Frosthold-swords and sorcery

[deevo]

Darra O'Ferducha

OOC: I feel sorry for not noting this sooner, as I don't want to force the story in a direction that others may not like (though it could be said I've done that already.) I'm not going to take any specific ownership over Danu, or anything like that. If there's anything you want her to say or any other quests you think the group needs to be sent on before the confrontation with Alvina, feel free to add it. If it's cool with renegadeirishman, of course - after all, this is his thread.

IC:

Danu’s voice was calmer now. “You are a brave man, Cahir,” she began, “and you have a noble heart. You will do me proud, I believe. But first you must amass your army. Alvina’s forces are many and strong, they are infused with her dark magic, but you can gather forces capable of defeating her. Alvina is quick and smart, and her powers over men are legendary. Even you will find it difficult to resist her charms. An army of men will be of no use against her.”

Darra wondered what the goddess could mean. Sensing his thoughts, she turned her attention to him. “You do not understand me, Darra O’Ferducha? Come, you are a wise man. Think…”

Darra considered her words for a moment. He suddenly realised what army Danu meant Cahir to lead.

“You… you mean the women warriors of Lough Orainn?”

He could have sworn he heard her laugh. “Yes, Darra, I do. They have faced many foes and carved a place for themselves on this isle. They will form a formidable spine for this army.”

The women warriors of Lough Orainn were an almost mythical tribe. Composed entirely of females, they were said to steal women away from towns and villages, and by the time they had been found, the captives no longer wished to return home. Their day-to-day lives were still a mystery, but in battle they proved themselves a match for any army of men.

“You know where Lough Orainn is, Darra?”

He could only nod his head.

“Then you will show the prince the way. His army will take shape. The other pieces will come together when the time is right.”

Darra raised his staff upwards.

“By your grace, Danu, the goddess of the earth, the mother of all beings, I will do this. But will the warrior women of Lough Orainn agree to let a man lead them into battle?”

“No, they will not,” was her curt reply. “He may guide the army but only a woman may lead them into battle. That is,” she added, focusing her attention on Shayla, “if she is willing to do so?”

 

[Ankara]

Shayla Fae'Danan

OOC: Does the Earth Goddess cure them and then we have to fight the Sorceress to cure everyone else, or do we have to kill the sorceress to be cured.

Shayla felt honoured to be able to hear the voice of the Earth Goddess. She felt less fear now. Her people worshipped her, and the Goddess would not harm her. She listened to the Goddess speak about the sorceress and her power over men.

“No, they will not,” was her curt reply. “He may guide the army but only a woman may lead them into battle. That is,” she added, focusing her attention on Shayla, “if she is willing to do so?”

Shayla’s jaw dropped to the ground , WHAT, she thought to herself. She had not been expecting that reply. “Great Mother, I am honoured , and I am willing. But surly there must be someone else, someone who is a leader, someone who has battle experience.”

How was she going to lead an army of warrior women into battle. She had no experience in this sort of thing. But the disease ravaged the country, something had to be done. How would she even show these women she would be fit to lead.

 

[Ithica]

o.o.c: Can I be the leader of the warriors of Lough Orainn?

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cahir and Forgall

OOC:yes you may ithica, and its all good deevo

IC: "I will do as you say goddess" Cahir said, "Ready for an adventure Forgall?"

 

[deevo]

Darra O'Ferducha

OOC: I was wondering about the whole cure thing, since Danu has no power over the disease. But she does have power over the beings that carry out, so I have an idea for a test of faith.

IC:

“Great Mother, I am honoured, and I am willing. But surly there must be someone else, someone who is a leader, someone who has battle experience.”

Darra stifled a laugh. He knew that one does not question the gods’ wisdom.

Danu spoke with an air of authority and wisdom. “Shayla Fae'Danan, you have little faith in many people, especially yourself. I guarantee you before the final battle you will have the experience to lead those women.”

"I will do as you say goddess" Cahir said, "Ready for an adventure Forgall?"

“I am happy to hear you are ready, Cahir,” said the goddess. “All of you, raise your heads. Look at me.”

