Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[katalynn]

Moaning and writhing wildly, stiffling a scream as she came. Not wanting the others to if they heard her. Trembling while she wraps her legs around him, feeling his beast rub against her lips.
All she could do was smile at him, bringing their lips together as her hips began to slide him inside silky, spasming sheath.

"Does that answer your question?"

As she kissed him again, pushing her hips further still.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He let out a soft moan as he finally slid inside her. His lips pressed against hers as he thrust deeply in her, feeling her pussy wrapped around his cock. Slowly he pulled back, thrusting hard back into her depths.

He continued to thrust in and out of her, pumping her depths with his manhood as he pulled away from the lustful kiss. He smiled at her, and closed his eyes, drinking in the feel of their lustful fucking.

"Mmm. That it does, lavstine, that it does. I just love fucking your tight little pussy."

 

[katalynn]

Cried out when he pushed in hard and harder with each thrust. Digging her nails into his back, meeting his every thrust of his.

"I-I- love it when ... you f-f-fuck me hard..."

Rolling her eyes shut while thrusting her hips up to his as hard as she can.

"I really... love.. to feel.... you cummmm inside me..."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He continued thrusting in and out of her wet, welcoming depths. For a while more, he and Lavastine humped like there was no tomorrow. After fucking and trading dirty remarks, zarl finally thrust deep within her, cumming inside of her hot, wet pussy.

Pulling out, he lay down next to her, catching his breath. He reached over, running a hand across her chest, and smiled. He glanced towards the camp the others were at, and then sat up.

"What do you want to do now? Go back and join the others?"

 

[katalynn]

Panting hard as she calmed down, enjoying his light touch over her chest. Rolled her head till she was looking upside down towards the camp, then came sat up slowly.

"Aye, I think we should head. For as much as I would love to go another round. I do feel bad about leaving him with a bunch of strangers...."

Leaned over, kissing up his chest to meet his lips.

"though, I do feel much cleaner.."

Smiled as she traced his lips with her toungue.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

The half-elf looked to Evee, "I know you'd like to go over the plan with Shizura and Logan." "When you're ready to heal me, I'll just be over here." He smiled at her, then inclined his head to the buxom elven bard, and paced off to the side in the way which Ritsuko had gone.

He sat a few feet away from her by the fire, not immediately breaking her silent contemplation. For several minutes he remained so, watching the dancing tongues of flame lick at each other and the wood. When he did speak, it was in elven. "Lady of hte People, have I offended you?" "I would not wish such a thing, and I am sorry if I have done so." He fell silent again, wishing he knew what he had done. Maybe it was just what he was...if she had mistaken him for a full elf, only to find out about his mixed parentage...that would offend many elves. Somehow though...he didn't think that was it.

"Is there anything I can do or say that clean the slate of this offense?" Gods above...how serene and lovely she looked in that strange garment. His eyes lingered on her as he spoke, "Please tell me."

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko started softly at the warrior's silent approach.

By the Ancestors, he's quiet! I never even heard him drawing near...

Her eyes followed him as he slowly walked around the edges of the campfire, ultimately choosing a seat nearly directly opposite her. She marvelled for a moment at the reflection of the flames she could just imagine in his eyes.

The night's silence was broken by his soft voice, elven ears easily picking up and absorbing Taren's smooth dialect.

"Lady of the People, have I offended you? I would not wish such a thing, and I am sorry if I have done so."

He was met by her weary smile as she let her eyes roam across his firelit body. She didn't answer right away, her mind still awash in the jumble of abstract thoughts that ran through her.

"Is there anything I can do or say that clean the slate of this offense?"

He fell silent for a moment, his eyes shying away from her. Almost as if he were self-conscious or something....

Finally, he looked back to her, the samurai's silence seeming to bother him even further. It was her turn to feel self-conscious as she felt his eyes caressing her like the moonlight that bathed her in its glow.

"Please tell me."

The elf nodded slightly before proceeding, choosing her words carefully. She had secretly breathed a sigh of relief when she had heard Taren relent to Evee and agree to be healed at the preistess' next opportunity.

"You have not offended me, Taren. I was.......worried."

