and refrained from wincing as the blood clotted with the retched material beneath him which seemed to absorb the crimson. The warrior turned his face to watch as it seeped from his black armour breast plate, trickling in rivulets of rouge through his leather bands of his biceps, smearing his arms in scarlet. The lashings taken to his powerful back would leave scarring, now crushed tightly against the breastplate he was clad in. Curling his lip with distaste, the Godly creation began his stride, unable to see throughout the dusty planes, surrounded by… nothingness. <br><br>With his loyal long sword sheathed at his back, the male listened to the twisting silence broken only by the deathly winds. Skillful fingers flexed about the hilt of his weapon, just over his broad shoulder, studious eyes scanning through the solid hue of sand, no variation in colour. Never ending. Clad in the common leather like black trews which hung loosely around his legs and hips, he stalked through the wastes as a predator might, unwilling to take chances upon this earthen plane he had never been sent to before. Taste, scent, sensation was everywhere, sparking upon his tongue, in his nostrils, rasping against his skin. A breeze he was sensitive to and found compelling, the heat he found searing and uncomfortable. Hours he walked, hope near lost to him, contemplating that mayhap the Gods had punished him with more than banishment, more than the lashings of whips for his failure, but with an endless path intended to lead him to insanity. Panic enveloped his mind yet his heartbeat remained steady, breathing slightly heavy. Sound… the grunts of beings, living, civilisation so close. Kaden broke out into a sprint, arms pumping at his sides as his lean muscular body darted through the mists with inhuman speed, clutching to any hope that he might escape this wasteland where only the promise of madness lingered ahead. He skidded to a halt when he reached something great. The mountain had his eyes lifting, awed by the sight before he continued to follow the path of the noise. The blood loss had begun to take its toll upon him though he was far from weak. Nonetheless, soon he was forced to cease, his injuries too great even for his kind. The male slumped down against the wall, eyes staring blindly at nothing.&nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 20:12:41</strong>
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				Aikiden was hurt on the ground, and when she attempted to get up, she stepped on her cloak and it fell from her body. She stood to her full height, stepping back, a trail of blood running down her face from her forehead. She wiped the blood, letting out a sigh. Some people had come to her aid, but she still didn’t know who they were… they may have just wanted the kill for themselves… She reached for her naginata, but her left hand was badly hurt from the hit. She held her weapon defensively towards everyone, but the man who she’d swiped at before was just out off view. He tried to take her from behind, about to take her hostage with, but he accidentally stabbed himself on one of her spikes. This made his arm lash forward, stabbing Aikiden in the shoulder. Both yelled out, the man with his hand on his new wound, backing up.<br><br>Aikiden turned around, running towards him. He was in no position to try to block, so she made quick work of him, slicing his torso. The blade caught him just under the ribs, making for an easy kill. He crumpled down as the girl retreated deeper into the caves. She gasped in pain, leaning against the wall with her hand on her weapon when she was out of sight from the fight. She was nervous as hell to go back, regardless of the victor. <br><br>In the fight, the leader of the group headed the fight now himself, pulling out an axe. “You bastards are going to regret interfering!” He ran at Isk’Karra while the remaining two rushed Kathwyn, one of them pulling the knife from his shirt and using it to attack.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 20:27:11</strong>
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				Something pressed down onto his hand and the male’s eyes flashed upwards, suddenly viciously aware that the brew could still be heard. A shard of light could be seen at the end of the cavern he had entered, creating a tunnelling system which he had seemingly collapsed by the exit of, no doubt his reason for finding his surroundings and the source of the noise disorientating when it echoed and rebounded from wall to wall. The scent of blood was fresh in the air, not his own and the warrior was on his feet regardless of lack of strength, studying the being whom had just stumbled across his limp body. <br><br>Kaden was near grateful for the interruption, fearing that if he had not been disturbed, he would not have woken from such a state of deathliness. Nostrils flared, those sharp eyes of his shone in the darkness before his sights fell to the female. Source of the scent of coppery cells. The woman gasped in pain and instinctually the Guardian placed himself between her and the brew, his back towards the sounds of fighting as he faced her… tilting his head in an animal fashion. The spikes protruding from her were coated in another’s flesh and gore, Kaden’s curious gaze following the path of her bodice, inspecting for further injury. Head wound. Left hand. Shoulder Blade. Assessing swiftly, his stare fell to the weapon she held and his arm slowly began to lift, hand toying with the hilt of his blade, reflexes ready lest she attack him though his urge was not to harm this creature. The sword was not unsheathed, merely at the ready, his fingers twitching on it. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wolf Heart</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 21:34:50</strong>
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				Isk'Karra, fully ignorant of the goings on near the caravan, gave his apparent ally a half smile as she pinned one of the slavers to the stone and returned her nod appreciatively. As he spoke, he kept smiling despite his serious tone. "Thanks much, miss... And feel free to revel with us, if you can handle the dance." His smile turned a bit savage as the leader of the slavers came towards him at full tilt, revealing many, many sharp, carnivorous teeth. He parried the axe with ease, the heavy weapon moving far slower than his lithe, unencumbered form, moving to drag one of his daggers up, aiming to sever the tendons.<br><br>He spun the glowing daggers on his hands as he stepped away from the large man, spotting the knife's new wielder. Taking a moment to focus his mind, he created a telekinetic bullet. He punched one of his shoulder tendrils out towards the knife, keeping his own metaphysical daggers trained towards the large slaver, hoping to knock Kathwyn's weapon from his grip. "Hardly polite to take a woman's knife. You can never know what trouble she may get into." His feral grin settled into a mocking smirk as he returned the majority of his focus and mocking tone to the larger man. "Wish to try that again, large man? Maybe try to swing that crude hatchet harder?" His eyes laughed despite his slightly broken speech.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 22:00:18</strong>
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				Her heart skipped a beat as a man came from behind her. He only passed by and stopped in front of her, but she was still terrified. Aikiden’s legs buckled underneath her and before she knew it, she slid along the cave wall and landed on the hard ground. He seemed to just be analyzing her, but she raised her naginata towards him to defend herself, glaring at him. <br><br>“Prean… Dar’t inra jie…” Right… english… Her mind was moving at a mile a minute and she focused on the English she’d learned. “P-please… Don’t hurt… me…” She said lowly, a bit unsure of her words. She kept her weapon up, unsure about his intentions. She started trying to pull herself along the wall away from the man, as he seemed slightly intimidating to her.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brittlby</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 22:03:01</strong>
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				"Ah. Noddy makes sense then. Well that's not really a concern for you anymore, so there's something of a silver lining, Noddy." Mezolene laughed into her hand. She would have patted Noddy on the head, but it would have meant her putting down her belongings. Instead, she carressed his cheek with the suede tip of her boot, "Do you know what synchronicity is, Noddy? I won't bother you with the philosophical ins and outs of it, but in short... sometimes events collide. In the finite span of a human life, the improbable seems just like that..."<br><br>She raised an eyebrow curiously at the much battered and muscular form that was crawling along the mountainside, unaware of the northern most entrance her slaver friends had used to enter the catacombs. Coughing to clear her throat, she smiled back at Noddy's rapidly curdling flesh, "Impropable. But then, impropable things happen all of the time, what with the world being so very big and there being so very many variables. We only notice these things when they intersect. The odds of many wanderers meeting in the vastness of the desert wasteland? Poor. The odds of many wanderers meeting in one of the three sheltered areas between Baduin and civilization? Substantially better. All a matter of perspective. You see, when one considers an event that has happened to be impossible, it is not the fault of chance or the event, but rather of the person for not seeing how everything came together. You understand?"