Driftwood Inn

[Triatic]

Endar smiled and nodded back with the courtesy due to a fellow warrior...especially one skilled enough to stand against so many. His face became sober as he listened to his worried words...

"Dancing woman? I didn't see anyone as I entered...I was distracted..."

His green eyes began to rove over the debris in the inn's common room, searching. He turned to the stranger, grasping him by the shoulders.

"Please, sir! Calm yourself. We'll find her. You search that side of the room, I'll start here. If she isn't here, well..." he sighed. "There are other options."

Endar immediately set himself to work, heaving aside splintered tables and skeletal remains in a desperate search for this 'Jasmine'.

I hope Trinity is all right, he thought absently...

 

[Moneytalks]

Trinity looks up into Curtis's eyes. He holds her loosely in his arms so that he can look into her warm gaze as he utters those words.

"You know something?" She looks at him in surprise.
"You know what is happening?" She urges her grip surprisingly strong as she holds his tunic in her small fist.

She sees the dust billow out of the Inn and then settle and wonders suddenly about that man who called himself Endar... who was he?? She thought... shaking her head... Goddess but her mind was a mess... she couldn't seem to concentrate on any one thing at a time... it was all scattered... what was going on here?

[Edited by Moneytalks on 06-28-2000 at 11:35 PM]

 

[Guest]

"Trinity, there is a spell I have learned in my travels that may yield some answers, but it can be dangerous, we may run into something that we DON'T want to run into. Are you sure?"

 

[Moneytalks]

"A spell?" Trinity's eyes reveal her fear. She really did fear magick. She had seen only the horrible things it could do to people. And the recent years had not been kind to her. Currently she didn't know what memories she could trust. And she wanted to know... she really did... but was magick the only way she wondered.

"Oh Curtis..." her shoulders slumped as she felt the weight of all the unanswered questions press down on her mind. She turned away from him, fearing even his magick, fearing her own as well. The spark deep inside her, no matter how hard she tried to push it down, was always there, lingering.

"A spell," she sighed, "what dangers are involved?" She asked not really sure she wanted to know the answer to this question. Her amulet glowed comfortingly against her chest. She shivered in response. She froze suddenly. "There is a beast here!" She gasps out in surprise. Curtis looks startled at her sudden outburst. She runs towards the Inn and swerves... stopping... then she turns and heads for the stables. Curtis hurries after her. She opens the barn door and they feel the moist heat emenate from the place. It smells slightly of sulphur, ash and smoke. "Hello?" Trinity calls out hesitantly. Suddenly in the dim light before her something large moves and Trinity squeals in fright as two huge green eyes blink staring at her appraisingly. Merlin the dragon looks at the princess thoughtfully. His mind rumbles out his querie... "how did you sense me?" Trinity looks back at him in horror and he throws out the thought again... "how did you sense me??" Still no response. She cannot read minds he realises. He snorts gently and the gust of air blows warmly against Trinity's face. She calms down suddenly. Curtis watches her, his hand ready at his sword, fearing for her but knowing better than to make any sudden moves with a dragon.

"Merlin?" Trinity whispers hesitantly. Merlin's reptilian mouth curves slightly in some semblance of a smile. "Yes little princess that be my name" She frowns and he snorts again, realising she cannot hear him. He nods his large head. She beams at him happily, "I know you, I've read things, somewhere... " she frowns as her mind comes up against another wall of blankness.... she shakes her head horrified by how little she remembers. Merlin looks past her to Curtis. "Can you hear me?" his mind rumbles at him...

[Edited by Moneytalks on 06-29-2000 at 05:40 PM]

 

[Guest]

Hand still ready on his sword he nods and thought at the dragon, "Yes I can hear you. I've been wondering who could tame you. If you truly are tamed."

He stepped close to Trinity ready to protect her at a moments notice, but he sensed that he would not have to.

 

[Moneytalks]

Trinity looked from Curtis to Merlin. Her expression confused. She could sense something... where they talking? She noticed Curtis move closer to her. She smiled, she was beginning to enjoy very much having him back in her life. It was just like old times again, when she had been happy. It felt so natural, so right.

She sighed, her mind tumbling back to a memory of her sitting in an apple tree that her step brothers had dared her to climb. Remembering her fear as she screamed too frightened to get herself down. Her brother's had teased her horribly as she sobbed in that tree until Curtis had come. He looked up at her and Trinity had forgotten her fear. He had climbed up half way and had reached out for her... she didn't remember his words... only his voice... warm, comforting... she had focused on his hand and grabbed it. She near floated down the tree with him, she was so happy, he held out his hands and she had jumped the last few feet down into his waiting arms.

