The Seven Keys.

[Vixandra]

Cali

I took Yris' arm with a curtsy. He did have a point, about inheriting all of this.
"But what if they don't like me, Yris? And what if I don't like them? I mean, present company obviously excluded, most elves find me too loud and too brash for comfort."
I quited for a moment then shrugged. "Never mind that, I'm not going to worry or mess with it at the moment. I've two outcomes of all this, really. One- I die on this quest of ours, always a possiblity, you must admit. Two- I live and have to deal with this whole royal thing later on. So, I'm not going to worry about something I can't fix now."
That decided I looked up at Yris. "And get that, 'you're so young, its cute' smirk off your face, Mister. I am not that young. Well, maybe compaired to you I am... but only cause you're pretty well aged."

 

[LadyRozes]

The hall was decorated with a gradour style that would have rivaled any noble's home. within the room many nobles were anxiosly waiting to either introduce their daughter to the king or nervously waiting to be introduced.. it was in unsuall display of what the femine noblility could put on display.. about an hour after the ball .. had started.. the music signaled the entrance of the king.

Tildiir stepped through the hallway lined with his personal guards. All bowed as he walked by.. this always made him feel inadequate. Often he wonderd if this was really the time to be thinking of these things. He knew today was the day that he would shake the kingdom. Smiling he had plans....

As Tildiir walked into the ballroom then sat on the throne that his father sat before him.. it was a time of great change.. He smiled at all the nobles being introduced to him. He couldnt wait until they were done.

His sister sat next to him and her husband beside her. In her arms was the first child in a long many that had arrived since the arrival of his kid sister Elle.

Groaning Elle had entered after her brother and sat on the opposite side of Tidiir. She couldnt wait to leave the ball. She hated how the noblemen all crowded her, and her father had never minded or wanted her to wed, but the nobles of the kingdom would set upon her like a pig to a trough. She hated being feeling like some sort of object to be won. She hoped her companion would show up soon.

It seemed Elle wasnt the only ones waiting for her companion to join her. Tildiir waited until he knew when the moment would be right before making his announcement.

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I stopped for a moment before the doors to the ball room and took a deep breath.
"You know, I've never been to one of these- are we supposed to be announced by a herald or something?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

"Actually, that only applies to nobility and honored guests. We're kind of low-key, and this isn't in our honor, so no. We won't be announced. Besides, it'd take too long to run through all the protocol. I no longer hold my position in the Neutral Zone, but I still have seven or eight titles there."

He shrugged. "Anyway, we don't need to be announced. Unless he wants your presence known, in which case he'll make an announcement later."

The doors opened and they moved inside, Yrismir leading Cali as he looked around. "Elves really overdo the formalities of these affairs. Something about elegance or something, but they tend to use a lot of the utility."

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

"Is thier wine really as weak as I hear too?"
I laughed at the look on his face. "You spend time amoung the Barbaroi- those guys know how to brew wine and rotgut. And fight, but that's neither here nor there."
I looked around at all the fancy clothed elves and partial-elves.
"So, who's who here? Other then Tildiir of course."

 

[LadyRozes]

Baddies


Nexus went curled up in the corner..picked herself up and groaned. She knew she needed time to recover, but if she could just get to her room, she had a few potions there... that would allow her to heal.

She used the cave wall and picked herself up. Looking around she saw that everyone had left. Closing her eyes she tried to concentrate on calling her goddess...

Finally after much trial she slipped into her chambers.. it was easy to slip by the gaurds there were concerned for tehir kings safety.. what was one "drunk" elvin girl going to do. She layed on her bed a moment and then grabbed her things from the nightstand upon the bed.

Unstopping the cork she downed the potion and cringed. The fire burned down her throat and into the wounds of her body. SHe felt as though she was roasting inside.

Opening her eyes she realized that the ball must be sure to have started and thats where her companions must be.. She quickily cast her last illusion spell she had on hand .. she would need to pray .. later... perhaps Goven would help her with that. ..or perhaps ..someone else...