Darra hesitated for a moment. One who is not pure of spirit was not permitted to look upon the face of the goddess, and Darra knew there was an animal darkness in his heart. But he dared not disobey Danu, and slowly raised his head.

She stood in the centre of a bright, almost blinding light of brilliant white. Raven hair cascaded down framing a face that was both dignified and beautiful. Her green eyes pierced Darra’s soul, and he suddenly felt very much ashamed to gaze at the goddess in such a way. She was clad in golden fabric patterned with green vines that seemed, unbelievably, to move and grow across her gown. Darra did not know whether to continue staring or to turn his face away.

Danu spoke once more. “Before you depart this disease, which you all carry, must be removed. I cannot cure you, but the sickness is held in vessels that belong to me. Consider this a test of faith. Cut your hands and place them on the girl’s body, and I will draw the Black Death from you. Then be on your way. However, if you do this, and I remove the poison from your veins, there will be no turning back. You must walk this path to its conclusion.”

Darra looked once more at the body close to him. He was infected, that much he knew. He could still walk away, and die somewhere in agony, his body merely dumped in a pit without ceremony, condemning him to an eternity in limbo. He had already made his decision. Running one claw across his palm, he broke through the skin and placed his hand on the dead girl.

For a moment he felt nothing. Then a strange burning sensation started in his arm. It began to spread and intensify. He was struggling to remain calm, and finally could hold it in no more. He screamed into the sky as pain washed over him. Then, as quickly as it began, it started to dissipate. He could feel the illness being drawn out of him, and watched as black pus oozed out from under his hand. When he lifted his hand he saw that the palm had been healed. He turned to the others.

“I am cured,” he said breathlessly. He stood up and bowed to the goddess Danu. “I thank you, my mother.” He faced the others again and said, “When you have made your choice, we will leave.” Then he turned away. Lough Orainn was Northwest of here, in the shadow of the Western Ridge and the great mountain of Knockdun. What trials awaited them there?

 

[Ankara]

Shayla Fae'Danan

“Shayla Fae'Danan, you have little faith in many people, especially yourself. I guarantee you before the final battle you will have the experience to lead those women.”

Shayla’s face became hot and her cheeks turned red as the goddess laid the dark depths and fears of her soul out for everyone here to see. That she would never be able to let herself trust anyone, or be trusted. She bowed her head further hoping to hide the blush.

“All of you, raise your heads. Look at me.”

Shayla watched as Darra hesitated to raise his head. What darkness lurked in him that would make him hesitated to obey the Goddess.

“Before you depart this disease,…. ….You must walk this path to its conclusion.”

Shayla stared at the face of the dead woman, unable to pull her eyes away as Darra laid his hand on her. She felt her stomach turn at the thought of being near her, let alone touching her. Shayla could see Darra struggle with the pain etched on his face. Her heart stopped and her blood ran cold as she heard Darra scream out in pain.

Shayla searched for the knife in her pack, but her hands were shaking so bad she couldn’t hold still. She felt her face go red again that she could show such weakness infront of the Goddess again and her companions. She couldn’t find the knife. She looked over at Darra. “Beastm…. Darra, please.” She pleaded to him with her eyes not to shame her for asking for his help.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cahir and Forgall

"As the goddess commands." Cahir and Forgall said, each drawing a knife, and expertly slashing their palms and laying them on the body, they felt an intense burning and searing pain, but they did not flinch nor cry out, and just as with Darra, they were healed. "Go raibh maith agat, Danu" Cahir said and Forgall nodded. "To Lough Arainn!" Cahir said "Lead on wise one."

 

[deevo]

Darra O'Ferducha

"One moment my prince."

Darra walked over to Shayla. Looking into her eyes, he saw her fear and her apprehension, but more than this, he saw a determination not to let such emotions show. He gently took her slender hand; his own was almost large enough to envelope it. Continuing to look her straight in the eye, he quickly ran a claw across her palm. It hurt him to see her wince in pain, but when he spoke he was very clear.

"This is as far as I can take you. You must believe you have the strength to make the rest of this journey alone. When you have made your decision, join us."

