The Keep.
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Saerrael on 16-02-2010, 05:07:30</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>16-02-2010, 05:07:30</strong>
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				(http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/51/45/08/arundel-castle.jpg) <br><br>Surrounded by a thick forest, just due north of a small, isolated village, about three days on horseback, a large castle-keep is stood proudly. Erected in silvery grey carved stone, covered in a multitude of&nbsp; different climbing plants, the keep stands three stories high, a tower guarding each corner.<br>One sensitive to, or studied in, the arts of magics, could sense and even see the seven fold weave that wove through the physical parts of the keep ; it’s walls, floor and roofs were so much guarded this way, not even a God would have been able to teleport right into the keep.<br><br><div class="floatleft"> (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3125792949_33f07b8946.jpg) </div>All but the south side of the keep, that holds the main entrance port, is surrounded by a formal, romantic garden which even holds a true labyrinth of neatly kept buxus to endlessly get lost in if wished.<br>Being tended by a score of elven gardeners, the gardens around the keep are a thing of peaceful beauty, hardly anywhere surpassed on earth or any other planet.<br><br>All through the year one may stumble upon flowering plants, be it at day or at night, gifting the air a divine, subtle smell.<br><br>Taking great pride in their work, the elven gardeners are nearly always to be found in <em>their</em> garden, not only ready and able to keep the garden unsurpassed, but also to answer any question a visitor might have about it, point out the more interesting parts or to just guide someone to the barbeque, or out of the labyrinth if they are a bit too lost.<br><br>Not all parts of the garden are open for public, being too hazardous to wander through without a guide. Other parts are not accessible unless one has the power of flight or possess magical skill and knowledge to access that part.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.tripleblaze.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/dupont-state-forest-450x337.jpg)</div>Days and nights on the grounds of this keep seem to be different then would be considered common. Things.. Shift and creep or sparkle and hum as if alive, even if said thing is but a stone. Dragons soar through the skies, accompanied by angels and demons alike. Shadows and shades shift, sometimes dart, through the pools of light that torches, seemingly indifferent, cast.<br>There are rumours the grounds hold two different wings as well, one west and one east of the keep,&nbsp; somewhere on the grounds. but not all the inhabitants of the keep itself are willing or able to share information if these rumours hold any truth and visitors are highly recommended not to find out for themselves by exploring too far away from the keep itself.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.tourismresources.ie/cht/gardens/rathmichael_lodge2.jpg)</div>Saerra lovingly refers to the keep as ‘the manor’, even if it’s a lot bigger then just that.<br>Servants and those who live on the grounds refer to the keep and it’s surroundings as ‘Angel Rest’, paying tribute to the builder, founder and keeper.<br><br>Scattered on the grounds, one may encounter small cottages. Residents seem to prefer their homes in the thicker parts of the forest, though. And, while hunting or but strolling, a visitor may now and then find such a home, in a tree, a cave or a forest clearing.<br><br>Visitors are encouraged to remember that the grounds hold a lot of homes for not only staff and are thus treading&nbsp; on the grounds of a community as much as the home of Saerra herself.<br><br>(http://www.globurban.com/img/forest%20floor%20600.jpg)<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>28-02-2010, 03:42:21</strong>
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				Azrael materialised in the grounds, peering into the gem with his mind open to it, gazing into the depths as it provided him the location.&nbsp; He blinked once and looked around, tucking the gem and its' chain back under his shirt, over his heart where it belonged.&nbsp; The angel remained in place and simply looked around for many minutes, taking in the details of the garden in front of the manor.&nbsp; After that he closed his eyes, and <em>smelled</em> the garden around him, taking the time to stretch out with each of his senses, magical and mundane,&nbsp; one by one and enjoy the exquisite surroundings.&nbsp; After perhaps half an hour, he approached the door before him, and rapped the large iron knocker upon the wooden surface once.&nbsp; Presently the household butler answered the door, and Azrael inclined his head.<br><br>"good day to you sir, is the lady of the house in residence?&nbsp; My name is Azrael, I have been invited to visit and stay by the lady Saerra"&nbsp; he removed the stone from his shirt and showed it to the butler as proof of his invitation.