From Peasant's to Kings

[IDreamofBunnies]

LuRoe's coach arrived outside the free city of Puritian. Gui was up to date on most of the major events that had been going on; between Malhambrian spies and astral meetings he considered himself well informed. The steady cheer coming from the city came as a complete surprise however. He could just barely hear it from this distance.

Bristol...Bristol...Bristol...

He shook his head and with the aid of his valet, stepped out of the coach. The guards recognized the colors of Holy Malhambria and were uneasy though not immediatly hostile.

"What is your business here Malhambrian Ambassador?"

"I am the Marquis Gui LuRoe of the state of Margaritta in Holy Malhambria. I come in peace to speak with Lord Pantheras.

The guards were not completly up on foreign affairs but they had been educated as gatekeepers that a Malhambrian "Marquis" was a very important person. They sent a runner to inform Lord Pantheras at once.

 

[Roughneck]

" My Lord" said a guard, as he entered Silas chambers.

"Yes?"

"Marquis Gui LuRoe of the state of Margaritta is here"

Silas frowned upon the information.

" I see. . . I wonder what would bring a Malhambrian Ambassador here?"

Silas paced the room for some time.

" Show the ambassador to the main chamber, I will speak with him there."

As Silas entered the main chamber, a man stood up from the table

" Lord Pantheras, it is an honor that you find time to speak to me."

" Spare me such formal words ambassador, I do not derive pleasure from such praise."

Silas sat himself down, staring long and hard at the man before him, " Now, what matter of Bussiness do you bring before me today?"

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

LuRoe frowned within his mask, sometimes he forgot that the unmasked considered such comments to be praise rather than polite conversation. He held his gloved hands together.

"The Council of the Marquis of Holy Malhambria have decided that neither of the Princes are worthy heirs to the throne of Ocllo. We have decided to support Balron until such a time as he proves unworthy of the throne or someone with greater worth is revealled. Perhaps you heard of Ironbreak's destruction? That was our doing. We realized that our actions may but you in distress or unease. I have come to assure you that if Balron makes a move against the Free Cities we shall withdraw our support. We are curious however, as to what you intend to do, this war has been long and Puritain has yet to become involved, perhpas you do not care to whom you pay tribute but we have a vested interest."

 

[Roughneck]

Silas listened to LuRoe with intrest, this new information put to rest alot of questions. Yet looking at the ambassador, he could only wonder, what were their real motives in all of this. Silas cared very little about the Princes or their fate, but he despised Balron even more. If they could support Balron, then in his mind they were no better then Balron.

" Very intresting news you bring ambassador, I must say we were unaware of such things. Often times, we hear very little of the on going war, but it is always good to be informed of such things."

Silas looked at the masked LuRoe, a slight grin crossing his lips.

" Now as far as the matters of this city ambassador, I don't think you need to worry. In fact, I am holding my faith in a myth not Holy Malhambria to save this land."

" A myth, such foolish thinking my Lord. I do hope you jest in such a comment?"

" Ambassador, I know you hold dear your religion, and I do not think lightly of it. In fact I respect it very much, I know how powerful it can be.

Silas was quiet for a moment, " The truth is Ambassador LuRoe, the myth I hold onto is far greater. I hold onto the myth of the return. . . . of the Talon Knights."

He could sense LuRoe was confused, as he was when his scribes told him this information. The book Bristol had, was the history of the Talon Knights, his scribes showed him the writtings about their return. He was sure Bristol was the one, it was for this reason he had allowed him to go. It was for this hope, he was willing to take a stand and risk everything.

 

[Roughneck]

3 Days later . . . . .

Bristol looked again at the map, then looked up at Trianna.

" So that is where Dolson found the pass?"

" Yes, its quite narrow and steep, will take some time to move the men through it."

" What about the shrine?"

" We found what looks like the ruins of a shrine or temple, but there was no signs indicting a wizard. Bristol, what if we can't find this wizard Agapios?"

"We haven't come this far Trianna to fail. When Marse first told me all of this, I didn't believe. Yet here we stand at the doorway to a myth, we have come to far to fail, no. . failure is not an option."

Bristol held Trianna's hand, gently squeezing it. " You mean so much to mean Trianna, please don't stop believing."

Dolson walked into the tent, followed by several officers. Bristol and Trianna quickly dropped hands, both of them blushing.

" I hope I didn't interrupt?" said Dolson grinning.

" Not at all, it wasn't what you think." said Bristol, his face quite flushed with embarrassment.

" Well, we just wanted to inform you that we will be ready to move at sun up for the pass. Also, our scouts have reported back, they say they have found horse tracks."

" Calvary?"

" It seems so, but more likely a small scouting group, tracks are about 2 days old, nothing recent."

" Well it seems were not alone, let us hope we can reach that shrine before mid day tomorrow, Better double the guard for tonight."

" Already ahead of you Bristol, don't you worry."

" Well then, let us get our rest, I believe tomorrow will be a long day"

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

LuRoe ran a finger along the edge of his mask where the porcelain met his skin, "Your fanciful Talon Knights are most amusing, I almost hope it is true. Once my people achieve Savout's Perfection the world will need a new force to guide it's destiny along the proper path. I have no need to further trouble you. Good day Lord Pantheras, may your Gods see it fit to grant you good fortune.

