Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[katalynn]

Luathas was wondering in the woods, the horse not wanting to stray to far, making it easier for Lavastine to find him. His head only jolted up when he heard something in the trees, letting a snort he wondered a bit more. Finding a resting spot close to the camp, but out of sight from anyone. Sensing another presence in the same area, Luathas found the male creature hanging from the tree. Laying down near the same tree and rested.

Lavastine felt Zarl embrace her closer, feeling the smile on his lips that touched the back of her neck. Not knowing how long she had slept, feeling rested for the time.

"At least one of is having sweet dreams."

Whispered underneath her breath. For as tired as she was, she just couldn't get sleep. Something disturbed her thoughts, off and on she would sleep. Never solid though. To top it off she was becoming very aroused.

Bit her lower lip while squirming a little. Trying to not wake him up, wetness growing strong between her legs as she thought of the battle, of Zarl and her earlier that day. To only feel his embrace now. Willing herself to go back to sleep, it was no use.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee slept, but it wasn't quite peaceful. In her dreams, the wizard's face seemed to haunt her. It was as if there was something familiar about him.

She was but five years old when her mother had called her into her private meeting chambers. Her mother had said she wanted her to meet someone. The other priestesses helped get Evee ready for the special company, making her very cute. She wore an elegent white dress, the skrt only a coulpe of inches above the floor, and her red hair wound up in two buns on either side of her head. She made her way into the private meeting chamber where her mother introduced her to a visiting wizard. The wizard was nice, nothing mean about him. But his face..It was the same as the one who they had just fought, only ten years youngers.

Later, she walked around with her mother and the wizard as they showed him the temple and everything. They had came to visit one of the young dragons, the one which Evee would be bonded to in three years, when her mother had gotten called away for a few moments. She wasn't sure what happened next to spark it, but the wizard was about to cast a spell at the young dragon. Evee gotten scared and suddenly placed herself between the wizard and the dragon.

"Don't hurt the dragon sir. Please."

The wizard stopped the spell in mid-cast and then gave her a smile.

"You will make a good priestess young Evee."

Evee blinked and looked confused for a moment as he reached out and patted her head softly...

Her mind began playing the scene with her and the young dragon when she suddenly jolted awake with a cold sweat.

"Don't hurt the Dragon! Don't...hurt.."

She clutched her staff against her as she breathed heavily. looking around in the moonlight. She closed her eyes for a moment and then tried to move, but she gasped as her body cried out in pain and soreness.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko

She turned slightly, knowing who stood behind her by the soft sound of his voice. Looking over her shoulder, she cast a soft smile in Logan's direction. As she did, her eyes scanned the group. Evee tossed a little in her sleep, muttering something about dragons, Ritsuko watched in concern making sure her movements remained restless and didn't become violent. Silently she shifted herself over on the stone to make room for Logan. As she did, her curious gaze was met by the dark elf's. Seems she wasn't the only one wide awake this eve.

She had been puzzling for the last few minutes over what exactly had woken her. She was sure something nudged her gently, but when she had awoken fully, nobody had been near her.

Furthermore, something else was troubling her. Something about this tower. She turned to Logan as he sat by her, her face a frown of concern as she tried to sort out where she had come across this feeling before. A tiny glimmer of recognition sparked across her mind.

"Something is here, Logan. Not....not a creature....more like....some kind of sorcery left behind from the days of old Garreth."

She turned to look into the eyes of the dark haired human, her gaze ultimately falling to the unicorn pendant that hung about his neck. She gave him a wry smile before stifling a giggle.

"Its nice to see you've found your clothes again."

Her face turned solemn once more as she found herself returning to the puzzles this evening presented her with. She felt a little better now that she had seen Lavastine awake. She was unsure of how powerful the dark elf was, but a mage would be useful in case of sudden arcane attack. She had deliberately raised her voice slightly so the reclining wizard could catch what she was saying.

"Its coming from the top of that shattered staircase," she continued with a nod. "There must have been a room there at one time."

She paused a moment, slowly deliberating whether or not to continue on. The patience she saw in Logan's demeanor made her decision for her as she continued in a low voice.

"A long time ago, my uncle tried to teach me Air magic. I was a very taxing pupil, not taking well to my studies. As my uncle grew more frustrated with me, he finally made me a deal. If I could commit one spell to memory, he would end my training. Even back then, I was more interested in swordplay than dusty old tomes, I accepted readily."

"Garreth was human mage, and a good freind of my uncle's. He used to take me to this tower when I was still a child. I am ashamed to say that the old mage spoiled me badly," a sheepish grin crossed her face.

"The spell my uncle taught me is called Revelation. It will reveal things hidden to normal sight. "Air hidden within Air," that's what my uncle called it. I'm not sure, but I think something similar is at work here."

