Destiny Riders

[cuervorose]

Zenae

Zenae lay in the baths long past time to get out. Brylea finally woke her from a light doze and assissted her in climbing from the tub. She toweled off roughly, drying her body and hair. She took the scented lotion from Brylea and smoothed it across her skin, inhaling the heady odor. The maiden turned her gently , facing away from her, and soothed it over her back, her fingertips brushing lightly across her derierre and the tops of her thighs. The action caused Zenae to shiver with excitement, but she put it out of her head. There was too much to do and too many consequences to nonaction this day. She turned regretfully to the girl and brushed her lips with her own. Perhaps later, she thought wistfully. She dressed swiftly in her black leather, sliding the silver band over her brow. She strode her way forcefully back to the Great Hall in order to seek out Daine. She needed to know how this stranger would affect her work here. She arrived in the Great Hall and looked around. She saw the usual staff meandering through the castle on their way to various duties. The men at arms "guarding" the castle entrace lolled about lazily, gossiping amongst themselves. She noticed through the doorway to the dining hall and young woman, the same one she had seen the previous night speaking to the guard. She saw the jewels at her ears and throat, took in her skirt that showed just a flash of red thong and the red bustier that showed an ample (and Zenae thought)a much appreciated view of exquisite swells of breast with just a hint of strawberry ripe nipple above the line of red leather. Zenae walked closer to instpect the jewel about the girl's neck, and of course to take a better look at other, more interesting, objects in sight. As she drew closer she saw the jewel was a gold enclosed, teardrop shaped ruby. She smiled as she realized what it was, and as she realized that it should be affecting her as well. So this was the new Sorceress of Ray. Hmmmm....this could be an interesting day after all. Zenae searched her mind to remember the girl's-no-WOMAN'S-name. Othana? Yes, that was it, it had been mentioned to her in passing. Zenae gently tapped Othana on the shoulder, perhaps she had seen Daine. As the younger woman snapped awake, she jumped, and looked startled. Zenae, said soothingly, "I'm sorry to wake you, but have you seen Daine? I need to speak with him on a matter of urgency." The deep brown eyes searched her own, and in them Zenae saw a troubled look. The ruby red lips began to move and Zenae awaited the reply, thinking more about the lips than the words that emerged.

 

[little_golden]

 

[The GrandMage]

Ven Zalapa

He slowly retraced his footsteps, trying to remember where he was going. He frowned. He should really find the head of the guard, of the master of this little castle. He shrugged, and worked his way back into familiar territory.

Now,.....where was that wizard who had Ven's sword? That would be a good place to start. See if he can get back his weapon, or at least that man should know where he can find someone about a job. Save the horse for last.

Now, if he was a wizard, where would he be? One of the towers seemed a likely bet, and Ven chose the southern one because of how close it was. He started off down a hall that looked promising, hoping he wouldn't get lost again.

 

[Nightingale]

Sethyrian

It isn't everyday that you wake up to the gentle humming of a fae creature. So when you do, you savor every moment of it. And the dark skinned stranger laying on his cot did just that. His eyes remained closed while the tiny faerie tickled him, her voice singing some old and all but forgotten song as she playfully curled up next to him.

He listened to her, such innocence, such mischievousness, all wrapped up in one tiny bundle of joy. In her presence, he had known the sweetest sleep of his life. He was completely rested, even this close after the transformation. The dreams had not plagued him as she slept next to his head last night.

He chuckled inside then, something he had not done in years, and probably could never do on the outside. His eyes remained closed, but his brows raised as he spoke, low and quiet.

"You have a beautiful voice, Geneva."