With that he turned around. He wanted to bring her to the body, to place her hand on that deformed figure, to help her carry out this difficult task. But he knew he could not. This was something she needed to do on her own. If she could not do this, she would not be able to do all that Danu demanded of her.

He faced Cahir again. "Come, Prince Cahir, I will show you the way." And with that, he began to walk, fighting the temptation to turn back to the half-elf with every step.

 

[Ankara]

Shayla Fae'Danan

Shayla felt his strong hand envelop hers, giving her some of his strength. She felt the sting of Darra’s nail cutting her.

"This is as far as I can take you. You must believe you have the strength to make the rest of this journey alone. When you have made your decision, join us."

She wanted to say thank you, but the words wouldn’t come out. She nodded her thanks to Darra. She saw in him the need to help her. She wouldn’t disappoint him, she could complete this task, she told herself.

Shayla was grateful that Darra left and took the Prince and the fighter with him so they wouldn’t see her cry out. She walked over to the body. Her strength renewed. She would not fail this task. She knelt next to the body, trying to fight the urge to run from the disfigured form. She hesitantly placed her hand on the body. Her hand pushed harder into the body's stomach, as if pulled by a magnet. She felt a fire burning her from within, shooting up her arms and surrounding her. It was unbearable. Had she done something wrong? Her wings fluttered out to full wingspan then surrounded her when she screamed out. She grabed her arm with her other hand, and tried to force it to stay in place. Just as she began to wish she would die, the pain ended and she pushed herself away from the body.

She was healed, she rubbed her hand and turned to the Earth Goddess.
“Mother Goddess, thank you, I will not fail you.” She bowed and turned to follow her companions.

 

[little_golden]

Alvina, the Dark Sorceress awoke from her sleep, with a sun casting a wide light through one of the large windows. She did not know how long she had slept but sensed the restoration of the magical forces within her. An dark eagerness to see the effects of her plague forced her to a nearby magic mirror from which she called upon the dark within the mirror.

"Mirror... By the powers of all that is dark and evil... Show me now... The expanse of my black plague!" Alvina commanded.

Flashes of different faces filled her mirror. Within those faces she saw death and pain. It made her giddy with delight to repay upon the world a measure of her hatred.

"Mirror... Show me where my plague travels" commanded Alvira and the mirror flashed pictures of sickened men and woman who were traveling away from the plague stricken area. They were the walking death and through them the plague would continue it's vicious cycle.

"Yes... yes!" cackled Alvina in glee at her dark treachery.

 

[Ithica]

Name: Hrist
Race: Riada
Height:6'4
Age: 28
Hair: Short, Black
Eyes: Dark green
Occupation: Warrior, Leader of the warriors of Lough Orainn
Weapons: Longsword, daggers, Longbow


"Come back, child", croaked an old voice that broke Hrist out of her meditation. Everything that had originally distracted her from reaching a deeper level of meditation, which had faded into the background and then to nothingness, came slowly back into her awareness. From outside, Hrist could now hear the clash of weapons and the laughter of women. From inside the hut, she could smell the incense in the air and feel the heat from the fire. Hrist smiled and looked over at the old woman who was leaning over the runes.

Hrist had been eight years old when she had been freed by the tribe. It was when she had been given her new name that she had first met Skuld. But back then Skuld was Verdandi. The name Skuld is one of three names given to indicated the rank of the wise woman. The positions were in homage to The Fates and the only way to move up in position was when the eldest passed on to join the goddess. The three positions were Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld. Urd is a young woman starting on the path to become a wise woman. Verdandi is usually a middle aged woman proficient in her skills and initiates the newly freed girls. Finally Skuld is the oldest and closest to the goddess. Skuld is highly skilled at things such as reading runes. Which was what brought Hrist into the wise woman's hut today.

"Death is making its way from the lands in the south." Skuld said. "It is an unnatural death and is causing great turmoil and unrest. This rune speaks of masculine forces and of change. The rest are unclear but they say that we must protect ourselves."

"What should we do grandmother?", Hrist asked.