Decked out in complete elven finery she strolled to the ballroom. As the doors opened and the hearld announced her presence she smiled and cast her surprise.

********


Tildiir waited until he saw his daughter come and then frowned for a second when he saw who she came with... but that was neither here nor there.. it was not his place to say anything.. He stood and right when he decided to make his announcement ... he saw her.. a vision of lovelyness. ...(OOC: anyone who has nay magic ability .. will notice the spell nexus casted and anyone that had extensive knowledge .. then I will pm you)

 

[Vixandra]

Calixte

I caught Tildiir's eye, and his frown, for just a moment before the heralds announced a very lovely elfin woman.
I rolled my eyes at her appearance- all pastels and light. Typical lovely elvin woman, I bet she was noble if anything.
"Hey, Yris, who's she? Looks important. And feels odd... I guess.
"How long do these things last? I'd like another look in the crypt, you know."

 

[LadyFairy]

Tela contiued on into the nutral zone, tho she senced that she was being followed, she toyed with the idea of doubling back to see if she could catch the one who watched her off guard.
Then thought better of it she didnt know very many spells, and the sooner she found the wise woman the better. She would just have to keep a better eye on her surrounding's until she new wether the one behinde her was friend or foe.

 

[RoneLith]

He caught it then, her scent was different. She was as he, still he felt as if she was not cursed. Truly she was a friend, still what could she be doing alone, this area is anything but safe. Slowly he decided he would make his pressance known to her, however he must be careful or she would strike at him. He was not that used to fighting in this form yet and did not want to give away his true self. Perhaps moving ahead of her and waiting for her to make the first contact was best. Quickly he left her tale and picked up his pace, he had always loved the feeling he gained from running. His senses seemed to heighten and every fiber in his body felt alive. He passed her unseen and finally made his way in her path, still out of sight but he no longer masked his scent, there was no need now. He waited and watched her, truly she was a beauty as a wolf he wondered she was just as beautiful in her true form. He looked down at himself his own snowy white coat was indeed just as beautiful. Had he not been cursed every female would have wanted him. 'Very lovely,' he thought to himself.

 

[LadyFairy]

Tela stopped in her tracks, he was not masking his presance now, his sent was strong close by, and up ahead now insted of behinde her. Which ment one of two thing's ehter he was going to attack or he was a friend.
Slowly she contiued forward until she could see him, he was a very handsome, and strong white wolf. When he didnt strike an attacking pose nor raise his hackles, and growl to warn her away she decided to take a chance and speak to him. Looking directly at him with her terquise eyes she said. Peace be with thee, i am seeking the wise woman can you help me? Something in her told her that she could trust him, and that they would work well together, she hoped she was right.

 

[Strolling Gecko]

Damn, damn, damn it all! I thought as I raced down the hallway towards Trianna and Tana's quarters, finishing buttoning my shirt the whole way. I can't believe how long I took getting ready. The ball's nearly begun and I'll be damned if I'm late to escort the ladies. The Hells have no fury.....

Upon returning to my quarters, I decided to meditate to calm myself down. My mind and my heart were racing. I hadn't felt like this in a long time. I'll admit it. I liked Trianna. She seemed able to look into my soul, into my very being like no one in the last fifty years had been able to. I liked that. I liked that we both had reverence for the natural way of things. And I liked that she seemed.... to....like.....me. I was thinking of all of these things when I realized how late I was. I put on a new pair of pants and boots, attaching my sword to the belt as usual before throwing on a shirt and vest before bolting from my room like a bat out of Hell.

I crashed right into a servant carrying an armful of linens towards the laundry. I managed to blurt out a sorrry while never losing my pace. I arrived at Trianna's room after what seemed like forever. I buttoned the last button and knocked.

I had fortunately found my "fancy" clothes that I wore to these kind of events. I left my sapphire blue shirt, picked deliberately to match Trianna's dress, untucked and hanging just over my deep brown slacks which I had tucked into matching boots. I adjust my deep brown vest and made sure my hair was tied back appropriately. I took a deep breath and waited for the door to open.

