The Kindom in Chaos....

[Third Magus]

Delbaeth shrugged uncomfortably, letting his gaze drift away. He disliked sharing details of his life, disliked letting people see him as being anything more than the princess' guardian, performer of his duty. He owed more to Anya, though, for what she had done and would do for the princess.

"I was born into the Lasudh family, one of the lines that have the task of providing guardians for the princess. That was to fall to my older brother, though; Jaedhar. He was to replace the princess' old guard when the time came"

Delbaeth shut his eyes, as if trying to block out unhappy memories. Would Jaedhar have failed his duty that way, allowing the princess away from his sight, allowing her to be attacked? Would Jaedhar have come too late?

"Jaedhar was trained all through our childhood. You must understand: he was given no choice about this, never asked what he would have wanted to do with his life. It was simply the duty of the firstborn.
"I was allowed do as I willed, and so I studied music. I used to tell Jaedhar he'd become a hero, saving the princess' life in a desperate battle, and I'd have been at his side, have put it all into a song"

Jaedhar opened his eyes, turned his head to bleakly regard Anya.

"All things move towards their end. I never asked Jaedhar if guarding someone else's daughter for the rest of his life was all he wanted either. It was something we all took for granted.
"We'd train together, in the courts every evening. Just practise matches, just rough, silly games I suppose".

Delbaeth's eyes lowered, dwelling on the princess' face.

"It was in one of them I misjudged the strength of a blow.."

He could remember still, the stave, wreathed in mistletoe, still in his hands, its tip sticky with his brother's blood, staring in disbelief at Jaedhar's fractured skull.

"I killed my brother, and I had to pay the price. I was next in line; I had to become the princess' guardian in his place".

He left out the self-evident additions: his loss of music, his failures and self-pity and self-loathing.

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya

Anya looked at the man sitting across from her... so much said and yet it seemed as though so much more was not said...

"It is very honorable to be what your brother was destined to be.. what happened was an accident. .. no I am not pitying you or giving you sympathy... I simply believe that you have let your brother live through you, Im sure if he were able to talk to you now, He would tell you he was proud. As an older broth studying such subjects Im sure he understood the danger, and believed it was an accident. You shouldnt blame yourself for what happened.. "

She walked over to him and layed her hand gently on his face, " It was you that helped us by saving Lily each time she got herself into trouble, really .. thank you for being who you are.. you should try to contine you stories and music.. as much as it pains you .. perhaps it will help sooth you. " she leaned over and kissed his cheek tenderly, "This is for helping me,and my friend."

She smiled again and put her arms around his body giving him a hug, giving him the tenderness that he denied himself. "You need to loosen up." She teased him. and stood up to back away from the hug..

 

[Third Magus]

The suddenness of Anya's warm, slender body pressed against his took Delbaeth aback. She puzzled him, was colour and change in his bleak, well-ordered universe. He was both relieved and disappointed as she let go and stood.

"I don't...", he found his voice, "I don't have time for music and songs. Not any more".

He wondered if that was the truth, or something he just told himself. A way of punishing himself for the death of his brother, a way to keep himself wallowing in personal darkness. This girl of the streets made him uncomfortable. Though she wasn't aware of it, she forced him to reconsider certain aspects of his life, cold comforts he'd taken for granted.

He rose himself, his eerie grace as marked as ever, towering over Anya. "Perhaps I should check the inn's perimeters", he said suddenly, making towards the door, "Other things may be abroad tonight..."

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya

Anya not knowing how to react to his abruptness. simply said the first thing that popped in her head and as she talked she put all her weapons into their sheaths around her body.. one wonders how she can put that many weapons on her so fast..

"Dont you think we'd be safer if you stayed here. I could sneak around... no offense but everybody knows who you are... Im... nobody ... they wont see anything wrong with me doing the perimeter checks." she smiled half heartedly finishing putting everything on her and simply skipped past him and shut the door in his face.

On the other side of the door she sighed.. that was close.. she went out to do the perimeter check then ran to her brother's to let him know where she was

she knocked on an old decreped building in the trashy part of town then a slot opened ".. who's there... " a gruff voice called out.

"It me, Anastascia. tell diablo I'm not comming in for a while.. I'll be back.. gone off to do a few things.. tell him not to worry." She spoke in that slang language that few of her kind knew.

To everyone else she was just a streetrat .. to diablo she was more valubale than anybody out there.. To him she was the heir to the biggest secret guild their was.. why because she was the best.

She slipped back out and skipped through the alleyways. Then ran across the street and went int othe tavern Lily was at. Slipped through the kitchen door and climbed the stairs almost silently..

