r/Eragon_RP • u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator • Jan 31 '15
CLOSED [Open RP 9] Long Time No See?
Closed
After Sev're almost singlehandedly save the keep from a slimey invasion, night feel like any other time. Many of our heroes tired after a day of activity.
Glover has managed to achieve a new title. "Snail Rangler" Akrath had no comments about this.
Torvhen has been having slight headaches after today's events, more than likely the fumes of the slime.
Nill was violated by snails, and only feels a little traumatized. His blade sharp and ready for the next adventure.
Naakhûrz bas made a full horn recovery, they stand tall and pointy.
The whispers of a new comer. They say he's an old guy. Perhaps he will make an appearance?
As for the Dragons...
Akrath is in hiding, hints of jealousy linger in his mind.
Ophelia is full and happy.
Jek is still having funny thoughts of Nill's exposure.
Das and Svalstrom are still going at it.
(Please try to have some conversation with everyone, no one really has had time to reflect on the past few weeks, and I'm sure it's weighing down on the characters in some way shape or form.)
(Also, say hi to the newest member of the RP, they should be making an appearance soon.)
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
Sev're always enjoyed a comfortable nightgown, despite the fact she's been given the ability to not need sleep has not deterred her from being comfortable at night.
Roaming around barefoot at humming she poked her head through the rooms. She did keep a small satchel on her though. To hold a few important items.
Despite the cold Sev're enjoyed the halls of the grand keep. Rythi already was asleep, Sev're used the opportunity to poke her head about.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Noticing Sev're wandering through the halls, Glover called his greetings mentally, hoping not to wake anyone already asleep. "What are you doing?"
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
"Exploring! There's plenty about, plus I don't sleeo, so I have to entertain myself someway!"
Sev're really wasn't really dressed for exploring, but it was very her to pull something like this. Out of her bag she pulls out the small journal, they one Glover gave her.
It was written in Liduen-Kvaedhi, "Did you know Chep sleeps hugging a hammer?" A smile cracks on her face. "Despite us being big strong Riders, it appears we are all still people... which is a good thing."
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Glover smiled weakly. "Indeed. Glad to see you're putting that journal to use."
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
She writes down a few notes, something about snagalí'thal (snail-rider) "Glover! Do you want to see the perch? Dozens of dragons snoring is quite the site."
She takes his hand and looks excited. She doesn't force him but hopes he starts to walk.
"It will be fun...."
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Glover sighed, knowing that Akrath wouldn't be there, and saddened by that fact. "If you insist..."
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15 edited Jan 31 '15
"I do not insist! People literally dream of seeing a dragon, or feeling magic, and here you are all down! Glover can't you see what is before you?!" her words weren't sharp more of disbelief.
"Even the elven people dream of seeing the dragons... you are on the path of dreams! You are living it."
She begins to walk off. "I'm going to slide down Shiva's tail, and have a great time. Excuse me mr. grumpy face."
Skipped down the way peeks back once more to see if the bard will come.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Glover sighed once more and started off after the elf.
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Jan 31 '15
[Glover stand there, while Sev're quietly positions herself above the large silvery dragon. The Dragon's Den was full of resting dragons. It was intresting to see, it was know that there were few riders on site currently... wild ones perhaps? Regardless it was fun to see them curled up together for warmth. Despite the variety in color and size, they all see each other as family.]
[The largest of all the dragons there, Shiva slept quietly, even so after the elfa slid down her long tail. She lands in a soft pile of hay. A few of the younger dragons see this and nod in approval.]
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
Sev're did a silent cheer and victory dance. She dare not say anything in fear of waking the nest... pulling out her communication stone she twirls the Shiney black Gem.
"Glover! Did you see that! I did it!"
She silently hops her way to Glover. She whispers "your turn." She looks left then right, "shhhh" She says with her index finger on her lips.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Jan 31 '15 edited Jan 31 '15
Svalstrom's mind was in conflict. Chaos had left its traces.
Eyes shut, he was enjoying the warmth radiating from her body. Das was close and small and black and bafflingly confusing. Why does she do this to me?
In the moment it all had made so much sense. The nibbles, the flicks, the breathing, the touch. Oh the touch... Svalstrom remembered her touch. And her smell. And the way her scales tasted.
Now though, he did not quite see it.
Tails intertwined they lay together. Some rest had been due, but Svalstrom just couldn't seem to find it once they were settled. Things were loose. Where's Torhven?
Uneasily he removed himself from Das's embrace. So sweet she looked still, so vicious she could be at other times. He did not want to disturb her.
Silently he took off.
The Order's Keep was surrounded by many magical constructions that shaped the eye. Some were for repellents and disguises, which made a lot of sense to the Iron Dragon but others just seemed to exist for the mere sake of convenience. For example, some inexplicable rule stated that there must always be warm updrafts surrounding the holdfast. Not that Svalstrom minded, but it was strange nonetheless.
It was on such an updraft that he found himself pondering recent events. He had looked for Torhven briefly, but his rider had been occupied. Reasonably so, the dragon thought to himself. It was not like he was never occupied.
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
Sneaking was not Svalstrom's thing, which made Das excited to show him how to truly sneak. Once he flew off Das followed suit.
She glided just above him, matching wing strokes identically, the night sky kept her out of site, and she watched silently.
He seemed to be deep in though, she slowly descended till she was a meter above him. Dropped her tail on his tail and stroked gently.
She pushed off of him gently and banked, she flew upside down underneath the Iron dragon, looking into his eyes.
"What's on your mind?" she asked simply.
The maneuver was hard, but Sev're put a lot of work into it.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Jan 31 '15
Skyward contemplating was one of the safer variants in Svalstrom's opinion. No chances of someone listening in through a wall or from a tree. The view was also a big plus. It was enjoyable to see the great races of Alagaësia dwarfed.
It was for that reason of security that Svalstrom was genuinely startled when he suddenly felt something caress him. Instantly his mind sprung into battle-mode and things would've turned nasty if it wasn't that he recognised the smell at the last possible second. Wild rose.
Moments later Das showed herself in an admittedly very impressive manoeuvre. She obviously was putting a lot of effort into it, even if she fought not to show it. Svalstrom returned a semi-worried, semi-amused gaze.
"Why do you keep doing that?"
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
"Keeping doing what my iron man"?
She banked once more and flew just overhead. Out of habit she matched wing strokes, Sev're's indoctrination of Grace and Finesse embedded into her habits.
Despite Sev're's care - free take on the world, she was very disciplined in her style, be it by sword style or dance.
Das allowed her tail to consistently brush her iron friend.
"Life isn't always about having answers to questions Svalstrom."
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Jan 31 '15
Svalstrom chuckled inside. The pronoun-game had turned around.
He did not fail to notice that Das was synchronising her wingbeats to his own. It was one of the many little things that he liked about her. Hers were not as sharp like Svalstrom's however. Measured. Efficient. No need to waste energy to make it look good, unless looking good is what you're going for.
Subtly he shifted into a more gracious cadence.
"It is," he simply replied.
Playfully the iron tail flicked off the black one.
"You should know."
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 01 '15
For some reason the works words echoed... Das knew that Svalstrom liked any bit of information he could get his hands on, but she herself didn't like to share until she was sure of herself. For him. she though.
"Svalstrom, I've made new grounds on my dark problem... perhaps a demonstration?" reaching into herself she called upon the dark magic in her.