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir turned to Cali and frowned. He sighed, and ran his hand down his face. "I have no idea, Cali. I've only been here two or three times. And I was a little busy at those times, you know, saving your father and mother's lives, so I wasn't making friends with every elvish whore in the courts."

He grunted, looking at the King. "The fact of the matter is, the Neutral Zone has a much more utilitarian approach to ruling, and all these balls and nobility tend to get on my nerves, because they rarely actually do anything."

Yrismir frowned, watching Tildiir. "Oh, for crying out loud! Cali, your father's been put in a glamour. Remind me to put him firmly in a guilt trip about your mother later."

 

[RoneLith]

He was shocked at how trusting she was, proving once again that she was not a wolf. Every true wolf he had encountered had always called out his curse before even listening to a hello. They were carring creatures but they also carried with them a pride and did not want to deal with cursed men. Still after they had warmed up to him he was still treated as an outsider, carred for but not loved. It was for this reason and this reason alone he had chosen to set out on his quest to find the cure to his curse.

I am Garin Orinholtz, if I have frieghtend you I am sorry. Your scent was different from other wolves and I had to make sure of your intentions.

He would like very much to be her friend, this close to her now her scent was intoxicating and the form she had taken was exquisit, perhaps he would travel with her to see this wise woman she spoke of, perhaps she knew of a way to break the curse. I would very much like to call you friend, but may I get the pleasure of your name first?

 

[Vixandra]

"How do you put someone in a glamour?" I asked, bewildered for a moment. I looked over at Tildiir and laid a hand on my whip and could see then, a light shimmering around him, his true self underneath. "Oh- nevermind that. He looks tired."
I looked at the noble in question and said, "So, she's really a whore huh? Guess even they dress fancier here."
Rolling my eyes I looked around the room. "Wonder where everyone else is. Want to get some punch or something?"

 

[LadyFairy]

Of corse forgive my rudeness i wished to see if you were friend or foe. My name is Telana La Moonbrook, you may callme Tela.

Tela was glad of some company, she new this area was dangerous, and having another with her was somewhat of a releaf.
His sent attracked her, as well as his apperance, she wondered tho why this wolf was out here on his own was he a rouge?, or was he one such as herself on a quest?

The only way to know was to ask, she hoped that by asking she did not offend or anger him, but the more they new about each other the fewer surprises later on in the journy. Why is it that you are out here?? are you a rouge, your sent is a little diffrent than most wolves ive come across??

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir rolled his eyes, and sighed. He shook his head, and followed her. "I don't know. I was being insulting for sarcastic purposes. And a glamour is a spell of infatuation. In it's purest form, it's designed for one purpose: To stimulate lust in the victim, and get in close. It's mostly learned for assassinations."

He looked over, and sighed. "Luckilly, it's fairly simple to find out who cast it. Whoever Tildiir spends all his time looking at tonight, or tries to leave with, is the caster. Sadly, I can't counter it without my staff, although we could just kill the caster. Although that could get disgusting, and would probably get us on your father's bad side until the spell can wear off. Even then, he might hold it forever. In some cases, it's so strong the fact the object of their lust is dead doesn't turn them off and..."

Yrismir looked over at Cali, and moved off. "Let's get some wine. Here, that's punch."

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Trianna

Trianna had spent the time waiting for Ramas sewing her hunting knife securely within the folds of her dress. She had not much skill with the needle...not as much as her sisters and mother had but she was satisfied that it would stay put until and unless she needed it.

She looked longingly at her bow and quiver of arrows but shook her head. There would be no place for them in the ball. She almost felt totally naked without them.

Tana had been pacing as she waited, her hand buried in Growls thick fur so that the wolf paced with her.

Trianna smiled at the girl and said,"He will be here. I may not know Ramas well but I know we can trust his word. He will be here."

