The Dark Realmz
IC Central [RPG ONLY] => "Ayenee Nexus: Where Imagination Knows No Bounds => RP Archives 2005-2019 => Topic started by: Honor Demise on February 12, 2006, 04:53:33 PM
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Tossing her skirts high up her silk-stockinged thighs, she ran up the hill leaving Cordelia struggling to keep up with her sovereign lady. Her laughter rang out over the grassy hills like a tremor, pummeling with carefree abandon against Vahn's heart.
They skittered like children down the hill, cavorting through the pastoral setting with abandon. Bloodstained satin tore as she climbed over an ivy covered gate onto the edge of her ancestral manor. Their rollicking antics caused the Demise house guard to be taken aback, not sure what to make of the unconventional sovereign's tumble through a hedgerow in her mad dash towards the private door. Young ladies giggled and clapped while older courtiers gasped at the most undigified rampage.
Honor shrieked seeing her brother reach the door a heart beat ahead of her, tugging at him as Vahn opened the door, pulling out a dagger in one swift motion cutting the lacings of her bodice free. "Ladies! Attend your mistress," she shouted, cheeks flush from excitment, climbing up the stairs. She peeled off the gore-splattered garments dropping them where they lay. Her attendants closed the door hurriedly as Cordelia closed the gap, wrapped her mistress in a black satin robe ready to wisk Honor off to her chamber for a bath.
His sister shared with him a parting smile, intoned. "Rest. Reaquaint yourself with our home, dear brother. We will speak at your leisure this evening. I want you to know that I have sent the Blackthorne's a letter of my intentions of governing our own territory. We must do what we can to insure the legacy of the Demise family," she gave a pregant pause watching his reaction, "Including a possible arranged marriage." Not clarifying whether she mean herself or him, Honor smiled once again as she turned the corner leaving Vahn to mull over the possibilities.
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His vintage eyes watched Honor as memories ran through his head. Memories of a life gone by, back before they were seperated. Like a casualty he had been caught up once again. Listening to her words echo through his head the gears turning. A dark smile crossed his lips and he stroked his chin. Vahn turned and walked through the halls of their home, some of which was different. A marrige to whom and which of them would be doing the deed? Vahn stopped at the doors to his bed chambers pushing them open. The doors swung in to the dark, cold, room which one could tell by the smell had not been occupied in some time. Vahn walked in and looked around at what he used to be. For now he'd become more, he'd grown over the years of being trapped in the mirror realm.
Now he had a mission, one which had purpose and would carry him to the ends of the world no doubt. He looked at the Demise ring upon his finger and sighed. " Well my dear Honor it looks as though you haven't changed so much, still lending me strength to carry on." He was alone in the room, but thinking out loud. Looking out the windows of his room he could see that the rains had began once again. Ahh those cold, hard beating, rains which made one run inside for shelter. Vahn walked through the estate and out the door looking up at the grey sky. The cold rain pattered upon his skin, he laughed. Stepping out onto the muddy ground he made his way through the woods towards the town. Like a ghost he walked, seeming to walk in slow motion.
Emerging from the thick brush Vahn looked towards the town and smiled. Walking down to the busy city streets, he mingled into the crowd. The darkest soul which walked these streets, moving through them like a shadow. He would be surprised if any remembered him, for he'd been gone for a long time. However some still held onto the memories of when he was their lord. He would be their lord once again, their shepard and they his flock. As their shepard he would guide them through the thick distractions of life and show them not to fear death. Vahn spotted a man sitting on a barrel, the man was shirtless in the rain. He was bald and had a short beard, he had scars along his back and was muscled. Vahn walked through the mud in the common section of town.
The man looked up to Vahn and grunted giving a swift nod of notice. Vahn asked, " what is your name sir?" the man replied back " Sidius Morrow " the man went back to looking down at his feet. Vahn remembered the Morrows, the man's grandfather had been Vahn's bodyguard. Vahn gave him a bag of gold and said, " buy yourself some new clothes, get a bath, eat, buy a good weapon, and report to the Demise estate. Don't try to run, because I'll have fun hunting you down and showing you worse then you've already seen." The man grunted and gave a glared to Vahn and then smiled going off to do as he was told. Vahn headed back to the estate now that he seen enough to remind him.
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Vahn stopped by the ruins of the theater which had burned down years ago apparently. Like a flashback in time his eyes saw the theater as it once was. The people congregating outside it's doors awaiting their tickets for the show to come. The voices of the diva's rehearsing ringing out into the city streets while the people caught a hint of the show through them. Vahn walked into the theater watching it reconstruct itself from his memory like a ghost. The thick smell of smoke charred wood filled Vahn's nostrils, yet he did not notice. When Vahn would come to the theater to watch the shows of intrigue and deception. Finding amusement in the people's act of playing out his evil deeds. They never knew their biggest critic lay within their midst like a serpent. Watching them and noticing each mistake they made in his ruin of a kingdom or murder of true love.
Vahn's vintage eyes lighted with interest as he stalked these dusty ruins. The rain poured down through holes in the roof, looking up he could see the decorations still adorned the theater in it's ruin. Vahn thought of his family and their history, of how things went so wrong. He could remember the abuse at the hands of his older brother. How he always had to keep his things hidden or look each and everyway to avoid a hard beating. Nearly beat to death many times had he been only to defy his brother's wish for his death. Vahn knew death more intimately then his brother even now did, he'd been there only to come back on numerous occasions. Right at death's gaping door, looking into the abyss. Yet his determined lifeforce refuse to let him give up.
The disappointment on his brother's face to see Vahn's bloody and bruised form rise again and again. Looking down to the floor of the theater he noticed something odd. A footprint not like any he'd ever seen before, it bore humanoid resemblance, yet something more. Vahn followed them down into the depths of the theater, feeling the same pull he felt towards the man he just hired. Ahh the souls of his entourage were still bound by his blood oath. They would come back again and again till he released them, he'd almost forgotten them all. He'd watched from the mirror as they carried on his mission without him. They were all caught and executed, still holding on to his dreams and ambitions to the end. Tears feel from his eyes at their loyalty, they never gave up on him.
Vahn found the owner of the footprints almost too soon as a hiss came from the darkness. Vahn stepped back into the light drifting in from one of the holes above. " Sssspeak your name human..." Vahn saw two green and yellow eyes light up in the dark. He'd read of such creatures, snake men or reptile humans as they were called. Though he'd heard they'd been banished to a far off realm. One apparently still haunted this theater, hiding from the watchful eyes of man. Vahn smiled and said, " I am someone forgotten, someone who has brought ruin to all I touch." The voice hissed back and said, " you sspeak in riddless perhapss you want to be my next meal." Vahn again smiled and said, " why should I be your meal when there are much better ones beyond this theater for you to dine on?"
The voice spoke back, " I can't leave thiss place for there are too many of you and only one of me, I may be one, but I am not ssstupid." Vahn extended a hand, " then come with me and you shall not be harmed." The darkness did not return a reply for sometime and then the sound of something scurrying off made Vahn realize the speaker had left. Vahn did not worry for he knew the speaker felt the same pull towards him. It would only be a matter of time before he came to join Vahn. As he left the theater he could feel eyes upon him already. The speaker did not trust Vahn completely, but something about him cause him to leave the safety of the shadows. Vahn felt those eyes on him all the way back towards the estate. After a few hours at home and a nice long hot bath, Vahn went to the study.
There he was greeted by Sidius in his new attire, the man carried a longsword and a whip at his waist. Vahn smiled for the man's family were devious with whips. " Sidius I have a job for you, I need you to find me a woman, one of strong spirit not easily broken. I'm sure there is one within town that fits this description, probably with the last name Ravenheart. I want you to tell her that the man who killed her father is alive, and lead her here. I'm sure she'll want to kill me for the curse I placed on her family, but I have a use for her." Sidius looked to Vahn and grunted then quickly nodded as he went off to find the women. Vahn remembered his old nemesis Falcon Ravenheart well, the man whom nearly destroyed Vahn's plans years ago.
It was unfortunate that Falcon was found dead, though Vahn had nothing to do with it. He had cursed the man's family yes, but the death was not his work. In fact Vahn was certain the one who killed Falcon exposed him to the Darkthornes whom exposed him to Mythocles. The line of betrayal was an easy one to follow when you were skilled at drawing such lines.
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At the manor house, Honor threw the stiletto to Cordelia, she stabbed into a book on her lady's dresser as they both laughed in unison to the rain pelted the lead glass windows. Handmaidens buzzed around them both while Cordelia took the pearls threaded through Honor's midnight tresses, all the ladies were a buzzing furiously with curiousity about the newest edition to the royal court.
"Is he really your Majesty's brother?" they begged. "Is he engaged?" Giggles errupted from the pack.
Their mistress smiled and shook her head no, slipping out of her robe and waiting for Cordelia to untie her corset. Her denile got them twittering. The lovely confidante finished with Honor's hair and began working on the lacings of her corset, shushing the ladies to give their lady some peace. Josephine, the oldest of her attendants, opened the door to her bath bowing deeply before leaving the pair alone.
"Mistress. Are you seriously contemplating an arranged marriage for yourself or your beloved brother?" Cordelia sounded incredulous that Honor would liberate Vahn to only put him back in bondage. Marriage was not a word that she had ever heard her mistress use for herself, so Cordelia would not, could not imagine Queen Honor voluntarily surrender her divine sovereignity.
Pulling the chemise over her head, Honor did not answer the question immediately, stepping down into the pool and exhaled a relaxing sigh before completely submerging for brief moment. Rising out of the water, Honor gracefully leaned against the edge of the pool, black tendrils bleeding into the water. The lady sighed with the hint of meloncholy, "If the opportunity arose to be profitable, we would consider it."
She closed her eyes listening to the rain, contemplating the future. What sort of man would finally be her equal? Cordelia began washing her hair, massaging her temples. She stretched out her arms resting them on the edge feeling cautiously optimistic about Vahn's rescue. Part of her felt that he was too much of a renegade, she could remember how Vahn use to the first to climb to the top of the most dangerous ruins and dare the gods to bring him down. Honor laughed softly.
The lady raised an eyebrow, "Mistress?"
"Nothing." Honor waved a dismissive hand, leaned her head back into the water and rinsed the lather from her hair. A stray thought fell out of the blue: Vincent was. She frowned grabbing a wash cloth and scented soap, vigorously lathering her body as if to erase the memory physically. Irritated over her own momentary weakness, Honor hurried the rest of her bathing ritual foregoing her usual methodical care.
Use to her mistress's mecurial mood, Cordelia anticipated her glorious lady's whim, laid her lady's dress out, calling in her attendants. One handmaid was unfortnate enough to pull the Queen's hair in the process. Honor sucked in a breath and backhanded the poor girl soundly across the cheek. The attendant yelped, dropped to the floor and began to apologize profusely. She declared, "Get out! Everyone," her tone softed a fraction, "-except you Cordelia. You may stay."
The ladies could not get out fast enough, picking up the girl off the floor, to catch one last view of their beautiful, conflicted lady raise her hand to the window pane as if to touch something that was not there, dragging fingerstreaks against the cold glass. Cordelia gave her mistress a concerned look as she closed the door behind her. Was it a memory or an error in the Cosmic Tapsetry? The confidante could not say for sure.
Honor stared sightlessly out the window at something that could not be seen. The Queen's voice quietened to the merest whisper, "Cordelia. Find my brother. We must talk now. There could be...complications."
Cordelia nodded and bowed knowing that whatever her lady was seeing, it was holding her attention, "Yes, mistress."
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Vahn awaited Sidius's return to the secret grotto hideout which was sort of a summer home. Vahn sat by the fire drinking one of the many expensive wines he'd collected letting the savory flavor linger in his mouth. Suddenly the door came crashing through and the form of Sidius went falling down onto the floor. He looked to be badly bruised, but alive, behind a shadowy figure. The female walked in and drew her rapier, her crimson red hair cascading down her shoulders. " So the devil does live, you killed my father and cursed my family you bastard prepare to return to the hell you sprang from!" With that she advanced towards him lunging at him, quickly like a striking cobra he parried the attack with a dagger and casually sat still drinking his wine. Her sword had gone into the lavish chair he sat in, becoming stuck in a wooden desk behind him.
She reached out a hand, but was splashed in the face by the wine. Her wrist was caught in a tight grip and twisted, as her form was pushed back. Sidius grabbed her as she was flung by Vahn who had a smug smile on his face. " I would have thought someone bent on revenge would have trained themselves better in both sword and self-control." Vahn moved towards the fire as he spoke to her, extending his hands out to warm them. " I didn't bring you here to fight, I brought you here because I have questions about your father's murder. You see I didn't have the pleasure of taking his life, only cursing it. Though whoever did take his life, betrayed me to the wolves." She spit at him yelling " liar!" Vahn wiped the spit from his shirt with his hankerchief and smiled walking over and slapping her across the face.
" Now look here I could care less if you live or die, I could have had you killed if I didn't have questions. If I'd killed your father then what would be the point of bringing you here and telling you I didn't? I may be a bit eccentric, but I'm not insane. I tire of this, Sidius string her up and lash her until she answers me." Sidius began tying her hands behind her and then led her by rope to a rafter which he strung her up from. He tore her shirt off and stepped back taking his whip from his belt. " Now tell me who did your father meet with the night he was killed?" The woman shouted a profanity and struggled, Sidius lashed her across the back. A beautiful crimson line appeared across her back as she screamed in pain. She began to sob so Vahn had Sidius lash her another time.
" I don't know..I was only a child when he died....he ..he kept a journal it's at our estate...you bastard burn in hell!" Vahn smiled, she had spirit, he nodded to Sidius and he lashed her again and again until she finally lost consciousness. Vahn had Sidius remove her from the rafters and take her out into the woods and toss her down like rubbish. When she awoke she'd have a new respect or hatred for Vahn either he would accept. Vahn and Sidius made their way back to the Demise Estate where Vahn was informed that his sister requested his presence. Vahn dearly hoped his sister hadn't been spying on him, he knew how she didn't approve of some of his activities. Vahn made his way alone to where his sister awaited him, gently tapping upon the door before entering. " You summoned me dear sister?"
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"Yes, Vahn, you may enter," her voice was soft through the strong oak door.
Honor's apartment was her sanctuary from the court, spacious and private. The heavy velvet curtain were down covering the french doors that lead to the private balcony. His boots barely made a sound as he crossed the threshold, a richly embroidered carpet stretched the length of the main parlor. The hearthfire was already burning warding off the impending chill of the evening, a warm crackling fire cast long shadows over the room reflecting in the guilded trim of the massive bed that dominated the chamber. Dark wood, light gauzy silks, and brocades covered every square foot. On her dresser was the knife embedded in a book called "Peace of the Republic" next to a portrait of the pair years ago, sharing the same secret smile.
"The artist was particularly talented," Emerging from a side door, she noting the picture with a hint of amusement. "l would ask the artist to commission another if he were still alive." His sister's movement was graceful with a sensuous vitality that other ladies could only envy. She glided toward him wearing a gown that left her neck and shoulders bare, created from yards of sapphire silk. Honor's hair was pulled up, held up with a small silver crown and letting it tumble down again in a cascade of silky raven ringlets. "Fashionably late, as usual." Those piercing blue-grey eyes that missed so very little, studied him from head to toe. She sighed in disapproval. "And the least you could have done is get a bath before tracking in mud on my carpets."
Motioning him to have a seat on the sedan, Honor took a seat beside him with an inscrutible expression on her serene face, reached for Vahn's hand raising it up to her full lips, brushing them across his knuckles, caressing his hard features with her other. Honor looked deeply in his eyes and inquired with a salacious smile, "What are you up to, my dirty little boy?"
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In the winter in Vahn's black heart was pierced by her touch, her voice. His vintage eyes watched her remembering all the games they played together. The cold rain outside became silent in her presence, for heartbeats it seemed the world had disappeared. Vahn would go down with the ship, if Honor were by his side. Slip into the deep blue of the unknown to face death and fear head on. " As to what I've been up to...heh...as usual I'm getting myself into trouble. Trying to find out who set me up, though the trail has been cold for years now. If only I'd been free to pursue those who..." Vahn looked to the window, no angels were here. Turning back to look at Honor's lips, Vahn moved closer to her. Getting close enough for their lips to nearly touch, Vahn had been lost for so long.
" I'm glad you found me Honor and I'm glad I found you again. Without you the world was not enough, with you..it's like I can do anything." Vahn's hand came up to brush away a stray strand of hair from her face. Angels would envy the beauty of his sister, for she was perfection. The only perfection he'd ever seen in this world so cold and ugly. His eyes looked into the pools of radiance which were her eyes. He finally felt whole in this moment that seemed forever. The memory of his sister protecting him from their wicked brother. How Vahn was delighted to here of his death and that she would do such. She was the only thing that made him want to live at all. When Vahn was with Honor he could feel flames again, he wanted to be in this moment forever. It almost seemed as if his life was a lie, but Honor brought truth to it.
" This marrige you spoke of, just who did you have in mind. I'm not sure I could see you with another, especially one of them. And I fear I would just not do, they'd fear me before love me." Vahn kissed his sister's lips gently closing his eyes, before moving back to look on her again. She had plans and he wanted so much to hear them, she was being a tease. " And to be more clear on what I've been doing. I've been trying to recreate the old days of our glory. To bring the past back to the present, the task is great, but with conviction I'm sure to pull it off." Vahn stretched his arms and made himself more comfortable as he watched her eyes.
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" This marrige you spoke of, just who did you have in mind. I'm not sure I could see you with another, especially one of them. And I fear I would just not do, they'd fear me before love me." Vahn kissed his sister's lips gently closing his eyes, before moving back to look on her again. She had plans and he wanted so much to hear them, she was being a tease.
Honor sighed deeply and smiled chiding him. "An arranged marriage is business and feelings have no place. It is not my concern if you married and your wife was terrified of you. If she did fear you that would be in your favor, you would have her obediance." Her stormy eyes look out the window. "Love is much more fickle. If I were to ally with the Blackthornes or any other noble house, mark me, it would only be for the betterment of the House of Demise."
" And to be more clear on what I've been doing. I've been trying to recreate the old days of our glory. To bring the past back to the present, the task is great, but with conviction I'm sure to pull it off." Vahn stretched his arms and made himself more comfortable as he watched her eyes.
"Of course. I want to be clear with you on my intentions, lest we find ourselves working at cross purposes.Vitus is already in production of new warmachines, ones that are immune to magic. Much better than the father's old war golems. The problem is we are a very small country, in terms of power. We have lost most of prestige when you allowed the Blackthornes become take over guardianship of our lands." She patted his hand reassuringly. "Do mean to say that your choice was wrong? No, I was too distracted and allowed it to happen. In truth, I should have been more focused on the land. The beauty of our mistakes is that we are allowed to learn from them."
Honor rose up, gliding over to the wall across from him and pulled back the velvet curtain, allowing him to see the Mirror. "Behold, a war is coming to Velusia. War is good for business and for us. My concern is that if we ally ourselves too closely with one side; we might miss a more profitable opportunity, or worse, create enemies that refuse to negotiate. I do not want you creating overt discord with any faction. Demise is not strong enough to sustain a full siege upon her lands, at least until Vitus perfects the production of our siege machines. We need more resources. Resources that other lands, other dimensions can offer. We need to create the opportunities and relationships. That is why I need you at your most charming. If personal revenge can be mixed with business, more the better, but I will not allow you to place Demise in jeporady."
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Vahn smiled as his said, " and so it comes down to the political agenda of Demise..I'm glad to see you've become quite the student since our mother's death." Vahn sighed, for in part she was right, yet she had not the knowledge as he did. " However dear sister, there is only one side we can ally with and expect trust and that is Blackthorne. For no matter how much I hate them and despise them, they keep their promises. They strive for the good fight.....however I've already been betrayed by the Darkthornes. I know them more now then I did before. In fact I think they knew I was plotting against the Blackthornes for sometime. One of my fomer servants stole my journal with all my secrets in it. He was found dead in the darker district of our fair city. It seemed he had been planning on my demise while serving me which amuses me."
" I cursed his family to only produce female offspring with no son's to give their noble house an heir. They seem only allow men to rule in their lands which amused me as well, which is why I placed the curse. Their lands dissolved without an heir and the family went into poverty, but still they swore to hunt me down and kill me. Thinking that my death will end the curse I've laid which it won't. Anyway I digress, the descendant of this man told thought I killed him. But I had agents who reported seeing someone kill him and flee towards the lands of Darkthorne. I know they played me well, letting me get them close to what they wanted. Then once they had what they wanted, they found a way to cut me out of the picture."
" I'm not amused at the fact they did not reveal themselves as my enemies until it was too late. Had I planned better perhaps none of that would have happened. Father was always trying to pit me against you, to teach me his ways. To show me that the world should be ruled with an iron fist and the poor walked upon to escape the mud of humanity. I unfortunately let some of his influnece in that aspect lead me astray." Vahn looked towards the windows with a sort of depressed look upon his face. " I know now that somethings are better left alone, but I am who I am. Though I can channel that energy into the rise of Demise, for you my dear sister. I never wanted this life, though...." Vahn's train of thought seemed to escape him.
" Yes if revenge can mingle then so let it be, the only question is will the bride die by the same knife which cuts the cake?" Vahn smiled so evil that it almost made him monsterous.
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A ghost of a smile appeared on her face when he mentioned being a student since her mother's death. Honor listened without interrupting, as if she was absorbing his every word, empathsizing with him, soothing him. He needed her to reassure him, as she always did. She closed the distance kneeling at his feet.
Clasping his chin gently, she turned his face to her own. Her fingers stroked his jawline, down his neck, whispering softly "Precious brother, did I say for sure that you would be the one marrying?" she asked evasively with the sweetest smile on her rosy lips. "My illustrious father let his ego blind him. You are smarter than that. You have learned from your experience, Vahn. We are bound together stronger than our father's version of loyality, the old fool. Tell your devoted sister want sort of life you want."
On bent knee like a supplicant before him, Honor looked like an innocent goddess. Fingers dragging over his heated skin, teasing his flesh, evoked dark, sensual thoughts.
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Vahn looked to her, his senses teased, " I've live a long life, have done many great things with that life. Now I fear there is nothing left for me to do, which brings me to my point. I have traveled far too long and it's time to put that wandering spirit to rest here in Demise. I want to focus on just being a Demise, to live my life here. No longer following in the footsteps of fools and madmen. It's come time that I put my attention where it is needed here on the home front. Everyone who'd betrayed me is dead and vengance has grown old and cold. I fear it would not satisfy me enough and only drive me to wander again."
Vahn touched a hand to her face, his fingers memorizing the smooth curves and structure of her face. " Besides sister the two of us have to stick together to ensure the survival of our noble house. If not the pool shall become stagnant with us and there shall be no future Demise. We have a legacy to uphold and protect, if we seperate again it might never come to fruitation. And if the rarest flower was to not bloom then how could anyone see it's beauty? I've looked into the reflection of madness, explored the realm of dreams, and fought my own devil. One could say I've been to the hells and back, but it's not the story it is the journey. The journey is all that mattered for through that journey I grew into a man that not even father could have out shadowed."
" I fear I want children to pass this legacy down to, children who will have a life that I never had. And through them I shall heal the wounds done to me by our family's dark and tortured past. And again I shall grow into someone whom I could never like as I am now. But that person will be strong for they shall have been in the darkness and the light and embraced them both. Our family curse is the darkness Honor, if we stare too long into it the darkness shall stare back. I'm not saying I intend on giving up my gift or all of my goals, I'm saying perhaps it's time I focus on being a noble and noble gains rather then selfish gains which father would have done."
" If I allow myself to give in to what I want then I'll merely become our father. When you mentioned marrige I did not think you meant me, but as I thought about it.. I realized the things I have not done yet, I've never truly loved, nor have I attempted to enjoy the other qualities of life. Perhaps I've missed out on things which might be enjoyable to one as dark and cold as I. Maybe it's something I need in life to find the whole of my self and become complete. Or perhaps it's just something I need to experience to see whether or not it holds any value to me. The feelings and thoughts your suggestiong brought up have left me bewildered."
Vahn lightly kissed her lips and looked into her eyes, " Demise has many enemies and I can pick and choose those enemies and their down falls. As for the others, perhaps becoming their greatest ally will ensure the destiny of Demise and what shall come of it. After all the world is like a game of chess and if I were to play the pieces right we might just have a checkmate." Vahn smiled almost glowling for once in ausement of his thoughts and metaphors.
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Honor's expression did not mirror her brothers. In her eyes was a hurt as she turned her face away from him, rose to her feet and glided to the mirror, pulling down the thick velvet drapery.
"At your tender age, it heartens me to see you finally taking an interest in your future. If it is your wish to marry, we will find you a wife befitting your station, perhaps then you can find true love."
She was on the verge of telling him that she approved and was amused, then he broke her heart by confessing that he has never truly loved. All the years that Honor suffered in silence to protect him. A lecherous father that was taken with his young, beautiful daughter. A sadist brother, Reagan, who exacted his revenge on his older sister by having his personal guards hold her down as he cruelly raped and sodomized her, then flogging her until she was nearly dead. Her mother seethed with jealousy knowing that her husband lusted after his own daughter, victimizing Honor more, causing a miscarriage of a forbidden offspring, ultimately cursing Honor with a barren womb.
Hiding the shame behind a smile, Honor concieve the perfect plan of revenge, orchestrating the destruction of her despised family. She was Vahn's protector, his guardian angel; she thought he loved her and repayed her with lies.
"I suspect that since you were out exploring that would not have a chance to bathe before dinner. I took the liberty of having one drawn for you, through those doors," Honor said coolly as she skimmed across the floor to her black satin draped bed and reclined into the mountain of pillows, feigning interest in the book she retrieved from her nightstand, twirling a piece of her thick, raven hair through her fingers, her full lips bowed into pouting frown.
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Vahn ever the tricky sort enjoyed teasing Honor's emotions from time to time. Simply for the fact he enjoyed her reactions to each and every tease. As he walked to those doors he said a few words, " Love...ha love is merely a reaction the brain has due to centuries of survival instincts. It's merely lust masked under a different name so one can ensure the survival of their race. The love you and I share is not like that, don't forget that Honor even if I never tell you I love you it's not like I don't. I just don't like saying it is all, for the use of the word merely takes away it's meaning ever so slowly."
Vahn walked through the doors and closed them behind him not waiting to hear any response she may have. After all that was part of his game, it would drive a sane person mad, but Honor was different. She shared much of the same thought process as he did. Vahn had become good at driving normal people insane, but his sister as always was tough. His game was merely his way of keeping her tough outer shell alive. For if she became soft she would become hurt again and Vahn could not protect her from emotional hurt all the time. In fact it was another goal of his game for if she could resist other's when he was not around it made his desire to keep her safe easier.
Vahn slowly began to disrobed as he made his way to the bath discarding the clothing upon the floor with disregard. As his pale foot touched the water's surface causing it to ripple he watched his reflection. It distorted as the cruel smirk he wore seemed to mock him. Humans were such a simple easily manipulated lot, bound by their own emotions and chemistry. They were slaves to their nature and it was and would always be their true enemy and downfall. One could make man believe anything, but Vahn's kind were not like humans. Maybe at one time they had been similar, but destiny and time had erased all similarities. Vahn wanted a child simply so the future of Demise could be carried on and secured.
If Vahn had wanted love then he would be weak just like the humans he tormented. Slowly gliding into the pool he laid his head back letting his schemes roll through his mind, trying to expect any outcome and iron out any chaotic factor from the equation.
-
Anger the most potent of energy of all fueled Honor's indignation. Ungrateful brat. She should have left him in-between dimensions. Her eyes glowed with noble pride, anger dilated her nostrils, and while a scornful smiled flitted over her lips, her face was flush. How he infuriated her! He knew exactly how to irritate her to the point of distraction. Honor laughed to herself, feeling alive for the first time in years. Vahn was wrong, of course, but she would not shatter his illusions of reality. He could call his feelings whatever he liked. Vahn was so secure in his superiority. A very troubling reaction, Honor sighed, shut the book as she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. It seemed that he had learned very little in his time of confinement.
The anger was short lived giving way to her constant ennui. The manor was magnificent, and in modern taste; the furniture fashionably elegant in all the gloss of novelty. Not a single luxury omitted; not a fault could be found by the most fastidious critic. These beauties were too familiar to Honor's eyes. Tedious and boring, she thought, yawning as she tossed the book back on the nightstand. For a moment, she had almost believed that Vahn's presence would elimate her unending tedium.
"Mistress?" Cordelia asked gently interrupting her mistress's reverie.
"Yes, Cordelia."
"Dinner is ready."
"Have Martha bring in appropriate clothing to the brat."
The confidante raised a eyebrow, "Is he out of your good graces so soon, milady?"
"For the moment."
Honor stood up and walked into the bathroom as Cordelia followed, fussing over her hair and dress. Waving her servant away, she strided over to the side of the pool, knelt down, grabbing Vahn by his head and pushed him under the water, holding him down. Punishing him for his insolence, she laughed because she knew he could not drown, but holding him under the water made her feel better.
-
Vahn's momentary ideas of what he had to do and should do was interrupted by drowning. At first he became shocked, then he remembered he could not really die from such a method. Turning beneath the water to wrench himself free of the hand which held him under. Ahhh the reaction Vahn had wanted was a bit more then he had expected. Slinging his wet hair back he laughed and looked to Honor. " I'm sorry my beloved sister I simply had to see if you still had it in you. After all I heard so much about what you did to our other brother. I guess toying with you is over now, but I admit it was fun while it lasted. Now sister what are you plans for this masqurade you had planned? I am so eager to start slowly becoming known again, though I'm not sure if I should change my name and take on an alias or if I should just go by my middle name which only you know."
Vahn slowly stepped out of the pool standing there naked as he talked. " You know if I didn't hide my true feelings and thoughts they could be used against me. They have in the past, the past always has a funny way of repeating itself which I've come to know. And if I wasn't around to annoy you from time to time then how boring your life would be. After all do I not make your life interesting? For you never know what I'm prone to do, though I would never do anything to sully your good name or our family's name. Though our parents and siblings have done more in that aspect." Vahn walked over to the window looking out to the gloomy grey light of the outside world. " I wonder what the future holds for us dear sister? What will become of us, shall we fail and fall like our parents or will we completely cut ourselves out of their destiny and mold our own?"
Vahn always found what if's to be interesting for it gave himself to think over. They had been reunited and already Honor had drowned him once, he wondered if she could do that to others. For there would be those that tried to stand in their way, those that wanted to see them fail. He needed her to be willing to kill anyone that tried such. He considered Honor his only family, and the estate was as always perfect in it's feel. Looking about at the lavish decor which would make some of the places Vahn had been look like pig sties. " You've done well with the estate Honor..hmm" it was almost too hard for Vahn not to add something to draw up more annoyance and anger from his sister. He'd have to try and remember not to do such, though it would be hard.
-
" I'm sorry my beloved sister I simply had to see if you still had it in you. After all I heard so much about what you did to our other brother. I guess toying with you is over now, but I admit it was fun while it lasted. Now sister what are you plans for this masqurade you had planned? I am so eager to start slowly becoming known again, though I'm not sure if I should change my name and take on an alias or if I should just go by my middle name which only you know."
