[Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Pinot on 04-10-2011, 00:55:28</h2>
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				Title: <strong>[Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>04-10-2011, 00:55:28</strong>
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				<strong>First post reserved for setting information and character bios</strong><br><br><strong>Maps</strong><br>Celanta (http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3649/celantam.jpg)<br><br>Taldoran outpost: at <strong>Salay</strong>, in the north<br><br>Chelaxian outpost: at <strong>Myrs</strong>, to the northwest<br><br><br><strong>Pictures</strong><br>Celeste (http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/4140/celester.jpg)<br><br>Maia (http://209.85.62.26/5941/107/upload/p7610749.jpg)<br><br><br><strong>Dramatis Personae</strong><br><br>Maia Ulduvai, a Skypalm and survivor of the Ulduvai Catastrophe, of the Shory people<br><br>Celeste d'Aubec, Imperial Researcher of the Empire of Taldor<br><br><br>Galadon Albercroft, Governor-General of Salay<br><br>Pasara Legrand, Magus (highest ranking wizard) of Salay<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>04-10-2011, 00:58:34</strong>
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				Taldor, a faded empire with dreams of returning to glory. Cheliax, a corrupt land ruled by diabolists and devils that sought to maintain its dominance over the Inner Sea region at all costs. The empires could not be more different, but when a merchant vessel was blown off course and returned to port with tales of an isle thought lost to legend, both Taldor and Cheliax found themselves with the same purpose. To explore the lost isle, Celanta, and search for the famed civilization of the Shory people and the power they once wielded.<br><br>Taldor arrived first, establishing an outpost at the ruined city of Salay in the north. Under the command of governor-general Galadon Albercroft, the Taldoran forces began to reclaim the city. The forest of tents lining the beach began to dissolve as old buildings were restored and new buildings constructed.<br><br>A month later, Cheliax ships made port at Myrs in the west. The battle for Celanta was set to begin, but the greatest threat was not the opposing empire; it was the Shory and their legacy.<br><br><hr><br>(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3347/2414507842de74c1ed5bc.jpg)<br><br>A cool ocean breeze blew through the open window. Bathed in a ray of sunshine, Celeste d'Aubec did not mind despite her scant clothing, a white silk camisole and underskirt trimmed with lace. She was far too absorbed in her notes to mind the weather, which had been perfect for late summer in any case, warm and clear.<br><br>At 26 years of age she was one of the youngest scholars in the expedition, but also one of the most devoted and ambitious. The daughter of minor nobles too insignificant to even have titles, she'd had to earn her place at the Academy of Magic in Oppara, where she had specialized in ancient languages and civilizations. It was that expertise that had in turn earned her a place in the expedition and a chance to prove herself. At first it was a fascinating adventure, but of late life had fallen into a dull routine. Search the ruins by morning, translate and write by afternoon, continue writing by evening. It was only when the governor-general declared a freeday that she could really go out and explore as she wanted, and look for remnants of the Shory civilization and culture. <br><br>Freedays were also when she could exchange her wizard robes for a dress cut low in the bodice and go carousing , but lately she had grown weary of that, too. The soldiers were too coarse for her taste and the other scholars seemed uninterested in her charms. There was a pretty, blonde alchemist's assistant that she had met a few times for trysts, but when the last fleet had arrived she had sailed off with it and returned to Taldor.<br><br>Was there no end to this frustration? With a sigh, Celeste set her notes aside and decided she had better get ready. Venturing to the wardrobe, she chose ice blue robes and secured them about her slender waist with a belt of gold links. Runes shimmered along its sleeves and hem, wards against danger. She was sitting at her mirror and brushing her long brown hair when a tap came at her door. <br><br>She opened it to find Lynn, the older scholar whom she shared the restored house with. "Captain Dugald is here, and impatient."<br><br>At that Celeste rolled her eyes, recalling the captain's scowl whenever she requested to stop and copy some symbols, or take a closer look at a fresco. "He's earlier each day. It's like he prefers standing at the gates as opposed to exploring the city." Escorting scholars seemed to the least popular of the soldiers' duties, and the latest arrivals were the ones assigned to it.<br><br>She said good-bye to Lynn, took up her staff and pouch of writing materials, descended the stairs, and went out the front door to find Dugald wearing a sour expression behind his neatly trimmed brown beard. "Good morning, captain," she said sweetly and gave a little curtsy, and in turn received a grunt and a slight nod. Enthusiasm wasn't one of Dugald's best traits. Nor was he much for talking, despite her countless attempts to start a conversation.<br><br>"Let's be going, lass," Dugald said, and she followed him across the courtyard to the gates where half a dozen mounted guards in chain hauberks waited. They had brought her a horse; she climbed into the saddle and they were off. The buildings lining the road were a curious mix of old- white stone reinforced with timber and plaster- and new, roughly hewn wood. They passed row upon row of wagons heaped with stone and wood, and the sounds of hammers and saws came from all around.<br><br>Soon they arrived at the wooden gates that marked New Salay's boundaries. The guards at the gates waved them through, and then they were entering the ruins proper. While the coastal buildings were in better condition, the expanse of city to the south and east was a wasteland of shattered stone. Here was a tower that had collapsed upon itself; there was the remnants of a four story structure that had been sliced in half as if by a giant sword. Celeste shivered in spite of herself, not able to imagine who or what could have done such a thing. They followed the ancient road as it wound to the south, then cut to the east along a narrower road into an unexplored part of the ruins. <br><br>It looked to be a day like any other, Celeste thought, as she dismounted and took out quill and parchment to copy some script lining an arch.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>05-10-2011, 18:21:59</strong>
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				Ulduvai, an immense city that was once an airborne paradise in ages long passed. These days however, it was a rumour. A legend. A myth chased by adventurers and others with intents ranging from nationalist to self-serving greed to pure curiosity. <br><br>While Taldor and Cheliax built their camps and set forth to chase after tales, Ulduvai prepared and sent out one of its own. A lone woman of Shory heritage with a strange story all her own and intents as of yet unknown. <br><br>It may have been a day like any other for those from Taldor but for the woman watching them from higher ground, it was about to become the day that would change everything.<br><br><hr><br>After years of dodging beasts and monsters that couldn't even be categorized back at home, spying on a camp of well-armed humanoids almost seemed safe. Of course, there was no guarantee that they were more than well-armed raiders. But then again, they didn't exactly demolish everything in sight in search of riches. While that was relieving to notice, Maia still wasn't about to walk right into their main camp and hope for the best. It was a good thing she was quick on her feet, as it made following them rather easy...though, loud as they were, it would have been difficult to lose track of them, either way. <br><br>Still, it felt strange to watch humans interact after centuries in her ruined home with just her father and countless dangers as company. It gave her a sense of longing for the life she had before everything went wrong. Every time they smiled, she smiled herself without realizing it. Every time they laughed, she wanted to be in on the joke. A part of her wished she were one of those riding with them, like the robed woman in their company. Of course, observing and feeling envious weren't the reasons her father sent her to seek others out, something she reminded herself of quite frequently. Though she still didn't like the idea of putting herself at risk by approaching so many well-armed humans, this was probably as small a group as she'd ever see without waiting even longer. <br><br>She closed her eyes and brought her hands together in a brief moment of meditation to steel herself before she thought, "<em>Please don't shoot first.</em>" then approached them with a deliberate lack of stealth. Better they be aware than surprised, right? <br><br>Before them appeared a young woman with long dark hair and soulful dark eyes shot through and speckled with faint gold. A sheepish, disarming smile touched her lush lips until her approach and something apparently off about her began to frighten the mounts. She bit her lip as she stopped in place with an embarrassed blush on her cheeks. "<em>Okay... That's not helping.</em>"<br><br>Her skin was soft, brown, and seemingly dusted over with reflective glitter in random places and her ears were somewhat large and pointed. She was clad in brilliant, sheer white from her chest to her hips. A thin-strapped gown covered her torso and was cut short with high slits on the side. She wore a thin vest that tailed behind her like a small cape and her fingerless gloves rose well above her elbows. Only the shallow cut marking her left cheek, brown leather thigh-high boots, and frayed edges and slight tears along the edges of her fabrics indicated any ruggedness. Delicate yet nimble and glowing with possible magical strength, her figure was touched with a combination of lean athletism and petite, pert bosoms in her upper body to shapely hips and full, supple thighs lower on.<br><br>Maia cleared her throat in nervousness as she thought "<em>Please work.</em>" of the tiny, gold hairpin adorning her hair, then spoke in their language "Greetings, friends!" She paused and looked puzzled at how strange the foreign words sounded coming from her own lips as well as how stupid her first words might have sounded to them. Suddenly her tone changed from faux-confidence to the soft-spoken and self-concious murmings of someone who probably didn't get out much. "I ah..." What was wrong with her? Didn't she rehearse this meeting twenty times in her mind? "<em>Concentrate. Focus. Relax.</em>"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>05-10-2011, 23:43:36</strong>