<br><br>The severed head stared sullenly past her, blood congealing rapidly across the floorboards. She sighed wistfully, "I only mention this because I am putting off the inevitable, Noddy. I have to say goodbye. I wish that things could have been settled more amiacably between you and I. I really do. Things are about to get much worse for you. You see... you weren't a very good person. Do you know why the dead love my kind? Certainly, we're noted as being great conversationalists, but aside from that, it's a relief to have something other than your own memories to interact with. With no one else to brutalize, where do you think your mind will turn? I feel responsible so... I promise I'll visit a couple times. Till then, keep a stiff upper lip, Noddy. Remember... events collide. Even after you're dead. Look forward to next time, kiddo." <br><br>Noddy imagined she was looking down at him sorrowfully. This proved how little he knew of the woman. She had already left the cart behind minutes ago, but Noddy's eyes were sightless now. He wasn't used to these new senses now that he was reduced to ether and regrets. The only thing he DID trust with certainly was the sensation of Mezolene sealing herself off from his screams. It was for all the world like a heavy door sliding in place across a cell. <br><br>The silence was already painful.<br><br>++++<br><br>Mezolene Myndar had a habit of looking to the left as she walked, occasionally murmuring little tidbits to her shoulder. Most often she was speaking to Bellingham. On par with a little girl and her imaginary friend, when late for an appointment she would often remark that she had been speaking to Bellingham. Many of her clients began to wonder who this Mister Bellingham was, given that she was supposedly a "free agent" as far as Scarlet Companions went.<br><br>They say there's someone out there for everyone. Mezolene could neither confirm nor deny this, but she did know what love was. Or at least she knew what her concept of it was within the cripplingly small emotional range her madness allowed for. There were few things about Mister Bellingham that she did not like. Ruggedly handsome, fit, well spoken (particularly well spoken given his former occupation as a gladiator), and full of the most insightful and vibrant stories. Admittedly he was something of a sadist, his viciousness a thing of legend, but with her own collection of unusual fetishes and quirks, it was the sort of viciousness she could really wrap her legs around. <br><br>Pity he died almost three centuries ago. <br><br>"Noddy... Hahahaha..." Bellingham laughed for the fifth time in as many minutes, finding much more humor in the story than Mezolene had. She could argue that the bandit's path was derailed by this sort of belittlement, and it had stunted him in his formative years making his development into an insecure murdering bastard almost inevitable. Then Bellingham poked her in the cheek, murmuring, "Dimple!"<br><br>And she couldn't help but laugh. Mezolene raised an eyebrow at her companion as they ascended the cliffs towards the cavern, "I can never understand your fascination with other people's emotional distress."<br><br>"We call it schadenfreude in Valeria."<br><br>"I am aware of what it is called. It's a sign of low self-esteem."<br><br>"Self-esteem? You and your twisted words, you Damacians. Have you noticed how despite the fact you all waste so very much time studying the human condition, the most depraved and broken minded tend to come FROM Damacian?"<br><br>"We are not more depraved. Just more frank about it."<br><br>"Well if I am... sadica?"<br><br>"Sadique. A sadist, yes."<br><br>"Then what are you precisely?"<br><br>"Complicated."<br><br>"Of that, I was aware." He replied, eyeing the pulsing green smoke that connected him like an umbilical cord to her parasol. For his part, Bellingham did NOT love her. She was well aware of this, and took no real offense. It wasn't in his nature to love. But he did consider her to be amongst his favorite harlots. This was an earnest and genuine compliment, despite the fact that now she was one of a scant handful of people on this planet that could converse with the departed.<br><br>As they approached the cavern, he was considerably more interested than she was in the melee. It stood to reason, given his previous life. Mezolene tried to empathize. She really did. But given that she was an assassin and not a warrior, she really did not understand the appeal of two warriors locked in mortal combat. It seemed both logical and more efficient to just wait until they were asleep or use magic or poison their whiskey.<br><br>"How is this NOT making you wet?"<br><br>She lifted her eyebrows at Bellingham, the look in her unblinking, dead eyes too familiar to the ghost. Apparently they were done talking. His shoulders slumped a moment before he felt himself banished, his being unraveling and seeping into the parasol like so much smoke. All of this, of course, took place outside of the normal range of human vision. What was apparent to those who could spare the glance, was that a tall Damacian had arrived.<br><br>Looking as out of place as a diamond ring nestled in a dog turd, she closed her umbrella now that she was away from the direct sunlight. She had the look of a woman who had stumbled into a play at the third act, and desperately wanted to ask what she had missed... but was far too polite to interrupt. With her lacy umbrella and slim vase, she looked less like she was ready for battle and more as if she was waiting for a carriage. It seemed strange that the slavers that did notice her were suddenly ill at ease. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 22:21:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kaden was stunned by her, his hand slowly releasing the hilt of his sword. He understood her language well enough though she soon replaced it with English and her words had his fierce expression levelling out somewhat. Blood still leaked out from his breastplate though the male dismissed it fairly easily, tilting his head as he studied her and the weapon she presented to him. <br><br>The female slid along the wall and a trail of crimson seemed to stalk her. Turning his face towards the continued sound of a battle, the Guardian considered becoming involved, though it seemed this fragile creature was his charge for the moment. He unsheathed his blade and crouched slowly in front of her, laying it out across the ground before he ran his piercing green jewels over her weapon and without a word snagged it from her, laying it atop his. “What is happening here?” He asked, giving a slight inclination of his head towards the fight, those curious, studying eyes ever exploring her, his rugged, velvet tone deep in timbre. Many more questions were upon the tip of his tongue, such as where exactly he was, what her name was and what race she came into. Instead he gave gruff sound in the back of his throat which vibrated through his broad chest and continued to stare at her from his crouch which kept his face mere inches from hers. Cascading silver hair framed a frightened face, the slight bluish hue to her skin piquing his fascination as did the spikes protruding along her spine and at the nape of her neck. Turning his face to study the fray, his eyes fell on a scene of seemingly three battling with the few remaining males. Two women, though one seemed enthralled in a manner the others were not. She watched with an anticipation and interest as if it were entertainment for the regal female who gave a sense of upper standing and yet Kaden absently wondered if it were a true assessment. Another woman thought, warrior like and proud, whilst the final. Kaden hid his shock at the sight of him. He had never encountered a being such as he. Intrigued more than he ought to be, the Guardian turned his face back to the injured female as if for answers, refraining from touching her and assessing her wounds lest she become stricken with more fright. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caela</strong> on <strong>22-06-2011, 23:48:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kathwyn laughed when the male said she could join in if she could handle the dance. If he'd had time to really look at her he'd have realized that handling the dance wouldn't be a problem! Watching the slavers coming toward her, one with her own knife in hand, she pulled her sword and settled it easily in her hand, a grin curving her lips, her eyes promising death. Before she could act however, the male had done something to one of <em>her</em> slaver trying to make him drop her knife. His interference made her scowl.<br><br>"You handle your slavers, I'll retrieve my blade," she said before adding, "Thanks for the thought though."<br><br>No need for him to think she didn't appreciate an offer of help...she just didn't need it. Letting the two men rush her she laughed once more and spun between them, her sword flashing as she dodged a blow from the slaver with her knife and executed an tight twist that brought her sword down in a sharp slice to the back of the other man's knees, severing the tendons and dropping him to the floor of the cave with a scream of pain. He'd never walk again. The man with her knife stared in horror at what she'd done. It wasn't a killing blow but a life crippling one. Seeing the horror on his face she grinned once more.<br><br>"Now be a good boy and toss my blade to my feet, or I'll ensure that what no longer works on you is higher than your knees and far more precious to every man I've ever encountered," she said in that sultry voice, a terrifying contrast to her threat to emasculate him.<br><br>The slaver did as she instructed and tossed her blade to her feet, making her shake her head and thrust her sword, giving him a clean, quick death and laughing at the surprise on his face, "I never said if you gave it back I wouldn't kill you."