Concern clouded her face as she contemplated the depth of the half-elf's injuries. Though she'd not "seen" the blow he had taken, she had felt his battle aura waver enough to know that the shot he had taken was serious, if not threatening.

Sighing softly once more into the night, she continued.

"You're stronger than I am. I can tell by the aura you project. Were I to drop my weapon and engage you in combat on your terms, I would be subdued very swiftly indeed."

She ran a practiced eye over Taren's lean form, assessing the hidden strength and skill that somehow she knew resided there.

"With my weapon, your strength is matched by my precision. I'm not going to claim that I would win in that fight, I pray to never have to find out. What bothers me is that right now, I think I could knock you over with very little effort at all. With or without a weapon. You do well to hide the pain, but your movements are a little slower, a little less graceful."

Worry shined in her eyes as she continued, her voice dropping to a level filled with husky emotion. The stress of the night rushed back to her, filling her with its emptiness. Softly, before she even knew what she was doing, she began to speak of the real topic that had been bothering her.

"I didn't even have the chance to bury the dead. I would have been slain as well.....if not for another party's intervention."

The blue haired, weary face of Zarl filled her mind once more as she struggled to continue.

"I.....I ran.....I couldn't let them.....No Taren, it's not you that I'm upset with....."

Her face burned with shame. She had not died with honor, like the rest of her clan, she had fled like a coward. Fled to preserve her clan's secrets, their lifestyle. The accusations of her Ancestors rang in her ears, a lone tear pooling like silver in the corner of an eye before leaving its shimmering wake across her face as it fell to her kimono.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He got up, and stretched his wings and arms with a yawn. He gathered his clothes, pulling them on. His pants were still somewhat wet, but as the Fae had some problem with nudity, he'd simply have to deal. He looked over his shoulder at his wings, running a hand through his blue hair.

"Next time I'll have to have you clean my wings. It's been a while since they've had the proper attention paid to them."

He smiled over at her, and folded his wings back against himself. He watched her as she dressed, eyes roving across her. "Oh, by the way, did you find your horse? I'd like to get my pack back now, if possible..."

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren nodded at her words, his face acknowledging her words. "Yes, I'm weak right now." The small voice of his past that the presence of true elves had awoken told him that his tainted blood made him always weak, but he ignored it.

Then her proud front crumbled, and the true reason behind her unrest came out. Taren listened, not entirely understanding the details, but he knew the situation. He moved closer to her, getting up and moving to sit next to her. He leaned down, despite his protesting ribs, to look her in the face. Taren wanted there to be no doubt in her mind that he meant all he said.

"Lady of the People...Ritsuko, do not think that you have dishonored those who fell." His tone was level, compassionate but reasoning. "Nor that you have dishonored yourself." "You have intimated that your clan had been destroyed, but that is not so." "You have survived." "Your weapon, which must be a familial heirloom, has survived." "Had you stayed and died, you would have brought some honor on your ancestors and yourself, I do not deny that." Taren leaned in, his voice more intent. "But in surviving, you have ensured greater honor and glory for them and you." "Who would have sung thier songs had you fallen?" "Who would honor thier memory?"

Taren persisted. "Who would rebuild the clan, reclaim it's lands, and punish it's enemies, had you fallen?" "You can do those things now, and bring honor and renown to your clan and your ancestors." "There is great honor in a warrior's death...but how much more in a warrior's life?"

"You will take back what was taken, and avenge your loss." "I can feel it." Taren's smile was both comforting and chilling. "You have the potential to become much stronger, I can feel the power of the Fighter's Trance waiting to be trained in you, and your Earth essence is strong." "Look not for honor in death, but all that you gain in life for those who have fallen."

Taren was silent a moment, and he sat up straight again. The warrior sat next to the samurai for a long minute before he spoke again. "When it comes time for you to recover your clan's lands, to take your vengeance...if I live, I will fight with you." "But only if you can overcome the wisk that you had done more in the past." "It is in the present and the future that you must honor your family, and yourself...and gain justice for what has happened."