All of it took a little over and hour and half.. she jimmied Lilies door open then slipped inside.

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya

The room was dark and she looked around then whispered
"Delbeath .. you there?" when she didnt hear a whisper back she figured he went to sleep she walked over to the bed where lily was sleeping, checked if her breathing was normal then loosened the arsonal of weapons she kept on her body. and all the leather wrapping which kept them in place, Then raised her hands up and made quick work on the knots and twists in her hair.

What took her about two mins of time. Her dark brown hair finally fell free. This was the only thing which she refused to lose... when she was forced to be on the streets. Her mother told her when she was young, that it was the most beautiful hair anyone ever had. She had been about fifteen then(five). so she kept it long never cutting it unless it got too long to twist so nobody really knew long it was. Whenit was up it looked like it was in a short by cut.

Her long dark hair fell past her hips until it ended on her upper thighs. she layed her head against the bed next to Lily and closed her eyes to rest.

 

[Third Magus]

Delbaeth remained in the shadows of the room as Anya returned. He leaned against the wall, his head bowed. He could sleep like that, had done so sometimes. It was fitful, unrefreshing sleep, but it meant he could be awakened by anything untoward within heartbeats.

The sound of the princess' breathing, faint and irregular, mixed with the stronger sounds of Anya's breath, lulled Delbaeth into an uneasy half-sleep. If anything happened, he could protect them both. He wouldn't fail them or his brother again.

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya

Anya yawned as she woke up. Looking around it was right before dawn. She got up and dressed then went downstairs in the tavern room. She waited for the rest of the people that were comming with them to the wise one that morning.

OOCsorry RL had a grip on my throat and wouldnt let go.. I will be very busy for the next week... so will post whenever I can)

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

He awoke almost an hour before dawn. He carefully dressed himself, checking his arms and armor. He then spent most of the time until dawn meditating. Trying to find the inner calm and peace.

Once completed, he longed to go through his exercises, but knew such things would have to be put off. He had important guests to guide, and should be ready to lead them.

He went downstairs, noticing one of the group already there. He nodded at the woman, and stood next to the door, watching for the others.

 

[Third Magus]

Delbaeth rose with the dawn. Lest he not have the time later on, he fought his daily practise match against (and for) his brother's ghost, going through the rote motions in the cold, deserted yard of the inn while the sun rose, and long shadows outlined every movement. He felt a sudden spark of life and contentment then, for no reason at all, his chest heaving at the end of the match, and then a greater wave of guilt, quenching it.

He remembered his failure.

Pulling on a shirt, he made his way back into the common room, and awaited the others. He noticed the guide standing by the door, and Anya at the stairs, and greeted both of them gravely. The bond he'd felt with Anya, the confidances he'd made, were fading in the cold light of day. He'd never felt more distant or alone.

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya

Anya looked up as Delbeath approached her eyes had followed his movements... He seemed so much more distant than he had been last night. was it something she had done.. she was hoping to continue that warmth of friendship that had begun to bloom between the two of them continued.. but now she was unsure.

she looked around looking hoping That Gavin and Lan would show as well. .. so far it was just the guide and the bodyguard.. nodding at the guide as he stepped in and things werent looking too good. She had hoped everyone would return. and right now htings werent looking too good.

Deciding that she would wait ten more mins.. if no one else showed then they would leave.. taking Lily with them.

She picked up the tankard of ale and took a few sips waiting.

 

[elvengoddess]

Gavin

It was difficult waking up in the palace, the beds here were much more lavish and comfortable than in the Dwarven Citadel. But wake he did, it felt as though he had slept for two weeks.

Gavin dressed, and headed for the inn. Upon arriving, he nodded greeting to the others that had already appeared, then went to the bar and ordered a stout ale and a plate of spiced potatoes.

"You all should have a bite also, before we set off," Gavin suggested as he plowed ino his breakfast.

(OOC- this is Lycan...Sorry, I forgot that my wife was still logged on.)

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya

Just when she thought no one else was going to join them, the Dwarf came in. She could always count on the dwarf to bring her spirits up again. she gave him a huge smile in return to the greeting nod she recieved from him.

She looked over to where Delbaeth was leaning against the wall. His demeanor very cold. she drug up her curage and walked towards him. "Do you think we should wait for any others?" said as she motioned for another ale and thanked the inn keep with a gold piece when he brought it to her. She looked back to Delbeath waiting for an answer.

(OOC: no prob LYC)

 

[lycanthropedude]

Gavin

Before the large elf could speak, Gavin answered the the question.

