The Seven Keys.

[DarkThoughts01]

Micaelae,Ambrasia,Lucia,Cecilia
The four fo them appeared once again out of the black portal of shadow,having been leaping every day closer and closer tot eh castle.This time they appeared on the outskirts of the city closest to the castle.
As Micaelae stepped out Ambrasia hounded his heels,almost screeching in age as the two sisters stepped out,Cecilia first followed by her sisters,looking healthier and much mroe lovelier in long spun dressed of black and white,lucia the white Cecilia the black.
Micaelae ignored Ambrasia as she ranted."But Why! M'lord!"she screeched in a high pitched squeak."why must these two...these two"she gestured at the two girls."Tarts! share our mission and our home and even the air we breath!"Cecilia started to move forward but was gripped silently on the arm by Lucia,who shook her head vehemently.Micaelae rose and grabbed Ambrasia with one hand,lifting her off the ground with his hand clamped around her face."BE QUIET!NOW!"He thundered as Ambrasia whhimpered,her love's form suddenly huge and black,wreathed in darkness."i will have no more of your whining Ambrasia,now shut up or i Will Kill you"He said slowly and softly,with deadly calm as she quieted instantly.He let her go and she thumped into teh ground as he snapped at teh two girls."get camp started,we will await some of the others here,i will set up an illusion only they will see to bring them to camp when they arrive."THey hastened to obey,eyes closed as they worked with their magic,a black silk pavilion and large tents appearing slowly as sweat beaded there foreheads.

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I walked from the room about an hour or so later, quite pleased with myself. A good way to start the day, I mused with a grin.
Following my nose, I found my way to what looked like a banquet hall. I saw the girl and Ellie inside.
"Good morning, ladies," I said, my tone reflecting my good mood. I looked at the girl we'd resqued. "How are you feeling today? I'm Calixte Mercer, but you can call me Cali."

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir smiled to himself. His bare feet felt the ship below him. He'd pulled on his pants and shirt, and pulled a scroll out of when he'd had it tucked away. He made his way up to the to the deck, looking over the spell written on the scroll.

"Ehhh,....let's see,...What do I have ta do for this,...?"

 

[Strolling Gecko]

I listened to Trianna's song about my life. Listening to her play and sing my tale felt like I was hearing it for the very first time. No, more like living it for the first time. I felt every moment of warmth and every twinge of pain exactly how I had felt it all of those years ago. But when the song ended, I felt as though a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders. For the first time, I felt.......joyful. I never understood how the elves could do what they did. Everything about them, everything they did seemed infused with magic. Even after fifty odd years with Lan, I could only comprehend a very small amount of the way of the elves.

Trianna placed her hand on mine, which normally would catch me off guard, but it was so nonintrusive, so right for the moment, exactly what needed to be done that I almost expected it. She spoke kind words to me, words laid with wisdom of centuries that only an elf could bestow. I finally felt as though I had found one who, on some level at least, understood what and who I am.

"Thank you, Trianna," I said as I squeezed her hand. "You've brought comfort to an old, lonely soul. I am forever grateful." I gazed at her, my eyes never wavering. "If there is anything I can do for you, simply say the word and it will be done."

As I smiled warmly at Trianna, I felt the Whisper hum to me. I raised my head and absent mindly spoke out loud to the ship. "Hmm? Are they? Good. The course is still for home." I looked at Trianna and quickly explained myself. "My ship, her name is the Whisper, she and I speak to one another. I always know what's happening on her. And she's informed me that everyone is waking up and meeting in the dining hall. I suppose that know is as good a time as any to let everyone know where we are headed, since we're now only two days away from our destination. That's at our normal speed of course." I caught myself rambling. "Sorry, I don't mean to go on and on like that. It's really a bad habit of having taken many voyages by myself. But now," I said as I stood, "We should join the others down in the dining hall. I'm going to let everyone know exactly where we're heading. I believe you, of all of us, will enjoy the destination, Trianna." I smiled, somewhat playfully at her, and made my way down the stairs and into the dining hall. Cali was there, as was the slave girl and Ellie. Yris was no where to be seen, nor was Tenora's agent. I sighed and spoke aloud to the ship.