He slid a kukri free from his magic pouch. He then began to intone a ritual oath. "When you go forth on this quest, should blood flow in my veins, I will follow." He levered the razor-sharp inner edge over his palm, blood welling to the cut immediately. "By blood I swear, and by blood is the oath sealed." "Through Fire, and through Shadow, I will not forsake this oath, or the cause it binds me to." He let crimson droplets fall to the earth, then into the fire with a sizzle, then swung the bleeding hand upward to send them into the air, the oath then witnessed by those three elements. "Will you accept the oath I offer?"

 

[roleplaylifer]

Everything was moving so fast.

She wasn't sure why she spoke of these things to Taren, she had been so afraid earlier that day that he would turn her away if he discovered her private shame. The part that had still doubted him cut her speech short, leaving a vague emptiness in the air.

He hadn't turned away.

Even as she turned away to hide her feelings once more, he had moved to hold her gaze. The half-elf fairly towered over her now, ensnaring her with his eyes.

She watched with amazement as he performed his oath. It was binding, she knew. She had seen this very act performed by her father, only once. It astounded her to see a man that she had only just met today show such respect. What had she done to deserve it?

His words had been stern. A firm lecture leaving no room for objections or continued self doubt. A soft smile traced her lips as her thoughts turned to just how much he reminded her of her own mother. Calm, patient, and yes stubborn, unwavering in his loyalties just as she had been. A stab of pain flashed through her eyes as she thought of her, how she wished the two of them could have met!

She watched a thick line of blood flow from his slashed hand. Dripping first to soak into the earth, then to evaporate into inky smoke in the fire, and finally scattered droplets that flew through the air as the oath was completed before the Elements. She looked on, and somehow, she knew her Ancestors were pleased.

His eyes met hers again, unwavering, the hint of steel beneath them as his jaw set firmly. This was not an oath to be taken lightly, she knew. And now he waited for confirmation.

"Will you accept the oath I offer?"

Slowly she rose from her seated position, her face taking on a serenity of its own as she faced him. An almost imperceptable nod affirmed her assent.

"Yes, Taren Orlandau, "Wanderer" as you call yourself. I accept the oath and all the responsibility that comes with it."

She continued, not really caring who heard.

"I have made many oaths today of my own. I have sworn to relate the tale of my clan's fall to Zarl so he can better understand the deaths of his brethren, though I can hardly say I understand it myself. I have sworn to Evee that I will join this group and see you safely to the Magic College that you are bound for."

A slender hand dipped into her left sleeve, searching for the needle shuriken that she kept concealed there. Her movements were dextrous, concealed under the appearance of fidgiting as she drew one of the wicked barbs. She moved swiftly before the warrior before her could surmise her actions, turning one hand up before him to cup the rays of moonlight that seemed to cloak her.

She brought the needle shuriken down sharply, the sharp point piercing her hand as easily as it had goblin skull earlier in the day. Silently, she watched the blood pool to run in rivulets down the thin cylinder of the shuriken, soaking into the earth at her feet.

"We bleed together," she intoned softly, "in battle and in oath."

She had never spoken the ancient words of alliance before. Her father had always done such things as clan leader. She smiled softly at the mild surprise she saw in Taren's eyes.

"Allies until death."

Her eyes held true warmth as she regarded him, heedless of the dull throb that pulsed through her injured hand. Carefully, she pulled the shuriken through the wound, determined not to show pain. The metallic sliver fell to the ground with a soft clatter.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

He hadn't expected her to do that. Blood flowed from her palm as it did from his, those words or alliance were powerful and binding. It was the oath of one leader of a group to another, to an equal. Taren inlined his hhead, a faint blush and smile on his face. Such a gesture...for him! For a filthy half-breed...it was unthinkable that any elf would respond so to him. Perhaps in whatever far away land she came from, the stigma did not exist. Either way, the lonely warrior was touched to the core.

He looked upa t her again, his leaf green eyes luninous. "Allies until death." "It is done," he intoned, completeing the ritual. He rose to his feet, a bit unsteadily, though he picked up the needle shuriken as he did so. His eyes did not leave her as he rose, there was such a pale beauty to her...especially in the moonlight. He banished such thoughts. They weren't really appropriate right now. Ritsuko was his friend, and his ally. To think of anything else was...rash. And there was still Laramie and her words and body, the comfort she offered.