Gui didn't bother awaiting a response, he simply walked out of the chamber and made his way out of the castle. Naturally a guard followed him to make sure he would cause no mischief, but he needn't have bothered. LuRoe was soon in his coach and away from Puritain.

In Holy Malhambria...

The Hill of Gamar was a place of myth in the tiny Macalanian village of Hesper. The elders speak of ancient rites performed by the Pontifex's of the past. Today Pontifex LuBasque, the Three Hundred and Thirty-third Pontifex of Holy Malhambria stood here, but he had no rite on his mind. he had come to loot the speluchre of one of his predesesors.

"Xaverina LuProvost, the eleventh Pontifex of Holy Malhambria and first woman to hold the position. Buried here in her home town. I have need of you fallen Pontifex, or rather, I have need of your mask."

He tapped his jeweled staff against the soft earth of the hill and the ground rumbled.Roots burst from the sod and stones and dirt filled the air. A massive sarcophagus made of green marble was ejected from the earth. Another wave from his staff and the top flew off and landed several yards away.

"Excellent, now let us have a look."

According to the Grand Library at the Fortress At Ten Points, Xaverina had been buried in threescore robes of spiders silk and dragons scale, drowned in strips of vellums of litany and rubies. Now all that was there was dust, scraps of dragonscale, several dozen dull stones, and the mask. The mask was so simple for a pontifex, a sheet of black iron with ruby lenses over the eyes.

LuBasque stooped to pick up the mask, and once it was within his grasp he vanished in a conflagleration of green flames.

In Harper's Hollow...

The Gray Mask's victory over the 'elves' had been quick and brutal, they were searching for surviving orcs when the illusion vanished and all was revealed. An Ocllan village and Ocllan soldiers. When the severity of the treachery had dawned upon them the Grey Masks moved with all due speed towards Prince Gillian's fortress, the Prince would likely be prepared for them by then. Word was sent to Ironbreak, requesting new orders...

 

[Emotionless]

Dolson made his way out of the camp. Bristol was right, it would be a long day and he should go to his tent and get some rest, but the half-elf slave turned scout was restless. He had a bad feeling about those tracks, even if he wouldn't admit it to anyone.

Aproaching the guard line, he pulled up his cowel and sliped between two sentries and into the darkness ahead. Making his way to a hillock, Dolson stood and looked out over the surrounding land. As he was surveying the area a cloud moved out from infront of the moon and cast it's light on a ridge ahead. On it, looking directly at Dolson was an ancient looking man in a dark robe. The two men's eyes met over the distance and Dolson could immideatly feel the power coming from this man. "Agapios," Dolson mouthed. The distant man must have understood, as he smiled, winked, and as a cloud moved back infront of the moon, disappeared.

Still thinking about the bizzare encounter, Dolson snuck back inbetween the sentries and made his way to his tent. "Wizards," he muttered as he lay down to sleep.

----the next morning-----

"Good morning," Dolson said with a grin as he entered Bristol's tent. "I may have lead on our wizard friend." Not saying anything further, and smirking at the questioning look on his companion's face, Dolson sat and helped himself to some breakfast.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

A wizard waved his hands dramatically.

"Surging Blaze!" he cried. "I summon the powers from deep within my soul to cleanse this hateful country of its evil! Knock down these walls, Aether, and bring my army into the--urk!"

A knife to the throat cut his spell short.

"Melodramatic moron," muttered Balron, stalking quickly and silently back into the night. Another good reason to crush Magincia.

Yes, Balron had once been an adventurer. A bandit and a thief, first, filled with anger and resentment as well as a hunger in his belly, and then the squire to a Knight-Errant. Combined with his incredible magic power, he was a force to behold, even by himself.

And even with a bumbling private trailing behind him.

Was this how Gideon felt about having me along? It is strange, since Gunther looks so much like Gideon, and even his name reminds me...

As Balron flowed effortlessly through his enemy's army, cutting down key units and escaping immediately to slow their advance down and hamper their seige, Gunther stumbled behind him, hacking once or twice but spending most of the time feeling useless.

All the same, as unimportant as one human is, it feels good to teach him... I mustn't delude myself into thinking it's important, though. I shouldn't feel good about this, it's foolish...

After clearing the area, he entered the secret passage into his study and helped Gunther along, and then approached the War Room. He allowed himself a small amount of pleasure from the looks of surprise, and then immediately went to defending the siege. Hopefully, Iris had been kept save by his thief and spy. Not even she would be foolish enough to try and escape to the Magincians... though in fact, the Magincians would no doubt want to harbor her for study...

<<--->>

Iris had been listening to the sounds of battle outside the castle. Sara was with her, and they were both sitting on the bed, glancing often at each other as the man in black guarded the door.

"You'll stay here," he said quietly. His voice seemed strangely vacant to them, as if as soon as he left, the two women would forget how he sounded. He seemed to have perfected the art of a thief. "I will protect you with my life, if necessary."