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				Seated on some stone steps, slate tablet across her knees, Celeste worked diligently at copying the Shoryan symbols. At least until the horses whickered nervously and the guards shouted in alarm.<br><br>She heard a feminine voice saying a greeting, then the hiss of leather against steel as swords were drawn from scabbards. Turning, she saw the guards advancing on a figure in white, a young woman so lovely that she caught her breath. Who was she, and what was she doing alone in the ruins? She was definitely not Taldoran, for she lacked the subtle refinement and etiquette their people were known for, nor did she have the look of a Chelaxian. A native? But they had not found signs of any existing civilization. A shipwrecked traveler, then?<br><br>Celeste set her writing tools aside and, taking up her staff, rose to her feet. A whispered word, a rune traced in the air with her finger, and her eyes gleamed briefly with azure light. The spell let her see the presence of magic, with different colors corresponding to different types. And the aura about the intruder was- she blinked and suppressed a gasp of astonishment when she saw the swirling nimbus of rainbow color. Too subtle to be anything dangerous, but it was there, and she had never seen its like before. What did it mean? She wanted to know more; it was her calling as a wizard and scholar.<br><br>The guards had moved to within a few paces of the woman, forming a semicircle about her. Their expressions were wary and guarded, except for one who wore an amused grin. "Look, some new lands to conquer," he laughed, but a glare from Captain Dugald silenced him.<br><br>"Who are you, girl? And what are you doing here?" Dugald demanded. His brown eyes were set with suspicion, his sword raised threateningly.<br><br><em>How foolish</em>, Celeste thought. She was glad Dugald had intervened, but he had continued the threats, baring steel even though the woman wanted to parley. This was no way to treat someone who seemed uncertain and crestfallen. And so she walked forward, past the ring of guards; one tried to stop her, but she gave him a stern glance and he hesitated.<br><br>Her curious blue gaze met the other woman's dark eyes, and then her full lips twitched into a smile and she gave a short curtsy. "Please forgive our dear captain. I'm afraid he has been away from home for so long, he's forgotten his manners. I am Celeste d'Aubec, imperial scholar of the empire of Taldor. I should like to consider us friends, but I cannot say I know you."<br><br>She was aware of Dugald's angry stare at her back, but chose to ignore him. He was a good soldier, but a poor diplomat, and it was the social graces that would serve them now. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>06-10-2011, 05:50:06</strong>
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				The awkward smile and shy blush drained from her face in an instant. The books and tales were right about the uncouth savages from below. No wonder the Shory soared the skies while others were chained to the dirt. She carefully stepped away as they advanced, making sure to keep herself a relative distance from them as she held her hands outward but low, showing no threat but also urging them to cease and desist. The guard's comment sparked a look of contempt and disgust and she shook her head in disappointment. These pigs would be the ones she'd have to rely upon to save Ulduvai? A part of her wished she wielded her father's magical power so that she could slay them all in an instant for their insolence. It hissed and slithered in her mind for her to make the lecher's death particularly brutal.<br><br>Discipline and common sense allowed her to push down those monstrous urges. They held the advantage. Gambling on them lacking in proficiency as mud-dwellers would probably be a fatal mistake. Whatever they lacked in skill was probably covered for in savagery. Still, she couldn't let them speak like that and anger seeped into her voice. "You speak to me as if 'I' am the foreigner here when it is you who arrived by ship and built your camp over ancient lands? Unbelievable! I came to you alone, in peace, no weapons drawn, and you respond like this?" She points out their drawn swords. "You lack decency!"<br><br>Why should she even deign to speak to them at all? "I -was- a friend. I -was- someone who intended to greet you warmly and ask for your aid. You are clumsy fools, stumbling blind and making threats at someone who could have told you about this land and what lies farther within!" <br><br>Maia wanted to turn on her heel and storm off to let them get mutilated by the twisted beasts and demons farther inland but she knew better than to turn her back on these louts. She seethed, her fists clenched as she felt the urge to hurl all the insults that could fit in one breath at them. That made it all the more surprising when the robed woman stepped forward, curtsied, and spoke kindly. Much of her tension fell off then and there, though the drawn weapons still gave her reason to be miffed. <br><br>She took a deep breath before she responded, her voice softened and filled with upset. "I can't accept that as an excuse but I appreciate your attempt." She returns the curtsy, though hers is markedly different, a relic of past times. She hesitantly bends at both knees, one slightly in front of the other while she stretches her arms outward like the wings of a soaring bird and lowers her head. "I am Maia Ulduvai of the Shory. A Skypalm and survivor of the Ulduvai Catastrophe. I would like to be on my way if it will not lead to more hostility."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 00:37:43</strong>
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				"The- the Shory? But that's impossible," Celeste gasped. It was so startling a revelation that her eyes had widened, her jaw had dropped. She had researched the Shory at the academy, and everything she had read stated that their civilization had collapsed centuries ago. Yet, as her eyes studied this woman, Maia, in a newfound light, she realized it could be true. Her clothing was of a style she had never seen before, and her coloring matched the images of the Shory she had seen in murals and carvings. And the way she curtsied, it was an old style that was described in records, but she had never seen it performed. Until now.<br><br>Celeste had always dreamed of meeting someone from a lost or forgotten civilization, and now that dream had come true. Except that the guards had deeply upset that someone, and seeing Maia's cheerful greeting turn to anger and loathing was enough to break her heart. <br><br>The guards were muttering amongst themselves, sensing that something had changed. "She's not Chelaxian?" Dugald said.<br><br>That question would have to wait. She had to make this right, somehow. Celeste felt herself bubbling with excitement, but there was also fear, fear that her dream would decide to walk away. She began speaking earnestly. "It's an honor to meet you, Maia. I'm so sorry if we offended you, but we had no idea. There were no signs of civilization, no sign that your people still existed. Please, if you'll give me a chance, I'll explain." Her blue eyes pleaded with Maia, as if the force of her gaze could compel the woman to listen. "You have no idea how much that would mean to me. I've spent half my life studying ancient civilizations, the Shory among them. I've read your history, your legends. About your flying cities. If you can trust anyone on this island, it's me." She smiled wistfully, recalling the countless hours spent pouring over dusty tomes and scrolls.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 08:47:59</strong>
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				"Hmph." She couldn't help a smirk at the girl. "If you keep pressing on, you'll soon find out just how useless a word like 'impossible' truly is. Everything in Ulduvai is 'impossible' but it's there and it's more dangerous than any of 'you' could ever comprehend." A small seed of guilt sprouted in her conscience for speaking so condescendingly, but weapons were still out. No measure of kind words or smiles would be able to counter that fact until the guards practiced some decency.<br><br>Though she didn't understand what a 'Chelaxian' was, she still shot a brief glare their way when she heard the lead guard's unwelcome voice. She looked slightly bored as the young woman offered apologies that were continually hollowed out by the presence of the armed and ready guards. Eventually, she narrowed her gaze and spoke up. "You can make all the excuses you like, but your associates carry themselves as brutish conquerors, not people who have questions about the past." She shakes her head. "It's one thing to read. Another to experience. The Shory are not ancient. Ancient is a word better applied to dusty remnants, not to a woman standing right in front of you." Her expression falters somewhat. "We exist in the here and now...just not as we once did."<br><br>Maia fell silent then, and began to hesitate. Even though her father sent her to retrieve mercenaries, she was filled with the desire to walk away or convince them to go back from whence they came. But then again, the guardsmen were knaves. At least she wouldn't feel all that terrible if they met their end while assisting with her mission in Ulduvai. She was sure she'd have to promise them riches in order to get them to help, anyway. And the more that died to the dangers ahead, the less valuables her people would have to part with because the Shory, unlike these fools, understood what it meant to be a decent person. Well...once freed from their torture, that is.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 19:12:36</strong>
