Phoenix Rising [Tom & Caeli]
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Caeli on 13-05-2008, 13:51:26</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>13-05-2008, 13:51:26</strong>
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				<em>The two countries of Morovia and Aladel had a long-lasting rivalry for as long as any of its inhabitants could remember; so long ago, in fact, that the cause of their conflict had been lost in the winds of time. Many centuries after the beginning of this strife, two kings ruled from the seats of each throne; King Daihkael of Aladel, and King Rudeain of Morovia. It was with them that war came in earnest - their lust for land and power had grown. Many smaller countries and small groups of people had been absorbed into each country, and now they sought the land of their sworn enemy.<br><br>In the midst of this war of mages and men, an alchemist was searching the old ruins of Lir'a'viis when he discovered an old, ancient tablet. He sought to decipher the ancient message inscripted in the stone - a difficult task, for the elements had worn it until the deep grooves in the stone were but shall cuttings. Laboring over his task, he finally uncovered an ancient prophecy: The Prophecy of the Light Phoenix. It told of six amulets that, when united, would allow its user to summon the Phoenix of Light, and be granted great power.<br><br>Power enough to destroy the world. Power enough to save it.</em><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote from: The Prophecy of the Phoenix of Light</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><div align="center"><strong>Fire, heat, sun, and ash<br>Phoenix rising, ash no more<br><br>Wind, zephyr, maelstrom, breeze<br>Ever higher, heaven's door<br><br>Earth, flora, forest, tree<br>Gentle stronghold, yonder shore<br><br>Water, ice, mist, and dew<br>Healer's power, undersea<br><br>Spirit, soul, freedom’s song<br>Ever light, and ever free<br><br>Shadow, dark, hidden stealth<br>Cloaked in darkness, none may see<br><br>Seeking destiny, hear the fates call<br>Six elements, waiting, hidden from all<br>One for magic, six for Light<br>Great powers serving fall or flight<br><br>Only together, will peace fall true<br>Destruction comes when battle brews</strong></div></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><em>Thus each king assembled a group of Seekers - people with the skill and loyalty to find, then bring the six amulets to him, so HE could be the one to use its power.<br><br>And even while each group set out to find the first amulet, dozens of treasure hunters sprang up from all over each kingdom, seeking to find these amulets of great power. Each had their own purpose, be it riches or power, fame or knowledge - but their goals also coincided with those of the Seekers... and thus they became known as the Hunters.</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>13-05-2008, 14:06:16</strong>
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				"Right this way, Lady-mage," the short page murmured, eyes wide as he stared up at the woman. She was rumored to be the most powerful mage Aladel had seen in years, barring perhaps only her mentor, Master Mage Kastadel. The young boy had never seen her before, except from a distance; that he was standing so close to the woman who had, within a few years, greatly reduced the bandit and pirate raids on Aladel's people was quite unreal for him. Her reputation quite preceded her; even those who did not know her personally certainly knew <em>of</em> her.<br><br>The young page swallowed, gave a low bow, and trotted off in the direction of the King's throne room. All of the business His Majesty conducted publicly took place there; however, he did occasionally conduct private audiences in the spectacular hall. Lorryn followed, her face unreadable, then paused slightly when she saw Master Kastadel outside the great double doors. Grand tapestries graced the halls leading to the doors, and Lorryn took a moment to admire their magnificence before she strode in.<br><br>Inside the hall, beautiful blue and white banners were hung securely high on the walls. Made of the deepest colored silks that the kingdom's treasury could afford, many of the banners told of the history of the land. Careful stories stitched in as pictures filled the pieces of thick silk. The sight served as a wonderful backdrop to the King's elegant silver throne, where he now sat, attention focused on the two exalted guests standing before him. Beside him stood a man clothed in dark colors, who seemed at once unthreatening and dangerous to Lorryn's honed senses. She kept one eye on him as she bowed to the king, her lithe body graceful and elegant despite her commanding presence.<br><br>As soon as Lorryn and Master Kastadel straightened, the King smiled lazily.