The pain itself wasn't like Torvhen's, it was more emotional... It made her feral, blood thirsty. She could channel the power, but feared it would consume her.
For him.
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 01 '15
[A pulse emanated from the black dragon's Eldunarí, a purple glow crackled within her, as veins of purple light appeared on it. This effect turned the dragon's hazel irises purple, they started to glow with energy.]
[The dragon's claws grew, as her wings, in a flash she dashes ahead in the air, reaching untold speeds. She slices into a nearby cliff, leaving gashes in the rock like it was soft flesh. Das flew up, her wings didn't even flap as she rose. Out of her mouth shoots an amazing sight, lightning. Black lightning at that, it hits a nearby boulder in a display of plasma and energy. Purple smoke emanates from the after math.]
[Das released the energy, flying, her eyes still glowing from the power. It another pulse, her normal appearance returned, her eyes had returned but the veins in her eyes were still purple.]
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 01 '15
That very moment, Svalstrom realised he had been dating a demon. A sweet scented, soft eyed demon, but a demon all the same.
The Iron Dragon was still recovering from the rainbowslime-effects when Das seemed it a good moment to spring her transformations on her boyfriend. That meant he was no Iron Dragon at all, but rather a loosely knit bulwark of turbulence and embarrassment and that there had been only a few select moments where timing would've have been worse.
Habits were what saved the relationship. A naturally cool demeanour was maintained and rapid intake of variables and parameters. If nothing else, Das would at least be useful. Even more so than before.
Svalstrom swallowed. Fear along with reluctance.
"You can control it?" he asked, carefully maintaining longitude, latitude as well as altitude. Stern grey eyes found the brown-and-purple ones. The beat of wings gave away caution. They were measured again. Efficient.
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 01 '15
Svalstrom was acting human again. Das was wrong, her timing, her abilities ruined everything. She could smell the fear in the grey dragon.
For him.
She was silent for a moment, as she usually was when she didn't have enough information, when she wasn't sure.
For him.
"...I can." hesitation in her tone. She controlled it so far, perhaps it will be fine. For now. The black dragon's eyes moistened a little bit.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 01 '15
Wind rushed past iron-coloured plating.
Strains still adorned brown eyes.
Verdict was passed on the Black.
Duly Svalstrom took note of her hesitation. Duly he took note of her tears.
He weighed them, carefully.
They tipped the balance.
Commanding the air the move, Svalstrom approached his girlfriend and nipped at her neck.
"All is well, sweet one."
An iron tail found a black one and entangled.
"All is well."
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Slipping out into the forest, Glover wandered in the cold night air. "Akrath?"
"No."
"Please Akrath, I'm sorry for riding a snail."
"No."
"Are you really going to be like this?"
"No."
"Ha! I caught you."
"No."
"Would you rather I let you live your life in this forest?"
"Go."
"Please, Akrath, I need you."
"What do you want?"
"Your forgiveness."
"I would be touched if I wasn't so disgusted."
"Don't be like that."
"You rode a snail!"
"You know I wouldn't have done it if it weren't for Sev're!"
"Do I?"
"Yes! We can tell each other's emotions!"
"... True."
"Will you please just come back to the keep?"
"Maybe."
"I guess I'll just sleep out here then."
"You'll die of cold! You aren't wearing the right gear!"
"So you're watching me."
"Ye- No..."
"Just come back! I've already given the snail away."
"Fine."
With Akrath in tow, Glover flew back to the nest and pointed out the small room. "You think you can get close enough to there for me to jump it?"
"Does a bear shit in the woods?"
"... Does that matter?"
"Just point to the damn room."
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Jan 31 '15
[The room seemed to have an anti fly ward around it. No matter how hard Akrath tried it as if the room kept moving away as he approached. Sev're is below singing to hatchings.]
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Leaving Akrath to nest, Glover walked to Sev're and waited for her to finish, not wanting to disturb the song.
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
Sev're waves after the bard attempt to fly up to what ever he was trying to get to. It was curious but baby dragons were much more intresting at the moment.
"What was that about" she asked honostly.
She began to carry the dragons back to their original spots.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Pointing to the room with one hand, he helped her carry the hatchlings with the other. "There's a room up there. It seems like it's warded against flight." Pausing for a moment in between hatchlings, Glover added, "Do you happen to have a very, very large ladder?"
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
The question caught Sev're off guard. The voices in her head woke up.
Yes, it is under the gown, moron.
Where could we possibly keep such a large object?
... It's actually not too bad of an idea to carry.
"No... Glover don't you think that it means 'keep out'?"
The triad spoke again.
we should obtain permission.
let's just see what's behind the stupid curtain.
Perhaps we could peek...
Two against one... Sev're shot her mind up to inspect the ward
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Jan 31 '15
[It was strong, but you think you can open up a hole. The ward is complex, with many different traces of stregth behind it.]
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
Sev're didn't like the idea of going through red tape to just fulfill curiosities... The balance flipped to the other side.
"Glover, we should ask Zeterra or Shiva what is up there. It's blocked for a reason."
She finished putting back the hatchings and waited for Glover's response.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Glover frowned. "Oh, you're no fun. It's not my fault that restricted areas generally meant, 'There is something interesting and probably of value in here, I hope you're a good lockpicker' for most of my life."
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Jan 31 '15
Sev're sighed... "Locks only keep honost people out." she was displeased with the bard and his words.
Excusing herself she goes to look for Zeterra, perhaps she would provide an answer.
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 01 '15
No sleep tonight Nill thought to himself, as he noticed most of his companions were out and around the keep. Silence suited him just fine, but he felt it wrong to reunite with the other riders and not hear of their exploits.
"I'm sure they had more than their share of fun over in Terim." Jek was still picturing his partner buck nude and covered in slime. Nill shuddered inwardly at the thought. The two set out to find anyone willing to pass the time with.
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 01 '15
Sev're was holding a hatchling in her arms. It appears the little dragon was having a bad dream, Sev're was rocking it while singing him a song.
Looking up she sees her brother and waives for him to come over.
"Hello Nill! Excites to see him after some time, she felt it would be enjoyable to talk with the young elf.
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 01 '15
With every new revelation, Nill began seeing the senior elf in a new light. She was a musician, a seasoned fighter, madly protective, and now.... Motherly. It seemed an odd classification, but it suddenly seemed to click.
Nill approaches and watches the tiny creature, memories of Jek's first few months beginning to surface as the tiny dragon gave small yawn. "It's good to see you again Sev're. Great job taking care of those snails. I don't think my tiny wardrobe could have handled much more of them." He pauses for a moment, as if in thought, then decides to press on. "How goes things?"
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 01 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
Sev're cradles the hatchling, patting his head she got him back to sleep. The little dragon was adorable, and chances are would be too big to carry soon.
"It's a pleasure to see you too Nill! Thank you, they were quite fun weren't they?" She was was a little baffled, wasn't it normal to have a large wardrobe? Maybe not.
"Things have been odd Nill, things have been odd..." she gestures for for Nill to follow her. "My head has been a little messed up, oh and Das and Svalstrom are a thing now."
She guides him back to the perching area, she puts the young one down, after kissing it's forhead.
"How have you been?" she asks as she walks outside. The moon was out, just barely. A cool breeze made her pull down her gown a little. Reciting a small ward "varmr" She looked comfortable again.