<br><br>Trusting the Starscale to handle his own slavers she looked to the back of the cave and saw a female and a male, both looked hurt. Still carrying her sword, she wouldn't sheath it til she had cleaned it, loose at her side she moved to the back of the cave and looked down at the woman on the floor, "Are you all right or will you need medical care? I have a few supplies in the saddlebags on my horse but I'll be honest, this far into the Wastes, if you're seriously injured, you're going to have problems. I'll share what I have though if it will help. Name's Kathwyn."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 00:34:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a shocked expression, the man quickly snatched Aikiden's weapon. So quickly... She didn't even feel like she could have done anything... She slid back again, nervous of his examining eyes. She couldn't tell exactly what he was thinking, and that was what scared her... Especially because she didn't have her weapon anymore.&nbsp;<br><br>The man in front of her then asked what was going on. Putting a hand on her shoulder, she covered her wound. "I-I don't... know... These men... Just attacked me... They said... Something of cost?" She then closed her eyes, feeling her wound. It was at least an inch deep, with her wincing as she checked it's depth. The young de'rosovian then heard the woman from before call out something. She spoke a bit quickly for Aikiden to catch everything, but she heard a few things that told her that she asked if she needed medical help. Aikiden had a disinfecting mixture and some bandage in her cloak inside pockets. She stood up wearily, staggering over towards her cloak. "I-I'm... fine... I have... Midical supplies..." She made it about halfway, then one leg buckled, making her fall to one knee. "Im... Tired... I just need to slip..." She reached for her cloak, then into her pocket, finding the mixture and bandages. She then sighed and blushed. She hated asking for help. "I... Can I have... Help putting this on...?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 00:55:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kaden’s wounds were gradually healing beneath his armour, swifter than most beings and he was glad for it as it seemed these Wastes, as they had been spoken of, were a dangerous area to be when wounded. And it seemed this wee female was in need of his aid. Staring unblinkingly at her, tilting his head slightly as the woman who was most familiar to him in appearance, lacking the intriguing spikes of the wounded creature and the strange exterior of the male. <br><br>As the being staggered to her feet and stumbled, the Guardian did not remark, merely gathering her with ease into his hold so that his arm was beneath her buckled knees, the other supporting her back. He looked towards the other, drawing to conclusion that sleeping in such a place was not wise. Without jostling her he used his torso to support her body and took the mixture and bandages from her palm. “I will carry her to wherever it is she needs to go. Though I do not know these lands. Mayhap I could follow you to your destination?” He requested, politeness in his tone as he held the girl and found that her spikes dug into his arm. Kaden paid no heed, sliding his arm lower so that it did not dig in and he still kept her upright. Society was foreign to him. He could not comprehend a reason why this female would object to him carrying her so he had not thought to ask. It was indisputable to the warrior. It did not occur to him that perhaps his actions would seem odd, forthright, yet it had been his duty for centuries to protect and guard. Instinct could not go denied. He began to settle her for a short time so that he could tend her wounds, leaning her against the cavern wall and creating the salve. “This place… it is the earthen realm.” He remarked, voice not entirely convinced. He had thought only humans inhabited this realm. Yet these strange beings surrounded him. He waited for Kathwyn to reply, hoping she would be able to provide him answers. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wolf Heart</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 09:07:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The large man bellowed in rage at his limp, crippled arm before the starscale could answer Kathwyn's haughty remark, drawing the attention of his single surviving slaver. Comparing what had been done to his "comrade" by the woman to the blue lizard's&nbsp; comparatively mild punishment, the remaining slaver redirected their focus entirely from her to him, indeed making them his fight. "Ah, <em>tricky.</em>" he mumbled to himself as the remaining surviving force of four surrounded him.<br><br>He watched the two of them anxiously, keeping one dagger pointed at each of them... Fighting flanked was not a particularly favorable position, regardless of one's skill or opponents. Of course, he was fortunate enough to be given a grand opening when the enraged slaver boss bore down upon him with a heavy left fist, trying yet again to crush him in a single blow (though this time, his axe lay beside him, abandoned.) Isk'Karren grabbed the large man's arm with his shoulder tendrils and used his momentum against the unfortunate man across from him, slicing a bloody path down the back of his left leg to match the one on his arm along the way. When he tried to regain his balance, he bellowed in pain, collapsing and pinning the smaller man to the cave floor.<br><br>He spun the daggers together quickly, end to end as they reformed the long-bladed glaive. "Should have listened." He said coldly, then plunged the blade straight through the back of the leader, impaling both men before releasing the weapon, allowing it to dissipate in a puff of smokey light, leaving naught but the gaping wound. He turned to the new commotion forming behind forming over the woman he had meant to save, a fact that sparked his interest and a little caution as he watched, taking his water-skin from his belt and having his third drink of the hour, leaving the thing only half full.<br><br>He paused, finally noticing a strange set of emotions behind him, albeit that they were quite overshadowed by the many sets of sorrow and fear and disgust from what he assumed were the slaves in the caravan. Still, he turned to it's source, wary of the new comer. Surprised to see a relatively well dressed and thoroughly attractive woman walking into a cave from the wastes, he cocked an eyebrow at her. Not only did she seem as thoroughly out of place as a pair woman's under clothes in a drawer of hammers... He had the odd feeling that, similarly, little good could come of knowing her. He paused just long enough to lessen that preconception back to simple caution, and banish the somewhat lewd imagery completely from his mind, then nodded. "Ah... I believe the correct expression is "hail." What has one such as you in these... terrible wastes?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brittlby</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 16:25:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mezolene responded as any lady of quality might to such a display. She lifted up her slender gloved fingertips and applauded softly, the echo of her hands muffled by lace. As Isk approached, she reacted in a remarkably calm fashion for one who had never encountered his kind, but then she was a traveler by nature. Besides which, she had had to smile and fuck more outlandish things in her day. Her smile was quite genuine, the base emotions an empath might smell off of her being mostly curiousity, "Oh, clearly you are a warrior first. That's a familiar proposition, is it not? What IS a woman like you doing in a place like THIS?"<br><br>"I am Mezolene Myndar, a scarlet companion. I was travelling with the flesh merchants... Was being the operative word." She eyed the corpses of the slavers, ignoring their freshly dead prattle as best she could. In regards to her emotional state, certain things were just not in their right place, or missing entirely. <br><br>It didn't seem to impede her all that much as she shrugged almost helplessly, "I did not care for their company, but I am ever so delicate. When it became necessary to cross the wastes, my options were limited." There was something about the Damacian's tone that didn't require an empath to detect. An almost vicious playfulness tainted her words, as if she chose each carefully, innocently spoken when taken on the surface but with unsettling and horrible things implied, "But these things have a way of working themselves out, don't they? It is a pleasure to meet you, by the by!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caela</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 17:16:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wyn looked at the two wounded and sighed softly. The girl was going to get herself killed if she refused help and the man seemed to be healing and not really in need of help. The way he kept trying to help the girl tickled something in the back of her memory but she couldn't pull it forward. It was an annoying thing, to be sure she knew something and not able to get the information but she let it go, it would come to her or not as it willed.<br><br>She watched the man tend to the girl and gave a small shrug at his questions, "You're welcome to follow where I go, though I have no true destination in mind. I'll share what I have but in the Wastes water is the most precious of commodities and while I'll share I will ration stringently and if it comes to a choice between you or my horse, I'll leave you behind to make your way on your own," she said entirely matter of factly. She didn't know these people in the least and wouldn't lose MoonShadow to their water needs.