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				One thing was certain; getting information out of Maia was far more difficult than from books. The Shoryan woman had a habit of speaking in riddles. What danger was she hinting at, and what did she mean when she said the Shory did not exist as they once were? Fortunately, Celeste was fond of riddles and good at solving them. The mystery of Maia and the Shory was starting to intrigue her more deeply than anything she had come across before. And though Maia was being difficult, she was unafraid of a challenge. Indeed, she welcomed it.<br><br>First, the swords would have to go. "I don't understand what you mean, but I would like to prove to you we are neither brutes nor conquerors," Celeste said. She spun on her heel to regard the Dugald and the guards. "Captain, tell your men to stand down."<br><br>Duglad bristled. "You might outrank me, but I'm in charge of your safety. How can you be sure she's not a Chelaxian-"<br><br>"I said, stand down!"<br><br>Dugald glowered, but Celeste did not relent, and finally the captain grunted and sheathed his sword. The other guards followed suit. She sighed softly in relief and in trepidation, for she knew this small victory would cost her. Dugald, who had never liked her to begin with, was now an enemy. She hoped she had also made a friend.<br><br>"Again, I apologize for our actions," she said, turning back to Maia. "Cheliax is our rival in every way and they have also made port at this isle. They are a corrupt people who worship devils. That you can speak our language convinced me that you were Chelaxian, for how would a native know our tongue? Until I realized there were things about you from another time and place."<br><br>She pursed her lips, thinking. "As much as I would like to continue, these ruins are no place for diplomacy. Is there someplace safe nearby where we could go? Or mayhaps you would be willing to accept the hospitality of our outpost?"<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 00:26:36</strong>
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				Maia furrowed her brow when the guard complained that she might be a 'Chelaxian'. That was the second time she'd heard that from these men and even the hairpin she was using to communicate with them couldn't really tell her about that. It was a good thing that Celeste was willing to explain. Still, she wasn't about to be foolish enough to dare trust any of these people. The guards clearly rushed to the conclusion that she was one of these so-called Cheliaxians. She got the feeling she'd get blades drawn on her all over again if she walked into their outpost.<br><br>Since they already earned her distrust, she got the feeling that the dreaded Chelaxians likely weren't devil-worshippers at all. That sounded more like rumormongering to disparage a disliked people. Perhaps the Chelaxians should have been the one she approached first. She was filled with a measure of regret at not having searched around long enough to find them instead. <br><br>In answer to the first question, she answered, "A light bit of magic woven over something small. Given how quick your men were to draw steel, I can't imagine what would have happened had I approached without something to help me speak your tongue. I doubt you would have listened to a foreign language and pantomiming over this." She quirked her brow and gave them a look of sass before she added in the language of her own, "<em>Or would you?</em>"<br><br>A cold smirk touched her lips. "I'd rather not have to deal with impulsive swordsmen a second time in one day. Your camp might be safe for 'you', but I don't trust any of you enough to walk right into your little setup. We will either walk and talk with your men marching in front of us or with them fargone." She frowned and shook her head. "I'm not even sure I should be giving that much."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 05:27:18</strong>
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				It was one thing to read a language, another thing entirely to hear it spoken. Celeste, who had become nearly fluent in reading and writing the Shoryan tongue, strained to understand what Maia had said. She mouthed it over and over, until she was sure she had the meaning.<br><br>"Your trust will not be misplaced," Celeste answered without hesitation. "Let us follow, then. Captain, we shall return now," she announced crisply. Then, she spoke slowly in Shoryan, making sure to pronounce each syllable distinctly. <em>"I might have listened. The people of Taldor can be surprising."</em><br><br>She hoped she had said it correctly, and that Maia understood she was serious. Both about her studies, and about trusting her.<br><br>Dugald's sour expression hinted at his hatred of her orders, but he complied nevertheless, telling the guards to mount and form up. They returned to the crumbling wall where they had tethered their mounts. Celeste recalled how the horses had shied at Maia's approach, and decided she should walk. It would be more convenient to hold a conversation that way, in any case. She instructed one of the guards to take the reins of her horse, and that they should maintain some distance between them and their guest.<br><br>They set off along the worn road, past shattered buildings. If the Shory still existed, why was this city in such disrepair, Celeste wondered. It was as good a time to broach the subject as any.<br><br>Steeling herself against another cold remark from the Shory woman, she ventured some questions. "You said there was danger about, but our patrols have not found any thus far," she began. "And you said your people are not the same. Might you explain, so I can begin to understand?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 06:49:52</strong>
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				"Because I shall keep it on my person." was Maia's cold reply to the comment on her trust. She furrowed her brow when Celeste gave an order for her men to return and said, "<em>For better or for worse.</em>" in response to the woman's statement about Taldoran's people. Still, she couldn't help a faint smile, though it was quickly replaced by a subtle frown. "I'm sorry, but it's going to take a lot more than words to get any faith out of me. I will walk with you for a short distance, but do not expect me to head into your outpost. I will never forget that your men drew steel and advanced on me first and foremost. Short of an outright attack, there is no worse first impression."<br><br>Still, she visibly relaxed as the guards moved ahead of them though concern touched her expression and she lowered her voice to speak in her own language for Celeste's ears alone. "<em>There's plenty of danger. The Captain of your men looks as if he is growing steadily close to disregarding your authority and starting a mutiny. You seem to be a sober minority amongst a majority filled with bloodlust and recklessness. They clearly wish to believe that anyone they encounter is a so-called 'Chelaxian'. Why look for danger when you can create it?</em>" <br><br>"Your patrols have found nothing because you are still at the outskirts. The farther you head inland, the more twisted everything becomes. These places are a ruin for a reason. Sometimes silence can be the most terrifying alarm of them all." She looks and listens around their surroundings for a moment before she speaks again. "My people. Myself. We are all under a terrible curse. It brought our home down from the sky and altered our forms. Altered everything. Nothing is solid. Everything constantly changes. To gaze upon Ulduvai is to see every known rule get broken and warped. And if you are unwise, you'll destroyed or worse...devoured and cursed just the same. Ulduvai is a prismatic nightmare...and that's just the city. I cannot describe to you what roams our streets."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>09-10-2011, 00:02:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste could only nod at Maia's comments about avoiding the outpost and trusting the guards. In time she hoped to change the woman's impression of her people, but for now there was nothing she could do. Belaboring the point would only lead to more hostility, though she would have liked to explain the enmity between Taldor and Cheliax. Dugald was guilty of overdoing it, but his intentions had been good. She did not doubt his loyalty to Taldor, but Maia did have one thing right. If something untoward were to happen to her, Dugald would not be displeased.<br><br>What Maia had to say was far more important in any case, and she listened with growing astonishment to the woman's story. So that was it. The force that had destroyed the Shory, a people gifted in so many ways. Celeste felt herself growing cold despite walking in the morning sunlight. If this was true, and she had no reason to doubt it... <br><br>"I was never able to discover what happened to your people," she said softly. "References to a disaster, but none that explained it. Oh Maia, that sounds terrible. Your people are cursed, and have been since the fall? Is there no way to stop it, to break it? I am a wizard of some power, and there are more like me from Taldor. We may be able to help, if you'll allow us." She assumed Maia must know some way of breaking the curse or she would not be standing here as a Shoryan, but as some warped creature.<br><br>A power that could bring down an entire civilization was terrible news, indeed. Should such a power fall into the hands of the Chelaxians, she could not imagine what danger Taldor, nay the entire civilized world, would face.<br><br>She was so caught up in Maia's story that she did not notice the ground trembling, as if something large and heavy moved through the ruins behind them. Nor was she concerned when pebbles tumbled from a wall beside her, thinking it was only the breeze.