"Whisper, message to all decks and rooms," the Whisper shimmered briefly, "Guests of the Whisper, this is Ramas speaking to you magically. There is a meeting taking place in the dining hall to discuss our next course of action. If you haven't been to the dining hall and don't know where it is located, please follow the footprints that have appeared outside your door. Thank you." I looked around the room and found the occupants of the dining hall staring at me. I smiled with a half chuckle.

"What?"

 

[LadyRozes]

Tana smiled nervously.. two people had approached her and so far they didnt want to hurt her. "H=hello C-ca-cali , m-my name is Gaetana but everyone j-just c-calls me Tana.

She watched as the man that had come in the evening before had arrived in the hall as well and did the most incredible things that she had ever imagined.

Still socked she nuzzled the wolfe's ear absentmindedly. Hoping that the lady that sang so beautifully would come down to see everyone..

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I smiled at the child as I grabbed something to eat, munching happily on a peice of venison.
"Calm down, Tana, I'll not bite you. I'm just your run of the mill servant of the Queen of the Rouge, for the most part."
I amended the last part with a slightly self-mocking smile. As for what the rest of me was... perhaps I'd learn some day.
I turned to Ramas. "So, what are we about, Captain?"

 

[poohlive]

Before long, walking had become tedious, so Goven provided transportation from the forest. He himself took a horse, one of the wild ones, brown with smudges of white, a long mane, and ferocious brown eyes. It looked ready to kill on sight, and Goven knew right away he was in love.
The girl, new and fresh, had requested a deer. It was light, easy on its feet, and took to the girl with a kind of fevered passion. Had they been the same species, Goven would have had to keep a leash on one of them.
The ogre, however, turned out to be a problem. Even the sturdiest of warhorses could not take his girth, and one of the stouter donkies broke his back after an hour of traveling. Eventually, Goven got two oxen and a small wooden chariot that they could pull. It moved slow, but for some odd reason, the huge ogre had a big smile on his face as they traversed the countryside.
Goven didn't ask. He was curious, but for some reason, getting passed the grunts and growls in order to find the answer would surely have given him a headache he didn't need.
So, two slow days and finally the depiction of a castle made it through the countryside. Goven wouldn't have gone through the gates as his party was now, way too much suspicion, but he did feel almost heartfelt that his old friends and allies couldn't hear the power and dexterity under his posession now.
They stopped, outside the gates, letting the animals rest, and donning thick cloaks and dark apparel.
Dark tents with an unloaded caravan stood alongside the fortified walls, giving him an ominous feel. Raising his hand, he felt out to the place.
"Son of a bitch," he muttered under his breath, taking a quick pace to the optical illusion.
The two followed, respectively.
What in the hell did this boob want? His aid? He fought the champions alone, took many injuries of his own, while this boob and his friends all arrive here unscathed, and now he seeks council?
He stood, his arms folded, death riding in his eyes.
"I am expected elsewhere, I do hope this doesn't inconvenience me too much."

 

[LadyRozes]

The red skinned man smiled at the lovely vision in front of him,"... so you see I would rather be safe than sorry .. we evil beings love to cheat ... "


Nexus smiled, and then stood up from her knees, wiping the liquid dripping down her lips, she really hated looking messy. Once more eye level to the red skinned man she replied, "yes I will join them though they will wonder why I wasnt there in teh beginning.. "

with a smirk the red skinned man replied, "tell them you had other things to attend to. "

Her eyes flashed a bit of anger, " Yes I do believe I did. .. If I may .."

She turned and the portal appeated in front of her, as she stepped through the portal and beyond she appeared right along side of the forest edge towards the city walls she could see the rest of the companions camp, well she may as well play her part in this story..