Just then there was a knock at the door and Trianna rose to her feet.

"See?" She said, giving Tana's shoulder a squeeze as she moved toward it, opening it to reveal Ramas.

Her eyes traveled up and down his form as he stood there and she smiled at him, calling to Tana.

"Yes, I was right. Our handsome escort is here. Time to go."

Giving Ramas her hand, she made a curtsey to him and watched in amusement as Tana attempted the same.

"You are getting better," She said to the girl and then placed her hand on Ramas' arm while Tana took the other side and was able to just place her fingertips on Ramas' other arm and Growls fell in behind them.

Looking at the wolf, Trianna pointed a finger at him and said sternly. "Remember! Just to the guards and no farther."

Growls let out a snort and Trianna added,"I'm sorry but wolves just are not a part of a dance. You would be bored by the silly chatter anyway."

Walking up the hall with Ramas, Trianna looked about the hall, pointed out a tapestry tha depicted the Wood Elves celebration of the Harvest Moon.

"Look there!" She said in surprise,"I believe...yes...that tapestry is one of my mother's. I can't believe that it ended up in the royal palace. I shall have to send her word about it. She will likely raise the price in the market after hearing it."

Trianna laughed, a soft, pleasant sound and it seemed no time that they were at the entrance to the ball.

Trianna's hand clutched deeper into Ramas' arm as they entered and she realized that quite a few people were looking at them and her chin went up, her eyes straight ahead. An elf from the wood...and with humans...was not a sight regularly seen at royal functions.

The differences between the wood elves and those here were obvious. The elves from the city were a bit taller and slimmer and their skin was a lighter tone than that of Trianna. That she was a wood elf was quite apparent when seen beside those of her kin here.

Trianna swallowed but refused to show her nervousness except for the increased presure on Ramas' arm. She would be welcome, she was a guest of the king. But how she longed to be out in the open dancing among the trees as depicted in her Mother's tapestry.

She had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

 

[Strolling Gecko]

Trianna's hand gripped my arm tightly. Other than that, she showed no other sign of nervousness. Her hand constricted my arm tighter.

"Let them gawk," I whispered.

I guided our trio over to a table and held the chairs for both ladies as they sat. I took the seat next to Trianna and smiled warmly at her. I spotted Cali and Yrismir on the other side of the room, as well as Growls pacing back and forth behind a row of guards. This was a familiar scene to me. I had attended many of these balls, sat at this very table, watched the elven nobles commence in small talk amongst themselves, waited for the servants to bring out something to eat all while waiting for the actual dance to begin. I always enjoyed attending balls. It was probably due to the fact that I had been trained in etiquette since I was a small boy. Snider had always hated etiquette training, often sneaking off to do Gods know what. I always enjoyed it. I enjoyed learning to dance. I enjoyed learning proper dining manners. It was all part of being a knight, like my father, and I had wanted to be a knight more than anything in the world.

Never finished my training. Well, I had finished it but I had never gone through the final ceremony making it official. I still wanted to become a knight, but my duties to the elven lands had taken precedent in my life. What's a title anyways?

I sensed Trianna was still nervous. Several elven nobles were giving our small group sideways glances. I took Trianna's hand in my own. "Don't worry about them. I got the same looks when I was attending these things as Lan's pupil. If anything, they're trying to figure out why a beautiful elf like you is on the arm of a human like me."

 

[LadyRozes]

Tana gazed at all the wonderous things around her... never in all her life had she seen things so wonderful.. these were things that dreams were made of. The Tapestry that Trianna pointed out was so beautiful it brought tears to her eyes.. she had never seen such beautiful work in all her life..

As she wandered about by Trianna and Ramas's still she felt a sense of loss as if a part of her was still lost and she felt as though she were simply on some sort of journey to figure out where her destiny lie.. still it was an adventure she would never forget...

****

Ellie groaned as she saw that once more some hussy was trying to convice her brother that she was the one person that would bear him heirs to the throne.. .. .. really it was all very annoying. She groaned as another slimey nobleman tried to vie for her attention.