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>09-10-2011, 08:18:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ulduvai was not the only one of our cities that sailed the skies..." Maia said, her tone soft and filled with sadness. "Others fell to conquest, monsters, disease, and other terrible events. Ulduvai was the last. Perhaps you learned of the others. Though...if this disaster you speak of is something you learned from your studies here, then yes. You're absolutely right. It's no surprise that it is a mystery to you because it happened so suddenly. I remember my 'death'." <br><br>She frowned deeply and felt her eyes begin to grow teary. Not even centuries could erase those terrible moments from her. "The death of my innocence. When chaos was unleashed in the city, it warped the bodies of us all and turned us into indescribable beasts. Ever-changing, rotting forms filled with teeth and eyes and intestines and tentacles..." She shuddered in disgust. "Have you ever gone hungry? Imagine that a thousand times over, filling every inch of your body. Hunger, confusion, thirst, anger...every negative feeling you can think of. They kill and eat anything in sight just for a moment of reprieve."<br><br>"Even though my father's magic freed me from the curse, I still have nightmares of being devoured by my cursed form nearly every night. Still have nightmares of roaming as a twisted creature." She opened her mouth to say more, but then finally quieted herself as she started to realize that perhaps she was giving too much away to people she didn't entirely trust. So lost was she in the telling of that tale, that she didn't even pick up on the ground's trembling and tumbling pebbles until then. She froze in midstep and focused to try and read the vibrations as she murmured. "You might get to put that power to the test..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>10-10-2011, 15:57:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste listening in growing horror to Maia's tale of magic gone awry, of her people trapped in monstrous forms. She could not imagine what it was like to live through such a catastrophe, and felt compassion that she was hesitant to convey aside from her worried look and the concern in her voice. She wasn't sure how Maia would take to being touch, to being comforted, and so she only shook her head. "I don't know what that's like. It all sounds horrible, and I can only imagine the things you've seen and felt. I can only offer my sympathy, and my aid. Your father was only able to save you? With more help, might he be able to rescue-"<br><br>But before she could continue, Maia had stopped with a warning. Celeste froze in place too, trying to figure out what the other woman had noticed, when the crash of falling stone came from behind them. She gasped, whirling about.<br><br>What she'd thought was a dream was fast becoming a nightmare. Two creatures flowed towards them. At first they were a wall of flesh and writhing tentacles, bunched up into an alleyway, but as they entered a courtyard they flattened, spreading across the flagstones like eggs in a pan. Jaws and fangs, pincers and claws, arms and legs, eyes and mouths were scattered across the bodies seemingly at random, as if mocking the rules of physiology. Even as she watched, some of the appendages were absorbed into the greenish-purplish mass, only to be replaced by others.<br><br>Battles were not her specialty. Her mouth had gone dry, and her hands shook slightly as she raised her staff. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that the guards had turned about, but were waiting, making no move to advance. The chaos creatures were gaining speed; if they ran, they would be caught before they reached the captain and his men.<br><br>What should she do? She could blast them with fire, make the earth erupt in an explosion, call a bolt of lightning from the sky. But had Maia not just finished explaining that her people were changed into beasts, and described the very things now oozing towards them?<br><br>"Maia? These things, can we stop them, without hurting them?" she said.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 03:15:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No. They're relentless." Maia said as she peeled down one of her gloves and revealed a large, prismatic gash running up the entirety of her forearm. "All we can do is fight and hope that they get the message and leave to seek easier prey." She extended her arm and the wound quickly opened to shoot out a large and wide, blue and green cluster of what looked to be ink, exotic vines, and tentacles. Before the matter could land on the ground it suddenly reshaped and solidified into the form of a misshapen quarterstaff. Her expression became a mixture of sober sadness and grim readiness as she seized the weapon in her hands. "If not, we'll have no choice but to slay them."<br><br>"Soldiers!" She shouted back to the guards, "Their touch can reduce you to their likeness! Avoid it if you can and steel yourself if you can't!" She slightly bent at the knees as those last words left her lips, then sprung into action, rushing at the closest beast and leaping into the air, her staff spinning before she brought it down with all her might with a crashing blow aimed at what passed for its current face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 23:09:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whatever cure had been performed on Maia was apparently incomplete. Celeste tried to observe with a researcher's cool detachment, but could not help feeling disturbed by the wound and its contents, and at the same time, fascinated. The rainbow aura she had earlier glimpsed was starting to make sense.<br><br>No time to dwell on that now. <em>Focus</em>, she thought, as the other woman charged. Celeste looked into the distance beyond the onrushing creatures, and the sights and sounds of the world about her abated as she sought the spark of her magic. She was dimly aware of Dugald cursing, of swords being drawn and the thump of hoofbeats drawing nearer, drowning out the creatures' vibrations. There was a sickening thump as Maia's staff connected, flesh splattering, bones crunching, and an answering roar from many mouths at once.<br><br>Although all wizard magic came from a single source, the Weave that bound all things, not all approaches to its use were the same. Some relied on an object as a focus, others on runes traced in the air or on an object, still others on chants and intoned words, all designed to create a center about which the surrounding world could be reshaped. <br><br>For Celeste it was more about feeling, about sensing the magic and coaxing it to do her bidding. There was strength in the stone and earth beneath her feet, and the warmth of fire borne by sunlight. And she felt the untapped potential in the shifting of the breeze and in the distant surge of the ocean. All these and more she called upon, forming her magic, feeling it burn white-hot within her. With a fierce shout she pointed her staff. Lightning flared from the sky, arcing towards the second creature, consuming it in crackling brilliance. But when the light faded with a peal of thunder, she cried out in dismay. Small fires burned here and there, singeing hair or flesh, but it had escaped almost unharmed. The chaos surrounding the creatures had shielded them, she realized, a stronger form of Maia's aura that had fought the ordered purpose of her spell.<br><br>Eyes, some huge and unblinking, some faceted like insects, swiveled towards her, and jaws and mouths opened hungrily. The beast was close enough for her to smell the sickening sweetness of charred flesh, and the charnel odor of decay. She whispered a word, called upon the remnants of her last spell to power another, and her long brown hair and robe stirred as if blown by a breeze, though none was felt. Light as a feather, she leaped aside as claws rent the air where she had stood a moment before.<br><br>There was a flash of steel as Dugald rode by. The other guards trailed in his wake, pieces of flesh flying as they hacked with swords. <br><br>Meanwhile, the beast facing Maia drew itself up, rising into a column thrice her height. Shrill screams came from its mouths as it descended towards her in a mass of piercing spikes and savage claws.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 06:05:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though she didn't dare look elsewhere to confirm it, Maia smirked as she felt and glimpsed the effects of arcane magics from a corner of her vision. That the guards drew steel and charged in behind her was a relief, though she wasn't entirely sure who they were aiming for until she heard the sounds of swords cutting through flesh not her own. Still, she had her own problems to contend with as the chaos beast reshaped itself to tower above her. As it fell, she spun to its side, her staff moving along with her to smash it once in passing, then twice more as she rotated the weapon's ends along with her body.<br><br>But this was chaos she was fighting and even though she was familiar with it, every fight was different. She dodged the majority of its attack but its sickening array of fangs and claws tore into the skin of her right arm after her last swipe. She let out a noise that was both a pained murmur and the onset of illness as her arm began to lose its shape and shift colors, forcing her to drop the staff. Her discipline and focus won out in the end though, and her arm became solid once more before she countered with a left hook, followed with a solid roundhouse kick to whatever passed for its 'back', and a high spinning kick a foot higher. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 11:00:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Flame roared through the air to no avail, fading to a few sparks and a hiss as it neared the chaos creature. Celeste grit her teeth in frustration. No matter what she tried, fire or ice, lightning or wind, the creature had weathered it like rain on oilcloth. Even the shield she had tried to place about Dugald and his men had crumbled at a touch of the swirling rainbow aura.