"The solution, dear Anya, lies with yon Innkeeper."

Gavin counted out the coins from his pouch, and said to the innkeeper, "A gold apiece for everyone that was with us last night whom is not here to be given our direction of travel, and an additional 30 gold pieces to keep the same information from anyone else, no matter WHO they are."

"Sir! I am a very loyal friend of the princess, and I would..."

Gavin cut him off. "All the same, I am not the princess and you have no reason to be loyal to me. My pardons if I have offended your morals good sir, let us call that then payment for your good service to the royal family and a plate of wonderfully delicious spiced potatoes," Gavin said with an apologetic smile.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir looked at the others, and stretched. He yawned, and moved to the bar. He waited until the dwarf was done trying to bribe the innkeeper, and ordered himself a breakfast. He looked at the food, and ordered some water to drink.

He began eating. He ate politely, leaving the issue of when they would leave to the others. He wondered if they'd checked the princess's condition, and realized that the elf male seemed to be her bodyguard, and knew he wouldn't leave her side without checking.

Unless this land was far different from the Neutral Zone, but he doubted if sense opf duty could be that different. Be barely noticed the taste of the food as he ate, mechanically, thinking about other things, like the way home, to the Wise One.

 

[Angelus]

Feris

Feris walked into the tavern in a thoroughly miserable mood. Nothing had been going right for him this day and he had not had a moments peace as everyone wanted to kill him. He had killed far too many people this day and all he wanted now was to get some rest and a good ale.

As soon as he walked into the building however he knew that it would not happen as the place was full of people. He shook his head and moved to one of the tables then watched as the serving wench came his way. She looked at him and asked what he wanted then walked away as soon as he gave his reply.

When she left Feris sat back and watched the room, studying everyone there and hoped that none of them knew who he was. Just then he noticed the group who were looking at him closely and let out a sigh- he knew what they were thinking, they knew who he was.

Just then one of them got up from the table and walked towards his. The man looked at him and smiled, showing all his teeth. Feris looked at him with a smile and asked him what he wanted.

"You know what I want. I have heard that you are an exceptionaly fighter and I reckon that I can beat you. Now will you fight me."

"You will lose. Now turn around and go away."

The man raised his fist to hit Feris but before he could Feris grabbed his arm and sent him to the floor. Feris then got to his feet and picked the man up then threw him down on the floor again.

"You are a fool. Now turn around and go away."

 

[DarkThoughts01]

Ivellias

Ivellias looked around fearfully,then picked up his shepherds crook.He glanced around fearfully,horrible tales from his childhood flashing through his head,waiting for the hundreds of Drow to pop out of the air and slay him.He looked around one last time,then looked down at the unconscious Drow and knelled,checking for life signs,then,with a distasteful look,bound the Drow by his ankles and by his hands behind his back,careful not to touch alot for fear of a dark enchantment.Having successfully bound the prisoner,he turned and headed back towards the inn,his mind clinging to the fact that maybe the Lady he had talked to before would be there,allowing him to first of all stay close,and second of all put the responsibility for this Drow in another's hands.
As he returned he opened the door,and realized instantly the somber air.He inquired as to where the innkeeper was,and headed up the stairs to the rooms,calling out to the innkeeper.
(OOc:im not sure whats happening,anyone want to fill me in where every 1 is?)

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya turned not realizing there were people in the tavern and watched as the man that got up and threw the other man on the floor. Curious the man looked familiar, but from where she was unsure.

Not wanting to get into any sort of trouble she picked up her ale and finsihed the rest with one sip, walked over to Delbeath and said "Maybe its time we take Lily, why dont you go and get her I think that we can assume everyone we are waiting for has joined us.." She walked back to the bar after Delbealth went to go get the Princess. Her gaze stopped over the fellow in the back once more.. she couldnt place who he was just that he seemed so familiar... it was as if it was there and she remmebered .. perhaps when she ran with the guild her brother ran, but she didnt think he was a member.. maybe soembody they hired..or a job.. but she wasnt sure .. she thought she knew but the thought was gone again..

Just as she settled down she saw a familiar body stalk into the door. The drow it seemed didnt make it, The fellow she remembered from the night before had it seemed. Walking over to him as he headed up the stairs calling fro the innkeeper as loudly. she said."Come down buddy I assure I dont think we want the whole world to know what happened last night" Looking pointedly at the body in his hands.

She walked up the stairs and directed him to the room Lily had been in just as she walked in Delbeath came out with Lily in his arms the cloak covered her face from anyone who wished to see who it was.