She saw that everyone else had arrived and then waited for tildiir to give his annoucement .. she couldnt wait for that to happen.. she knew all hell would break loose soon

After a few moments she noticed that Tildiir was still absorbed with the woman and decided to take matters into her own hands. She walked over to her brother adn tugged on his sleeve.. "Tildiir..Tildiir! you ahve to make the announcements.. I promise once you make the announcements then you are free to do whatever..."then slid conceited glance at the tart by his side.. "or whomever you want.."

Tildiir almost feeling as though he was trapped by the beautiful eyes that starred at him. It took almost all of his power to restrain himself from her. Distracted by Elle's comment .. he registered the "finish his duty..part.." and so turned and nodded to his herald.

"Good evening M'lord and "ladies of my court.. I welcome you to my ball.. really you all were too kind in helping me celebrate yet another year of my life.. Today is a special day ... we have heros among us.. . and some very special people that I love dearly and hopet aht you come to love as well... Today I wish to grant those that have done many a great deed .. today will be granted praise.. Heir of Lan I ask you to come forth ..."

 

[Strolling Gecko]

"Heir of Lan, please step forward."

My attention had not been on the king, I raised my head sharply and looked in his direction. I looked around the room and saw many eyes looking my way. I lookd at Trianna, shrugged, and approached Tildiir. I knelt before him.

"Yes, my liege?"

 

[RoneLith]

She had a right to know, he thought to himself, if they were going to be friends as he wished the she needed to know who and what he was. A full moon was not for quite a few days, it would be easier to show her. It would be one way to get to see her true form as well. Slowly he released his grip on this form and effortlessly shifted back to his true form.

The effect was capped by a great white light, standing before her now was no longer a wolf but a man. His features were ruggedly hansome yet soft enough to avoid being battle worn. Human, a man in his late twenties, his eyes held the same cunning strength he showed in his wolf form. However, his eyes were the least of his stirkeing features, at the top of that list was his ice white hair matching the same color of his wolf coat. He looked strong and quick his clothing which had always managed to transform with him was well cared for, a brown vest lay over a white shirt that had the sleaves deliberately torn off, traveling down the length of his body around his neck was a silver chain that held a golden ruby ring, while dark green pants and brown boots capped his feet. On on his right was a rather deadly looking weapon. It was a large multi-taloned claw, five talons mimicking a hand jutted out a full foot, on top of that was a smaller version of the first only a coiled chain was connected to it. He spoke, knowing full well she could understand him.

"As I said before, my name is Garin Orinholtz, and I am a cursed man. Though my curse is better than most and I would not want to be without it, the fact remains. The nature of my curse is rather unique, my only requirement is to be as a wolf on the night of a full moon. If not, I will permantely change into a wolf and loose my humanity forever. I am simply seeking a cure to that portion of my curse, the clan that raised me to be a wolf has sent me on this quest so that I may usher in a new era for them." He paused and smiled briefly. "They were curious to see what my offspring would be like? Would I also bear cursed children or would my children be wolf? The doubt in them was enough to send me away to cure myself. I am only allowed to return when I am free, they said I would hopefully find my mate on my journy as well." Garin sat on the ground and removed his weapon. "Well now you know the reason why I am here, perhaps I may learn yours Madam Moonbrook." He would only call her by her first name when they trusted each other, he did not think it would befit a lady of her beauty to do otherwise. His honor would not permit it. He smiled again at her, the kind of smile that looked as if it had taken a lifetime of practice to perfect yet somehow you know that he had always been born with it. It showed everything that he was, strong, cunning and just a little showy.

 

[LadyFairy]

Tela was in awe of Garin's transformation. He was just as handsome, and sleek in human form as he was in wolf, she found his voice pleasing to the ear. Slowly transforming fashioning her clothing out of the air around her.