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>01-03-2010, 03:16:02</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/2105613272_1d833cdd4c.jpg)</div><strong>The southern wall of the keep</strong> not only held the main gate, but was also richly decorated with a tick layer of all kinds of flowering climbing and crawling plants. Something noticeable quite well upon teleportation to the grounds.<br>Flower beds surrounding the broad path to the gate swelled in a musky fragrance, both the petals of the flowers themselves as the leaves of the plants supporting the lazily nodding flowers reflected the moonlight in a near eerie manner.<br>Unseen, as Azrael was stood there sampling the gifts of the garden, something stirred on the roof right above the gate ; one lazy eye opening for a moment, a wing stretching.<br>It was not, however, until the angel knocked on the gate, that it actually moved. As the smaller door in the gate opened and an elder, somewhat bemused human answered the angel's call, something slipped from the roof above, shadowing the stars as it dropped.<br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://exquisitepalette.com/images/butler.jpg)</div>"Ah, yes.. " the nameless butler responded, first glancing his clipboard, then the man in front of him, ignoring the offered necklace for the time being.<br>"I'm afraid, dear sir, I do not have an.. what did you say your name was again? Azrael?" The man quirked a brow, seeming not impressed at all. "You do not seem to be on the list here. And therefor I may not permit you entry to the keep of Lady Saerra."<br>Making himself broad in the doorway, he seemed not very imposing. Then again, appearances can always deceive. Especially on magical grounds.<br><br>Something, the same something that had dropped from the roof, scoffed behind Azrael's back. A cold voice spoke, soft and low, but cold like the winter uncaring touch of frost.<br>"Old man... Tsk tsk..." was heard as footsteps came closer and a man entered the small ring of light that was pooling in front of the gate. Light that pulled back when the man approached, evoking a soft laughter from the man when he saw what happened on his arrival.<br><div class="floatright">(http://www.fullhalloween.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/black-eyed-kids2.jpg)</div>"This is the Collector, mortal man." the new arrival mumbled low, clearly hearable even if spoken so very low, his fingertips idly playing with a silver skull on his necklace. "This man stood before you is the Angel of Death. And <em>therefore</em> you shall permit him entry. Not alone his most clear invitation."<br>The mysterious man gestured at the gem in Azrael's hand, something the butler had been able to ignore until now. The gesture smoothly turned into a careless dismissive one. "...lest your aim is to go against the wishes of your keeper, of course." he added, a cold smile drawing on the handsome face.<br><br>Ignoring the butler that nervously shuffled in the doorway, the man turned his attention towards Azrael and bowed formally to him.<br>"Most honoured, Lord Azrael. I am named Xar and am a resident of the Angelrest. This blubbering fool in the doorway is known as Henry Arroworth and holds the position of butler. He seems to both be able to take his job too serious and make a fool out of himself at the same time..."<br><br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>02-03-2010, 02:16:23</strong>
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				Azrael watched curiously as the butler busied himself with lists, checking and frowning, and the angel arched an eyebrow.&nbsp; "Is that so?&nbsp; I am most sorry to trouble you good sir, might I enquire if the lady is home?"&nbsp; <br><br>He turned as a figure appeared behind him, glancing up and down, noting the shape, the features of the individual, "you know of me sir, it appears I am at a disadvantage, might I in turn know your name?"<br><br>Azrael listened as the man spoke once more, "Xar?&nbsp; It is a pleasure to meet you, seldom do I meet one of your kind, it is a rare honour" he inclined his head politely, crossing an arm over his chest.&nbsp; Smiling softly at the interchange, clearly the pair were well acquainted, but he had no desire to be quite as forthright as Xar.&nbsp; Azrael turned once more to the butler, and nodded his head politely, "Sir Arroworth, noble gate keeper, I was invited by the Lady herself, she gave me this gem, by which I was able to gain egress to this delightful garden, you do your job diligently, might I be permitted inside?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 02:43:46</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://www.conflictdivine.com/2008/abstract-illustration-evil.jpg)</div><strong>Xar inclined his head towards Azrael. </strong> "One being so low as I would not expect the Archangels to know of his existence. I am honoured by your kind words, my Lord."<br><br>Meanwhile, in the doorway, the butler mumbled somewhat and stepped aside, leaving a wide enough space for Azrael to walk through, if he so felt inclined. Still not having answered his question, Henry toyed with his clipboard and his not-so-up-to-date list.<br><br>"I take it your wish would be to either rest in a guest room or find the Lady of the House?" Xar said as he wandered into the puddle of light, the leather he was wearing making soft noises as he moved, and through the dooropening to await in the hall behind the door, so blatantly ignoring the human it was obvious he noted him.<br>"I am uncertain if the keeper is on the grounds. Time moves differently here. She may both be and not be here at the same time..."<br>Waiting patiently what Azrael might do, Xar just stood there, black eyes only on the Angel of Death.<br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 02:52:50</strong>