"Look, it seems our friend didnt make it through the night .. we are going to take him as well, maybe the wise one will know where his people are.. is this okay with you??"

She looked at the man carrying the body and she slipped off her cloak and wrapped it over the drow's body, then she said, "You can join us if you like.. I dont know what Lily promised you , but we willl try to fullfill your promise once we get back from where it is we are going.. but you will have to wait.. my concern right now is to make sure that Lily is okay ..this agreeable to you then meet us downstairs afte ryou clean up.. here you can use my room."

"Anya went down the stairs once more. She walked to the guide, "Thank you so much for your patience .. we seemed to have another joining us .. so it will be a few more minutes.. I hope you dont mind." She put her hand on his arm thanked him once more in a gesture of friendlyness then smiled gently. As she walked accross the tavern she sauntered towads a table near the back, she noticed the man hadnt left yet. Needing a bit of time to gather her thoughts before they left for the wise one's she sat down and layed her head on the table.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

He nodded once after she was finished talking, and quickly finished eating.

He stood up, and stretched. He glanced around the room, and grunted to himself. He watched, and he waited. He almost wished he could have had a chance to speak with the King, but it would be best to get the Princess and any companions into the Neutral Zone as quickly as possible.

Get them to the Wise One. Those were his orders. His eyes scanned the room again. Get them safely to the Wise One. He wondered what had been done to the Princess.

 

[DarkThoughts01]

Ivellias had blinked a bit,looking around,then nodded and gave a slight bow to Anya before dissapearing into her room for a few moment sto wash his hands and face clean,streaighten himself up,then slip his shepherd crook into his hand,hanging his pack from it as he walked downstairs again,sitting down and waiting.

 

[Angelus]

Feris sat back and scanned the room, to see if there was anything that would be a threat to his life but he knew after what he had just done to the poor man nobody would want to touch him. He let out a sigh as he was getting sick of this constant fighting and he knew that it was for one reason, well two really but the thing that he had kept hidden for nearly all of his life paled in comparison to the long life that he had had already.

He had been alive for too damn long and he knew that he wanted to die, that was the one thing that he wanted more than anything in this world. He wanted to finally die to be with his wife that had been dead for centuries but because of the curse that was on him he couldn't. He slammed his fist down on the table with that thought, not caring if anyone was looking at him.

 

[LadyRozes]

Anya jumped at the loud thump sound that she heard just as she layed her head down on the table. Looking around she realized that the man that had made the noise was the same man the body slamed that jerk. well seh would love for his assistance in her endouvour, but she simply just didnt have the time to trust someone she had only heard of and never was able to meet and talk face to face.

They didnt really have much time so, Anya decided they needed to go without that human's help. There werent that many humans in the main land and of the ones that were here you pretty much know, this one however was not one she had the time to get to know.

Seeing that Delbeath was ready with Lily in his arms , she smiled wearily. "Okay lets head out, everyone that's going to join us has, so lets head out."

she nodded to the inn keep and then smiled at Gavin and the farmer that decided to join her.well its better than nothing .. maybe its time we leave. no sense in delaying it. We need to make sure that Lily is better

She asked Yrismir, their guide to the wise ones, "Please my friend lead the way. " Taking one last look at the human in the back giving him a smile and hoped he would be at least curios enough to follow, she headed out the door.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

He nodded, and walked to the door, glancing at those who were coming. He turned his attention away from the group as he left the Inn, glancing around the area filled with morning light. He started off, with only a quick glance behind to make sure they were following.

Once he had them at the border to the Neutral Zone, things would be much better. Until then though, they'd have to walk. They could make it in good enough time, as long as nothing too serious happened. He glanced around again as he led the way, thinking about the different ways something could go wrong.

 

[LadyRozes]

Narration

Narration


The group walked towards the edge of town trying to keep out of the people's way. They didnt want any attention so they kept to themselves and walked swiftly. It jsut happened that the day was cloudy and just a little windy so the use of cloaks were neccessary and the group was able to pass quickly to towards the border.

Once they past the border Yrismir knew that the Wise one was going to guide him to the right direction and they were going to get there sooner than anyone in the group was going to know.

As soon as they got into the forest the Yrismir saw the tunnel the Wise one spoke of. He led them into the tunnel and they walked through. None of them needed any light except the Human that lead the back with a torchlight.

Strangley the group traveled through the tunnel for what seemed like a few hours. Just when the elves couldnt take much more underground you could see a tiny light that was getting brighter by the minute.