Wtih a wave of her hands her pale elvin features become more of a healthy hue, and her appearence very innocent like.. She so loved playing the innocent girl. it just excited her all the more. Dressed like a normal peasant girl she walked towards the illusion and stepped near the other companions. Her appearance was the perfect giuse.

She stood at around five feet and her long red hair became a more coppery hue and was braided down her back, her lustrious body was wrapped in a normal peasant outfit, along with the leather brown corset, to emphasize her lovely assets. she had to add the touch of naughtyness to her outfit, or else it just wouldnt be fun.

Her voice a decievingly sweet innocent sound that just inspired a man to want to do not so innocent things with her said, " OUr red skinned friend thought you all might need a little help, so he sent me.."

 

[poohlive]

There was something about this new woman, almost a girl, he mused to himself, that made him halt his own breath. She had the look of an innocent farm girl, or some peasent's daughter, but there was something else, something he couldn't quite put his finger on, but wanted to.
He reached out with his mind, trying to figure it out. Something stopped him though, whatever illusion she was creating, it was very good. He knew she was more than she seemed, but other than that...
The ogre's guess was as good as his.
"Milady," he bowed, knowing this woman had even more power than himself, "I am glad to appreciate your expertise in this matter. Our last encounter..."
He gave a sidelong glance to the others of the group, "Was something of a disappointment. My name is Goven, a humble elven wizard, and my entourage. Tork the warrior, and a new aquaintance..."
She spoke up, "Allyson."
Goven raised his brow, looking back at her.
"I wish to be called Allyson."
He nodded, accepting it, there was a smile on the girl's face, something that told him that black cloud running around in her brain was beginning to take effect.
"Allyson, a novice of mine."
They each bowed, respectively.
"And, who might you be?"

 

[LadyRozes]

Nexues gave the wizard her most winsome smile, "My name is nexus and seeing as you might need a woman's touch to this operation I figured that I should step in..Sorry IM late.... I had things I had to attend to," She replied in her sugary sweet voice.

well well well this couild be fun a humble wizard... those dont come around very often.. heeh or rather would it be a bit of a stretch to think he wished to impress me.. my my but I am flattered. Not to bad in the appearence department either.. hmm this could be more fun than I thought... The ogre is odd, but then I have seen stranger things... Must be pretty powerful to put the color on that thing, and I definately need to do something about the follower..

She smiled again and hid every ounce of what she was thinking.. those innocent green eyes reveal absolutely nothing to anyone. "So, fearless leader what is your plan, I will follow what ever you wish me to do?" she said with a slight mischievious twinkle that appeared for a split second in her eye, just to see if our wizard was so observant.

 

[poohlive]

She seemed to be doing something, but he wasn't sure. It wasn't magic, at least not any he had ever heard of. He knew there were arts out there unknown to him, but still....
Just who was this creature? He felt like he needed to know more about her, to find out everything.
Something about those eyes, he just couldn't stop staring.
"Whatever I wish... oh, that is an offer I would love to take you up on, but perhaps some other time. I wish I could say I am heading this operation, but I was summoned here too, by our friend over here with his entourage."
He pointed to the group of surly people, most of them either busy working or in the middle of some other chore. Goven let a hardened stare pass as he looked back at his new friend.
"He apparently has some sort of plan for all of this, but I'm doubtful. I'm sure you are up to speed on our task, the Elven ball with the king, priceless artifact. Although, we don't even know what it is now... "
He shrugged, as if that information was, at this time, unimportant. And, to be honest, it was. They had some time yet, before a plan could be finalized.
"I'd love to hear your thoughts though. I doubt a frontal assault will provide much except an army at our doorstep. You seem to know a lot more than even I... please, enlighten me."
He gave her a wink, and smiled.

 

[LadyRozes]

Baddies

OOC; figured I should label my posts so people can differenciate..

SNIDER and NEXUS

He had been tracking them over an hour and had finally found their camp, seriously if it wouasnt for the power that he craved so badly he would have even bothered with the creatins that he would call accomplices

He stepped out of the brush and noticed the new one rather quickily.. well it couldnt hurt to play nice maybe it might not be so bad after all.... If he had to work with that piece of goods maybe its time he cleaned up a little.