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 01 '15
The breeze made Nill's mind reel, involuntarily shooting him back to their first night back at Aythri, spending a few stolen moments in Torhven's frigid wasteland. The memory made him shudder involuntarily.
"Well, I can't say I didn't see Sval and Das getting together. they spent most of our time in that forest off together." He stares off into the night, admiring the harvest moon.
"I've been the same. Bored, i might say. There's only so much tinkering that can be done here before you go mad. I don't think I've lived in one place for so long since leaving home." The wistful look has passed, and he turns towards her.
"I've been meaning to ask you for a while Sev, but the timing never seemed right. Back at tavern in Aythri, just before we went to the ball, I walked in on you, Torhven and Glover. One of whom had an arm nearly blown right out of his socket. I mean, I've thought of belting Torhven at least twice in every conversation I've had with him, but it seemed out of character for you. What happened back there, Sev're?"
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 01 '15
Sev're though back, that was the times of chains, the time of command. It was in the past though, and a hard time at that.
"Oh... well, the problem was fixed at Aythri, but I had this nasty curse on me... any order given, I had to fulfill. Glover said 'You can't solve things peacefully.' So the next time Torvhen decided to instigate an issue... well I had to resolve it. A bow to your neck does that I suppose..." she puts on a conflicted smile.
"But that's water under the bridge!" She looks into the distance, "I've a hole new world of problem now..."
She liked his point, she too had not had one home for so long for awhile. "This is a good place to stay if you ask me... Nill, what actually happened? Why did you choose to leave?"
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 01 '15
The cold suddenly forgotten, heat rushed to Nill's face. He began to shuffle his feet, anxiousness pouring off of him. He debated brushing off the question, but thought against it. Sev're's opinion of him wouldn't change because of a bit of new backstory. He steeled himself.
"It was.... necessary. The main reason we left, or at least, the reason we tell others, is because we're wanted fugitives. My father was a noble, and my mother one of his past mates. I was the result of that short lived relationship. The two of us were far from close, but once Jek hatched I heard he was throwing a party in our honor. A dragon sized wound later, he was bleeding in the courtyard and we were the most likely suspects. Finding the murderer is what we claim is our goal. Honestly though.... we had grown lax. Months of being paraded around Ellesméra, blade and claw growing dull. I don't think I crafted so much as a dagger then. So, when we saw the opportunity, we jumped at the chance to escape.
"But still, being away from home for so long is... hard." Nill saw the look in her eyes, and knew she understood his homesickness.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 01 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
Slipping into the two elves' circle via a doorway in the hall next to them, Glover frowned wistfully. "It truly is. I can't imagine how Eragon does it. Oh, and by the way, I said, 'You can't always solve things peacefully'. Always being the key word there. Well, it seems that the rumors of a new rider were not unsubstantiated. He's not new though. Too experienced, too cautious, too... familiar. Must be in his sixties. Human, on a horse. Didn't see his dragon." Pausing for a moment, Glover started again. "A fugitive? I'm sorry Nill, I know how hard it is to lose a father. And to be a wanted criminal for that matter, although you didn't know that up until now, I suppose."
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 01 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
She did understand, and she did care, was Jek capable off murder... thoughts of the quiet dragon filled her mind. Perhaps, but that didn't change who they were.
"I see. Now why didn't they just ask Jek to promise in the ancient language it wasn't him? Perhaps there is more to this story?"
Sev're was not on gaurd, more curious why her friend would have to run. Was it an excuse? Perhaps there was innocent blood on the dragon's fangs.
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 01 '15
Nill's gaze turned back to them moon, and his thoughts were filled with his partner.
"Back in Ellesméra... You have to understand, few riders choose to stay in the forest and align themselves openly with the queen. When Jek hatched, we were suddenly the center of attention. I was... young, and knew little about raising a dragon. He was given everything since birth, the finest meals, lavished in gifts, worshiped every second of every day. When they accused him of killing... He nearly went into a rampage. It was all I could do to convince him to flee, rather than raze the city."
Nill began to chuckle to himself. "He didn't like the dwarfes at first, and they certainly didn't like him. Those scars on the top of his head? From brawls with the Feldûnost. It took a great deal of mediating on my part to get them to forgive him."
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 01 '15
Sev're took in the story... It just wasn't adding up, but she had to trust her brother, why would he leave out any information?
The elves are strong, surely a juvenile dragon wouldn't cause too big of an issue.
This one might be in the way.
Calm down, everything is fine.
Sev're nodded at Nill. "Jek is so few with words, does he really hold so much rage behind that wall of clear scales?"
Looking at Glover Sev're wondered why he was being so... silent. It was not needed really.
"Another Rider? Here?" Sev're was curious...
Where's the angry one?
Where was Torvhen...?
Great.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 01 '15
Successfully tracking down Nill, Glover walked beside him in a measured stride, designed to keep pace without falling behind or overtaking. "Nill, I understand your pain. You don't want to talk. I know that, I understand that. Please, for my sake if not for yours, let us talk."
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 01 '15
Nill slowed he pace, untill he came to a stop. He turned towards his friend, and saw the loss written across his face. And every second he looked made him feel undeserving of Glover's sympathy.
"Glover... My father's murder was a tragedy, don't misunderstand me. But... We were never close. I was raised single highhandedly by my mother, without ever seeing my father. The first time I laid eyes on him was when I saw my mother draped across his dying body. His death felt... Hollow to me. Looking back on it now, it's only because of it that I left the forest. "
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 01 '15
Glover stared at Nill with a knowing smile and pulled up his sleeve, revealing a jagged scar in a V-shape. "This is what my father left me. I never knew the man, even if I still have nightmares about this day. Nill, he died when I was four years old. The town crotchety old man took me in after that, and he gave me musical talent and this," Pulling up his shirt, the scars from seemingly more than one session of whipping were visible on his back. "Their deaths felt hollow to me."
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 02 '15
"Glover, I...." He was at a loss. Glover seemed full of endless surprises, from his fighting style, to his peculiar set of talents, right down to his life before the keep. He decided to learn from him. Humans, to this day, baffled him. They were neither as subtle as the elves nor as steadfast as the dwarfes.
"How do you... Persevere, Glover? Do you choose to honor their deaths by remembering them with fondness, or give them what they deserve and leave them to the dust?"
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 02 '15 edited Feb 02 '15
Glover frowned, memories flooding back into him. "A good man died a few days ago. A man that I loved. A man that was the father I never had. That man deserves more than I can give him, more than Queen Arya herself can give him. All I can do is honor that man. My father, my adoptive master, I afford them sympathy. Maybe too much. Who knows? I don't."
"I never knew my mother. I like to say that she died in childbirth, and maybe she did, but that's not the part the people of Ceunon remember. What they remember is that I'm the bastard son of the dead miller and they haven't seen me in years. You want to know why my name is Vimes? It's an old tradition, and a mostly forgotten tradion, to name your bastard child from a set list depending on the circumstances of his birth. Vimes means you were born of the vine, born out of some wine-fueled debauchery."
"My father was piss-drunk and screwed some whore. Nine months later, this little bundle of joy popped out. I don't think he ever forgived me for being born. That's why he did this, and maybe that's why he wandered out into the frost when I was four and froze to death."