Honor let his first few comments pass without remark with a smile that never quite reached her eyes. Toying with her affections was never a wise idea for anyone -including her beloved brother. As devoted as Honor was to him, she was not a serf or lesser being. Honor had given him the Eternal Blossom and had the power to undo them both if she were so inclined, therefore, she demanded respect if he did not wish to call it love. So occasionally Honor would have to remind Vahn that he did not wish to lose his sister's goodwill.
She was reconsidering her impulsive thoughts on a Masque. Masques were wonderful for intrigue and diplomacy, however in her own experience, security was a nightmare. Perhaps she could find a place more suitable than the manor house, a place inside the veil where if a scandel happened her internal security would not have to bear the burden.
"Yes about the Masque. I do want to reintroduce you to society, but I am currently working on some very sensitive projects and cannot afford an interruption. We could find a suitable space to hold a Masque such as gallery or hall."
"More that likely, your reputation will proceed you. You may call yourself whatever you like. A rose by any other name shall smell just as sweet. To the court in Demise, everyone will know that you are my brother, Vahn. They know my power and fear me -just as they will with you. The Blackthornes are not exclusive to longevity. You may take pleasure from the reaction of your enemies when you are introduced at the Masque, no worse for their treachery. Living well is the best revenge."
Vahn slowly stepped out of the pool standing there naked as he talked. " You know if I didn't hide my true feelings and thoughts they could be used against me. They have in the past, the past always has a funny way of repeating itself which I've come to know. And if I wasn't around to annoy you from time to time then how boring your life would be. After all do I not make your life interesting? For you never know what I'm prone to do, I though I would never do anything to sully your good name or our family's name though our parents and siblings have done more in that aspect."
"True my sweet," she said appreciating his form, helping him into a robe, "If one learns from the past, he is not doomed to repeat it."
Vahn walked over to the window looking out to the gloomy grey light of the outside world. " I wonder what the future holds for us dear sister? What will become of us, shall we fail and fall like our parents or will we completely cut ourselves out of their destiny and mold our own?"
"You are asking me what the future holds, dear brother," she smiled at him indulgently, "Do you not remember I am a Watcher? I was trying to discuss future matters with you earlier. The reason our parents failed is they ultimately underestimated my capacity for vengence. You and I are finished suffering from the sin's of our father and in the procress our place in the Cosmic Tapestry has been dramatically altered. We are now the designers of our destiny. There is something that troubles me, brother; the Weavers have been coy showing me our fate. I believe it means that my time as Nona Gregori is about to be tested."
Vahn always found what if's to be interesting for it gave himself to think over. They had been reunited and already Honor had drowned him once, he wondered if she could do that to others. For there would be those that tried to stand in their way, those that wanted to see them fail. He needed her to be willing to kill anyone that tried such. He considered Honor his only family, and the estate was as always perfect in it's feel. Looking about at the lavish decor which would make some of the places Vahn had been look like pig sties. " You've done well with the estate Honor..hmm" it was almost too hard for Vahn not to add something to draw up more annoyance and anger from his sister. He'd have to try and remember not to do such, though it would be hard.
Honor shrugged as to say the decor was nothing, a pretty trifle and replied automatically, "Thank you. Dinner is ready." She rose and looked over her shoulder as if she were going to say something but thought better of it, with one last glance she walked out of the bathroom to await him in the dining room.
-
Vahn remembered all his years of training of every bone being broken just so he could overcome pain. Of all the practicing day and night with the man whom he'd come to look on as a father. Vahn remembered his words which he'd use at the battle of Windfell, " You will not like me, but you will follow me for your country." Vahn had listened to Honor's words and now he hastened to dinner. With thoughts of how he would rise up again in the ranks of the aristocrats which he'd come to hate. " Honor perhaps I have been too hasty in my attempts against the Blackthornes. When I came back to the Blackthorne lands I found that the war with Darkthorne was over. I searched for years till I found a few remaining Darkthornes, I built them up. Gave them magical technology which they took too instantly. I brought them back to the Blackthorne lands and began to orchestrate both sides playing them against one another. Finally I sparked up a clan war like no other and they've been at war ever since."
" I'd almost earned the respect of Orianna Blackthorne by playing the good noble. As long as there are none that remember my name I'm sure there will be none to remember the depths of treachery linked to my name. Otherwise you might find me hanging from the gallows pole in need of your assistance yet again." Vahn smiled as he sat down to the dinner table he was eager to set into motion new plans. Though his concerns now were in rebuilding the Demise name and lands rather then bringing down a kingdom or empire. He could always do that later in his spare time with some random unknown place. After all he had a great deal of time to do such. " If you want I can go visit or we could go visit the Blackthornes after dinner, perhaps a little social setting will do to raise your spirits. You know I do worry about you sister, after all your all I have left in this world."
Vahn hoped he didn't sound synical in his words after all he was trying to tone down his normal manner.
-
"Honor perhaps I have been too hasty in my attempts against the Blackthornes. When I came back to the Blackthorne lands I found that the war with Darkthorne was over. I searched for years till I found a few remaining Darkthornes, I built them up. Gave them magical technology which they took too instantly. I brought them back to the Blackthorne lands and began to orchestrate both sides playing them against one another. Finally I sparked up a clan war like no other and they've been at war ever since."
"Did you have the forethought to keep the key to Darkthorne technology in case they were to us against you?" Honor paused for Vahn to come to her side and linked her arm in his, "How did we profit?"
"I'd almost earned the respect of Orianna Blackthorne by playing the good noble. As long as there are none that remember my name I'm sure there will be none to remember the depths of treachery linked to my name. Otherwise you might find me hanging from the gallows pole in need of your assistance yet again."
She laughed. "As if a simple hanging could kill you. Vahn, you are a good Prince. And trechery is such a strong word, I would call it making the most of an opportunity. We are merchant adventurers. It is bad business plan to side totally with one faction unless you are absolutely certain of the outcome. "
The question of which virtue -love or fear, was more favorable for a Prince to have, was a heavy debated subject in the Demise court. A love could fade or turn with trecherous precision in this land. Fear could be its own kind of respect, perhaps even the most lasting.
Outwardly neither Vahn or Honor were particularly fearsome in an overt sense. Together they were a beguiling couple, charming and courtly; good breeding oozing from every pore. Vahn had gift that he could make you like him. His moments of generosity and charm made you overlook the coldness behind his blue-grey eyes. Honor's fragile appearance and quiet ways made her appear as fragile as a hot house flower, belied the strength beneath. Both in their own way worse that the overt threat, patient to lie in wait to kiss a lover with poisoned lips.
News of his arrival had already spread through the manorhouse like a wildfire. The whole court was at the ready to attend the royal family. Tonight their private dining hall was ablaze with gaslight and polished to perfection, automotons their pewter skins gilded with gold and etched. The servitors were a masterpiece of clockwork and magic. Vita Rose created these as prototypes for the industrial and warmachines.
An automoton pulled a chair out for both of them. Honor graceful sat down watching her brother. She was sincerely glad he was onboard with rebuilding their country. He might detest his noblesse oblige but in the long run, he would thank her.
Vahn smiled as he sat down to the dinner table he was eager to set into motion new plans. Though his concerns now were in rebuilding the Demise name and lands rather then bringing down a kingdom or empire. He could always do that later in his spare time with some random unknown place. After all he had a great deal of time to do such. " If you want I can go visit or we could go visit the Blackthornes after dinner, perhaps a little social setting will do to raise your spirits. You know I do worry about you sister, after all your all I have left in this world."
The food was a feast for eyes as well as the palate. Course after course was presented for their indulgence. Musicians played softly in the background as his sister motioned to Cordelia, whispering in her confidante's ear. Cordelia bowed and scurried out to obey her mistress's wishes.
Honor arched her delicate eyebrow and wiped her full lips with the white linen. "Do I seem full of meloncholy? Nothing could be further that the truth. My joy is your happiness. If you wish meet the Blackthornes after dinner, then your whim is my command. We shall go by the Mirror at your leave."
-
Vahn listened and when she asked if he kept the key to the Darkthorne technology he laughed. " I had things set up to where if I should be betrayed they would lose all such technology by a mass clensing as I call it. Which is why they pulled out of Velusia after betraying me I'm sure since they would have lost more then half of there army and weapons. In all my time of playing both sides I never chose one over the other. Until the Darkthornes forced the Blackthornes out of Velusia. Thats when I made my mistake in siding with the Darkthornes. It's the Blackthorne's refusal to lay down and die which I should have made plans for. They don't fade away so easily their hard to kill much like insects. Though I was trapped in the mirror realm thankfully when all that happened. Otherwise I might be rotten in some Blackthorne prison somewhere."
" I'd put so much time and effort into my plans and had you been with me I'm sure they would not have failed so miserably. I try to calculate all possible outcomes before undergoing a task, but unfortunately this time I over looked something which had been present all the while. History shows the Blackthornes always rising back up against whatever is set against them. They become stronger with every failure, learning from the mistakes and moving on. Like a hunter stalking his prey I've studied them and found them to be worthy foes or allies and at the sametime annoying in their will to survive." Vahn smirked at the thought he finally realized, all this time he'd plotted against the Blackthornes and yet they would have proven to be the best allies all the while.
Vahn reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a pocket watch. He smiled at the ticking noise coming from within, some of his secrets had survived even his time in the mirror realm. " I have plans on making some new soldiers for Demise stronger soldiers for our land's protection. I'd like to visit Blackthorne to set up some formal grounds for me to procure some supplies I need." Vahn thought back on Duran Shadowspire and his reign of terror before being stopped by a would-be god. The blood held some remarkable properties if it could be adapted to Vahn's soldiers then they could become a force to be reakoned with. Soldiers whose touch was death itself a very promising thing especially for assassins.
-
"Vahn, whether we like it or not, Demise is not strong enough martially-speaking for us to hold our own borders. I agree. For now- the Blackthornes are our best allies considering they have been stewards of this land and have not managed to bankrupt us. I could not say the same for the Darkthornes if they were in control of Velusia." Honor paused to wipe her mouth motioning for her plate to be cleared. "What sort of supplies do you need? Vitus might have what you need in his workshop."
She rose from her chair and glided over to her brother, brushing away imaginary crumbs from his cravat, perching on the arm of his chair and layed a lazy arm over its back. "Don't let me rush you, but I am ready when you are, my Comte."
-
" Darkthorne has been in control once before they had me hunted down the first time and trapped the second. If anything I'd rather have an honest enemy if an enemy at all. I'm not sure why Darkthorne hunted me down the first time since I had little if anything to do with them. I only know they wanted our lands which I was not ready or insane enough to hand over. Theres a whole world out there and not even I could fathom the amount of enemies we might have in our future. What I merely want to do is make some sleeper agents, beings that will merely sleep until they are required. I want them to be connected to you and I however in case something should happen. This way we have a backup plan in case things fall out of our control. I've learned from the past and having a few backup plans is never a bad idea. Besides it will give me opprotunity to test a few new projects of mine."
" I am in need of rare metals such as those the Blackthornes have, I believe they gained them from the meteorite. They guard the rock's ore only allowing certain individuals access to it. I have knowledge however that a few of the kingdom's inventors have been given permission to take pieces of it. The annual invention festival is coming up soon so I can simply use that as my reasons for the obtaining of such materials. Besides I might just enter an invention or two in this year's festival after all I do find those amusing. I've seen many an invention become common place from those festivals." Vahn looked to Honor with a slight smirk on his face, " Besides there are a few other items less rare that I'm in need of. Also if we are to make some extra funds along the way it'll be a boon in two ways intsead of one." Vahn had information the Blackthorne's might find useful and information was a powerful treasure.
-
Honor listen intently to her brother. She nodded sagely, rising from the throne, "Clever boy. We shall get you what you need."
Holding out her hand, she took his arm leading him back to her apartment. Cordelia was waiting. The heavy velvet curtains were again pulled back revealing Honor's birthright, the Grigori mirror. No reflection of either of the Demise appeared in the Mirror before them.
"Lo specchio, mi mostra Velusia, Lochland."
A quicksilver ripple across the mirrored surface. Lochland was in an uproar. Watching the play off shadows across the surface as guards rushed across the ramparts.
"It would appear that someone is upstaging our entrance," her beautiful lips twisted into a mocking smile. "A pity."
She waved her hand over the surface. "Mostrimi il re e la regina."
Reinne Blackthorne firing her bow.The Mirror rippled again to show Shamus engaged with a wild-eyed assasin with a spear. Honor cut her stormy eyes to her brother. "Now would not be a bad time to put in an appearance."
"Mistress. Merci, it is too danger-"
Honor cut off Cordelia's protest with a raise of a hand. "Fear not, darling Cordelia. I have braved worse. If you excuse me, Vahn, fear I am overdressed for the occasion. It will only take a moment." Slipping behind her dressing screen, his sister gave him a moment to ready himself.
After several minutes, Honor emerged from behind the screen dressed in a black riding jacket embrodiered with silver leaves wearing men's trousers, her midnight hair pulled back simply with a silver ribbon. Cordelia waited holding her regent's tricorn fretting nervously as Honor put on her gloves.
"Merci, Cordelia." Honor said reassuringly as she took her hat from Cordelia, mulling over her last few details. "Vahn will let nothing happen to me. Isn't that right, brother dear?"
She smiled resting her hand on his arm when they were finally ready. Honor stepped into the Mirror; frost scored the surface as if the realities shattered under the strain then reformed.
-
Vahn had watched the mirror spying the exotic figure of Reinne. Then at the sight of Shamus fighting the spear totting assassin Vahn smiled. " Longinus...that treacherous little snake.. whatever he has planned for Velusia I shall see to it that his plans fall to dust. I am ready Honor for I feel that my revenge has merged with a buisness opprotunity. For the enemy of my enemy is my friend and Longinus is my enemy."
Vahn looked about for something finally finding it. His old mask which he wore on occassion to hide his face. It helped in making his position on matters hard to gain since one could not see his face. However it served a double purpose now, for he wanted to mask his identity. Should Longinus see him then he would not want him to speak his name. Besides he thought it more interesting to undo Longinus's schemes behind a mask. Giving Longinus an enigma as a foe rather then a tangable identity to strike at.
Vahn stepped through the mirror with Honor eager to test his blade after years of idleness. Vahn also saw some Darkthornes fighting in the fray against the Blackthornes. What better time to exact some revenge against them as well? Perhaps everything would work out for them both as long as no one tried to harm his sister. For if someone did then that someone would find themselves begging for death.
-
((See follow up in Lochland.))
-
Through the darkness of his own soul, he found his way to the Demise lands. Eduardo once served Velusia, during the war of Meian, when the Darkthornes had forced him to join them. He turned against them and helped the king Shamus turn the tide. All eleven Eduardos stood there on the hill top looking down on Demise.
Eduardo: " This will be the place where the Darkthornes will most likely strike, it's both in and out of the veil."
Eduardo: " So why are we here, after all didn't we cut out ties to Velusia?"
Eduardo: " We merely parted ways, we didn't say we'd never come back."
Eduardo: " True, so what are we going to do, walk up and knock on the door, or simply hide amongst the town of Demise waiting for the Darkthornes to strike?"
Eduardo: " I don't know, we're a unique breed we are, prone to chaotic whims, we go wherever the wind and earth carry us. However this land protects us remember, we are eternal within this land. We need not fear death while in the lands of Velusia, besides they'll need us soon."
Eduardo: " They protect our seed, if anything thats enough for us to defend the land. Should that seed fall in the hands of the Darkthornes we'll be slaves again."
Eduardo: " True...very true....we'll wait here in Demise, if it's defenses fall then we'll move to Lochland and protect the seed..."
Eduardo: " Then let's go mingle, just remember those in the land of Velusia we can not harm. Anyone else, or anyone outside Velusia, well they are fair game."
The Eduardos all pulled their hoods over their heads and made their way towards Demise.
-
There it was just ahead of him, Demise, the land both in and out of the veil. Matius dismounted his elephant as the army began to make it's camp far from what would be the battlefield. " Start spacing out those catapults, I was a tight formation around Demise. Archers, calvary, siege, and infantry to your positions, get me the sappers, I want the walls of Demise brought down." Matius stood back looking over Demise, he would offer no treaties as Prasutagus no doubt would. He'd take every land in Velusia for his own, turning to the mages, he smiled, " send them some fireballs to let them know we're here." The mages walked up through the ranks of army which was preparing itself. They cast their spells and the fireballs soared up in the air, at the peak of thier ascent, they turned began a speedy descent down towards Demise.
The sappers came rushing up to Matius, he pointed to the gates of Demise and said, " blast it to pieces, I want to march my army straight into Demise, if you fail me I shall have your heads catapulted over the walls." Matius sat down at the dinner table prepared for him, he'd have his meal while his army marched on Demise. The orchestra of war would go perfectly with the meal prepared for him. He even had bards standing by with wind instruments to add to the symphony of destruction. As he slowly cut through the gnome steak prepared for him, he could hear the fireballs going off. Oh how pleasent the sound was to his ears, the gate was placed near his chair so he could inspect it while he ate.
" Archers let loose some fire arrows onto the town, let's see if it burns well. Infantry let loose with the dragon's breath cannons, sear the flesh from their bones, I want you to paint me a reflection of hell in Demise." Matius greedily ate his meal while he watched each unit go about the tasks he given them. He'd waisted no time in his attack on Demise, Prasutagus would have merely sat up camp and then met with the leaders of Demise before even launching an attack. He did not allow for politics in war, they had no place in such a raw spectacle as war.
-
Eduardo watched with the other civilians of Demise as a large force moved out of the woods. Already the town was raising the alarm, just as the gates were being closed, fire came down from other head. Eduardo had little time to prepare, which he knew the enemy wanted. Summoning up his kinetic barriers, he formed them into funnel shapes and placed them in the tragectory of the fireballs. It made for a pretty sight, while protecting the town from the flames. Eduardo didn't like what was going on here, the general of this army was not very sporting. Eduardo ordered the rest of himselves to leave Demise, alert every town you come to as you head to Lochland. The one Eduardo would stay behind to help in defending the town, though he was not sure how the town would react to the army.
Eduardo had never been to Demise before and he knew little about the leader or leaders of the town. Even as the flames form the cannons were launched already like a defensive titan, Eduardo counter attacked with a powerful ice cone, spreading it out over the flames which were launched at the town. It was then that a fire arrow pierced Eduardo's shoulder, he hadn't noticed the arrows being launched. They pummeled down beating back some of the defenders in the rain of fire. Eduardo summoned up a gust of wind to blow the arrows out and back. Whoever claimed this town should now be alerted to the danger it faced, Eduardo could only hope for back up.
-
?Mistress, you are here. Thank the Weavers! I was just about to come to you. There are Darkthorne?s at the city?s borders attacking in broad daylight.?
?How brazen. Everyone, be quite. Have you been in touch with Vitus, Cordelia?? The experience sovereign pointed her question at her most trusted confidante stalking out of her apartment with her entourage in tow, along tastefully appointed hallways bedeck in opulence.
?Yes, madame, he is readying the knights as we speak.?
?And the infantry??
?Oui. Captain Alonzo is marshalling the troupes; Vitus is handling the Orteks, personally.?
?Excellent. Has the le Academia been notified??
Cordelia nodded emphatically bobbing her mass of white-blonde hair. ?They notified us. The Divination Department warned those on the edge of the city in enough time to spare lose of life. All mages have volunteered for duty. The Hierophant has prepared wards on the most important structures.?
?Bon. I knew I could count on you,? the queen praised Cordelia patting her on the shoulder, her lady blushing under Honor?s praise. ?My lady is too kind.?
After the initial chaos of their arrival the tension of the Demise court lessened at the sight of their royal lady, there were large group courtiers, military men, scholars, mages and gentry following Honor at a respectful distance, a pair of knights in massive suits crystalline armor fell in between her and the throng as she entered a large drawing room that had not been used in several years, the war room.
The Demise lady stopped at the threshold speaking with complete assurance and authority. ?My lords and ladies, thank you for surrounding us with your support in our time of need. We do not want you to fear the marauders at the gate. We knew that there would be a time that Demise would have to rise to the occasion. Prove that our people are strong. We are not a large country, however small does not mean easily taken. The time has come to introduce these brigands to Demise ingenuity and show them stalwartness of our disposition. Through our unity we will overcome and repeal our invaders.?
Panic changed to patriotism. Applause and adulation for her guidance was almost deafening in the acoustics of the corridor. Honor raised her delicate hand up for the crowd to still. A mere motion of her hand silenced them all.
?We need your cooperation. Generals, please attend. Ladies, gentlemen please use your influence to move those who are not fighters to safe houses, preferably ones that have been reinforced by wards. We are expecting you to lead by example. Keep strong. All will be well.?
Cordelia slipped past her lady into the war room taking a philter from a glass case, pouring it over the large conference table. The pitcher?s contents spilled out like quicksilver coating it with a mirror-sheen.
The crowd obeyed, her generals entered the room and took up their respective places around the table: mages, inventors and engineers, all branches of military counsel sat down as the large doors closed.
?Why is it that I am gone for less than a day and one marauding group of Darkthornes turn *my* country, *my* people into mewing scared little children!? She spat dispassionately. Honor stalked around the table like a predator glowering at each one of them. ?I am very, very displeased.?
Most of generals avoided her gaze, lest she snap his Lifethread without a thought. Shamed into silence, they shifted in the uncomfortable silence. Honor did not have to give them a display of power, she was power. Feeling their humiliation, she nodded. ?That is right. Be disgraced. My ladies-in-waiting can implement a better plan that my venerated counselors. Luckily for my foresight, I knew you would become soft, complacent. Vitus and the Shard will handle the main assault. Janius rallied the mages. Archers, musketeer and cavalry will be deployed where they will be most effective. As you can see, we are most privileged to have Queen Reinne in our presence, Lords show your respect.?
They muttered their respects, covering the embarrassment of be dressed down by their sovereign in front of a visiting dignitary. Cordelia offered Reinne a chair next to the Warlord?s throne. Honor finished her circuit around the table whisper so quietly that none could catch. The mirrored table came alive with the projection of the siege.
?The Shard are my personal shock troupes. They are the best equipped and warrior and mages that Demise can produce. Their loyalty is without question. The two men outside those doors are Shard,? she explained for Reinne?s benefit. ?The Ortek are a special project that my Minister of Technology has been developing for years: Magic resistant, intelligent, highly resilient war automatons just for this occasion. Vitus must be overjoyed to have a real world test for his lovely inventions.?
?Queen Reinne, you must forgive me for not allowing you to rest. I could use some personal advice..wait.? She paused to watch the funnels of air defuse the fireballs, then the cannons repelled by ice.
?I do not recognize that mage.? The head of the Mage guild stated. ?Though I am glad he is on our side.?
?So am I.? Honor said drumming her fingers on the table in thought, glancing over Reinne's direction. ?Send that man some assistance and shore up that line of defense. Your majesty, your thoughts??
-
Reinne was apprehensive about a blindfold but reluctantly agreed allowing Honor to set it in place. Fingers lightly danced over the onyx silk only to feel the warmth of Honor's touch upon her form aiding her through the mirror. The feeling was unlike anything she had ever experience before. The rough touch of the atmosphere was something akin to chilled marble being smoothed across heated flesh. The sound of grating and groaning caused her to flinch but not falter as she allowed Honor to lead the way. Soon enough she could feel the transition yet again, that sickening feel as ifher body was being forced through a solid surface lingering even after they made it completely through.
Carefully she pried the blindfold free of her eyes and took a look around only to see all eyes were set upon her. The whispers were not whispers at all but murmurings that soon became a dull roar as news that the city was under seige was imparted to Honor. Reinne immediately pushed her way to the window to glance outside only to mutter an oath beneath her breath. It seemed the Darkthornes were not coming...they were already here.
Quickly she turned to follow the entourage, lingering behind as no one paid her any mind. Many of them had no inkling whom she was. Quietly she slipped into the chambers and rested against a far wall as she studied the regal woman while she gave her speech. The reaction was much like that of those denzions in Lochland. Loyalty and patriotism did not lack in Demise. Reinne was impressed. As Honor asked for her generals to attend her Reinne moved forward coming to the table to drape an arm over one of the chairs in casual air listening as Honor berated her generals for being caught off gaurd.
A glance was afforded to Cordelia, thoughts that the woman would make Honor a better military advisor than the men here. As she was introduced she nodded to them all. " Gentlemen....Ladies." A smile was given to Cordelia as she gestured a chair for Reinne to take, graciously taking up the offer and settling in. As the table lit up with a vision of the siege she, too, began to closely examine the going ons. Only when Honor, next, spoke to her did her gaze lift from the projection.
" It was a risk I am sure we both knew would be possible. There will be enough rest for us all once we have repelled them."
Her voice died down as Honor's single word cut off any further words. Once more her gaze fell to the scene taking note of the single mage standing in the face of an army repelling their attacks. There was something about him that seemed strangely familiar. It was as if she knew him, without ever having met him before. When asked for her thoughts she allowed the silence to linger as all eyes fell on her waiting for the reply. Finally she pointed to the Darkthorne army..particularly a rather extragavant tent.
" There. That is the head of the snake. Darkthorne minions are only formiddable warriors as long as they have their leader to answer too. Cut off the head of the snake and the rest will fall with it. Though, " her eyes lifting to peer at Honor with a bit of fire twinkling within, " This particular snake may have more than one head. But that is where we must strike the hardest. If you have tunnels, I suggest you close them off immediately by wards or simple cave ins, either way works. Set up ballistas and arablests, " pointing to several locations along the wall, " Here, here, here, and here. These creatures do not die as simply as the rest of us would. Make sure -every- arrow and javelin is lit with fire. Call it a...cleansing by fire if you will. Only it will destroy them completely."
-
Life was always such. If danger was apparent, Anna always became immersed in the middle, whether she felt it was her duty to fight or not. It was always this way ever since she left what she feared was her homeland. Green lands and lush fields carried in her memory forever a wealth beyond what she knew or understood in the most tortured sections of her life. Finally free to do what she wants, she finds herself again in the heat of what is to be a battle for lands not her own, nor of her familiarity. Blood, her life ran red with it?her own and others. Did it matter that her life had been bloody? Did it matter that she understood battle better than most of her previous Masters? Not really, punished for her knowledge and praised just the same, the balance of knowing the smell of battle in the air was what she was trained for. Her living was death of others and presently as an assassin, she was without work.
The air smelled of it before the rose out of the woods like a black shroud of the keeper who took your soul to a place beyond this world. Under the heavy hood she watched, pinpointing that area, men and equipment tread through the line of trees and out into the open. Attack was imminent. Nothing could prevent what she could smell in the very heart of her mind. It was not hard to see a reason why an enemy would be born out of others who did not live here. Demise was clearly a trading center for most, bustling with overflow of business for every walk of life. Was it not why she had come here? Yet, for her it was odd to find work in a place that did not know her. Anna was in the process of finding the dark part of the business here among Demise. Counting on the balance of wealth to greed and jealousy Anna Dimitrich Levin was trying to slip into the atmosphere of the person who took care of these trifle matters, discreetly.
Fire from above is what caused the frantic mirage of people rushing past her as she stood at the edge of the gates. This was just a minor blur in her vision as she watched the tiny points of fire arching through the sky, then gone in the flash of power. Looking above as the sky lit on fire for the briefest flash, Anna?s eyes blinked startled as a hand gripped her arm dragging her through the closing gates. Soldiers rushing past as she stepped inside the closing gates sealing out the enemy for only a short while. Normally she did not like being touched by people. Now was no exception. The guard nearly snapped his hand back from the thick cloak that covered her arm. It was the same expression she received from everyone who was graced with one of her stares.
?I?m?I?m sorry M?Lady?I?I didn?t mean??
Anna watched the scurrying and stumbling steps of the guard. The group he stopped at murmured. The Trio of men glanced in her direction catching the eerie glimpse of those irises that made her first an outcast then an anomaly. However, the ostracizing from others was not solely from her unusual appearance. It was a minor disturbance in her mind as she stepped through the last inch of the gate closing and made her way through perplexed soldiers. If she was going obtain work then it might as well start here. The heavy cloak ruffled and passed through the ranks hearing orders and sensing the charged atmosphere of men willing to die for a cause. Anna said nothing did nothing really for a few moments as Commanders and Captains shouted to the ranks, bolstering the crew for the battle ahead. Still, she could not stay in the darkness forever. This was the one area that her appearance matter less and her skill shined. Perhaps she would become known for this and hired on as a bodyguard for someone. It was a good cover for the other part of her skills.
The intake of air into her lung brought her through the inevitable discarding of the cloak and hood covering her in the shadows. Initially reactions were always the best when this happened. Gasps and distracted soldiers turned their stares onto the woman who stood between them. An angel some have called her. Whispers of it stretched in a wide circumference about the ranks closest to her. White blonde hair streamed out into the caressing breeze making a striking contrast to the darkness she once held inside the cloak. Carefully, a gaze took her about those her stood near her causing more of those whispers. However, it was only whispers.
Soldiers were the first to notice beyond the stark white of her irises and the searing blonde that mirrored a ghostly reflection of memory in those that did not know her well enough. Soldiers were the only one to really understand that she had skill. Swords crossed in the pattern of a deadly intent when unsheathed from the curves of her back. The pair were nearly unique in style and power. Obsidian black glistened as she pulled them from the crossed sheaths along her back-up and over her head. The minuet she pulled them out, the blades began to glitter softly with a unique need to see blood spilt. Were they alive? Not really, but others didn?t know that. However, her swords were not the only thing left in her arsenal. The slings that tightly held over her chest also held smaller sheaths along her lower back concealing a set of daggers ready to throw into the heart of an enemy. Star graced the belt she wore low on her waist. Several other daggers smaller ones made to be pinched and thrown through minimal effort, yet deadly force, lined other place along her thighs and down along her leg. Many in the past asked whether she felt the weight of so much melt along her body. The answer was always the same a simple shake of the head along with the display of them actually handling one of the light weight material she used to make her weapons.
Silently, her arsenal carried much more than just daggers and blades. Her mental powers help as well, but that would have to wait to be shown when the battle became heated and she strived to save as many as she could from the rivers that ran red with the blood she would always remember.[/color]
-
Finishing his meal, and seeing his first attack do nothing more then mere superficial damge. The rage began to burn in his blood, some mage had been expecting them apparently. How nice, he had wanted a true fight, he had things to test out and he enjoyed playing with his prey before killing them. " Kamen bring me my bracers, I think we will have fun with Demise...." looking over Demise, he could see it would be tough to bring down, but not impossible. "
Set up defensive shielding along that line there, I want my men protected, we have little to expend here....." or did he, looking back to the gate, Matius remembered what Diago had said. " Our first efforts will be to both demorlize Demise and bring down it's walls. Load the catapults...." Matius smiled, for they had chopped up the bodies of those he killed. Now they were going to deliver the body parts back to Demise.
" Send them home boys.." the catapults were launched sending the body parts and guts flying over the Demise walls. " Almost reminds you of home doesn't it, blood and gore raining from the skies..." Matius was enjoying this more so then had thought he would. " Kamen bring me my sword as well.." Kamen came running back with both sword and bracers, placing them on his lord.
Matius walked over to the gate not sure how to use it. He touched the necklace to the gate and a loud hum was heard as the stone rippled becoming a liquid like substance as black as pitch. Almost instantly shadowy figures began to emerge from the gate, kneeling before Matius. He at first stepped back, but after they kneeled, he smiled and stood tall. More slaves to feed the maggots, Matius would command his own army this day.