Still he smiled as he rose. "No elf has ever shown me such fairness." "You truly are a person of honor, Ritsuko." He held out the shuriken to her. "Now let's go find Evee and get scolded for hurting ourselves." The smile became a rueful grin, "I don't think she'ss be too pleased."

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee went to sit by the fire to get herself warmer as Ritsuko went over to talk to Taren. She pulled out her spell book and flipped through it slowly, studying up on her spells. She was always trying to study when she got a little free time.

She had gotten absorbed into her studying when Ritsuko and Taren made their way back. Her robes had bunched up around her in a flowerylooking arrangement. The only thing that looked out of place was her golden tail that was sticking out about half a foot and swishing back and forth like a cat's tail.

 

[roleplaylifer]

She stood aside to let the proud half-elven warrior lead the way. She was a little confused, and her face showed it as she mulled over Taren's words.

"No elf has ever shown me such fairness. You truly are a person of honor, Ritsuko. Now lets go find Evee and get scolded for hurting ourselves.

She met the praise with a silent, graceful nod, accepting the offered shuriken with a gentle smile. Fingertips on his muscular back prodded him ever so gently towards the studying priestess. She couldn't fathom why it seemed a surprise to him that she showed him respect. His strength and discipline in the face of extreme pain would have gained him a seat of honor amongst her clan if indeed he had sought it. While her father had been of a reckless nature, it had only made him a fiercer warrior. She had been taught from an early age that strength and wisdom were commendable qualities....qualities that Taren seemed to have both of in good supply. So why should it matter if he had human blood in his lineage?

She glanced down at her own blood, still running freely from her pierced hand, the flow slowly subsiding to a trickle. It was true her family was elven, but Taren had elven blood in him as well. She couldn't even imagine a scene were her father turned him away from their table, especially after the warrior displayed his skills.

Before she knew it, they stood before Evee. Another gentle but insistant push and Taren took a step forward.

"I think he's ready when you are, Evee."

She would wait patiently until the healing was over. If Evee had not the strength afterward to heal her wounded hand, she would seek out Logan. Failing all else she would find a clean cloth to wrap the hand in until it could be helped.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren was a bit annoyed at Ritsuko's continued insistence. Still...he wouldn't be getting healed at all if she hadn't insisted. He smiled at Evee, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. "I'm sorry to bother you, Evee." "But Ritsuko is right, I am in need of healing." "My injuries are much more serious than I made them out to be last night."

He put his hands together, bowing slightly. "I would be very grateful if you would heal me." "Please, what do I need to do?" "Should I sit down?" "Stand?"

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine smiled at Zarl as they got dressed. She got dressed a bit slower and seductivly, knowing he was watching her.

"Aye, I found him. He is back at camp with others. And your pack is safe with him."

Finished lacing her boot and putting on her cloak after she shook out the dirt. Walking up beside Zarl as he finished,

"I'm ready when you are."

Thoughts wondered to the man the she found, wondering if the group scared him. Or if he is still there..

"And I shall give your wings the proper attention they so deserve....Just let me know when."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He smiled at her, and fingered the small bag containing the crystals of his people. He looked back towards the camp, and glanced down at the bag.

He felt much refreshed since the healing, but didn't dare try to see why two had been traveling together. Though he doubted he could, out here. He sighed, wondering what life would have held for him had not the Bond been broken.

He shook his head, clearing it of wishes of simpler times. He smiled agaion, realizing he had been lost in thought. "Aye, but later. I want to hear what this elf has to say about my fellow Macrai."

He closed his eyes a moment, and then started back towards the camp, thinking to himself.


When they arrived, Zarl turned to Lavastine. "Could you get my pack for me, love? You seem better with the animal, and I am most anxious for the story promised me."

He turned from her, heading towards where the elf was prodding Taren towards Eeve. He grunted. He came up along the female warrior, pausing to consider his words.

"I know it has been a long day, but I was wondering if I might drudge up bad memories? The story of my fellows is most important to me."