<br><br>"As for the realm, yes your in the Earthen realm. This area is called the wastes and is a no man's land between other countries. It's the straightest route from any one country to the next but few brave the harsh, unforgiving, landscape preferring the longer, but safer trade routes. I'm Kathwyn a human and a traveler, the male over there is a Starscale whose name I didn't catch. The girl in your arms is a De'rosovian I believe. I've not actually seen one before but she fits the descriptions. You are?"<br><br>Hearing voices she turned her head and saw a woman appear at the opening of the cave, she seemed dainty, almost fragile...but so did a stiletto and she didn't trust the image of fragility. So often the most fragile looking things were the most deadly. The Starscale had cleared out his slavers as she'd known he would and she was impressed with the efficiency with which he'd done so. It made her wonder if it was a technique he could teach her, or if it was something particular to his species that she would only be able to envy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 20:50:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A young human explorer named Fasken arrived in the dark, mountain cave. For eight years, since he was eleven, he’d studied the myths and tales. He slowly walked into the room in admiration. It was at least forty feet in circumference, and completely round. Massive stone plates covered the walls, depicting battle against a long gone foe. In the center, there was only a pedestal, and upon it, a single gem. Fasken took a swig of water from his water skin, his heart racing. Almost running over to the pedestal, he inspected the gem. It seemed almost to be a mix of Topaz, Jet, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Emerald, Opal, Obsidian, and lastly, Diamond. A gem for every country… The young man put a single hand on the gem, then after feeling it’s smoothness, he picked it up, placing it in his bag. ‘Just… imagine how much it’s worth!’ He thought, quickly rethinking. ‘No… this is something I must keep to myself… tell them of the place, but say the gem wasn’t there… I’ll still be famous!’ Suddenly the whole mountain began to rumble… No, not just the mountain, the whole wasteland! As the man heard cracking noises beneath him, he soon found himself falling through the thin rock.<br>________________________________________________________________________<br>Aikiden let out a soft gasp as the man picked her up. She felt one of her spinal spikes impale his arm, but he simply moved his arm and said nothing. As the other woman who helped came over, she introduced herself as Kathwyn. Moving a stray hair out of the way of her face, Aikiden sighed, realizing she should probably introduce herself. “Yes… I am De’rosovian. My name ees… Aikiden.” She was about to listen to hear the man holding her introduce himself, but the mountain began to shake. Rock fell from the walls, and then from above as a man fell about twenty feet, landing directly onto Kathwyn. He quickly jumped to his feet, reeling in pain. He was a human, young, blond, and muscular. He also has a ton of equipment on him. “Ah…” He sighed, feeling his ribs. “Wh-what the hell… I’m really sorry miss… To be fair though, I didn’t do that on purpose…” He then looked around, the cave still rumbling. He took notice of Aikiden, rushing over to her. “Oh, wow! A de’rosovian! Are you okay? I’m Fasken, an explorer.” Aikiden was about to reluctantly respond, but she heard something… odd… “Is… that? Eaos? Err… wa…water?” She said, mixing up her words.<br><br>But indeed it was. What was once a dusty wasteland was now a thin marsh, peaceful looking and cool. But the marsh was far from the most interesting addition to the wastes. A massive castle sat in the middle, water running off of it. It wasn’t close, but they could still see it clearly. The architecture was beyond any imagination, with twists and leans impossible for most buildings.<br><br>Fasken, upon seeing the castle, shouted out in joy. “Yes! After all these years! I’m finally going to find it!” He looked directly at Isk’Karra. “That right there, my Starscale friend, is the Djela castle!” His eyes were bright with joy and excitement. “I-I don’t think I should go alone though… You should all come! For one, it’s a good place to rest and give that girl some medical attention. But imagine all the treasures! You’ll never have to lift a finger again! What do you all say?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 21:31:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gathering the creature up again as they spoke with the helpful woman, the male was pleased this Kathwyn had compassion, content in knowing the woman in his arms would not meet her death. Taking another moment to study his surroundings, he ignored the oozing wounds beneath his armour and concentrated on cradling the feather light weight in his arms. The earthen realm… It was strange and he hoped that beyond these waste lands where would be a place of less desolation. The races she gave meant nothing to him as he had simply never heard of them before though he did glance down to study the wee female who had gasped in his arms when he had gathered her up; De'rosovian. The strange term was foreign to him. He committed each label to memory before answering her query absently, eyes flickering about the cavern curiously. <br><br>“Kaden Divinum. Guardian.” He replied, dismissive of his words, far too preoccupied with these beings and how they would venture away from this place.&nbsp; Kaden had just been given Aikiden’s&nbsp; name when the roof of the cavern seemed to begin to crumble. He heard it before he felt it and his hold upon Aikiden’s form tightened slightly as he hunched his broad shoulders and head over her to guard her weak bodice. He blinked in shock as a human appeared and he would have aided the fray had he not been carrying a woman. “Are you injured?” He demanded of Kathwyn, unable to aid her when he held something so fragile. Regardless he neared, offering her the support of his body if she need to lean on it or use it to rise to a stand. The excitement bubbling in the new man seemed out of place amongst the scene and The Guardian thought little of it. The place offered, a castle, was all that captured his attention. He had no concern for riches, but a steady place to rest the Aikiden’s and his wounds would be appreciated, a place to heal and eat and drink. “Do you wish to rest there?” He inclined his head to the creature, tilting his head slightly in question. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brittlby</strong> on <strong>23-06-2011, 22:04:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dead burn with a fire all their own. A blue etherical flame. Corpse candles the deadspeakers called them. Today's world is ever built upon the graves of the centuries bygone. The dull background roar of the departed always welled up in the peripheral of Mezolene's vision. An animal now extinct was buried twenty feet in the deep stone of the cavern. A pile of rat carcasses devoured by the flying predators that frequented the cave lit the eastern corner of the cave. And the slavers bodies smoldered with a bright fresh mist of ectoplasm, irridescent and confused.<br><br>This was how she always saw the world.<br><br>So it hardly bore any mention in her daily conversation, given that she knew no other way to see. It was only of interest now, because the marshland that had been vomited up from the wasteland's guts was untouched. She did not take this to mean there was no dead. That would be just silly. Death was as certain as sun rise. It did mean however that the spiritual residue one might expect from the departed were snuffed out or... worse.<br><br>This engendered a small spark of terror in her. It was sadly, no match for her more pressing need. If there was one thing she feared more than death, it was boredom. Point of fact there were MANY things she feared more than death, but boredom was at the top of the list. She didn't believe in the Djela or at least didn't believe the stories were even close to accurate. We paint our villains bigger and more wicked with each retelling. It was human nature. She nodded to the Starscale, "... I suppose my trip can be postponed."<br><br>She had just been lecturing a dead man on synchronicity. Sometimes, events collided. Improbable coincidence was only improbable from the wrong angle. Unless of course, one believed in the gods. She had never had much time for it. Gnawing fetchingly on her lip, Mezolene giggled ever so softly. The woman had an appalling tendancy not to blink enough, this making others eyes water and blink out of sympathy for her. It had only worsened now that she had something to focus on, "I am always keen to help, but I was under the impression the Djela were something to be avoid, Monsieur Fasken."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>24-06-2011, 00:02:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a look of surprise, Aikiden looked at the castle. Were try even in the same world anymore? Marshes didn't just pop up out of nowhere like this! She felt weird... With a lightheaded feeling she'd never experienced before. Between heavy breaths, she spoke to Kaden. "M-make sure... Don't... Leave my w-weapon..." she said, still looking at the castle in surprise.&nbsp;<br><br>But it started to blur... The whole marsh blurred! Or... Was it just her? She didn't have time to ponder things as she passed out in Kaden's arms, breathing softly. And as a side note, she passed out looking very cute, nestled against his chest.<br><br>Meanwhile, Fasken spoke to Mezolene with a laugh. "Haha! You've obviously heard the wrong legends if you think they're a threat. They all poofed into dust at the end of the battle. They say that's why it's so dusty in these wastes. Well, was... Now it's just wet..."