The figures were pale, they had no eyes, and they wore strange black armor. The beings also seemed to be able to walk through the shadows, their blades reaked of disease. " You serve me now, find me a way for my army to get into Demise, now go!!" The figures departed, sinking into their own shadows, Matius turned and looked on Demise again. " Artuk go poison whatever water supplies you can find leading into Demise, Cel get the goblins, we'll send them in first, their expendable."
Matius laid out a map of the territory of Demise, he began to set markers for each of his leiutenants to take their divisions. " Have the orc slaves we brought take the battering ram to the gates, archers cover them, fire mages cover them as well. Sappers locate a weak point in the wall and blow it up, start setting up the siege towers, get the springals and arbalest, we'll speed up this war of attrition."
" Assassins I want that mage's head and bring me some Demise heads while your at it, see if you can get those gates open. Let loose another volley of arrows, launch the catapults as well, let's make as much noise as we can while they try to organize a defense." Matius was anxious to attack, but he needed a way in, the wall would not take long to destroy, but he wanted the streets to run red with blood now.
" I hate waiting" Matius knew the longer he waited the closer Prasutagus's army could be to marching up behind him, he didn't want to be tried for treason, not when he could capture all the glory for himself. There had to be a quicker way in, one that had to be right in front of his face, but he just wasn't seeing it.
The assassins put on their cloaks of invisibility as they headed off into the shadows towards the wall. They were skilled climbers so they could get in and find a to open the gates if possible. There was ten assassins in all, each were trained and skilled at what they did. They each carried their own little arsenal. The archers and catapults starting letting loose barrage after barrage. Matius would bury Demise beneath stone and wood if he had to, he knew how hard it was to work with such attacks going on around you. It would aid in their attack in various ways, the Darkthornes didn't have to sleep, but many of Demise's defenders did.
The sappers would look for the points where the wall connected to something, perhaps defense posts or around the gate itself. The more the wall was spread out the various weak points it had, it would be a center part they'd have to attack, they began to look for grates or waterways, sewage, anything that could possibly weaken the wall enough for an explosive charge to break it.
The goblins would simply act as a meat shield for the orcs, they used ladders to try to climb the wall. It was best to keep the defenders busy in multiple areas so they couldn't focus all their defense in one position. That way it allowed for a way in and a way in was a way to bring the house of cards down around them.
Matius had studied the various battle tactics of his ancestors, this situation had been encountered many times and it usually took three massive attacks before the defensive structures were overrun.
-
The portal opened revealing to Cebreese's prison army, the landscape of Demise in all it's splendor. His group were a rag-tag group of various criminals inprisoned for various reasons. They had all been enemies to the kingdom, or various city-states, and they were all high risks. They finally had to be sent to Latern's hold since it was the only prison that could hold them. It looked almost like some sick circus arriving. Cebreese didn't mind that he was the ringleader of a freak show. Appearing at the head of this legion of escaped criminals was Cebreese, the former Darkthorne lord. He alerted the Darkthornes that he'd been sent to help them, he knew they wouldn't turn down one who once led them to glory.
Cebreese walked through the Darkthornes who looked upon him, parting to give him way to their leader. He wasn't here to take command, he was here to aid, since it was part of his deal with the curator. He knew how deals with Darkthornes went, to betray the deal would no doubt send him back to the prison. Rotting in a dungeon was the last thing he wanted, even if he wouldn't be rotting outside. " My name is Cebreese Enroht formerly of Darkthorne, I've been sent to lend you aid if you should need it..I have with me a small force, mostly criminals and murderers, but all enemies to Velusia and the Blackthrones. I think they should come in useful, I'll keep to myself however, I'm not a very social person, so I'll leave you to leading your...army..while mine simply backs your's up."
Cebreese walked off not giving the general any time to reply to him, he didn't care anyway. He went back to his little group and told them to start getting their gear ready. He'd freed them so they could take their revenge on the kingdom which had taken away their freedom. If they wanted to rape and murder they could do it once they were in Demise, he didn't care. He wanted to leave, but he had no other choice, besides he wanted inside Demise just as bad as Matius. The chance to find someone he had fought before and see just how strong they'd become, to maybe find his end. His eyes scanned over the walls of Demise, it was almost like a flashback, back to the capital he'd taken years ago.
Cebreese would wait and see how this general worked before lending him any help. If he proved to be like most Darkthornes he'd let his ambition drive him all the way through.
-
Eduardo jumped down from the city walls, his shoulder burned, but it was nothing major. How could he have been an idiot and he should have had his kinetic barrier up. Blast it all, he'd learned the damned thing and had not used it in so long he'd forgotten it was the first measure of defense. He had some other tricks up his sleeves, but he remembered the Darkthorne's enchanted armor. It prevented massive attacks, he'd have to use his minor spells against them, for anything too powerful would be absorbed by the armor. The Darkthornes also had two or three generals at the head of seperate armies, this confused their enemies. He also remembered to never think the army you were fighting was it with the Darkthornes. They always saved a few more armies to come rushing in when they started losing. He hoped these Darkthornes were different or they'd have to evacuate the city.
Eduardo didn't dare clone himself with the Darkthornes around either, for their technique of corruption was made him a liability. He one of him was tainted then he'd have to fight an army of himself with an army of himself. This was another reason why Eduardo had left Velusia long ago, he knew the Darkthornes would come back some day. He didn't want to be around when they did because of what happened last time. Still he was here now fighting yet again, he noticed a woman being brought in by one of the guards. She seemed to be a fighter, from her eyes, her stance, maybe an assassin by the way she used intimidation. Either way he was glade to have some reinforcements, he just hoped his other selves could warn the rest of Velusia in time. They'd need reinforcements bad if they were going to defend Demise, it was limited in defenders as it was.
Also the Darkthornes were known to attack, by land,sea, and air, so far they were attacking by land. This was a good thing, if a sky force came they'd be cooked for sure. He could use some of his more powerful spells in defense, but he was limited in using them for attack. That blasted armor kept him to having to use his weaker spells in mass just to do enough damage. He hoped the Demise rulers knew alot of about the Darkthorne or else they'd be out on a limb as well. Physical damage was one of the keys to defeating Darkthornes as well as turning back every different attack they applied. They were an evolving army, when one thing didn't work they'd try another almost instantly. This is why they were feared in the lands for they were hard as hell to hold off once they set their mind to an attack.
Eventually they'd take Demise, it had happened with every city the Darkthornes had attacked in the past. Perhpas leading them further into Velusia would be a good thing though. It'd be easier for reinforcements to arrive, also if they cut off the Darkthorne army then they could contain them and slowly wear them down. At least the Darkthornes were not attacking with a tarasque this time. They'd left a destroyed ruin of the last town he was in when they attacked. They'd found the town had many powerful defenders, so they attacked every which way, and unleashed a tarasque on the city. When the defenders had finally defeated the monster and pushed back the army enough, four other armies came in to reinforce the Darkthornes. They were nasty, but worthy opponents all the same, still they gave him a headache.
As the catapults ammunition came down, Eduardo began to cast a spell to thicken the air above the main city. This would slow the balls down, he could blast them out of the air now or simply let them roll off whatever buildings they touched. This spell was a simple spell nothing major, but it wouldn't last long either. He added a little buoyancy into the spell as well to make the balls seem lighter then they were. The spell would also pretty much stop arrows, it would buy them some time. His mind began to work a speed not many could match already preparing ten spells in case they should try anything different. He was lucky he was an alien to this realm, otherwise he might be limited in what he could do magically and psionically. He pulled the arrow out, and looked to the purplish blood on it's tip, thank god the arrows were not tainted.
His wound began to heal itself, hopefully they wouldn't use any kind of darkness magic either. That weaken his spells greatly, and cold magic that'd pretty much stop him in his tracks. They didn't use those so he had little to worry about in that area. However enough damage and he could fall just like the rest in this town. He'd stay close to this woman for now, it was best to pair up with someone when fighting the Darkthornes. Course why couldn't it have been drows...or simply orcs, why Darkthornes? He hated Darkthornes...he mumbled under his breath as he jumped back up onto the city walls above the woman. " Hey you better watch outh these Darkthornes are not your run of the mill warriors, their pretty tenacious." He said down towards the lady and the guards, he hoped they all listened to him.
-
No sooner had those words fled her lips than, suddenly, the Queen of Velusia was overcome by a bout of dizziness. Gasping, her leaned forward a hand clasping the table for dear life as the room faded away and before her lay the scene of Vahn, Einar and Raven. Confused she watched as Einar struggled with some unseen thing. First he collapsed to one knee, and finally he fell all together. Mentally she cried out, the realization he may be under attack causing her great concern. She wanted to reach for him, to bring him back his strength but she could do no more than simply stare helplessly as he fought his own battle.
When finally his words came free, those bloody hands helping him to rise once again she knew what it was that was happening. The Darkthornes had regained something lost and with that renewed power they would be far more difficult to repel much less, defeat. But how was she witness to this scene? Those visionary eyes moved to the small amulet glittering about his neck. She had known it to be enchanted, weaving her mind and soul with that of the bearer she gifted it too. If she could see him..then perhaps he could see or hear her as well?
' Einar, the amulet...remember the amulet. Grip it whenever you have need of me....grip it and I will never be far away..'
She could only pray he could hear her or even feel her presence. Her light would be his greatest strength while in the lands of Darkthorne. She only hoped he would realize this sooner...rather than later.
Just as quickly as the scene came on it faded away the room slowly coming back into view. Ever so slowly her hand would release its death grip on the table's edge as her eyes moved to the hand on her shoulder asking if she were alright. turning her gaze up the arm she met with the concerned gaze of Cordelia and nodded.
" Aye, I am fine but, " turning to look at Honor with a grim look, " What we are facing now is nothing compared to what is coming Honor. Darkthorne is coming...and they bring the old magics with them. "
The room suddenly went deathly quiet as all the general eyes widened at this news. The old magics? There were few who have not heard the stories and even fewer who did not dread the day that ancient power would come back within thier grasp. This would not be a war about power...it was now a war of survival. Quietly she bent her head and murmured a soft prayer to Gaia.
" Gaia..give us strength..."
( Posted in Belgada as well. )
-
Cordelia gasped at the Blackthorne's reaction, immediately standing over her, she waved her handkerchief back and forth to give Reinne a small breeze. "My Lady!" she exclaimed.
"Aye, I am fine but, " turning to look at Honor with a grim look, " What we are facing now is nothing compared to what is coming Honor. Darkthorne is coming...and they bring the old magics with them. "
The room suddenly went deathly quiet as all the general eyes widened at this news. The old magics? There were few who have not heard the stories and even fewer who did not dread the day that ancient power would come back within thier grasp. This would not be a war about power...it was now a war of survival. Quietly she bent her head and murmured a soft prayer to Gaia.
"Gaia..give us strength..."
Honor only nodded. At the moment there was still balance in the universe; when it finally comes, she would have to attend matters as a Gregori, not a queen. Vahn would have to take the reigns of leadership.
"Your majesty, I highly suggest crossing the Criex into the veil, you can be afforded better protection there." Her minister of finance urged, a twitchy fellow was alway fidgeting with the cuff of his sleeve or something in his pocket.
"Minister Aronnax, your concern is touching but we refuse to abandon Cazeneuve so early in the game."
A courier stepped through the door as the Shard closed it behind him, he kneeled in front of the assembly and lowered his gaze to the floor. "Madame, Captain Alonzo has moblized the infantry. Vitus has the Orek going east. General Blackshear has just reported that he is taking his men on the westside of the providence."
One of generals bristled in indignation. "Running away?! That is in opposite direction of the seige. Why in heaven's name would they do that?"
"It is brilliant," Cordelia giggled, then covered her mouth realizing that she spoke out of place.
"Go ahead," Honor smiled at Cordelia urging her to continue. "Explain to my venerated counselors what you mean."
Cordelia bobbed politely, scooted Minister Aronnax out of his chair forcing him to stand as she took a seat and waved her hand over the projection to move out to an overview of the whole kingdom. "Yes, my liege, with pleasure. General Blackshear and Vitus must have the same idea as her majesty." Nodding at Reinne. "Since the Darkthorne general has not been subtle about his approach and has spead his forces to cover most of the wall that is not inside the veil. It has left his forces venerable. If I know Vitus half as well as you do, my lady, I would speculate that the Ortek and Shard are coming out the otherside of the veil to flank the enemy and engage them with overwhelming force." The lady-in-waiting leaned back in the chair stretching out her legs underneath the table crossed her ankles and arms looking rather smug. "What you mean that you did not recognize that strategy, Lord Trenchard?"
The financial minister tapped Cordelia on her shoulder. "May I have my seat back?"
"Yes of course, Minister Aronnax." Cordelia hid her disappointment rising from the table, resuming her place at Honor's shoulder.
"Merci, Cordelia. You explaination has been most entertaining," Honor said with amusement then expression turned serious, her attention back to the messenger. "You may rise, young man. What is your name?"
The young man was speechless and started stammering unable to believe that he had the complete attention of the goddess with stars in her eyes. "I...Ia..Ian, my lady."
"Ian, please rise. Thank you for the information."
He was nearly swooning, somehow he made it to his feet. "Th..th..thank you." The boy bowed and scraped repeatedly before backing into the door.
Honor raised her hand to her lips, smiling, sharing a look with the Blackthorne queen. "Poor boy." As quick as it came, her expression grew sober once again watching the rain of blood and body parts rain over the walls. "Queen Reinne. Your cousel is very prudent. General Trechard have all troupes employ fire setting up the seige weapons where my lady suggested. Forwat please send out salamanders and other elementals to protect our rivers and dam the Chiron and the Criex to prevent tainting of our water supply, take care of any other loose ends I might have forgotten."
The two advisors rose from their chairs and bowed deeply to their sovereign before taking their leave, brooding with the horrible future that lay ahead.
"I had forgotten war was so tedious," Honor muttered with a sigh, on one level she was already bored with the whole affair. She left the warmongering up to the warmongers. "I need by brother's counsel."
She tapped on the table, "Le Comte...Vahn..are you there?" The table changed to view the desolate landscape of the Darkthorne lands, focusing on her brother. "Ah there you are my darling brother..." Her voice trailed off watching him in his manic state. Honor sat up ramrod straight. Dash the kingdom or the rest of the world, her precious brother was in immediate danger. Rising from her chair, she was poised for action, "I must go to him."
-
Reinne could barely restrain the smirk that threatened to ease across her face. Despite her dis - ease with certain aspects of Honor Demise's persona, she found she was beginning to like the woman and respect her as an equal. Cordelia was the perfect companion, she was almost jealous. ....Almost. As Honor brought up the image of Vahn and the others Reinne leaned forward watching intently and seeing nothing but Vahn fighting something unseen.
Upon Honor's declaration that she must go to him Reinne stood up and in a tone she did not mean to be so harsh exclaimed, " No!"
The look on Honor's face caused her to wince at the harshness of her tone. Quickly she explained.
" There is nothing you can do to aid him. In my studies of the ancient tomes, I read about the defenses of the Darkthorne lands against those not of thier kind. These defenses are tricky and set to attack each individual differently. Your brother is caught by one that is nothing more than an illusion. His own nightmares come to life in his own mind. If you were to enter, you would be caught as well. This would prove to be foolhardy. Is there anyway you can reach him mentally? If you can reach his mind you may be able to aid him in defeating his own worst fears. By doing so he would be immune to such an attack as that again."
She paused gauging Honor's reaction to her words before adding a bit of fuel to the fire..so to speak.
" Besides, I am almost certain your brother would not have Demise fall so soon after being revived. I think it would be best if you aided him from here while we crush this first wave of invasion. I have faith that Einar and he will make it out of there alive and successful."
-
Reinne's harsh 'no' snapped Honor into a more rational mind. For a second she was young again standing between Reagan, Reagan with a bottle in his hand ready to cut his younger, beaten brother to pieces. Games in the Demise household had always had darker connotations.
She blinked, weighing Reinne's advice and frowned. "We have no telepathic connection. I cannot stand idly by and watch my brother be attacked -illusion or not."
-
Reinne blanched at Honor's admission that she and Vahn did not have such an ability. Mentally she chastised herself for not thinking before speaking, not everyone had the ability as she and Shamus had. Running a hand through her curls she chewed on the side of her nail while pondering what to do. An idea spawned in her head, but would it work? Turning to Honor once more she murmured.
" Get everyone out...except Cordelia. I have an idea."
She would wait for Honor to rid the room of all other presence except Cordelia before she spoke more freely of her idea.
" What I am about to suggest will be very taxing not only on myself but you as well mentally. My telepathic ability is strong..I think I have a good chance of opening a two way channel between yourself and Vahn, but I must have absolute silence. Cordelia..I will need you to make sure no one interrupts us. Please gaurd the door."
Moving towards Honor she took her hands within her own.
" Do you trust me?"
It was the question of all questions to ask someone who barely knew you..but it was necessary for this to work.
-
" Get everyone out...except Cordelia. I have an idea."
The generals and advisors did not move. Honor was running out of patience, "Are you deaf? Get OUT."
She would wait for Honor to rid the room of all other presence except Cordelia before she spoke more freely of her idea.
" What I am about to suggest will be very taxing not only on myself but you as well mentally. My telepathic ability is strong..I think I have a good chance of opening a two way channel between yourself and Vahn, but I must have absolute silence. Cordelia..I will need you to make sure no one interrupts us. Please gaurd the door."
The confidante scurried over to the door and bolted it. "Oui, Madame Blackthorne with my life."
Moving towards Honor she took her hands within her own.
" Do you trust me?"
What choice did she have? There was not a moment to waste. Inhaling deeply, the Demise queen nodded her head affirmatively.
"Oh mistress please be careful."
Honor laughed humorlessly, "Of course I will, Cordelia, do not fret...I am ready, Reinne. Let us begin."
-
Matius had heard the words of Cebreese, he didn't mind having Cebreese on his side, it boosted moral for his men. However to have to share the glory with Cebreese was something he did not like. He wouldn't share the glory with Cebreese, so he would have to dispatch him after they took Demise. Or he could get Cebreese killed in battle, which would boost the moral even more. " Natilom send word to Cebreese to march his army to the right around Demise and begin an attack on their flank. We'll pin Demise from from both sides and force them to flee or die. General Othe take part of our forces and go around their left, meet Cebreese at their flank. Sappers...new mission...load the catapults with explosives." Matius turned to the gate and summoned up more creatures to fight for him. He gave on a special set of arrows and said, " Your first mission is to hit that mage with this null shard, then I want you to take out Cebreese and make sure with Cebreese you cover all evidence of how and who killed him understand?"
The creature shook it's head and began to shadow walk towards Demise. The null shard would prevent the mage from using his magic, this would help his effort in preventing Demise from defending itself. Without the aid of the mage's magic, Demise might just fall within a few hours. It was time to step up the game, no holding back now, he had seen what Demise was capable of so far. It lacked the dedication to battle as the Darkthorne forces did, they were too busy coming up with a way to out smart him no doubt. So he would continue to change his tactics, make it hard for them to figure him out. " Let's throw them some tainted animal parts, I want to see how many we can turn to our side." The catapults were armed with explosives attachted to Darkthorne infected animal corpses. The resulting explosions would splatter those present in the blood of Darkthorne, and begin to change them into their own enemies.
" For the glory of Darkthorne let us crush Demise once and for all.."
-
Reinne nodded and continued to hold Honor's hands within her own. Soon those eyes closed as she worked to find that hidden passage within Honor's mind hoping to unlock it. She never got that far. Cordelia suddenly gasped causing Reinne to stumble a bit dragging Honor with her. Shooting a look to Cordelia , she glowered
" I said.."
" But Your highness...look!"
Reinne's eyes followed the path of the pointing digit just in time to see Einar tackle Vahn and tumble out of the crystallis's grasp. A weary smile touched her lips as she looked to Honor and murmured.
" Seems we are not needed afterall. I feel that they will do well together."
Her head pounded form the sudden jolt back into her own mind but she refused to show the pain caused and merely continued to smile as she finally released Honor's hands. Turning back to the table she glanced at Honor and grinned before murmuring to the projection.
"Show me the Darkthorne army outside the gates."
The projectin blinked, fading to black then coming back to the scene just outside Demise city. Reinne made a quick study of the scene and growled.
" They are loading up dead animal parts in the catapults. Something tells me those are not -just- animal parts anymore."
Without further words she burst from the table and ran to the window literally throwing open the shutters. Without further ado she climbed into the sill and glanced back to Honor and Cordelia.
" Meet me on the Battlements!"
Then she leapt from the window, likely, much to their surprise. In mid fall her form mutated, arms taking on feathers, feet developing talons, a beak replacing the nose, her entire being taking on the form a large golden eagle seconds before colliding with the ground. Taking to the air, while remaining low enough her form could not be seen from the other side of the sity walls she navigated, dipping to and fro between the buildings until she was at the mid height of the stairs of the battlements. Landing she quickly transformed back, revealing her human form crouched on the stairs.
Throwing her head up she dashed up the stone steps and slid to a halt just above the gates. Those doe brown eyes glowed suddenly, a power deep within her form coming to life instaneously. With naught but a mere push of will she called up a wall of wind which started at the wall's edge, that was the force of four hurricanes. Winds thrashed and beat down on the catapults minions, and anything else there at speed of up to threehundred miles per hour. It would be like being stuck inside an F5 tornado. Trees were being uprooted and hurled at the denzions. Tents would shread as the stakes would lose their grip on the ground taking flight like kites out of control. But the most important thing was, that if they did not do something to counter it, the catapults would flip backwards and members of the army would be lifted from the ground and hurled for miles backwards driving them away from Demise.
Even if they did manage to keep the catapults put, the tainted animal parts would not make it past the wall as the winds would merely send them back from whence they came or force them to drop right there at the base of the city walls.
In all of this, one thing was certain, the warrior in the Queen of Velusia had just ben rudely awakened...and hell hath no fury like a warrior woman scorned.
" You want a war? Well you just got one you miserable excuses for living beings!"
-
Matius watched the tornado like wall do damage to his troops, he decided it was time. Matius's eyes became black as his form changed to a evil reflection of what he once was. Bones jutted out of his shoulders, an eye opened within the armor on his chest. Black blood poured down from his eyes, rows of sharp teeth revealed themselves in his grin. His skin went grey as black veins traveled down through out his form. He touched the ground and with his own will summoned up a reflection of her wall of wind, only spinning in an opposite fashion to cancel out her's. As he finished this, his form reverted back to normal and he ordered a soldier to hand him the spyglass. Looking up to the woman standing there he smirked, " So we have a Blackthorne in Demise...whoever she is I shall teached her to spoil my fun."
Matius began to pop his fingers as he closed his eyes, almost as soon as he did this, snow began to fall over Demise. The air became chilled, and ice started to form over the water. A black wind howled past the Darkthorne army, Matius was there over them, his body a mere focus. This form was one which took a great deal of his power to perfect, it would however be one of his most powerful attacks. " Omega Fireball " was the spell he was preparing, he began to become a living conduit, energy flowing through him into one massive spot just over Demise. The large vortex this spell caused would make the clouds over head seem to twirl about into a center mass. He began to manipulate the energy forcing it to change into what he wanted. A large red dot appeared in the sky overhead, slowly that dot formed into a fiery sun that began it's decent towards Demise.
Placing his force of will behind the ball, he guided it towards the form of Reinne. This attack wasn't even aimed at Demise, even though it could destroy it. He was aiming this attack squarely at Reinne for the simple action of attacking his troops. No one defied Matius, especially not an enemy, a blood enemy at that. Matius's eyes opened as he was able to released his grip upon the fireball, for it was falling in the right direction. Matius smiled, and ordered his mages to place the psionic shields over their army, if she deflected it, he would not have his army wiped out merely because of his anger. The psi-mages gave him the okay and he ordered a halt in the attack so that he could watch the event unfold. Death by fire, the Darkthornes were known as destroyers, they'd crushed many cities into oblivion. This is how they did it, by bringing forth the flame of hate from the stronghold's heart.
" Burn, burn, burn..." Matius sat there rubbing his black, gloved hands together awaiting the response. If she successfully defended against this attack he would simply order a full on assualt on the city of Demise. For he would want her head himself, he'd even go after it.
-
The war was engaged on what some could have called an almost epic scale. But it wasn't really... Not to those who knew what real horror could look like, who knew what powers could really be mustered. Did Cebreese find this war over the Demise estate to be such a thing? A mere specticle of blood and gore for the entertainment of not only himself but of all Darkthornes in general? To think that Cebreese had come to this war to fight along side the Darkthornes fueled him a bit.
But what was fueled? His anger, his hate, his evil intentions against the man? Hardly... Those werent the thoughts that prevailed over him now, but rather the thoughts of sherely fighting. Not for glory, not for power. Nor was it for the sake of killing needlessly. He wasn't here for revenge, he wasn't here to be a hero. He was simply here to fight. A fight of willpower, of heart and soul. His fight he wanted was simply for the mere sake of a challenge. And thats exactly what he saw in Cebreese, a challenge.. A man so unlike himself that it was nearly sickening, All men portrayed good and evil in some ways, but here there was to be a better good fighting against a darker evil... Adrian wanted Cebreese in battle, that was the pure hard truth.
Stepping fully into the middle of the battle now, he was halfway into the Darkthorne territory of warriors. a veil dropping from the man as he came from practically nowhere. That alone was not a spectacular feat to endeavor upon as so many here could do the same thing. But the thought that he came alone, despite Reese' plees for him to bring soldiers with him. That had to be the ultimately lunacy to step head on into battle without any sort of backup. Perhaps an obligation to try and protect as many as he could for as long as he could, so that those in Lochland had a better chance for preparations? Wouldn't they all need to be prepared if these foul creatures were to get past them at this point. This was the stepping stone for the Darkthornes to take over the entire land.
Dark emerald eyes peered out from beneath an emerald green helmet, golden horns coming from the temples of the helms to curve inwards and out a bit. His armor was of medium grade, all of it gold and emerald, the gold just accenting the edges of the armor, while the green caught what light was allowed and refracted it slightly to create shadows about more of his demeanor. The armor upon full inspection was strange to say the least, since it really wasnt that of either Demise nor Blackthorne. But rather looked like something that should have been worn by a Darkthorne, as the legs of the armor were plated on the sides, a green drape hanging in the front. The knuckles of the gauntlets wore spikes upon them, while the knee of the greaves did the same.
A rather strange spear was held in his right hand, as it wasn't a spear of modern standards.. The spear appeared to be the length of a longsword, skinny at the handle, while bulging out as an array of multicolored prism of gems manifested a circle within the center, before the cotaining spear would then become long and pointed, thus giving it a spear-like visage. Indeed, he was strange among the battle, looking upon either side.. But would either side know who this man truly was. Better yet, would Cebreese know who he was in this concealing armor which only let those eyes.. Those dark emeralds fabricated so brightly in the darkness...
The Darkthornes, slightly disorientated from Reinne's attack not started to regain their understanding of what was going on again as few took notice of this new figure hiding within their own numbers... A goblin came charging him first, his shrieks irritating to the ears as Adrian's emerald eyes began to scowl the battlefield for Cebreese. It was as though he was paying no heed to the goblin that was charging him with axe held high. The goblin having drawn near swung his axe in a downwards arc towards the left shoulder of Adrian from behind, and without so much as glimpsing back to look for the attack, Adrian leaned slightly right and rolled his left shoulder backwards, watching the axe come down to hit the ground as the goblin turned his head to look up. The goblins eyes went wide in gastly horror as Adrians left hand palmed the goblins face, and began to squeeze.
Blood gushed into the air as the sound of bones cracking and brains spurting hung out into the air. The blood of the goblin layed itself over the left side of his body, as he dropped the cadeaver to the floor, finally spotting Cebreese on this field... He shifted his body and began to walk in that general direction, few of the goblins who had noticed him becoming wary of approaching so hastely. But those monsters had to attack him didn't they? Save a Darkthorne would come kill them... Another goblin came charging head on towards this green and gold knight, only to have the figures left hand come down against the figures left side of his neck, in a backhand of sorts that instantly broke the neck of the creature, sending it too to the ground to embrace death.
But their death wasn't to be such a peicefull one, as when the figure passed the corpses the souls were being tugged at, literally ripped from their body, pouring straight into the spear that he held in his hand. With each death that was layed claim on the battlefield, this spear would devour the souls, devour them to do what though? That would remain a mystery for now.
One hushed step after another, he kept his eyes focused on Cebreese, emerald orbs beginning to radiate with his anticipation and eagerness to face the man... A green miasma of sorts began to trail itself at the corner of his eyes, psionic attributes beginning to soar as the man would now roar, "Cebreese!" His psionic avatar became brighter by the second, but only to those who knew psionics.. Those who could see what some would call a mental aura. How had he known Cebreese name? He was one of the damndable being who had locked him away in that dungeon.. He was the one who had killed his wife and child... And while one would have sought revenge, he just sought closure... Who was to be the stronger of the two.
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Elsewhere a soldier of Blackthorne came running into the room where Honor Demise was, panting heavily as he was a rather rotund man of what some could consider jolly stature. He rested his hands on his knees, bent over a bit as he gasped for bits of air.. He didn't bother to introduce himself, nor say what station he was with, but rather just began to tell her what she and Reinne must know.
"My Lady..." He paused a bit, standing up completely and saluting as he looker more composed now. He continued. "My Lady. The gentlemen vested within Darkthorne territory came via Reese. He has stationed men of the Blackthorne ranks on both flanks of the Darkthorne ranks. The Knight has said that once Darkthornes get close to the wall, blow the horn thrice and they shall attack the Darkthornes from the sides, putting the Darkthornes at odds against a three front battle." The portly man then placed out his hand, holding out a horn to the woman.
So all had not been as it had seamed now? Adrian hadm't come alone, he hadn't left an army behind to fight them alone, he wouldn't. They were hidden beanth a veil of their own, ready to attack at whim. But first... The heads of Darkthornes needed to be cut off...
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-
Cebreese's boots were made from what was known as vibranium, each and every part of his amor was made from a different metal. Each metal had it's purpose to increase his already powerful skills. Taking up his halbred, Cebreese looked over the battlefield, sending out a wave of lightning towards some of the defenders running up to the top of the wall. Cebreese received word from the Darkthorne leader for him to move his army around and attack them from behind. Cebreese tossed the letter aside and pushed the messenger back off his feet into the mud. " Fool...fine." Cebreese turned to his army and said, " we move.." he began to lead them towards the direction he'd been given. Summoning up a kinetic shield about him, he would let his attacker's energy be absorbed and redirected to him. Their energy would become his, he would use their own strength against them.
Cebreese's force began their march, casting their spells as they moved and launching various types of projectiles at their enemy. They truly were a unique army, each had their own history and skils, each deemed dangerous to society. As Cebreese's force moved a nimbus began to form about Cebreese, that could only signal one thing. That blasted Blackthorne had somehow escaped his prison, Cebreese smirked. The two had both endured a lot and both been placed in prison after prison, life was not easy for either of them. They were almost like brothers, Adrian, he'd come all this way to fight Cebreese. Cebreese formed a psionic avatar of himself to seek out Adrian, he could hear him calling.
" Adrian, I see you've escaped your prison, next time I'll have to make sure your placed in another realm as well so that you have no chance of escaping." Cebreese's voice carried out across the airwaves, it's signature was meant for one mind and one only.