The sudden tone startled her as she jerked upright. The stranger was indeed playful, but no smile was on his lips. His eyes stayed closed as he stretched out, letting a deep "Mmmmm" escape as he did so.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Daine

As Zenae was gone adn I was alone, I sat and dwelled on my thoughts for a few moments. I was geting angry with our host, as Mostade had left me to deal with all the new arrivals and guests alone. Had he lost interest in our little gathering?
I was beginning to wonder if he'd remained sane after all, with his words so vague yet apparently so important to him.
change night into day...
Difficult words to follow. ANd to remain locked away after the shoutsof dragon came so clearly to everyone's ears? Or perhaps he had known of these cries, and the man that came instead. I wasn't convinced of the story, as Zenae so clearly was. I'm not sure if the story didn't quite add up, or if time had just jaded me to such legends, made me far too skeptical. But in either case, I was not convinced. I had seen glams more convincing than a single dragon moving through the forest, and a common illusionist with a touch of power might have created such an image.
I shook these thoughts aside. Mostade was our first concern, our reason for being here, and I must attend to him first.
ANgry, I hurried to his chambers, making my way across a dark but lightening courtyard, with few people cluttering it, and working my way up the long spiral staircase to the one room that occupied his one of the four towers of the small castle.
I knocked three times, loudly, and awaited his response.
Nothing.Asleep? WIth all that was going on?
I would give the man a piece of my mind, if only one.
I took in a deep breath, then pushed the door, hoping it would open.
No luck again.
I closed my eyes, concentrated, and whispered the spell through quickly moving lips. A grinding sound as the bar lifted from its cradle, then a thud as it struck the floor a few feet away.
I stepped forward, the door opening before me, a trick I had used in my youth to intimidate opponents. Nothing worked better than a good entrance, I had learned, but that trick was useless against a greater power. Thier tricks far surpassed mine, and the entrance was all show, they knew.
As I walked in, I saw the man sitting in his chair, pen still in hand, his head laying on the table before him. He'd fallen asleep while working it seemed, at least at first glance.
I moved closer, using a mild levitation spell to raise his head, intending to wake him and hoping to startle him.
As I turned his face to me, I saw his eyes, only slits, but clearly still open. No sounds escaped his mouth, and no movement came from him otherwise.
I eyed him for a moment, then slowly lowered his head again, looking around the room for a sign of anything that might be out of place.
"Murder," I whispered. "But how?"
Then something else occurred.
I scanned the contents of his table, seeing nothing of interest. Had someone taken the maps?
Then I saw the corner of a large piece of paper, folded, sticking out from beneath a letter he was writing.
It was a map, and another was tucked beneath it, then a third.
I looked through them, seeing the last three completed and still sitting there. I recognized the first immediately, having caught glimpses of it as we spoke before. But who had killed the man.
I saw his goblet, half-full of wine, with a chalky residue floating on the surface. Poison, no doubt, but why if not to take the maps?

 

[The GrandMage]

Ven Zalapa

Ven quickly found himself turned away from his promising destination. But, not one to complain when things changed, and because he had no idea if that had been a good place to start, he wandered along the corridors.

After a while, he found himself back in the Great Hall. He looked to the dining hall, feeling a little hungry, but instead decided to wait here. He leaned against the near wall, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. Eventually someone would have to deal with him.

 

[little_golden]

Othana Exits the Castle....

Othana grew restless, for each second she waited seemed like minutes and each minute like hours. She almost expected hereself to spring roots to the floor and grow branches. Perhaps the summoning had been but a ruse. A trick to lure her away from her beloved City of Ray.

Guilt overcame her as she mentally envisioned the city being sacked by angry looting barbarians. Women being raped and enslaved while their husbands and children were put to the sword. It was then she realized that she had come to this castle for new magic, glory, gold, fame and romance, yet it was an illusion!

"I must leave now" Othana told Zenae.

Othana walked out of the banquet hall and toward the front gate.......

OCC I'm withdrawing Othana from the thread and moving her to an RPG. It was a pleasure playing with everyone but I think a smaller faster moving thread would better suit me. Have fun and good luck!

 

[sail away]

OOC;
Sorry to interrupt.
Little golden, your PM box is not working. Please PM or e-mail me. Sail Away

 

[spiritual_love]

Geneva

"You have a beautiful voice, Geneva."

Geneva was startled. She scrambled quickly from beneath the covers, wondering if indeed he had spoken.

Well, of course he did, he said your name!
Geneva giggled at her own silliness.

Her eyes grew wide as they settle upon his face. He looked as though he were still sleeping.

"Are ye awake?", Geneva steps closer to his lips, she sweeps her tiny bit of a tongue upon her fingertips and slips it under his nose. Smiling as she feels his breath upon the wet flesh, confident that he remains with the living world.