&nbsp;<br><br>He shot her a look of intrigue, speaking somewhat quietly. "I don't believe I've gotten a name yet, miss. Oh, and that stare before... Blank... Focused... Dead... Would I be completely off my rocker to ask if you were a deadspeaker?" &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brittlby</strong> on <strong>24-06-2011, 08:09:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Moi? You are a strange one, aren't you Monsieur Fasken? Djela... Deadspeakers... What other phantasms have you studied? Next you will say that Monsieur Divnum fell from the sky!" She laughed fetchingly at the idea, holding out her hand towards him coyly, "You missed my introduction, as you were quite busy falling at the time. Mezolene Myndar. I'm a scarlet companion from Damacian, though I am quite better known as a negotiator. Admittedly, some of my clients are no longer with us, but I tend to keep the lion's share of my dealings with the living. They pay better, you see. When you try to collect from the dead, the living usually assume you are a grave robber. It is a tremendous worry in my line of work, oui?"<br><br>Practitioners were exceedingly rare, but given Fasken's studious nature, it was hardly a shock for him to be aware of their existence. Never particularly shy, she didn't seem to mind being outed. The castle was more interesting by far. The thought that their eyes were the first to gaze upon it in an eon made her throat dry and her nipples hard. Through the eyes of the dead she had seen empires burn and witnessed miracles. This was something entirely unseen by her or any of the dead who had not faded away into oblivion. <br><br>Many of the angles of the castle were impossible and made her eyes hurt when she stared at them too long. A dull ache that penetrated right into the brain. She'd had cause to experience it twice before, so she knew full well what it was. It was her mortal mind trying to fathom something that should not rightly exist in this reality. The initial shock was already growing tame however, as she turned to Fasken with a thin smile, "If you are so very well versed in the cultures of the worlds, then you will not be offended if I greet you as is fitting in my homeland."<br><br>She leaned in to greet Fasken like a Damacian, her lips brushing across his left cheek, then his right so gently it might have been the tickle of gossamer wings. Her breath was warm and scented of anisette as she whispered softly, "Nothing to fear from dust? I could kill you with a fistful of ash and a whispered word. I could even make you like it. Believe it." Her teeth chattered playfully next to his ear a moment before she stepped back.<br><br>Mezolene snapped open her parasol with the flick of her wrist, ever concerned with the harsh rays of the sun as she stepped out of the cover of the cavern, "I am well acquainted with the legend, Monsieur Faskin." Traveling she had noticed it tended to change substantially. Usually the hero closest to the continent was the one who was cast as the key player in the drama. In her country, Damacia herself was said to have played an intricate part in it. But then none of the legends explained the why and how of the Djela's destruction. This hardly mattered to her though. <br><br>Shadowed beneath her parasol, her eyes seemed to shimmer, icy blue standing out starkly from the shadows as she murmured with the gentle reverence that was born of fear, "The legend was told to me first hand by a soldier who stood at the gates of Vechtland against the Djela army. The castle is not a place where mortals should tamper. This is a grave stone on a civilization that is better left in another time. Woe to the one who would disturb this land, for it is a dire and horrible legacy that could doom the world!" Her demeanor changed with a playful shrug as she giggle almost girlishly, her smile vibrant and feral beneath the parasol, "At least that's what I heard! Despite that I very much want to see it! Oh, this IS exciting, isn't it? I hope it lasts!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wolf Heart</strong> on <strong>24-06-2011, 11:33:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Isk'Karra cocked an eyebrow at her deduction, but did not deny it. Such little cautions had served him well in the past, and he certainly wasn't one to ignore such results. Otherwise apparently unfazed by her introduction, he nodded and gave her a small smile, relaxing his stance slightly. "That I am, Mezolene Myndar... Though maybe only because I must be. Delicate Starscale are... few." An observant audience may have noticed a slight downward twitch of his otherwise friendly smile, or perhaps the barely perceptible flexing of his tendrils... However, it seemed quite obvious he wanted to change the subject at that point as he quickly continued on. "Anyway, the pleasure is mine. I am..."<br><br>The shaking began just then, drowning out the last word and causing him to look back over his shoulder, towards the loud, grinding sound of cracking stone. He watched silently as a man fell from the ceiling of the cave, then furrowed his brow. He certainly did not trust such events in the slightest, but he had no intention of ignoring it... But there was something he needed to do first... He psychically plucked a key ring from the slaver boss's corpse, and was about to turn to release the slaves when he stopped dead. He slipped back into his native tongue as he stared into the marshland. "Waes... waesom heth moeras...?"<br><br>He realized the man whom had fallen through the roof was adressing him, and shook himself slightly. Many strange things had happened over his years of wandering, but this was the first time the climate had changed so drastically and so quickly... Honestly, he wasn't even sure they were in the same place. Still, he could see the caravan as plain as day... plainer, even, without all the dust in the air. He took a breath and spoke, this time to the group in general... and in English. "May be... late to say so, but my name is Isk'Karra... And I must agree with Mezolene Myndar. Legends and tales are often based in truth, if not wholly so."<br><br>He paused, looking back into the marsh and up at the castle. "Still... I am not one to ignore fate nor coincidence, even should it lead me through the underworld." He stepped towards the caravan, tossing the keys to the few confused and frightened former slaves that had decided to remain, giving them a psychic nudge to accelerate and encourage their growing want to leave this place. "I will go as well, certainly... Though I will hope that curiosity does not prove our downfall."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caela</strong> on <strong>24-06-2011, 17:44:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She'd just gotten Kaden's name (and was trying to remember what a Guardian was) when the mountain suddenly rumbled and, before she could move, some idiot was falling on her! She didn't have time to move, or catch herself properly. All she had time to do was make sure she landed flat on her back so that she didn't twist anything the wrong way...but it meant smacking her head pretty hard on the stone of the cave floor. She saw stars and her vision swam for a moment but once the man climbed off her she found she could breathe just fine and everything moved as it ought.<br><br>Glaring at him while he apologized, she rolled her shoulders and loosened her arms, eyes scanning the floor for the sword she'd dropped when he fell on her. Picking it up she was tempted to threaten him with it, but he was already distracted and her nose was telling her that something was wrong. The smell of the place had changed and she wasn't sure how until she turned and saw the marsh outside, along with some sort of palace or castle or <em>something</em>. It was a dwelling that had never been built for humans.<br><br>"If anything's happened to my horse because of this trickery of yours, I'll turn <em>you</em> into a gelding and make you carry the supplies," she growled at the young man and stalked toward the mouth of the cave. Magic! She distrusted it utterly, preferring the surety of a sword in her hand than any mumbo jumbo ever spawned.<br><br>At the edge of the cave she looked down and saw MoonShadow contentedly munching on marsh grass and gave a low sigh as she muttered, "Damned lucky fool."<br><br>It seemed everyone was in for exploring the castle in the distance but the place made Wyn shudder. It should have stay lost in the mists but instead here it was. She didn't like how easily the idea of the Djela being home was tossed aside. Yes the tales said they'd all poofed into dust but no one knew why. Only one human had returned to tell the tale and he hadn't had much in the way of details since the reason for his return was cowardice. For all anyone knew this palace, and all the Djela had been banished to another realm, not killed and now this fumbling fool had brought it all back somehow.<br><br>Wyn was not happy. Retrieving her lost blade she sheathed it on her wrist where it belonged and used a slavers shirt to clean the blood from her sword before sliding it home as well, "If we're going to do this, let's go with caution. We have no idea if that place is booby trapped or if anyone is home."