-
" Seems we are not needed afterall. I feel that they will do well together."
Feeling Reinne on verge of opening the door to her psyche, Honor tensed as the unconsceince defenses froze over the door locking her most private self behind sheets of cold black ice. Cordelia's voice was a welcome reprieve, not wanting to probe in her own mind fearing old demons safely under lock and key. Honor heaved a sigh of relief and open her eyes, gilding back over to the table she listened for a moment before turning back to Reinne, "You are right. I cannot be expected to rescue him every time that he gets into trouble. Old habits die hard."
Her head pounded form the sudden jolt back into her own mind but she refused to show the pain caused and merely continued to smile as she finally released Honor's hands. Turning back to the table she glanced at Honor and grinned before murmuring to the projection.
"Show me the Darkthorne army outside the gates."
Cordelia opened the liquor cabinet and mixed wine with a measure of contents from a blue medicine bottle handing one respectively to her mistress and the other to the Blackthorne queen. The Demise queen drained the glass and handed back to the confidante.
The projectin blinked, fading to black then coming back to the scene just outside Demise city. Reinne made a quick study of the scene and growled.
" They are loading up dead animal parts in the catapults. Something tells me those are not -just- animal parts anymore."
Without further words she burst from the table and ran to the window literally throwing open the shutters. Without further ado she climbed into the sill and glanced back to Honor and Cordelia.
" Meet me on the Battlements!"
Then she leapt from the window, likely, much to their surprise. In mid fall her form mutated, arms taking on feathers, feet developing talons, a beak replacing the nose, her entire being taking on the form a large golden eagle seconds before colliding with the ground. Taking to the air, while remaining low enough her form could not be seen from the other side of the sity walls she navigated, dipping to and fro between the buildings until she was at the mid height of the stairs of the battlements. Landing she quickly transformed back, revealing her human form crouched on the stairs.
The lady-in-waiting gasped and observed the Blackthorne behave with reckless abandon for her own person. "Madame Blackthorne!"
Honor laughed. "Excitable sort isn't she? I had better go with her to make sure that her enthusiasm does not threaten to undo her. Do not join me upon the battlements. Bring the advisors back in and oversee the execution of my directives until Vitus, Vahn or myself return."
"Oui, mistress." If Cordelia had any knowledge of what dangerous thoughts were swimming through her mistress's head, she would have pitied the Darkthornes. Cordelia obediently attended Queen Honor placing her black riding coat of her queen's royal shoulders studying her soveriegn's beautiful zen expression as Honor prepared.
Elsewhere a soldier of Blackthorne came running into the room where Honor Demise was, panting heavily as he was a rather rotund man of what some could consider jolly stature. He rested his hands on his knees, bent over a bit as he gasped for bits of air.. He didn't bother to introduce himself, nor say what station he was with, but rather just began to tell her what she and Reinne must know.
Shard and her generals came in behind the man with repeating crossbows and swords at the ready. Since he did not give the necessary courtsey of introductions they were unwilling to risk the safety of their sovereign to someone even as non-threatening as this little man. Coredia frowned grimly at the uninvited guest and stepped in front of her mistress.
"My Lady..." He paused a bit, standing up completely and saluting as he looker more composed now. He continued. "My Lady. The gentlemen vested within Darkthorne territory came via Reese. He has stationed men of the Blackthorne ranks on both flanks of the Darkthorne ranks. The Knight has said that once Darkthornes get close to the wall, blow the horn thrice and they shall attack the Darkthornes from the sides, putting the Darkthornes at odds against a three front battle." The portly man then placed out his hand, holding out a horn to the woman.
Cordelia snatched it from his hands inspecting the horn. "Merci," she replied snippily bobbing her mass of white blonde hair effectively dismissing the man. The lady-in-waiting looked past the gentleman to a severe looking man with angluar features.
"He is telling the truth in his preception. I sense no obfuscation."
"Merci, Master Arnica. Everyone please retire into the hallway." Of course, everyone except Cordelia.
Honor took one last appraisal over the battlefield on the table. Darkthorne's armies had no idea they were running straight into the Demise and Blackthorne armies. "Excellent," She smiled, yet the light never seemed to reach her stormy eyes. Honor's eyes are not the window into her soul. The Demise queen's preternatural calculation was a stark contrast to the Blackthorne queen's implusiveness. Strolling over to the window, Honor put on her gloves and stepped up on the window's edge, motioning for the horn and attached it to her belt.
"Oh Cordelia, when you get a chance, please put my hat away. I don't want some stupid fool sitting on it." With that, Honor levitated out the window. Cordelia smiled and waved. The court would be scandalized at the thought of their Queen was going into the middle of danger unchaperoned.
Honor floated down gracefully never touching the ground. She moved past the Church of the Divine Resurrection. The large doors burst open, men in black cassocks poured out. An unexpected but necessary delay, the priest could be useful. She rose high enough for the gathering to see her unobstructed, light burst forth from her fingertips trailing them across her head and over the assembly. The light served two purposes: a little psycho-pomp securing her image as goddess incarnate to the holy men, and ward of protection.
"These filthy heretics are trying to poison the good people of Demise. Go forth and cleanse our consencrated city. Your Lady blesses you."
Honor called down the corners and summon two of her astral protectors on the material plane. The first emerged from the plane with a crack of thunder, intimidating to behold. He was a tall being wearing a black robe. On his head he wore a nemyss and around his neck, a red amulet that reflected the heat of the sun. He carried a dark rod in his right hand and glowing cup in his left, his full wings bright silver.
The other's head was hard to make out because it was surrounded by a glowing saffon aura. An incredible figure to behold, the being appeared to glow brighter until its whole body was engulfed in radiance. His features were hard to distiguish due ot his luminosity, in his hand held a flaming sword.
The church officals prostrated themselves in from of the Demise Queen praising and worshipping her as the Queen of Heaven, reborn to lead them into another Age. She motioned for the Archbishop to step forward. He approached kissing the hem of her cloak exclaiming passionately, "Merciful Lady, thank you for visiting this unworthy parrish!"
Honor favored them with smile and reached out to touch his hand. "No, your Eminence. Thank you for your unwaivering devotion. I charge your Church with cleansing the streets of disease, keeping the dead in their place and unpunishing the heretics that would destroy the sacrosanct."
"By our troth it will be done," the Archbishop kneeled in devotion before their revered Queen. The ecclesiastical assembly broke ranks and retreated into the church to prepare to deliver their goddess's will. Priests, monks and flagelets would heal, purify, fight, torture and die in her service and now that she has given her sacred favor their efforts would be nothing if fanatical.
Rather than dispelling her golden circle of protection, she exhaled, her breath forming steam in the cold air concentrating on extending the magic like a golden disc, with every exhalation it grew bigger, bigger than the district around the royal manor, one more breath and it enlarged to encompass Le Academe, larger and larger as she closed her eyes reaching out to the heaven in concentration. Her protectors flew swirling and diving around her while she levatated in the middled like a primordal atom. Honor fed off her guardian's power, she could feed of any magicks --negative, positive to a Chaos mage the nature of magic was inconsquential, all was fuel to be warped, shaped by the Chaos wizard. The astral protectors guided her safely to Reinne's side just as Cordelia bounded up the steps.
She knew that she had disobeyed her mistress's will, however she knew that Honor's singular focus would keep her from conveying the Blackthorne emissary's message. "MADAME BLACKTHORNE!" Cordeia exclaimed jumping to unhook the horn from Honor's belt and tossed it to Reinne, crossing the space between them she shivered.
"The Mistress will handle the Darkthorn defenses. An Emassary from a Blackthrone Knight has said that once Darkthornes get close to the wall, blow the horn thrice and they shall attack the Darkthornes from the sides, putting the Darkthornes at odds against a three front battle. The Shard and Ortek have engaged the enemy with fire as you requested."
The protective disc curved concave upwards the fireball. The wind tore at Honor's ribbon, pulling her long ebony tresses free. The Darkthorne general was kind enough to be her living conduit. She feed freely from the magic that he created, the fireball, engulfing the fiery ball with white-hot intensity, unmaking it. The snow stopped. The air warmed uncomfortably as the sphere hovered above Demise like a young sun. As quick as the sphere had been shaped the magic poured into the aristocrat, Honor screamed lashing out a massive attack on the very heart of Darkthorne psi-mages and magical practioners, perverting their casting ability, stripping them of magics. Fire leapt from her fingertips, if uncheck the army at the gates would truly be cleansed by fire. Opening her eyes, Honor's eyes glowed bright blue, her face was flush with excitement as full lips curved into a smile pure of sadistic pleasure. Their pain was her pleasure. "This is MY realm, Darkthorne, MY rules."
-
Having witnessed the fireball fail as well, Matius felt it was time to stop playing kid's games. The Darkthorne army would not be withheld any longer, he himself had a vast magical reserve, protected by a transplanar barrier, if they could not have mass mages do his bidding then he would show them what his father Coldheart had taught him. Every plane was connected to another plane, like layers, Matius angry at the two women that seemed to stop his every effort, now exceeded his power. The spell itself was dangerous, more so then he would like, but he would not be stopped, not when he was this close. Matius closed his eyes and stood on the battlefield in his mind, he followed the image to it's location on plane of shadows. The plane where the Darkthornes were deeply rooted, there he took each and every soldier of Darkthorne moved them to different locations and cast. The army around Matius would seem to vanish and reappear within Demise.
Matius stood on the battlement with a small force of fifty appearing behind the city gates. He fell to his knees, foaming at the mouth, veins pulsed in his eyes and it was plain he had used power he shouldn't have. Standing up, he took out a small flask and drank heavily from it. The replenishing blood was all it took for him to feel back to speed again. " Take them, open the gates and let the streets run red." Matius turned to the Blackthorne female that had assualted his catapults earlier, " You little bitch how dare you think you can stop my army, you and that other filthy tramp. I'm Matius Darkthorne, remeber that name for it will be the last you hear!" Matius turned to the remaining forces and ordered a full scale charge, " bring in the siege towers, get over this wall now or I shall have your heads!"
Matius pulled his cloak about him, his form shifting into a small ball with segmented armor plating. Spikes jutted out from the ball that began to roll towards Reinne. He was immune to physical damage, and the armor made from the meteor Hecatite found in Belgada, was resistant against psionics and magic. This was his attack he normally saved for a foe hard to kill or for a means of escaping battle. The mere fact he was using this, either meant he was not underestimating his foe, or he'd become enraged beyond words. In this form he was limited to just what he could do, he couldn't kill a person, unless they were a complete and utter idiot. The armor had a property about it that made blows to it bounce back. Matius was a cold hearted snake, when it came to battle.
The towers slowly began to make their way towards the walls of Demise while those select few Matius had chosen to bring with him, began to cause chaos in the streets. Now one could truly say that battle had begun, Matius did not know of reinforcements coming for either side, he considered this his battle and his glory. He would run the Blackthorne right over should she not move, if she did, his archers knew of his form, they took aim with their arrows at the battlement and fired. Knowing that their lord was protected, but the Blackthorne was not.
-
How unfair, thought Eduardo, okay thats it with a sigh and a dedicated motivation, Eduardo placed his hands together and exploded. Each and every piece of him began to move, slowly growing into more Eduardos, just enough to nearly out number the Darkthornes that appeared over the wall. Each Eduardo stood there naked for a moment, before summoning up some proper attire and weapons. They had reserves stored away in a nice little plane, each looked to one another. They remembered this, hadn't this happened once before somewhere else? Yes it had and yet again it would happen, the Eduardos charged the Darkthornes each taking their pick from the lot and engaging them in one on one battle.
The main Eduardo looked on with a sigh of loss as one Eduardo fell before three Darkthornes. The body began to melt away into a mass of roots and slime. " Farewell..myself?" Eduardo climbed down from the top of a house and blocked a blade aimed for his head with his sword, his sword was known as "Nature's Fury" given to him by the king of Velusia no less. He struck the Darkthorne in a counter-attack that caused, fire, ice, and electricity as well as a variety of other elemental attacks to happen all at once. The Darkthorne fell to dust before him as he turned to head towards the gates and defend them. " Eduardos to the gates, defend them at all costs the gates keep them from us..or it's susposed to unless they teleport like they just did.." Eduardo made his way towards the gates, his first action was to place a kinetic seal around the gates, preventing anything from happening to them.
His second action was to fend for his life as Darkthornes rushed him like a starving dog to a pork chop. He barely managed to escape three or more blades coming at him at once. He found that getting them to clash with each other's blades worked well as he ducked and scurried. Why am I having to crawl like a rat, thought Eduardo. He stood up and ducked once more as two blades swung at his head. " It's the DeLioncourt mage, kill the traitor!" traitor, Eduardo only helped them once, because he had no other choice. Labeling him a traitor for not helping them when he never really was on their side to begin with was a bit much. It even offended his honor for them to see him as being a traitor. So he gutted one of them while he stabbed his blade into the eye of another.
Finding a stone upon the ground Eduardo picked it up, rubbing it in his hands and blowing on it, he held his hand out flat. The stone simply lay there, until he put a little psionic force behind it, with a flip of his finger. The rock screamed through the air at mach speed going through a few of the Darkthornes, the vortex it caused made a mess of their remains. That was a simple spell and it always had effect on them, but Eduardo new once the battlefield was littered with corpses, the Darkthornes had another attack which involved the dead. He couldn't quite remember what it was though, he remembered they used it once before, so it might be best to get rid of some of their bodies. He began to send them to a nearby volcano, in fact it happened to be their volcano. After all it was their home, why not post mark them back with urgent delivery?
Eduardo's thought was cut short as his head was cut off, another Eduardo picked up the thought and finished it adding, " ouch " best not to think whil you were in the middle of battle. Eduardo rallied up his Eds and led a charge against the Darkthornes, " .. " he didn't have anything to shout as a battle cry, but they knew what to do. The sounds of battle were heavy, smoke began to spill over from the wall and blood did cover some of the street. One Eduardo even slipped in the substance and almost died in a rush of Darkthornes. Things were getting messy, but when things got messy one had to clean them up.
-
Cebreese' avatar found Adrian with perhaps relative ease, as both held an uncanny ability towards psionics. But how a Blackthorne had delved so deep into what some would consider Darkthorne territory without being corrupted was just another question that could be brought to mind. He heard the words of Cebreese sting in his mind, " Adrian, I see you've escaped your prison, next time I'll have to make sure I place you in another realm as well so that you have no chance of escaping."
A slight smirk couldn't help but become complacent upon Adrians face beneath the helm, his eyes becoming brilliantly brighter with the excitement of the words. Cebreese... Cocky and arrogant. Bringing him down would perhaps feel better than anything else in the world, but once again it was the question of could Adrian bring down the tyrant whom literally had an army following in his footsteps... Who the hell knew... But then again, who the hell cared... Adrian let his footsteps begin to gain pace, running past the orc and goblin invaders that were now beginning to angle themselves towards Adrian in hopes to interecept him... The games would begin and who better to get it started then the underdog of the situation.
Drawing closer to those fiends, Adrian reached outwards with his mind, grasping mentally onto what could have been considered the psionic orrey, not just touching psionics on an overall basis, but not focusing himself towards specific deviations of psionics... Psychoportation was the first to be touched as space and time were all but a stand still, his senses becoming aware that in time there was a flow of thought, an ever sentient thing in which he could surpass the limitations of ordinary man, allowing him to blink at his mere whim to a location of his choosing. And here was such a case to him...
He blinked himself behind Cebreese, but not to be such a obvious attack that he would attack the fiend first, but instead also teleported behind the closest prisoner that was held behind him. Adrian spun around, spear finding itself gripped in both hands as he swatted it across the back of the man, only to blink away from the being without bothering to take notice of whether it had killed the man or not, it was merely a way to perhaps draw Cebreese attention elsewhere for whatever time he could. But he knew Cebreese could care less in truth about the men who followed him. He was indeed that tyrant which festered upon the fearful praises of others, a typical Darkthorne.
Adrian's psionic avatar would only become a blip on the field of battle again as he reappeared five feet further behind Cebreese, and off to the right a bit, as he pulled now upon a second deviation of psionics, geokinetics... His mind pulled at the ground as though it were a weight merely on the ground, but to the degree at which he pulled was a matter all its own... He was pulling and perhaps begging at Gaia to help him with this one, as he the area of circumfrence that he was targeting was the total area of Cebreese troops. And in his begging and pushing and pulling of his mind and the gravitational forces of the earth, sharp spikes of rock would shoot themselves from the ground in a variety of directions and angles, though none were to be precise enough to target every single prisoner that Cebreese would carry with him.. He didn't have the time to do all this and still keep Cebreese at bay.
Psychoportation once again came into effect, as he came now in front of Cebreese, momentum from the movements driving him forward. Left shoulder was arched backwards, fingers furled inwards as spikes upon the knuckles became apparently visible. Muscles in his back pushed forward, as the fist lunged itself forward towards the face of Cebreese with all Adrian's force, Adrians eyes becoming set and intent on Cebreese. His attack was calculated to say the least overall... Attack a prisoner behind Cebreese to throw him and the others off guard, then distract the other prisoners, while Adrian would then try to commit a direct assault on Cebreese himself..
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-
Cebreese watched Adrian blink about, he knew how to do the samething. However he stood by as if he were merely distracted or perhaps he was waiting. After Adrian swatted the prisoner behind Cebreese, a grin crept across his lips. His long white hair fell down covering his eyes, but that grin was seen far and wide. A few goblins twenty-feet away from Cebreese stopped what they were doing to look at him. Cebreese turned around and grabbed the man behind him. The mere touch sent a rush of information into Cebreese's mind, the man's name was Donal a pyro-kinetic. Cebreese began to rock his head back and forth laughing, Donal became confused, and slightly scared. Cebreese suddenly broke the man's neck and tossed his body up into the air. Raising his halbred, a focused beam of deconstructive energy shot out hitting the man's form. The man's body literally dissipated into thin air, every form of energy that was Donal, was now Cebreese's.
As his eyes fell on Adrian's form once more, he sensed he was attacking again. This time the attack was aimed at the ground? Cebreese now understood it, but Cebreese wanted a clear field to Adrian. Summoning up all the energy in his halbred, he lept up in the air and brought the blade down into the ground. A concussive electromagnetic pulse shot out from the place where Cebreese's blade hit the earth. For a short time his psionics went fuzzy as the electromagnetic energy went outward in a sixty-foot diameter. Cebreese stumbled back and turned once again to look towards Adrian with a cocky grin on his face. His own troops went flying up into the air and backwards, away from him. Cebreese would have killed them had he not needed them for a distraction.
Cebreese moved at the speed of thought, blinking out and blinking back in near a line of trees in the distance. If Adrian was here to settle and old score then Cebreese would tempt him into battle. Mimicing the voice of Adrian's wife, Cebreese called out, " why did you fail me Adrian? ahh ahh help me, blah I'm dead. hahahah" Cebreese split a tree near by him, the tree slowly fading away as Donal had. The tree's energy became Cebreese's energy, as he strengthened his kinetic barrier around himself.
-
Reinne had been prepared to counter the monstrous fiery globe but found she had no need in the next breath as Honor came up beside her dealing a bit of her own magical arsenal toward the oncoming fireball. Reinne allowed a half cocked smile to touch her lips, but it faded almost as soon as it had come. Sharp gaze saw the figures of several of the Darkthorne army as they seemed to be swallowed by the shadows. Immediately she cursed under her breath and turned to Honor.
" They have taken to the umbra. Prepare for-"
She never got to finish her statement.
Matius stood on the battlement with a small force of fifty appearing behind the city gates. He fell to his knees, foaming at the mouth, veins pulsed in his eyes and it was plain he had used power he shouldn't have. Standing up, he took out a small flask and drank heavily from it. The replenishing blood was all it took for him to feel back to speed again. " Take them, open the gates and let the streets run red." Matius turned to the Blackthorne female that had assualted his catapults earlier, " You little bitch how dare you think you can stop my army, you and that other filthy tramp. I'm Matius Darkthorne, remeber that name for it will be the last you hear!" Matius turned to the remaining forces and ordered a full scale charge, " bring in the siege towers, get over this wall now or I shall have your heads!"
There he stood, this formerly unseen nemisis and now they even had a name. She sneered as he bellowed in rage at Honor and she. Then the over confident filth made a fatal error. He turned his head away from her and Honor ordering his men about. Without hesitation she once again pulled on her weaving ability and hurled her arm forward, palm up and fingers stretched forth. Fire, with the strength of heat that rivaled the sun burst forth from her fingertips aiming toward his face. What better way to dipose of a snake than be simply taking the head? She knew his weakness, it was shared by all Darkthornes. She could only hope that Honor handled the others that were busy trying to kill off the Demise men at the gates.
The heat of her powerful magic seemed to burn the very atmosphere as it licked and flickered toward his handsome face and rather obnoxious blond mop of a mane.
She said only one thing to him.
" You like to play with fire....here..have some!"
-
Immediately she cursed under her breath and turned to Honor.
" They have taken to the umbra. Prepare for-"
She never got to finish her statement.
Matius stood on the battlement with a small force of fifty appearing behind the city gates. He fell to his knees, foaming at the mouth, veins pulsed in his eyes and it was plain he had used power he shouldn't have. Standing up, he took out a small flask and drank heavily from it. The replenishing blood was all it took for him to feel back to speed again. " Take them, open the gates and let the streets run red." Matius turned to the Blackthorne female that had assualted his catapults earlier, " You little bitch how dare you think you can stop my army, you and that other filthy tramp. I'm Matius Darkthorne, remeber that name for it will be the last you hear!" Matius turned to the remaining forces and ordered a full scale charge, " bring in the siege towers, get over this wall now or I shall have your heads!"
Honor scowled realizing the Darkthorne leader had cast no ordinary teleportation spell and grabbed Cordelia by the hand, dragging her friend out of direct line of attack. The lady yelped and ducked down beside a group of musketeers. The Demise queen rolled her eyes and sighed. ?Reinne, care to teach this..? she struggled to find the appropriate term. ?.. fashion calamity some manners??
The heat of her powerful magic seemed to burn the very atmosphere as it licked and flickered toward his handsome face and rather obnoxious blond mop of a mane.
She said only one thing to him.
" You like to play with fire....here..have some!"
Honor paused a moment to watch with schadenfreude at the exchange then turned her attention towards the approaching siege tower, rising above the battlement, drawing the ranged weapons fire. Arrows, javelins, bolt-tips rusted falling to the ground and wood rotted before they ever reached the queen of Demise. Blue energy erupted from her hands and threw them at the war machines. The machines rapidly aged, groaning under the strain of the infantry and buckled completely, falling like a house of cards. All around Demise, the Darkthorne army faced the same problem. Mysterious mechanical difficulties, rapid aging of weapons, mounts fell down dead ?their internal organs reduced to dust. Matuis did her a great favor by providing all the magic she needed to destroy his own army.
Chaos did reign in the streets as cassocked priest screamed like madmen engaging the Darkthorne troupes with scythes and torches. Behind them the ground shook as large armored automatons obstructed the main roads, effectively blocking the carnage from spilling into deeper into the main city. These testaments to Demise ingenuity were armed with large axes and war mauls, some had impressive steam-powered flame throwers as appendages.
?Madame Blackthorne. The horn, blow the horn!? Cordelia urged while she busied herself by rallying the remaining wall defenders. She shouted ?Rank up and fire!?
The men on the battlements fought with precision. A volley of musket fire filled the air faster than most of the Darkthorne archers could release their bowstrings. As one fired, his partner reloaded. As the second soldier fired their muskets, the other readied his weapon until the barrels glowed from use.
-
Matius was caught off guard, his face seared by fire, the pain was intense. He fell back over the wall, down into the frey amongst his fellow Darkthornes. His scream echoed the battlefield, making his troops become blood lusting as they gave reckless abandon. Taking up explosive kegs and charging to sacrifice their lives for his. His men began to foam at the mouth, their forms reverting to that of their true form. They looked like nothing more then twisted demons, some even had wings and took flight to drop those explosive kegs atop the wall where Matius's attacker still stood. More supplies were brought in to reinforce the troops, the woods surrounding Demise were set aflame.
Matius opened his eyes to look down at his whip sword, his reflection was disfigured by the flame. " RAAAAAAAARRRRRRHHHHHH!!!!!" Matius let go of the illusion of what he was, reverting to his true form. Turbines in his shoulders began to create a vortex as he began to take energy in like a sponge. The Darkthornes were more then just dark twisted Blackthornes, those that held pure Darkthorne blood were so much more. They were what could be considered, organic machines. Matius had long spikes all donw his back, the bone blades of the turbines in his shoulders were brown. His hair was still the same golden blonde, but it was razor sharp to the touch. His eyes were black as pitch, teeth long and sharp, his skin pale and covered in a corrosive slime.
Long black claws hung from his finger tips, and feet, she had crossed a line. Leaping like a frog back up to the wall, Matius in his true form laid eyes on Reinne. " For what you did, I shall make you suffer an eternity, this is my purest form, and look my face is still disfigured by your foul magic!" One of the spikes on his back fell off, the spike became legs, and the bottom of what once was the spike, revealed an eye. It scurried off, three more did this samething. Matius would not let his eyes leave Reinne, but now he would not be caught unaware again. Matius was only a half-breed, but once his human looks went away and his true form began to show, the other Darkthornes began to look on him differently.
A half breed had so much more to prove then a full blood, for a half breed had to prove themselves worthy of living. Matius had watched as half-breeds came and went, one escaping the fate of those not strong enough, Einar. But Matius was not Einar nor did he hold any love for that deserter. He still didnt' know who this Blackthorne female was, but he could smell that traitor on her. He knew that she meant something to him, and perhaps vice versa. " I am the one that sent assassins after Einar all those years ago. And now that I know he still lives, I shall make sure he dies this time, right after I kill you." Matius opened his mouth and spit a corossive fluid, black and rank at Reinne.
-
Things were starting to get hectic and the battle was more intimate. On the wall, before looking out over the attacking army Anna heard a man come up to her and say something but it was far too late to get him to repeat it for that was when the battle began again. Body parts and animal sections were thrown over the walls. Stepping to the side her swords came up and knocked a few back towards the ground below again. Heightened senses of smell detected in a sharp pungent scent of corruption and death beyond the mere dying of innocent animals.
Anna soon found herself in the thicket of swords and men that she knew were not on this side of the wall but wanted to shear it away in devastation. Her feet moved and pivoted, hands gripping the blades tighter and tighter as more of these fiends rushed towards her to kill? Or was it to take her? Anna doubted it was to take her. First it was two then three and more soldiers of the enemy moved after her until she found herself backing up against the same man who said something to her before this havoc began. She moved behind him slicing clean through the midsection of one soldier. Was he after me or him (Eduardo)? It was not something she could even answer in that moment.
White swipes of her hair pivoted through the area moving down into the already soaked ground. It was a simple move as an object maneuvered its way through the crowd of soldiers decapitating some and wounding others. One leg dropped to the side bringing the momentum of the move back around and up again. Swords moved with her glinting as it feed off more of the enemy. She hissed at another glaring after one of there blades mode a sharp and pierce slice through her upper arm. Fierce enough already, Anna was only driven by the sting of pain coursing through her opal white perception.
Mentally she pushed herself here or there using what little knowledge she had of her psiconic energy to propel her blades forward or up through the gut of a soldier screaming in his own amount of lust. Soon the white blonde hair become streaked with the blood of bodies she was piling up in the wake of her moving through crowds. Soon she bumped into the same man. Wait how did he? Looking back for a moment as she sliced through the last of the small band of soldiers, Anna saw that there were more of this man. In fact, there was a small battalion of this man. Surprise registered, but not for long as she moved with a force of altered and heightened senses stopping a deadly blow from slicing directly into her throat. That would not be a pretty way to die? No she was not going to die today.
Feeling the clone at her side move with the shouted order she turned to follow him, the clone of Eduardo into the battle. After all, wasn?t it her memory repeating that he wanted to stick together against these foes? Or was her mind playing tricks on her?
-
?Madame Blackthorne. The horn, blow the horn!? Cordelia urged while she busied herself by rallying the remaining wall defenders.
She needed no further urging. Quick as a whip, her hands flew to the horn stuffed in her belt and lifted it to those plush lips. Deep breath was drawn and in one stout expelling, she blew the horn for all it was worth. Matius's bellow of rage had her eyes glued to him as she tossed the horn aside her duty done there. She merely smirked snidely as he dropped the facade to show his true face and replied just as snidely to his remarks.
" Aye, I see your face foul beast. I think the fire did wonders for your appearance!"
She stood defiantly as he continued on threatening to kill Einar, as if he could. It was all a ploy, a clever ruse to stir up her passionate anger and one that simply would not work. Years of training for days such as this had served their purpose as her gaze narrowed on him. The expectorate was flung form his mouth in her direction causing her to step to the side and turn narrowly being missed by the foul liquid. Coming to stand before him again she merely grinned and goaded his anger further.
" You failed once. You are failing now. You will always fail..should you live. You are a disgrace to the Darkthornes I am certain of it. You have no place here demon. Come and meet your end like the pest you are."
Lightning fast, Dyrnwyn was freed from its scabbard that deadly flame sword swinging in an arc from up high to cleave into his shoulder inthe blink of an eye. Reinne was through playing games. Matius would not live to see another day. And the Darkthorne invasion would be repelled at ANY cost.
-
Swooping down at the Darkthorne's rose up with the explosives, Honor's astral guardians engaged the abominations, saved the remaining defenders and protected their charge. Around the wall, Shard, Orek and Blackthorn forces pinched the invanders in a strangle hold as the tide of battle changed.
The Demise Queen levitated above the battlements drawing the attention of the rest of the Darkthorne flyers. They weaved attempting to catch Honor in their clawed grip. She moved as gracefully in air as she does on land, with one motion from her jacket she produced her fan flipping it open and snapped it out throwing darts from the folds. With each strike, the raging beasts howled bursting with flame from the hit as the magic burned from the inside out.
-
The army was on the outskirts of Demise now only a few more hours, a few more miles, and they would arrive at their destination. Prasutagus ordered for the full force of troops, an order that could not be said so easily. He let out a mighty roar, one that echoed out to all Darkthornes in all realms. It was the cry of blood to blood, only three armies existed to hear the call. Portals appeared around the dragon machine. The first to come was the drow darkthorne, Dellrend with his army of shadow elf monks. The second was the negative plane-touched darkthorne Malice and her army of eyeless females. The last and third, was Dramond the fiend of the night with his army of shadow cloaks. They all walked up to the dragon machine and knelt before it, each looking to one another with hateful glances.
" I did not summon you across the planes, back home to fight one another, I summoned you here to join me in defeating our enemy the Blackthornes once and for all." Prasutagus said towards them. They laughed and Dramond was the first to speak, " You defeat the Blackthornes, you are truly mad Prasutagus son of Reese, might I remind you they are our equals and it was your father that killed the other elders of our clan, leaving only us, three, remaining. Whatever glory...Darkthorne..." Dramond looked upon the horde following Prasutagus noticing the familiar soldiers and weapons of old. " So the powers of old have returned...then it's true a new leader has been selected."