CLearing his throat loudly, he let his presence be known. "Sorry I'm late.. I was distracted... but I am here now , and we can get to business. " He stepped towards the elvin peasant girl, that seems to have curves in all the right places, quite odd for an elf, more a human's taste and an elf's still she was lithe looking and fragile, just the type he liked..

"Excue me, allow me to introduce myself. I am Snider Vae of the Human realm. and To whom am I addressing my dear, bowing in all courtly manner.

Nexus allowed the human to kiss her hand. Humans they were so easy toi control, but it might be good to allow this one to think that she enjoyed his control and who knows he might last a few rounds with her..

She replied in her musical voice, "Well met Vae, we were just discussing a plan with our wizard friend, Goven here ..." Nexus turned towards her current conquest and flashed him a smile, and turned her innocent act on the new commer, who without a doubt would fall flat on his face believing it.

"Did you have any idea's for our mission , we have time, so it would be good to come up with a great plan , one that we can execute well, and perhaps be a little more gentile the we were last time, I hear it was an awful failure and one that our Goven had to defend by himself. "

She put her hand on Govens arm, and smiled innocently at him, her hands were of course doing all the teasing.

Snider looked at the couple and for once he was almost jealous of an elf, but no matter he would get her after this was over.. He looked about and sat down, "well I believe our frined said we have an ally in the midst of the castle, perhaps we should contact him , to aquire us a few invitations to this ball, ofcourse, the two of you being elvin could go in as a far distant noble that rarley comes to the capitol, the invites of course for the sister that has yet to be wed. "He gestured towads Nexus. and then continued, "we could sneak in soem how and head towards the treasury .. you all could keep record of everything around the area .. seeing as how the event will be a ball and since you all are visitors will get lodging the the castle.. .. what do you think.."

Nexus simply smiled and tightened her grip slightly , "oo what fun... what do you think.. coud you play my older brother.. " she had the audacity to wink at him.

 

[DarkThoughts01]

Micaelae,Ambrasia,Lucia and Cecilia
Micaelae stepped out of the pavilion,stretching and dusting his hands off as if he had been hard at work.

"please excuse my rudeness for not meeting you as quickly as i could have,i was busy fixing up camp.Oh and do not fear we will not be seen,if anyone has not noticed the illusion here is almost unbreakable,and there are more illusions under the illusions,i will know in advance if anythign goes wrong."

He smiled and looked at the young girl.His eyes widened for a moment as a hazy double image floated just above the young girl's frame.

"ahh and hello there Miss,i did not see you at the meeting,mayhaps i should have waited longer there."
He grinned slowly,Of coure,he wasn't immune to the illusion and enchantment,but he was still alert.He almost laughed at the reactions of the other two.

How easily they were decieved.Years of avoiding Ambrasia,and working udner illusions of his own carried a hefty sense of what was true and what wasnt in his mind.

"Do not worry about getting in,i will find some way to make a distraction.Would you prefer it big and flashy?or maybe subtle,stealthy?whichever my esteemed companions would deem appropriate"

 

[poohlive]

Goven could feel a twinge of jealousy as the new man appeared and seemed to show off at the local woman. When she took his arm though, he barely stopped the huge smile that crept up to his face.
"I think that's a great idea. We could even have an entourage to help us arrive. Royalty in these days rarely travel alone. A bodyguard, maybe a few seamstresses. If you have a friend inside, then let us make haste for the invitations. The sooner we're inside the better."
He paused for a moment, eyeing the burly man, with his illusions and more abrupt idea for getting inside.
"Perhaps if we had a two front attack, that might be more helpful. I doubt, with some of the mages inside, any distraction would get us inside without questions and suspicion. I'll leave you with Tork, he's a very aggresive ogre, and I think he'll sweep in with you just fine."
The ogre paused, grunted, but said nothing.
"Milady, I do believe we have some preparing to do. My sister... indeed. Such a pretty thing could be my sister. Hmmm, this will be fun, I asure you."