And they would leave over his dead body, was the unspoken addition.

<<--->>

The Magincian troops were surprised when, as they finally summoned a Dragon to knock down the walls of Castle Occlo, the gates opened for them. They poured in, and the dragon flew overhead...

...and a cloud rushed down to envelop it, freezing and choking the dragon.

Balron smiled as his air elemental dealt with the dragon, and he charged forward with his men, scything into the surprised ranks of the Magincian footsoldiers. They scattered left and right, Balron slashing skillfully and, with apparent ease, blasted spheres of every element into his enemies. Every wizard that tried to attack him was blocked and devastated with a counterspell.

A half-hour had passed, and Balron was sweating miserably. Urgh! Without the Staff of Karnon, it is so much more difficult... He slashed skillfully, but every attack reminded him that he was not nearly as skillful as Gideon had been...

...Gideon had found confidence, somehow, but Nammil had never had that... where did confidence come from, anyway? Foolishness? Gideon put on an air of foolishness, anyway...

Lost in thought, Balron was tripped and fell onto his back. He heard a yell, and looked up, seeing the sword cleaving down toward his face.

Finally, it ends...

"Yaagh! My Liege!"

The sword was blocked, parried, and countered with a slash. The would-be slayer of Balron found himself slayed instead.

And Gunther helped his king up to his feet.

"Thank you, Gunther," said Balron quietly. The flustered young soldier could only nod. Why, he must be eighteen or so... Gideon was around thirty, but he looked young... just as I do... I wonder how Gunther will look in ten years?

And then the sounds of more fighting came from far away.

"It's a pincer attack!" yelled an enemy officer. "We've got to get out of here!"

But they never did.

<<--->>

The sun rose on the dewy grassland of Greensoar. Already, the blood had been washed away by the rains -- but that was Balron's doing. The corpses of the soldiers would rot away to feed the plants, and their weapons and armor would be used for better purposes, and be scavanged by those who needed it. Balron himself had fond memories of those days.

What must have been one-sixth of the army of Magincia was either captured or dead.

There was a knocking on Iris' door. The thief had been standing there all night, and apparently, he hadn't slept a wink. He opened the door, bowed to the man who entered, and seemed to vanish into the shadows.

Balron entered the room quietly, staring the sleepy but now alert Iris in the eyes. His dark hair and deep black eyes were complimented by his dark clothing -- a leather cape and soft black (or were they dark green?) leather clothes, with hard leather plates fastened on in critical areas such as his neck and groin. He seemed prepared for traveling, and he was devastatingly handsome, yes. But evil. Oh, so evil...

He had just killed nearly a hundred soldiers with his own hands, and more than twenty times that with his orders, and his eyes still seemed devoid of emotion.

"I'm leaving for Magincia, my Lady," Balron said quietly. "A trainee bodyguard and I will be going at the forefront to fight to regain the lost parts of Occlo, and then move in, taking all of Magincia. I will also find more about... things I need to know." He moved forward, now staring her in the eyes, and pointedly ignoring Sara, who inched away slightly, yet who still gripped young Iris' hand tightly. "As will you. For you are coming with me."

He reached forward, once again encaptured in the lust for what he would achieve, and the power he would wield... and her. He rested a soft, yet strong hand on her shoulder, stroking it and seeming to feel every bone, every tendon, every inch of her skin underneath her gown. "I will show you what a King can do," he breathed quietly, yet with a hint of passion in his voice.

Iris began to worry about what that was supposed to mean.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

LuRoe was in deep meditation, seeking inner peace in these times of strife. He dwelled not upon the war or its many players but on nothing at all. His coach went for miles across the rolling planes of Ocllo.

"Your Grace! Sir!"

A voice was drawing him back, he swam back into the world of the waking, he looked at the panicked face of his valet.

"What is it, what distress has given you cause to rouse me?"

"Raiders! They wear Magincian colors!"

Gui looked out of the window just in time for the side of his coach to be riddled with arrows. He quickly put his head back in the window and closed the shutter behind him.

"You are correct. The coach can protect us from their arrows and is warded against their vulger magicks. I do suggest you arm yourself though. If they catch up with us there could be trouble."

His valets pulled out a seat cushion to reveal a number of small crossbows and ammunition. They quickly armed themselves and took a handfull of bolts. They carefully fired out of the windows. They didn't have much of a chance of hitting the riders considering the speed and distance but the riders were forced to scatter or be hit.

"Do try to make it to safety, I can't be detained. You understand how it is."

"Think nothing of it sir, these rabble shall not catch us."

LuRoe made an odd sign over his head and his outer robe collapsed in on itself as his body vanished into thin air.

LuRoe had on ocassion swam through the astral in his physical form, they were harrowing experiences but he was an experienced magus and had made it through unscathed. This time would be different, a powerful site in the physical plane disrupted his passage to Ironbreak and he was instead wrenched out of the astral and dropped at some place of mystery. He quickly asked the winds and stones of what might be about as he recovered from the violent encounter.

The stones could feel the footsteps of hundreds of men, the winds caught the smell of humble men and three burdened by great destinys.