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				"well, let us just say I am well travelled" he said with a smile, "and Azrael is fine, no need to Lord me" he said, inclining his head<br><br>The angel stepped into the manor, glancing round inside "thank you Henry" he said politely and took in the sights appreciatively.<br><br>"I do not mind, I would like to take a look around, if that is allowable, perhaps then, if the lady herself is in, we might bump into her.&nbsp; This place is certainly fascinating, and as the home of Lady Saerra, is undoubtedly spectacular"
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 03:09:05</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/417761291_c962f74d09.jpg)</div><strong>As the butler seemed to fade into</strong> a shadow behind the door, seating himself on a rather comfortable chair for the time being, Xar shook his head at Azrael.<br>"I could not possibly allow <em>Lord</em> Azrael to become lost in the building." His empathise on the word was accompanied by a rather broad smile. A smile not reaching his eyes by far, but none the less meant. This dragon, even in humanoid form, would not dare to abandon his manners.<br><br>"I was feeling peckish and had planned to make a visit to the kitchen myself. Mayhaps one Drake of Below could ask an Archangel for company? One could bump into anyone along the way."<br><br>Not really awaiting Azrael's decision, Xar started to nonchalantly wander away, choosing the eastward going hall from the gate, his hand gesturing at one of the tapestries that adorned the wall.<br>"Shadows tell. One might even fancy a visit to the library!" he added, mixing a very uncommon exclamation into his English.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 03:24:32</strong>
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				"Food would be good yeah, I am quite hungry" Azrael walked slowly after Xar, chuckling, lord it was, it seemed.&nbsp; Their footsteps echoed along the hall as he walked, "what a beautiful place" he said appreciatively, "lost?&nbsp; I don't know, it could be fun to get lost round here, I bet there are plenty of secrets..."<br><br>As he strode along, the artistic wonders on display were magnificent, tapestries depicting all manner of scenes, "impressive indeed, and a library sounds perfect indeed noble sir"<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 03:54:32</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs25/f/2008/032/7/9/Golden_dragon_scales_by_AnnFrost_stock.jpg)</div><strong>Head tilted, the dragon listened</strong>, not making any comments at the Angel's words, hardly responding to anything until the word 'secrets' dropped.<br>Xar's jaw tensed lightly, eyes narrowing while he inhaled deeply and seemed to suppress something. What he could not suppress was evidently crawling over the cheek at the side Azrael was walking ; a fine row of scales that contrasted sharply to the pale skin.<br>Somehow the sheer word had triggered something in the Netherdrake, something he didn't word.<br>As this only happend in a mere moment, it could have easily been missed by Azrael.<br><br>"Ah, yes, the library." Xar mumbled, coming back to himself again. "There are two floors. One for the general public and one more private. At least that is what I am told."<br>At the end of the hall, the dragon chose a left, moving northwards for a few steps before stopping in front of a wooden door that did not seem all that impressive. "It's said that our Lady holds a wide collection of books, scroll and other media. As our Lady's precise age is unknown, I am most certain her full collection does not fit but one floor."<br>Rapping the door with his knuckles, the dragon smiled somewhat at the angel.<br>"The hall to the southeast leads to a flight of stairs.." he mumbled, sounding apologetic for being a poor guide, free hand gesturing back to where they came from.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 04:20:43</strong>