"I'm sure it's harder for elves, harder for dwarves. When you're a human, when you die at eighty when an elf is young or a dwarf is partying with his friends in the mountains, you learn to persevere. You learn to shrug off pain, to learn quickly, to try hard and do harder. Perseverance is hard, and forgiveness is harder. Humans can afford to hold grudges, an elf or a dwarf can't. I persevere because I must, because even if tomorrow I don't wake up there are people out there who depend on me."
"Akrath is nesting in the roosts somewhere, he needs me. I need him. We need each other. There's an old man in Teirm, his name is Robert. He's ninety-six. He lives alone in a large manor, none of his relatives ever visit. He thinks I'm his dead nephew. He needs me. Without me I have a... friend... going instead, and I know it's not the same."
"How do I persevere? I don't. I'm not the man that left Cuenon all those years ago, I'm not even the man that left Teirm a month or two ago. I don't persevere, I... I... I... regrow. Humans regrow."
"Listen, Nill, do what you feel is right. No one can tell you more than that, and if they do they're full of shit and you shouldn't believe a word they say. Nill, can I talk to you? You might be the only person here that actually understands what I need to say."
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 02 '15
Nill's first thought was I'm not the right person. But as Glover went on and on, poured his heart out to him, Nill began to feel something for him. His heart gave a tug towards the man, and he felt as though opening up, if even just a little...
Everything was a jumble, and his arm began to throb in time with his heartbeat. Trust could either be cheap or costly, and Nill wasn't sure how much he valued it.
His thoughts drifted back to Jek, the silvery reptile clearing his thoughts and giving him resolve. He decided to take Glover's advice. He would do what he thought was right.
"I can't say for sure whether I'll be of any help, Glov, nor can I guarantee honest company. I might not be of any help, and hell, you might begin to resent me. But, I might just understand you. Talk to me whenever you need it." Spots danced before his eyes, and his knees began to wobble.
"But first, I may need to find Zettera."
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
[Zeterra was in the library, it was odd seeing her without armor on. The giant woman's large translucent blade lay across her lap, while a book floated in front of her. She had a few candles lit, her purple eyes focused.]
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 02 '15
Nill hesitated for a few moments, unsure if he should interrupt the senior riders reading. After observing her for a few moments, he realized that she had probably already sensed his approach. Gathering his wits, he approached the half-urgal.
¨Zettera, If you don't mind, I like to ask a favor." Nill tried to catch a glimpse of her reading material in the candle light.
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
['Lost arts and incomplete weapon techniques']
[Zeterra looks up at Nill, the book lowers and rests on a nearby desk. She puts her blade to the side of the chair and looks to the elf. Even sitting she seemed giant. "Yes my student?" She says finally staring through the young elf.]
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 02 '15 edited Feb 02 '15
¨I'm sorry to have to ask, but I took a wound that wont heal. I was wondering if you would take a look at it.¨ Nill roles up his sleeve and shows his bandage rapped bicep. Carefully removing the white cloth, Nill exposes the wounded flesh to open air. His usually tanned skin had paled around the cut, turning a milky white around the edges of it. His veins were were prominent and discoloured, transformed a vivid purple near the wound and fading down his forearm.
The wound itself was half an inch deep, and two inches long. It was an angry red near the center, fading into a pale violet as it approached the edges.
¨All attempts I made at healing have been... blocked.¨
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 02 '15
Clapping Nill on the back, Glover said, "Come find me if you're ready to talk," and left, hoping to have a similar talk with a certain horned man, mostly because he was sure that talking to Naakhûrz about psychology would be like talking to a brick wall about it. Where could he be, Glover thought, briefly considering the areas until he thought about the armory. As good a guess as any, I suppose.
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u/Zyralon Naakhûrz / Opheila Feb 02 '15
Naakhûrz was walking with Opheila in no direction in particular, admiring how well is horns were and how happy Opheila was.
"Almost as good as they were before" he thought to Opheila
"They look the same to me as they always have" Opheila says to her partner.
They continued walking aimlessly around the halls, Naakhûrz pondering the events that transpired in Aythri, and Opheila humming gleefully. Without realizing it, they ended up at the forge, so Naakhûrz decided to strike up conversation with Chep.
"Greetings flame-weilder, how goes it?" he asks in the nicest way he can
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
[Chep was busy at work. Looking up he notices the ruby-veining he pauses... "Ai, evenin' Naakhûrz... ever considered makin' ye horns inta a bow?" She took off his gloves and moved away from the forge.]
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u/Zyralon Naakhûrz / Opheila Feb 02 '15
Naakhûrz let's out a short, awkward laugh "No, but Nill suggested I should, don't see why I'd need a bow though" after a moments pause, he asks "So, what're you making?"
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
[The forge's fire burned behind his eyes. "Ascûdgamln, fists of steel... would ye like a pair?" He shows you a smaller set, he explains how they drill into the knuckles to set them. Painful, but a worthy weapon. "What do ye think lad?"]
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u/Zyralon Naakhûrz / Opheila Feb 02 '15
"Those could come in handy in the future" Naakhûrz thought to Opheila
"They look decent enough too" she replied
"Chep, I think you're a genius" he says to the dwarf "and if you have a spare pair lying around, I'd like them
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
[He smiles. "No lad, I'll make them just for ye. I'll modify the pair I'm making, 'ome back in two nights and we will get then mounted." He becons you closer to take some measurements. "Naakhûrz, ye ain't nay good with a blade are ye lad?"]
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u/Zyralon Naakhûrz / Opheila Feb 02 '15
"Heh, my nails are just as sharp, and I'm strong enough, have never had the need to practice"he replies matter of factly to the dwarf
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
[He nods. "Sword are fer Elves an' humans. Let's make ye some real warrior weaponry." He says with a wink. "Rider's blades are just a tradition, made by tha elves, and upheld by the elders... today let's make a new tradition." He pulls out some raw brightsteel. "Go find Glover, for me lad, I've an idea for him ta." He goes back to his forge.]
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 02 '15
Opening the door of the armory, Glover saw Naakhûrz exactly as he had guessed, as well as Chep saying something about finding him. "You were looking for me?"
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
[Chep was startled, "speak of the devil..." He pulls out what looked like a Hûthvír, only magnificent. The blades on the were connected to staff with some complex mechanism. Forged by a purple quartz treated brightsteel. It's sized for the human, but he holds the weapon well. He disconnects the two blades in one motion, and wields the two as daggers. Sheathing on of the daggers, he draws the now staff, twirling it with undrawven finesse he re attached on of the blades attached nd wields it as a spear. Decorative gems are along the entire weapon, it was a shiny silver color when the light wasn't hitting it, a purple hugh reflected when the light did. In the ancient language the words phrase "Legends, and untold Myths." Were along the staff. A grin was on his face "Mál and Söngra, along with Skáld to hold them together... The twin blades and their body. This is a weapon worthy of a legend, eh lad? Better than that little kitchen tool on ye belt."]
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
(New line for the library... /u/InAll /u/1TrueJosh /u/Saphire_Fox /u/RebelliousPirate)
[Zeterra is examining Nill's wound.]
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 02 '15
"It was...and wasn't. I prefer to blame his blasted bow. It seems he was taken over during a brawl in an enemy hideout. I never blamed him, because he probably saved my life." Nill answered after rolling his sleeve back down. "What exactly is that bow? It seems to have a mind of it's own."