"This could be trouble..."

 

[Roughneck]

Bristol looked at Dolson, somewhat confused at what he had just said.

" Well, aren't we feeling perky today" said Bristol, finishing the remainder of his meal.

" Lets get the men moving Dolson, we have a long treck ahead of us. I am hoping we can make it up the pass by midday."

Bristol looked around, a puzzled look on his face.

" Dolson, have you seen Trianna, I haven't seen her since last night?"

 

[Emotionless]

Dolson looked up and shook his head. "No, I left the camp just after I left here last night. And I came right here this morning." He shugged and continued, "But it's early yet, maybe she's still asleep?"

Bristol just nodded and didn't say anything. But after several seconds of silence he asked "So what did you learn about the wizard?"

"Well, like I said I left camp last night, as I had concerns about the hoof prints we saw. Anyway, I was standing on a hill overlooking a vally just to the north of here and....there he was."

Bristol looked a little surprised at the news, "You mean you saw him?"

"Yeah, I mean I don't know who else it could have been. He saw me as well, looked right into my eyes he did. It was eerie."

Bristol nodded again, "Tell the men to pack up, we're headding to that valley of yours."

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

At the Fortress at Ten Points...

The Marquis LuQua was troubled, he had been in meditation within his manor in Mahnse when he heard a deep groan, resonating across the astral. Something was reverberating across the mystic planes and it's point of origin was the sacred Fortress at Ten Points. He had wasted no time in coming here to question the Pontifex.

What he saw before him was terrifying to say the least. The Pontifex who was once adorned in white and gold now wore robes of sinister greens and violets. Where a bejewled porcelain mask had hidden his face, was a mask of black iron. And his Staff of Dharmic Might , token of his office was cast aside and in it's stead was the unwholesome Staff of Karnon.

"You are troubled by the changes I have made, LuQua?"

"Pontifex LuBasque! You told us that you were going to destroy that vile artifact!"

"A ruse. Gui would have tried to undermine my authority if I had revealled my plan at that conference."

"What plan could possibly justify your actions?!?"

LuBasque waved his hand at the Marquis, sending a gale of magic endowed wind towards him. The wind resonated with the magical shield LuQua kept about him before knocking him on his ass.

"Hold still your tongue whelp! I am the Pontifex, and you will be dust if you speak out of turn!" He quickly composed himself and started again, "I have grown much displeased with the imperfection of this world. The people of other lands run amok, delaying the ascension of humanity by millenia! I shall call Savout to earth and quiet these people forever! And with the rest of the world dead, the people of the mask, we of Holy Malhambria will transcend time and space, joining our beloved father forever!"

LuQua summoned his silver Staff of the Mahnse Steppes and pointed it at LuBasque, "Heresy! You cannot be allowed to deny the world it's destiny! I will end this here and now, and destroy the Staff of Karnon myself!"

The silver staff glowed in LuQua's hand and an enourmous burst of dust and wind was launched at the pontifex, these winds were tenfold the strength of the winds that plagued the vast steppes of Mahnse and the dust could tear a man to shreds. LuBasque put a hand to his black mask and was unharmed.

"The Provost Mask is proof against your devil winds, and now you will feel my power."

He extended his hand and clawed his fingers in the air, forming a circle, "Morte Absolute!"

A ribbon of ebon energy emitted from the circle he had drawn in the air and streaked towards the marquis.

"With faith in my heart, death I make part!" With a hand held to his cheast, LuQua stared down the beam of death and it forked to either side of him, sparing him.

LuBasque sneered and waved the Staff of Karnon, and with a blinding flash, LuQua was reduced to a pile of fine ashes.

"Counter that fool."

LuBasque was blinded by his own arrogance however, while his body had been destroyed; LuQua had designated a contingency for such and event. His astral form persisted with a fraction of his soul that the staff was unable to quench. He only had a short time, he hoped it was enough to reach Gui...

The death of the Marquis LuQua could be felt by all the great Magi of the world...

 

[SecretDesires]

Trianna looked out at the rising sun in her spot amidst the trees surrounding the camp. Peace reigned over the encampment for just this little while though she could already hear the sounds of soldiers rising and preparing for a new day.

Here she was in her element among nature and the trees that streatched to the sky, here there was peace and calm and things were not running off at a pace that would make an elf's head swim. Elves, by nature are very patient, very unhurried folk. They live long lives and can afford to let things unravel at it's own pace. Humans on the other hand have such short lives that they always feel they must get it done right now or else life will pass them by. Trianna was yearning for the slower pace of life right about now and this spot let her go back to that temporarily at least.

She frowned in thought thinking about what all had happened so far in such a short time. Who would have known that stopping to aide a human would get her embrioled in something so huge as to make her act anything like herself. When she went back home she would have to apologize to Marse for her actions, so unlike the usual respectful tones that she used when in his presence and she would certaintly have to go to the temples to atone for her loss of temper with Bristol. Never in her life had she reacted that way around anyone. And she never would again, she vowed. Her father would be ashamed of her if he knew. Even if it was only a human. To be honest Trianna was not sure what to think of the human race. They were confusing to be sure and, maybe her father had been right when he said that they were a bad influence on the other races. Only time would tell.