The group walked closer and closer to the hole and when the reached it, they could see the capitol where the wiseone was staying only a few hours walk from where they caom out of the tunnel.

Everyone except the guide were shocked. How could they have traveled over two weeks of distance by walking through a tunnel for a few hours? Yrismir didnt say a thing. He knew that it was the Wise One that helped speed their journey. How he had no Idea, but he knew that it was better to not question what was unexplainable.

No one knew How long the wise one had been around. Simply just that she was. It wasnt until a few hundred years ago during the great war when the emerged nuetral zone appeared. There were may different races that lived in the tribe of the Wise one she denied nobody and accepts everybody into her fold. IT is said she conferes with the the ancients of the world. Some say that She herself is and ancient.

Little is known about her, but one thing everyone know is NOT to get her angry. She claims to never interfrere with worldy affairs, however, should someone seek her help, she helps in a way she feels does not disrupt the flow of things.

Yrismir took the group into the guest hut and told them to rest here. He would be back with news of the Wise one.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

He left the group in a guest hut, and gave a high whistle laced with a trace of magic. Two orks came running up. They wore a simple uniform and carried staffs. He glanced at the two enforcers, and told them to take care of any needs the others might have, and that he would be back soon.

Leaving the two there, Yrismir started off for the Wise One. A few of the people he passed called out to him. He nodded to them, and continued on towards his goal.

Eventually, he came to the great chamber where the Wise One should be. Two of the Lower Circle stood guarding the entranceway. They stepped aside, bowing him in and taking up position behind him. Yrismir smiled as he stepped into the room. He moved forward, and saluted the Wise One with a fist over his heart.

"I have returned, Wise One. I brought a small group from the Elvish lands, who wanted to see you. Although I did not see the King, as you requested, the group has his daughter, the Princess, as a member. She has, unfortunately, been struck down in a way that worries them. They wish to request your help."

 

[LadyRozes]

Wise One and Anya

Wise One

A youngish woman turned to see Yrismir walk into her chambers. He moved forward, and saluted her with a fist over his heart.

"I have returned, Wise One. I brought a small group from the Elvish lands, who wanted to see you. Although I did not see the King, as you requested, the group has his daughter, the Princess, as a member. She has, unfortunately, been struck down in a way that worries them. They wish to request your help."

Her eyes widened at the thought of the princess's life in peril, she nodded slowly and said to Yrismir, "Go and stay with them I will get ready and join you in a few moments." She smiled just slightly as though she looked proud, "You have done well my son, I am proud of you and I thank you for being prompt." She layed a hand on his shoulder and patted his cheek as though he was a child in her care.

Everyone knew the Wise One fought no one's wars, and stayed nuetral in every postion, but once in a while ... when it suits her, she plays for the side she wished to win, but not in a way where the people would believe that if not for her help they wouldnt succeed.

After he left, she turned around and mentally visuallized a very old woman then slowly like a ripple in the water the body shifted to the form of an elderly woman, one that looked like she was every race and at the same time, none of them. Her eyes were a striking green color like that of a forest leaf so dark one would mistake it for being black if one were not looking closely.

She closed her eyes and sighed. She walked over to the side of the room to pick up a knarled old looking staff that looked like it simply feel off a tree, she smiled slightly .. if she was going to be revered she might as well look the part. No one is going to believe that she hasn't aged since she turned one hundred(equivalant to about twenty five)

She walked slowly to the hall where the group had been left. And entered slowly to watch, them as they were.. perhaps she wasnted to asses their worth, whether they were worthy of the help she was planning on bestowing..


Anya

Anya paced back and forth across the rooom , the waitng was really amking her antsy, Lily hadnt even stirred once, the only way you knew she lived with the slight rise and fall of the blanket. She wished there was more she could do, but there wasnt.

She stopped and sat down her gaze fell on Delbeath. He acted as cold as ever, silently carrying Lily as thoguh she were a precious child. At least in that she knew he cared after all it was his responsibility for her life. She wished he would be more talkative but he wasnt , he didnt even say a word.

Everyone had been silent throughtout the strange journey, even the dwarf. How was it possible that they had traveled so quickliy to the Wise Ones tribe? It just wasnt possible. How could it be that they got here in less than one day? The journey was at least two weeks long on foot, IF you knew the way.

It must be that the Wise One wished them to come soon. Funny that she had been in the forest so many times on the route and never once did she find the cave that they had walked through to get here.

She sat down on one of the benchs in the main hall and leaned over on the table. She put her face in her hands an silently let the tears flow. THe tension was really getting to her. Would she ever hear her friends singing again?