<br><br>"I have an important mission for your student to accomplish, Master Mage Kastadel." And so, he began explaining about the prophecy and the amulets. How, alone, each amulet gave power to its holder; and together, the amulets had the potential to grant its finder a wish. He finished by standing, an action that startled Lorryn slightly. The tale was a story she'd known already - known since her young years, living among her people in the Border Clans. Her people, who had been all but wiped out by Aladel's great army, had ceased to exist as a group ten years ago, when only her magic had saved her from the same fate.<br><br>"Lady-Mage Sorayiis. My Palace Master of the Arcane has recommended that you, with your skill in wielding magic and knowledge of old lore, would be most useful on this journey. There are treasure hunters and people from other countries, most notably our enemy Morovia, who will stop at nothing to acquire these magical artifacts. One of my loyal retainers, chosen by myself, and you, who have been chosen at Master Mage Kastadel's recommendations of your skills, go forth and recover the six Amulets spoken of in this prophecy."<br><br>Lhurriel bowed her head, then clasped her hands before her - the mage's bow. "At once, Your Majesty." The King stood and beckoned to Kastadel, and the two indicated that the remaining two, Aladel's Seekers, should remain in each other's company and discuss their plans. It was only after her mentor and her king left that she directed her full attention to the King's chosen Seeker.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>19-05-2008, 09:57:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The man took a few slow steps closer. His hands were on his back, which helped make him seem more disarming and perhaps a little wise. His careful smile added to that impression as well.<br><br>He was of about average height and build, but it was hard saying anything definite about his physique under such a loose garment and robe. They were dark, but more of earth colors than black, which might have made him seem sinister and obviously not his intention. He had a fairly dark complexion and his dark blonde hair was combed back over his head; something that seemed to have been done just for the benefit of the King. He was attractive, but it seemed like a projected thing; a result of his attitude and what he wanted deliberately to convey.<br><br>"Lady-Mage Sorayiis," He made a short bow. "I'm very pleased to meet you. My name is Zhal Nhaem, King's advisor. I'm very much looking forward to be working with you."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>02-06-2008, 05:04:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lorryn was not nearly so innocent that she did not recognize a man of skill when she saw one. For all that he seemed quite harmless, she hadn't lived in the palace for the past six years without learning <em>something</em> - she had heard many rumors about the King's own advisor, some quite far-fetched, and some very believable. Not as naive many thought she was, Lorryn had done her own investigating within her web of contacts - and discovered that Zhal Nhaem was a man not to be trifled with. There was talk of his being the head of the king's spy network, of his being an assassin, of his being a thief. While Lorryn did not believe all of the rumors, some of them could very well be true, though they could only be confirmed by the man hiimself.<br><br>She smiled politely and stepped forward, also bowing shallowly. "Likewise, Master Nhaem. I think it would be wise to perhaps share our plans and construct a path that would best be taken for this journey. We'll also need to arrange our supplies and research more about these amulets... though I would prefer to do these things in a safer environment, out of the range of potential spies. Have you a safe place we can go to talk about this, Master Nhaem?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 10:07:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"This way, lady-mage." Zhal motioned for a corridor and some winding stairs. The castle was a maze of passageways and stairways and even secret tunnels. But for now, speaking in the breeze would suffice. Having climbed some steep stairs upwards that winded in many circles, they arrived on one of the high walls of the castle. From here they could see far away, to distant valleys and mountains, as well as the activitites inside the courtyard. There were towers with guards on each side of the wall, but they were far apart.<br><br>"Mind your step." Zhal Nhaem warned. "I'm not sure if your arts could protect you from such a nasty fall."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 10:33:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"My thanks," she murmured as they stepped into some of the higher walls in the castle. There were towers that were higher, to be sure - but here, the breeze caught at the cloth of her garments, sending his and her clothing fluttering in a way that would have made poets green with envy, to capture the picturesque sight of the two standing atop the wall, staring into the horizon.<br><br>Of course, what they needed to discuss was nothing near so poetic.<br><br>At his comment, she couldn't help crack the smallest of smiles. "You are quite right of course, Master Nhaem. My magic might not save me from a fall this high, though I've yet to test the limits of my powers." Still, today was not the time to perform <em>that</em> particular experiment. "As far as this latest... intrigue," she began abruptly, referencing to this another one of king's latest schemes to gain more power, "Has he told you aught besides what we both heard in the audience room?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 10:54:05</strong>