Dellrend spoke up next, " My liege I serve Darkthorne with my life and offer my services to you the new Darkthorne leader, let my army go and slay our enemy. Since Dramond and Malice are not willing to ally with you and serve our family." Malice spoke, " Liar! I never said I would not offer my alliegance, let me slay the Blackthornes m'lord, I shall make their suffering cries echo across the realms in a symphony dedicated to you." She bowed just as Dramond spoke up, " No it is I who should hold the honor of slaying the Blackthorne, not these two maggots. I am the son of the Enigma therefore I call right of rank over these two."
" ENOUGH!" Prasutagus's voice rang out over the three and their armies. " I have summoned you all here to slay them with us, together, as a family, a clan, an army. Not divided as we once were, for in our unity we find a strength, they want us to be divided for divided we are weak and easily dispatched. If we band together we are a force to be reckoned with, Dramond your ability to cut off all powers from outside this realm is a much needed ability. Dellrend, your ability to absorb energy and distribute it among the troops is valuable as well. And you Malice, your future sight could turn the tide of victory in our favor. As you see you are all valuable in different ways, but seperate you are weak, together you are deadly and evil."
The three looked to one another and then back to the dragon machine nodding. " Then we shall serve the new leader together, let it be known, so that the other may follow our example. Darkthorne does not march as an army, but a united nation army as it did in old, I shall go ahead and seal off any powers being used from outside this realm so that our army can move in and crush the foe." Dramond stood and took off in the direction of Demise, as the other two turned and marched alongside the dragon machine with the three armies all behind it. Darkthorne had finalized it's unity for now the remaining elders had joined with the new breed and the power of Darkthorne found it's center.
Prasutagus sat there in the dragon machine looking for his mother, whom had seemed to have vanished. " A glorious day to shed the blood of one's enemies, now the Darkthornes are truly a family united. Eseer had unified them and shown the world that they should fear the Darkthornes in unison not singularity. Now I have done that same feat and so much more, for soon the city of Demise shall be a Darkthorne outpost and nothing more. The leaders of Demise shall be executed for standing against our armies, I want all the leaders of all the city-states of Velusia to be gathered and executed, I want to bath in their blood as I'm being crowned the king of Velusia. Hahha.." Prasutagus began to marched the dragon once more towards Demise.
Soon they would arrive and nothing would stop them, nothing.
-
Matius narrowly dodged the attack, feeling the searing of his flesh he began angry. " You speak as if you know me, but you don't.." he extended his right hand and slowly the sword Belgata appeared within his hand. A sword he claimed from one of the fallen Blackthorne heroes, he'd slain. The sword made the wielder's attacks become a blurred fury of blows that moved with a speed the eye could barely keep up with. It also created the effect of an after image for it's wielder making many images of them appear rather then just one. " Now I will hold back no longer, you want to face a Darkthorne little girl, then so be it!" He awoke his aura of darkthorne, which would fill those near him with all the visions of the evil deeds he'd committeed. All those he killed would become a background for him. The world around him would fade under the aura and show only the tortured reflection of his very soul.
It was nothing more then an illusion, but when facing a Darkthorne one did not need such a distractions. Matius extended his left hand calling for his whip, he could feel the presence of the Darkthorne army coming. He knew that he must act quickly and kill this woman and then take this town, else her words may become true. He lashed out at her feet with his whip, while he lunged forwards with a feint aimed at her face, only to redirect towards her abdomen.
-
Eduardo looked back to Anna to make sure she was safe, after all he couldn't allow his commrades in battle to become swarmed. The Darkthornes had a nasty habit of ganging up against a single person. It was times like this Eduardo actually wished Corban was around to help him out. It would make things much easier if the guardian was here, even if Corban was in a way Eduardo's teacher. A spell was used on one of the Eduardos, one that a nearby Eduardo then casted at the Darkthorne whom cast the first one. Thats how Eduardo learned his spells was through experience. He learned how to fight and cast by first witnessing or experiencing the action in battle. He was a weapon created for war and to designed to conquerer after all. If he had to go up against a foe he knew nothing about, the best way was trial and error, for he could learn to become his foe and master their strength and make it his own.
" We have to keep a tight defense around the gate, if they break through, they'll flood the city, I'm sure they'll have reinforcements arriving, and as always you can bet they'll come in number and be very ready to get into the action." Eduardo said towards Anna, being a chaotic character himself, he felt a bit guilty for defending a city. Yet at the same time he knew if he let the Darkthornes run amuck through Velusia and find his item, he'd be serving them as a slave with no free will. It had taken him sometime and luck to get the object that controled his free will from his creators. Losing it to the lot known as Darkthornes would be a worse punishment next to death.
-
He was speaking of the gate but Anna was merely watching the rampage of reinforcements across the field. Sharp as ever her perception widened the mental awareness of not just his warning but also of enemy?s bolstering forces combining. Was this the tide to change the battle, Anna thought to herself? It was a simple question with no real answer. Why was this, again, she thought? It was brief moment as she listened to the man to her left now speaking of defenses need here, right where she was. Anna was always brought in the middle between the enemy and ally. Why was this, again? Anna?s debates would only be suffered when quiet windows and warm chairs awaited her in a guest room. Now was time for action.
A funny thing about perception, it took you only long enough to realize the path of an arrow to find it ultimate destination. Blood soaked swords came up in a split second rounding not only in front of her but the Eduardo to her left. Deflection of tainted arrows was the priority. White irises blinked only once when the snap of the arrows would fall in the blunt force of wood breaking in half. No, it was not a pause of attacks here just a volley of death directed toward them. Now the forces amassed on the other side came through towards the gate. It was only a briefest second that those double blades came together in one grip and a soft smear of blood touched an exposed part of Eduardo?s skin.
A necessary intrusion into the mental world she often found herself isolated in. In the briefest contact before she stepped away, Anna was able to link herself into the surface of Eduardo?s mind. Only a surface touch of the voice she might have had if she could recite in the same tones of a spoken language. However, she has never been able to do such. Thus, Anna relied on the mental perceptions and powers to make a simple contact of the mind. In Eduardo?s mental perception, he would be able to hear soft a soft angelic tone within his mind,
~There is no time to apologize for my intrusion. Nor is their time to explain the reason why. However, I can lend you my skills with my blades, here at the gates. Mentally, if you cannot sense so already, I lack any amount of real training beyond this kind of connection, a sense of widened perception and a few other minor things. This connection will also allow me to sense your train of attack, but I can only do so with your permission. ~
If he delved deeper through the connection she made he would sense her words were true. Anna possessed a great amount of raw mental energy, disciplined only by restraint and not honed by practice. It was an unfortunate effect of her life, forced slavery, acceptance of slavery, and then given no instructions beyond her physical need as a slave. The voice was honed to be seductive yet also with a measured amount innocence found in those trained not as an assassin but rather as a pleasure slave. The Angelic smooth flow of her words whispered as if she were just a lover and not the deadly assassin she had been trained to be, once in a lifetime ago. Even her previous Master, one who ultimately freed her, said he could almost feel the touch of her very breath on his cheek right next to his ear when she spoke to him. Still this was not a time for memories as the clash began once more and the paired blades separated in the air before her. Scissored blades came together and took the demon, the enemy down through the midsection spattering the spray of it along her own midsection. And it began again.
-
Eduardo heard the voice within his head, almost lost to the other voices of his other selves as they reported back. He caught it however, for it held a soft and angelic tone to it, that his own lacked. He blocked against an assassin whom had come for him, just as he began his response.
" You have my permission, any help is good help, in order to push them back I think we're going to need to push them to the gate actually. Round them up in one spot and then take them out one by one. The reinforcements within the town are fighting alongside us, but they are scattered, I think if they see us acting in an organized manner they might pick up on our plan."
Blood splattered across Eduardo's shoulder as he thrust his blade upward into the skull of the assassin. Even as one fell another became uncloaked and moved in for an attack. Eduardo had seen it all before, they sent assassins under invisibility to take out the main defenders in an attempt to demoralize the rest of the city's troops. While getting rid of their hardest foes in one single rush. Eduardo however knew of this tactic which made it weak against him, for already he was recalling his kinetic barrier up to prevent anymore attacks on him. With some effort he sent out a message to his other selves to do the same. They would in a sense, inflate their barriers and push the Darkthornes literally, back to the gate where they had limited room to react. One single Eduardo did not send out a barrier, however his job was to provide the means of their dispatch.
Already he looked for something useful to use in his spell, he recalled a former attack on the Darkthornes. He pulled out a small marble, casting a simple spell of enlarge on it, he then in enchanted it's structure with a spell that would cause it to shoot out upon impact and shatter. Though he had to double the spell with another one to make it so that the large marble orb would shatter. With the kinetic barriers preventing the Darkthornes from escaping, and protecting the defenders a spell like this could be useful. It would be like a shrapnel bomb of pure crystal, however he decided to make one last alteration by enchanting the orb with holy energy. This would be the one thing that made the Darkthornes really regret their attempt on the gates.
Now he only had to wait for the stray Darkthornes to be picked off while the group of clones moved the Darkthornes back further and further.
-
Shamus and the Velusian army slowly began to appear as if walking from a fog. They stood there in Demise, Shamus looked to Analisa and to his father Reese knowing that soon they would meet the Darkthornes. A final battle would ensue here, in Demise the one place that held the borders of the Velusian veil. Shamus turned to the order of the seraphim, the knights with wings like flakes of gold. " Fly over the battlefield and sound the trumpets, let our enemy know that their time is drawing near. They have done us all a great injustice and it is time we showed them we will not sit by and simply allow them to continue to harm our people, destroy our lands, and threaten our life of peace with an offer of slavery or death. Let it be known that you shall meet death before you meet dishonor. All our lives and the lives of those we care for rest upon what we do here. Now go and show them just how a Velusian fights!"
Shamus raised his sword extending it as the army began their march upon his mark. Shamus had come to terms with his hatred for his father, a much needed weight removed from his shoulders. Now it was time to invoke the right of the Fianna and summon the other clans of Velusia to march for the king of Velusia and leader of the Blackthorne Clan. He awaited the horns which would be heard all over Velusia calling for the clans to gather arms and march. If Darkthorne triumphed here they would meet army after army on their way to Lochland. And Shamus knew the Darkthornes would eventually fall to continued threats. For it was a tactic of the Darkthornes to beat down upon their enemies like rain. Those were the exact words of Lord Eseer Darkthorne, and now that tactic would be used by Shamus to fight fire with fire.
-
She snarled as he dodged her first blow. The moment his whip came freely through the air toward her feet she nimbly hopped over it while bring her swordaround in an circle motion from up to down to deflect his blow. Backing away a step she heard the tell tale horns of Velusia and smiled. Lifting her head she continued to grin at him as she spoke.
" Tis you who has no idea whom you face Darkthorne. You gave yourself away to me. And, until now, I have given you nothing more than my allegience to Blackthorne. You hear those horns? That is the sound of my brother and the army of Velusia coming to slaughter you like the demented cattle you are."
She brought her sword and swung it down in an inner arch once more, only to be met with his own blade as they locked up. Here she grinned again.
" I am Reinne Blackthorne. Daughter of Reese. Sister to Shamus...and Queen of Velusia."
The moment the words spilled from her lips she saw the shock on his face. Capitalizing on his surprise, she shoved him back and twirled her sword again, coming in low as to take his knees only to twist her wrist and bring that weapon around high about his shoulder and arm that wielded his own weapon of death. Why had she not been effected by the illusions? The answer was simple. To defeat your enemy you must know them. She had studied them for years. Einar had also given her first hand information on their tricks. Knowledge is power..power which suddenly illuminated throughour her form as the gift her father had given Shamus belatedly showed up in her.
" I do believe he has brought the whole family with him..."
-
Vincent had heard the call and made his way from the ship, back to the mainland. Making his way to Demise was an easy task, for an arch-druid as himself, he found that land-walking was the fastest. Within a matter of mere moments to him, he was on the outskirts of Demise. The slave chains which still dangled from his wrist and ankles, clattered on the rocks. He climbed up high on the mountain looking down towards the main city of Demise. War errupted from every corner, armies moved here and there, smoke and screams rose up from the city streets. Vincent hadn't been to Demise in years, not since what had happened last visit. He could almost remember that voice in the back of his head. Spotting some Darkthornes down below him, he summoned up the powers of the earth.
Calling upon the very stones he looked down upon, slowly some of them began to wiggle free of the dirt and roll down. They went tumbling onto the Darkthornes with a meaty crunch, a few screams and they were no more. As he saw Reese sitting upon his horse in the distance, Vincent's heart began to lift. His brother was alive, and there near him, was his daughter Analisa. Vincent began to make his way towards the family, not caring if they thought him a murderer, for he knew Reese would tell them otherwise.
-
Prasutagus's army could see the smoke rising in the distance, they were nearly there.
Dremond arrived in Demise's borders just moments ahead of the army. He began his powerful weave, locking each and every realm's influence from the area. It would seal them off for a short time preventing one from using powers outside this realm. It would greatly limit the battlefield and those partaking in it, but then again it would give them an edge in the battle. Dremond felt the drain this weave took on him and moved to the side lines to restorse his energy and get rid of his fatigue before he ran out into battle.
Dellrend walked out in front of the army with Malice following behind him as the reserve forces rushed into the battle field. Dellrend began to take on any energy thrown at him to absorb it and redistribute it to the troops. Malice stood behind him guiding him in which direction he should head in order to gain more energy.
Prasutagus's horde began to emerge from the thining woods as the Blackthorne forces arrived to reinforce the forces of Demise. The dragon opened up it's maw, but Prasutagus was not ready to use the red dust just yet. Teleported out of the dragon engine to look on the battle field, his hated father was long gone, long dead, yet he felt a presence here. It was all to similiar to his father to be anyone else. He quickly sank back into the machine, he would wait and when the moment was right he would let loose the dust in order to weaken the Blackthornes greatly. The Darkthornes would have to fall back for a short time, but the dust would do it's work, as long as they distracted the Blackthornes long enough. The goblins and gnolls could do that while he let loose the dust.
-
Matius could feel the army of Prasutagus closing, just as he heard the woman speak her name. In that moment his guard dropped for a split second and the blade sliced into his shoulder, hitting bone. He pulled himself free as the flames burned about that side of his shoulders. He stumbled back some with a blank look upon his face, as his form returned to normal.
" Look what you've done...you've ruined my best clothing...."
Matius turned with that same blank look upon his face as blood poured freely from the wound. He staggered along the battlement just in time to see the forces of Darkthorne emerging from the thicket. He was just a little late, if only he'd been more clever about his attack.
He winced and turned around to face Reinne once more, he would not give up so easily. The wound was deep and the fire prevented it from healing like it should. Matius laughed and backed up some more, " I've only lost my breath, once I regain it I shall teach you a lesson girl. So you may be the sister of Shamus and Queen of Velusia, but I am heir to my father's title as well." He bit his lip as the pain ebbed more in his shoulder, he wouldn't be undone by a woman.
He whispered a call, " Father if you can hear me, avenge me for my folly, I have let my judgement become clouded and as such, let myself think I was unstopable." He kept his eyes on Reinne and brought the sword up to his eye level. His eyes glanced at her over the sword's blade, just before he charged her with a zig-zag sword slash, going from a thrust, to a overhead slash, to a side slash coming towards her left. He gave out a battle yell as he did so, partly from rage at his own actions and partly because of his determination not to be defeated.
-
She merely sneered at his remark about his clothing. The man was arrogant, and worse yet, he was an arrogant fool. She said nothing as he continued to ramble on aimlessly about things she cared not to hear. Instead, she merely shifted her stance pulling her sword upwards and in toward her chest double fist. Turning to face her left side to him she grinned waiting with breathless anticipation of his next move.
The moment he started towards her she pivoted on her right foot pulling back to face him fully as he charged her, sword flashing in wild abandon. It was like watching a kaledioscope change in rapid concession, and still she managed to gage his move down the last instant. The moment her eyes saw the sword coming down for the left slash towards her side she ducked, tucked and rolled...right underneath it.
Coming up on the other side as the sword met she she twirled her own in true (Xena) fashion and plunged the sword with all her might backwards...aiming straight for his mid spine from her partial kneeling position. If she struck true..this fight was over.
-
Soleus and Gem slowly began to appear from thin air not far from the city of Demise. Luckly he brought them within the veil, for had he gone further, they would have appeared in the midst of the Darkthorne army. Their images slowly began to become more solid as the spell's effect began to finalize. Soleus thanked the gods that he had not lost his touch with the teleportation magic. As he felt the earth beneath his feet, he looked around seeing that Demise appeared to be under attack. He looked off into the distance, realizing the were quite a ways away from Demise. Apparently something had cut him off from taking them any closer. It was as if someone had prevented the ability to teleport into Demise, he could feel some of his powers cut off as well. Someone or something was at work here, they would have to walk the rest of the way which was not good, for time was of the essence.
-
As the familiar feeling of teleportation waxes and wanes, Gem feels solid ground beneath her. Stading for a moment she gets her bearings as to where they are. Instinctivly she turns towards the Demise estate and starts to walk quickly. "We shouldn't be out here, it isn't safe".
She could smell the acrid smells of battle in the distance as they moved quickly.."If we can get this done, purhaps I can help our fallen"
-
As Prasutagus and his army came upon the doomed estate of Demise, silver eyes watched ... As the battle raged within the city's walls, silver eyes watched ... As darkness threatened to overcome light, and as light feebly fought back, silver eyes watched ...
For years, he had awaited this. Awaited the unification of the clans, and the solidification of the Darkthorne's might. And now, as the hammer was about to fall, Magnus Darkthorne - Thane of the North - stood within the shadows cast by the trees, watching. Learning. Savouring. Finally, the Darkthornes would retake the mantle they had always deserved. Finally, they would become the ultimate power of the realms. They would rule with an iron fist, and they would root out the weak. Once more, after years upon years of waiting, the Darkthornes would create the Hunter's Paradise. Finally, it was time ...
A gauntlet'd hand rose, the spikes rising from the black steel visibly stained with blood and carnage. And, as that hand rose, pairs of silver eyes began to glow within the darkness. Slowly, hundreds of eyes began to grow incensed, flashing in the shadowed darkness of the forest. And then, Magnus, Thane of the North, began to stride forwards, leaving the shelter of the trees behind. Ecstacy began to run through the Lycal's veins as silver eyes looked to the ferocious battle. For years, Magnus had stalked the lands, waiting for this moment ... the cleansing of the Thornes. The weak would be purged from the strong, like poison from a wound. Head tilted back, black and silver hair shifting through the wind as the Lycal's body began to change and grow, expanding within the barbaric and brutal spiked armor the Thane wore. Claws flashed, and canines extended from an open maw ... and then, the Thane of the North let out of ferocious howl!
AAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOO!!
The howl ripped through the air, rising above the sounds of battle and strife. And then came the drums. Pounding deep and hard within the darkness of the trees, slow and menacing. Magnus felt himself grin as he began to stalk from the trees, marching towards the battle ... the legion of his Beasts following behind him, mighty and ferocious Lycals, each beast having proven his strength and right to stalk the night at Magnus' side. The Thane's gauntlet'd hand fell to his side, the clawed digits wrapping around the handle of the great Warhammer at his hip. Up, the hammer went, into the Lycal's eager hands. Oh, how the Thane of the North lusted for blood ... Yet, Magnus knew he would not need to wait long, as Prasutagus readied his troops and as Shamus prepared his own. The battle would be wrought within and without the walls of Demise ... and at the end of the bloody feud, Magnus would meet with his newly-made King and would sip the blood of the Blackthornes in a toast to the mighty Prasutagus!
-
In the space between a breath and a heartbeat, it was over, his battle was lost. He staggered from the wound delivered to him by Reinne, for a woman, she was an equal in battle. Maybe he had misjudged her, misjudged everything, for he was now slain. Walking a few steps before he fell to his knees, his eyes looked up at the clouds. Time seemed to stand still in this moment, death's clock slowly winding down. The flames that were slowly spreading over his form, could do nothing. For the bright light of the sun was a warmth that Matius had long forgotten. A life of eternal cold....ha...how wonderful it felt to be in the light of the sun. The warm rays gently caressing every stranger with no care for who you were. No care for what evil deeds you may have done.
" I never knew the sun could be so beautiful...it's magnificent....uhhhhh"
His body thudded against the stones as the flames began to consume his form. A black gloved hand, still reached out for his sword which had clanged to the stone with his body. The hand flexed and reached, before finally falling lifelessly to the stone battlement. Matius's death brought on a furious rage from his soldiers. They gave even more then before to the battle at hand, their lord's fall given them hatred to drive them on. His death had not been in vain, for the forces that served him now fought with a vengance.
-
Shamus stood at the head of a rather large force, the entire combined force of Velusia. White dragons soared over head along with the seraphim knights, and the flying carpets. Velusian knights stood behind Shamus clanging their swords against their shields. Shamus put on his helmet and looked over the field of battle. They had arrived just as Prasutagus's army had, the two armies were well matched at maybe 7 to 8 thousand each. Elves marched in behind the Velusian knights with their bows drawn. With the trees being sacred the use of lumber was not used in making engines of war. Thus they had flying carpets which could out do any Darkthorne airship.
The minotaurs and centaurs had found their way to stand with Velusia, making the armies head to head in numbers. Shamus led his calvary straight into the thick of battle cutting down Darkthornes left and right. A few of his calavary members were cut down in the charge, but the main force arrived at the battlements. Shamus dismounted and climbed the battlement coming up near Reinne and the fallen figure of Matius. Shamus ran over to Reinne with concern upon his face.
" Reinne! Reinne! are you okay?" He gripped her arms standing in front of the fallen form of Matius.
The army of Velusia wasted no time, as they saw Shamus entered the battle, they moved as one. Each rank began to cut through the remainer of Matius's men, while taking out what they could of Cebreese's.
-
Winged demons, skeletons, and black dragons, as well as one single airship the " Infernus " one of the most feared of all airships. It had been brought back into use thanks to the unlocking of certain forgotten secrets. Huge black elephants and the gnolls and orcs, the Darkthornes had a variety of soldiers. They were evenly matched with the force from Velusia, Prasutagus did not like that. He peered through the eye of the dragon machine towards the battlement just in time to see Matius fall dead from Reinne's sword. Prasutagus reached up to a lever and slowly the sights began to zoom in as he took aim. The dragon's breath had a precise shot, he would use it on the queen without her even knowing what hit her, for the dust did not cause their senses to alert them.
As he was pushing the button to launch the weapon, he noticed another figure come up the battlement, that of her brother Shamus. What luck, the two of them would be right in the path of the dust. He launched the weapon a small red ball shot out towards the wall, it would impact the wall and break up into a dust cloud. Prasutagus ordered his troops to move into battle now as he brought the dragon machine lurching forward towards Demise. He would tear open the gates himself, just as he looked further through the machine he noticed that one face in many. The face of his father Reese, Prasutagus was filled with rage as he forsaked the battle to drive the machine in the direction of Reese. He would tear his father limb from limb, it was his father's fault, everything was.
Now he would repay his dear old father with a painful death.
-
Shamus was standing there upon the battlement when suddenly a red cloud of dust came over him. The wind picked up blowing the majority of it away before it could touch Reinne. The dust cloud went back behind Shamus off into the distance. He suddenly felt strange, he sneezed, and as he began to sniffle, he felt a great weaknes overcome him. It was as if his limbs were becoming heavy while his strength was saped from him. The frequency of magic which stayed within his head was cut short suddenly. He could no longer see the webs of power, nor the auras of those around him. He looked to Reinne with a confused look upon his face.
" I think theres something wrong with me Reinne...I can no longer feel my powers and I feel strangely weak..."
Shamus braced himself against Reinne as he called out to the Velusian forces to meet the Darkthorne's charge. They couldn't let them get to Demise with such a force, they had to dampen the blow. His eyes caught a large metallic dragon in the distance making it's way around the battlefield. There were Darkthorne elite guards around the dragon, meaning that a powerful and important Darkthorne was inside.
-
Matius's body lay there, as the fire went out, his wounds slowly began to heal. His form was scarred beyond recognition now, because of that woman's sword. He heard a voice behind him, one that sounded male, slowly and silently he began to make his move. He could reach to his sword, but the noise would draw unwanted attention. However he always kept a spare blade hidden away just in case. He slowly turned into a ball and rolled up behind Shamus. A strange red dust cloud covered his form causing him to begin to lose his ability to stay transformed like so. He reverted back and quickly drew his blade from his arm. He thrust it towards Shamus's back and leered over at Reinne.
" Mind if I cut in?"
Matius could feel his powers draining from him, pain began to roll in from the scars over his body. The wounds began to stop healing and the blood loss began to continue. What had happened, something was taking away his powers leaving him on the verge of a true death. Matius's heart began to beat fast as fear crept in. A fear that only those who know they are about to die would know, a fear that not many Darkthornes ever experience.
" No...what's happening?" Matius couldn't even stand for the muscles of his body had been too badly burned. He could feel gravity begining to take over as his form began to be pulled towards the edge of the battlement. He went tumbling over the edge, barely grasping the edge just at the last moment, he could something below him. Something all too familiar, fire burned down below the wall of the battlement. He was weak, powerless, and without any defense. There was nothing he could do to turn the tables in his favor, perhaps he should surrender.
Matius reached out a hand towards Reinne, " Pleasssee.. don't let me die.. I promise I'll change...please"
His hand stretched forward towards Reinne, while his right hand clung to another dagger. Once he was up he didn't have to keep his promise after all he never did.
-
In one instant Shamus's world changed, he went from what he knew, to something he knew nothing about. And if that wasn't enough, suddenly he felt the sharp pain of mortality. As he looked to Reinne and odd look came about his face, he looked down to the blade sticking from his chest covered in his own blood. Just as Matius spoke his swords and released his hold on the blade, Shamus went stumbling back from Reinne. He reached back to the handle of blade tried to pull it out. Unfortunately he lacked the strength he once had and to move in such a way caused more pain. He fell to his knees and thought to himself, is this where I am to fall? After all this, after everything I've done is this how it ends? The battle had only just begun and already it was over for him. Shamus looked down at the blade once more remembering all the times he had seen his sister smile.
The times he had taken care of her, wiped away her tears, the deep bond they shared. A bond that could never be broken, not even death could break such a bond. If he died, who would take care of Reinne, he couldn't die, for he had to live just to see Reinne happy. Happy like she was when they were children, before their world became complicated. Shamus would not let go, luckily the blade missed his vital organs. He would live, but he did not know that at this point and time. To Shamus this could be it, he thought back on the woman he loved long ago. The last moments they had shared before she was taken from him. He began to realize everyone he loved was taken from him.
Shamus looked suddenly towards his sleeve seeing small particles of the red dust. It covered him, he thought about it, for there was nothing he could think. Looking down from the battlements he saw a trough, taking a wild guess, he flung himself from the battlement towards the trough. The size of it was large enough for him to plunge into it. As the water covered him, he held his breath, he could feel some of his strength returning to him. As well as his magic, enough to purge himself of the dust by isolating it. Shamus emerged from the trough, removing the sword from his back as he slowly staggered about. He was half his original strength now, which would have to do, for it was enough to heal the wound.
Shamus, put his helmet back on and decided he would not take his enemy so lightly anymore. He stepped up on the battlement and looked back towards the dragon machine. His hand went to the chakram of night and day and his eyes focused on the machine. He threw the chakram, which glided straight toward the eyes of the dragon. The chakram would not miss as long as Shamus kept his eyes on his target. However, since the realms were locked down, the chakram could not shadow walk it's way back to Shamus. Which is why he not only aimed it for the eyes, but a tree in the distance.
-
She had come to stand watching with an odd calm on her face as Matius's body burned. It was like being hypnotized...and numbed. Her brother's face suddenly appearing before her with his hands squeezing her shoulders was the shock she needed to shake off the eerie feeling. Dark amber hues lifted to peer into his worried expression as her lips curled into a smooth smile.
" Aye, Shamus I am well. Though I can not say the same for my friend there."
Idly her finger flipped toward the body of Matius, yet her eyes never left that of her brother's face. As she began to speak again a voice cut into their reunion as she watched the shocked look on Shamus's face only to look down in horror at the blade that protuded from his chest. Shamus had become suddenly weak only a second before that and now here he stood slolwy sinking to his knee with the blad of Matius scewered through him.
" NOOO!"
The scream ripped through the air as she yanked her sword free looking at Matius with venom and death apparent in her gaze. She felt no mercy for him, no remorse for what she was about to do to the pleading man. She cared little that he did not want to die, afterall, he was a Darkthorne. He was the man who dared to attack a city under the protection of Velusia. He was black hearted braggart who deserved far worse than death..and she could only hope he got it when the Abyss swallowed his soul.
" WHY DONT YOU JUST DIE ALREADY!"
The fury in her screech would echo over the battlements as she suddenly whipped her sword out at neck level in a side arc aiming for Matius's neck. If fire would not kill the beast of a man alone, then she would take his head as well. The meat of the blade sliced through the flesh and corded muscles of his neck cleanly severing the spinal column that connected his head to his shoulders. It was the most satisfying feeling she could remember in some time. The head remained only a second before it slowly tilted forward and rolled off his shoulders to flop at her feet with his eyes still staring at her with deception in those depths. Growling ferally she kicked the head sending it over the battlements outside of the city as a gift for the approaching Darkthornes. As the body collapsed to the ground once again consumed by the fire produced by her blade she turned back to where her brother had been only to find him gone.
For a moment she paniced, but that moment soon ceased as she moved to the edge of the battlements and saw him standing just before he released the chakram at a dragon. Pursing her lips she growled at him.
" Remind me to KICK YOU LATER!"
-
On board the "Infernus" a battle had already begun, not one like on the battlefield however. This battle raged within Othium's own spirit, on the side of Velusia were the half angelics. Othium appeared as a young looking man, very handsome, otherworldly handsome infact. His eyes were solid white, just like his hair, and his skin pale as fresh snow. He wore half plate armor that shinned in the sun's light. For a Darkthorne he was a mysterious one, for his dress was not like that of a Darkthorne. He did not choose the dark clothing that most wore. He didn't seem as unrational as the others as well. His mother was a Darkthorne as was his father. He was one of the few pure bloods that still existed within the clan, and one of the most dangerous.
The order of the seraphim, he was half angelic and could hear his kin's call. Ordering the Infernus to turn, he fired all seventy-two cannons at the order. The orcs on board the ship followed their commander's orders without hesitation. He looked down to see Reinne and Matius, Matius had been a fool to stray from his orders. Othium turned the magic ring upon his finger and called forth his demonic minion. Bound to him by blood and by it's soul, it was nothing more then a shadow of him.
Dark smoke came from the ring and began to twist and turn before Othium. The demon's face emerged from the smoke and asked, " what is it my master asks of me this time?" The demon's yellow eyes stared on Othium with cold hate. " There that woman, what can you tell me of her..she appears to be of the Blackthorne blood?"
The demon smiled and looked over the rails towards the woman, before turning back to Othium. " My master would be correct, she is of the Blackthorne blood and of royalty to be exact...I have seen her through the eyes of your spies master. She would make a fine trophy for one such as you, a majestic, murderous, lord as yourself would find her hard to break."
Othium continued to look down at her while the cannons thundered launching another round of explosive balls at the order. " Indeed I would enjoy breaking her spirit, making her kneel before me and worship me as her master. Though I think her head would look good mounted on the ship as well." Othium gave a dark smile while he looked over her form, she was beautiful and brave, two things he enjoyed.