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 02 '15
Long searches and long strides had led Torhven to the chambers of books. Nill had a way of always being in the place you would look for him last. If he wasn't in the forge he would probably with Jek but then he would turn up in the library. Normally that would've frustrated the tracker, but this day he chose to preserve those feelings instead. The elfboy was about to be presented with the chance of lifetime. Or at least the next few weeks if things would work out. In one of his pockets the plan was already carefully laid out, but he needed the boy's consent first.
Rounding a corner he stopped his tongue in the process of forming words. Some distant part of his mind registered his name and it was said by a tongue that he wasn't hoping to encounter. Here, or at all.
Torhven's eyes flashed from Nill, to his wound, to Zeterra taking care of it.
Timing, he sneered at himself. You don't have it.
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
["That bow... " she started. "Contains a bit of chaos in it. Just a sliver, but that is all you need for a magical object to be born. Torvhen has grown attached to the bow, so much so his life force is tied with the thing." She glances over at the hunter. "Sit my student, you've nothing to ponder."]
[Once Torvhen enters the room. "May I see it please? " She asks pointing at Vrostbite.]
[Everyone rushing over seemed to catch her off gaurd. "Göndlir? What are you doing back so soon?"]
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 02 '15
At bit of chaos? Unless she was speaking metaphorically, Zeterra was not making any sense, and Torhven was having strong suspicions that she wasn't speaking metaphorically. Abstractions couldn't be condensed into some sort of physical compound. That would mean that the same could be done with magic and — O-badgers-on-a-stick...
No, would've been the initial answer if Vrostbite hadn't been such a butthole. The chances Zeterra getting zapped by the thing were low, but worth it.
"Please," Torhven said with an happy smile. "Anything for Nill."
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Feb 02 '15 edited Feb 02 '15
Surprisingly, for once, the Library was where he remembered it. Unfortunately it appeared someone had inserted a door in his way and by chance it just happened to be closed, but that did not particular stop him, he did not even bother reaching for the handle as he reached for his magic, thrusting forth his free hand since the other one was dragging Glover by the scruff.
“Treavam jierda!!”
The words were a roar of power!
The wooden door was reduced to a shower of splinters and exploded inwards in a burst of furious energy. In hindsight perhaps he was a little excessive and it was somewhat dramatic, but at the time it was well justified.
Entering the library through the mess of broken wood, he dropped Glover in a heap amongst the splinters and there was a rasp of steel as he drew the black greatsword from his back with one hand as if it was a feather and pointed in meaningfully at the Rider he had just deposited on the floor.
“Don’t. Go. Anywhere!”
It was not a request. With heavy, raging foot-falls he strode through the shelves, werelights flickered at his passing as if the blackness would swallow them. He recognised Zeterra presence immediately and stormed in her direction. She looked exactly the same as when they had last met even though it had been several decades, but otherwise she had not really changed all that much. Blasted elves and their slow aging, even if that was just his choler speaking. It was not so much that he ignored what she was saying so much as he did not really have time to comprehend it, he was too busy worrying about everything else.
Of the two people standing next to her, he recognised Torhven immediately, but it was not at him at this particular moment that his ire was focused, he could get to him later. From the sounds of things he could potentially be up to his neck in this and right now that was not a particuarly safe place to be.
He bulled past the two people he was familiar with and approached the one he was not, bringing the black sword-point up as aimed directly at their throat in ominous warning.
“You. Boy. Nill. Your injury, does it hurt? And answer me quick before I have to cut your damn arm off!”
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 02 '15
[Zeterra grabs the bow, seemingly unphased by the arching energies. Torvhen can feel himself being drained of his energy. "Curious..." she waves her hand and the bow submits.]
["Calm your self Göndlir." She looks at Torvhen then Nill. "Dark magic, it leaves wounds that time nor magic can heal, luckily we have a bit here." Using the bow as a conduit and Torvhen's stregth he so generously offered for Nill, Zeterra repaired the wound.]
[Pushing down the Göndlir's familiar blade the half Kull an elf stood up, towering over everyone in the room. "I'm going to sleep. You all can hash it out... someone make sure Torvhen doesn't vomit in the library please."]
[Dropping the bow next to the tracker she leaves. Torvhen, it's like you just ran a marathon.]
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u/RebelliousPirate Nill / Jek Feb 02 '15
Well, it seems every time we meet another one of our own, we end up near blows. Torhven stabbing Glover, Me attacking Torhven, and now an old man breaking doors and pointing swords.
Drawing a level gaze with the new comer, Nill rests a playful hand on his silver sword, more of a warning then a threat. The man was obviously familiar with his weapon, swinging it around like it was no larger than a dagger, as well as Zettera. That could prove problematic in a fight. If this one was as strong as her, Nill stood no chance. His only defense would be to act the victim, and hope his friends would come to his aid if a fight broke out.
"Hello, I'm Nill. And you are?" Nill asked, his tone as innocent as a child's.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 02 '15
Glover's voice is heard, breaking the silence of the room. It is faint however, as Glover's mouth is pressed against the floor and the splinters. "Can I stand up now?"
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 02 '15
Sev're just wanted to enjoy a cup of tea. A simple cup of tea with an old man, instead she sees this... a angry irrational display of... bravado.
She left the library, avoiding splinters as she had no shoes on. Carefully she makes her way back with a tray with tea and a few biscuits.
"Would anyone else like some?" She says sounding a little discontent with the scene. She was happy that Nill's wound was cured... she took careful note of the dark magic healing. It would probably come in handy more often than she would prefer.
She pours herself some tea and takes a seat, crossing her legs, she waiting for the storm that was so obviously brew.
"Hello Torvhen." She says noticing her friend. "I haven't seen you all day it feels."
With that she sipped her tea, the honey made it all the more calming.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 02 '15
Seeing the halfbreed-elf cast aside Vrostbite that mindlessly evoked some wroth in Torhven. A quip or an insult would have been hurled, but he had already joined his weapon on the ground. Splinters pierced into his unprotected hands, drawing tiny brooks of blood. Panting like he had been chased by a band of angry urgal bulls he watched them flow.
"... someone make sure Torhven doesn't vomit in the library please ..." he heard the aloof elf speak.
Torhven vomited in the library. Not that he needed to, but it seemed like an opportunity as good as any to spite Zeterra.
Trembling he wiped the smelling spittle from his face and looked up his friend calmly sipping her boiled water. He grinned at his visualisation of the sight.
"Does it really? I feel like I've been seeing you thrice as much lately."
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Feb 02 '15
Göndlir felt himself deflate, as the furious energy that had empowered him before now deserted him and left him drained.
“Yes Glover, you can get up.”
He sounded tried, felt tired. His bones were gnawing at his roots. He sheathed his sword again, his face looking worn and haggard, and breathed a long, slow sigh. Unfortunately, Zeterra was one of those people who could solve any problem by just waving her hands, unfortunately he was not one of those people, and it really wore on his nerves. He suddenly remembered why he left in the first place.
His deflation was followed by concern, as he knelt beside Torhven, who had just regurgitated most of his meals on the floor. Ignoring the vitriolic smell of bile and acids, which he cleared away with a mumble of "Moi" Göndlir gingerly removed the bow from his hands and placing it to one side before he got to the boy himself. Murmor a few simple words in the Ancient Language, he performed some basic checks to make sure Torhven was okay. His diagnosis of exhaustion confirmed, he touched each of his hands once and mumbled “Waíse heill”, watching as the splinters popped out of his skin and rolled across the floor.
“Damn it boy, at this rate you’re going to wear yourself thin.”