Turning to face Logan squarely, she tried to give him a look of confidence. She would have gotten away with it too, if her nervous smile didn't clearly give her apprehension away. A polite nod in Lavastine's direction would hopefully let her know that she was welcome to come as well.

"I was thinking of checking it out. Want to come?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

Logan settled down in the spot where Ritsuko moved over to make space for him. He could tell something was bothering her, he had always been perceptive to others in that way.

He nodded as she mentioned the feeling of something here in the ruins of the tower. "I agree, the place has an odd feel about it." He chuckled and if it had been light in here she would have seen the blush color his cheeks. "Yes, thanks to Taren making sure to bring my pack along. I have never had the change happen like that before."

He glanced up as she mentioned the space at the top of the stairs. He then turned his attention back to her. His listened intently as she spoke, then when she turned to face him and said she was going to check it out, his heart jumped slightly when she asked if he wanted to come along.

He smiled slightly then, "Sure.. you never know what you'll find. Just let me retrieve something first.." He stood then, went back to his things and pulled on his boots, before opening the pack and pulling out a long sword that had been rolled up in the blanket that was tied to his pack.

He slipped the sheath of the sword through his belt and headed back towards Ritsuko. "Alright, ready?" He looked to her a slight smiled played across his features.

 

[roleplaylifer]

(OOC: Apologies to katalynn. As I re-read your last post I realized that Lavastine is no longer in the camp. Will edit my post when I get home from work today.)

As they ascended the broken and decrepit staircase, Ritsuko couldn't help but look back to her slumbering company just once. In her eagerness to discover the mysteries of her old friend's shattered tower, she failed to pay attention to the amount of bare skin was showing through her kimono. The long tear along the side of her robe giving Logan an excellent view of her long, shapely legs as she climbed the stairs.

Nervousness overcame her again as they reached the top, coming to what was left of the chamber that had rested her. An open sky above them, only half of the room remained. The rest of the stones having fallen to lower floors years ago.

Glancing back at Taren, more for support than anything else, she started trying to drag the words the spell out of her mind. Even this, the most simple of spells, came with utmost difficulty to her.

Come to me spirits
Come I pray
And aid me now unbidden
Uncloud our eyes
Unfold the skies
Reveal all that is hidden.

Revelation

With a soft pop, like a vacuum being unsealed, Ritsuko's own private pocket hiding space came unravelled. A papyrus scroll, followed by a large burlap bag tumbled down towards the ground from what had seconds ago been nothingness. Expecting this, she reached out with slender hands and caught both objects, blushing furiously as a breeze picked up, blowing around the rags of her tattered robe and offering her human companion another tantalizing view of her flesh.

Seconds later, a slightly louder pop could be heard as three more objects appeared. A book, a staff, and a pile of shimmering silver material dropped to the floor with a soft clatter.

Rushing forward to examine the findings, Ritsuko couldn't contain the surprise on her face as she looked over the items. She opened the book first, and tried reading the script within, but the words moved before her eyes. The longer she tried to read, the more her head hurt...until finally she looked back to Logan and shrugged.

"I can't read it. Here, perhaps you can do better."

Moving on, she examined the staff next. Made of dark cherrywood, an empressive diamond was inset at the end of the sturdy wood. The samurai suppressed an urge to whistle with appreciation.

"I don't know what this does, but I can feel magic radiating from it. We'll have to see if anyone else is more knowledgable of its nature."

Finally, she came to the strange silver cloth. As she began to unfold it, a small parchment fell to the stone floor. Curious, the elf maiden reached for it, slowly opening it.



Dear Jiraki, I pray that you and your niece are doing well. If you've managed to find this hiding place it means I'm probably dead by now. Knowing me, I probably kicked it of old age. On the off chance that some void mage came along and got me, I trust that you will avenge my death with all due speed. Oh, and please deliver this to your darling niece. It should be finished in time for her next Spring Festival. You should be able to ascertain its magical properties, minor as they are, so please see that this reaches her and tell the little one that Grampa Garreth sends his best. Garreth Thunderspells.

One hand covered her mouth, as a tear rolled slowly down her face. As her other hand lifted the unique cloth, it unfolded into a beautiful silvery kimono. She was thankful she'd not grown much in height recently, as what was probably meant to be a formal robe, now seemed destined more as a battle garment.

Turning to Logan, she offered him a wan smile as she held the garment against her body.

"I've not seen Garreth in years, ages really. Don't suppose this would still fit me."

 

[Armphid]

Taren

He gladly took the hint Ritsuko gave him when the samuari awoke. He returned her nod, sketching a brief salute with Overture before he moved inside the tumbled walls. Sitting down, he leaned back against the cold stone, quickly falling asleep.