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				"Please, call me Zhal." The man said. "I'm not nearly as important as that honorary title might suggest. Besides, we'll be seeing a lot of each other, I think." His combed back hair was beign roughled by the wind.<br><br>"And no, I know nothing else but what his Majesty told us. I'm afraid that I am no sage or scholar." He studied the young woman. "Do you? Perhaps some subject of your schooling?" he suggested.<br><br>Zhal turned to the view and seemed to look beyond it. "I'd normally try to find information from people. Sending out word through merchants and sailors, through cuthroats and knights. But in this case, I don't really know where to seek."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 11:55:23</strong>
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				"Ah. Zhal, then." Her thick hair, which had been loose around her shoulders, now tumbled and twisted in the winds of the higher elevation. Lorryn absently pulled it back and tied it securely, thoughtfully, as she listened to him.<br><br>"I know a little of the amulets, but most of what you would hear from merchants and sailors are fruitless rumors. I only know about the amulets themselves, because my people were the holders of the old legends about them." The story was well known around the court, of Lorryn's true heritage. Her nomadic blood, to be sure, was what gave her such striking looks. It was acknowledged, of course, but it was long known that the nomadic tribes had been wiped out years ago. There was no danger to be had from a single mage.<br><br>"Our old stories told of one amulet that was created by the goddess of creation, who could transform into a phoenix of light. When her six daughters fought over who would get to wear the amulet everyday, the Phoenix of Light split the amulet into six, one for each. And when these six heavenly birds created this world, their amulets were also locked into the very spots where they fell." Lorryn was silent after that, obviously considering the story again. "It was said among our people that the key to the locations of the amulets lay in the prophecy itself, written for the day when the Phoenix of Light rises again. However, nobody has ever found the true locations, and those who go looking do not often return to tell of it."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 13:11:31</strong>
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				Zhal smiled, faintly. "I think His Majesty has chosen wisely."<br><br>He let his hand run through his hair. "I'm sure you've tried to match some of this vague poetry to known geographical features; either in name or nature? And while it seems some of those lines seem to allude to deserts or mountains or shadows or seas, how would one go about finding these things even if you were in the right part of the land?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 13:29:21</strong>
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				At his question, she chuckled. "The amulets are magical in nature, and for one of them, I am quite certain that you will be in need of a water mage to retrieve. I believe that is why I was also chosen - my heritage makes me all the more able to find them, or so the King probably believes."<br><br>Lorryn gazed out over the horizon, where the sun was already making its way to end its day's journey. She counted the mountains she could see in the distance - first the highest, then four to its right, just beneath the setting sun and surrounded by forest - then pointed for Zhal's benefit, her arm steady as she indicated their first destination.<br><br>"That hill, in that forest. I believe it holds the Amulet of Fire. I would not have known but just last week I had passed through the region, chasing bandits, and made an unlucky stumble into the ground. The old rocks of that land have the smell of liquid fire - a dormant volcano, I suppose you call it," she murmured tonelessly.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 13:43:49</strong>
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				"How convenient." Zhal said. "In that case, I think we should make our way there first. Unless you have theories about the other amulets that might be on the way." He held no illusions that this would be a simple quest. In fact, he doubted they would succeed at all.<br><br>"Is there anything I should be wary of. Anything I need to bring, in terms of equipment or other...resources?" He did not specify what that might be, leaving the mage to answer on her own accord.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 14:09:44</strong>