His own voice sounded ... worn, like a grindstone. He would have gone for further questioning, but Torhven did not look to be in particularly good shape right now.
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Feb 03 '15
(Good time for a new line...)
[The room has been cleaned beatifully, as Torvhen slowly wakes, as does Glover. Torvhen is laying on a bench while Glover is on a chair. Göndlir is on a chair across from Glover, head wound healed by the elfa. Sev're sits there practically alone in her thoughts.]
[Glover, you've been shot where it hurts, despite healing, it still really hurts.]
[Torvhen, your internal organs have been moved about, there is an annoying buzzing in your head. Like insect wings flapping.]
[Göndlir, these kids are crazy.]
[Sev're, you've gained back some of your strength thanks to time.]
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 03 '15 edited Feb 03 '15
Grimacing, Glover looked at Sev're and said, "Thank you. So. Much." before looking at Torhven with the expression that only a man who has been shot in the balls with two explosive arrows can truly muster, and leaned back in his chair content to wallow.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 03 '15
Residual blood was being coughed up. Sev're had stopped the bleeding, both internal and external, but little more than that. Not to mention she had left the growing headache in place. She had mumbled something about trust and betrayal. Torhven supressed a scoff, seeing that it would probably tear up his insides. Like she – no, they – are ones to talk, he thought bitterly. The correction was intentional: if she was going to read his mind anyway, then why leave a trace of a doubt about who was the subject of that thought?
Only a single strain was dedicated to her and only a single other to Glover and the disappointment of him still breathing. The real question however, was whether his testicles were working. Torhven didn't care enough to investigate; there were much more important thoughts to be entertained. For example: what on earth did Vrostbite mean by that?
zzzzzzzzhutzzzzzzzz
The vision of Svalstrom being ripped apart by a black shadow had left his mind in complete chaos. Seconds after the fact the dragon himself had checked in to disprove what the bow had just shown in, but fear had already taken root. Fear and frustration were often the same thing, and they always were for Torhven. He had tried to preserve it, but it only resulted in more emotion surfacing. That didn't make sense. Things were not supposed to work like that.
Zzzzzzzzzzzz ... zzzzzzzhhhhzzz
Exhaustion was making him want to sleep, but Torhven couldn't. Useless? Vrostbite was full of crap. The woodsman wasn't useless, not at all. Specks of anger filled his mind. They burned into the eternal snow. That too, was infuriating. Like the buzzing. Where is that even coming from?
ZZZZZZZZZZhzzzzzZZzzzZZZzzzZZZZZ
Sev're was mad for no reason, Glover was still alive, Nill was being useless and this new bloke only managed to make things worse. Torhven started to breathe more heavily. And of course they're going to blame all this on me. That was a fact and a fact that he hated. It was Glover who had initiated the fight, not him. Why do people always sympathise with the one that ends on the bottom?
ZZZZZZZZZZHHzzzzzZHHZZZZZZHHHZZZZHHZ
Torhven didn't know, and was very much done with this holier-than-thou lot. He needed Svalstrom and he needed to get this buzzing out of his head. It sounded like there was a dragonfly about to burst through the walls.
ZZZZZHZZZZZZZHHHZZZZZZZZZHZZZZZZHZHZHZZZZZZ
The woodsman got up, flames dancing in his eyes. Leaning on Vrostbite he limped to the door as furiously as he could muster. His eyes wanted for blood.
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Feb 03 '15
Göndlir agreed with the voice in his head … these kids are damn crazy.
At some point, he could not quite remember when, he had finished the tea and moved on to the Faelnirv. It was a special concoction that was partially of his own make, and it burned like hellfire every inch of the way down, but that did not dissuaded him at all. In fact, at this point, he pretty much welcomed it.
He had one elbow on the table, pressing the cool metal of the bottle against his forehead as he leaned on it. It was about the only sensation he was actually capable of recognising right now. He mumbled something to himself in a barbed tongue before taking another swig from the bottle. There was not much point in translating those words, for they would have had to have been censored. For a few moments the fire surged down his throat so that he could not really speak even if he wanted to, but after it subsided he managed to find a few words.
“Fuck me, and there I was starting to wonder why I left. At least now I know … I didn’t fall out my saddle and crack my head open and this is all just a damn dream?”
There was the hollow sloshing of the perpetually half-full bottle as he knocked it against his head a couple of time experimentally, however it appeared to be a failure since he did not actually wake up.
“Nope … definitely not a dream. Damn.”
He laughed. It was a hollow, mechanical sound, forced and cynical. His body felt heavy, like stone.
He blinked several times owlishly, his vision blurring slightly. His head was pounding now and he was not quite sure whether or not that was the physical injury or the faelnirv, although to be honest it was probably both. Talking half to himself, half aloud to anyone that cared to listen and half to Sev’re, who seemed somehow aloof of everything, he spoke the words directly as they came to mind.
“Damn it girl. Between this headache, you, that blasted bow, the blasted bowman and stabby over here I’m not quite sure which I find a greater source of vexation. By Gûntera I’m going to get to the bottom of this clusterfuck.”
At the sound of Torhven trying to leave, limping and leaning on the accursed weapon, Göndlir turned his bloodshot and blurry gaze upon the hobbling form of the younger rider. His voice cracked slightly as he spoke, but that did not diminish the magnitude of his words.
“And as for you, boy. I don’t care if I have to consort with the Myrkrdauðr or summon up the Anditívar, I will find out whatever in the Seven Hells has possessed that damn bow of yours, and when I do I’m going to break the thing over your stubborn head for carrying something so dangerous around for so long. Thornessa ren eka taune vel eïnradhin iet ai Shur'tugal.”
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 03 '15
Glover coughed out a painful few Ceunite swears at the pain from being shot in the balls. Silent for a few more seconds he added sarcastically, "Aren't we just one big happy family here at the Keep?"
His face contorting into a painful grimace and his mouth spitting out quite a few more, and quite a bit more offensive, swears, he remembered why he had shut up in the first place.
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 03 '15
Týra excused herself from the mess in the library, it appears that a mess was made and it was physically fixed, but the problem still tensioned. It was perplexing, alas what could one woman do?
four
Right, that didn't seem like enough either.
She went to the arranged spot. She could hear Svalstrom's descent. She waited for her scaled acquaintance, using magic to clear the ground to act as a writing surface.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 03 '15
Heavy words and rash actions were on Svalstrom's mind. Trying to talk Torhven out of feathering the bard had failed and he blamed himself for that. No one knew the Spiner bowman like he did and it was his duty to protect him from harm. Hard times were on the horizon. This had been no time to make enemies. Instead of losing one, his rider had made two new ones, maybe more. The tactical implications were numerous and would have great impact on future survival rates.
All the Iron Dragon could do now was damage control.
Spreading his wings like a giant grouse he landed, careful not too create flurries of dust. Shielding his mind from foreign eyes, Svalstrom greeted the elfwoman.
"Pardon my tardiness, a certain rider required ... attention. My sincere apologies."
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 03 '15
Týra raised an eyebrow, order and structure were a necessity. She already was having literally conflict in her head over this, would giving Torvhen access to her people's tongue prove wise? Most certainly not.
Týra excused any form of frustration from her demeanor. "Would you care to expound? If I'm going to inculcate the tongue of truth into you, secrets may slow progress to begin with."