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>24-06-2011, 18:02:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The marshes that appeared perplexed Kaden greatly. Yet amongst these odd things, anything seemed possible and he strived not to dwell upon such things. Perhaps it was a matter of the Gods. All the male knew was that to return to his duty, his home, was to commit heroic deeds. Unfortunately he knew not where to begin, yet offering his sword and his guardianship to this array of creatures seemed the greatest chance he had received as of yet. Protection was his life, and performing heroic actions was no burden to him. Instinct commanded him to. It was merely how he had been bred, in his honour and his valour. <br><br>The warrior shifted his arm slightly so that he could support Aikiden’s head as she went limp in his hold, using his palm to gently nestle her cheek against the crook of his shoulder and neck for better support. He dipped, careful not to jostle her, ignoring the strain in his wounds and gathered her naginata, hooking it onto the silver belt he wore about his waist, constantly supporting her body. Whilst the others conversed, his stare was on the little creature he carried. When unconscious she seemed far more vulnerable, her features no longer twisted in pain or wariness, but relaxed and somewhat serene. Returning his attention to the discussion at hand, the Guardian tilted his head in near animal curiosity. If there was the risk of danger then mayhap it was not the most superb resting place for Aikiden, though it seemed he had little choice. The male resolved himself to guard her and the companions he suddenly found himself travelling with. Absently he considered the girl’s name… in her native tongue the meaning being ‘demon’. Noting that this was strange as she seemed far from anything demonic, he tucked away the thought to perhaps inquire in regards to when she woke. Though he thought it none of his concern. Kaden did not toy with the emotional, nor personal. His duty, his reason for existence was the physical wellbeing.&nbsp; “I agree with Kathwyn. Any riches do not concern me. I recommend stepping with caution.” Kaden conceded in his deep timbre. Without a doubt, he was fierce and strong, with enough power to war legions. But the Gods power was endless… He did not contain foolishness nor arrogance. He would move with wariness when more than his own life was at risk. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>24-06-2011, 23:39:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fasken laughed as Mezoline greeted him with cheek kisses, and he responded reflectively, doing the same with her cheeks. "Ah, I guess my assumption was off. But don't be so quick to call deadspeakers specters. They are indeed real, I've met one!" With a smirk, he sized her up, noticing &nbsp;her hard nipples. However, he gave no indication of his discovery. "I'm going to enjoy our travels together." He then turned towards Kaden and Aikiden. "Her injuries aren't getting any better... Let's go." With a smirk, he also turned to Wyn. "And okay, we'll go with caution." And through the marshes they walked. Conveniantly, a stone path was still above the water level, but only by inches.<br><br>After about ten minutes of walking, Fasken slowed down, waiting a few seconds for the others to catch up. He smiled brightly. "I can't wait to see this! All of us are going to get written into history for it!" He then looked at Aikiden in Kaden's arms. "You want some help? If you want, I can carry her. She doesn't look too heavy."&nbsp;&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>24-06-2011, 23:58:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kaden watched the strange little man with a sense of wariness. Whether ignorant or merely foolish, he had not hesitated upon bringing the companions on a journey thought to be written with danger. Unfortunately, Kaden seemed to have little choice in the matter. The precarious path through the marshes he took with care, his common grace tense from his wounds. The male kept his arms steady and secure around the girl, perspiration collecting on his tawny skin along his biceps and the nape of his neck, breathing slightly laboured from the injuries he had sustained that he needed to tend to before he weakened further. <br><br>Regardless, as the man suggested he carry Aikiden, his fingers curled about her unwittingly and his green jewels flashed up, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “I have her.” Was all he replied with, voice stiff and the meaning behind it very much clear. No one would be carrying her but him. He did not trust any with it. The male could accidentally impale himself on one of her spikes and drop her out of reflex into the marshes. Whereas the Guardian could tolerate the pain. His nature was not self preservation. It was to protect. And so he carried her regardless of his oozing injuries which continued to leak from his breastplate, tricking down his bicep and smearing it with scarlet, ever careful and holding her close to his chest as they moved. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wolf Heart</strong> on <strong>25-06-2011, 03:09:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Isk'Karra gave a short chuckle at the feelings he sensed from the guardian. "I don't think he'll let anyone near that woman, at least not while she's down... A touching sentiment from a man who does not know her." He turned to the guardian. "But perhaps you can serve your self-proclaimed charge better with your sword arm free and better rested." He spotted the blood trickling from the wounds the woman's spikes had given him. "Or if you at least bandage your own wounds. After all, who would you rather have protecting her with a blade? Yourself, or this..." He paused, trying to retrieve the word. "Scholar...? Either way, he hardly appears to be very well versed with a blade..." He nodded slightly to Kaden. "No offense, of course."<br><br>He paused once more, then looked again to the guardian, a serious look in his eyes. "If you still don't trust anyone to carry her, at least stop for a moment and bandage the wound. You'll lose your ability to even <em>carry</em> her, much less keep her safe if you let infection take hold of your arm." His grasp of the human language was finally returning to him, resulting in fewer halts in his speech and more confidant tone... And he was glad of it. The quicker this man realized <em>he</em> might be the one to put the woman (and, subsequently, the group as a whole) in danger, the better.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brittlby</strong> on <strong>25-06-2011, 08:32:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You would be best advised to keep your reason to yourself, Monsieur Isk'karra. When some men set themselves to a course, they will have it their way until they are spent. We will bandage him after he passes out, oui?" Mezolene had kept the brisk pace despite the layers of lace that were weighing her down. With the grace of a tightrope walker, she strode upon her delicate boots in the practiced gait of a lady of quality, heel to toe, hips squared, and abdomen corsetted slightly too tight. <br><br>She was a difficult read empathically speaking. Her interest in the castle burned far too bright for any sane person, the sort of focus one only found in the obsessive. In truth she was more eager than even Faskin's, the man who had devoted a large portion of his life to the question. It was most readily compared to a child's sharply narrow focus, seemingly ignoring all consequence and hindrance that came with adulthood and responsibility. The very concept of culpability was alien to her.<br><br>If they had asked her, she would have tossed the girl in the marsh ten minutes earlier. It was a problem Mezolene had frequently tried to address, her greatest character flaw. She simply could not wait for dessert. Well acquainted with the myriad rules of etiquette, she knew the means and methods of consuming eight hundred and thirty two different dishes from around the world. There was never a moment which her poise could be considered anything but perfect, when she was so inclined. Admittedly there were times when her baser sensabilities and sardonic sense of humor made her say and do things that might be considered unseemly, but this was ever with the knowledge in the back of her head that she was consciously being uncivil. <br><br>Such an unseemly tendency, and the most common one for her, was her sweet tooth. Listening to drivel from her hosts who often drank and fed themselves too heavily to be of much use later in the evening, enduring course after course of exotic food which was often indistinguishable from more pedestrian fare, and always maintaining a smile and the veneer of interest was part of the job. It was necessary for both a scarlet companion and a negotiator of any merit. <br><br>However... she would always wonder what the dessert portion would be. If she were inclined to read, she would be the sort who would skip to the end of a mystery novel, unable to wait the duration of the story for the pay off. She enjoyed many aspects of life in the same way as an indelicate lover, rushing to the pay off without concern for others. Mezolene had little interest in treasure and even less interest in fame. <br><br>She just wanted to see, smell, and touch the mirage. <br><br>While she had the ability to show a veneer of empathy, she had as much fellow feeling as a man eating plant. She had just met them and had yet to establish the value of her companions to any degree of certainty. They seemed passionate, skilled, and by and large honorable. She really hoped that their morality did not become any more of a dilemma. One question puzzled her, and she was scarcely one to tolerate such things. Still clutching her umbrella and case, she stepped up her pace to catch up to the head of the party,&nbsp; "Monsieur Faskin! How is it that only now does this castle make itself known? What did you do?