Twelve year-old Taren's arms felt like stone as he finished the routine. Seated nearby, Gynan Fahn blew a ring of smoke. "You're getting sloppy as you get tired, boy." "You must never falter, no matter how tired you get." "Endure." "Your father could fight for days on end, boy." "You're not doing him much credit now."

Taren glared at the man. He was taller than the half-elven youth, with the broader build of a human, though he still had a rangy look to him. His black hair had grey at the temples, and his trim beard was shot through with it. However, Gynan had mentioned his father, so he couldn't get mad now. He had to see if he could learn anything. "You're stretching the truth." "No one could fight that long."

Gynan Fahn, The Weapons Master, gave the boy a stern look. "If I say it, boy, it's true."

"Taren," the boy corrected. "Was he really that tireless?"

"That he was, boy." Taren ground his teeth. Gynan had never called him by name once. "I myself witnessed him hold the gate at Baron Castle for three days, never stopping." "He was famous for his strength and endurance, almost as well known as I am."

"Taren," he said, more firmly this time. "Did...Did he fight like you're teaching me?" "With two weapons?" If he could find out how his father fought, he could listen to the bards' stories and figure out which hero his father was. Strong, tireless, and in love with an elven mage. How many coudl there be?

Gynan however had a stormy look on his face. "Clever boy." "You almost got it out of me." He rose, moving with sudden speed to where the tired boy clutched his wooden training blades. "I told you not to ftest me this way." "That you'd learn about your parents when it was time." "Looks like I need to teach you another lesson, boy." The black lacquered staff blurred as it swung toward the green-haired child.

There was a loud, dull thwack of wood striking wood. Gynan blinked, the lightning fast staff having been neatly caught between the appretice's wood swords. "Taren." He said it once, then felt an angry surge of strength. "My name is Taren!" He threw the staff upward, bringing his blades in one low, one high. Gynan danced back, staff whirling throught the air to bat aside the furious blows directed at him. The aging legend went into a roll to avoid a pair of overhead swings, coming up just intime to knock aside follow-up thrusts. Gynan's face went from stormy to grim, and the staff cracked out once, then again, slippig past Taren's defenses to hit the elbows. Feeling fled Taren's arms, the practice blades falling from fingers that refused to grip. The bludgeon struck him in the stomach, doubling the boy over, a smart rap tot he back of the head sending him tumbling into unconsciousness.

Gynan looked down at the boy's prone form, then rubbed at one shoulder. The kid had actually tagged him. And just two years into his training. A brief smile split the travel-worn face. "Yes, Taren, I know."

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee shivered softly for a moment, the feeling of being dirty just hitting her. She moved slowly so that the pain would be so bad. She remebered that she had seen a small pool of water near the tower and decided to make her way there. She was about to move from the stone slap when she noticed the soulstones glittering in the moonlight. She paused for a moment and then carefully arranged them so they said pool, to let the others know where she had gone to.

She carefully made her way through the rubble to stand beside the small little pool. It looked barely wider than a well, but it looked pretty deep, just enough that she could stand up to her neck. She eased her robes off, leaving her bare except for the make-shift bandage around her calf. She sat down on the bare grass, feeling the cool dew against her skin. She hissed softly at the coldness of the water as she slid into the pool but her body was quickly adjusting as the chill eased her aching muscles and she leaned back against the wall of the pool, slipping into a light sleep once more.

 

[katalynn]

~OOC No, she is still in the camp, it's her horse that isn't. She is still in the arms of Zarl, not wanting to wake him up by leaving. Soon she won't be though. ~

Lavastine caught the gaze of the new female, heard her story and became interested, in the idea if checking this place. She to felt something wasn't right, just unable to place where that feeling came from. Zarl had a good embrace around her, she had wondered a moment of how she would get up. Not like they would be able take care of her lust here in front of these people.

Very, very slowly she inched her way out of his arms. Reluctantly of course. Each time he stirred she went still. Finally she was up on her knees at least, kissing lightly on Zarls' forhead. He'll understand that she couldn't sleep, she was happy that he was resting peacefully though.

Watched how the other two decended up the stairs, for amoment she wanted to go. But with everyone sleeping, she stayed for a few moments keeping watch till they came back. Even though she curious, also wanting to go search for the guy she had seen. She stayed in camp till another woke up, or they came back.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

His eyes carefully opened, and he glanced around, noticing Lavastine not to far away. He frowned, feeling pain across him from his wounds, and the feel of blood around him. He silently cursed himself.

He'd went to sleep without cleaning his wounds. He'd been taught long and hard not to do that, for fear the wounds would fester and turn. After that, some could not be healed, even by magic. He sat up, feelings stirring around him. The darkness was still subdued, but present. He reached a hand out, rubbing across the dirt and blood that covered his chest.