Sensing that her moment of calm was coming to a close, Trianna sighed and climbed down from her perch, setting her bow and quiver more comfortably on her back and headed back to camp and Bristol's tent. Entering she found Dolson and Bristol engaged in conversation.

Looking from one man to the next she gave a questioning stare. "I can come back if you are busy," She said to them, reaching out a hand to open the flap and depart if they expressed the wish for her to do so.

 

[Roughneck]

Bristol and Dolson were engaged in some small talk when Trianna entered. Bristol looked up at her giving her a warm smile.

"I can come back if you are busy," She said, as she turned to leave.

" Wait, we have been looking for you for some time." said Bristol, standing up and walking over to Trianna.

" I have a hard time understanding you and your race. . . so quiet and mysterious, here one moment, gone the next. I imagine your not use to us, our life style must differ from yours."

Bristol stood there a moment, scratching his head. " I . . well. .I just wish you would tell us when your going to wonder off. . . just concerned.

Trianna just smiled warmly at Bristol. He knew she wouldn't give him a direct answer, but her smile reassured him greatly.

" Well since your here, lets get down to business. Dolson said he might have seen the wizard Agapios last night, in a valley not to far from here. I figure we ought to check it out, can't hurt to look. If nothing is found, then we'll head for the pass."

Trianna nodded her approval, as Bristol turned to Dolson.

" Get a scouting party together, and ride ahead of the group. I want to make sure we don't run into any surprises. Though were equipped, I don't think were in any shape to fight a major confutation.

Dolson held a large grin on his face, jumping to his feet and sprinting out the tent.

" I must say, he sure does have enthusiasm. I wonder what his past is, being he's half Elf and Human." Looking to Trianna, " I don't know about your people Trianna, but mine look down on people like him."

Bristol reflected for a moment, " You wonder some times, what makes us different, and when I think about it. . . there's not much at all. Were all so much alike, I think we look for differences just to have a reason to hate."

Bristol sighed for a moment, before grabbing his helm and heading out the tent.

 

[Emotionless]

Dolson jogged down the path to where he knew some good scouts were camped, his smile genuine and not fadeing. For the first time in his life, he had friends! He'd never know that simple pleasure before in his life. He didn't know his parents, for he was sold off before he can remember. At one point he thought a former master, Helbet, was his friend, for Helbet had gone to great lengths to teach Dolson to fight. Dolson had thought the many long hard days of training were so the half-elf would become the warrior's appreantance, but as he found out the day he was sold, when the man Dolson looked at as a father refered to him as IT, he learned the training was only to drive up his price.

The smile slipped from his face as the memories came back, of the sneers and curses everyone of pure blood would throw at him. Even other slaves! Thinking back now, Dolson realized he had never fit in anywhere.

He looked back at the tent which he just left and smiled anew. It was different now, he was with people that truly cared about him. It was surly a new experiance, but it was the best feeling he ever had.

With those thoughts in mind Dolson reached the scout's camp. "Wake up, men. We've work to do."

Sortly after, 10 scouts rode out with a grinning half-elf at the van.

 

[Mistress]

She sat silently across from him in the carriage, her pale eyes staring out at the land passing by them. He had not allowed Sara to travel with her so she was ultimately alone and unsure of what was about to happen. She caught herself trembling and glanced at Balron, his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere, and hopefully he had not seen her fear. Clearing her throat she frowned and turned back to look straight into his eyes, “I don’t see why Sara couldn’t come along. A Lady needs her servant, more so when in travel!” She said sharply her left eyebrow raising.

He ignored the first comment and then replied, “Yes, a Lady does need her servant.”

Her mouth dropped open for a moment at the insult and then closed again, her eyes flashing with anger. She knew it was what he wanted so she held her tongue, not giving him the fight he was looking for. Within the silence came his chuckle and she turned her eyes back to the carriage window as he spoke, “Do not worry Iris, you will have no need for Sara where we are going, I am sure you will be so engrossed in what takes place that you shall not give Sara a second thought.”

Again her eyes turned to him and she set her jaw, trying to hide the fear that was creeping upon her, “What ever you say my King.”

His eyes narrowed, he did not like the submissiveness in her voice. The greatest appeal to Iris was her strong will, her fiery soul, and her purity; it is what made the whole situation of having a power wielding child with her worth it all. She was pure, never touched, never kissed, pure in mind, body, and soul. If the prophecy was to come to pass he needed her to be as fiery as ever, he wanted her to drink in the power she could obtain, he wanted her to be drunk with it….

He knew if he found the right key to open the lock on her soul he would have her. Having Sara around seemed to keep her mind settled, so the first step was to make sure she was absolutely alone, no one she could confide in, no one she could cry to other then him. It was a matter of time how long she could hold onto her own strength before giving in to his, and he hoped he could pull her in smoothly and swiftly. He knew it was not the fear of loosing her purity that bothered her, nor was it the fact that he was an unhandsome man. Even he could see the attraction in her eyes to know he was handsome to her, but it was the thought of loosing herself to the Dark Power that brought fear to her. It was this fear he wanted to make fade away, to seduce her in a manner that she would not realize what has happened until she was already caught up in his world. He could already sense her breaking, the way she trembled whenever he told her to address the dancers at the banquette. She may not know it yet but she was slipping in her restraints, he smiled yes, it was only a matter of time….