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee looked up from her spellbook and closed it as Taren and Ritsuko called her attention to them. She giggled softly at Taren's anxiousness. She smiled and stood up.

"You are fine like you are. It will take but a moment or two to heal you."

She lifted her hands and then began drawing symbols in the air in front of her as her lips moved wordlessly. Her hands began glowing white before she placed them against Taren's chest, the healing warmth spreading through his body. The cut upon his hand as well as his internal injuries were healed. She didn't stop as she moved her hands from Taren's chest to take Ritsuko's hand between hers, the healing warmth spreading through her as well before she released Ritsuko's hand. The glow left her hands moments later.

"There, all done. Is there anything else I can help with?"

She smiled brightly to the two of them and then to Zarl as he approached.

 

[roleplaylifer]

The samurai acknowledge the priestess with a firm shake of her head. She nodded gratefully to Taren for relenting to her this once.

"Thank you again, Evee."

The sound of footfalls approaching caused Ritsuko to turn to examine the source. A slightly better looking Zarl swiftly gained ground on their position in camp, long strides eating up the distance between them. Ritsuko could see Lavastine at his side as she imagined was normal. The dark elf broke away suddenly, heading in the direction of the animals while her winged companion continued on.

He seemed to pause for a moment, his face a picture of seriousness as he chose his words.

"I know it has been a long day, but I was wondering if I might drudge up bad memories? The story of my fellows is most important to me."

She responded with a sidelong glance at Taren. The half-elven warrior had done much to ease the edge of the pain she had suffered from. With a silent nod, she motioned to be seated, taking her own seat close enough to him to be able to look into his face as the story was told. Her legs folded up neatly behind her, she glanced around the campsite. She was glad that all who were here and had an interest could here, she had no intention of telling the story twice. The exception of course being Lavastine, but the samurai figured that she would not be long with the horses. Zarl would most likely fill in anything missed.

With a deep sigh she began, her mind drifting back to the cursed memories that Evee and Taren together had reduced to a dull ache in her mind.

"The Hitari clan has wavered in its prominence throughout the years. Our fighting style was unique from other clans, though we were a small clan. Birth rate was poor, so growth was minimal, still we were able to gain wealth through alliances forged through the centuries. A battle here for one shogun, another here for this petty lord, they all add up."

Here she began to speculate.

"Though victors of a thousand battles, understandably the losers of those battles didn't all want to be on good terms with us after their defeat. It is my belief that such a clan built power again in secret, probably in defiance of the Emperor himself."

"I was sent to the Yamamoto clan to work out trade agreements that would have allowed my people to further flourish. Please forgive me if I don't delve into those agreements too much."

"Lord Yamamoto was most kind. A great feast was set before me, and my cup never emptied. The human lord had always treated my father with respect, as had the generations before him."

"After three nights of politely enjoying Lord Yamamoto's hospitality, I began the return trek home. I was a half a day's travel from my clanhold when I came across Chupa."

A rueful smile crossed her face as she thought of the young Macrai-Itoche.

"He and I had known each other for many years. His first attempt at raping me had met with disaster. We were both very young at the time. Since that first time, it had become more like a game to us than anything else. Chupa and his brother Tanzer both enjoyed antagonizing me, especially if they could catch me bathing."

She blushed at the memory of some of the rude intrusions she had suffered in the past.

"Over the years I saw less and less of them as my father became more strict about me leaving the shelter of our homes for a moonlit stroll. Despite the fact that I had been using those walks as training as well, training of a magic my clan had not yet seen. I believe it was my father's desire to make me train before the eyes of others in the hopes that someone in the clan would pick up on this new style."

She shook her head as she she caught the tale drifting to better times, returning immediately back to what she thought Zarl wanted to hear.

"A half days ride from my home, I was met by Chupa. I admit I hastily drew my sword on him, fully expecting another of his amorous advances. Moments later I noticed something strange, a serious expression on his face that I'd never seen before in all the times we had met."

"Hitari," he said, "don't return home. Flee now and live, your....your clan is long dead. Your enemy awaits you, this much Tanzer reported to me yesterday. Please, don't go back."

She bowed her head in shame.