He had left not long after that. She had felt so betrayed, her young heart unable to understand anything other than that her first love, her hero, had deserted her. Suddenly pain filled her heart. There where so many blank pages in her mind... she struggled to hold onto the sweet memory of Curtis but the darkness was overwhelming her. She moaned in pain... her body suddenly limp... she fell into a crumpled heap at Curtis's feet. He swore angrily.. kneeling down next to her. The dragon too lowered his massive head to look at the fainted princess. His mind voice rumbled, "she will be okay, but her mind is troubled, what has happened to her?"
Curtis scooped up the fragile body, amazed at how light she was in his arms. "I don't know all the details... but evil haunts her and follows her... and she has been poisoned against magick... even her very own... I cannot begin to comprehend the evil of it... I managed to escape... but she had no escape... the very evil I went to destroy... lived under the same roof with her... I fear she may not ever regain what she has lost these past years."
Curtis' mind reeled, his love for this sweet princess filling his heart. Thank the God's he had found her. He bent down to kiss her forehead... she remained unconcious, he had to find somewhere to lie her down... at least until she regained conciousness...

 

[Shadowman]

Merlin moved out of the way showing a small straw pad to lay Trinity down.

"You love her don't you?" Merlin asked quizzically.

"Is it that obvious?"

"On the surface no, but your feelings can betray you."

He smiled looking at Trinity he too remembered the memory which she had from days long past. He still wished he had never left her...but at least he had found her and was never going to let her go again.

"What did you mean by 'evil follows her'?" Merlin asked.

"The Darkwood monks were doing their 'cleansing'," Curtis thought spitefully, "And with her power with magic they'd have killed her if I'd not been there. I have my own score to settle with them and their perversion of religion."

 

[The Sandman]

After a good deal of searching...Azraith sat down against a wall of the tavern...his eyes closing as a exausted sigh escapes his lips. "Damn it...where is she..?" He rested his head back a moment as his eyes scanned the room..his fists clenched at his sides as he tries his best not to let the anger build up.."Damned monks..damned skeletons..why is it, everywhere I go..distruction follows?" He slammed a fist into the floor beside him harshly, a low growl slipping from him as his eyes flare. "I've..I've got to find her.." After several moments of rest..Azraith pushed himself to his feet and once again looked around the tavern, almost pacing now as he scans for Jasmine...

 

[ShyGoddess]

OOC: INSPIRATION HAS STRUCK!

Jasmine:

Trapped like a rat. The moment her uncle had summoned those things he had grabbed her arm and yanked her into some secret place. She didn't know where she was, but it was underground. He had left right after putting her here, saying only that her powers would soon belong to him.

She didn't know how to free herself, her powers weren't strong enough yet. But she knew one thing. She would take her own life before her uncle would possess her powers. And the princess. Good lord, that was his next target. Her power was strong, even if she didn't realize it. She reminded Jasmine of her own mother.

Calm your self, she thought. There was hope. "Azarith. Come to me." She knew he would hear. He could find her if no one else could. It was as if they were joined somehow.

A memory came to her. Just before her mother had died, she had said that someday the cocky young page who was her advisary would become her greatest alie. She had scoffed at the idea at the time, but now she knew different. Her mother had known then of his powers, and of his strength. He would help her. He was the only one who could.

 

[Guest]

Garnet entered the room slowly,

her waist length copper colered hair caught the light as her green eyes scanned the room.

Glimpsing Mab, she quickly blended in the shadows. Unsure why, Mab turned swiftly and faced...Nothing...

Garnet breathed a sigh of relief, MMab had not espied her. There was still a chance that Garnet could complete her business and be gone before Mab was any the wiser.....

As his eyes peered through the steamy glass the inn looked warm and inviting, he'd been cold and alone for so long know and he long for the comfort and warmth of a fire. He saw a large women with a untouched ham on the plate before her and licked his lips his stomach yearning for food, his nose tempting him cruely whith the smell off roast meat.
No he must stay hidden,"Let no man cross your path" the old man had told him,he looked down at his hand.A finely woven pattern covered most of his index finger and was creeping up over his skin touching his wrist, his mind flashed back to a pain full past and slamming his hand on the stone wall he stumbled towards the barn....

 

[The Sandman]

Azraith eyes darted upward..glowing a intense blue as he heard Jasmine...he looked around..he had a faint feeling on where she was..~Don't worry Jasmine...I'll find you..no matter what!~ Since it was only a weak connection..his words fizzled slightly as she recieved them. "Damn!" He said it loudly..those who were in the tavern glanced to him as he grabbed his cloak, slipping it on. "She can't be far..and her voice was faint..the connection weak..she must be underground." He looked at the patrons suddenly. "Anyone! Is there any kind of underground area near this tavern? Please..this is of dire importance!" He nervously awaited any type of answer...