"Set up guards around the villiage. Verdandi and I will create wards to help warn us of danger. Everyone should stay close to the village. I believe Reginleif was going to leave today to trade with the elves but it will have to be cancelled until the voices of the remaining runes are clear."

 

[deevo]

Just a quick message

OOC: I'm sorry to say it, but I'm travelling abroad tomorrow and don't know what my internet access is going to be like. I'll try to get back as soon and as often as possible, but it will be difficult for the next few days. Again, I'm very, very sorry.

 

[Ankara]

Shayla Fae'Danan

The blinding light from the goddess faded behind Shayla when she reached the small group waiting for her. Her heart had started to beat like normal. She felt unusually calm and relaxed. Shayla gave a nod of thanks to Darra and a small smile. Darra smiled back, which made Shayla’s face light up with a larger smile and a laugh. She couldn’t believe they all got through that unscathed.

“Well, I guess we’re all off to Lough Orainn.” The blizzard had ended, and sun was still high in the sky, they had plenty of good travel time before they would need to set up camp.

The way was rocky and a little hard to walk on, but in general it was easy to travel. They covered some good distance before the sun started to set. Shayla found a good place, a good distance from the path, and up against a rock face, to cut down on any wind and cold. “Your majesty, if you don’t have any objections, I think we should set up camp here."

Shayla left right away to go find some dinner. She had seen some deer tracks
around where they were going to set up camp. If it had just been her by herself she would have just caught a rabbit, but with the two Raida and Darra, she supposed they would need more than a rabbit. She didn't want to use the food that they were carrying cause she wasn't sure if they would always be able to find food.

Shayla walked for a while, when she finally spotted her pray. She flew up the tree she was closest to. She was downwind from the deer, and he hadn't spotted her. She sat and watched him for awhile. He was beautiful. He looked strong, and healthy. The plague obviously hadn't reached this far north yet.

Shayla notched an arrow into her bow, aimed carefully, and fired. She struck him, but not enough to kill him. He took off into the bush. Shayla spread her wings and lept from the tree. Shayla didn't like to see the animal suffer, but she enjoyed the chase. It got her adreneline pumping and made her feel alive. She flew after the deer, and landed far enough ahead of him to let another arrow fly, killing him.

She walked over to the deer slowly, making sure he was dead. Shayla knelt beside him and prayed her thanks to the animal god for this sacrifice. Then began to drag him back through the woods to the camp.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cahir and Forgall

Forgall dropped a huge load of firewood at Cahir's feet "Thank you Forgall Have a seat your drained." Cahir said etching the wood with the necessay runes, he spoke a few words and the fire sprang to life. "Who wants first watch?"

 

[Ithica]

After all of the tasks the wise woman requested were finished, Hrist tried to meditate. She couldn't keep her mind focused. She kept on thinking about when she became a member of the tribe. Enough time had passed since that day that she had forgotten what her name was before she had been freed. She thought about the brave women who helped her escape from slavery and brought her into this world. She could learn skills she wouldn't have had in her old life, didn't have to hide her strengths, and nothing could limit what she could become but her own ablities.

When women are freed and join the tribe, they are all taught how to be warriors and some of them take on trades such as weaving, blacksmithing, or farming which they develop during times of peace. Hrist wasn't very good at any of the trades but she was good with a sword. She had learned what she could and used her new skills with a sword to take the leadership of the tribe. It been five years since she fought Herja for the right to be the leader of the warriors of Lough Orainn.

Hrist realized that she wasn't going to get her mind in order and grabbed her sword to get in some practice. Reginleif had been upset about having to cancel her trip to the elves. Trading with the elves was important because they weren't completely self-sufficient and the elves made wonderful swords and bows. Reginleif would probably be a good sparing partner right about now. Hrist left the hut to go look for her.