 

[SecretDesires]

Trianna flashed a smile at Bristol's back as he left the tent. "We elves think every race is beneath us," She said before following him. Maybe that was what made her a bit different, the curiosity instead of the bigotry. She didn't know. It was a question she had asked herself many times before and she still hadn't recieved the answer.

Stepping out of the tent, a dark steed with no saddle upon it snickered at her arrival. Rubbing it's nose gently she said,"It's good to see you to, old friend. Thank you for coming so quickly and for agreeing to carry me on this quest."

Mounting, she gently grasped the mane and looked over to Bristol nodding her head in readiness.


******************************
"I will not have this councel involved in man's doings," The tall elf said as his hand came down flat on the table. If Bristol were there he would be able to disern the similarity between Trianna and the older elf in the way they both carried themselves and the flash of life that lit their eyes. Though Trianna and her father viewed the world differently they both had the same stubborness and avidness when it came to reaching their very different goals.

"Arvid," Said the elf to his right, an older man with grey in his hair and eyebrows,"None of us wish to get involved in anything the men of this world have started. But if what they have started ends up on the doorsteps of the elves than we would be foolish indeed not to take precautions to save our own people at least."

Another elf, female this time, younger than both men but older than Trianna nodded. "True. But, though we do not approve of the world of humans we must also think that we do have trade with them. A restricted trade, true, but still it is not good to cut into one's livelyhood without much thought. This thing had started out to be a simple war, as human wars go, between a fight over land and title. When they woke the dragon and called upon it, indeed, called upon the very powers to awaken and control it, that war then became everyone's problem. Whether we like it or not, Arvid, we are involved and now is the time to decide what to do with that involvement."

Trianna's father sighed as he looked at the young elf. "Long winded, as usual, Shari," He said with a bit of bite to his tone. "However you do make legitimate points. Still this has not come to the point where we must act. For right now I say we watch and wait. We have our scouts positioned and we will get word if things become dire. I say no elf is to do more than that until the order is given. Our scouts have reported that the supposed king of the humans has given up the power he once weilded and does not seek to enter our lands. Until this changes we must keep to ourselves as we have always done."

A voice, grating upon Arvid's ears perked up from beside Shari. "Ah, but isn't it a bit late for that? From what we hear an elf is very involved in this. And one from your own house, I believe. If you don't watch that girl, Arvid, you will be raising halflings for grandchildren."

Arvid whirled about on his heels as he faced the other. The man was younger than he was, with dark hair and very dark eyes and a smirk played about his face. In an instant anyone who did not know the history of these two could tell that they were long time rivals. The tension between them could be cut with a knife.

"Malki," Trianna's father said through gritted teeth,"The actions of my daughter are none of your concern. I believe she made that clear when she very publicily refused your proposal of wedlock. And this is not the place nor the time to bring up personal matters. We must vote to hold back until such time as it is clear that the elven nation would be at risk should this continue any longer."

After a long moment of silence heads began to nod, one after the other in agreement to his words. Malki stared at Arvid for a moment before he too agreed and then the older elf sat down.

"It is agreed. We wait and we watch. If we must we will act."

 

[Roughneck]

Bristol watched Trianna mount the dark steed, nodding to him to indicate she was ready. Bristol grabbed the reins to his mount, swinging himself into the saddle.

" Trianna, I am going to send the bulk of our forces towards the pass. The valley Dolson showed me is only a short ride from here, so if we find nothing then little time will have been lost."

Bristol swung his horse around, facing the men who would be accompanying them.

" Listen up! Were heading to a valley just east from here. Our objective is to find a wizard. . . I have no idea what he looks like, so keep your eyes out for anything that resembles a man. Also. . . keep your guard up, we do not know what lurks about, so do not stray to far"

With that being said, Bristol whirled his horse around, spurring it onto the valley. The group was cheered on by the men of the camp as they departed, many in the group cheered back in response.

Trianna quickly rode up to Bristol, a slight smile on her face. As Bristol looked at Trianna, he could only wonder. What was her purpose in all of this, what was she searching for in her life? Bristol was quite confused about her and he doubted he would get any clear answers to those questions any time soon. He had very little knowledge about her kind, and what he did know was based more in myth, then in truth.

" Trianna, maybe when all of this comes to an end, and these adventures are behind us, you could show me how your people live?"

Trianna gave him an odd look, and just smiled. Bristol frowned at her expression, wanting more of a direct answer.

" I'll take that as a maybe then" said Bristol.

In a short time the group reached the valley, meeting up with Dolson's scouting party.

" How goes the search Dolson?" asked Bristol, dismounting from his horse.

" Well we haven't found anything yet, but I did find a few things of interestt."

"Oh, and what might those be?"