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				Azrael was always alert, millennia of battle had honed his senses, and the reaction of Xar screamed out loud.&nbsp; How very curious.&nbsp; <br><br>"Complex building this, lots of things going on, and it was recently damaged I understand?"&nbsp; He wondered how Xar would react to his questions, and decided to probe, "rare to see your kind about, especially somewhere like this.&nbsp; Have you been here long?"<br><br>The idea of such a vast library thrilled him, a repository of knowledge, it sounded as though it could even rival his own, there could be all manner of items tucked away, awaiting eager eyes.&nbsp; Azrael looked through the opened door, "you are not coming with me then?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 04:44:11</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://prague-stay.com/img/3469/2/false/prague-kost-castle-kitchen.jpg)</div><strong>"I did not <em>plan</em> to land in the common room, if that is what you are asking."</strong> Xar said with a hint of a smirk "The old way to come here was by opening a rift. A portal if you wish. It malfunctioned and I was disorientated."<br><br>Black eyes looked away as the small wooden door opened and small figure appeared to look up curiously. Sizewise, this would be a child, but the long beard surely illustarted the opposite. A deep voice boomed out of the small figure; "Yah bettar no' beh 'ere tah get dah last sheep 'ere, Xar. Dat thin' beh deh lat offem an' yah be promisin' tah geh mah a new batch."<br><br>Rolling his eyes, Xar just pushed the dwarf out of the way, irritated<br>"Nethersake. I just want a snack." then strode into the kitchen, leaving the much smaller being glaring at him, then eyeing up the angel.<br><br>The kitchen was positively buzzing with activity. Something the drake agilely waded through, mostly due to the reason the cooks and help only came halfway his thighs.<br><br>Leaning over a roast that was apparently the last of the keep sheep, the drake mumbled somewhat before idly clawing at it and ripping a small strip of meat off of it.<br>"For your earlier question that got so rudely interrupted. I've been here about eight hundred years, if I'm correct. Not that long.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2010, 23:07:11</strong>
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				He chuckled, stretching his wings a little at the comment "the common room?&nbsp; well, least there were comfy chairs, not a bad way to end a journey..."&nbsp; Azrael watched Xar, suspecting there might be more to the tale, it was intriguing.<br><br>As the dwarf entered, Azrael looked down, he listened to the interchange, sheep, back and forth, and stood politely back, not getting involved.<br><br>When the dwarf looked up at him, he bowed and addressed him "greetings sir, a pleasure to meet you"<br><br>Stepping into the kitchen, Azrael looked around, admiring the simple warm room and enjoying the various scents to be sampled.&nbsp; "Eight hundred years you have been here?&nbsp; Quite the time for one house.&nbsp; What made you stay after mistakenly arriving?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>11-03-2010, 03:41:51</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://www.juliesmarinasunriseblog.com/images/2007/04/29/imgp3822.jpg)</div><strong>The dwarf but mumbled at Azrael</strong>, keeping a sharp and somewhat angry eye on the drake over the roast, blatantly ignoring courtesy the Angel had portrayed.<br>" 'fyar wid 'im, yah bettar knowwa' gud far yah, laddy. Yah bettar no' beh aidin' 'im in eatin' dah lat sheep." he boomed, then wobbled off, swatting a, even smaller, help with a spoon to attempt making him work harder at what ever the help was stirring in a big pot.<br><br>Xar, still at the roast, smiled a wry smile at the actions of the dwarf before resuming to nibble contently on the strip of meat he had stolen right off of the roast.<br>"The common room isn't very comfortable in my dragonform, Lord Azrael." he said with a small smirk then walked back to the Angel and offered him half of the strip. "Take it. I hunt all the game and I have good taste.." He winked at Azrael, before adding "Though I prefer bigger game to hunt.."<br><br>One elegant finger after the other was licked, then suckled. If the drake hadn't seemed a bit distant while doing this, it could have almost been seen as suggestive.<br>Stretching after done, his black leather crisply serenading his movements, Xar grinned, then murmured "Eight hundred years is a blink of an eye.." at the Angel and placed his hands on his hips, tilting his head as to await words against his statement.<br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>11-03-2010, 03:52:57</strong>
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				He chuckled softly at the dwarf and wandered around the kitchen, taking a good look inside.<br><br>Turning back to Xar, he took the offered meat, and ate it quickly, hot and fresh, "mmm, that is rather excellent meat indeed."&nbsp; looking at Xar directly, he too licked his fingers slowly, savouring the taste.&nbsp; "where might you be more comfortable sir Xar?" he asked lightly, the corner of his mouth turning up as he watched, "what sort of game do you hunt?"<br><br>Smiling softly, curious, he considered the rare individual before him.&nbsp; "To one such as you and I, undoubtedly it is not long, but, in and of itself, still quite the interval"&nbsp; he stretched back slowly, and spread his wings wide, enjoying the warm kitchen air upon them, careful not to knock anything over.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>11-03-2010, 04:37:45</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://www.fullhalloween.