<br><br><em>If I can't solve the riddle of it, I'll be forever at this thing's mercy,</em> she thought grimly. Even worse, Taldor's armies relied heavily upon wizards for support. If these creatures existed in numbers as Maia had implied, an invasion could prove devastating, for they had not the forces to otherwise withstand an assault.<br><br>The guards had surrounded the second creature, chopping off bits and pieces as they cornered it against a wall. Maia stood alone against the other, so graceful that Celeste could only watch, entranced by the flow of footwork and staff. But the spell was broken when the other woman gasped in pain and dropped the weapon.<br><br>She could not stand helplessly and watch, not when Maia, armed only with a staff as well, fought fearlessly. And so she rushed forward to help, striking with staff instead of spell. A solid hit between two of the creature's eyes sent it reeling, but that hardly compared to what Maia did bare-handed. The force of the woman's attacks crumpled flesh and shattered what lay beneath, and when she was done the creature lay scattered across the cobblestones, eyes staring blankly, mouths uttering their last shrieks and moans.<br><br>Winded, Celeste leaned heavily on her staff. She noted how blood dripped from a cut along Maia's arm, and how her skin near the injury seemed discolored. "You're hurt," she murmured in concern. "I have-"<br><br>A horrible scream sent a chill down her spine. Turning, she saw that the guards had finished off the second creature, but one of them, a dark haired youth named Malhar, had fallen to his knees. And not out of choice, for his right leg was changing even as she watched, growing bulbous and festering.<br><br>Dugald was crouched behind him, protectively holding his shoulders as he moaned and thrashed about. "Can't you do something?" he shouted. "Someone, help him!"<br><br>Celeste could feel herself paling. "Can it be cured?" she asked Maia, fearing the answer.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 11:54:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After delivering those final blows, she hopped back with the expectation that the creature would try to latch on in some sort of last ditch effort. She was surprised and relieved when it did not, but that didn't make anything easier for her. This was once a person like herself... One of the Shory. "Forgive me." She murmured as she slowly lowered her hands.<br><br>But before she could answer to Celeste's concern, the scream caught her attention and she glanced back. She then carefully backed away from the downed beast before she moved to the boy's side and reached over to lay a tender hand on his cheek to try and calm him as she spoke. "Short of powerful healing magics or potions, this will be a test of his willpower and inner strength." <br><br>Maia moved her hands down to gently take his and lightly squeeze them if she could. "Please focus not on what is happening to you. Focus instead on me. Look to me and push the changes away. I've done this countless times. You can do it, too." She gave him a warm, disarming smile. "Close your eyes and shape yourself through your mind. Remember your body as it was and force it back to that state. Refuse to let it change you. Defy the curse."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>13-10-2011, 11:03:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"There are priests at our outpost, but no time to reach them," Celeste said. It seemed they had no choice but to trust in Maia's guidance. She came to kneel beside Malhar so she could observe. Her wizard's sight revealed a nimbus of color surrounding the youth's leg. She stared at the aura in loathing, feeling as if it was taunting her with her lack of understanding. <em>But that won't last,</em> she thought. <em>I will learn its secrets, so that no one else is hurt and the Chelaxians cannot use it against us.</em><br><br>Maia's touch seemed to calm Malhar; he groaned, eyes closing, and ceased his thrashing. Sweat beaded his forehead and his face was drawn in sharp lines of fear and pain. Whether he was lucid enough to understand was anyone's guess, but when Maia took his hands, his fingers tightened on hers. The corruption slowed, then stopped; but did not revert to normal.<br><br>Malhar's fingers fell slack, and his features smoothed a little. He groaned again, head lolling, as if he were somewhere between sleep and wakefulness.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>13-10-2011, 18:37:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We're going to have to make the time, then." Maia replied as she gave the fellow's hands another tender squeeze. "He'll only be able to keep this down for so long without aid. But until then..." She looked to Celeste, "Do you know any spells that can toughen his skin or control his shape until we get back to your camp? He doesn't deserve this. I don't think anyone does." Though a part of her still felt agitated and distrustful of the guards, she doubted she could ever be angry and hateful enough to wish her curse on another.<br><br>She released his hands and leaned over him to speak soothingly by his ear. "We're going to get you some help. You'll beat this, I'm sure of it." She didn't want to think of what they'd have to do if he couldn't hold it together. The Shory woman looked to the guard captain. "You should probably take his load off of him for the rest of his trip. If his form shifts, he'll not be able to hold onto it anyway. Or worse, he might get choked or strangled by it."<br><br>Maia moved away from the men to let them do that and to listen and look around in the case that there were more of her cursed people roaming nearby. She shook her head as she mulled over it, "<em>They shouldn't be this far from the city. Unless they...no.</em>" They couldn't have followed her, could they? She looked back to the others. "With luck, there won't be anymore of my, well... My people this far out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>13-10-2011, 21:21:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whatever reservations Celeste still had faded when she saw Maia's concern. The Shoryan woman had done everything in her power to help. Surely even Dugald was swayed, or so she hoped. At least the scowl had left his face, and he was nodding as he listened to Maia's instructions. He undid buckles and stripped off Malhar's hauberk, shirt, and swordbelt.<br><br>Transformation magic was not Celeste's specialty, but there was nothing to do but try. "I know a few," Celeste said. "Captain, please stand aside. There could be a reaction." She waited until he had moved, gently lowering Malhar to the ground, before summoning her magic. Its warm glow filled her. She turned her thoughts to earth and stone, suffusing him with their strength. At once his skin began to darken. Dull, grey, and strong as granite. But when the changes reached his leg, there was a flare of rainbow light and she could feel her spell unraveling. <em>No!</em> She closed her eyes, pouring all her strength into her magic, holding nothing back. It burned within her like a new star, and she thought she might burst from the pressure.<br><br>With a gasp she fell heavily to her knees, staff clattering to the ground. She felt as though she had spent an entire day lifting rocks. Did it hold? Dreading what she might find, she raised her head, and heaved a sigh when she saw Malhar's stony skin. <br><br>"Time is made," she announced as she rose wearily to her feet. "Captain, get him on a horse and ride ahead. Take one other with you, and leave the rest with me." For once he did not argue with her, and a cloud of dust rose in the wake of three galloping horses.<br><br>Celeste dragged herself to where Maia was surveying the ruins. "I wanted to thank you, for everything you've done," she said, and then a note of sorrow crept into her voice. "And I am sorry for what you had to do. It cannot be easy, knowing these were once your people. I wish to offer what aid I can. Will you come with us to the outpost, as an emissary of the Shory? Governor-general Galadon will wish to speak with you."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>15-10-2011, 18:53:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Malhar was lowered and Celeste prepared to cast, Maia took a moment to make her way back to her weapon and reclaim it. But instead of picking up, she reached out and absorbed it back into her arm in a reversal of the process she used to create it. That done, she turned to watch just as the spell was finished and a faint smile touched her lips at the results. Though she felt a touch of concern when Celeste dropped to her knees, the woman was back up soon enough on her own.<br><br>She made her way back over to her observation spot after watching the horses gallop off for a few moments, then looked over to Celeste with another faint smile at the gratitude. "I'm surprised you would say that." She looked away and a light blush coloured her cheeks as she retrieved a small vial of blue liquid from her belt. "I didn't really seek you out to do this. I sought you to 'ask' for help but I never imagined it'd turn out like this. I always pictured I'd ask your people, guide your people, and you'd ride in and save the day. My father said it wouldn't be that easy but you know kids." She paused to correct herself, the shy maiden she was before the hostilities coming back to the fore. "Well, not in the literal sense. I'm centuries old, but I mean ah... Well, you know. Right?" <br><br>Maia frowned as she voiced her newfound thoughts and feelings. "But after seeing what happened to that lad... After watching him nearly get turned into yet another devourer, I'm not so sure I can take you to Ulduvai. I want to help my people but I don't want to make this worse. If we failed -I mean, assuming you'll help- it'd just mean more suffering. They eat what they haven't changed." <em>I should be stronger than this...</em><br><br>She shook her head at the apology then sipped the contents of the vial to magically mend the wounds on her arm. "It's not." She then met Celeste's gaze with worry on her features. "I can try. But wouldn't they just react the same as your guards did? What if they try to blame me for what happened?