" Found fresh horse tracks, not more then half a day old. . . if that. I'm sure, judging by the tracks, that were looking at a small mounted unit, maybe around 100 men."

" Please continue" said Bristol, surveying the area around him.

" Well. . we found this man, thought it was the wizard at first but. . . . . "

Dolson paused for a moment, trying to find the right words.

" I don't know what to say Bristol, this guy is different, sort of dressed strange too. I just get a bad feeling about him, the kind you get when you think something bad might happen. He's just over that hill, have three men guarding him. I tried to find out his name and such, but he refuses to talk"

Bristol reflected on Dolson's words for a moment, then looked to Trianna.

Well, lets have a look at this fellow ya found Dolson, maybe we can make some sense of this together. Trianna, continue the search with the men, but keep an ear and eye out for anything strange. . . I'm afraid were pressing our luck being here. In fact I think we need to make haste from here and rejoin the others."

Trianna nodded to Bristol, "I will look about the area, and see if i come across anything new."

With that being said, Trianna spurred her horse off, while Dolson and Bristol walked over to the captured man. As they neared the man, Bristol began to feel an unease inside him.

" I now understand what your talking about Dolson, my spirit is quite uneasy."

Standing before the man, Bristol squatted down staring at the man directly.

" So my dear fellow, what blind fate has brought you here?"

The man just stared at him, not a single word was uttered.

" I see. . . and I imagine you won't tell me your name either?"

" See, like I said Bristol, he just ignores you, almost like he's in meditation or a trance, very strange if you ask me."

Bristol stood up, placing a hand on Dolson's shoulder.

" Well, do we leave him here or do we take him with us?"

 

[Emotionless]

"I think we should take him along. We came across his footprints in the dust, thats how we tracked him down. When he wouldn't tell us where he was comming from we attemped to find where the tracks began, but they just ended as if he just.....appeared."

"Appeared?" Bristol looked confused.

"Yes, there were no tracks beyond that little rise yon," he pointed. "Maybe his toung will loosen in the future, Id kind of like to know how he did that." He looked down at the slient man with a puzzled look on his face.

"Lets head back to the group," Bristol said. Dolson nodded and motioned for the guards to bring the man along. It felt odd being looked to for orders, but it was something he could get used to. Even if it was just a small scouting party he was in command of.

Dolson nodded to the slient man, "Think he knows anything about the wizzard?" he joked as they moved to join Trianna and the others.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Balron smiled softly as he helped Iris out of the carriage. The day was dark and cloudy, and showed that rain might come soon. A day well suited for the beginning of an invasion that would destroy an entire country...

"My front lines are moving ahead," he said to her, quietly. "When we are ready, I will take us there, and we will attack." The young man who had been driving the carriage, a rather handsome boy with rakish blonde hair, adjusted his half-plate armor and sat by a tree, facing the other way to keep watch. "Gunther there shall come with us. He shall serve you in Sara's stead while I am away." He glanced at her askance, his dark eyes like pools of tempting, dark chocolate. "Though I will not be away often."

His black cloth and leather attire made next to no sound as he stepped toward her, clasping her gently on the shoulders. She is so beautiful. Her potential shines within her. But the child will be even more powerful if I can awaken its latent energies within her, the mother, with my own magic...

"Iris, do not resist me," he said, softly. "You and I can be happy together. I will rule the continent, and I shall rule wisely, and then our child shall rule. Do you see, Iris? If we combine, me with my power and you with your potential, we can give the world a priceless gift." He leaned in, his gaze intent but soft and surprisingly sensitive. As if he could see into her soul...

"I will not force you," he said gently. "But let me give you a taste of what power feels like..."

If I can only break her fear of my magic, she will be mine, I know. I must have that child... though I should be sad, that I may not love her as another man would be able to. Even so, it is for the glory of Consciousness...

"I shall show you your own strength, Lady De'Lavoney."

And he let his power flow.

A mix of white and black lightning, painless yet bright, crackled over Iris, and she slumped to her knees, numb. He never stopped supporting her, even when she fell into the dream...

She could hear her own heartbeat. It was dark, but she could hear her own heartbeat. Nervous, she opened her eyes.

There was bright white, all around. No, there-- she saw a flash of color. And wait-- there was another. Suddenly, she could see the flashes everywhere; flashes of every color, particles of every element, of every shape and size.

This was her soul.

And she looked in, and saw the power there, and saw what she could do with it, and was so tempted to reach for it, to claim her birthright...

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

LuRoe's head was awash in a narcotic laced astral nightmare. Colors, sounds, scents, and textures mingled and became indistinct; his world was a miasma of chaotic power. Then there was a breeze, and in this breeze a bolt of white light that snapped him out of this dread realm.

"LuRoe!"

In the call of his name, the shattered soul of LuQua revealed the treachery of the Pontifex and his mad scheme, a gambit that could destroy them all. He awoke and let loose a blood curling scream heard by Bristol and his followers. He screamed and flailed his limbs at the soldiers, running towards Bristol.

"Aieee! A masked's ashes make unclean the sacred seat, his treachery is all but complete!"

