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 Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 7:17 pm
Avatre called to Soren, extending her arm for him to land on as the rain started coming down. She was right, as usually about the storm.. and this was one of the worst all season. Dawning the hood of her cloak, she brought Soren close to her, trying to shield him as much as she could from the dagger like rain.
"No tree shall protect us tonight," she whispered," we have to try that castle. Pray that someone answers the door Soren ... or this is going to be one long night."
The low whistle in response was all she needed. Tucking her staff beneath her arm, Avatre sprinted north, weaving expertly through the trees and squinting against the rain.
After running for around 15 minutes.. she noticed a subtle change in the land. We must be getting close. The trees started thinning and a great shadow was visible through the rain. "We are here Soren."
Walking through the clearing, She came to the great door of the castle. Shivering she reached towards the knocker, but before using it, Avatre's natural curiosity took over and she just stared in wonder at the craftsmanship. Soren chirped impatiently, for he too was soaked and frozen from the rain.
Immediately Avatre brought back to reality. "Sorry Soren. Just got lost in my thoughts again. But can you imagine what went into building something like this? It's.. amazing.. But now, I just hope someone answers."
She hesitantly took the knocker in her hand and let it fall three times. "Come what may Soren ... come what may."
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:07 pm
The three bangs echoed through the hallway, making Arianna jump. If anything, Archaedus simply became more rigid. The faint creaking of a door was heard as the door swung open.
((It let you in, the eyes of the bear would've flashed if you care to add that))
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:47 pm
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 3:12 pm
Avatre jumped as the eyes of the bear flashed brightly after the last fall of the knocker. Soren just as startled, shrieked in alarm flying up and landing on the top of Avatre's staff. The door swung open, but Avatre hesitated, almost scared to enter.
Soren hopped onto her shoulder and nudge the back of her neck urging her forward. Still standing in the doorway, Avatre just studied the dark entryway, looking for any trace of movement on the inside. "I-I don't know Soren.. you think it is okay? Since the door just.. I mean.. Is it possible for a door to open by itself?" With a low whistle in response.. Avatre stepped inside.
Once in, she drew back the hood of her cloak and shut the great door to stop the rain from coming in. "I guess I didn't need to worry about the door so much," she said quietly to Soren looking down at the floor, and the puddle she was creating from her dripping cloak. Soren then took off and flew around the high vaulted ceilings in a circles to dry his wings off.
Avatre giggled and held out her hand to call him back. "If someone is home Soren, we do not wish to disrespect them for their hospitality by having you flying around their house." Letting out a long whistle as he flew gracefully to her arm, though Soren made it a point to take his time.
"You punk," she said as she affectionately stroked his head lightly with her two forefingers. Suddenly though, his golden eyes snapped open and he turned his head to peer into the hall. Avatre whispered nervously, "Soren.."
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 4:41 pm
Archeadus' chair had scraped in the silence as he stood to welcome the new guests. Ari rose and followed timidly into the hallway. Archaedus first spoke. "Welcome friend. Please, do not be frightened. We mean you no harm, and I know for a fact we are on the same side in this war we fight. Please, come join us for dinner. Also, there are some towels in the closet at the end of the hallway, and you will find fresh clothing in all the room's closets, take your pick, but I'd suggest not touching the duffel bag, Arianna gets rather stingy about her things." He said with a laugh as he stepped into full view of the stranger. "I am Archaedus Senectus, I present to you Arianna Brooks. Surely you know this name."
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 4:56 pm
A figure, sporting a long black cloak, stood in the bucketing rain. His head slanted slightly towards the ground, where he studied the entrance to the forest of mammoth sized trees.
"The rain greatly intensified as I drew near this forest... White? Any suggestions?"
The quiet-dark voice of a man whispered from his right. But there was no one standing there... physically. "Heh, well I'm certain your prescence wasn't the cause."
"Yes, yes, I know." BlackHawk turned around to face the wide open plains. "Maybe we should head back; Who knows what traps and defenses they have in place."
"No. They will not be a threat. Use your wits, Black. You can outsmart them, especially one of your rank."
"I... suppose." BlackHawk turned back to the forest and started into a slow walk. "You can leave now. Unless you really desire to observe my killing of the one's who destroyed my memories."
The voice chuckled. "Fine, fine. Be that way, if you must." A spark flashed, signifying that White, BlackHawk's 'guardian' (he didn't like to consider White as a guardian; He always had the feeling White was plotting things behind his back) had indeed disappeared.
BlackHawk entered the forest. He loved the rain.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 6:23 pm
Avatre just stared at the tall figure that appeared for a second before catching herself. "O-oh.. Im Avatre Keron. Thank you very much for your hospitality," she stammered. Soren chirped indignantly for not being introduced also and nipped at Avatre's finger.
Smiling a little she continued, "And this is Soren, I hope you don't mind that I brought him inside.. the rain, was really bad.. He is the only family I have even known.." Her voice trailed off in embarrassment.
After a slight awkward pause.. she continued.
"And please, I mean no disrespect towards you M'lady," she said and bowed her head slightly, "but I am not familiar with your name... or the war of which you speak... I'm sorry if I am out of the times. Usually, out of the way of things.. around the woods."