 

[Strolling Gecko]

I frowned. I had waited a few minutes for the others to join us in the dining hall. Yrismir had all but disappeared between when I had last seen him, although I imagined that Trianna was still above deck. I guess I couldn't blame her. I knew most elves didn't enjoy the cramped quarters of a ship. Then Cali asked me her question.

"I really would rather of had everyone in the same room, but they must have their own agendas," I sighed. "Whisper, message to all decks." The Whisper shimmered again. "All right everyone. We haven't much time before we land, so I'm not going to repeat myself. As you all know, we are on a divine mission handed down to us from the Gods themselves. It isn't my place to reveal the entire nature of this plan, because frankly I don't know all the details myself. I do know that we were each hand picked by someone to perform the task set ahead of us. What each of our roles will be, that is yet to be yet to be seen." I paused for a moment. Listen to me, laying down the law like the captain Cali kept calling me. "We succeeded in the first part of our mission and I'm sure our Gods are very pleased with us. We rescued the girl we needed. Currently, we are now a full days sail from the Elven Kingdoms. It is on the way to our next destination. We are stopping there because I need to perform a favor for my mentor and because we will be safe there to discuss our next goal. We will be meeting my liege, the Elven King himself, so I suggest you dress the part." I cleared my throat. "That's all for now. I imagine we'll know even more than we do when we arrive at the Elven Isle. Get some rest. The dining hall is always open, so help yourselves. Especially you." I turned my gaze for the first time to Tana. My ice blue eyes locking onto her. "For you, dear girl, are the key to all of this. End of message."

I lifted a lid to a platter and a turkey leg, piping hot and ready to be eaten, sat there. I picked it up and took a bite. I took hold of my mug and took a swig of some honey mead. I looked back to Cali and Tana.

"You really must try the turkey. And the mead. It's too die for," I said between bites. I smiled warmly at the both of them. "Do either of you have questions about the Whisper? Cali, being a sailor yourself, I can only imagine what you think of her."

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I ran a hand over the ships hull, smiling. "She's a beauty no doubt about it. I kind of miss having a crew to work with but that's not too bad, all things considered."
I joined the group at the table.
"Two things, Ramas. One- I know I don't have something appropriate to wear to meet the elvin king and I'm pretty sure Tana doesn't either. Secondly- the ship's fireproof right? Won't be harmed if I set up on deck and practice with my fire whip?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir stopped what he wa doing, and cursed. He wandered about the ship a while, cursing up a storm before finally finding the captain. He stopped, and pointed his scroll at the man.

"I'm not setting foot in the Elven Kingdoms, and if you mention one word of me to the King I'll kill you. I'm not trying to difficult here, but,...well,...the last time I was there,...I was given some kind of honorary title I think, I wasn't paying attention, and, well,...I kind of killed one of the King's personal guards."

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

"That was bright," I said before I could help myself. Got me an... interesting look from Yris.
"What- it was," I protested, hands held up. "Why'd you kill the king's guard? And how can you not pay attention to getting a title? Isn't that kind of important? Even if its from the elves?"

 

[LadyRozes]

Ellen searched around in her membory, and then remembered what he spoke of.. she wasnt there at the time , when her elder brother was kidnapped, but she had been called back when her father had passed on, and Tildiir had been there in the nick of time.

She remembered why Yrismir had looked so familiar, he was part of the group that had saved her brother's life. "Now I remember who you are...YOu saved Tildiir's life.."

 

[LadyRozes]

baddies

Nexus looked over to the Group that had immerged from the tents.. "ahh I see our hosts decided to greet us. I must say better late then never.. I'm sorry you had no time to meet me.. I had .. other pressing matters to attend to .. but I am here now, and we are going to play pretend..."

Snider just grunted at the grounp he spoted teh Lucia girl and hesitated, and then replied, "we best work together on this one.. I am sure there is time.. to prepare"

 

[The GrandMage]

Yrismir

Yrismir sighed, and turned. "Yes, I saved Tildiir's life. Along with quite a few others, as I remember it. It was a very busy point in my life."