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				She glanced at him in consideration, turning the words of his question over in her head. "I think it would be faster traveling by horseback. As you would know the Palace Quartermaster better than I, it might be best if you went to him personally and asked for supplies - in the way of food and such. We might or might not be climbing cliffs, and well..."<br><br>Now, Lorryn shrugged. "To be honest, I've not a clue what supplies we'll need. This puzzle is one that has not been solved in all the time of its existence, and those who might give us the wisdom of their experience do not yet live."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 09:19:41</strong>
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				"Very well. I shall prepare myself for...anything." Zhal raised one eyebrow, slightly amused. "I should be ready by noon, with two horses and supplies." He crossed his arms over his chest.<br><br>"While it does not seem like anyone else should be finding these amulets any time soon, I think we should try to keep a good pace, and not linger. Unless you have any other preperations you need to make."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 09:47:33</strong>
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				"Ah - as to that." She already had her own horse, and wouldn't need another. However, supplies were one thing that Zhal could obtain easily, that she could not. "I have my own horse, so I will return to the palace on the morrow, at the breaking of dawn. I think we should leave early."<br><br>She sighed and walked a few paces down, her gaze steady on the horizon, as if it held her future somewhere beyond the confines of the palace. And it did - Lorryn had always yearned to leave this place. She had never truly been a part of the intrigues that swirled around the courtiers of the King's Court, but had also been separate from the academic and scholarly achievements sought by the kingdom's wisest and most powerful mages. And always, Lorryn had looked beyond the walls of the capital for her future. She hoped to find some measure of escape on this mission - to find some place where she could belong.<br><br>"That is sound logic. Since the discovery of the prophecy, rumor among bounty hunters has it that there are no few treasure hunters seeking to claim these amulets for themselves... and if Morovia has also heard tell of this prophecy, their king may well do the same as ours. For power and riches." She pursed her lips, wondering how successful they might be. Would they, too, travel in search of the amulets, only to die for their king's greed and power-lust?
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tom</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 10:12:55</strong>
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				The spymaster watched the mage leave, some part of him was pleased at the sight of her hips swaying.&nbsp; "Until the morning then. For power and riches...to the king." He added.<br><br>He remained on the wall, watching the horizon for some time. He had a few aces he would make sure to put up his sleeve before they left. Arranging with a horse and provisions was obviously no problem. He made sure to find some appropriate garb as well; something quite anonymous.<br><br>The next morning he rode slowly from the stables to the gates, a small pack on his back and some more gear in the saddle bags. He travelled lightly.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Phoenix Rising [Tom &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>24-08-2008, 13:09:32</strong>
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				The rest of the night passed as it should have - uneventfully and slowly. For Lorryn, it was a busy night, as well, when Kastadel and she returned. She digged through all the things she had saved, maps and little things that might be of potential use sometime in the future, of all the places she had traveled.<br><br>And finally, with some trepidation, she took down the map of the continent she had slowly begun to create magically, from reading and traveling and tales told by other travelers. It was a work of art - appearing to be a map on plain, oiled canvas outwardly, but transforming into something entirely different with the touch of her magic. An illusion would appear above the map, showing the terrain... the actual mountains and trees and roads on the map. It was yet incomplete, but... it had a lot of potential, definitely.<br><br>And so the night passed, and in the morning, as dawn made its first hints at the horizon, Lorryn saddled up, all of her wordly possessions strapped and stored in the bag just behind her bedroll, at the back of the saddle. She trotted up to the palace, getting a nod from all the guards as she passed, and finally arrived at the gates, arriving at the same time that Zhal did.<br><br>"I'll take my half the provisions," she said, nudging her horse beside his and extending her arm to take the bags.
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