He got up, and put his arms around Lavastine, distacting her from whatever she had been watching. He grinned at her, and reached up with a hand, fondling one of her breasts through her clothes as he smiled. "Well, look who's up. I'm going to go look and see if there's some water nearby. If I don't clean soon, some of these wounds could get infected. Besides, I don't like much being covered in the blood of those creatures."

He smiled at her, and stood up, stretching and gritting his teeth from the pain that burned through his body. His muscles were tired, and he was finally realizing how many hits he'd taken. He walked outside, looking around and wondering how in the world he was supposed to find water...

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine was looking out into the woods, deep in thought when suddenly she felt arms embracing her. Looking up to see Zarl smiling at her, Arching her back slightly and moaning at his touch.

"I didn't mean to wake you, I just couldn't sleep for some reason."

Looking back out to the woods, realizing how dirty she felt also decided to follow Zarl.

"I'll go with, my horse is around here somewhere, and I think there is someone else also. Though, I am not positive of his condition or where abouts. Seen him on the battle feild for a moment."

Looking at some of his wounds, Zarl would need help reaching some of those anyway. Specially where his wing was cut off,
Walked by his side towards the woods.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren woke slowly. That in itself was unusual. Usually he snapped to full wakefulness...as it was his head felt full of sand. He stood, looking about the campsite. Lavastine and Zarl were gone...though his half-elven eyes could make out thier shapes not far into the nearby woods. He heard someone speaking softly above, couldn't make out any words. Sounded like...Logan and Ritsuko. The quiet of the night made it possible to hear them. The acoustics of the fallen tower helped somewhat also. A third look told him that Evee was gone also. The crystal shards he had laid next to her had been arranged into letters that read "Pool."

Taren frowned. He didn't like any of them being alone. This was still unknown territory. Though it might not be wise, or decent, he felt he should check on the lovely priestess. He left his shotels behind, confortable that he had enough armament in his belt pouch, should the need arise.

He spied her soon enough, seeing the back of her head resting against the ground. Taren was relieved to see she was safe, then his sleepy mind put two and two together. Discarded robe, Evee in the water. Naked Evee. He blushed brightly, turning his back to the pool. He stayed stock still for several minutes, hoping his presence had gone unnoticed.

He heard her rhythmic breathing, a further realization creeping over him. She was sleeping. In the pool. Fear slowly filled him. He'd heard of people drowning in less water upon having fallen asleep. Damn it...what should he do?

First...try to get her attention without getting any closer. "Excuse me, Holy One?" "Ah...Evee?" He spoke at a normal volume, hoping that would be enough. He waited for a response. "Evee, I'm sorry to bother you, but I don't think it's wise to sleep in the pool." "I'm worried that you might drown..."

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee didn't wake up, but she seemed to mutter something softly under her breathe. A slow glow appeared in the middle of her chest below the water and then floated up a few feet above her. It glimmered in front of Taren and then slowly expanded to form a ghost-like appearence of the dragon form she took when she changed. A rumbling voice could be heard in Taren's mind.

"A dragon's bond is strong. My name is Rutha and I am the one who bonded with the young priestess Evee. Our spirits are connected, so we can watch over one another. Do not fret, friend. I shall watch over her for you while she sleep."

The dragon hovered in the air before becoming the light and re-merging with Evee.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He followed Ritsuko up the staircase, trying his best to be a gentleman and not watch as her torn kimono revealed the smooth skin of her legs to him. He looked on in surprise as she spoke the words of the spell and the first two items were revealed to her, then again as the others were revealed as well. He couldn't help but swallow hard as the breeze picked up and swirled her tattered kimono about her form, showing more skin than he was sure she would have liked to have had him see, noticing her blush he politely looked away.

Logan took the book she had tried to read and then offered to him to try. "If it is a spell book then I don't think I would be able to." He opened the book and flipped through a few pages, he was right he couldn't read it either. Closing the book he looked to her once more.

He reached out to lay a hand softly upon her arm as he noticed her reaction to the note, he wasn't sure how to comfort her. He gave her a soft smile as she lifted the material, held it up to her body and looked to him. "I've not seen Garreth in years, ages really. Don't suppose this would still fit me."

He imagined the look of her in the silver Kimono, and nodded, "Yes from the look of it now it looks as it would fit you nicely."

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko blushed happily at Logan's response. She nodded in thought for a moment as she considered the fine garment.

"We should probably head back to the others. I never did tell Taren where we were going though Lavastine is awake too, so perhaps he won't worry as much. Besides, before I don this new robe, I should bathe."