He turned back to Cali. "Well, I didn't really care about the stupid title. It wasn't that important. And I was going through a crisis of the faith, as it were, so I was busy. And as for why I killed the bitch, it's because if I didn't she would have killed me. And you know what, I'm glad I did. She was a cold-hearted bigoted ass who thought herself above a 'half-breed bastard'."

 

[poohlive]

Goven made some comment, trying to persuade their new companions of these others, who in a crisis, might not be able to defend themselves or others. To be true, he didn't want to split up to get a two pronged attack, he wanted to split up to be rid of them in case any more mistakes were made.
But, one look at Nexus, and he melted to her demand. She could ask anything of him, and he would try his best to deliver it for her. Still pressing against her, he nodded, and laughed quietly.
"We have another day or so. Although, whatever we plan, I suggest it be solid and well made, and always with room for error. Those other champions will be coming here soon enough, and by then, we'll have a war on our hands just getting the damned thing out of here in one piece."
He held out two hands, "So, one is we go in quietly, with invitations, and then sneak through the elven halls and go into the treasure room....
"The other is, we cause a distraction, pile in there, kill anyone and everyone, and take what's rightfully ours."
It lacked creativity and sublety, but damned if it wasn't forward thinking. He smiled.
"We're still left with a problem though. Almost all of our companions here aren't elves, and if they can get passed the walls, they will be looked upon very closely. I'm not sure what to do about that."

 

[LadyRozes]

Ellen nodded knowing that it was something that Relissa had a knack for was thinking everyone was not good enough to be in her presence save the king. .. She remembered how much she was watched whenever she met with her father.. it was as if she didnt trust anyone with the King except her.


Tana watched with large innocent eyes as the large green skinned man pointed at the captain. She didnt know what was going on , but she did know that it was the green skinned man that came around before the captain did and saved her from the man with the large monster..

 

[Strolling Gecko]

"Yes, you can practice with your fire whip all you want. The Whisper is enchanted to be protected against the worst the elements can do. Just make sure you keep practice above deck," I said to Cali just as Yrismir stormed into the room and expressed his...... lack of desire to go to the elven realm of Ankoria. Even after Yris announced why, and the reason was one of the better reasons to avoid a kingdom, I wasn't going to tolerate that kind of behavior on my ship.

"I don't take kindly to threats, especially when I'm threatened on my own ship. If Lan had not spoken so highly of you, you would discover just how foolish it is to threaten the captain of this ship. So behave yourself." My words didn't have malice or venom behind them, just cold, hard truth. My voice softened. "No one is forcing you to do anything you don't want to do. But we have to go to Ankoria. I promised Lan that I would do one final task for him now that he has left this plane of existence. Stay on the ship while we are in Ankoria. No one will bother the Whisper there. I've spent much time amongst the elves and they have all but accepted me as one of their own. Lan called me son, several elves call me brother. But we must stop at Ankoria. My business there will be quick. Whatever you decide, I won't stop you from doing it. Ankoria is only a day away thanks to Whisper's speed. Try not to mope around for the next few days. After all, you are in this spot because of decisions you made and only you are responsible for them." I turned from Yrismir to address the room.

"By this time tomorrow, we will be landing in Ankoria. Oh, and as for dressing your best, just open the closets in your rooms. I'm certain you'll find the perfect outfit."

I walked out of the dining hall, smiling at myself. I was really growing into this role of "Captain."

 

[Vixandra]

Cali

I looked at Yris, rather surprised. "You're a bastard too? Really? I wouldn't have thought that. Oh well, makes no difference."
I ended that with a kiss on his lips, smiling as I did so. "Perfection's boring, you know."
Ramas told me of the ships protections.
"Wonderful, I'm off to practice then, if no one needs me for anything else? Hmm... I think tonight's a fire star dance kind of night."
I walked off, humming the melody to the fire dance song as I went, boots striking the deck in time with it.