" I think we should aim the cannons at her, I want to see the reaction we get when she tries to attack our ship."
The demon's form began to materialize even more, now he stood upon the deck of the ship. " My master would be a fool to draw attention to the ship now, after all your ship will help win the battle master. She is very powerful in her magic, but you and I both now the ship's shield reflects magic directed at it. If she used one spell and found it not to work, then she would merely counter with one that would."
Othium grimaced, " your right, however should she think we are easy to defeat, she will find I am much harder to fight then Matius. Matius puts too much emotion into his fighting, he underestimates all his foes, thinking himself invincible." Thunder boomed in the background as the dark clouds of Belgada found their way to Demise. Othium's white hair blew in a strong breeze that didn't even budge the ship one bit. Othium looked to his bow and arrows, casually he picked up his bow and notched an arrow.
He took careful aim at the figure he watched with interest, drawing the bow back easily. He moved his sights to one of the Blackthorne soldiers in Shamus's calvary. One close enough for Reinne to witness, he let loose the arrow which punctured the back of the man's neck coming out of his throat. Almost instantly Othium had another arrow notched and drawn back as he broke the arrow he previously shot with the second. Othium smiled and set the bow aside, placing his hand atop the katanna sheathed at his hip. It was a gift to him on his thirteenth birthday, from his mother and father, the katanna of Cirus Blackthorne, brother of Reese. The blade was of interesting construction, there was only one other like it, that of Reese Blackthorne, who was also the smith who forged the swords.
Othium knew the heaven's rain was a weapon that could only be used properly in the hands of a celestial. The blade had bonded with him, and the song it sang was his own. It filled the minds of any who gazed upon it with horrific images, the wounds it dealt festered within minutes. It was truly a blade for one such as him and within a gem at it's hilt was an elemental of wind. It gifted the blade with blades that shot from it's metal towards his foes without him even having to get in close.
Othium looked to the dragons of Velusia and the carpets, behind the order. He grinned and raised a hand ordering his air troops to advance on the Velusian air troops. " Let's bring the rain of blood.." Othium walked off to steer the ship closer to the Demise city.
-
Soleus looked to Gem and could not answer, for he did not know why they had appeared this far from Demise. The Velusian army was not far from them nor was the Darkthorne.
" Gem! We have to be careful, if something happens to me, I want you to take the item to Reese no matter what. It's our only hope and it rests in your hands."
Soleus ran after Gem in a desperate attempt to keep up with her. As he ran he started to remember, he had kept up with his potions. Kept up with them up until today, he could feel the Darkthorne infection awakening as he ran. It pumped through his veins as his adrenaline began to pump. His veins were already going black, he reached a trembling hand to his face. He knew what was happening, but he couldn't falter now. Not when so much rested on them arriving in Demise. An arrow flew at him, catching him in the right shoulder, he let out a cry. His hand raised to his shoulder, blood drained from the wound covering his hand. His face contorted in pain as he picked up the pace. He yelled to Gem, " don't stop running they've spotted us, we're almost close enough to take cover with the Velusian army!"
Soleus pulled out the arrow as the wound slowly began to heal, it only made his fight to keep control even harder. I can't let myself give in, he said to himself over and over like a mantra.
He also couldn't let any of the other Blackthornes know about his infection, or they might turn him away. His father had a sorted past with his family, to see his son with the taint would only shadow his father. He knew they wouldn't want someone who could be a liability in their midst. He had suffered nearly more then forty years with the taint trying to take him over. Through magic and alchemy he had stayed that process, but now he was without. He had to make do with his own strength and hope his fortitude was enough to combat the taint.
They were so close now, so close, when he was over taken by a group of Darkthorne orcs. They pulled him back and surrounded him, Soleus yelled for Gem to run as fast as she could. If she were captured or killed, the battle would be lost forever. As the orcs beat down on Soleus, he felt the taint rise even faster. His hair began to go black, as his eyes, sharp fangs grew from his teeth. Talons began to grow from his fingernails, horns appeared from his head, as his muscle mass grew as well. His clothes ripped at the new form he was becoming. Forty years he had fought this taint, and during that time it had grown stronger, while being mutated through the magic and tonics he used to fight it. He had coexisted with it for so long now that it already was a part of him.
The orcs went flying back as Soleus stood there a complete Darkthorne, he wanted nothing more then to kill. He looked to the Darkthorne orcs, their Darkthorne leader standing admist them.
" I will kill you and peel the flesh from your bones and devour it with pleasure!" Soleus said to the Darkthorne. The Darkthorne looked back at him confused, for Soleus was a Darkthorne and he was not turning to aid them in battle. Instead he was turning to fight them, this was not expected from a fellow Darkthorne.
" What is wrong with you, your one of us, why are you not fighting our enemy?" the Darkthorne said to Soleus.
Soleus looked back with brooding eyes and said, " Because I'm not like you, while you succumb to your taint, I control mine, we have a mutual relationship. You see I'm far better then you will ever be, but your about to be dead anyway so why ask questions of your reaper?"
Soleus came charging towards the Darkthorne with his hammer, as the orcs rose and went to stop Soleus, black tendrils shot out from him. These black tendrils had fanged mouths at their ends, they attachted themselves to the orc's heads. Painful screams came from the orc's at the tendrils bit into their heads and sucked out their insides. The mass flowed down the tendrils to Soleus and as he fed on the orc's insides, his form grew again, mutating even further. He slowly began to resemble an abomination rather then anything pleasent or even handsome, even to a Darkthorne. The orc's bodies became thin and their skin was drawn innerward from the suction of the tendrils. The tendrils let loose the vacant skin bags and the mouths changed to pointed drill like shapes. They shot towards the Darkthorne who turned at the evil grin Soleus gave him.
They punctured through the Darkthorne's form holding him up before turning around and begining to flow over his form. The Darkthorne became covered in a black liquid, the tendrils still tied to Soleus's spine. The form slowly began to dissolve before there was nothing left, Soleus's form again changed becoming wider, with sharp spines along his back. Soleus spewed forth a acidic fluid onto some of the orcs causing an instant reaction. They clawed at their faces, as they touched their skin, it peeled off and fell to the ground. Their forms were fuming with smoke as they fell in agonizing screams to the ground and died. Soleus was unleashing his darkness upon the Darkthornes, as a Darkthorne. The Blackthornes on the Velusian side looked on in bewilderment as did the Darkthornes on the otherside.
Arrows that struck Soleus became corrupted turning into spikes were they struck. His tongue shot from his mouth and wrapped about the feet of one unlucky goblin quickly pulling him to Soleus's razor sharp teeth. With one bite he cut the goblin in half, a bulge in his throat showed the lower half of the goblin sliding down his gullet. Soleus roared with rage as he looked onto the Darkthornes, it was a feast of flesh and murder and he was the guest of honor.
-
Prasutagus drove the dragon machine forward, on towards his father. Everything was going perfectly when suddenly. The eyes of the machine were destroyed by an object he did not have time to see. Prasutagus began to swear as he beat upon the controls of the machine.
" Blast it all, my plans are ruined, I'll have to fix the eyes or simply unleash the dust on troops and foe alike..."
Prasutagus made his way to the exit, a hatch opened up on the back of the dragon as it lurched to a halt. Prasutagus looked out onto the field towards his father, the machine had sustained more damage from Prasutagus beating on it then it did from whatever hit it's eyes. Sparks flew from the controls, he cursed his luck once more, before stepping out of the machine. Out of all the times for something to go wrong, now was not the time. Red dust leaked from the bag and floated up through the hatch.
Coughing Prasutagus inhaled a small amount of the dust before realizing it was freed. He quickly held his breath, and jumped down from the machine , already feeling weakness set in. Prasutagus spotted the form of Soleus on the battlefield and gave a questionable look. A Darkthorne was attacking Darkthornes in the midst of battle with Blackthornes. That was insane even for a Darkthorne, the Darkthorne was not one Prasutagus knew, but from the dark aura about it, it was an old Darkthorne. One that had been around for a few years letting it's darkness build and build. Prasutagus covered his face with a piece he tore from his cloak and crawled back into the machine. He rigged the controls so that the dragon would continue it's walk towards the Velusian force and then self destruct.
At least the red dust would be covered one way or another, he thought as he climbed upon the dragon's back. He would ride it straight to his father, but first, he turned in the direction that the object had come. He could see Shamus standing upon the battlements of Demise. Prasutagus knew the young king was probably proud of himself for damaging the weapon. Prasutagus decided to douse the king's flame of success by taking him out right here and now. After all, his half brother's head would make a great gift for his new wife. Prasutagus drew a francesca axe from one of the many at his belt. He drew back and whispered the name " Shamus Blackthorne" over the head of the axe which began to glow.
He brought his arm forward and let go of the axe, it flew with speed and accuracy towards it's intended target. Prasutagus wanted to see the look on Shamus's face when the axe struck him, for he had covered all his weapons with the red dust. After the throw, Prasutagus could feel more of the weakness setting upon him. The dust was acting slowly, only because he had inhaled a small amount of it. Yet it was still slowly sapping his power from him. He'd seen Reinne kill the bastard Matius, that was one good thing to happen today. For now he didn't have to kill the runt himself, but he was angry she stole that pleasure from him. For now he would deal with Reese, he could care less about his half brother. The axe was simply payback for crippling his machine.
" Come Reese, face King Prasutagus in battle!" Prasutagus shouted out over the battlefield.
-
The battle was already getting thick, Reese began to flash back on various battles he'd taken part in. The scene was always the same, death and destruction all around and total chaos. Reese looked upon from his thoughts hearing the sound of a voice calling him out. Reese had simply been sitting in the back, holding his wound feeling his life slowly draining away. Now someone was calling him forward, he could barely harm a fly at this point without dying in the process. Reese laughed and pushed the negative thoughts out of his mind and slowly looked up. His face had become pale, and the blood was starting to show through his shirt and chainmail. Already his hand was starting to be covered in the red life giving fluid. Reese however could not let the Velusian warriors see he was on the verge of death.
After all his presence here was only meant to boost their moral, for he was too close to dying to turn the tied of battle. Explosions occured all around Reese causing his horse to raise up and buck him off. Reese slowly stood back on his feet as flames fluttered about him. He looked up to see the face of the one who had called his name. Prasutagus had seen Reese and now he wanted a piece of Reese. He knew he was going to have to face this shadow of the past. This one thing he had never truly tried to mend, he knew he had to do it now.
Reese sighed a painful breath as his body began to move, his legs carrying him. Carrying him through the battle field, his hair came down covering his eyes. He let go of his side and drew his blade, it raked across the ground, growing in size. It's length became six feet long, it was meant for battles such as this. Reese cut through a good group of the orcs the Darkthornes were using. He cleared a path towards the dragon that slowly made it's way through the battlefield towards the main force. Reese used his dwindling strength to leap up onto the back of the dragon, just behind Prasutagus. Reese stood there looking over his son as the dragon come dangerously close to the battlements of Demise.
" You called Prasutagus?" Reese stood there trying to fight back the urge to keel over from the pain and weakness. He would not let himself show any weakness in this moment, for it would be a mistake at this point. The katanna he carried with him was six feet long, he wielded it in both hands, keeping it at his side towards the ground. The blade was light to Reese, but it was made of a light weight metal anyway. No one had to have great strength to lift the blade, only to use it properly.
-
Cebreese had lost sight of Adrian, but he had caught sight of someone who interested him. That of lady Demise, he lept up over the battlefield and headed towards the city walls of Demise. He cut his way through both Darkthorne and Blackthorne forces. His halbred sent out waves of force with each slash, washing over them, pushing them back, cutting through them. Cebreese had been fighting for years, hoping that someone could do what he couldn't. His pain would never end, the only way was death, but he could not take his own life. Nor would he simply lay down and die, he would never go down easy. The beauty Honor Demise had caught Cebreese's attention and he wanted to test her, to see if she was worthy enough to kill him.
He was fighting back the images that haunted him everyday, his mother's twisted image. How she beat him daily, tormenting him, she murdered his father and fed him to the family. Cebreese could see the broken doll laying there on the floor, it's eyes stabbed out. His skin became hot as the memory flashed through his head, his veins pulsed black. His could see his sister's face covered in scars from where their mother had cut her up. She would not allow anyone to be more beautiful then her, not even her daughter. Yet their mother had long lost her beauty through a curse, she resembled, or she was dead. Her maggot filled kisses, Cebreese shuddered at the memory, his skin crawling. Cebreese had slain his own mother, slain the remainder of his family, merely to put them all to rest. His mind would never forget those memories, those memories that tormented him like a curse.
Cebreese climbed up the wall with ease, sending one of the defenders over the other side. " You there of the house Demise, I've come to take your life and this city!" Cebreese said pointing towards Honor Demise with his halbred.
-
Eduardo felt his powers weakening as the ability to access outside realms was cut off. His clones began to lose their ground and fall one by one under the mass of Darkthornes. Eduardo now felt slightly afraid, for without the ability to access those realms he couldn't use his full strength against the Darkthornes. Eduardo fell back at the loss of his clones, they were losing the fight to keep the gate. Eduardo and his remaining clones all drew their swords, fine they would take their enemy on in melee combat then. Eduardo and his clones began to carve a way through the Darkthornes, pushing them back again. They circled around them, some held fast atop the battlements over the gates. They shot down arrows onto the Darkthornes having had to snatch up weapons from falling defenders.
" The main force has arrived and I fear we're in trouble...they've limited our magical abilities..I could undo their local enchantment, but I'd have to find the one who cast the spell in order to access the root of the spell and shutdown each and every layer of the enchantment...but I have to help keep the gate protected or we're dead..."
Eduardo thrust his blade into the throat of one of the Darkthornes cutting the spinal cord. He pulled the blade out and looked around realizing they were doing a pretty good job of keeping the gate defended. Perhaps he didn't have to worry about anything, at this rate they'd have the Darkthornes inside the city dead, there were a few outside the gates that might have to be dealt with though.
-
Shamus watched the dragon come to a halt and someone emerge from it as smoke poured out of it. He smiled seeing that his attack worked, just as a lone Darkthorne mounted the battlements calling out Lady Demise. At that same moment he turned to see what Reinne had done to Matius, realizing she had a darker side to her. It was then he turned to see an axe coming in his direction. He quickly brought unsheathed his sword and brought it up just in time to block the blow. The axe floated there in the air before it suddenly began to attack him again. He deflected one blow and quickly turned to block another. The axe continued it's assualt on him as though it had a mind of it's own. Shamus finally tricked the axe by falling flat on the battlement, as the axe came at him, he rolled. It chopped into the stone, becoming caught in the mortar between two of the stones.
Shamus extended his hand grabbed the weapon casting disenchant upon it. The axe stayed where it was, Shamus turned to see the dragon coming near the walls that surrounded the city of Demise. It was then he saw his father appear on the back of the dragon engine. Shamus couldn't let his father go into battle in his condition. He had agreed to let his father come because his father had something to do here. He didn't think his father would be fighting in the battle, not in his condition. Shamus wanted to go help his father, but he wasn't sure exactly what his father had to do here. Shamus turned back to the battle field catching a glimpse of something he thought a waking nightmare. It was only a glimpse and when he blinked his eyes she was gone as though she was never there.
Shamus almost stayed there gazing blankly at the battlefield, before he snapped out of his shock by the sound of explosions. Shamus lept down down to his horse to lead his calvary back into battle. The battle had just begun and now that he knew Reinne was okay, he could go and help defend Demise from the Darkthornes. But first he wanted to try and take out that dragon engine once and for all. He got together with his calvary telling them to take ropes in between them and to try and tangle the legs of the thing. He ordered for the infantry and archers to provide them cover while they attempted this. The thing had to be brought to it's knee before it could get any further into Demise. Who knew what the destructive power of this thing could be.
-
Honor remembered why she went into seclusion in the first place. Darkthorne, Blackthorne, good or evil, both reminded her of young siblings fighting over the same toy ?her land being the toy.
Her astral guardians disappeared. She grit her teeth feeling her connection from other planes of existence be cut off. Honor was put out. Since Darkthornes never respond to anything except an overt display of power, she would show them why the Demise had never been taken by either clan while she was regent. Viciously she flung out her arms wide, creating a blast of pure chaotic energy, radiating out from her like a hurricane towards the oncoming Darthorne airships, tossing them carelessly about, warping the reality creating different rules of magic around the land of Demise. If they were stupid enough to stay in a formation the ships would careen into one another. When Honor stated that this was her domain, she meant that she was the fabricator of reality, she could bend it to her will as she did by bringing Vahn through the mirror portal. She changed what they perceived as their own conscious state of existence with her own version where her will decided the fate of magical reactions.
Storm clouds gathered in the skies as she inhaled deeply the magic expelled by both sides, drinking it in. ?Yeesss,? she breathed enjoying the surge through her veins. The wind whipped around her, rain howled and beat down on friend and foe. Soon everyone would know the displeasure of the Lady Demise. Raising her face up to the heaven?s, she thanked the Fates before releasing another powerful assault on the enemies airpower.
Below the battle raged, her General Blackshear and the Shard cut a swath through the orcs and goblin fodder. The massive Orteks shook the ground, impervious to conventional weapons and magic, operating on Vitas? will. Honor kept her eye out for her lady-in-waiting. With the guardians gone; her cousin?s safety was now in jeopardy. For the people of Demise, there was more at stake than clan dominance, their way of life; their very lives were hanging in the balance. Black robes fought fanatically along side her musketeers, swordsman and mages stood back to back. She could not be more proud of her people taking a stand as they were. As their sovereign, Honor would not allow anyone to take away her people?s precious freedoms while she still drew a breath. Honor was going to find that mage and make him wish he?d never cast that realm closing spell.
Cebreese climbed up the wall with ease, sending one of the defenders over the other side. "You there of the house Demise, I've come to take your life and this city!" Cebreese said pointing towards Honor Demise with his halbred.
Torrents of rain sluiced down the stone walls, ebony hair hung in wet cords around her aristocratic face, blue eyes scanned over the battlefield for the man who called her out. Honor smiled. With a smile, she simply shook her head no, a quixotic smile playing upon her lips and levitated over to step on the top of the battlement, with a quick twist of her delicate wrist she pulled the ribbon than had imprisoned her hair and threw the black satin down to him as she shouted down at Cebreese. ?Better men have tried, my pet. Here, it looks like you need this more than me.?
Honor was not one to be foolhardy. There was no way in the world that she was going to ever meeting him in ?honorable? combat in a melee throw down. She tilted her head to the side ready to cast a spell with a thought if he did something ?anything remarkable. ?You have my attention, Darkthorne. Does your life hold so little appeal that you seek me out??
-
Prasutagus looked back to see his father standing there, he answered the call. Prasutagus reached to his back and removed the two axes that were strapped there. One was a double bladed axe, the other a simpl bearded axe, both as black as night. He gave an evil grin to his father, he had waited years for this moment. The moment when he would defeat his father in battle and slay him.
" Yes I called you father, for it is time you paid the reaper for all the pain you caused me. It is you that drove me to the Darkthornes, you that made me what I am. I have been working hard to undo the peace you worked hard to build."
Prasutagus beat his axes together, creating a clanking sound as he prepared himself. He attacked with both of the axes, bringing them both down towards Reese's chest as he closed the gap between them. His eyes burned with rage at the man who represented everything he hated.
" It's high time you died father, permanently this time and by my hand!"
-
Cebreese knew better then most the magiks that Lady Demise used. Knew better because he was a practioner of the art. He had been in a gnosis state since his first attack, he had his focus. His one goal was the destruction of Demise, the destruction of Velusia, and ultimately the destruction of Darkthorne. He would even go further to desire the destruction of the entire world and him with it. Cebreese brought his halbred's blade up to the ribbon as it drifted near him. His long black coat was soaked with rain and flapped careless at his legs. He stood there for a moment merely taking in Lady Demise, studing her.
" My life is a curse to me, as long as I draw breath I will destroy everything that I come across. Everything until there is nothing left to destroy, or I finally am defeated. Just as your lands seem to be your realm, my body is my realm, to be exact my mind."
Cebreese's form began to glow as he in a sense became a vacuum taking in both phsyical and metaphysical objects. As an item came against his form it slowly melted into him, causing a slight ripple upon his superficial being.
Cebreese smiled and simply began to make his way towards Lady Demise. His suicidal motivation was a driving force in his power as well as the chaotic magics and psionics with which he used. Belief rather then ritual were his main area of power. It's in a sense what cast his spells rather then words or movements. Everything could be used as a way of casting as long as he had a goal, a focus.
-
Gem was running with every ounce of her strength, jumping over rocks and dead bodies as she moved. Her body moved in response to the adrenaline coursing through her veins, the fight and flight instinct working for her. She nods as Soleus yells for her to find Reese. Was Reese even here she wondered? And what could she and this box do to make the horrors of the battle around them stop?
Her thoughts were broken by a cry from behind her, she recognize the voice of Soleus as he yelled "Don't stop running they've spotted us, we're almost close enough to take cover with the Velusian army!"
On she moved towards the Velusian army, having no idea if they would even allow her in their presence. She saw nothing of what was happening to Soleus behind her, saw nothing of the change coming over him. She looked towards the Castle ahead, seeing a field of Blackthorn minions in her path. As she ran past them she kept saying "I must get to Reese, it is urgent" Somehow then knew, knew deep within them that she needed to pass.
Glancing ahead she saw Shamus standing upon the battlements of Demise. She hoped it might be Reese but the man she saw was not like Reese she remembered. Breathing harder now, she moved towards teh gates of the Demise castle stopping at the gates to catch her breath. A Blackthorne guard stopping her "I...I must get to Reese....Soleus has sent me" The guard nodded, directing another guard to stay were they were. The first guard, taking her inside the keep and through the mazes of rooms and stair cases.
Gem's hand slid to the pouch, checking to be sure it was there as she stopped caught her breath for a moment. Finally after what seemed like hours but had only been moments, they stepped out onto the battlements of Demise. Moments before Reese had stood there looking over his son as a dragon came dangerously close to the battlements.
Honors vicious blast towards the Darkthorne airships causing Gem to hold on to the gaurd with fear.."I must get to Reese, I must!" she said to the guard as he nodded trying to figure out how to get at the man...
Seeing Prastugas and a pale Reese in the distance, Gem did the only thing she could think of. Gem closed her eyes, it took only a moment to concentrate, the tactic was simple ...it needed only to avert Prastugas's attention for a moment. The fist size rock flew off the battlement aimed directly at the man holding two axes. The man glaring with hate at Reese.
-
Reese defended against the axe blows, by bringing up his sword and blocking them. He gritted his teeth and looked towards Prasutagus, his son who had died and been reborn in a new body. Reese didn't come here to fight Prasutagus, he didn't want to, there was little time.
" I didn't come to fight you son, I know you hate me, but you hate me for the wrong reasons. I never killed Princess Diamond, nor did I order for you to be assassinated. If you must know your mother is the one that did not approve of you marrying an assassin princess. I was merely happy you had found someone, but she wanted to choose who you married. As for your death, Sayge was responsible for that. She didn't like the fact that you were going to kill me and your mother in an attempt to become king."
Reese pushed himself back to get distance between him and Prasutagus. He Prasutagus wouldn't believe him, but thats why he went after the mirror of truth. He reached into the satchel at his side and pulled out the mirror showing it to Prasutagus. The mirror began to play out the events which Reese spoke of, the mirror never lied. Even Prasutagus knew this, he knew enough about the mirror to know it could not be forced to lie.
Reese lowered the mirror to look at his son, " the mirror never lies and you know this. I would never do anything to hurt a child of mine, I only wanted you to be happy and free. I didn't care who you married, I thought I had protected you better from Malmora. It was only recently I found out she had found you and Sayge and started playing her little games under our noses. Sayge was already lost to me, but you son, you are merely bound by the misplaced hate you have towards me. There is a chance for you to be healed, I'm dying as we speak son...I still want to see you happy."
-
Prasutagus glared at Reese, he would end this here and now, he would slay Reese. Lift his father's head high in the air and roar victory...but that was only his victory, not that of Darkthorne. Reese spoke of things which Prasutagus tried to ignore, he figured his father was speaking lies. Then his father pressed his strength against Prasutagus's and moved back, putting distance between them. Just as he did this, Reese raised the mirror of truth revealing everything he said as being true. This meant that Prasutagus's life was a lie, all this time he fed the hate he had for his father. That hate is what made Prasutagus a Darkthorne, what made him tainted. If he did not have that hate then he had nothing to keep him a Darkthorne. Prasutagus lowered his axes and looked to the back of the dragon, he was ashamed.
How could he even look upon his father now, for all the evil deeds he'd done while being a Darkthorne meant nothing now. He couldn't even call himself a Darkthorne if he didn't have that hate to feed on. He could already feel the darkness within him starting to subside, but he couldn't allow it. If he lost his Darkthorne claim now, he would already lose the battle even before it began. " Father....forgive me..." after saying that he raised his axes once more and came charging at Reese in one last ditch attempt as the darkness within him struggled to keep it's claim over his soul. Having been affected by the " Red Dust " Prasutagus's danger sense was no longer with him. The rock that came flying towards him was not even noticed.
As his axes would once again clang against Reese's sword, Prasutagus would say, " I am Prasutagus..son of Reese..I forgive you father.." the hate in his eyes would slowly begin to fade, but the taint remained. It struggled to find something else for him to feed upon to remain a Darkthorne. It found something now, something even stronger then the hate for his father. The hate for Malmora, the hate for Sayge, but mainly the hate of what he had become. Prasutagus's skin would become red scales as a crown of horns emerged from his head. Black talons emerged from his fingers and a toothy maw opened up to roar at Reese. He brought an axe down into the dragon causing it to spark as he cut the circuits that controled timer for the self-destruct sequence.
His eyes became yellow as he began to transform into a full fledged Darkthorne. Just as he took on this transformation, he attention was distracted by a strange noise. He turned his head just in time to be hit by the rock and sent flying off into the battlefield. His hands clung to his axes as he roared in anger at the attack. The dragon began to leak the red dust all over the battlefield, it weakened both Darkthornes and Blackthornes and Lady Demise's winds caused it to sweep over both forces in no time flat. Prasutagus came crashing down in the midst of a skirmish between some of the gnolls and Velusian knights. His axe found a home in the chest of one of the Velusian knights as he pushed aside a gnoll to look towards the dragon engine.
He had forgiven his father, but he could not forgive himself, not for all he had done.
-
Reese heard his son's words and watched the change taking shape in his soul, only to see it change yet again. The taint within him would not let him be free of the Darkthorne curse. Reese at least knew his son, knew the truth and was one step in the direction of redeemption. Reese was about to attempt to try and pull his son back even more, when Prasutagus attacked him again. His son was struggling against the evil within him, struggling to come back into the light. Reese could feel his heart tearing at the sight of his son suffering inside. A tear began to trail down his left eye as Prasutagus said he forgave him. He wanted Reese to kill him, but Reese could not do that, he knew that Prasutagus could be saved. If he could be brought back from the Darkthornes, then so could Prasutagus.
Just as Reese was thinking this he saw Prasutagus's attention drawn away from him. A large stone struck Prasutagus sending him flying off the dragon engine's back and down into the field of battle. The dragon was sparking and something was leaking from it's insides, a red dust that blew about Reese from the raging winds. He felt a weakness wash over him, he knew his time was cut short by this. The dragon was about to exploded, Reese couldn't allow this thing explode here. He summoned the winds that already swept over the battle field and slung the dragon over head. It exploded sending down a rain of the red dust, as well as a cloud. The bits and pieces of the dragon fell atop the Darkthorne troops, some of it accidently made it's way onto allies as well, due to the winds.
Reese looked over to the direction of the stone and saw Gem, he could hear the call of the apple from the box. He already felt weak from the wound, and from the disconnection from the dream realm, but now the red dust added to that weakness. Reese found it hard to make his way towards Gem, but he struggled on, he wouldn't die until he had finished what he had started long ago. Reaching Gem, he nearly collasped at her feet, " Gem..long time no see...we have to hurry, I don't have much time left, come follow me." Reese would lead Gem to his horse, they could talk on the ride to the forgotten temple.
-
Witnessing Cebreese's transformation, it became clear that what Cebreese was. The laws of physics and reality ceased to apply to them both. This was going to be interesting. Chaos magicks did not grow on trees. She had only run into handful of Chaos mages in all years of her long life. It seemed such a shame that the world was going to become one less short after this day.
Phasing through the stone, she shifted and slowed down time created a surreal version of their own outward reality, appearing out of the base of the rock clean and dry. An invisible breeze teased her dark hair around her shoulders, she pulled offer gloves tucking them in her pockets staying a good lunge and thrust distance away from the Darkthorne's halbred. Around them people moved so slowly that they hardly seemed to move at all. The rain froze in the air like motion lines.
Her smile was sweeter than the morning, lightly holding her fan in her right hand. "Let us explore this suicidal complex that you have cultivated, shall we?" She gazed into Cebreese's Lifethreads hoping to discover hidden secrets and desires. Her left hand was obscured by her long riding coat fingering the leather of her favorite bullwhip thoughtfully, recognizing someone who had just as much emotional baggage as her own.
-
Gem watched as if it were slow motion...the mirror, the rock, the dragon, the red dust. The rock she had used her innate telekinesis had found home hitting the would be killer in the head sending him tumbling into the masses below..?Reese!? she called running closer to her old friend, having no idea if he would remember her.
She looked at his pale face...?Reese, do you remember me?? Her eyes searched his for a moment then she continued...?Soleus told me that I must bring you what I found. He said you would tell me what I needed to do with it?
She licked her full lips nervously..?Just tell me what I need to do? She wasn?t sure if she should show him the item..
Reaching Gem, he nearly collapsed at her feet, " Gem..long time no see...we have to hurry, I don't have much time left, come follow me." Reese would lead Gem to his horse, they could talk on the ride to the forgotten temple.
Gem slide herself under Reese?s arm, using her slender small form to let his weakened body lean on her. As they moved, she spoke softly to him..?Reese, if we stop perhaps I can heal your wounds or at least take away the pain..? He shook his had and urged her on, Away from the red dust and the battlements.
Down the stairs they went tracing the steps she had taken just a few minutes before until at last they were at the gates, looking out toward the battle field. There amide the masses stood the massive black stallion with a red mane. Moving towards it, Gem helped get Reese get onto the steed, then took his offered hand and hopped with him.
-
Cebreese's life thread was a confusing, yet strong thread that branched off into various directions. It was tied to a destiny by the wheels of fate itself, he seemed more a pawn of fate rather a active seeker. His father as he thought it was a noble from Carthage, but in reality his father was Rasha Blackthorne, the same father of Reese. Cebreese didn't know he was related to the Blackthornes so closely. His mother was the Blackthorne known as Quelyss, who was disfigured by Seti Blackthorne for being beautiful. It caused his mother to have a slight complex, she took it out on her family. Cebreese had killed his family out of mercy, but killed his mother out of rage as well as mercy. Cebreese had gone beyond being just a mortal, he had become fully a being of the psionic realm itself. So to speak he made his own realm, he had locked himself away in the psionic realm of his mind before being pulled out by the Darkthornes.
He then took over Velusia as a Darkthorne, but then handed it back to the Blackthornes and disappeared into his mind once more. He had been pulled out this time by Malmora, then called upon by the fates to start the cogs of Darkthorne turning so that the power could shift back to the clan. He held no alliances to anyone, he had served Vahn Demise once long ago in helping restart the war between Darkthorne and Blackthorne.