The elf maiden tried once more in vain to run fingers through her once feathery hair. Dried gore had turned her scalp into a mess of snarls and tangles. Her new kimono still clutched close to her, she began to slowly descend the stairs. Watching out for loose stones for both her and Logan's sake.

She turned as they were descending, pausing to think a moment.

"If we're lucky, Evee or Lavastine can tell us what the book and the staff are. If we're even luckier, perhaps some of the party could use them. I'm pretty sure from that note, that Garreth's days are over."

When they arrived once more at their camp at the base of the tower, Ritsuko gave Lavastine a kind smile. The look quickly turning to sadness, as she noticed that Zarl had awakened to wrap his arms around her. With a nod, she directed the eyes of the Macrai-Itoche to the their rightful piles of crystal that she still suspected Taren of having left them. She mentioned no explanation as to why Zarl's pile was slightly larger.

With a sigh, she approached them, leaving the new kimono to rest on one of the many of the tower's tumbled down stones. The waning moonlight bathing her skin with an almost tangible aura as she approached.

A look of sorrow then, as she first regarded the wounded Zarl, then turning to glance back at Logan before finally turning back to meet the silent gaze of Lavastine. Unsure of herself, she knelt slowly before Zarl, placing the burlap sack that had come free from her enchantment in the tower at his feet. A soft clinking noise could be heard as the bag's contents re-settled themselves against the ground.

"I swore an oath. An oath that is now complete. Take this Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche. Know that it was your own that bid this of me."

She stood hastily, not sure of she should be within reach when he opened her gift.

"Few things in my long life have truly impressed me," she continued softly as she backed away. "But even fewer have ever matched the fury of your people....when they felt that their hunting ground had been intruded upon."

They had saved her life. Kept the kirin away long enough for her to complete her finest technique. No explanations, no answers for the confused elf. Just a promise, the promise that if they should fall, she would journey to seek out another of their people to give their remains to. She had never dreamed it would be this easy, but now she waited with baited breath to see the monster's reaction. She prayed softly to her Ancestors that the Macrai-Itoche would at least wish to hear her out before spitting her on his mighty sword.

She waited....for Zarl to find the two Macrai-Itoche crystals she had entrusted to him.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

His face was unclouded confusion as he opened the bag, pulling their contents from within. He glanced at the two crystals the elf had given him. He had noticed those in the tower, and had ignored them, uncaring about their existence. The weight of her words filled him, and he lifted one of the crystals in one hand.

Golden lightning arced across the crystal, connecting with his flesh. Golden lightning arced across his eyes in response, connecting the golden flecks within the irises of his eyes. After a few moments, they flickered and faded from existence. He felt very tired. He looked at the two crystals he had, and then looked up at the elf. Moisture glistened in his eyes. He reached down, and unbuckled his belt. His sword and the belt with it fell to the ground.

He looked at the crystals again, and them put them back in the bag, leaving it with his sword. He stepped forward, looking at the elf, and bowed to her. "Thank you, Warrior of the Hitari. They will be glad to return to our homelands. If ever you need, ask me, and I shall give whatsoever is within my power."

He turned, the realization of work he would need tomorrow weighing on him. "I go now, to find a place to clean myself. I must make a Calling tomorrow. Such experiences are,...unpleasant. Perhaps when I return you can tell me of the battle they fought for you?"

He glanced at the small pool where Eeve slept, and walked away towards the forest to look for a stream or lake.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you for telling me, Rutha." "It is good to know that I am not the only one watching." "I will leave her to your guard then."

He made his way back to camp, waving to Ritsuko and Logan as they descended the ruined staircase back into camp. He looked at the moon, gauging it's height in the sky. It had been almost eight hours since the battle. They really should be moving on soon. Back to the village to re-group, see if Shizura and the others had made their way back there.

He saw the samurai moving toward Zarl and Lavastine as they embraced in the trees. Feeling as though this was something private, he turned away. Problem was, he was awake now. Once awake, he could never go back to sleep. He rana hand through his hair, encountering more grit than he would have liked. A bath sounded good...but Evee had claimed the pool. He had a brief image of trying to slip in without disturbing the sleeping priestess, but it quickly ended as a dragon head reached out to bite his head off.

No bath then. Well, he could at least change. Grabbing the dirty and mangled tunic he had worn, he walked behind one of the crumbling walls. He pulled fresh clothes out of hte pouch, setting them down on a large white stone. Then he started to strip, the cool night air on his bare body chilling and exhilirating at the same time.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

"Huff... huff..."

The pretty dark-haired magician girl slowly rose from her knees, trying to catch her breath. What remained of a small ambush party of goblins was scattered around her, all unconscious at best, shards of ice sticking out of a few of them. Her knuckles were white from gripping her mace so tightly, and her aura continued to glow a gentle white and blue around her hands, as though she were reluctant to believe the battle was actually over. Finally rising completely, Shizura immediately broke into a run again, her determination to find her friends overcoming her weakened stamina.