"MMmmmm..."
The stranger uttered a soft moan as he stretched his limbs. Geneva's wings swiftly bat lifting her into the air for a brief moment.

"Geneva has been waiting for you to rise...."
Her voice trails over softly as she settles upon his pillow, gentle touch the dark treeses convering his head.

 

[cuervorose]

Zenae

Zenae stood staring in shock as Othana rushed towards the castle gate. She debated whether or not to chase her or to continue her search for Daine. Cursing under her breath, she started for the castle entrance, determind to find out what was wrong with Othana; after all, if Daine wanted her here, Zanae was going to make sure the petite beauty WAS here! She quickened her pace as Othana got closer to the gates, and was almost at a run when she finally caught her. Zenae put a hand on the smaller woman's shoulder and whirled her around. Othana looked up at her in surprise, and Zenae was alarmed to see fear and worry in the woman's face. The large brown eyes stared back at her and Zenae wondered what had been done to the poor child to cause the emotions visible in their depths. Zenae thought for a moment and decided it was worth the risk; she probed her fellow mage's thoughts, lightly at first, then deeper. following the thought processes to the beginnings. "Oh Gods," she thought to herself as the root of the problems was revealed. The young sorceress looked startled, she had probably never had contact with this ability, and Zenae quickly felt access to the wellspring of thought being blocked as Othana's instinct built walls to protect her mind. She looked with empathy at the young Mistress of Ray, and spoke aloud, "The summons you received was not a trick, no one is planning to besiege your home." Zenae deliberately avoided reference to the previous night's encounter with the guard. If Othana wished to discuss it, there would be an opportunity later. "Daine has brought us here for a purpose," she continued, "although not the one I initially believed. However, I, like yourself, believe it's time for some answers from our host." Zenae wrapped the young mage's cloak around her shouders and led her back to the shelter of the castle in search of the Council's Third Wizard, determined to find out what in the name of all Five Gods was going on in this castle.

 

[Nightingale]

Sethyrian

He did not rise. Instead, he lay still, his only motion the rising and falling of his chest as he breathed. The fae touching his hair seemed to invigorate him as he lowered the covers. She realized suddenly that he was without clothing. One of the attendants must have undressed him. Geneva marvelled at the smooth dark skin he had as he sighed once. His eyes were closed, but to the tiny creature, it seemed as if he could indeed see her, as if he were watching her from beneath the shut lids. There was something in his eyes that he wanted to hide. Something that he was afraid of.

"Waiting?" he said finally. "For me? Thank you, Geneva," he said. Everything he did seemed to be simple, but to also belie some hidden meaning. "But why? Why did you stay with me?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Daine

I found the head of the guards and informed him of the foul undertaking I'd discovered.
"Dead?" He asked. "Are you certain?"
Gods, they were all idiots!
"Quite," I replied. "I believe poison was the means, as there is an odd presence in his goblet. I must also request that those who have been summoned here be sent for. Have guards delivera summons to them each, as well as the strange man who has arrived here in the wake of our recent dragon scare, if he is able that is. Have them all delivered to the great dining hall."
The man nodded, his face concerned.
"And by all means, please, donot disturb anything in the man's chambers. I believe his death may very well have something to do with the announcement he has brought us here for."

 

[Steiner]

thumpthump thumpthump ThumpThump THUMPThump

The sound of heavy leather boots on stone floor jolted Garrel out of his doze. When he opened his eyes there were two Castle Guards standing in front of him, one holding the large wavy edged sword that he'd inadvertantly left in the courtyard.

"Garrel Brus?" Asked the brighter looking of the two guards, receiving an affirmatory nod to his question the guard gestured down the corridor "Please come this way, Sir. You have been summoned to council."