Cebreese looked to Honor with slight distaste, " I wouldn't delve too deep into my complex if I were you." He didn't care if she looked into his life, for he had long forgotten what life was. What it meant to even be alive, his mother had taught him how cruel life could be at an early age.
-
Many had wondered why Demise was such a needed part of Velusia, but none really knew. None that is except a select few of the Blackthorne family who knew of Demise's origions. It had once been the epicenter of the old Velusian kingdom when the clans first set foot in this realm. There they found a tree, it was not like any other in the land. A voice told them never to eat of the fruit of the tree, but one Blackthorne did not listen. It was that bite of the apple which brought about the seperation in the clan. It was that same bite that brought about a non-stop history of war that would never end until the balance was returned. The taint came from the tree, it marked the first Darkthorne whom spread that taint through the clan like wildfire.
Reese and Gem rode out into the lands just on the outskirts of Demise, to a place hidden within the mountain range. There a ruin in a shallow riverbed, which had once been a temple stood, now in such ruin it only resembled a pile of stones. It once had a wall built around it and in that wall once stood a wonderous tree. Reese had been to these ruins many times, many times he had searched them for their secrets. The only thing discovered by him had been the key and name of the city Luskan. After the tree had disappeared the veil that surrounded Velusia rose up. Reese dismounted his horse and helped Gem down, then made his way to the ruins. There was a large mound of earth in the middle of the river, this mound is where the tree once stood. Reese was no longer bound by the realm lockdown that existed about Demise.
He was about to attempt something that in his weakened state might just kill him. He began to cut the earth they looked upon from the land of Demise, he moved it to the gardens in Lochland, effectively taking him and Gem to Lochland. The mound now stood in the middle of the large fountain in the royal gardens behind Lochland castle. " We must plant the apple here so that the tree of balance can grow and the clan and land itself can heal." Reese slumped down to his knees, " we will have to do this together for I lack the strength to complete this task alone..I am proud of you my old friend, you have done well. Your name shall be remembered as the guardian of the tree, for that is what I bestowed upon you when I brought you back to life many years ago. The keeper of the tree was a healer, a female, but not of Blackthorne blood. But in order to break the curse...."
Reese closed his eyes and a change began to take place over him, he slowly began to change back into the Darkthorne he was so many years ago. " In order to break the curse a Darkthorne of Blackthorne blood, must help the guardian plant the tree." The change was even more of a drain upon him causing him to feel the darkness within him once again. That darkness he purged in order to free himself of the evil, yet his whole purpose of becoming a Darkthorne had been to do this task. Black veins pulsed through out his body, his eyes became blood red as flames lept up from his shoulders. He dug a hole into the earth so that Gem could place the apple within it. It would take five or more hours before the tree was at full growth, but it would end the war of ages.
-
From across the realms he heard it, felt the touch of the sacred earth once more. He awoke, how long ago had he forsaken his mission by destroying the very tree he was charged with over looking? Forsaken so he could be free to roam the realms. It was Scourge that tempted the first Blackthorne into eating the apple. It was Scourge who attacked the castle in the guise of a child and almost destroyed the clan for trying to undo what he had done. Scourge the angel of chaos and disorder, it was Scourge that killed Gerald Blackthorne for trying to reunite the clan. Scourge awoke from his centuries of slumber and crossed the realms to the one realm which he hated.
He had cursed Luskan and killed those who sought the apple long ago, did they think he would not come again. He would not allow the apple to be planted, for once the tree was back he would be no more. Scourge descended from the heavens like a meteor heading straight for the royal gardens. The mere impact of his landing would send Reese and Gem flying back. It was time Scourge made himself clear about the apple, he would kill the Thorne and woman. He would take the apple and hide so that it would never found again. Scourge drew his blade, as his metallic wings unfolded, he hated Velusia. Spotting Reese he thrust his blade while letting loose an angelic screech that would send a sound wave of destruction towards Reese.
" The tree shall not be planted, your lives are forfiet..." an aura of extended from Scourge covering the area they were in and cloaking it away from Velusia. He took the area to the dark heavens where their actions would be canceled out back in Velusia. " I have worked far to hard in keeping that tree from growing once more. Do you think I will sit idly by and watch you undo everything I have worked so hard to destroy?!"
-
The " Eclipse " glided over the desert sands of Belgada, the sand was only a few feet away from the ship. Ion twirled the wheel right and left, moving past boulders, ruins, and mountains. The ship rose up high as it went over each dune, coming back down mere feet away from the sand. As they came close to Demise, the ship began to rise up higher. The storms made it difficult to stir the ship, but Ion did not let it phase him. He flew the ship over the armies of Darkthorne and over the city of Demise, bringing the ship down slowly. He lowered the gang plank to allow everyone to disembark from the ship. Ion spotted the flagship the " Infernus " high above, he knew it's captain. Knew the man was dangerous and if left alone would eventually become a great threat to the side of Velusia.
Ion would let everyone off the ship before he told them he was going to go engage the larger ship in battle. If he could take out the flagship it would help in demoralizing the Darkthorne troops as well as deal a large blow to their air forces. Ion waited at the wheel of the vessel, not wanting to cause a stir in the city by his arrival.
-
Reese was thrown back by the arrival of a force he knew little about, however it felt slightly familiar to him. As he stood to his feet the angelic being attacked him, Reese deflected the nearly fatal blow, though the enemy had more strength then Reese currently. The screech however hit Reese hard, shredding much of his clothing, leaving cuts and bruises all over his form. His metallic left forearm and hand crumbled into junk. He now only had his right hand to do battle with. As the angelic being spoke, Reese began to see just why it was stopping their efforts. It had been behind the whole thing to begin with. This angel was the source of the problem, which meant he had to be dealt with, else he would undo everything they were working on.
Reese also noticed the change in the realm around them as the angel took the battle ground to a whole new realm. A realm Reese had never been to before, he had heard of this place in stories. Reese went to help Gem and make sure she was okay, he asked her to give him the apple. He wouldn't let the angel attack Gem to get the apple, his friend's life was not going to be put in danger to save his family. Reese would have to have Gem's help in defeating this being however, in fact Reese knew of only one way to do that. For the angel was equal to Reese in power in Velusia, but now that the realm had changed he could sense the angel's power increasing.
-
She walked around him slowly knowing that he would follow her face to face, circling each other. ?We are not so different, you and I. Abusive mothers, we learned from a very young age that the people who are suppose to love us the most, hurt us the worst. But the past is the past. Why do you wish to cease to exist..boredom, ennui?? she speculated softly. There was an underlying event, a cause for the effect, something that made him turn his back from humanity, studying him in return.
Honor understood all too well the tediousness of the mortal coil. A day at most had passed with her brother found. The perfect union that she sought with her brother?s release had not come to pass. Now with the impending arranged marriage she would be passed over in favor of Reece?s daughter, and perhaps forgotten until Vahn needed her again like so many other times before by her younger, more impetuous sibling.
Once the war was won and Demise re-established, its future secure when Vahn marries Reinne, she would cease to have a purpose. Her time as Regent would be over. Honor had not had time to think the matter through before, however if the scenario played out she would be alone and unneeded; an option that she could not, would not accept. She was bred to be a consort for a king. Her people venerated her to godhood. To be relegated to minor nobility in the Blackthorne court was an unappetizing prospect, taking orders from Vincent?s niece or her own baby brother.
Vincent. She sighed just thinking his name. This was the second time in less than 48 hours that the thought of him had spring unbidden from her mind. Honor suppressed the memory, shaking her head as if to fling his memory far away from her. That was a long time ago and he was gone. Reece with his smug grin and irritating non-answers was supposed to ask the Blackthorne mirror about Vincent?s whereabouts, not like she cared anymore. If he damn-well was alive and not sought her out, he must not have cared as much as he said he did. And for that she would not forgive him. Vincent and Honor were too much alike ?deeply passionate and devoted to familiar obligations. They fought violently to make up with equal furor. Honor wondered what he would think about having a half brother in Cebreese. She cursed bringing her guard back up. The little meander down memory lane had left her momentarily venerable.
-
"In order to break the curse a Darkthorne of Blackthorne blood, must help the guardian plant the tree..."
Gem looked at Reese with confusion.."We're planting a tree?"...
As Reese, changed form and dug into the rich brown soil, Gem felt a wave of dizziness decend upon her, her slender ahnd lide into her pocket pulling out the box. Unlike the earlier, it was now glowing softly, with writing all around it. Gem began to read the archaic language and as she did, the box snapped open revealing an egg size golden apple. Suddenly she felt the impact of scourge and barely found the strength to not be thrown...instead falling on her face as if her legs had been jerked out from behind. Her face hit the ground enough to split her lip and had the soil not been soft her nose would have been smashed. She felt the ache run through her body of the jarring fall, yet her hand still held the apple in its tight grip...
OOC I will be offline until Tuesday...Reese please NPC Gem during that time
-
The flight across the lands of darkness and towards the battle-ridden fields of Demise had been done quickly - of which Einar felt relief for. It was not part of the White Wolf's nature to stand, waiting for battle. Not when the people he cared for were in danger. Not when his entire life's work, the peace he had fought so hard for, was being threatened. Einar would not lose that peace without a fight. He would not allow his King and Queen to fall, his people to die ... The White Wolf would not let the Darkthornes win. As the 'Eclipse' soared over the sands, growing nearer and nearer to Demise, the Warrior of Velusia could feel the sword at his back begin to pulsate. Subtle and gentle at first, but slowly growing in intensity nonetheless, Einar knew full well that Fenrir desired much more spilt blood. The White Wolf's enemies laid before him, waging war against all Einar had grown to love ... And the Knight would be damned if he didn't wage a little war against them in return.
Grey hues looked over the rails of the 'Eclipse' as the airship began to ascend, soaring over the battlefield of Demise. The Knight's jaw grew tight, and the gauntlet-kissed swordhand of the mighty warrior rose to grip the handle of Fenrir firmly. The two sides were matched in strength, Einar saw, and as such the Warrior knew that the battle would be a long and bloody conflict. Despair, sorrow, rage and hatred were envelop the senses of the combatants soon enough, if not already. War was such an ugly thing ... but, deep within his breast, Einar found that he loved it nonetheless.
As the 'Eclipse' came to a halt and lowered itself, releasing it's passengers from it's hold into the war-torn city of Demise, Einar found himself stalking towards the gang plank, striding from the ship with purpose. Yet, as he came to the end of the plank, the warrior stopped and looked back up towards the Grey Wolf, " ... Show them, Ion." The Warrior spoke, "Show them all ..." And with that, Einar would move off into the undersieged city ... The Lord Demise would know were to place Lucan so that the boy would be safe. The Lady Dragonheart and Longinus would join the battle wherever it was they felt they were needed ... And Ion had his own mission set before him. So, the White Wolf rose his free hand to the amulet at his throat, sensing the presence of his Queen. Now, it was time for Einar to go where he was needed, where he belonged ... At Reinne's side.
-
-Thunk- -Thunk-
Reinne's head turned to the side sharply just in time to see the frist arrow plunge into the throat of one of the Velusian knights. A second followed almost immediately splitting the first one. Immediately she came about to follow the path of trajectory spying the feind responsible for this hideous display. Narrowing her eyes she allowed a grim smile to touch her usually soft lips.
' You wanna play? I can play too.'
Immediately she withdrew her bow from over and across her back and took aim. With the bow's unique abilities she was able to zero in flawlessly on one of the Darkthorne's crew members, like that of a perfectly aimed lazer. Instantly she thought of a fiery tiped arrow, just such a one summoning itself.
-Thwaaanng-
She released the arrow and as it flew, she drew back the bow again releasing another one immediately behind the first. The first sunk deeply between the brows of the Captain's crew man. A second later the other split the first as she lowered her bow and gave him a daring look. If he knew what was good for him, he would not test her patience. After all, it was obvious she could take out any member of his crew who dared peek their skulls into her eagle eye viewing.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw a Darkthorne minion bearing down on her and fast. Her agility and nimbleness would save her from certain death as she pivoted left narrowly being missed by the blow of an ax as she whipped out her sword with her free hand. Again the ax would swing, this time aiming to cleave her head from her shoulders. Leaning back she ducked her head and swung her own sword in a sideways arc aiming to the gullet of the beast. As large as it was, it moved exceedingly fast. The pair circled each other thrusting, swinging and parrying. Each time she parried a blow the shock of the hit would send sharp tingling up her arms forcing her fingers into a numb state. It was by sheer will alone that she managed to retain a firm grip on her weapon.
Finally she managed to knock the ax from it's hand but it recovered by quickly withdrawing its secondary weapon...a long sword. It lunged forward swinging down. She stepped to the side but miscalculated the distance needed and cried out loudly as the steel bit into the flesh of her out shoulder. The pain was excruciating but it served a higher purpose. Quickly she swung her bow towards its face forcing it to tilt its head away before using her good arm to thrust that sword forward with harsh momentum, plunging the fiery blade deep into its chest cavity. The screech it released nearly deafened her as she gritted her teeth and continued to push until it slowly fall off the blade to land on its back toppling her over on top of it.
Rolling off she stared at the sky for a breath before slowly getting to her feet only to see another smaller minion bullrushing toward her. Gasping she bent down and crouched her knees as it came in contact then with a quick force upwards she sent the beast flying over her as she bent down and collected her bow, shouldering it once more. As she did so her eyes fell on a ship landing,but more to the point those people coming off of it.
For the first time in the last few days she smiled. Vahn and Einar had returned..and with them was her precious babe, Lucan.
-
The angel stood there with his sword braced upon his shoulder, he smiled at Reese and Gem. He couldn't kill them, he was not created to kill anything with human blood in it's veins. He cursed his god for making him so, for he wanted more then anything to see their eyes grow dim. Scourge had been asleep in wonderful slumber only to be awakened by this one act. Why would the Blackthornes not give up their quest with the apple, why had all his attempts to cover up it's existance failed? He had wiped out memories, attacked them, burned libraries, done everything in his power to keep the truth hidden. Scourge's fist became gripped in anger as he shouted with a booming voice, " WHY WON'T YOU FORGET!!" he stalked about like a lion looking over the two.
" My god charged me with on mission, to guard the tree and keep anything that had human blood in it's veins from eating the apple. For eons I sat and watched that tree, until I forgot my purpose, forgot why I had been selected to such a boring task. Then one day your clan came from Ireland to this realm, bringing with them many other clans. The son and daughter of Merlynn the druid. Coming here from a world where magic was dying, coming here where the tree was. The goddess Gaia warned your people of the tree and they obeyed her. Obeyed her until I came along, you see I realized if there was no tree then I had nothing to guard, I would be free to leave and pursue whatever I wised. All that had to be done was for a human to eat of the apple. You think your family recently claimed the blood of the angels..Ha..I came to your clan in disguise. Mated with a Blackthorne and produced a half breed, the first half human, half angel to exist in your clan."
" I let my child grow and spread my blood so that I could manipulated your race, give them visions, whisper in their ears, lead them to the tree again. Finally one ate of the apple, the tree vanished and all the remained was that apple you hold there. I hid the apple well, for centuries it lay in Luskan, and then your clan began to try and replant the tree. They searched and searched, many came to Luskan where I led them to their deaths. I did everything to make your clan forget about the tree that cursed them, but still you came I tried to lead you to your death, but failed. Then you disappeared, becoming a god yourself and I thought my fight was finally over, that I could rest for a while, but somehow another Blackthorne found the apple during my slumber."
" I should have eradicated your clan, your kingdom, when I had a chance, I tried, oh how I tried, I led armies to Velusia. Led them to kill those whom I could not kill with my own hands, but your clan would not fall. Now it comes to this, I can't kill you, but I can cripple you to the point that you can't plant that apple." Scourge walked over to the sacred ground and stood there, his extended his sword towards them, the sword became like fire. " I will tell you once more forget this quest, forget the tree.."
-
Raven slowly came back to what was going on about them as the sound of the battle grew louder. Her eyes looked about the sky looking for her battling duo. Smile crossed her lips seeing them close in on the area. Taking a deep breath she pushed any pain that she had away. Raven stood up placing ahand upon the rail on the side of the ship. Giving a quick glance to Longinus, Raven made her way on the rail. Her eyes kept watch upon Phantom as he made his way to her. Rycore moved at the demand from Phantom, with one big leap she landed onhis back.
Raven flew along side the ship for a bit as she removed her cloak. As Lucan came in view she tossed the cloak near him. She thought that it may come in handy for Vahn when moving the boy. After that done she grabbed hold of the hilt of the blade and removed it from the sheath.
With a suttle motion Phantom took to highter flight above the battle. Raven's eyes scanned over the ground seeing all those that wished harm upon those she fought along side. Rycore had taken up the opposite side as Godiva. Raven let out a long breath feeling good at where she was at that moment.
Seeing how the battle was she felt that it was best to hit them from the back. That way she would not get any of those that fought on the same side as she did. With a single command the dragons got inline and ready for the attack. They moved as one as the flew down getting close to the battle. One by one they sent long blasts of fire upon the enemy giving them a taste of hell. Raven had them do that a few times before they took back to the skies. Her eyes looked taking note where the enemy stood after their attack, knowing it helped lessen those that would attack.
Raven had Rycore and Godiva keep watch upon the enemy from the back. As she and Phantom took a fly over of the Demise castle to see what was goingon there.
-
Tempest ast there on the ship where Longinus had placed her. She watched as the flew past things heading to Demise castle. At times her eyes land upon Lucan the young boy that sat some distance from her. A smirk would cross her lips while staring at him. Tempest was trying to play mind games with him any time his eyes would find her.
She looked up quickly as she saw movement upon the deck of the ship. Seemed that Einar had jumped into battle only to be followed shortly by Raven. She watched her take off on the back of Phantom. Once all of them had left the ship she would break free and get out of there. Maybe if things went real well the boy would go with her too.
Her eyes went to the four men that remained upon the ship. Without weapons there was no way that she could defend herself. Tempest knew that Longinus had some injuries and the elf was probaly not doing great. That left the other two that stood there on the deck. Being that she could not do much else she thought as she wiggled her hands. Seemed that the one that tied the binds did a good job.
-
Vincent climbed up the Demise wall, slinging his chains of slavery up the wall and pulling himself over. The armies were deeply engaged in battle, he didn't want any part of it just yet. As he climbed up he saw a form standing there, two forms actually. The first was Cebreese, the one who inprisoned him in Belgada, the bastard who ruled over both Blackthorne and Darkthorne once. Vincent felt nothing, but hate for the one who had taken his life away from him. The one who had stolen those precious years away from him, Vincent had been a guardian over his family. Being inprisoned in Belgada had taken away his purpose, taken away his meaning. Vincent had watched over his family for years, made sure that things worked as they should. He had obligations stolen from him by Cebreese, not only that, but his own personal endevours taking away.
Vincent didn't have a weapon, nothing besides the chains which were still clamped about his wrist. The iron mask that covered his face could be considered the only armor he wore. Vincent watched as a strange ship came into view, the ship drifted into Demise carrying with it an asortment of beings. Vincent knew if he was going to deal with Cebreese he would have to depend on the element of surprise. Red dust floated over the battlements, it chocked Vincent causing him to cough. He knew he had blown the element of surprise now, for surely Cebreese would have heard the sound. Vincent suddenly felt a strange weakness wash over him, the chains suddenly became very heavy. The iron mask on his head became heavy, he could barely keep his head up. Falling backwards he hit the stones of the battlement with a loud clang, his head began to ring from the sound within the mask. He struggled to get back up, but to no avail, the weakness which gripped him was stronger then his resistance.
Whatever the red dust that had swirled over him was, it had a strange effect upon him. Curse it, had he only climbed the battlements to meet his doom at the hands of his enemy?
-
Cebreese stood there watching Honor, when he saw her eyes seem to become distant as her guard dropped momentarily. He was about to strike, when he heard a strange noise behind him, a cough followed by a loud clang upon the stones. Cebreese turned to see the form laying upon the stones behind him, a smile crept over his face. He quickly moved over to the form standing over it's head, looking down to the eyes in the mask. He kept a close vigil on Honor, for he wouldn't allow himself to be left open while dealing with this other threat.
" Ahh Vincent Blackthorne, I see somehow you have freed yourself from the prison I placed you in. Well your freedom shall be short lived, for with this halbred I will deliver your death. It's a shame you have to die like this, I'm not sure why you can't move, but I will take advantage of it while I can."
Cebreese would stab his halbred into Vincent's side first to make sure his prey was not toying with him. Seeing the blood and pain cross over Vincent's face, he knew that something had imobilize the Blackthorne. Whatever it was, it had not got him, he looked around the battlefield with his left eye seeing the swirling red dust that was sweeping over it. Whatever that dust was, it must be the cause of this, Cebreese would have to be careful for he did not want to be like Vincent here. Cebreese raised the halbred slowly over his head as he spoke to Honor Demise.
" Now watch as I kill Vincent, for after I'm done with him, I shall finish what I've started with you!"
An evil smile crept over Cebreese's lips as braced himself and with sadistic glee he brought the halbred slicing down towards Vincent's chest.
-
Sigonus watched Tempest from time to time, while he chatted with Lucan, making sure he was okay. The boy seemed fine thanks to Gaia that he didn't have any knowledge of the events after his capture. Sigonus would do his best to help guard the boy until they returned him to his mother. First and foremost however, Sigonus needed some healing if he was going to be any use in this battle. Sigonus looked out on the battlefield of Demise as they soared over it, heading to the city. It was awful, he could barely tell friend from foe in this conflict, both sides were well engaged. When Einar and Raven both left the ship, Sigonus disembarked from the ship waiting next to it, for Lucan and the others to get off. He was glad to be back in Velusia, even if it was during a massive battle. Being back home made him feel slightly safe, safe enough that he didn't worry about being possessed.
Sigonus looked to the skies seeing the storm raging, he was suddenly glad that he was on the ground. The airship had made it through the storm, but could it handle another go?
-
Longinus turned and helped Tempest up and escorted her off the ship, after all he didn't want her causing trouble. He looked up to the sky to see where Raven had gone. Seeing the dragon over head, he sighed, he hoped she would remain safe. After everything that had happened Longinus didn't want to lose another person he cared for. Longinus didn't want to just stand by and not take part in the battle. However he had to make sure Tempest didn't cause them further problems. Longinus had once been a leader of an army back home, here he was just a lone warrior. He felt a bit out of place here, the war raged on around the city and he knew neither side would take him with open arms.
Longinus asked some of the guards of Demise if they had a prison. Which they could keep Tempest in until they could figure out what to do with her. Longinus would serve the Blackthorne family to pay for the crime he had done against their family.
" We should make sure the Lucan is kept safe, the battle is no place for a child." Longinus looked to Sigonus, the elf had been injured greatly and was in need of healing. Longinus also could use a little healing himself, but he was more concerned about keeping Lucan safe and making sure Tempest didn't get out of hand.
-
Vahn stepped off the ship and kept close to Lucan, this was his land, his home. These Darkthornes dared to attack his home, the sanctuary of his birth. As Vahn's feet touched the grounds of Demise he felt strength run through him. Vahn looked about searching for his sister, he needed to find her once he brought Lucan back to Reinne. His service was done, he had rescued Lucan and now he expected Reinne to keep her part of the baragin.
" Darkthorne dares to attack the lands which I call home, they think they can take Demise."
" Lord Vahn, Lord Vahn!" Vahn turned to see his man servent Sidius come running towards him. The man had blood splattered across his form, in the shadows behind Sidius was a form. Vahn looked past Sidius to the form which now emerged from the shadows. The reptilian form looked upon Vahn with recognition, he remembered Vahn now. It's form was covered in blood as well, a curved sword was within it's right hand.
" Lord Vahn this creature has come to help defend Demise, it claims to serve you. I have been doing my best to help defend the city in your absence, I'm glad you've returned.."
Vahn patted Sidius on the shoulder and walked past him to the lizardman and smiled. " So you remember me now, I wondered when you would remember, I thank you for protecting my home while I was away...both of you. It shows me that your loyalty lies with me, I am warmed by your deeds. Now let us combine forces and deliver Lucan to his mother, then find my sister so I can aid her in protecting our home. We will push back the threat of Darkthorne and I will not rest until they are all dead this time."
Vahn walked off with Lucan heading in the direction that Sidius said he last saw Reinne. He also instructed Longinus on where to place Tempest, there was a jail not far from the ship. She could be placed within a cell there until the battle was over and they could better deal with her.
-
After seeing everyone get off the ship, Ion stepped upon the raising mechanisim, causing the ship to start to rise. He turned the wheel to the right making the ship turn as he placed his foot on the direction mechanisim. The ship sailled off up into the air heading towards the direction of the " Infernus " where he knew his destiny awaited. His ship didn't have any powerful guns, nor could he really do much without a crew to man the guns. The only cannon he could man was the one at the head of the ship. It had one shot which he knew wouldn't do much against the well armored ship. The " Infernus " also out gunned him with it's seventy-two guns and full crew. His ship's armor was light to allow it to move with speed.
It was a losing battle for him, but the " Infernus " had a pay load of bombs which it would no doubt let lose on either the army of Velusia, or the city of Demise. Ion was faced with one option, if he rammed the ship with sufficent force, he could set off the bombs and destroy the ship. Though by doing so he might end his own life in the process, but it would kill the Darkthornes on board. He also had helped design the " Infernus " so he knew it had a magical cannon which could hurt be a destructive force if used properly. He knew the ship well, it's only weakness was the rear, the ship was designed to be well armored at it's front and sides, but the cabin had to be placed at the back of the ship. Because of the cabin's design it slightly weakened the back of the ship.
With his ship the " Eclipse " he could out run the larger ship's guns, not too mention his ship was smaller. Less for them to aim at, that is if he stayed still long enough for them to aim. His ships cannons would not dent the back of the " Infernus " he had one option. He closed his eyes and said, " Thanks Einar for helping me find my path back..." he stepped upon the ship's pedals and cruised past the " Infernus " and spun the ship around facing the back of the Infernus. He said a simple prayer to Gaia, hoping she heard his pleas as he guided his ship directly at the back of the Infernus. He braced himself for the impact that would come when the two ships met. " I will not die without honor!" he fired the only gun he could at the ship hoping to weaken it slightly enough for the impact to come.
-
Honor blinked in disbelief and replied automatically, "Oh no you don't!"
This poor soul in the heavy mask could not be Vincent. Could Cebreese have actually been the caused Vincent's disappearance? The rain around them started to fall on them at the base of wall. A massive thunderclap echoed all over the city as lightning danced acrossed the darkening skies. The red dust floated mingling with the downpour.
In the same heartbeat she released the strap holding her whip and in one fluid motion she wrapped the lash around the shaft changing the trajectory of the blade away from the prone man and pulled, snapping it back to her jerking Cebreese and herself closer together as she swiveled to the side defensively. She pulled again releasing the whip from Cebreese's weapon.
Her delicate features harden as she raised her chin a fraction, staring defiantly in Cebreese's eyes. She controlled the urge to throttle him with her bare hands. She snapped angrily, "You lie, Cebreese! That man is not Vincent Blackthorne. Vincent is dead." She was in state of denile although she knew in her heart of hearts that Vincent was certainly not dead.
-
The breeze blew locks of pale blonde behind the Knight as Einar stalked through the streets of Demise, heading towards the frontlines of the battle. The Warrior moved with purpose, his grey eyes locked upon the main gates in which the Darkthorne Army was laying siege. Reinne was there, fighting against the odds ... Gauntlets moaned as fists grew tight, the hilt of Fenrir pulsing as the Warrior readied himself for battle once more. He would not allow harm to come to Reinne, would not allow the Darkthornes to destroy everything Einar cared for and loved. Beast or no, the White Wolf would protect what was his ... even in death, if it came to it.
In moments, the Warrior found himself striding up the steps leading to the battlements of the gate, taking the steps two at a time ... The Queen was close, Einar could feel it. The amulet around his neck pulsed as he grew more and more near, aiding the Knight in finding his charge. Her safety was his duty, his life's honor ... and he would not fail in that. Einar stepped onto the battlements, eyes catching sight of the vicious battle waging all about the wall. And, as he did, he could feel the black veins of rage and malice begin to etch across his pale flesh. He would not allow the Darkthornes to take all he loved away.
Eyes - now becoming silver - flashed to the side, and in once fluid motion Fenrir was unleashed, the steel slicing through the air from it's back-scabbard and into the flesh of a Pure-Form Darkthorne. Jaw opened, a small amount of blood spraying outwards as canines extended even while the White Wolf howled in rage. " ... AAAAAAAARGH!" The Knight's battle cry rang out, slick with primal fury even as Fenrir cleaved the Darkthorne in true, slicing across the creature's breast and slicing him in two. Those silver eyes widened, then, incensed as Einar gazed upon his dead prey. The Warrior then turned, looking about wildly for the next Darkthorne to scale the wall. Fenrir was ready, forever ready ...
T'was then that Einar caught sight of Reinne, some distance away. And in that moment, the Warrior knew shame. Shame for the monster he had become, for the monster he was, and forever would be. And shame for the feelings he felt towards his Queen and Friend. A beastial growl erupted from the White Wolf's throat as his face curled in a snarl ... Now was not the time, not the time. Silve eyes then caught sight of the 'Eclipse', slicing through the heavens even as rain began to pour down, the gods weeping 'pon the carnage wrought by man ... In that moment, Einar realized what Ion intended to do. Digits drew in, and the White Wolf found himself crying out to the skies - to the 'Eclipse', " ... ION!!!" And then, the Knight's armoured elbow swung backwards, steel sinking into flesh and crushing the bones beneath - another Darkthorne infiltrator. Einar roared in fury, and Fenrir sliced once more, chopping downwards at the top of the creature's skull.
Einar knew Ion's life would be lost, and the White Wolf found himself envious of the Grey Wolf for a moment. Ion would find peace in death, a peace the White Wolf could not allow himself to taste. Not yet. Einar was the monster whom slayed monsters, and he forever would be. Such was his lot in life ... and so, as pain and anger raged within his breast, Einar turned to the wall, gazing upon the Darkthornes as they scaled their ladders, rising to the battlements of Demise. And Einar began to kill. And kill. And kill.
-
The column of Lycals, headed by the Thane of the North, raged into battle - howls and battle cries ripped through the cacophony of war as warhammers, axes and swords sliced through the flesh of the Velusian lines. Silver eyes gleamed, incensed by the spilt blood of the fallen, death all around them ... Claws slashed and tore, ripping apart whatever Velusian soldiers dared stand before the mighty Northern Clan. Yet, none of the Thane's clan were as ferocious in battle as Magnus himself. The mighty Thane's hammer rising and falling with relentless strength and undying fury. Rage coursed through the form of the Thane, a bloodlust insatiable gripping the Lycal's heart. Never could he quench the thirst for blood, never could he be full of death and suffering ... never could the Thane of the North be satisfied. Not until every last Blackthorne whelp lay dead!
Blood dripped from hammer and claws, armour and maw ... The savage Thane a master of battle and war. Countless foes fell before the mighty Thane, all the wounds dealt to the massive Darkthorne seeming not to pain the warrior, but rather, spurn the Thane on to slay more. Ecstasy coursed through the Magnus' veins as he howled out into the heated air of battle, the battle cries leaving that ferocious maw becoming a vicious battle hymn, spurring his Beasts on.