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/black-eyed-kids2.jpg)</div><strong>The dragon watched silently</strong> as Azrael took and ate the meat he had offered, almost staring at him as a hint of a shadow behind him formed on a wall ; two wings, only faint, unfolding slowly when the Angel mirrored his earlier actions of cleaning his fingers, dark eyes flicking away quickly at Azreal's question.<br><br>"I take to the skies when I feel cramped in holds made only for humanoid forms, my Lord." There was something hinting of jealousy, thought it was hard to tell what gave it away in the near emotionless face and still, slender frame of the man, as Azrael stretched his wings.<br>"I agree upon it being a more extended interval then was intended. I feel.. at home here." the cold voice replied low before his face split into a near boyish grin "It helps my Lady and Keeper approves of my more.. thrilling hunts. I hunt anything, my Lord. As long as it's able to fight back a dragon such as myself."<br><br>The buzzing of the kitchen had died down a bit at Xar's words, an eyebrow raising here and there, but just as many smiles were cast in the wake of his words. It seemed the Netherdrake was indeed at home here and had both friends and near-family surrounding him.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>11-03-2010, 04:45:15</strong>
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				Azrael caught the flicker of movement on the wall, the hint of shadow, of wing, and smiled slowly.&nbsp; "that is understandable, it is easy to become claustrophobic if one spends too long inside, even in such beautiful surroundings as these"<br><br>He smiled at the grin of the man, a rapid change of mood, a deep character, most interesting, complex people were always best.&nbsp; "I am very glad to hear it, everyone needs a home to be happy in, to relax and be one's self.&nbsp; What manner of thrilling hunts?&nbsp; They must be impressive prey indeed to thrill a dragon lord, I bet one or two give you a challenge though" he rested a hand casually upon his belt beside a sheathed short sword with a wink.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>11-03-2010, 05:04:02</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/417761291_c962f74d09.jpg)</div><strong>Thin, bloodless lips curled into a slight smile</strong> at the subtle hint the Angel gave with his choice of handpositioning, gaze grazed the sword before the dragon made a small gesture for him to follow and exited the kitchen to end up where they had come from ; the hall running from south to north.<br><br>Only there he answered as if those in the kitchen were not allowed to hear his words. If it was out of protection of these people or something else wasn't evident, yet the sheer fact he had removed himself before answering did hint towards something.<br><br>"I hunt whatever might be or <em>become</em> a threat to the Angelrest, my Lord."<br>Inclining his head slightly, his short, dark hair falling over his face as he did so, he added<br>"The recent change in alignment of the Keeper has made the grounds.. more busy of late. As you can imagine."<br>A slightly mischievous smile spread, soon washed away as if it had not been there at all.<br>"...I can not say I am against the new alignment, though." the Netherdrake mused.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>18-03-2010, 04:12:20</strong>
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				Azrael followed Xar, smiling to himself, fingertips lightly brushing the sword hilt with a chuckle.<br><br>"You need not worry, I would never seek to harm the lady or her home, and would stand to defend it, were such a thing necessary, though between yourself, and Lady Saerra in particular, I would feel sorry for anyone who tried."<br><br>His gaze wandered over the hallway, liking the stone walls, considering the drake.&nbsp; "Indeed, enough to keep you on your toes anyway" he laughed to himself softly, "she knows what she is doing I am sure."<br><br>((sorry, completely forgot it was my turn &gt;.&lt;))
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-03-2010, 04:41:04</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(http://www.thetapestryhouse.com/images/products/fullsize/s211-s.jpg)</div><strong>The dragon grinned softly</strong> at Azrael's words. Who would, indeed, attempt stand up to this household? He knew better, though. Attacks upon the residents had been common in the past. It was not for nothing there was a militia present to both protect them and have a home themselves.<br><br>Turning slowly, as to study the tapestry behind him, Xar nodded somewhat.<br>"It is not the question why someone would wish to stand up to forces they know, but if they would be able to endanger the weak we also harbour on the grounds.." he murmured.<br>Looking over his shoulder at the Angel, he smiled an apologetic smile.<br>"Would you wish to visit the library now? It seemed to peek your interest when I mentioned it before."<br><br>(( Hahah, Don't worry about it. Gave me some time to look up some images ;) ))
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>18-03-2010, 04:54:03</strong>