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>25-06-2011, 18:32:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The strange being was speaking to him, Kaden soon realised, meeting his stare with his own penetrating green jewels, unfazed by the words. Kaden would survive this condition, was healing more so by the hour yet the journey slowed the progress. Nonetheless, he would not be rendered unconscious whilst carrying her. Nor would he endanger the female. And yet the male was right. The Guardian was better made to wield a sword than Faskin. Regardless, he was confident that in such a scenario when bearing his blade would be necessary, it would be all too simple to deliver the girl to another member… though still he held his doubts as to their ability to care for her. <br><br>Looking to the female who spoke… the one which seemed to radiate death, he tilted his head slightly in gratitude for her contribution. Exhaling slowly to steady himself, Kaden sunk down onto the path with ease and rested her across his lap with her side and cheek still supported by his chest. The male removed the leather binding from his upper arm and drew it lower to the wound in his warring arm, wrapping it tightly around the wound to bandage it and stanch the blood flow. Tying it tight about his bicep, He then rose to his feet once more, gathering her with him. “We continue.” He concluded, his only words, his deep timbre resonating out to the group as he began to stride once more.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caela</strong> on <strong>25-06-2011, 18:45:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wyn was quiet as they traveled. She kept her own counsel about the Guardian's wounds and his carrying the girl. If he wanted to keep ahild of her she wouldn't complain, so long as he didn't slow them down. When they'd come down from the cave she'd freed MoonShadow of his cart and mounted his back. He'd sidestepped a bit and tossed his head, making a whinnying sound that she knew meant he was happy to be carrying her instead of the cart. She was certainly lighter than the barrels of water...and she wasn't about to go into, what could be, a dangerous situation without him.<br><br>As they walked she patted and stroked his neck, murmuring softly to him and listening to those around her while keeping her own counsel. She wasn't a talker by nature and right now she was busy keeping her eyes out on what could be around them. She didn't like surprises and the Wastes suddenly turning to a marshland with a castle in it certainly counted as a surprise. That the castle could be the Djela home was a nasty surprise.<br><br>She couldn't help wondering if this boy had bitten off more than he could chew, and dragged them all along for the ride.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>26-06-2011, 09:17:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Suspiciously, Fasken shifted a bit upon being asked a question by Mezoline. "I don't really know. There wasn't anything I did that effected it, I just happened to be above you." He then looked at Aikiden curiously. "Why so fond? You just met her and you'd think you were her bodyguard." A glare went out to Kaden and Isk'Karra. With no hint of humor or sarcasm, all emotion suddenly dropped from his face.<br><br>"Dont... Think that just because I know a lot I'm useless in combat. How do you think I survived out here?" Suddenly Kaden heard the voice from behind him. "I've trained myself. My mind and my body." Fasken was suddenly behind Kaden, chuckling a bit. "I hope someone saw that coming? Did I really seem that weak?" At this point, he walked back in front of Kaden, eying Aikiden. "I still think I should be the one to carry her." &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wolf Heart</strong> on <strong>26-06-2011, 11:09:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Isk'karra shrugged at Mezolene's comment, stating simply, "I'm just agreeing with the scholar and saying what may need to be said. Going into an unknown environment wounded isn't quite ideal, much less so when you have something to lose." He nodded his approval as the guardian took care of his wound, if only just, then turned back to Fasken. "Again, I meant no offense, though I will mention that such displays are hardly necessary amongst those who have agreed to come with you at your own request. Also, I agree with the lady Mezolene Myndar in that he likely will not give up his charge..." <br><br>He paused for a moment, then added significantly "Though I will mention that if anyone here trusted anyone else slightly less, we would likely be at each others throats in moments." After glancing about the group, he shrugged and started off on the path again. "I shall go on ahead, if no one cares to join me. Swamp air is more pleasant than that of the wastes... but as a nomad, walking is more tolerable than standing"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>26-06-2011, 19:57:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Being shot a glare that Kaden felt was unwarranted, the male dismissed it, though his eyes suddenly followed the human carefully, considering his persistence to take the girl from him. At the display of skill, the Guardian would not be caught off guard. Before lips were parted he was facing where Faskin now stood, using one arm and his broad chest to support Aikiden whilst his hand went to the hilt of his sword. It was drawn slightly from its sheath as Kaden stared heatedly. <br><br>“Fondness is irrelevant. She is injured and I shall protect her.” He replied darkly, pupils dilating. The warrior thoroughly disliked how Aikiden was watched by this man and yet he sheathed his sword and circled her protectively with his other arm, palm brushing her cheek as he held her to his torso. “<em>I will carry her.</em>” He rumbled once more, a muscle twitching in his jaw before he began to stride ahead, beside Isk'karra who Kaden was finding to be wiser in regards to the Guardian’s temper. A being he trusted far more with Aikiden though he kept his hold on her. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>01-07-2011, 01:23:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Following up with the others, Fasken accepted Kaden's unwillingness to give up Aikiden. After about ten more minutes, they were there. The castle had a massive door, at least twenty feet tall. As Fasken neared the door to try to push it open, it was already swinging inside. Standing before them was a young woman, looking to be about 25. She had long golden hair, almost reaching the ground, and a long flowing gold dress with red trim. Her perfect frame with absolutely no fat was only slightly less noticable because of the large I cup breasts in front of it. Her face was one of kindness though, as she soon proved.<br><br>"Oh my..." she said, looking at Aikiden. "This girl is heavily wounded... Come in, please." She motioned for them to come inside, then shut the massive door easily behind her.&nbsp;<br><br>Fasken was the first to speak. "What the hell? Who are you? This castle just came out of the ground!" He yelled suspiciously.<br><br>"Peace, explorer. You have an injured among you. Follow me, I'll lead you to a place you can lay her down." She then motioned for them to follow.&nbsp;<br><br>While walking next to her, Fasken wasn't being particularly patient. "Answer while we walk. Who are you?"<br><br>The woman paused briefly, looking Fasken up and down, breathing in heavily. "My name is&nbsp;Aruolahs (Ah-Roo-laws). I've been watching over this castle until the day someone finds it. And here you are." They were now in a hallway, and&nbsp;Aruolahs stopped next to a door. She turned towards Kaden, also inspecting him. "Sir, you can bring the De'rosovian in there. There are medical supplies, so just ask if you require assistance." She turned to the others "Now then, I was about to eat, so if you'd like to join me, you may ask whatever you like over dinner."&nbsp;<br><br>Inside the medical room, any medical tool and equipment you could imagine was in there. There were also several potions, disinfectants, and packs of tablets and pills written on in a different language, one unrecognizable to even Kaden. In the middle, there was a large medical bed, looking quite comfortable.<br><br>As&nbsp;Aruolahs led the explorers into a massive dining room, they were met with a feast of food. The table was at least twenty meters long, chairs every meter or so. Foot filled the whole table, empty plates sitting around it. Sitting down, Aruolahs picked up a fork elegantly and took a small piece of meat, chewing and swallowing before motioning to the others. "Please, have a seat. I'll answer any question you have, at the cost of one question from me. How did you find this place?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wolf Heart</strong> on <strong>06-07-2011, 17:35:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Choosing to simply take the woman and her sudden appearance with the castle in stride, Isk'Karra followed her quietly. He couldn't honestly say he was completely comfortable with the odd fact that she could close a door that seemed as if it would take three men to manipulate, nor the sheer massiveness of the castle for this one woman. He gave it a mental shrug and turned to the guardian once they reached the castle's medical ward. <br><br>"Do not forget to tend your own wounds, Guardian... I cannot say that I trust this place." He turned to the woman for a moment. "No offense meant. I'm sure you understand." He nodded back at the Guardian, then proceeded on with Fasken and the woman, Aruolahs. Once they reached the dining hall, the starscale sat when bidden and paused only slightly before answering her question as best he could.