Garrel stood, his joints slightly creaking, but energised by the brief rest. He still needed food and the chance to relax out of his armour, but more than that he needed purpose - perhaps this council could give it to him again? Strapping the sword across his shoulders and shrugging it to a comfortable position, he allowed himself to be led by the guards

 

[cuervorose]

Zenae

Zenae and Othana had not gone far in their search for Daine when they were approached by a pair of guards. They eyed the women appreciatively, but warily. One of the guards spoke up, "Daine, Third Wizard of the Council, has requested your presence in the Great Dining Hall immediately." Zenae nodded her acceptance and thanked the guard. She led the still distraught Othana towards the Great Dining Hall where she saw several other figures standing around the gigantic oak table that dominated the room. The table was surrounded by large chairs surmounted with plush red cushions and the walls were draped with hangings in the same fabric. Zenae led Othana to one of the chairs and sat her down, standing protectively over the smaller woman. The large doors at the far end of the hall swung slowly open, and all eyes looked with apprehension at the figure that entered.

 

[spiritual_love]

Geneva

"But why? Why did you stay with me?"

His words were so simple, yet they desired fan explanation that even Geneva knew nothing of. She had followed out of sheer curiousity, having never before seen a creature of his kind. She had been lured by the dark, exotic flesh, his wonderfully inky mass of hair. As her thoughts raced, she found herself blushing deeply as his blankets revealed the lack of his wear beneath.

She diverted her lil' fae eyes, wings fluttering as she sat her tiny form upon the edge of the bed, turned to give him the privacy he deserved. Still Geneva ever the curious one, peeks over her shoulder at the closed eyed one.

"Geneva doesn't know the answer to your question. She was just curious at first, but now...now..Gene think that she has bene guided to him by some unforseen force. The thoughts produces another smile upon the glistening lips of her smile, she would have a bit more time with him.[/I][FONT]

 

[Nightingale]

Sethyrian

The light streaming into the window illuminated the left side of his body as he lay there, eyes closed. The tiny creature's slight glance became a subtle stare, as she floated, transfixed by this exotic man that lay there, unabashed.

"Our destiny is together," he said abruptly. Then, his brow furrowed. His voice changed then, almost pleadingly. "I need you, fairy. You must stay with me. Without you, there is no telling what might happen to me. I don't know what he will do if you leave. You must be my conscience..."

Suddenly, his eyes flew open. Those dark irises stared upwards at the ceiling as Geneva gasped, she had been caught in her stare. But he was not looking at her. Something else had grabbed his attention.

"Someone comes."

Instantly, he stood, tall and lean next to the bed. His body was in a complete state of undress as the door flew open, and a young errant stepped in. Geneva cloaked herself in magic as the boy spoke.

"Sir Dragonslayer, yer presence's requested in the hall..."

The boy stopped, not expecting the dark man to be naked in front of him. He gulped, and shielded his eyes. The stranger raised an eyebrow as he reached to a small table to the side, recovering his pants.

"I am not a Dragonslayer, and I will make my way to the hall shortly."

The boy nodded a pleasantry, and then dissappeared, nearly slamming the door behind him in his embarassment. The mysterious man put on his pants as Geneva watched, intrigued by his form and by the smoothness of his movement, even in such a mundane task.

"Please, Geneva," he said finally. "I have need of a guardian angel." Then, he silently finished dressing. He pulled over his dark tunic, and rolled his hair up in a bun on his head, pinning it with a stave retrieved from some unseen pocket. His pointed ears now visible, he pulled over his gray robe and opened the door, looking back at the fairy as he left... looking dead into her eyes. What she saw there was pain, and a desire that seemed to pierce her to her very soul. She felt for him as he painfully turned away from her. He outstretched his hand, and the walking stick that lay on the floor near his bed flew to it as if on command. Geneva shuddered slightly in the face of this different magic, a strange feeling coming over her, but passing almost instantly. Then, the man left the room, door still wide open, as if beckoning to her to follow.

The fairy creature. Pure. Perfect. It is she that can protect me. It is she that should be queen of this world. With her blessing, perhaps I will have no need... no. This I must do. The old wizard will prove difficult, but he does not suspect... not yet. I must have my wits about me, until I drive this curse from my body, and claim what is rightfully mine... what is rightfully ours...

 

[Mystic_Visions]

Argis

I was growing tired of waiting, and was about to take my leave when the captain returned. "You are wanted inside, follow me."

As I gestured Grense to follow, the guard growled at me, "the bitch will stay outside."