Her eyes grew more and more desperate, her strength flagging, until she finally burst over the crest of another hill to see the blackened earth of a magical battle and piles of monster corpses greeting her. The pretty girl stared for a few moments, eyes wide, before reaching up to brush her long dark hair away from her face, adjusting her headband. She slipped her mace back into her belt as she stumbled down the hill and shouted out hoarsely to the companions visible to her, her eyes brightening a little.

"Guys! You... you did it!" She paused, and blinked, glancing around. Lots of dead monsters; but no companions. "Uh... guys? Guys!" The pretty young magician called out a bit louder, her eyes softening.

Oh, no... I should've been here... I let them down...

"Damn..." she whispered, trudging down the hill slowly. "It stinks of battle magic, too. I--"

She cut herself short, and paused for a few moments before her eyes narrowed a little.

"Did... someone use teleportation magic here? I... know what teleportation magic feels like, and this it is. Did... they fight a wizard...?"

She peered around the area, glancing up at the ruined tower before her for a few moments. Are they in there?

"Hey! Is anyone wounded?" she called out, a bit louder, hoping someone could hear her. "I think... I'm strong enough to heal..."

<< --- >>

"M-Master..."

The room was dark as despair.

"You failed?"

"...yes."

"You couldn't kill them."

"...no."

"Not even with my army."

"...n-no..."

"Not even with the ambush."

"...n...no..."

"You..."

A pause. The same deep voice spoke again.

"You... expect to learn from me?"

"Master... please... give me another chance..."

"The only magic you have learned from me is how to run away, clearly! I am finished with you!"

"Master...!"

"Fool..." A dark chuckle. "...is your soul worth anything, I wonder? Let me see..."

A shrill scream cut the damp air of the cavern.

"No! MASTER, NO! MASTER WAIN, PLEASE, NO!! AAAAAUGH!"

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee sighed softly as she woke from the sleep she had fallen into. She shifted to stand up straight and then carefully pulled herself out of the water to sit on the edge of the pool. A nice soak was what her body needed to replenish her energy. She shivered a little as the wind felt cold on her wet skin, causing her nipples to harden.

"Brr..I think I need to dry off...but how?"

She stood up carefully, water cascading off her body as she heard a voice calling in the distance. It sounded like the magican who they had left behind by accident. She quickly gathered up her robes and slipped them on, even if they clung to her white body for the most part. She winced a little as she used her staff to walk and smiled seeing the magican.

"Over here Shizura."

She yelled for a moment before making her way carefully to the mage.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko

The samurai paused a moment, considering his request.

"It is my duty to recall the tale of the battle that your brethren chose to involve themselves in. Though it is painful to me, so if you do not mind, I wish to tell it only once. When all the group is gathered here once more and you have paid homage to your deceased, I shall tell my story. This I swear to you."

Ritsuko saw the tired look in the eyes of the Macrai-Itoche, a mirror to her own pain, and respectfully gave him his distance as he turned from her and walked into the woods. A small sigh escaped her as she considered all that she had been through in the last day. A glance back at Logan reminded her that she was no longer alone. She gave the dark haired human a wistful smile as she thought of how much that new freindship had cost him.

"Hey! Is anyone wounded?"

The samurai spun silently, her hand dropping instinctively towards her blade, fingers finding the hilt with practiced ease. A lone figure picked her way across the battlefield, stopping occasionally to survey the devastation.

"I think... I'm strong enough to heal..."

Ritsuko glanced back at Logan, the warmth and compassion she saw in her friend dissolving any cautious hostility she had. Venturing a step forward, she drew the woman's attention to her as she stepped from behind the crumbling stone she had been behind, hailing her as she approached. Another yell, from the treeline, announced Evee's journey back to camp as well. Her hailing shout to this newcomer further putting the samurai at ease. Her fingers slipped from the hilt of her weapon as she greeted Shizura.

"If you are friend, healing would be welcome in this place. Several of my companions sport wounds yet, though admittedly, I know little of where they have gone to."

She bowed slightly, not sure of this one's station in the group. Logan obviously knew her from somewhere.

"I am Ritsuko Hitari, newly come to this area. Any help that could be given is welcome, I am sure. Though you may have to wait a moment until absentees return to ply your skills."

The samurai longed for a bath, to wash the grime of battle from her body. Yet her curiousity stilled any thought of movement for now.

"You've the look of a mage about you, though you claim to be able to cast healing as well."

Ritsuko shook her head, unsure of what to do next. A slight grin crossed her face as an idea came to her.