"I didn't believe him. I thought it was another of his elaborate tricks. Yet....somehow just listening to him, I know now that even then I suspected the truth in his words. I rushed home with all the speed I could summon. Only corpses awaited me."

"The women of my clan had been brutally raped before being torn apart. The warriors had fought bravely, many corpses lay around them, the ground blackened and scorched by their combined ken."

"I walked around in a daze. I should....should have been prepared for what had awaited me....but how could I? My uncle's tower had been shattered, every building was burned to the ground except for one. My mother's temple."

Again emotion crept into her voice, her lips trembling slightly as she continued.

"I found her on the alter. Gutted like an animal. Her intestines hanging like some sick garland from the rafters. As I turned away from the carnage, I was surprised to see a man there. His eyes were so cold, his voice like that of a man who has lost his soul."

She shuddered slightly at the memory.

"First he dropped my father's blade....the blade I now carry....at my feet. The scorn with which he did so wounded me more than any cut I could have taken. Even as I wondered how he had managed the skill to take the blade away from my father, he tossed another object.....to the ground."

She broke away from the story, looking away from those gazing at her. A broken sob escaped her as the image of her father's lifeless eyes staring back at her flooded vividly back into her mind.

"My....my father's head."

Her jaw set harshly as anger rushed anew through her veins.

"I drew the weapon, and we battled. It only took a few minutes to realize that I was over matched. At least.....I was in my currently surroundings. I did not flee then, I merely made myself the chooser of the battlefield, exploding past him into the night beyond."

Her voice held a hard edge to it as she continued.

"It was night time. The moon was nearly full, and here I was in my full element. He stood little chance. He bled heavily before my fury, and I knew that I was the victor. But before I could deal the killing blow, the rest of his treacherous clan made their presence known."

Her eyes flashed in ill concealed fury.

"Minutes seemed like hours as they all rushed me. Pictures of my dead clanswomen filled my mind. What was even worse was the creatures they had brought with them. Kirin. Darker beasts than I had ever seen, I'm not even sure if my blade would have cut through all that thick armor."

She turned once more to meet Zarl's gaze.

"Thankfully I never had to find out. I can still see their lumbering arms reaching for me, recoiling as lightning exploded around them."

A soft smile played across her face.

"An ally my enemies hadn't counted on had finally entered the battle. Chupa and Tanzer. My blade was hard pressed to defend myself against so many, and many of their edges scored my flesh as I sought to survive."

Just as swiftly, her smile faded to a more solemn look.

"The pair of them actually managed to kill twice their number of the kirin. Surely that in itself should be a testament to their fury. It was Tanzer who distracted the remaining survivors, his cries turning their eyes from me as he died slowly. The kirin he had been fighting slowly tore his arms from his body, blood rained upon the earth. As one, both the winged man and the lumbering monster toppled to the earth, dead of their wounds."

She hung her head in mourning.

"Chupa's fury lasted much longer, the last remaining kirin falling before his power. Not lacking opponents, his lightning tore through the ranks of ninja and samurai that still dared to advance toward me. Until many left me for dead to turn on him."

"I bled from many wounds, and was indeed very close to passing on to meet my Ancestors. The brief respite in combat was nearly lost as death rushed to claim me. Another scream as the humans converged on Chupa woke me from my stupor."

She met Zarl's gaze once more, the hardened glint in her eyes returning.

"I released my greatest discipline on them. Dozens fell before my sword, and the ones that survived, fled for a short time. Even as the Macrai-Itoche slowly perished from his grievous wounds, he made me swear to carry his remains to another of his people."

"I readily accepted, though I was hard pressed to honor my vow. I could not carry both brothers, so I decided to press my luck and await their slow degeneration to crystal. In the mean time, the few remaining aggressors were more than willing to retake up the fight now that your brethren were dead."

She shook her head in open admiration.

"Over eighty dead and five kirin with them. Though some of those kills were mine, the battle with the kirin alone proves their skill as warriors."

"Seizing the earliest opportunity to grab the crystals, I slipped away from my enemies with a talisman that my uncle had given me when I was a still a child. A small glass bird, its magic stored inside. My uncle told me to smash the delicate figurine if I were ever threatened. I had never intended to use it, to flee was to be dishonored. But....now I had a vow to keep."