As Grense growled, I looked him dead in the eye, so that there would be no question to my resolve, 'My companion will accompany me. If you try to prevent her from doing so, I shall not hold her back from ripping out your throat. Do I make myself clear, boy?'

Glancing nervously at the wolf, and back at me, it was obvious this guard was not used to challenges to his authority. From the look I gave him, it is obvious my bluff worked, as he stammered a response. 'Y-yes sir, umm, will you both follow me then?'

He lead us into a large hall, the dining hall from what I could presume. Several others were already here. The demure woman that had ignored me earlier at the gate. Another woman attending to the first, though I could tell this was not a servant girl, from her dress. The man who had assisted the raven haired man at the gates. In the corner was another man, from the looks of him, a shifty sort. I could see from the way he carried himself, though, this man was important, at least in his own mind. And of course, there were the guards. Quite a few of the guard were assembled in the hall, there seemed to be something wrong...

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Daine

Most were present when I entered, but not all that I'd requested. It bothered me still that more of those that had been summoned to the castle had not arrived. At least six more were not here yet, one in particular made me worry.
I eyed the rom, wishing the guards would leave us to our privacy. They'd caused so much trouble so far...
I sat at the head of the large dining table and waited quietly for the others, wondering if it was all in vain. Things had gotten steadily worse since our arrival here, including the arrival of the strange man, the death of our host, and those who we'd invited who'd not yet arrived.
Could this situation actually become worse?
I wondered.
"I suppose now is as good a time as any for us to begin," I insisted, clearing my throat then. "I would ask that the guards leave us now."
THe guards mumbled uncomfortably, but conceded to the demand. Once they'd exited the room, leaving us to our privacy, I stood, motioning to each f those present to sit if they chose to.
"It seems this night has been a fateful one. Our host has been murdered in our wake, poisoned by someone yet unidentified. I would guess the guards hold us all under suspicion, so it might be wise to be kind to them..."
My eyes met Othana's for a moment, then I corrected. "To a certain extent, that is..."
I gave them a moment to consider this, then continued. "It seems we have a major task before us. Not only is Mostade's quest still a necessity, but we are not entirely certain what it shall be. I will explain these things to you, so please be patient."
I reached down to take a drink from the cup placed before me, then remembered our hosts demise and thought better of it."It seems Mostade has found a great artifact, one of immense power. In his own words, it could turn night into day. Knowing he could not keep the item safe in sucha small stronghold, he hid the item in a secret place, and made a map to find its location. Wise and clever, he created five more maps, each of them false, to confuse anyone who might wish to steal the map to find this item."
Again, I paused, giving them the chance to tak ethe words in.
"The problem we will face most immediately is in concerns to the maps. Only Mostade knew which was the real map. He had promised to tell me today, but it appears he has not lived long enough to do so. Our prdicament: We must retrieve this item, and make certain it is taken safely to the Wizard's Council for further study, which means we may have to pursue all six options to find which is the true map. ANy suggestions so far?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Ven Zalapa

He sighed. As the guards had hastilly gathered anyone and everyone who'd received a summons, they'd lumped the mercenary in with that group. He muttered to himself in his corner. He didn't know anything about this quest the old wizard was talking about.

In fact, he was seriously considering going home. If it wasn't for his hate of staying in one place too long, he'd retire. Put all this crap behind him. He sighed, and glanced around at everyone there.

One of the things that drew his attention was the wolf. Wolves were pack animals. What was a single wolf doing inside? Probably scare the skirts off the women. Which reminded him. It seemed that woman was here, but he couldn't be sure. Some other woman was standing in his way.

He closed his eyes, thinking about that witch from, where was it? Ray? He glanced over at the old wizard. He really should be going. But he wasn't about to suddenly leave. Wouldn't look right, what with the murder and all. Last thing he needed was to be killed for the murder of someone he'd never met. THis was shaping up to be a bad week. He should have just bought a horse and left already.

 

[spiritual_love]

Geneva

Geneva followed as he had bid her to do. She had been nearly overwhelmed by his direct gaze at her eariler. It felt as if he were peering directly into her soul. She spread her hands before her, they were still shaking a mite. She did know that it wasn't fear that she was experiencing, but she had yet to place a name with the emotion. It was something she had never experienced in her years upon the green earth.