 

[Moneytalks]

Merlin snorts with distain. "Those monks, had we known that they would grow so powerful, we would have destroyed them when they first appeared, but in our arrogance, we truely believed that none would follow their perverse ideas, we underestimated how much those humans without magick feared those with the magick..." Merlin's luminous eyes held a deep sadness as he recalled the last few years... his had been a long life, typical of the more powerful dragons, but these last few years, had been hard even for him.

His large head tilted slightly as he watched Curtis, brush aside Trinity's hair from her face with great gentleness. It was curious the way human's showed affection he thought. "I would tread carefully young human," his voice rumbled, "it is a wise man who understands that revenge is not so sweet as the love he intends to protect..."

This cryptic remark receives a puzzled frown from Curtis until a figure staggers into the barn. Curtis reaches for his sword instinctively, his arm reaching out protectively towards Trinity. Merlin angles his great head to see who enters the barn...

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: that fool just told me to check my wepons..

"alright"

as i put down dragonsting and The Black Sword i said

"Let NO ONE touch these weapons for if anyone draws dragonsting but me they shall die a horrible death!"

the inn keeper was stunned at my remark and by the look in my eye he took my word for it

"so gimmie a double Vodka if you have it..."

the barkeep stumbles to get the drink and serves it up

"thanks pal i might not vaporize you if this is good stuff"

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: "Aye there be an underground crypt for the troublemakers that cmoe to this innn follow me and i will show you"

as i lead here through a secret passage way i wonder how i will rob her...

 

[Shadowman]

His hand gripping the hilt of his sword he called into the darkness, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Out of the darkness came an elf, the one that he had almost come to blows with.

"What do you want elf?" Curtis asked quietly his distaste still not covered.

"I have simply come to apologize, I had not wanted to harm the princess, but rather to protect her from the Darkwoods. She is in grave danger from them...she is the only one that could possibly stop their religion once and for all."

 

[Moneytalks]

Merlin's head moved gracefully, "the elf speaks the truth" his voice rumbled in Curtis's head. The elf bowed low to the dragon, "M'Lord King..." his voice full of reverence. Merlin snorted, "hmmmph" his voice rumbled, "it has been many human decades since i heard that title..." The Elf looks up surprised, "you speak to me M'Lord? I am honoured." Merlin's large luminous eyes seem to roll heaven-ward, "'tis not so much an honour as an ability, I can only speak to those who have the talent..." The Elf looks surprised again, but turns to face Curtis's still suspicious glare.

Then a sound is heard from behind Curtis, as Trinity comes around from her faint. She moans, feeling the beginings of a violent headache pounding, she thinks vaguely that she wants to go back to the darkness. She hears voices... she strains to hear them properly and feels someone's warm strong hands holding her shoulders lifting her gently. She moans again, lifting a hand to her forehead. "My love, are you okay?" Curtis's concerned voice. "Curtis?" she sounds confused, "but, you left, you left me... " she groans feeling the pounding in her head, she presses her fingers to the pain willing it to leave her. "Hush, my love, I am here now..." Curtis again, she attempts to open her eyes, blinking carefully. "Curtis?... Oh Curtis!" She winces as the throbbing increases with each emphasized sound from her mouth. "Oh my head... " she moans...

 

[The Sandman]

He frowned deeply..a crypt. Figures..he eyed the warrior who gave him the information and nodded slightly, and stated simply. "Whoever wants to help me find Jasmine..I will be debted unto you forever..but I have no quarrels in doing this alone..so don't feel like you need to." Azraith pulled up the hood on his cloak and wandered out of the tavern to stand outside its door for a while..a deep sigh heaving from his chest. He said it softly, his eyes closed as he thinks.."I *will* find you Jasmine...I will.."

 

[Shadowman]

Her took her into his arms and eld her and whispered to her comfortingly, "I know that I had left once, but I will never leave you again Trinty."

The elf knelt beside them and Trinity shank back, "It's him...that elf that wanted me!"

The elf bowed his head somewhat, "I apologize for my brashness earlier princess, I am usually much more...how is it you humans say...tactful?"

 

[Moneytalks]

The elf smiled at her. She looked startled. She clung to Curtis and that made her feel safe enough to stare at the elf harder. Her gaze was intense as she inspected every feature. Clearly seeing an elf close up for the first time. She guessed, that really, he didn't look so scarey... and he spoke well enough.