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				"you have had issues in the past then?&nbsp; Not an easy place to find..."<br><br>He mused, curious, hard to imagine people came here with evil intent, but there was no shortage of malicious creatures.&nbsp; "You have many people resident here then?"&nbsp; he asked, intrigued.<br><br>Catching Xar's eye, he grinned.&nbsp; "Me?&nbsp; I am entirely in your hands good sir"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-03-2010, 05:18:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://mirax.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/bayeux-tapestry-harold-1.jpg)</div><strong>Starting a slow stroll through the halls, moving northwards</strong> the dragon nodded again, gesturing at the tapestries they passed, some of them depicting acts of war.<br>"Indeed. And of past recent." he said low "I hope you enjoy the tapestries, Lord Azrael. They are all woven here on the grounds of the Angelrest, so they would show some of what has come to past around here."<br><br>Rubbing his chin, deeply in though, the dragon keeps moving then adds "I am uncertain of the correct number of residents and staff that call Angelrest home in these days. It's a coming and going, of course. I am most certain, however, it is not a number under a hundred. If I would add the less intelligent forms of life, it might even be double that number."<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.thetapestryhouse.com/images/products/fullsize/m166-s.jpg)</div>Stopping dead in his tracks, he folds his hand over his mouth, raising one brow then sighs and lowers his hand.<br>"I think it will be wise if this specific tapestry is removed before the Devil sees it... he whispers, nearly hisses, as his eyes scan over the tapestry.<br><br>Mumbling something to himself, Xar continues the wanderings through the Keep's halls until ending at a delicately carved wooden door that depicts entangling and entwining runes aside from a fantastical floral pattern allover the surface and follows the doorframe as a caress of beauty.<br>If anything, the artist had passion for the art of carving.<br>Knocking politely on the door, the dragon awaits an answer, his head tilted a bit.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>18-03-2010, 05:28:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"a good number then, lady saerra must like the company"&nbsp; He paused beside each tapestry, surveying them keenly, watching history unfold in each one, admiring the craft, and the tale in equal measure.<br><br>The next tapestry made him laugh out loud, especially given Xar's sincere reaction to it.&nbsp; "oh I don't know, it is a nice piece.&nbsp; Not a perfect likeness, but..."&nbsp; laughing quietly to himself, he studied it, smiling.&nbsp; <br><br>As Xar stopped before the door at the end of the hall, Azrael ran his fingertips over it lightly.&nbsp; "Exquisite wood work, it is very beautiful." He wondered who or what could be inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-03-2010, 05:46:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://galton.org/images/athenaeum-library2.jpg)</div><strong>"It would be rude to keep it up.</strong> Especially since the change in alignment.."<br>Hearing no responds at all, Xar just opened the door, smiling a bit at Azreal's words.<br>"We had some monks here in the middle ages. They had a passion for books and some of them went to great length to decorate all of the library in what they saw as beauty."<br>Revealing the first floor of the library, no stairs in sight due to being hidden by rows and rows of books, the dragon laughs quietly. "It's not my definition of beauty, however.."<br><br>Even but the first floor of the library seemed too big for a small Keep as this. Stretching both broadly as high, countless books were on display, some speaking of such age one would think them to fall apart at a mere touch. Yet, here they were, openly displayed for all to see and, apparently, to read as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>22-03-2010, 05:49:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"perhaps, who knows?" he shrugged a little, and as the door opened, stepped inside to see what was behind such a lovely door.&nbsp; He grinned at the sight laid before him, vast shelves of books in every direction, so many there was little else at all in the room.<br><br>"well, it is certainly mine" he said softly, and began to walk slowly round the edge of the room, running a finger tip along shelf edges and reading spines at random.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>27-03-2010, 04:37:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Azrael and Xar. Keep : 1st floor : Library. ( East wall )</em><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.hds.harvard.edu/library/collections/images/031505_Divinity_Library_57.jpg)</div><strong>The drake wandered around the library for a moment,</strong> allowing Azrael to do the same. He had seen it before. All but the second floor of it.<br>"I think you have misunderstood me, my Lord. I meant the carvings are not to my liking, the books are treasured, indeed."<br>Gaining a slight smile, he mumbled so low it was nearly unhearable "Such knowledge to hold in but one Keep.."