"We discovered a pair of items that are bent towards magic. Perhaps if a mage you are, you could tell us about them?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He stood near and listened to Ritsuko talking to Zarl, he then turned his head as he heard Shizura's familiar voice. A warm smile crossed his lips as he turned to see her coming across the battlefield.

He moved with Ritsuko towards her, seeing Eeve hurrying their way as well. He sttod quietly as Ritsuko introduced herself and mentioned the items they had found, Logan was sure that she should be able to figure out the items and tier use. "Shizura, it is good to have you with us again, though travelling these woods is not safe alone."

He nodded as Ritsuko made mention of those in need of healing, "A few of us were wounded in the battle, and could use your help Shizura, but let's go inside and let you catch your breath. I am sure Taren would be glad to see you again as well."

 

[Armphid]

Taren

A broad the half-elven warior's face when he heard Shizura call out. Pulling a fresh blue tunic on, he hastily stuffed the dirty clothes into his pouch. As e walked back around the wall, he was buckling on the fingerless leather gauntlets he usually wore. The pillar he had felled before still made a makeshift bridge from the top of the rise to the battle field below where the dark haired magician girl was wandering. Taren ran and jumped on it, sliding down the stone structure until he touched down in the bloody grass.

Ritsuko, already there was bowing to the returned sorceress, Logan smiling happily beside her. "Shizura, it does my heart good to see you again." "We thought we were on our own, and I don't think I'm half the leader you are." He looked to Ritsuko. "Ritsuko, this is Shizura." "She is a powerful magician, and the one who originally formed our party, she is our leader."

He beamed down at Shizura, his genuine pleasure at seeing her again shining through. He'd forgotten just how lovely she was in person. "Ritsuko arrived here pretty suddenly, but she saved Logan's life whens he did so, and mine a few times in the melee that followed." "I've rarely seen one as skilled with a blade, or as brave." He gestured up at the ruined tower. "We're camping up there, come on." As they approached he went over what she should know. "As far as injuries, Zarl and Evee have the worst of what's left." "I have some bruised ribs, and a few minor cuts but nothing worth using magic on." "Zarl had a wing severed, and Evee's got a wicked gash in one leg that makes walking difficult."

"The force we battled was a mix of goblins and trolls. They were well armed and armored, as well as having been taught to move and fight in formation. There was a wizard with them, but he only got one good hit off on Ritsuko before he fled."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He turned, and frowned, and then grinned. He turned, and made his way back towards the tower as he saw Shizura approach. He grinned broadly, more concerned with her statement of being able to heal than actually seeing her, although it was good to see the magician again.

He listened as the others spoke. Hmm, so the woman's name was Ritsuko. He nodded at Taren recount of the battle, but glanced at him as he said that Lavastine's wounds were nothing to use magic on.

"Aye, Shizura. Lavastine and I have lost a bit of blood."

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko

Ritsuko felt her face flush slightly as Taren approached. It seemed the warrior had changed to a blue linen shirt, the thin fabric doing nothing to hide the sinuous ripple of the muscle it covered.

As the stern warrior spoke, she ventured a half smile in his direction, his words of praise as he spoke of her skill doing much to rub salve on her many emotional wounds. As their eyes met briefly, she turned away slightly as the blush intensified.

Bowing once more, and much deeper this time to Shizura, she let Taren do the introductions, not missing the fact that she was in the presence of his leader.

"I think you are hard on yourself, Taren. You led the combat well. We struck their weak flank hard and decisively. Sure, some were wounded, but for a group so small to emerge victorious in a battle against so many speaks much of our skill.....and the skill of our leaders."

She fell silent once more after their gazes met again, nodding her silent approval to him. Taren went on to speak of the companions' health.

Hearing footsteps, she was surprised to see Zarl had returned so soon. The Macrai-Itoche too, seemed to welcome Shizura into his midst.

"Aye, Shizura. Lavastine and I have lost a bit of blood."

Her memory flashed back to the dark elf clutching a gore soaked rag to her arm, a spell searing the flesh shut to stop the bleeding. Ritsuko had thought the wound healed, she credited Lavastine for her ability to conceal the pain she must be in. Zarl too, as he had managed to go the entire night without complaint, though he clearly felt pain from his severed wing.

She shook her head and greeted Zarl with a sympathetic smile. This was an interesting group she now found herself in.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine stood there quietly, feeling a bit uneasy about being here for some reason. She wasn't sure if it was the party, or just the aura of this tower. Zarl mentioned about the two of them losing much blood, this made her glance at her arm. Granted the slight healing she did stopped the bleeding, but it wasn't enough to completly heal the wound.

Slight burning pain within the scarred, still blood-covered wound, which she had been ignoring. Thoughts if it healing in time, though it did need to be cleaned out pretty badly. Like Zarls' wounds, it would soon become infected.