Merlin's large head dipped... his eyes level with hers. She looked into his eyes and suddenly felt lost in them. Her tense muscles relaxed and for a brief moment she thought she heard a great rumbling voice whisper in her mind... "very good". She shook her head frowning. Curtis held her closer. She looked back at the elf... and slowly... she smiled. Her face usually warm with love for those around her fell easily into this expression. Her pretty eyes sparkled.

She held out her hand hesitantly in friendship. "Pleased to meet you....?" she left it hanging... clearly asking for his name...

 

[ShyGoddess]

Jasmine:

He was coming for her. She sighed with relief. "Hurry. There is much to do. We must find Trinity. She is the key." Keep the connection and he will come, she thought to herself.

"Why are you looking so frantic. There is no way out of here, my dear."

"Uncle! Why are you doing this? Why do you side with the devil?"

Her uncle laughed. "He gives me great power. More than you could ever imagine. Not as great as your mothers, or that spoiled princess Trinitys, but soon I will have yours. It will increase my power tenfold, and allow me to destroy that girl."

"NO! I won't let you! I would die before I let you have my powers."

"Oh, you will die, but your powers will belong to me." He turned to leave. "I must be gone. I must find that brat and keep an eye on her until the hour is right for the transfer. Be a good girl and behave." The door slammed behind him.

"AZARITH! YOU MUST COME NOW! FIND ME LIKE I KNOW YOU CAN! JUST LIKE WHEN WE WERE YOUNG. I won't survive otherwise." A solitary tear fell down her cheek. She swiped it away. I won't cry, she thought, I won't, but the tears fell down her face and she cried in helplessness.

 

[Moneytalks]

Merlin grunted... he heard faintly... a panicked voice... felt the tugging sensation of one calling another... not him... but the emotion so strong... he felt the tug... the magick of one quite powerful... but not yet skilled enough to control her powers.

He needed to leave... he must try and gather the few remaining dragons... he felt a huge battle was ahead... he did not want to leave the princess... he felt something strange within her... something hidden... but... he watched the elf and the human and he felt... they would protect her. With a lumbaring gait... he moved to the barn entrance... he peered outside... sniffed the air... "Curtis... care for her... should any harm befall her I fear we will all be in danger... she is the key..." He moved out of the barn and with amazing grace... leapt into the air... his wings spread elegantly... the wind whipping up around his powerful beating wings... he soared into the sky... disappearing.

Curtis looked at the elf... who looked back at Curtis... Trinity still a little dizzy from her fall, tugged on Curtis's tunic to get his attention. "I think... I think I'm thirsty..." she says...

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Roland: let us be off then get your weapons....we'll be needin them

i took the black sword and dragon sting....... the crypt is very maze like stay with me if you want to come out alive...

we better go soon the entrance is only open until sunset when it closes.....

 

[Havocman]

ORIGINALLY POSTED BY Lady_Kathreen_Silas ON 07-05-2000 AT 05:34 PM PST

A young woman enters the Inn. She is about 5'5 with long silver hair that is pulled back into a french braid. She is dressed all in black: lace shirt, leather pants and knee high boots. She also wears a black cape with hood. As she removes her hood and glances around the Inn, a gold-hilted sword is seen at her left side. A silver celtic ring adorns the ring finger of her left hand. Her eyes are emerald green and shine in the light of the Inn.
She is looking for a room for the night...and perhaps someone to keep her company as well...a good evening meal and some brandy or cognac...
__________________
All the world's a stage and all men
and women are merely players

 

[Shadowman]

Curtis reached into his backpack and handed Trinity his waterbag.

"It's all I have right now....unless you want to go back inside the bar."

He suddenly went blank and got a far away look in his eyes.

"Curtis?" Trinty asked looking at him concerned. She suddenly turned to the elf, "What's happening?"

The elf looked shocked and stammered, "I-I think he's having a vision or revelation, I didn't know humans, even with magick could do that."

Curtis then snapped back and blinked.

"Curtis? What's wrong?" Trinity asked totally concerned.

"We're in serious danger here...from the innkeeper...he's looking for us. Elf...do you have infravision?" he asked with a sense of urgency.

 

[The Sandman]

Azraith blanked out a moment, a faraway look in his eyes until he snaps back into reality, frowning slightly as he stalks outside, finding the one named Trinity and the group she's with. "Ma'am..you are in grave danger..I think it'd be in your best interest to get what belongings you have and follow me.." Those deep blue orbs scanned the area..his hands clenched tight at his sides. "We havn't much time. Jasmine needs my help..and you are not safe here." He had lost that calmness and cockyness he had earlier in the evening..he was nervous, slightly frantic if you will..but his voice was still deep and cold..