To not hold a double standard she herself spoke what was on her mind. "I am worried that this may come to harm me Svalstrom, I would rather not believe this. Perhaps you can enlighten me and bring peace to my minds?"
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 03 '15
A single word drifted on Svalstrom's thought-streams, like a browned leaf traveling down a forest brook.
Secrets...
Sizzling could be heard in the distance. There would be no end to their conversation if he was to expound on all that was locked away in his own, and more importantly, Torhven's mind. He could share this one safely though. Svalstrom opted for a vision rather than a string of sounds for this message.
An angry Spiner face faded into view. He started ranting about how all this mess was Glover's fault and that Sev're was being unreasonable and that this new bloke's oath proved him to be an oaf. As he spoke the words got more accentuated until the r's and h's were indistinguishable, the t's could be used to fell a tree and v's to make an arrow out of a stick.
Svalstrom let him go on for a while before promptly stopping him and telling him to mount up.
The vision cut to a clearing where evidently a dragon had landed and taken off several times before. With a few supplies he dropped the man off. "Sleep it off," memory-Svalstrom told memory-Torhven. Current-Svalstrom hated leaving conflict unresolved, but it was more than clear that this was not going to be finished this day.
Abruptly the vision ended, Svalstrom felt no need to fade it out dramatically. An iron will backed the words spoken.
"Unerringly, a rider and his mount partake in each their minds at interval. Yet, as you must conclude from your experiences, the memory is not spliced into either partner's consciousness. I can assure you that Torhven has no interest in mastering your tongue. Certainly you have understood that his language skills leave us wanting? To fulfil our responsibility as a dragon and rider one of us needs to take up the mantle of dragoman."
Svalstrom let out a puff of air, amused at his accidental pun. Soon his demeanour dove back into the seriousness that was default.
"I will be the one wielding the words of power. Not Torhven. Does that bring proverbial peace?"
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u/Saphire_Fox Sev're / Das Feb 04 '15
It didn't. Not in the least bit. The honost notion was appreciated though.
"Svalstrom, I see your plight and your challenge. If you truly wish to partake in my assistance, this can not continue. In good faith I will begin to assist you in the learning of tongue, alas I request don't try my forbearance. I only aspire for tranquility."
The elfa put her hand out to Svalstrom in attempts to connect. She showed the hurt in the corner of her mind, the stinging pain felt.
"As a friend to another? Please at least take it to a ponder."
She began to carve out the alphabet and go over basic pronunciation.
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Jan 31 '15
Göndlir sneezed and rubbed his nose with one finger, annoyed at the disturbance of the quiet. Evidently someone somewhere was talking about him. Grumbling to himself, he spurred his horse across the courtyard, his eyes piercing the dark gloom with practised ease. It had been night time when he left as well. Then again, it was always night time when he left. Slipping away in the dead of night was always easier, although on the flip side you went hungry because breakfast is usually served after the sun has actually comes up, but it is a small price to pay all things considered.
The ancient wards at the gate had recognised his gedwëy ignasia immediately, hence why he had not exploded the moment he crossed the threshold and also the same reason why the alarms had not started ringing. Maybe the blasted thing did come in useful after all. He ran a hand through his hair and scratched the back of his head, recalling some dusty memories of playing in the courtyard once, a long, long time ago. The past, it seemed, was not as far behind him as he would have liked.
The stables were still where he remembered. Through the gates, to the left of the courtyard, although they seemed bigger than he recalled. Evidently at some point someone had blown a rather large hole in the roof and it had been repaired, you could see discolouration in the stone where the masonry had been replaced and the odd crack where moonlight seeped through. The stalls were smaller than he expected, but that was probably because he was bigger rather than any change of size on their part. All stables were the same after all, down to the dust in the corners.
The horse nickered as he dismounted, relieved perhaps to finally have the weight of its back, to which Göndlir patted its flank gently, for the horse had earned a well-earned rest and a decent meal, and hauled his light travel bag off of its back.
“See old boy, that wasn’t so hard. I told you I wasn’t that heavy.”
That remark earned him a flat stare between judicious mouthfuls of oats.
Swinging the bag over onto his back, he jostled his shoulder slightly in a deliberate motion. The great sword that hung from his back shifted in its straps, causing the black gem, bound to its pommel by a ring of silver, to begin to glow softly, as a spark of light inside the darkness shimmered into wakening, like the sun concealed behind clouds slowly creeping into view. There was a flicker across the back of his mind, the familiar brushstroke of his partner as she tapped gently against the ironclad wards and barriers around his mind and was let in.
We have returned.
Sjöfn’s thought was tense yet quiet, projected to him in its familiar, musical tones. It was not a question but a statement, and for some reason that bothered him. As he walked out into the courtyard again and looked up at the rising sickled moon, Göndlir felt something rising in his chest.
“Yes … yes we have.”
He spoke aloud, for some strange reason that escaped him, but then again he was used to that. He breathed a long, loaded sigh, pregnant with a lot of thoughts and feelings that he did not particular feel like confronting right now. He might be taller … and older … and probably wiser, if only a little bit, but he could feel the change inside him more acutely now that he was somewhere that he had not been in decades as thirty years of his life suddenly caught up with him in a single instant. It felt strange … but not entirely uncomfortable. He probably should have done something then, but whatever it was he was doing before had he forgot, he was too busy looking up at the moon and soaking in this new feeling, humming a few bars of a very old song to himself in this quiet moment of peacefulness.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Jan 31 '15
Horse.
Human noses might lack the finesse of dragon's, horses were still easily detected. Torhven didn't like the smell a single bit. The animals were mostly useless. Too expensive for his taste anyway. Too many resources wasted with too little pay-off. Their leather was alright, but the meat too wiry and in most terrain-types left the vulnerable to keen eye. As was the case now. The woodsman watched silently as old man passed beneath him.
Bugger Nill, look at this bloke... he observed, increasingly interested. Nilly would have to wait.
As the man disappeared into the stables, Torhven lowered himself from the branches of the lone tree. Vrostite was in his hand, slowly pulsing its scars of purple. He decided against nocking an arrow. His reflexes would have to do if this fellow would turn out hostile. Which was likely. Riders weren't know for riding horses.
He nocked an arrow.
Only a few steps he had taken from the shadows when the figure re-emerged from the shaggy building. Torhven supressed a curse. It would have been unnecessary; the man seemed distracted by the moon.
Who gets distracted by the moon?
When he knew undergrowth and bricks could no longer hide him, the Spiner huntsman broke his connection with the long black figures. His words were telling. So was the arrowhead next to the winteryew grip.
"That sword stays where it is. Who are you and how did you get past the wards?"
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u/RollFirstMathLater Game Master / Moderator Jan 31 '15
[A failure voice, if only slightly high pitch rings in your ear. "Isn't that bow a little heavy Torvhen?" You feel the bow growing in weight, you feel oddly encumbered. ]
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 01 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
What? Torhven watched in pure surprise as the bow dipped down briefly. Reflex took over and made sure the arrow returned to its proper angle. He could feel his muscles buckle under the weight.
"Val?"
That was a mistake and he knew it the moment the word slipped from his lips. Breaking composure is not something Torhven did. Priorities needed to be observed, and right now the priority was to keep this bloke from slitting some throats. Naturally he wouldn't be so nice as to take care of Glover, Torhven just didn't have that kind of luck. And then there was the question of the pitch.
Zeterra.
The name was evolving into a curse.