Bristol was naturally quite confused with this outburst, LuRoe grabbed him by the collar and screamed through his white mask.

"He is coming back and his wrath will be great and terrible! The oceans will run red with the blood of the maskless! Mountains ground to powder, the forests laid to rot! The works of man and elf and all who walk under the sun will be lost! Don't you see! Don't you see!"

He smacks his masked forehead against Bristol's flooding the young warrior's mind with horrible oaths and visions of prophesies...

A castle beyond all reckoning in the shape of a ten pointed star; a black mask and a staff of dread power, a mass of fetid flesh moving across the stars, a deep groan reverberating through the cosmos, a caustic laugh in a hallowed place, a child unborn in the womb, and vast red oceans...

These images and more thundered into Bristol's mind, until the masked man's grasp went limp and he fell, rushing back into the blackness of sleep.

"Where is the True King?"

(OOC: Any attempt to remove or break his mask will fail, depending on your character's education you could probably identify him as Malhambrian. Trianna might even know his rank or identity.)

 

[SecretDesires]

Trianna found nothing as she scouted around and so she rode back to join Bristol, Dolson and the others. Upon reaching them she stopped to look at the man who lay on the ground unconscious. Raising an eyebrow, she got off her mount and walked over to crouch beside him. Giving the mask a tug and seeing that it could not be removed, she nodded.

"Malhambrian," She said and then added,"A nobleman at that." Looking over his pale complexion and his dark hair she said,"From the East. Margaritta perhaps or somewhere close by."

Standing and dusting herself off she mused,"Now what would one such as he be doing here? And in such a state?"

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Balron bowed his head as he watched Iris go into the trance. It was nothing special -- the normal spell that hedge wizards cast to discover if children could access the thread of Consciousness that was their soul and turn it into a form of magic. While all Consciousness was the same, a child's personality most often determined what kind of magic they would wield.

He leaned back, simply watching that beautiful face...

"LuRoe!"

Balron hissed and gripped his head. A powerful Magi had been slain, and his aura scattered to the four winds as his soul returned to Consciousness, never to be found the same again...

Shaking his head, and seeing that Iris was still in her trance, he allowed himself a few moments of wide-eyed contemplation.

The Staff of Karnon...?

And... the Pontifex of the Malhambrians?

But who was it that died? Somebody who knew LuRoe...

He frowned.

Things are not as they seem. I thought perhaps I would be released by a burden by giving away the staff, and was surprised when the spirit of Karnon did not come to haunt me... is there a connection?

He glared up at the sky.

Gods, do you mock my quest? Why do you not strike me down!?

Shaking his head, Balron sighed quietly.

All I can do is complete my quest as soon as possible...

...I must speak with the Gods...

 

[Mistress]

She blinked once then twice; the colors of her soul flittering before her, within her grasp. All she had to do was fully extend her arm and there it would be, in her hands, she gasped roughly as she stared off in her trance. Her hand lifts to her face and covers her mouth; her eyes now wide, glazed over. Mouthing silent words that not even Balron himself can decipher, she timidly starts to reach out her hand. So tempted to touch her soul to see what will happen, her fingers move as she slowly forms soundless words with her full lips. Gasping again she breaths in deeply and reaches out closer then all of a sudden her brow furrows and she squeezes her eyes shut pulling her hand quickly back and covering her mouth once again. Groaning she pulls from his support and crawls backwards blindly then in a fit of anger mixed with frustration and a magical lust she cries out, “I want no part of your Dark Magic, leave me be!” Tears stream down her pale cheeks as she covers her face with her hands and weeps, “Leave me be! Oh please, I can not!”

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Balron blinked, concern flitting across his eyes as Iris fell to her knees. His quest forgotten for the moment, he lunged forward and grabbed her.

"No, my dear!" he breathed, not letting her tear herself away completely. He crawled forward to her and gathered her up again, caressing her soft hair as she struggled weakly, wracked with sobs. "You saw your magic, and you fled?"

He pulled her chin up gently, facing her toward him. His dark eyes sucked her in, deeper and deeper, a bottomless chasm which drew you ever closer...

"There is nothing to be afraid of, Iris. I knew you were the one. A woman with both the destined child and magic herself. Destiny itself bends to my will, for me to be born in your era!" He leaned in, excited. He yearned for those lips...

"Iris!" he whispered. "The women of your ancient blood bear a child of amazing power once every hundred generations! Their child has always had powerful magic, but they never have! You, dearest, you are the ultimate evolution of your line! There will never be another woman like you!" His hand moved from her chin to touch her soft cheek. "What darkness do you fear, my dear, but the darkness of your unexplored destiny?"

"Touch that power, and you can begin to learn your amazing strength... feel the world tremble at your grasp... and join me to create a pure golden age!" He wrapped his arms around her, and held her close, her face an inch from his. "You know you can! Do not deny the races of the world your wonderful potential!"

She was so close. He couldn't handle it. He didn't just need the magic, or the child. His normal calculative mind was finally overwhelmed by mere lust. He needed this woman, now.

"Kiss me," he breathed, "and accept your fate..."