She placed her staff in the corner and took off her wet cloak, revealing a long bow and set of arrows upon her back. She hung it upon the staff before turning back to Archeadus. "Sir, I will leave my weapons here, but I was hoping if I could keep my daggers on me." She revealed the places of her daggers to show she did not mean to pull them upon either one of her hosts. "But I shall leave them here, if you wish me too."
She looked around quietly waiting for a response.. and couldn't help but feel a little out of place within four walls. But it does feel nice to be around others.. and hear their voices.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:12 pm
Archaedus smiled kindly. "We too are both armed." He said, revealing a small dagger and large sword and pointing to the sword sheathed on Arianna's belt. "Now, you say you know not of the war? Well, I shall have to explain all to you, but that can wait until you are dry. As I said, clothes may be found in any closet, and while you are changing, Arianna and I will wait in the dining room. There is a grand feast much too much for two people to eat, we'd quite appreciate if you'd join us."
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:31 pm
"Well, that's a shame. The rain can't reach the ground this deep into the forest... must be that blasted roof of trees. The damn things are so big, it's no wonder it can get dark in here at any time of the day."
BlackHawk walked among the thick shrubbery of the forest. Bugs, snakes, rats, and other wildlife scattered out of his way if they caught sight of his white glove. He had been walking along the path for awhile now, and noticed that it was strangely starting to die off.
"Odd... don't know why a path would suddenly begin to fade when we're only partially through the forest." An arrow on his glove pointed the North. "Mind readings detected that way? Off the path... they sure are careful."
Hawk stopped for a moment. He reached into his coat pocket and produced a small photo album. Hawk opened it up and scanned the pages.
"Let's see... there should be a Lestaunan Guard photo in here somewhere.. ah!" Hawk caught sight of it. "Now that would be the perfect disguise. I'm not all into the mastauche, though."
He grinned to himself as he pocketed the book and headed in the direction his glove pointed. He loved the dark.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:48 pm
Avatre bowed her head to him, "Thank you sir for being so generous." She took her leave into the other room and change as Archeadus suggested.
"Wow Soren," she whispered, "He is so generous to us upon first meeting. It bothers him not, that I am oblivious to most of the outside world, after that accident..." her voice trailed off, though she didn't bother picking back up where she left off.
In the closet she found a pair of large, but comfortable black pants; along with a small black sleeveless shirt. "I guess this will do for now, its not bad actually, huh Soren," grinning she looked herself up and down.
"Though.. the sleeveless shirt may be a problem Soren. It is rather chilly within these stone walls." Soren then flew into the closet upon a folded cloak. "What is this you are hinting me to this time?" She drew out the cloak which appeared to be the same as her evergreen, which was currently dripping an ocean into the castles main hall. Only difference was that is was shorter in length, therefore it was not a travelers cloak and the deep, crimson color of the fabric; Avatre's favorite color.
Avatre slipped it on over her shirt and found the fit to be rather nice. "This will keep me on the warmer side until my cloak is dry," she said while smiling to herself.
"Arianna Brooks..." Avatre whispered silently. "Soren, why does the name seem so familiar to me, yet this is the first time I have heard it spoken. Something about her just seemed so... so pure. There is something special within her Soren. Whether it shall do great good, or evil... There is something special."
She shook her head to clear away her silly thoughts, "Let us go Soren, we wish not to keep out host waiting."
She took a deep breath, replaced her daggers within her new dress and went into the dining room to learn about all she has missed and discover, what exactly is so special about Arianna Brooks.
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 10:21 am
Archaedus stood upon Avatre's entrance. "I am sorry you must join us halfway into our meal, but I assure you, all of the food is still warm. We have set a place for you, eat as much as your heart desires."
Arianna stood a second after Archaedus...even with having been in Lestauna for a while, she hadn't quite learned everything, and she'd never been much into proper ettiquite ((sp)) back at home. "Nice to meet you."
The two sat, and Archaedus spoke again. "It is your choice. I would love to hear about your past, but if you so desire, I will tell of mine first...which will enlighten you as to this war I told you of when we first met."
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:31 pm
Avatre bowed her head and took a seat, revealing a calm disposition on the outside, though her thoughts contradicted her presence.
My past.. why that. It is nothing.. it has been forgotten. Well, I wish it had been forgotten. How do I tell them these things that haunt me...I doubt they will believe me. Yet I can sense it. Something that you find so little within people these days. A want for Trust. He wants to know who I am.. he wants to know.. if he can really trust me. Well, I guess it could do no harm. If he really believe I am a danger, then I shall simply leave without another bidding. So here I go... I guess..
Avatre helped herself to some of the food upon the table, though she ate very little. Her mind finally worked out her story, it just depended on her tongue to tell the words.
She began very slowly.. Choosing her words wisely.
"There is not much to my past. For I have no family; no mother, father sisters and brothers. This.. is my secret. For I am a shadow child." Yes, I am one born of nothing, with nothing. No memories, no family.. no friends. Dying is no fear of mine, for I always live again. Just.. with a price. For all my memories.