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>16-10-2011, 18:49:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maia was wavering. All she needed now was a gentle push, but which way would her decision fall? Celeste sensed this was her one last chance to dispel Maia's concerns.<br><br>Blue eyes met dark, and Celeste smiled. "And he probably said, 'Nothing worthwhile is ever easy'? My instructors at the academy were fond of that saying."<br><br>Her smile faded, and she took one of Maia's hands in her own; she would have taken both, but her legs trembled and she was forced to lean heavily upon her staff. "I do not know what it is like to be the last of a people, and it must be very hard. But I know what it's like to be alone, and you need not be. I have my reasons for helping, and so will the governor-general. It might be dangerous, but in six thousand years of history, the Empire of Taldor has confronted peril more than once. Let us go, Maia. I am the only Shoryan researcher at our camp, and I report directly to Magus Legrand and the governor-general."<br><br>A pause, then she spoke confidently in the Shoryan tongue. "The guards shall not lay a hand on you. That I promise."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>16-10-2011, 19:54:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shyly looked away when Celeste met her gaze, "Not quite... But it was something like that." then looked down in surprise when her hand was taken. The only human touch she'd known for centuries was that of her father and that was different. The mage's hand was delicate, soft, and warm. But when the woman trembled, Maia's first instinct was to try to catch her. She stepped close and her free hand went to the mage's waist&nbsp; to help with support until she realized Celeste wasn't falling at all. <br><br>Maia backed away then, her cheeks tense with a full-on blush this time as she murmured, "Sorry." then shook her head and went back on topic. "It is hard, but I've always had my father around. He's a mage too." She chuckled lightly, "Funny how that works. I don't think your men will be as quick to befriend me as you have, but I guess it's worth the risk. Maybe you should shout at them that I'm not a 'Chelaxian' when we're close? Do I really look so much like one?"<br><br>A moment passed before she softly asked, "What are your reasons for helping? What will theirs be?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>17-10-2011, 05:10:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maia's touch was unexpected, but not unwelcome. And then she was pulling away, blushing and apologizing. Poor thing, Celeste thought. It had probably been ages since she had spoken with anyone but her father, and that would explain her awkwardness. <br><br>"No apologies are necessary," she said gently. "You don't look like a Chelaxian, not especially. But they have infernals as allies, and some of those can change their shape to resemble whoever and whatever they want. All of us have been on edge since Chelaxians arrived here. They have refused our attempts at diplomacy, and it is said they have spies everywhere, even within our outpost. So you might see why we're cautious."<br><br>One last attempt to explain, and then she would have to go; there was no time left to waste. "I would help because it is my life's work. Fully half of it has been spent studying ancient civilizations. To learn that one still exists and is in danger, yet might be saved, is something I <em>must</em> do. As for the governor general, he is responsible firstly, for our expedition's safety, and secondly, for finding and making allies. Both of which will inevitably lead him to Ulduvai, if what you say is true."<br><br>Celeste motioned to the guards to bring her horse. Although it seemed rude to ride when Maia must walk, she was so exhausted she doubted she could return on foot. "I must go now, both to see to Malhar, and report to my superiors. Will you not join me?" She regarded Maia calmly, awaiting her answer.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Crucible of Chaos (Lunaris and Pinot)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>17-10-2011, 20:19:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Infernals as in?" Maia lifted two fingers to her forehead to indicate horns, "You'll have to forgive me for finding that a little hard to believe. Why would fiends ally themselves with anyone? If anything, it'd turn out like my home." She frowned at those last words and despite the danger, still felt the temptation to see the Chelaxians for herself and disprove what was being said about them. <br><br>She smirked at Celeste's reasoning then quietly murmured, "So you want to preserve a fossil..." before her gaze fell to the ground. "You'll only find two real allies in Ulduvai. Myself and my father. Everything else will be trying to devour or kill us or watching us from above...at least until we end the curse." She shook her head, then. Had she said too much and chased away any potential assistance? She could hear her father's amused voice in her thoughts, calling her his poor, naive little girl.<br><br>She looked up at Celeste's question and mistook it for an invitation to ride on her horse. She pointed towards the equine creature and asked, "You mean... But wouldn't I just frighten it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>18-10-2011, 09:54:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Only someone who had never met Chelaxians could have mocked them in such a way, Celeste thought. Still, perhaps because she was so very tired, she found the display comical, and a short peal of laughter escaped her lips. "Forgive me," she said, when she had managed to restrain herself. "Everything seems funny somehow, when I'm tired. Not quite like that, but yes, infernals. It's not so much an alliance as the fiends taking all the power they can. Queen Abrogail is the ruler in name, but she is only a puppet, and the infernals standing beside her hold the strings."<br><br>At her other comment she added, "Then we shall not expect much diplomacy until the curse is ended."<br><br>The guard drew nearer with the horse. When they came within a few paces of the two women, the animal rebelled, skittering aside with a nervous whinny; only a sharp tug on the reins kept it from fleeing. That was going to make things difficult, Celeste thought, frowning slightly. Whether she rode and Maia walked, or she was forced to walk, both thoughts were equally unpleasant.<br><br>Celeste approached the horse and gently laid a hand aside its head, speaking in soothing tones. "You would indeed frighten it," she said dryly. "But perhaps I can do something about that, too." With the guard's assistance she climbed into the saddle. She could not call upon very much power, but maybe enough to calm the horse, to alter its perception so Maia did not seem such a threat. Closing her eyes, she focused. Her magic was only a faint spark, but it would do. As the spell completed, she slumped in the saddle, breath coming in short gasps.<br><br>The horse had gone docile, no longer eyeing Maia warily. Celeste pressed a hand to her chest, catching her breath, then reached out towards Maia. "It is done. Here, you can sit behind me," she said.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>19-10-2011, 05:57:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maia blushed at the laugh Celeste had at her innocent curiosity, but a touch of mirth came to her lips when she realized that her gesture <em>was</em> pretty silly in retrospect. "How could such a thing come to be?" She wondered aloud before she realized that Ulduvai's situation wasn't all that different...just worse. "Well...at least they aren't turning people into devourers. I think?" <br><br>At the diplomacy comment, she wistfully replied, "Would that there could be."<br><br>She looked away at the horse's reaction and nodded before Celeste's words drew her attention and gaze. The following spellcasting and horse's reaction did much of the same and she tilted her head and slightly pursed her lips afterward, impressed by the success. "Hmm. Well, I guess that helps." That expression melted away quickly however, and was quickly replaced with blinking and a vivid blush at Celeste's spoken offer and extended hand. "You wouldn't mind?"<br><br>Even as she asked that, she accepted and carefully made her way into the seat with extra care taken to avoid putting too much weight on the poor woman as she was pulled up. She was surprised at herself when her first instinct was to huddle against Celeste, though she resisted the temptation and played it off as she shifted about then murmured, "I can't remember if I've ever ridden one of these before. Is there a proper way or...?" <br><br>Still the mental imagery and imagined feeling of snuggling up against another person teased at her mind. She quickly attributed it to loneliness and reading too many novels from the past then realized something else. "Are you going to be okay? This spell isn't something you have to keep casting over and over, is it? Your magic seems to take a lot out of you and I'd rather you didn't faint."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>19-10-2011, 20:03:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>No, they don't turn people into devourers. They just devour people.</em> Celeste did not give voice to her thoughts, as she didn't want to concern Maia needlessly. She would discover the truth about the Chelaxians if and when she met them, which would hopefully not be anytime soon.<br><br>"If I minded I would not have offered." Celeste braced herself in the saddle, for the Shory woman was taller and stronger, but Maia seemed to accept her hand only as a courtesy, climbing up on her own instead. There was a certain blushing shyness about her that made Celeste curious. She had not shown the same timidity towards the guards. <br><br>When Maia had settled behind her, she took the woman's arm and brought it to her waist. "You'll need to be closer," she said, casting a glance over her shoulder, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes, "in case the horse spooks again. Like this." She guided Maia's other arm forward, so that they were sitting closer than Maia perhaps intended, arms clasped about Celeste's waist. "Now, just hold on. There's more to it if we go faster, but then you might end up on the ground."