"The talisman shattered even as the enemy regrouped for another chance to slay me. My weakening discipline no longer able to do more than deflect the weapons they hurled at me. A strange silvery blue mist swept up around my feet and I was quickly engulfed. When my vision cleared, I was on the battlefield below us."

She paused to speculate again.

"My uncle was once friends with the mage of this tower, Garreth. Both were Air mages of some repute in their time. I think that is why my uncle thought this would be a safe place for me. I doubt he even realized that I still carried the talisman with me."

Once more the makings of a sad smile flit across her features.

"I hope I have answered many questions with this tale, Zarl. I hope even more that the information you recieved from this will bring much honor to Chupa and Tanzer in the next world. Thanks to your group, I lived to tell their tale and mine."

She turned to finally risk a glance at Taren and Evee, her sad smile eventually gaining warmth.

"A fact that I am eternally grateful for."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-itoche (Green)

He blinked away tears, looking down at the ground before where he sat as she finished her story. He knew, in his own way, what it was to be without one's people. He cried for her loss, but even more for the loss of the two Macrai.

He sighed. "Chupa and Tanzer? Those are the two? Thank you, Ritsuko. I know the loneliness of being one of one's people, separate, although I can barely comprehend the pain that being the only survivor would be."

He brushed away his tears, and hugged himself. "I knew them. But then, we Macrai-Itoche do not number many. We are a small race, and since the Bond was broken,...we have dwindled. We have not the heart to destroy all semblance of life in order to keep ourselves alive. So we gather together when we can..."

He rocked back and forth. "Two of them. It's not often that we meet each other out of our homelands. But those two were always close... They will be greatly missed."

He looked up at the elf. "Thank you, again. Thank you. Tomorrow, I shall make a Calling. From here, they will be taken to the Hall of Graves. Have no fear for their honor. From what you have said, and what I saw earlier,...They died without darkness. They shall receive the greatest of honors..."

He turned his gaze away, unable to look at her any more. "I take it you shall seek vengeance for your clan? If you do, I would like to fight by your side." His voice took a dark edge. "I shall bleed them of life..."

 

[roleplaylifer]

She had never seen such sadness as what she now witnessed framed in the blue haired Macrai's face.

Was this how I looked earlier? Is this what drew Taren to seek me out?

She listened with growing sympathy as Zarl seemed no longer able to control his emotions. Tears streaked down his long face, most falling to the earth with a dusty splash.

"Thank you, again. Thank you. Tomorrow, I shall make a Calling. From here, they will be taken to the Hall of Graves. Have no fear for their honor. From what you have said, and what I saw earlier,...They died without darkness. They shall receive the greatest of honors..."

She nodded softly at his words, she really didn't know how to respond. He would perform funeral rites for the two brothers. For a moment she felt another stab of pain as her mind dredged up the image of her own people, bodies ravaged by scavengers of the night. She had not even the time to bury them, or raise a pyre in their memory.

As raw emotion poured through Zarl's words, its underlying tone seemed to undergo a steady change. Sadness gradually gave way to anger, an anger she was impressed that he controlled so easily. Finally, he tore his gaze away from her.

"I take it you shall seek vengeance for your clan? If you do, I would like to fight by your side."

She sat in silence a moment, regarding Zarl's offer. It was his right as much as hers to exact a blood price on her clan's attackers. Before she could respond, he continued, a steel fury creeping into his voice.

"I shall bleed them of life..."

She reached out and placed a soft hand upon his shoulder, her face softening further with sympathy.

"Yes. I fully plan to return to my homelands, Zarl. And if I'm able, I will exact vengeance on my clan's killers. I am more than willing to bring you with me, if that is what you truly desire."

She paused a moment to carefully choose her next words.

"I know not of your currently situation with this group, but I did not come here to burden you with my troubles. This group had a mission long before I arrived by accident, and I've given my word to help you all see it through. When the original task you all set out to do is complete, my oath will be fulfilled, and my path my own again. Then we will seek our vengeance."

She turned her face towards Taren, hoping he still listened.