She placed her hand inside the pocket of her cloak and drew out a small leather bound notebook. "These are my memories. So I can remember everything that happens. If I were to... die.. I would have a chance to learn of all the people I met, and the memories shared." Avatre could feel Soren's golden eyes staring into her soul, reminder her of the last time she told someone of her secret.. of her past. But she kept going, this was her chance to get it out. The truth first could mean trust later.
"This.. shadow within me, I know is usually seen in the most evil of people. But please Archaedus believe me when I say, I did not ask for this. The one person, who I loved more then anything chose not to believe me. Because... I did not tell him. This.. this shadow scares me and I knew if he knew me as a shadow.. how could he love me? But a man, his presence was just.. almost pure darkness knew of my secret. He told my love, of the true me. My love believed that man.. walked over and shook his hand and thanked him for telling the truth about me... and it cost him his life. Right before my eyes that dark man placed a blade through my loves heart..." her voice trailed off and she paused. She stared down at the table not eating and took a breath before continuing her story.
"He came to me then. 'Join us, shadow child, know the true greatness the dwells within you.' I remember him saying that so clearly to me.. and I lost it. I drew may dagger, but he was as swift as me. So I only managed to scar his hand. But the second I heard him scream in pain, I ran. Deep into these forest.. to hide forever how long I needed to."
She paused again.. her voice breaking every once in a while. Though she tried hard to cover it over.
"My secret.. killed the one I love, and I live with it every day," she drew out a red pendent. One side held the rays of the sun, while the ruby within the center represented the main body. "This was Adrian's ... he was the man I loved. I wear his pendent to remind me of what happened. For this memory is to great to be placed in writing."
"Please sir, let me help you. If that evil man thought I had potential for something, it could benefit you as well. Personally trained as a fire elementist and hold the mental capability to feel emotions.. and fears of others. You will also find that I am highly adequate with my weaponry."
Her voice got lower and she finally looked up into Archaedus's eyes, "Please.. Give me a chance to earn your trust.." her voice trailed off and she lowered her eyes waiting for the words of scorn to replace all the generosity he has shown.
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:15 pm
Archaedus did not seem phased. "A shadow child. Few before I have met, none before that were good. That is not to say-" He added with absolute firmness, "that I do not believe you, 'twas merely a comment. You seem very intent on proving your trusworthyness to us. However, all that will prove that I am doing the right thing as of now is time. For you see, I have faith that you are telling the absolute truth. If I am mistaken, it will surely mean a lot of trouble for my people--but I have been mistaken few times before. I believe in relying on my instincts."
He smiled at the girl and her bird, a trusting, fatherly smile. "This place is always welcome to you, whether you want to stay or wander feely and come back simply for visits. I assure you that this man you are hiding from cannot find you here. However, this man was right. You have incredible greatness in you, unfortunately most choose to use it for evil. If you so desire I will create for you a place to help you further master your skills-once again, a place where you will not be found by the evil that wants so badly for you to join them."
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:58 pm
Avatre looked in complete disbelief at the man who just spoke those words. She couldn't form words upon her tongue or even comprehend her thoughts which raced across her mind. She felt her eyes start to betray her and she quickly whipped away the tears that were forming and willed herself to talk.
"He.. can't find me here," she looked up at Archaedus, "and you.. you would actually let me stay here? Stay within these walls, and learn how to control this power within me absolutely?" Her voice broke off and she felt Soren upon her shoulder nudging her to finish.
"With all my knowledge of the wood, all the power I can muster within flame and shadow, I shall do my best to help you through this war you fight... But on what grounds is it fought? Why has Lestauna's people gone to war?"
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 10:54 pm
((Waffles, try to answer Tak's question about Lestauna's War in the next post, if possible. Would help me with my... evilness?))
Walking among the plants and flowers of the forest. Nothing dangerous here; This was Lestauna ground. Seldom anything of a threat to humans wandered here.
The mind readings grew louder, but one stuck out... a Guardian? Quite possibly. If so, this mission could be more successful than Hawk had anticipated.
"It should be right... huh?"
Well, there should have been something there. His glove was recieving powerful mind energy from a clearing no more than 100 meters away. But... there was nothing there. Something was wrong.
"A disguise? This isn't making sense though. Arts of invisibility should have been lost long ago."
"Than what am I?" A spark flashed to BlackHawk's right. White was back, once again not showing himself.
"Shut up and go away."
"And this is how you treat your superiors? You might want to watch your attitude, Commander."
Hawk balled his hand into a fist. Though, he managed to supress his anger. "Why are you back?"
"It's a trap."
"I got that."
White sighed. "So you plan on walking right into it? They apparently aren't taking the defense of this place lightly. Walk around it. Survey it. Analyze the brain readings. Just get in there and get what we need."
"Yes sir..."
Hawk began to walk to the left, clockwise around the clearing. Before he continued, he stopped.
"White... why do you never show your physical form?"
The voice just laughed. "What's the point in doing that? I have no reason to show myself. Continue your mission, Commander."
"Yes sir."
He hated the forest.
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