Our destiny is together....You must be my conscience...I need you....guardian angel...

All the words the he had spoken kept repeating within Geneva's head. She was confused, frightened, yet oddly serene.

Gossamer wings fluttering, quickly darting to his shoulder, cloaking herself within the shroud of invisibility, she curls close to one of his elven ears. Her tiny hand grips the tunic's material upon his neck as he moves through the halls, stilling herself for the ride. She gives the tiniest thought to assuming a human form, but not knowing how long she would be able to hold a transformation, she declines doing so. Her fingertips stroke his flesh lightly, wishing she could give him the strength he needs, for she did view the pain and desire within his eyes before.

Whispering as they continued down the path to the hall, Geneva's words drift within his ear, making herself known to none but him, "Who are you?"

 

[Nightingale]

Sethyrian

He walked with slow, but purposeful strides down the different halls towards the meeting room as the tiny fae rode on his shoulder. He seemed almost completely satisfied with her there. His hair tied up in a bun bobbed gently as he walked, his feet making no sound on the stone beneath him. He seemed in deep thought.

"Who are you?" she said to him in his ear. The man's eyebrow lifted, and without turning to her, he smiled.

I am yours.

It wasn't spoken. His lips were still. They had not moved. Yet the answer rang inside of Geneva's head. How? How had he done this? He had spoken directly to her inside? Could he read her innermost thoughts as well? The very concept made her shiver with awe, and with caution.

"You will find out what you do not know already," he suddenly spoke. "Listen carefully to what I tell the others. Then, when we are alone, I will tell you more."

He strode more swiftly now, his eyes focused and intent. He stepped up the stone stairs, the guards watching him with wonder as he pushed open the doors and stepped into the meeting room. Immediately, all eyes turned to his form.

Listen carefully, he told the fairie's mind as he shut the doors behind him.

 

[spiritual_love]

Geneva

Geneva was startled by him once again, as his voice permeated the corners of her mind. She was sure at first, if that was indeed with happened, but twice he was able to reach out to her mind. She had resisted the touch, but freely had been open to recieve his communication.


She kept thinking about destiny and fate. Wondering if this was it. Had her time come? She shuddered, burrowing closer against him as he entered the meeting hall.

Suddenly, Geneva had a sudden urge. An urge to know everything about him. His thoughts, his desires, his pain...everything. Her hands clutched him closer as much as she could as the realization hit her. She trembled against his flesh as she did as he desired of her, listening closely.

 

[spiritual_love]

bumping us a bit..*s*

Geneva curled closer to his flesh, not visible to the others gathered. She peered at the gathering of people here. So many different creatures in one place. Geneva suckled at her tongue gently as she awaited his words.

 

[cuervorose]

Zenae

Zenae listened with shock as Daine spoke. Murder? Quest? Dear spirits! She immediately began making plans in her mind. Her gaze scanned the room, spliting the guests into groups that would be most effective.
She spoke aloud, "Splitting into well matched groups, each to pursue a map would be the most effective way to find the object being sought. However, splitting us into six groups spreads us thin. Three would be well enough, with two maps to each group, based on distance to each route." Zenae stopped to allow reation to her suggestion to come forward. Before anyone could speak however, the great doors opened again and a figure entered. The stranger from the previous night's adventure walked into the room slowly, almost weakly, and Zenae fought the temptation to assist him. He made his way to the head of the table and paused for breath. Zenae leaned forward in anticipation of what he had to say.

 

[Steiner]

Garrel shifted in his seat, the oaken wood creaking dangerously as he did. This was a strange situation to be sure, and he was wondering if he'd stepped out of the real world and into some fable. Still, as he cast his eyes around the group assembled, he realised that they were quite short of competent fighters. If the dangerous mercenary went with one group, then he would be able to see to the physical security of another - but what about the third group?

Still, the silence was getting a little embarassing and he wanted the mage, Daine, to know that his plea had been heard.

"I will certainly aid you in this matter, honourable Mage. But I fear that these tales of ancient artefacts and false maps are a conundrum that I am ill equipped to assist with. I will gladly accompany whichever group you assign me to, and strive mightily for their safety."