<br><br>She was only being practical, she told herself, as she brought the horse to a brisk walk. At the question of fainting, she shook her head. The breeze had picked up, and wisps of her silky brown hair caught it as she moved, brushing against Maia's face. "It will last until we reach the outpost, so long as we don't delay. Thank you for the concern, however."<br><br>Besides, she was too weary to be very flirtatious. She ached from head to toe, her hair was damply matted to her forehead, and she still felt winded. A warm meal, a bath, and a chance to curl up somewhere dark and quiet occupied her thoughts.<br><br>Two of the guards rode ahead, while the other two followed. Weaving through the ruins, it did not take long for them to reach the broader main road, then the palisade encircling the outpost. The gates were open, with a dozen guards lined up before it; they moved aside upon seeing the riders. The Taldan flag, a green and blue field with gold crown and white lion, flew from a post.<br><br>A crowd had gathered at the plaza beyond the gate. A row of spearmen formed their own palisade about three white-robed priests of Sarenrae, who were kneeling over someone moaning on the ground. Malhar, she realized. Dugald stood nearby, his brow creased with worry. Ranks of laborers, sailors, merchants, and craftspeople formed a milling, murmuring swarm. Lines of carts and wagons slowed as they passed by on the Pier Road, the main thoroughfare, drivers craning their necks to see what had happened. To the left the road curved past reconstructed buildings, to the right it descended along a stone wall to the harbor, where several proud ships of the line bobbed on the waves.<br><br>It was more people than Maia had probably seen for centuries.<br><br>"We'll walk the rest of the way to the palace," Celeste announced, and looked to the Shory woman, expecting her to dismount.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>21-10-2011, 17:37:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a demure smile at Celeste's reply, she found herself completely surprised as she was pulled in closer. Were her skin not brown, it would have been a burning red. Instead, her cheeks glowed with a touch of her wild blush and she stopped breathing as she stared at the mage with wide eyes. <br><br>Eventually, she recovered enough to stammer, "Right. Like this? Wouldn't want to spook the uh, horses." then cleared her throat as she nervously shifted about to make herself more comfortable. Clueless as she was, after the comment about potentially falling off, she wound up moving closer than even Celeste intended and embraced her from behind in the saddle. <br><br>The feeling of the mage's body pressed against hers certainly didn't help things by sparking a mental war. She just wanted to close her eyes, smile and rest her head on Celeste's shoulder and she wasn't even sure why. Part of her mind told her it was because she was an idiot. Another because she was lonely. The mage just wanted to make sure she didn't fall but here Maia was, being selfish and taking advantage of it. But she was supposed to hold on! What was wrong with enjoying it? Ulduvai taught her to take joy wherever she could find it, for it was rare indeed. <br><br>All of that was thrown by the wayside when the horse started moving. She looked down as she was surprised yet again and giggled at the funny sensation of equine muscles working under her bottom and thighs. "This is new." She shook her head in embarrassment. "I mean..." She sighed, "I'm such a fool." <br><br>She blinked when Celeste's hair began blowing against her face and couldn't help a smile. "And thank you for this. For treating me with such kindness when your men would not." Even if it was a ploy, but surely it couldn't be. Right? She quickly pushed her inherent skepticism out of mind before it could taint the simple joy of this ride and of being close to the lovely woman.<br><br>What did snap her out of her trance was their arrival at the outpost. She became alert and she studied every detail she could take in with her eyes and pointed ears. She paused to murmur, "I hope they'll be able to help him." as they passed Malhar then realized she'd been gawking at everything and everyone she'd seen before shrinking against Celeste in embarrassment. <br><br>She distractedly looked up when Celeste said something about walking, "Huh?" then blushed when the meaning dawned on her moments later. "Oh! Um..." But she didn't want to move. She felt safer and warmer this way. She realized she loved the feeling of having another woman pressed against her and she wasn't ready to give that up so suddenly. But this journey wasn't about her. "Right." <br><br>Maia reluctantly slipped off the saddle and onto her feet before awkwardly wobbling at the weird sensation of being on her own feet again. After chuckling at that, she looked up at Celeste and a smile burst onto her lips before she could realize or stop it. She offered a hand even though she had no clue how she was going to help the mage dismount. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>22-10-2011, 10:19:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whatever the cause of Maia's shyness, she seemed to be over it quickly. Her arms pulled them into a tighter embrace that Celeste found all too pleasant. Fond memories of time spent with Thylda, the alchemist's assistant, came unbidden. She let go of them reluctantly.<br><br>"You're welcome," Celeste had said. "Dugald was due for a lesson in manners, in any case."<br><br>Meeting Maia's smile, she grinned and accepted the outstretched hand, warm against her own. She had just reached her own feet when a squad of soldiers in chain armor detached themselves from the crowd. In their midst was Governor-General Galadon Albercroft; he had probably been conducting his usual late morning inspection. A long cloak, half blue and half green, bearing the crown and lion of Taldor was fastened about his shoulders, over a white coat patterned with gold swirls. Time had left his head bald and his beard full, and white as his coat. Beside him walked a dark-haired woman in green robes slashed with white; Magus Pasara Legrand, the highest ranked wizard at the outpost.<br><br>Any romantic notions vanished as her superiors approached. Celeste dropped into a curtsy. "Governor-General. Magus Legrand."<br><br>"Lady Celeste." The governor-general's voice was calm, and soothing. He was not a man of strong passions, as far as Celeste could tell. His command was almost leisurely, even in battle, but he was a skilled tactician and admired by his soldiers. "I understand you've brought us some trouble. As well as a visitor." His brow furrowed as he studied Maia, as if he could not decide what to make of her. "And this is..?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>22-10-2011, 20:19:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I believe so." Maia replied dryly on the subject of Dugald's manners. "I hope he's not as brash if he is to come to Ulduvai. I'm not sure my father would tolerate it and unlike me, he's got powerful magic at his disposal along with centuries of experience in its usage."<br><br>Though she tried to fight it down, she beamed as she helped Celeste off the horse. The arrival of the armored soldiers however, did away with that quickly and Maia steeled herself for another encounter with paranoid men. But there was something different about the leader of this group...something confirmed with the way he spoke. It was a pleasant surprise to encounter a more level-headed soldier though a sheepish smile fell over her lips as she was appraised by the gentleman. <br><br>"Maia Ulduvai of the Shory." She replied in answer to the question. "It's probably better to say that you've all brought yourselves 'into' trouble by coming to this land." She said too much again and blushed when she realized it before she waved her hands and quickly added, "But it's trouble that can be handled with a force this large, I think. And if you seek to learn our history and of things that could better your own society, it could be well worth the effort." The last was said in near-song and with a silly, pasted on smile that made her attempt at persuasion close to a parody of itself. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 07:53:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the mention of Shory, the governor-general looked mildly interested, while Magus Legrand turned her head sharply and studied Maia with keen eyes.<br><br>"Welcome to New Salay, Maia of the Shory," the governor-general said. His eyes moved to Celeste, and she knew what he was about to say. "Shory. Strange, that. I seem to have numerous reports littering my desk, all describing an 'ancient and extinct civilization', to use the author's words."<br><br>"Reports that will soon be amended," Celeste replied. While Galadon had an interest in her research, her speed at writing exceeded his at reading. And now he was likely to be overwhelmed. "But governor, there are more pressing matters."<br><br>"Indeed, but this is not a proper place to discuss them," Magus Legrand said. In contrast to Galadon, her voice held the crisp command of authority. "Let us take them, troubles and all, to the palace."<br><br>Galadon agreed. As his word was law, they proceeded along the road to the left, winding through the outpost.<br><br><hr><br>The palace was an edifice of white stone rising from a cliff overlooking the sea. Once it was probably a cathedral, but whatever gods had been worshipped there had been abandoned long ago. The front half of the structure had been reclaimed, though much work remained to be done. The doors were crude, unfinished wood. Cracks ran through many interior walls, and windows that once held colored glass were now covered in boards or waxed hides. <br><br>The plaza before it had been occupied by men and women practicing at weapons, with swords made of strips of wood bound together, or mock spears padded at one end. Their quarters lay elsewhere; the palace housed the governor-general, Magus Legrand, a few other lords and officers, as well as chambers for meetings and audiences.