 

[Furion9]

(( wow...I sure missed a lot. moved into my new apt at the beginning of the month and couldnt get internet set up again until...today. needless to say, it sucked. sorry if I messed anything up. Wonder if I can still drop in ))

 

[Ankara]

OOC. I know it's not up to me... but I don't see why not, just kinda write your character back in... we've kinda slowed down writing a little cause deevo is gone for a little bit, but I'd like things to get going again

 

[rengadeirishman]

00C:go for it, my writing might be a bit sporadic, so feel free to play with my characters a little bit if necessary

 

[Ithica]

Skuld shook her head as she put the runes away and pulled back her long white hair. She grabbed her cane and left her hut to find Hrist. She could hear the clash of steel coming from the sparing area, and headed towards the group of women cheering on the fighters. The crowd parted for her so she could get a better view of the action and she saw Hrist and Reginleif.

Reginleif ran across the circle and swung her sword up at her opponent. Hrist deflected the move and dodged the next attack. Their swords flashed as they parry, thrust and dodged trying to get the upper hand. While they weaved a circle around each other, their extravagant moves made way for more simple ones. Skuld could tell that they had been fighting for awhile and it would end soon. They had the same fighting styles but Hrist had more experience as a fighter. Reginleif was currently relying on brute strength at this point while Hrist was showing off which could cause her to slip up. Reginleif jumped forward and brought her sword over her head and down on Hrist. The swords clanged and Hrist had crouched down while blocking up with her sword. She pushed up and rolled to the side throwing Reginleif off balance. Skuld watched as Hrist kicked out and swept Reginleifs legs out from under her. Reginleif landed hard and looked up to find Hrist's sword at her throat. Reginleif laughed and said something to Hrist that was lost in the cheer of the crowd. Hrist smiled down at the blonde woman and reached out a hand to help her up.

As the crowd dispersed Skuld watched Hrist joke with her former opponent and with the women who offered their congratulations. When Skuld was finally noticed, Hrist became more serious and walked away from the group.

 

[Ithica]

Eleven days and still waiting for some action. I feel like I'm just playing with myself. .

 

[Ankara]

The next few days of travel went by in a blur of walking and setting up camp. In the evenings Darra and Forgall started teaching Shayla how to fight with a sword. She liked the challenge of learning how to fight with a new weapon. It also gave her a chance to get to know her companions better. When she had first met Forgall, she had been awe struck by him. She remembered being told stories about some of his adventures and was excited to be apart of one of his stories. She had been hesitant to really talk to, or get to know any of these men that she travelled with, but after Forgall offered to help teach her how to fight with a sword, she found herself warming up to him, and looking on him as a father.

The Beastman Darra was another story. After his kindness to her when they were with the Goddess, she felt awkward around him. He was a good teacher and always extremely gentle with her, like he thought that she would break into a thousand peices if she were bumped to hard while they were training. He had also seemed a little distant, and quiet since the Goddess. Almost like his mind was somewhere else, possibly on what lay ahead of us, but she left him to his thoughts when he became quiet at times.

Finally, one day Darra stopped and called back to everyone ”There lies the Western Ridge and the great mountain of Knockdun, We are nearly there.

OOC: Sorry everyone, I've been alittle busy. Furion 9 if you just want to slip your character in now or write your character up to now.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cahir and Forgall

ooc:im back and able to give my attention to these deserving rps

"Excellent" Cahir said. "Everyone be ready, I expect we will be challenged by their border guards anytime." Forgall looked to Shayla "If we get the aid of these lady warriors, You may wish to receive further training with them. For they are fierce and mistresses of fighting in a way that favors the physicality of women." he said looking fondly at his pupil. "Can you keep a secret lass?"

 

[Ankara]

"Of coarse, Forgall, what troubles you." Shayla looked at her mentor.

She was starting to get excited about seeing this tribe of women. It had seemed like they had been travelling forever just to get there. She wondered what the women would be like, how there village looked. What could Forgall have to tell her.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cahir and Forgall

"My mother was once a warrior of Lough Orainn," he told her, "But she fell in love with my father, who was the kings Warchief, and she eloped with him."

 

[Ankara]

Shayla Fae'Danan

"Is this information something that we can use for our advantage, or should we keep it secret?" Shayla could see this going two ways, either this could be their way to convince these women to help, helping the child of one of their own. Or it could be disasterous. They could take revenge on the son of one of their women that left the village.