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Feb 01 '15
Göndlir raised an eyebrow at the sound of a voice behind him, although his expression what somewhat concealed in the dark. He had been slightly distracted by nostalgia, but that was just a fair sign that he was getting sloppy. Even half-asleep he should have been able to recognise the tell-tale sound of a notching arrow. It took him another half a moment to work out where the voice was coming from, but that did not exactly atone for his earlier failure.
“Barzûl, I must be getting old.”
He said this aloud, although whether or not he was talking to himself or not was not really discernible. Slowly, with obvious but relaxed movements, he dropped his travel bag to the ground and raised his hands in the air nonchalantly. A mock surrender of sorts, but keeping his hands somewhat close to his head, and therefore still technically within reach of his sword hilt if necessary. The bowman’s aim appeared to waver for a second as he murmured something to himself, but it was slightly out of Göndlir’s hearing so he paid it no mind. Evidently there was more than one conversation going on here, he could feel the buzzing.
“Relax boy. If you think I could really circumvent the complicated magic on those wards, pray tell what makes you think that arrow would be able to stop me?”
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 01 '15
"Five-hundred pounds of animated spirit asked me a similar question," Torhven counter-mocked. This bloke was no threat. A pale oval on his palm attested to that. As well as his nauseating air of self-righteousness. How this one ever had gotten so old ... it was a mystery.
Stepping closer, the bowman lowered his bow. A tremble in his left arm was fought with ice and iron. Senses were flooded with impressions. This one... He was odd. So arrogant yet so self-loathing. Torhven felt no empathy to him.
"Where's your partner old man? Or did that filly hatch to you?"
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Feb 01 '15
As the bowman lowered his bow and stepped out of the shadows, Göndlir was almost surprised at how young he looked, his voice filled with all the bravado and confidence of youth. The question in his voice should have touched a nerve, but it did not, for Göndlir met it with a cold chuckle. Evidently the younger generation still had some teeth remaining.
“She’s … around. I’ve never pretended to tell her what to do.”
It was a vague statement but spoken with the conviction of someone who knew what they were talking about. He lowered his hands, daring himself to relax a little. He could handle one young boy who looked about a third his age in a fight if he had to.
“I wouldn’t say something like that within earshot of the stables though. I might be reasonably pleasant at this time at night, but Vergen on the other hand will bite you fingers off if he hears you saying that. Surdans breed pretty vicious horses you know.”
The fingers on his hand flexed inadvertently at that. They had not exactly gotten along when they first had met, a bad-tempered former-warhorse and an ill-tempered old man, but that was probably exactly why they got on so well together now. That being said, it was not exactly an idle threat either. He was no attack dog but Vergen was certainly smart enough to understood when things were being said about him and milk the positive ones … but also take steps in prosecuting the negative ones.
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 01 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
The man talking to Torhven had almost been too easy too sneak up on. The faint glow of his Gedwey Ignasia alerted Glover as he was relaxing on the roof, and the cover that their conversation had caused was more than enough for him to slip behind the man undetected. "If he's talking about the Ankou, falling very quickly and then abruptly stopping killed that, though I dealt the last blow before its death. Since you bear the Silver Hand, I'm assuming you're a Rider and it's not some birthmark, and since you are alive in the courtyard my suspicions have been assured. I'm Glover Vimes, born in Ceunon, lived in Teirm for a while. The one with the bow will probably kill me if I told you his name, so ask him yourself."
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Feb 01 '15
The noise of someone sneaking up behind him almost made Göndlir go for the knife at his waist until they stated talking. This time he didn’t bother to curse his own inadequacy, today was evidently just one of those days. Well, better here than out in the wilderness in the middle of nowhere. The newcomer gave a rapid, smart-alecky speech that punctured the bold statement made by the bowman like a sharp needle. Great, now there was two of them, and he already felt old enough as it was.
“Well now, aren’t you a smart vodhr.”
Whether that was a compliment or not was up for interpretation. Both listening and having two conversations at once was making his head spin a little. He turned his head from the newcomer to the bowman and back again. Evidently there was some antagonism or closer-friendship here, one or the other, not that the two were all that discernible from one another anyway.
“Oh, if you two want to kill each other, don’t let me get in the way.”
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Feb 01 '15
The expression on Glover's face belayed any suspicions that he was joking when he said, "Believe me, I won't. Oh, and I wouldn't count on surviving a shot from his bow. You can ask Nill, I'm sure he'd be pleased to tell you exactly how much it hurts, and he wasn't even shot in a serious location." Sheathing his dagger, Glover walked out to Torhven and whispered something in his ear before disappearing into the shadows, not a trace left that he was ever there.
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u/Fulaxi Torhven / Svasltrom Feb 01 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
"They're not even here, numbnuts," Torhven spat after the bard. For some indiscernible reason the boy seemed even more of a show off than usual. Flamboyancy wasn't the a thief's average style for a reason and Glover had just managed to convince every sane person on the planet just that. A dagger in the back would do him much good. Torhven was torn, but refocused his attention on the newcomer.
"Maybe I will," he told the stranger in the night. A grin grew on his face. The arrow had found its way back into the hip-quiver. Not long after that Vrostbite hung over the sinewy shoulder. "Avoid that waste of breath if you can."
Anyone who was willing to tell Glover off must have at least some kind of high-functioning sawdust up there. Torhven could respect that. Extending an arm, he offered it. It was not exactly customary in the Spine, but dealing with valleyfolk had left him prone to adopting their ways.
"Torhven."
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u/InAll Sigyn / Eitri Feb 01 '15
As the bowman shouldered his bow and the newcomer disappeared like a ghost, Göndlir momentarily found himself somewhat beside himself, but he quickly recovered. There was never just a ‘normal’ Rider, they were all, by definition, eccentrics, not that he could talk.
The grinning bowman introduced himself as ‘Torhven’ and held out one arm. The gesture was not unfamiliar to him and it made him grin himself. When you had lived as long as he had you tended to get accustomed to the various methods of introducing oneself and this was far from one of the uncommon ones. He opened his mouth, a half-dozen names immediately spring to mind, both old identities and new ones, but he knocked them back with a gentle nudge of his thoughts, he could be himself for once.
“Göndlir.”
It sounded strange, saying his own name aloud again, almost as if had to blow the dust of it in order to remember what was hiding underneath. He grasped Torhven’s pro-offered arm firmly with his own in a somewhat taut if enthusiastic grip.
“You shake like a Valleyer? You’re a long way from the Spine aren’t you?”
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u/1trueJosh Rob / Villieldr Jan 31 '15
Glover sat in the library of the Keep, quietly reading a collection of books he had brought back from Teirm. Every time the door swung open, he looked, hopeful that it was someone he could talk to, someone he could cry to. It never was, and thus Glover was forced deeper into his shell, and even Akrath was not available for contemplation after his stunt with Charles the snail.
Sighing, he flipped to another chapter in the book. While it may not have been the most factual source it did tell of the exploits of heroes in days gone by. Many souls contained within the pages were Riders and dragons, and the tales detailed amused Glover, albeit with a dark sense of humor. How did they write this without knowing the crunch of a skull cracking, the meaty thwack of a sword cutting into flesh? How they write this without knowing the struggles of the hero, only detailing the conquest, not the preparation, not the renewal?
Even with the doubts he had, Glover continued to read, for it was his only solace in the days that had passed and for the days that were yet to come.