"Besides, perhaps the Ancestors have fated me to be here right now. I seem to make more friends with every passing moment."

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine stood behind Zarl has the elf told her story to Zarl, seeing his sadness pained Lavastine. The only she ever seen a man cry ~ no matte what race.~ was when another man died. Never thought she would see Zarl cry though, not that it wasn't impossible for him to, just never thought about it.

Walking up to him cautiously, not sure if he wanted her there or not. Wasn't much she could say or do, cept be there for him. Stood beside him, setting his pack down on the ground waiting for him to either tell her he wanted to be alone. Or accept comfort from her. Hesitantly ran her fingers through his hair.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

The half-elf's face had been grim throughout most of the tale. Such an atrocity...he had only heard of monsters doing such things, yet besides those ki-rin she mentioned...these were humans. The grim expression was gradullay replaced with one of sympathy, respect, and determination.

"I think that going ahead with our mission to the Wizard's College is a good one." "We'll be muchs tronger for it...and I think we will need all of our strength when we go after Ritsuko's enemies." He inclined his head to the monster swordsman. "I have sworn to go with her when she takes her vengeance, and I'll glady fight to avenge your people as well Zarl."

He rose to his full height. "The first step to getting justice done, is to get moving." "Take however much time you need for the ceremony Zarl, but there's an army of monsters roaming around that we need to get to the bottom of."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He leaned toward Lavastine, feeling her hands in his hair. He felt a deep emptiness. So few were born each generation to his people, and now, two or his best friends, people he had called his brothers, they were dead. Never would they be elders, looking down at the remaining Macrai, talking among the others of life and living.

They were gone. Killed, murdered by humans who lived with monsters, dark monsters without wal. Killed by perverted followers of death. He would slaughter them all. He was jarred back to reality by Taren's words. He opened his eyes, looking toward the man.

"I can give you no time. Proper rites of death cannot be performed here. They must be taken to the Hall of Graves, in our homeland. I must send up a magic signal to attract a female of my species,..." He grimaced. "How long it takes her to arrive is based on how far away one is. After that,...I would have to wait for her to,...finish with me." He sighed, and wiped away his tears, looking upwards with a hint of fear in his eyes.

"It would be best, I think, if none of you were around. Such things are,...unpleasant, at best. I would not have you suffer with me."

 

[Armphid]

Taren

For long moments, Taren was silent. Such a change in the monsterous swordsman! He'd thought Zarl incapable of emotion beyond lust and anger. He felt a moment of embarrassment. He of all people shouldn't have those kinds of bigotries.

"Zarl...if that's truly your wish, I'll honor it." He shook his head, "But I won't like it." "I'd be dead if not for you, and we're comrades-in-arms." "I don't want to desert you, especially not in a time of need." He did not mention the fear he saw in the winged man's eyes, not wanting to embarrass him. "When we return to your home...you can make your choice." "I'm sorry for your loss as well, Zarl, for what it's worth." "I will sing a dirge for your fallen brethern as well as Ritsuko's clan."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

His chest heaved, his lips tight. He couldn't hold it in. His mouth flew open as a roaring laugh escaped. He laughed heartilly, pointing over at Taren. After a hwile he settled down, wiping away both tears of sorrow and mirth from his face.

"Great Totems, man, listen to you! You 'won't like it', we're 'comrades-in-arms', and you don't want to 'desert' me in my 'time of need'?" He chuckled again.

"I'm not fighting to the death, man, I'm just going to get RAPED. By the Destroyer, it's just a few hours, maybe, for her to get her and have her way with me. You'd think I was off to battle hordes of bloodthirsty demons! Granted, I'm not looking forward to the encounter, and yes, I fear it. As much as our female companions would fear being raped by some fearsome monster."

He laughed a little, calming down. "Oh, my. Thank you, Taren. I needed a good laugh. Brooding on such things only makes them worse. But I do suggest you desert me, as I cannot allow you to hurt another of my kind, and I certainly don't need someone witnessing my moments of weakness. I'd like to be able to hold my head up high around my comrades, and not think they know how pathetic I sound getting done to me what I have done to many others..."