<br><br>Plucking a random old tome from a shelve to open it, Xar seemed to conjure smoke from it, thought it was but the dust that came from the old book that rose up.<br>He raised his voice slightly as Azrael seemed rather occupied "It seems the Keeper is not here, Lord Azrael. ...though I must admit I shy away from accessing the second floor."<br>The dust had found a way to settle on the black leather the drake was clad in, oddly clashing with it.<br><br>Xar's words had not died completely yet as the sound of thunder was heard from somewhere to the west of their location. It seemed to have struck very close indeed, maybe even in the halls they had just left.<br>The sound vibrated, knocking several books from the shelves, massive clouds of dust swirling into the air, dimming the light in the library considerably.<br>A soft gasp escaped the Netherdrake, his hand clasping over his heart as rows of scales ran over his cheeks nervously. The sound had not but be hearable, but feelable as well, leaving the heart to race and making the silence in it's wake all the deafening. <br><br><hr><br><em>Aiden and Saerra. Keep : 1st floor : Courtyard. ( Center )</em><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://images.veer.com/IMG/PIMG/AGP/AGP0011666_P.JPG)</div> <strong>A bright light ripped through the nightskies</strong>, momentarely setting the courtyard of the Keep in the light of day, outshining the stars and moon like they were nothing but candles.<br>For a few moments, it seemed nothing further was about to happen, until the relevantly small patch of sky directly above the courtyard glowed up in an intricate network of quickly drawn threads of black and golden. As it spread, two sets of eyes narrowed, hands gripped at weapons and awaited if the shield would hold or not.<br>The sound of thunder, hearable and feelable throughout the Keep and a large part of the grounds, indicated the shield was violently, yet shortly, shortcut and bypassed, leaving enough room for two figures to form mid air. One of the figures cursed as she dropped, wings forming only in time to break the falling speed.<br>The two sets of eyes nearly bulged out as they recognized their Keeper and what appeared to be the Devil himself land lightfooted on the stones, wearing nothing but the last traces of Saerra's teleportation magic.<br><br>"Oh, come on. You actually believe one other then I would be able to do this?" the Angel asked the two in the courtyard as she noticed their hands still on their weapons. "I suggest you retire for the night, you two. The courtyard is no place to spar." she added teasingly before her attention drew back to Aiden to see if he was allright.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>02-04-2010, 04:03:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He continued to roam the floor happily, perusing every book, gazing round ceaselessly, enjoying the literary splendour all around them.<br><br>"aah, my apologies then, I misunderstood.&nbsp; The books are indeed magnificent."<br><br>He turned to face Xar, and arched an eyebrow curiously, "why, what is on the second floor?"&nbsp; He interest, it seemed, would be forever raised around here, so much on offer, to see and feel and experience.<br><br><br>At the sudden thunder like sound, he paused, extending sense beyond the normal five, and surveyed the surroundings.&nbsp; "It would seem she has returned...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>14-04-2010, 02:55:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Azrael and Xar. Keep : 1st floor : Library. ( East wall )</em><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.publicbookshelf.com/images/Blue_Abstract.jpg)</div><strong>"I... am not certain what is on the second floor."</strong> Xar said low, still a bit shaken by both the feel and sound of the center shield collapsing. A hand had traveled down to his stomach as his gaze had fixed on a shelve of books. He tried hard to look casual, even as a few pearls of sweat dripped from his otherwise unwritten face.<br><br>"And you might be correct.." he added low "I'm not sure anyone but the Keeper can startle me like that."<br>The grin on his face was somewhat bitter as he straightened his back and turned his attention back to Azrael.<br><br>"Would Lord Azrael wish to venture unto the second floor to realms unknown or find the Keeper whom probably fell from the skies unto the courtyard?"<br>A row of scales ran over a cheek as he asked the Archangel this. His appearance had turned back to normal once more asides this that seemed a nervous twitch.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>16-04-2010, 02:09:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He stared into the distance, in the direction of the keeper's manifestation.&nbsp; "she has company, I doubt she would appreciate more..."<br><br>He turned to face Xar, noticing the other's discomfort, "are you quite alright there?"&nbsp; Azrael was curious to know what might promote such a reaction in such a creature, no small thing, he supposed.&nbsp; "The second floor sounds intriguing, though if you would prefer we go elsewhere?"