She stood 5ft 4in, She was slender of build, but curved in all the right places. Her hair braided down her back to her waist was brown with black, and sliver streaks much like that of her wolf's fur. The clothing she wore were, a brown leather tunic, and leggings, she wore a pale blue longsleeved shirt under the tunic, her boots were thigh high elven leather, upon her back was a bow and quiver of arrows.

Her terquise eyes flashed as she smiled at him. To tell the truth i know not what i am it is why i seek the wise one. All that i know is that i was found outside and elven village and raised their. I have the ablitly to speek with the animals as well as change into a wolf, a druid friend has been teaching me the way of druids but ive not had much training Tela begain walking as they talked it would be dark soon and they would need a safer place to rest for the night.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Trianna

Ramas' hand enclosing her own sent Trianna a comfort she had not felt since she had left her clan and began this journey.

The next moment, however, she could actually feel herself blushing at Ramas' words.

In her village she had spent most of her time treading the forest floor with her father, learning the ways of the ranger. How to pick out animal tracks, shooting her bow and many other things.

She rarely gave herself time for anything else, much less hanging around with males her own age. Her sisters were another thing. As they wove tapestries, they constantly gossiped about this boy and the next and who liked whom. Trianna found it boring and chose to go off into the forest or climb the trees and look out on the clear night skies and enjoy nature.

So, having little experience with flattering words, she was taken speachless and covered up her blush by sipping some wine that had been brought to their table.

All other thoughts were forgotten however as the king spoke. Looking startled, she glaced at Ramas as he rose and her eyes followed him as he moved up and knelt before the king.

Leaning over to Tana, she whispered,"Now, I wonder what this is all about. Though it might have something to do with the note Ramas brought to the king when we first arrived."

Not taking her eyes off of him, she found herself waiting with baited breath along with the rest of the room to see what was going on.

 

[poohlive]

Goven had noticed her when she first came in, and followed her through most of the ball. He became fascinated, not entirely surprised to see her here, but interested all the same.
He waited until she was fairly alone before he even spoke to her. He leaned from his own chair, whispering into her ear, speaking quielty, a spell cast, so only she could hear, only she could understand.
He smiled at Tana, "It's been awhile, hasn't it?"
Surprise, and maybe even horror covered her face, but he just shook his head, "No need to be scared, angel. I'm not going to hurt you, or take you away. I have other things to do tonight... take a look."
He showed her the spell Nexus had used, made her young mind understand what Nexus was trying to do.
"There are bigger fish to fry, as they say. I was just curious. Wanted to make sure you were all right. Happy here, with these friends, with this life. You seem to have many friends."
He nodded over to the wolf at the far end of the room, who seemed to already know of Goven's presence, and did not like it. Goven assured the beast, he wouldn't harm a little hair on her head.
"I could offer you much though. Everything you ever wanted, desired. Beauty, fame, royalty even. I could make you a princess. But, all of it comes at a price. Sometimes that price is too high... you made a wise choice. If I had it over again, I would have chosen differently, or at least I would have thought about it. But now..."
He saw Tildiir's blissful expression, almost sad in a way, posessed. It was the look of a man who no longer had his own choice. Goven saw so much of himself in that stare, already Nexus under his skin, crawling around him, finding a good home.
"If you ever want that, power, magic even... just tell me. I could give it to you all, but please, remember it comes with a high price. One, I don't think you can afford, but one you can have if you want nontheless."
He gave her a comforting fatherly smile.

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I shot a glare at my father, angered over the fact he was paying more attention to some random hussy then he was to me. I started for a moment, wondering where that had come from. He'd only found out about me today- how could I expect such a change.
Yris made his comment about one under a glamour lusting, even after the caster was dead and I gave him a disgusted look. "That's just eww! Could have lived without learning that, you know."
We were getting some punch when my father called Ramas forward.
I shrugged and snuggled up to Yris. "Tis a bit chilly in here and I can't use my fire whip to warm up. Oh- did I tell you- Ti- Father- said that my whip can throw out ice and wind too."