<br><br>It was one of the smaller rooms that they adjourned to. The table sat no more than ten comfortably. A sideboard held numerous charts and maps, while a row of bookshelves held volumes on Taldan history and law. Oil lamps cast a soft, pleasing glow. Two guards were stationed outside, who at times interrupted the proceedings to admit servants with trays of food and wine, and Dugald and his guards, who were called upon to give their account of events.<br><br>Most was described by Celeste and Maia, however. Galadon listened patiently, now and then making a comment or asking a question, but was content to let Magus Legrand do most of the interrogating. Sunset was approaching by the time they were done, and Celeste found herself stifling yawns and struggling to keep her eyes open.<br><br>Galadon sat with crossed arms, lips moving as if he were repeating things to himself. Finally, he nodded. "I will need another day or two to decide. An expedition of that size will put us several weeks behind schedule, not to mention that splitting our forces will make us easier prey for Cheliax. If I were a Chelaxian and wanted to attack this outpost, I would spin a story much like the one you tell. However, these creatures and their aura of chaos lend credence to your story, and explain things we did not previously understand. I make no promises, but Taldor always welcomes allies and does not shrink from danger."<br><br>Celeste hoped his answer was sufficient. She knew Galadon had to be careful, for Chelaxians had played such tricks in the past. But she had no doubt that Maia's story was true. From the very first day they had arrived on Celanta, the wizards had noticed interference that wreaked havoc with some of their spells. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 22:10:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maia's curious gaze wandered over everything and everyone it could reach as she was led into the palace and around its interior. Though the architecture didn't draw any gasps from her, she couldn't stop herself from staring at the people they passed. Once they were in the quarters, her shyness and awkwardness became melancholy as she recounted the tale of her people and the fall of Ulduvai as far as she'd known. But then, she wondered what was being spoken of at the mention of scheduling. For what? Excavation? She became slightly annoyed that they prioritized raffling through things about her people above actually meeting and helping them. It was not unlike a houseguest trying to go through one's closets before addressing the host.<br><br>She closed her eyes and shook her head at yet another mention of Cheliax. That and the early actions of the guards in Galadon's employ made his words about welcoming allies and not shrinking from danger seem hollow. "This...quarrel you have with your rivals is a bit of a nuisance, to be honest. And what is it that you're scheduled for? You speak as if this is 'your' land and as if 'I' am the guest here. The Shory have been here for centuries. You can spend months dusting off abandoned objects and trying to restore buildings or you can move forward and get concrete answers from those that still live, including myself."<br><br>"You're not going to find a lot on these grounds. Ulduvai sailed the skies before it landed here. These ruins are places of people that lifted their gazes skyward in awe and wonder of the Shory and those lucky few merchants that traded with us. Your excavations will lead to patchwork at best. If your goal is to learn of the Shory, you'll find more in Ulduvai than in the ruins around it. The city may be cursed and the architecture warped, but our libraries have been kept intact for the most part."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>27-10-2011, 07:25:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Intact libraries.</em> That thought was intriguing enough that Celeste failed to note the look of growing annoyance on Magus Legrand's face. It did not take long for that annoyance to erupt.<br><br>"Do you take us for fools? Of course we intend to move on." Magus Legrand was all frowns. "You seem to have spent too much time looking down on others," she said.<br><br>At the same time, Celeste said, "This is a misunderstanding! Do not be so quick to judge."<br><br>"Enough," Galadon interrupted. For once his voice had an edge to it, and his grandfatherly eyes had gone stern. Celeste felt like cringing, but held her ground as his eyes met hers, then Magus Legrand's, then Maia's. "Maia Ulduvai, I understand this is your home and your people. It must be frustrating to have to wait on us. We cannot, however, proceed faster. The schedules are for our defenses. Cheliax is so much more than a nuisance, they are the main reason we must have guards and walls. I must speak with my commanders and discuss how many soldiers we can afford to send. A day or two, as I said. If this outpost is overrun then we will not be able to help you at all."<br><br>A knock came at the door. Galadon glanced in that direction, then returned his gaze to Maia. "Does that answer your questions, and do you find it satisfactory."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>01-11-2011, 05:48:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maia glared when the Magus first spoke, then looked stunned when the woman being accused of spending time looking down on others. Some of her anger dissipated despite the edge in Galadon's voice, but she still had to speak her mind. "I understand that you have your fears of this rival nation, but you must understand that it's rather infuriating to first deal with your soldiers drawing steel on me when I came to them unarmed, and now to hear you suggest that the things I told you could have been spun by someone from Cheliax. Doubts, I can take. Suspicion is fine. But I'm not one of -them- and I'm tired of being linked to them. I did not make any of this up and I couldn't possibly make any of it up! It might just be a story to you... Something to pen into a book. But for us Shory, it was what stole us from the sky, killed us and twisted us and our home. Do you think it was easy to tell you all of that? To come to you alone? Everytime I speak of it, I can see the nightmare in my mind's eye." <br><br>She didn't even realized she'd been clenching her fists until those last words left her lips. She deflated with a loud sigh, then shook her head. "I'm sorry. Deliberate as you must. But whether or not you aid us, just...please stop linking us to your enemies. I'll return in a day." She turned to leave before she paused, then spoke without looking back. "If you refuse to help me lift the curse, then I suggest you leave this land. Tarry here too long, and the devourers and Shoggoth will come for you. There is no end to their hunger. You don't want to become them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pinot</strong> on <strong>02-11-2011, 11:26:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galadon did not flinch beneath Maia's gaze, continuing to regard her with all the gravity of his position. When she had finished, he nodded. "We will consider all you have said. Go then, Maia Ulduvai, and we will have an answer for you tomorrow."<br><br>An answer that Celeste hope to influence. That the governor-general seemed convinced was a good sign, but the discussion the following day promised to be more lively. If Magus Legrand and a majority of the commanders opposed the expedition, it would be a battle as fierce as that fought earlier.<br><br>But there was another concern more pressing, that Maia seemed intent on leaving the outpost.<br><br>The door opened and one of the guards stepped inside, leaving a path for Maia to exit the room, and bowed. "Magus, a message from the temple of Sarenrae."<br><br>Magus Legrand accepted the note and the frown still creasing her face deepened. "They have been unsuccessful. I cannot imagine what the gods cannot cure, but reason may succeed where prayers did not. I must see to this personally."<br><br>Celeste knew what would come next- being asked to help. Drained as she was, expending more magic in research seemed impossible, even if it was to save a man's life. She rose to her feet, and gave her superior an apologetic glance. "I have tried to aid Malhar and could do no better," she said. "And I'm of no use, like this. I'll see to our guest, instead. Governor, Magus." A slight bow, and then she was striding from the room in pursuit of Maia. <em>Thank you for alienating our ally, magus,</em> she thought. <em>But if you remedy the trouble I caused, I'll remedy yours.</em><br><br>She caught her in the hallway. "Maia? Please don't tell me you intend to leave the outpost altogether." She looked to the other woman uncertainly.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [Taldor side] Crucible of Chaos</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunaris</strong> on <strong>07-11-2011, 17:49:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Maia paused in her steps and frowned as she overheard the delivered message. It was somewhat surprising that they couldn't stop the fellow from falling deeper under the sway of the curse. "The curse can't have gripped him so in just a few hours... Can it?" She looked back at Galadon and the others, "Celeste was able to to stave off the transformation for some time with a spell to make his skin toughen as if it were stone. If nothing you do can completely stop his transformation, you may have to quarantine him to prevent a spread if it gets worse."<br><br>She shook her head. "I existed as one of those things for centuries before my father found the means to restore me. If the situation gets worse, he'll definitely be able to aid you with curing someone who isn't even completely changed yet."<br><br>After that, she nodded at Celeste's question, "I do." then lowered her voice. "<em>I am viewed with suspicion here. Your people are quick to believe I am an agent of your enemies. They were overzealous I met you and they seem to look for reasons to be so again. When that happens,&nbsp; would prefer not to be in their midst.</em>"
			</dd>
		</dl>
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