&nbsp; He let the question hang, having no particular preference, there were undoubtedly many things to see here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>17-04-2010, 03:34:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The fully nude devil felt disoriented during that entire process, even if she was used to getting past her own barrier he was not! He took a few steps to regain his swaying balance and stretched his back, unaware he was giving the guards a sight they really did not want to see. <br>"I can't say that will be my first choice of travel...I'll go through the front door from now on..."<br>He grinned and turned to face her after he came to the conclusion that he was in a courtyard. <br>"Now...want to give me a tour or make me cover up? Your choice."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>20-04-2010, 03:56:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Azrael and Xar. Keep : 1st floor : Library. ( East wall )</em><br><br><br><strong>The drake's eyes flicked upwards as if he was able to look through the ceiling,</strong> then grinned widely.<br>"I prefer to at least take a sneaking peek upstairs. Though I must warn you, all the things I have heard about the second floor were.. magical in nature."<br>Xar straightened himself again, but seemed to have recoperated of the collapsing shield. It was not a small feat the Keeper had pulled and Xar, being magical, had felt the aftermath resonate throughout. There was no telling what other residents of the Keep had been through.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.johnrandle.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/bonfire_night_moon.jpg)</div>A slender hand raised to beckon Azrael to follow as Xar moved gracefull behind a bookcase, revealing a staircase within the library itself.<br>"I'm certain a peek around wouldn't harm an Archangel and a Netherdrake." he mumbled as he assended, his leather whimpering around his lithe frame.<br><br><hr><br><em>Aiden and Saerra. Keep : 1st floor : Courtyard ( Center ) to Keep : 1st floor : North hall (North wall)<br></em><br><br><strong>Swords were slid back into sheethes at the words of the Angel,</strong> even if the two sets of eyes still scanned both, almost if they awaited something else to happen like the sky itself dropping on them if either Aiden or Saerra moved.<br>The Angel but made a slight dismissive gesture at the two, eyes narrowing, before she turned. Apparently that was enough to have the two men in full armor run off, filling the courtyard with the sound of metal to stone that echoed against the walls.<br>The front door? Really now? I though you'd at least attempt once to blur into the Keep.." she teased him, her eyes going over his naked form. It didn't seem to bother her one bit both of them were naked.<br>"Neither. I'm going to show you the delights of an indoor spring. ...though it's not technically indoors. Not quite."<br>A grin formed as she lead the way simply by wandering over to a large double door north of where they had landed and opened them only to have a bundle of what appeared to be household staff, thought it was hard to tell, fall through the opening she had created and land into the courtyard in whimpers and short exclamations.<br>A few arms and legs that sticked out of the bundle indicated these were all women of various ages and Saerra couldn't help but laugh.<br>"Evedropping will not come without repercussion, ladies. On your feet, please.<br>As they untangled slowly, some of them wondering whos elbow was pricking whos face, Saerra wandered past them and stopped in the middle of a lofty hall. The passing of the Devil made the untangling bundle blink and stare wide eyed up at him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aiden</strong> on <strong>22-04-2010, 21:33:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ohhh I can go for a hot bath...my muscles are feeling a little tense...will you be doing the honors of loosening me up or will one of these ladies be in charge of me?"<br>The man grinned wickedly at her and them as they passed by, his arms lifting until his elbows pointed at the ceiling, the hands at his neck to stretch his back with a loud pop. Able to walk and twist his torso side to side he added to the illusion that he was in need of a good massage or just have his body pampered by the host and owner of the keep. <br>"I might try one day...but I would hate to have to be scraped off this magical barrier like some unfortunate bug off a windshield, I still do not even know where I am, it is as if you intended to keep this place well guarded for eternity." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Keep.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azrael</strong> on <strong>29-04-2010, 01:11:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Xar was certainly a curious fellow, unpredictable and interesting.&nbsp; Azrael watched as the book case was moved, wondering what could be on the second floor that would keep the dragonkind at bay, keep him wary.&nbsp; Whatever it might be, the angel was now determined to find out, nothing like a challenge to pique his curiosity.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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