<br><br>"I am Isk'Karra, and I can not say that I am sure how we came to find this place. One moment, we were in the mouth of a cave in a wasteland of dust. The next, the earth shook..." He paused to glance over in Fasken's direction momentarily. "And this castle appeared with the odd wetlands below." He took a moment to grab a large leg of meat, eye it for a moment, and tear a piece away with all the grace of... well, a starving man in a wasteland. Once the large chunk of meat was down, he asked "I would have asked you the same question, but I assume you know little more on that subject than I do, else you would not ask... So I would instead like to ask why you are inside such a castle, and who you are to it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>07-07-2011, 19:39:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Guardian followed with studious eyes flickering about the vast interior of the castle. When dismissed, he instantly turned to enter with the female to tend to her wounds, before he was addressed by the Isk’Karra. Pausing briefly, the male looked to the being calmly and took his advice in stride, finding it perplexing that this creature somehow felt obligated to aid Kaden by requesting he tend himself also… as the warrior would have likely not. <br><br>After a stiff nod of acceptance, he entered the medical room, after sending a pointed look towards the strange woman that had appeared. “It is appreciated.” He offered politely, deep brogue carrying to her before he entered and the door was closed behind him. Strange enough that a deserted plane would become a marsh, a castle emerging from the earth… but a living creature… woman within? Upon the Godly planes Kaden had wisdom, understood much. Upon human lands, he felt naïve and foolish. Innocent as a new born babe when his sword had been bloodied countless times when guarding his artefact. Dismissing the perturbing thoughts, he finally permitted his broad shoulders to slacken in agony, and lay the girl upon the plush bedding. First matter, stripping his breastplate so that he would be flexible enough to tend her. Skilful fingers curled beneath the metal and his expression grew tense as he began to unclamp the tight metal which moulded to his muscles. It fell away and clattered to the ground, leaving his broad, blooded chest rising and falling heavily, his wounds from the lashings of the whips opening up once more and streaming him in crimson. The most severe of her wounds was upon her shoulder. Injured hand, a blow to her head had a smear of crimson on her face. Calm and collected, Kaden began to strip her chest plate, leaving her in a white shirt. His hands stilled…<br><br>Tilting his head a fraction, his fingertips skimmed down her jaw, curious as to the texture of her bluish skin. His eyes fluttered down her body and a muscle twitched in his jaw. The sense of adrenaline pumping through his blood was odd and distracting, though he managed to dismiss it barely as he kept his eyes from her lithe body and concentrated upon her fragile form and the wounds upon it. Her strange little weapon was set down beside her as he tore easily through her shirt to gain access fully to her shoulder. Finding his breath catching, the Guardian shook himself. What was going on with his body? A side effect of injury? It felt pleasant… yet torturing as he found his eyes on her chest, the soft mounds there. From then on he worked with deliberate precision, disinfecting her wounds, bandaging her, giving stitches where necessary. Then he sat on the edge of the bedding, reaching back as best he could to see to his own injuries. It was difficult. Rising to his feet, he steeled himself… and tipped disinfectant down his back, the alcohol like substance burning his injuries as he grit his teeth. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedRuby</strong> on <strong>18-07-2011, 00:42:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling a little, Aruolahs took a drink of wine. "Messer, it would be foolish to believe that I have no ideas as to how the castle got here. In truth, I believe I know the exact cause. However, there are certain things that I'm not to tell anyone. You must understand, this place is sacred, thus I have to respect the words of my late master."<br><br>Fasken stood up, shocked at what he was hearing. "Late master? So.... You were...?"<br><br>Aruolahs simply nodded. "Yes, I served under the Djela king. This brings me into sir Isk'karra's question. My purpose here? It's still a bit unclear. Perhaps just keep the place looking nice? If so, I honestly believe I've done well."<br><br>Fasken eyed the woman. "But... You look human..." He wasn't sure what to believe right now.&nbsp;<br><br>Aluorahs tilted her head. "Is it so hard to see that I may be half human?"<br><br>"And half...?"<br><br>A smirk spread across her face. "Djela? Yes."<br>________________________<br><br>Back in the medical room, Aikiden wa finally coming to, finding herself in quite a bit of pain. Looking at herself, she realized she was mostly healed, in terms of someone doing anything medical on her. She then saw the Guardian, multiple punctures in his arm and some other injuries from his chest. Sitting up, she pretty much ignored the fact that her petite breasts were uncovered. She wasn't used to anything of this sort, so she thought nothing of his view.&nbsp;<br><br>"Th-thank you... For helping me...." She spoke uneasily, and still a bit tiredly. She then held his arm and inspected it. "These... Are from my.... Back.... I'm sorry..." Aikiden realized she really needed to work on her English, as it may become difficult if conversation got any more complex. &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Brittlby</strong> on <strong>19-07-2011, 20:15:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mezolene had been uncharacteristically quiet upon the arrival of Aruolahs. She was equally measured when brought to the banquet table, taking a small portion, and simply pushing it around the plate politely. No living thing had set foot in these halls in so long that even the dead had grown mute and faded with the eons. But here was this creature, still keeping house after all these centuries. While Mezolene was cavalier in her pursuit of new experiences, she was not without a sense of self preservation. This fortress was the kind of new experience she could do well without. The eerie silence on the other side of the veil was making her ill at ease. <br><br>Many of her concerns were validated at the mention of Aluorahs ancestry. She was all kind smiles and pert tits, but then Mezolene wasn't one to trust either. She'd abused both in the past to get her way, "Sacred you say? Well, then I suspect you will be quite upset when Monsieur Faskens ransacks this fortress for archaeological treasures, won't you? Please don't answer that. It is unlikely I would be willing to answer any of your questions in return, and that would just be... rude on my part." <br><br>"But then it's entirely possible that I may very well decide to be rude. I would go so far as to say it's downright likely. You see, oh... Pardon me, I haven't introduced myself, Mademoiselle Aruolahs. I am Mezolene Myndar, a scarlet companion. As you may guess, scarlet companions are notoriously easy to get along with, and by obligations of the vocation, it is rare that I would condemn anyone based upon the circumstances of their birth. However..." There was a soft click of a latch, as she ran her thumb across the lock on her valise case. She made no move to open it, simply holding firm to the grip as she smiled thinly at their hostess, "The Djela are a rare exception. So I should warn you most candidly, that I feel it is entirely likely that I am going to become extremely discourteous, in a very short time. I do thank you for your hospitality though... in advance, while we're still fast friends."<br><br>It was all well and good to go on this little side trip when the Djela were all dead, and relegated to dark stories and the underside of children's beds. But here was half of one, breathing and serving them wine. "I am of the opinion we should not take any more of your time or hospitality, Mademoiselle."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Ancients Unleashed - (NC EX)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AlphaMale</strong> on <strong>20-07-2011, 13:28:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aware of his patient waking, the male dismissed her easily, hesitant to watch her bare form again when it had such odd effects upon him. The male was striving to reach back and sew the lashes of whips in his back blindly though was soon grunting his frustration and tossing the bloodied needle away, sinking back down onto the edge of the bedding. Kaden needed his strength if he were to protect his new companions. Yet he needed aid to tend to his wounds. <br><br>The wee voice from behind him had the Guardian turning slightly, sucking in his breath audibly at the sight of soft mounds bobbing on her chest as she sat up. Buds peaked the tips. She looked so very different to him. He knew female bodies differed though he had never truly encountered one bare. Only the clothed Goddesses he rarely paid attention to. A swelling began between his thighs and he found it pleasant yet uncomfortable. Shifting his legs further apart, perplexed to see a bulge growing beneath his leather trews which thank the Gods hung loosely around his body. Tempted to knead the swollen mound which he soon realised was his member lengthening, thickening with its threatening length he thought nothing of and intimidating girth. The being reached for his arm and it bulged to her touch which sent electric pulses through his body. Sac feeling weighted between his legs and hanging heavily, he shifted slightly, flexing his body. “I speak your language.” He announced in her natural tongue, his voice having grown husky and strange, foreign to his throat. “Do not apologise. They do not burden me.” Not nearly as much as his back. He scarcely noticed the injuries she had given him. And he found her spikes fascinating. “You must rest Aikiden.” The male rasped, jaw stiff, voice strained with the strange stirrings within his body. Was she some form of witch? Casting spells upon him? Curious concerning the swell in his trews, Kaden ran his palm over the bulge, hissing in his breath at the sensitivity and flinching his hand away, though he was abruptly desperate for more touch to that flesh. What did it look like beneath? <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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