None the less, she stayed quiet a moment longer..

"My wound can wait.. I am going to go seek my horse."

Looked up at Zarl within her eyes it seemed like she was hiding something, whether if it was of saddness or something else he could not tell. But before he could question it she was already heading down the steps back towards the woods where she was sensing the horse to be.

The horse was a little further out than she had expected, wasn't so far that she couldn't find her back, just a bit surprising. At first she hadn't seen the guy hanging from his tail as she went straight towards the horse. Making sure the horse was ok, which as she knew, he was. A slight movement in the tree made her look up to see the male.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

"Over here, Shizura!"

The pretty young magician spun to the sound of Eeve's voice immediately, her eyes widening as she saw the soaking-wet girl limping along with a weak smile. Shizura dashed towards the dragon priestess, reaching over to pull her friend close and supporting her until she was able to reach a dry, flat rock to sit upon. As Shizura lowered her friend to the seat, kneeling down and wincing visibly at the sight of the cut in her priestess' leg, her companions began to emerge from the battlefield -- though the first to arrive was a woman she did not recognize.

"Uh?" The magician girl blinked in surprise, her eyes widening a little as the woman began to introduce herself. "Y-Yes... Miss Hitari? You fought with my friends then? I'm the... well..." Embarassed, she lowered her eyes and blushed slightly.

I'm the leader... but I really blew it. I wasn't even here for them... ugh...

...well, I can't dwell on it. That's what Wain would say. He'd laugh at me for punishing myself for it. He'd say "It's just the same as pitying yourself!" And he'd be right. I'm just going to do better in the future!

...Wain...

"...yes, I can heal." She blinked when Ritsuko made the distinction between a magician and a healer, and smiled a little, her pretty face brightening. "Well, most elemental healing magic is of the water type, because it changes spirit energy to blood. However, it also contains a bit of the energy of the Creator, the Holy Energy, within it -- but that doesn't mean I have to be a priestess or a Goddess-worshipper to use it. It just means I have that gift. So I can be both a magician and a healer; though, of course, I can't use magic with just raw Holy energy. People who can do that are either legends or spirits themselves..."

She leaned over Eeve's wound and clucked her tongue sympathetically. "Oh, Eeve, you really got injured... here..." She closed her eyes and concentrated, and a pearly aura began to appear around her, temporarily summoned forth. "...okay! Lifeblood Heal...!" Without bothering with a chant, she was clearly using a rawer, less powerful version of the spell, as she was assuming that she'd have to be doing a lot of healing. Still, as there was only one wound, the magic was enough. Before the eyes of the viewers, the blood seemed to trickle back into the wound as the flesh and skin sealed itself. Shizura looked up at her friend and onetime lover, giving her an affectionate smile. "Eeve, let's build a fire somewhere and get those clothes off you."

It was only a few seconds later she realized what Eeve might think of that. O-Oh... she doesn't know about... what happened to me last night... how it wasn't... uhh... She faltered a little, but assuring herself that Eeve wasn't that subtle, she attempted to get to her feet.

In the middle of standing, she turned abruptly as she heard Logan's voice, her cheeks pinkening slightly at the sight of the handsome shapeshifter. "Logan! It's good to see you're alright..." She nodded at his words and smiled radiantly at him. "Yes! Good idea! Eeve, can you walk? Are you too exhausted? We can build a fire inside that ruined tower, maybe, and rest..."

Her blush only deepened as Taren appeared, and she only barely managed to supress the urge to avert her eyes from the good-looking men. Come on, Shizura! Be strong! Mastering herself with the twin powers of virtue and discipline, she looked up and listened to what the half-elf warrior had to say. "A wizard," she said softly, her soft eyes becoming serious. "I knew I smelled teleportation magic. My... mentor knew that kind of magic, and he taught me how to detect it and read its source. I think I might be able to trace it back to where the wizard teleported to..."

Lost in thought, she almost didn't notice Zarl approach -- and her jaw dropped when she saw his missing wing. She took a step towards him, her hand reaching out. "Zarl! You..."

The look in her eyes might be mistaken for pity, but it was not. It was simply raw compassion. Shizura was biased, but she was good, and in that moment, anything Zarl could have done wouldn't have swayed her from wanting to heal him.

"You... Zarl... go get your wing!" she said, flapping her hands a bit helplessly, her eyes wide and soft in horror. She barely noticed Lavastine leave. "Go get it! I'll try and fix it! I don't know anything about wing musculature, but the magic might restore you to your natural state on its own... oh, Zarl..."

No, that was certainly not pity in her eyes. It was compassion -- tinged with respect.

"...you got so injured, for our fight..."