Tireless and uncanny were the movements of the Thane of the North, his hammer moving through the battle like quicksilver, his lust of carnage relentless ... and then, then those siver eyes rose to the battlements of Demise. Rose to them, and witnessed the sight of the White Wolf. Einar the Betrayer ... Einar, the Thane's son. Ah, if nothing were sweeter! Magnus began to fight through the fray, charging through the haze of battle towards the walls of Demise - his howling warriors following their Cheiftain, cleaving all in their path. Oh, the hatred and rage Magnus felt for his bastard son! The whelp that turned away from his destiny! The shame Einar had brought to the Thane was unforgivable, the disgust and revile Magnus felt for the Betrayer legendary. All who knew of the Thane of the North knew of the Betrayer ... and all knew that Magnus would never rest until the stain of cowardice that was his son, was purged.
And now it was time. Now, after all these years of hatred towards the Betrayer, Magnus had his chance ... Einar was a fool to show his face before an army of Darkthorne, most especially an army in which Magnus fought in. The Thane of the North would have his vengeance, would pay the iron price to cleanse his name of Einar's disgace. The Thane of the North would break his child in two.
-
Othium had become distracted by the pleasent sound of the cannons roaring as they fired upon the dragons which swarmed around the ship. Their fire couldn't harm his vessel, yet they continued and fell one by one. The dragons flew off to find easier prey in the other ranks of Darkthorne's air force. Othium smiled with warm delight when suddenly he heard a sound, turning he found his second in command laying dead. The soldier had two arrows within his head, Othium looked over the rails carefully and spotted Reinne with her bow. He leaned back and laughed, how daring she was to challenge him, Othium turned to his new second in command.
" We'll release the explosives upon the Velusian troops and Demise starting with right there." He pointed down to the top of Reinne's head as she engaged a Darkthorne soldier. The new second in command smiled, for they would be winning with this action, yet they would be killing off their own troops in the process. It was a truly demented and evil plan one worthy of a Darkthorne's effort. Their ship was currently over the main host of Darkthorne a position held only for the most important parts of their battle plan. A sudden impact rocked the ship, Othium turned and looked to his crew which were scattering towards the back of the ship. Othium wondered what the devil had happened, no one would be foolish enough to engage their ship, it out numbered in cannons all ships currently in the air. Who would be so foolish to test their fate by.....Othium smiled as he recognized the vessel.
It was his former captain Ion, how proper that the one who taught Othium and built the Infernus, would be killed by them both. Othium began to order his crew to start turning the ship and prepare to fire, when Ion did something unexpected. The Eclipse began to come full speed at the Infernus, Othium's eyes went wide as knew there would not be enough time to turn the ship. From his back came long silver wings, he launched himself off the ship just in time to come down on Ion's ship at the moment of impact. He wanted to grasp Ion right off the decks of his vessel, take him up into the air and drop him like a stone. The fool had cost him glory and his life, for the explosives would rain down on the Darkthorne troops. It would greatly weaken their army and all because of Ion's actions, no he would not let the warrior die with honor.
He would make him suffer an eternity, his hands stretched out towards Ion's armor. Like an eagle swooping down for it's prey he came at Ion with deadly speed and intent. " You fool, why couldn't you have stayed exiled in the desert with all the other insects!"
-
Ion thought on the life he had lost due to the Darkthornes, his childre, his wife, everything. At one time all he wanted to do was fight for the peace of Velusia. And once that peace had been won, he would retire to become a simple hunter and farmer. These hands that had become stained with blood, digging in the earth planting crops. Instead of destroying something they would be creating something. The memory of that dream had kept him alive for so long, it was but a dream. His destiny had been bound to the cruel fate of the warrior, he would know peace only in death. As the ship impacted the Infernus, he could hear the explosives starting to go off, the crew on board screaming in terror. He spoke softly to the Eclipse, " It's time for us old dogs to lay and rest in peace girl..."
As Ion looked up he saw the form of Othium coming directly at him, he began to draw the Lunar Scar. The blade fell to the deck of the ship as Othium's hands slammed into him, grasping his armor and pulling him from the deck of his ship. He looked back just in time to see both vessels become wreckage as the explosion tore through them both. Fire and debri rained down from the sky onto the host of Darkthorne as some of the explosives detonated still. Ion reached up and grasped Othium's arms trying to pull himself free. He had wanted to die with the dignity left to him and instead he was taken from his martyr's cause.
" I did what needed to be done, the Darkthornes are lost in their taint, they have become a plague to the peace I once fought for. There was once a chance for you too Othium, there may still be, if I can change even you can."
So this is where it would end, at the hands of his former first mate, he would no doubt be dropped to plunge to the earth, to his death. He didn't fear death, if his death gave strength to those who fought for peace then he would take his own life gladly. " What now Othium, I am defenseless, you can kill me easily, is that what Darkthorne taught you, I know I taught you better then that. A warrior should at least be given a chance to change his fate in honorable battle."
-
Ion spoke of things that no longer mattered to Othium, honor, there was no such thing.
" You speak as though you are still my captain, but you lost that rank long ago. As for honor and death, there is no such thing as honor, but death, that is something very real. Something you will beg for after I am done with you, there is no saving me Ion. I am not as weak as you, I do not need you to help redeem my soul. I am content just as I am, if I needed your help I would just as soon take my own life."
Othium soared high up above the storm into the clouds above, where the battle was just a memory. He flew there still grasping Ion's breast plate as he thought over just what he should curse the man with.
" I think I will curse you Ion, curse you to be the wolf you are, without control over your actions. Yes I think I would like to see you slay innocent and guilty alike just to feed your hunger. For by doing that you shall fall back into the darkness of the Darkthornes and become nothing more then a slave. A beast that will merely be dragged out to slay whomever I so see fit. How does that make you feel Ion, do you fear having no control over you actions, over you fate? I know what you fear most Ion and it's not death, it's dying as a villain, dying with the blood of innocents staining your hands. Hands that once killed so many in the name of Velusia and yet fight for restraint for the cause of Darkthorne. It's because you know that to fight for Darkthorne is to kill the innocents you once protected with your life."
" Becoming the devil you fear so much, the devil that has haunted you for so long. It's time you came back to us Ion, not as a fellow peer, but as a slave to it's masters."
Othium let one hand go of Ion's breastplate, having to pry his hand from Ion's grasp. His left hand raised up over his head as he began to summon forth the curse that would turn Ion into the Grey Wolfe forever. His Icuran armor glinted in the light of the sun as it began to sink down in the clouds.
" You shall know fear again Ion, fear of being a slave for the rest of your days."
A black distorting glow shimmered about Othium's hand as he began to reach back towards Ion's form. " Welcome to slavery.."
-
Ion listened to Othium as his heart began to pulse with fear at what Othium promised. If Ion could not control himself while in his lycal form he would be nothing more then a beast. Killing anyone that came into his path for the mere sake of slaughter and hunger. Ion's eyes reflected back the fear of such a fate, it was far worse then death. A fate he had been fearing for so many years now, he had to do something. Ion began to think of something while Othium continued to speak, his words becoming distant now. Ion had never used magic before, but he knew it was in his veins somewhere. All Blackthornes could summon forth the powers of the druid, though it required training. Ion had no training in magic, only the way of the sword and battle, but now he needed more.
Ion let go Othium's hand as he wrenched it free to bestow the curse upon him. At this point he hung there by one of Othium's hands, Ion's right hand was now free, he reached to his belt and felt around. His hands found the hilt of his ceremonial dagger, yes!.. With it he could erase Othium's memories, defend himself, but what would he do after freeing himself? Ion began to think back at what point he wanted to erase Othium's memory to. Back to the young man who had been charged with serving Ion aboard his ship to learn the ways of naval battle. When Ion had continued to teach Othium of honor and the ways of battle. He had tried then to sway Othium from the Darkthorne's shadow and had almost won. Maybe there was a chance left for Othium after all.
Yet by doing so he would be dooming himself to death, a death that he knew would be painful. Death was better then slavery though, because his death would be Othium's redemption. He would sacrifice his own life just to give Othium a chance to start over. The real reason he was exiled was because of his attempt to sway Darkthornes away from the darkness within. If he were to be alone in Belgada, then he would make himself a new family of misfits like himself. That is what he had thought at first, until he realized that some of them could actually be saved. That was before he had been cursed yet again by the she-wolf. Back before he had fully thought himself a Darkthorne, now he would give the chance Einar gave him, to Othium.
He pulled the dagger free of it's sheathed and stabbed it at a gap in Othium's armor. Othium's hand was coming closer to Ion just as he plunged the dagger towards the angel.
-
Othium looked to Ion with an evil smile upon his face as his hand came closer to Ion's neck. He wasn't aware of Ion having found his ceremonial dagger, nor of him unsheathing it. Othium was just about to laugh at the warrior's fate when a sharp pain came to his side. Memories flashed before his eyes, his mouth opened in both awe and shock. It was as though he were watching his life flash before him in reverse. All the way back to the day he first set out to become a warrior himself. His grip on Ion's breatplate slackened as the play of his life unfolded before him. His eyes went white as he head went back and he let out a angelic scream of pain. Electricity shot off his form as his reality began to distort within his mind.
His hand slowly released Ion's breastplate, letting the warrior free fall towards his death. His hands went down to the dagger which was still draining the memories from his mind. His hands gripped it, but it was slick with blood, desperately he clawed at it trying to pull it free. Screaming madly as his mind was becoming void of all thought and memory. Finally the dagger slid free and fell down towards the clouds below. He began to fall now as his wings stop flapping. He fell slack towards the earth, his mind slowly began to awaken trying to remember who and what he was. He knew enough about himself to know he had wings, that he was alive, and he had some goal.
The wound slowly began to heal as the angel fell from the sky towards the battlefield below. What was that thing which shined so brightly above the clouds? His mind seemed to be obsessed with the memory and the warmth of that object. The demonic shadow appeared near him sensing it's master's plight.
" Master! Master! you must snap out of it, you plunge to fast towards the earth below. If you do not do something soon you shall be slain by your own descent!"
Othium looked towards the demon and said, " who are you?...who am I?"
The demon looked upon Othium with disbelief, had his master become ill? The demon realized however, this might be his chance to win his freedom from the angel. How could he though, for he needed Othium to tell him that he was free of his service. With Othium in his current state he wouldn't even know what the demon spoke of if he told him. The demon decided to grant Othium some memory, however he would alter that memory to benifit himself. He touched Othium's head and gave him knowledge of his name and what he was, leaving out everything about Darkthorne. For if Othium became a full fledged Darkthorne again he wouldn't let the service of a demon go so easily.
He then aided the memory of the demon being trapped and that Othium was going to release him before he was struck by lightning within the sky.
Othium looked to the demon seeming to take in the altered memory as he spoke the words, " you are released from your service."
The demon laughed as it began to fade away, just then Othium spotted the form of Ion descending below him. He folded his wings and descended at a faster rate coming up behind Ion and grasping his shoulders. The man's weight almost threatened to pull both of them down still, as Othium spread his wings to slow them more. " I have no idea who you are, or whats really going on, but I need answers and you shall give them to me." Othium wasn't able to fully stop their descent, though he took much of the momentum away. Nearly sixteen feet from the ground they stopped and Othium's wing went back behind him. They both fell to the ground amid the wreckage of the two ships and the roaring and screaming Darkthornes below. Othium's head hit a cannon ball as they hit the ground, darkness washed over him as his form became limp.
-
Cebreese laughed madly, just as Honor spoke and the whip found his halbred pulling him forward. The blade of his halbred scrapped across the stones of the battlements as he was pulled forward. As the red dust washed over him, he felt the same weakness that Vincent felt. Cebreese was a fully fledged thorne however his strength refused to leave him. The more and more the rain pelted him the more he felt his strength slowly begining to leave him. Cebreese slung his wet, white hair over his shoulder and lowered the halbred to a defenisve position. He growled at Honor, just before he realized something about the connection between her and Vincent.
" Ha! I see it now, Vincent you dog, you never told me you had such a beautiful creature as this for a lover. If you had I would have come to Demise long ago to end her life and strengthen your suffering. Strange during my search of his mind I found something which I could not break through, something hidden by a strong emotion. At first I thought it hate, but now I realize my misunderstanding of it. Love and hate both share the same thin thread which registers the same on certain levels. What I thought was hate, was really love.." Cebreese spat at the word " Vincent's love for you kept me from discovering you sooner. I never thought love could be such a strong force..it weakens those whose hearts it infects."
Cebreese jerked his head to the side, slowly three of his men began to move up the battlements just behind Honor and Vincent. With this strange weakness washing over him, he would need help in defeating these two. It was a shame, he wanted to kill them both with his own bare hands. His shoulders sunk becoming heavy as the magic strength of his blood left him and his strength become that of a mortal. The halbred suddenly felt heavy, he knew now why such weapons were cumbersome for mortals in battle.
" So the lovers have been reunited, I'm sorry that this reunion must be cut short. You see theres others here that are need of my halbred's blade to deliver them quick and painless deaths."
The three men took aim with their crossbows at both Vincent and Honor. Cebreese smiled to Honor as she stood in front of him, his dark eyes did nothing to betray the deceit he had planned.
Cebreese held no allies on this battlefield, but he also would not let those who stood in his way go about freely. He would destroy both clans, both lands, and in their destruction perhaps find the answers he sought from life. He had no destiny, Vincent's visions showed him that, showed him that he was nothing more then a pawn of fate, to be called on when fate needed him to turn the wheels of someone else's destiny. Cebreese's mind began to calculate now, was he playing a part in fate's plans right now? Was he secretly being played by fate at this very moment, the idea of not knowing brought a slight twinge of fear to his heart of hearts.
He jerked his halbred to order his men to fire upon the lovers and end their lives.
-
Ion felt Othium's grip on his breastplate losen and as Othium's eyes went white, he began to fall. He let the dagger go at that moment realizing that as long as it was stabbed into Othium it would continue to drain his memory. Ion realized his mistake only moments too late as his form went falling through the clouds. Rain fell against his form from the opposite direction as his speed began to pick up. He failed his arms about as he opened his mouth and let out one last cry towards the earth below. " AHahhhhhhhh!" his form went forwards as he raised a hand up to stop the rain from beating his face. His eyes veiwed the ground which was coming at a speed which even he feared.
Maybe it was the lack of oxygen or the speed of his fall, but whatever the reason, Ion's world became darkness. He wasn't aware of the hands which grasped his shoulders and the voice speaking towards him. The voice of someone who had just lost all memory of their life in one single action. Ion's form was heavy for his momentum had built while he fell. When Othium attempted to stop him, it was almost like the undertow of the ocean, it threatened to suck both of them down. Down towards the battlefield below where death would greet them both. Their direction changed as they glided towards the wreckage of the ships. Othium had stopped what he could of Ion's momentum, but still they fell.
As Othium fell to hit his head and go unconscious, Ion's form fell propped up against what once was the deck of a ship. His arms laid out beside him and his head cocked sideways. The two foes lay there unconscious and unaware of the battle that waged around them.
-
Reese looked to the angel just as Gem did, this agent of a strange god was the one behind all of Velusia's problems. It was this single angel that sowed the seeds of chaos in a land once full of peace. The land about them was dark, yet somewhere fires burned giving little illumination. Whatever realm this was, it was a world of death and destruction. The buildings and machines here were all twisted and destroyed, ashes remained of the race that called this place home. Gem spoke up first telling Reese, " I don't think any god would have a being like him serving them to keep peace."
Those words rang in Reese's head, she was right after all, " I don't think you were charged with watching the tree, I think you were exiled to Velusia and giving a task that would consume your time in order to keep you busy." Reese stepped up towards the angel feeling the pulse of power within the being. Reese reached out into the dream realm knowing that he was merely killing himself faster. He summoned up some of his dream minions, creatures that resembled men, but their skin was blue and transparent. Where men would have hair, these creatures had long jutting spikes. They each had long jagged blades and their eyes were yellow and their faces featureless besides their eyes.
There were five of them, they surrounded the being as Reese fell to his knees becoming hidden behind the forms. As the dream minions surrounded the angel blocking his view of the weak, dying, Reese. They took up defensive stances, while Reese seemed to vanish into thin air. Gem looked shocked thinking that perhaps Reese had expired, but she heard his voice in her head. He was up to something, as the dream minions went to engage the angel, Reese would alter their blood at the last moment to be that of humans. Just as he did this he would appear behind the angel and slash at the angel's wings rather then attack to kill. He was hoping to make the angel mortal and therefore take away his powers. Reese didn't have to worry about dying here in this realm, it would stall his death canceling out all actions done here save one.
If the angel lost his wings it would transport them back to Velusia and leave the angel mortal.
-
Shamus had led his calvary into the main host of the Darkthorne troops when suddenly from above came a loud explosion. His calvary retreated to avoid being caught in the wreckage that was raining down from the sky, but Shamus's retreat was cut off by some Darkthornes. He reared his horse up and looked to the Darkthornes who smiled their sharp teeth at him. Shamus smiled back and brought his horse's hooves down on the first one while cutting into another. Suddenly Shamus was flying through the air, as an explosion near him sent him and many Darkthornes hurling into the other Darkthornes on the battlefield.
Shamus slowly stood his right side hurting badly from wounds caused by the explosion. He looked down to his horse which lay dead before him, Shamus felt a deep saddness at this. He knelt down and patted the horse's side and bowed his head. " Rest well boy..." Shamus reached down picking up his sword which had fallen from his grasp when he was tossed from his horse. Looking up he saw a Darkthorne host under a banner which he had seen only through the knowledge given to him by his father. Shamus was tired, injured, and fatigued, anymore of this fighting and he was sure he'd fall before the Darkthorne's numbers. The dead wouldn't stay down, those that died on their side rose up to fight for the Darkthornes. It was a nightmare for there was no end to the numbers. No matter how many fell before the army of Velusia.
Shamus looked back up to the banners ahead of him, this was going to be where he fought. He shouted over the den of battle cries, " Merlindria, I Shamus king of Velusia, son of Reese and brother to Reinne call you out. Come and fight a worthy opponent if you dare!" Shamus was greeted by minions so twisted and fouled that death would be a gift to them. Shamus drew his other sword and stood there with both his blades and a look of intense determenation upon his face. He was going into a berserk mind state screaming at the minions and slashing at them, coming at them with heedless worry for himself. " Come and fight me Merlindria for I shall be your death dealer!"
-
As Raven flew about the sky she noticed Longinus taking Tempest to where she believed her sister would be held til later. Not far behind was Vahn with Lucan staying close to him. Seeing a creature close to the man that was talking to Vahn, Raven had Phantom fly down close to them. Seeing that all was just fine they went back up not going very far. She had plans to seeing that Lucan got safe to his mother.
She sent a message to Godiva to help those on the top of the castle, to use her tail not fire. That she needed to look after Reinne, giving her a picture of the lady.
Raven wished deep inside that she had more dragons to help out. But she could make the three that she had work to her advantage. They would be used to keep the backlines from attacking any of the Blackthornes or any other allie that was helping.
Raven griped tight on the glove sending armour about her body. On the next fly by of Vahn she dropped few feet behind him taking on the Darkthornes that were creeping up on him and Lucan. Raven's eyes went from human looking to dragon as she slashed at the enemy closing in. She spun her body some taking off a head then wounding one close to the other one. Her blade coming and entering the gut of the same one. Raven made sure to glance back so not to get to close to those behind her.
-
Her army came. Banners of blood red waving in the air with the mark of the Crimson Witch. Crimson eyes cast their gaze over the fighting with a sly smirk before casting themselves to the fallen minions of Darkthorne. With a chuckle she slid from her mount and summoned forth her arch liches.
" You know what to do....get it done."
Skeletal faces with eyes of fire bowed to their queen as they set off do her bidding. Soon bodies of the dead began to reaminate, souless, willess creatures whose only purpose was to destroy those who stood in Darkthorne's way. There would be no fear in their voided eyes, no panic in their unbeating hearts...only the thought to kill..destroy..and to obey the will of their mistress.
When the first explosion hit the ground as if it came from directly above her sanguine eyes shot upwards with a snarl on her lips.
" FOOLS!"
Two ships had collided, one recognized almost immediately..the Infernus. She watched as bombs spilled from the deck directly into their own troupes area. Growling vehemently, she raised a hand power crackling through her fingers like black lightning as she used her psionic ability to force the bombs into the direction of Demise. One hand proved not enough so soon she had both up, hurling them forward as if she, herself were throwing the bombs she managed to catch and hurled them at the walls of Demise. She did not catch them all but those that she did catch collided with a fury against the stone walls threatening to tumble them from beneath the feet of those standing on the battlements.
" Come and fight me Merlindria for I shall be your death dealer!"
Her head whipped to the right to spy the young king of Velusia, a snide smile coiling over sumptuous lips. So the little boy has come out to play? It was a dangerous game he wished to engaged in, but one that she would gladly step into if he so wished. Turning to him fully she purred in response.
" Why Shamus, you have grown into quite the man. Handsome, noble, pure of soul....too bad those are all qualities I depise in a man...well most of them anyway."
She stalked toward him. Her black and red armor glistening beneath the setting sun as her hands came to her sides just away from her hips. Palms would turn toward him as her fingers suddenly began to elongate, those nails turning into razor sharp talons of the purest black.
" Come then Shamus of Velusia...let us dance the dance of death."
-
Honor noticed Cebreese weakness and his less than subtle signal to his men above. The attack on her would be in vain because her passive mirror spell protecting her against projectiles was still in place. Whatever was in the red dust was effecting both the stranger and her antagonist. Perhaps the dust only attack men, or people of Thorne blood. Which meant that the prison was a Blackthorne or Darkthorne. She glanced at the Lifethreads between the prone man and herself. A definite relationship cord stretched thin and red. Cebreese was telling the truth; it was Vincent.
"You are getting weak, Cebreese. You could not kill me if I even if fell on your halbred." She said with a smirk, mocking him as she took off her wet gloves, slowly unbuttoning each button of her water-logged long coat and dropped it to the ground as stepped in between them. She needed to be as incumbered as little as possible few moments and shivered as the rain soaked her silk shirt cooling her heated skin.
The ward would protect Vincent as well as long as she willed it which required more concentration. The men on the battlements had no clear shot of the Blackthorne; no matter, they would just have to shoot through Demise lady. Turning her head a fraction she addressed Vincent, however her stormy gaze never left Cebreese. "Vincent -if you have any strength left keep between Cebreese and me, I promise, I will protect you."
"So the lovers have been reunited, I'm sorry that this reunion must be cut short. You see theres others here that are need of my halbred's blade to deliver them quick and painless deaths."
As Cebrees jerked his halbred to single the fire, Honor moved the moment Cebreese telegraphed his motion with the halbred. Too close to slash him with the whip Honor struck Cebreese's weapon at the pivot point making the halbred even more unweldy, rapping his knuckles like a nun with a ruler. Striking Cebreese with the closed fan locking up his elow joint with pressure point, Honor twirled behind him with a sweep kick to bring him to his knees bringing his unlocked arm painfully up behing him, stepping close wrapping the bull whip around his neck and pulled it tightly. Her full lips brushed his ear as she purred teasing his skin with her warm breath on his neck.
"Pity really. You think that you are so unconnected. A pawn of destiny. Destiny is what you make of it. Your father is not some obscure Cathage nobleman. He was Rasha Blackthorne and you are Vincent's half-brother. If the Fates had determined you had complete your cosmic purpose, you would be dead already. Serve me and find your purpose." A soft cold hand ran up his neck tangling in his hair as she pressed closer to him, jerked his neck taunt and twisted the leather in her hands. "Yesss." She breathed. "We could have so much fun together."
-
Prasutagus brought his axe down upon one of the Blackthorne knights cutting the man's head in two. He pulled the axe free and fell to his knees in the mud and blood. The rain beat down upon him draining more of his strength, but the army of Velusia was slowly falling back as the hordes of Darkthorne were forced forward. Dramund appeared next to Prasutagus helping the leader of the Darkthornes up. Bodies were piled high around him, he had vented most of his energy out on the army of Velusia. Prasutagus nodded to Dramund and led more of his forces into the battle with a battle cry. His axes cut a swath through the forces of Velusia he found his way to the battlements of Demise. His fierce warriors protected their leader as he climbed up the battlements near Reinne.
Prasutagus had been mortal once, so the drain of strength was not too dramatic for him. His axes were light weight as was his armor, the only thing really getting to him was the lack of his blood born powers. Standing atop the battlement he raised his head letting the rain wash the blood away from his face. He lowered his head and opened his eyes looking up Reinne Blackthorne, she had killed Matius and proved herself a warrior. Now it was time to test her mantle as a Blackthorne, from one leader to another, the powers called to each other. They were mere connected by blood and history the powers of both clans.
Prasutagus let out a battle cry as more of his axemen climbed up the battlement. " Well well well my dear half-sister Reinne are you not going to welcome your brother home to Velusia?" Prasutagus held his axes out, opening his arms towards Reinne. " Your brother Prasutagus has returned home to greet his dear siblings with open arms...and death." Prasutagus began to close the distance between him and Reinne. Lightning cracked in the background as he stepped closer to Reinne. Some of his men climbed up on the other side of Reinne drawing arrows in their bows and aiming at her. She was surrounded on all sides and Prasutagus wasn't about to let his dear little sister go running away just yet. He wanted to play with her for he knew the rain would be effecting her as well, just like it was him. In weakness they would fight one another to prove which clan deserved to rule these lands.
-
Soleus found his way to middle of the Darkthorne army when suddenly explosions all around him. His form slowly began to become injured from their destructive power just as a strange rain fell upon him. He slowly began to revert back to his original form. His injuries refused to heal and without his blood born strength he felt the weakness of fatigue wash over him. Slowly he fell to his knees there at the base of wreckage from the sky. His form fell over into the mud exhaling a sigh just as his face hit the mud. His hand reached up to his face covered in his own blood. He lay there weak and still a Darkthorne, he had to hold on. Like ripples in his memory the face of Gem came to him. He had to hold on for her, slowly his body began to fight the rain. Veins began to networks themselves through the wounds that tore his flesh apart.
He felt a change within him, a change not of Blackthorne or Darkthorne, but of something else. He kept commanding his blood to work for him to bend to his will and not the rain's. His teeth grinded together as his concentrated on this command with everything in him. He saw his blood on his hand began to move sliding up his arm back to the wound. A deep heat came from his body, the rain began to turn to steam as it touched him. The blood he'd spilt on the ground began to snake it's way back towards him becoming one with him again. What was becoming of him, slowly he began to realize as some strange knowledge washed over him. The Bloodthorne clan who had become weak without a leader, weak and few as they had spilled their blood in battle on the plains of Demise.
Many many years ago back when Zhyren Demise ruled over these lands, that blood still existed here. It called to him for the leader of the Bloodthornes had fallen here upon this soil. Somehow Soleus had been elected the new leader of the Bloodthornes, even as he slowly began the change from Blackthorne to Darkthorne to Bloodthorne. He felt immune to the rain that fell now, realizing it couldn't affect him now. He stood up as tendrils of blood twisted about from his wounds before covering his body and forming a solid armor about him. So this was what it felt like to be a Bloodthorne, and the only way to become such was through being a Darkthorne first. He now knew more about the seperation of the clan and why they fought to destroy one another.
They truly were unbalanced for one could become a Whitethorne through being a Blackthorne. The battle between Whitethorne and Bloodthorne was merely a mirror of the battle between Darkthorne and Blackthorne. Solues had gained a new power and a new position, one which he had only gained through the need to stay alive. Soleus reached down and picked up his hammer and touched the earth summoning a golem of mud and blood. The golem growled as it was given life, Soleus commanded the golem to begin destroying the Darkthornes. Each and every Darkthorne that came towards the golem, it sucked them up in it's mud body and they became part of it. Soleus stalked behind the golem spotting not far from him the lycal Darkthornes which stalked the battlefield like hungry wolves would a flock of sheep.
-
He saw Cebreese' display. The display of power that was both raw and chaotic to almost devistating levels. No, the levels he showed weren't devistating, but the power only mimicked on smaller levels what he was truly capable. Adrian had to give pause, had to stand there and watch as Cebreese destroyed not only a man who served him, but also destroyed Adrians very train of focus. Vile, disgusting figure! He was using the voice of Adrian's dead wife to taunt him, to tease him. Had he no shame? But it had worked hadn't it? Yes, to an extent that neither Adrian nor Cebreese could have realised.
Time now stood still, as Cebreese was mid-sentence in the air, kinetic barried building about him. Soldiers were frozen in this timeless war, the pain, the anger, the fear. They were all displayed upon the people vastly about the area. The silence. That was dreary too. The fact that nothing held its way now, how nothing seamed to exist at this point and time other than Adrian. One foot lifted itself heavily, walking forward in perhaps his first steps into this nightmare. Another step soon followed, and another. He walked and weaved between the battle, inspecting everything, everybody. It was perhaps only a matter of moments before he saw a figure shrouded in shadows in the distance... Time? Did it hold its way for him here? Was he frozen too?
Walking over to the figure cautiosly, he became aware that this figure was the one who put this battle on hold, who put Adrian's battle and life on hold. Emerald green eyes focused intently, scanning the dark figure over as he drew near the edge of the forest, and closer to the figure. But the closer Adrian got, the more butterflies seamed to roar in his stomach. There was something oddly familiar about this person in more ways than one. His height matched Adrian's at five feet ten inches. Long black hair flowed down the man's back, but he was pale, oh so pale. Almost ivory in the sense that had the man not blinked, he would have seamed a marble statue. His eyes were icey blue, piercing down to the depths of the very soul. The naked man would have been completely exposed, if not for the shadows which seamed to conform to hide his pelvis.
Adrian let out a soft shudder, only to see his breath in what was the cold air that radiated from the man. Adrian whispered softly, "Who are you?" The question almost seamed rhetorical to Adrian, the man reminded him of Death.
The man's head tilted slightly to the side, as he spoke sternly and softly at the same time, intriguingly charming in the sense that it was soothing to hear. "The first question you should ask yourself Adrian, is who are you? Are you a Darkthorne or a Blackthorne?" The man paused for a second, perhaps giving Adrian some time to reflect on this question, but then he let forth an option that was neither, "Or are you simply a Thorne, like your brother Cebreese." {/b} As the man spoke the second part of that sentence, he pointed up towards the form of Cebreese who had that sick smile upon his face.
Adrian's eyes squinted partially as he looked from the man to Cebreese, then back to the shadow figure before shouting back at him, "How dare you say that I even have an inkling of relation to that beast!" Anger... This man brought out an anger that he had never known. The shadowed figure just smirked, not even giving a slight worry as to the anger that was displayed. But why should he be? Wasn't he death?
The man continued, drawing closer to Adrian to put the soft pink lips next to Adrian's ear. "Shhhh." The man paused, letting his shush try to calm Adrian down some before he let his parade of a history lesson continue for Adrian. "Adrian Blackthorne, son of Rasha Blackthorne. Half brother to Vincent and Reese Blackthorne, etc. etc...." He pulled back, turning his right shoulder to Adrian as he continued "Haven't you ever wondered who your mother was? Why it was that your father kept you in hiding until his death before he told you of your brothers? Why it is that..." The figure glanced over his shoulder back to Adrian, continuing, "He never told you who your mother was?" The smile slinked itself upon the figures face once again, along with a soft chuckle.
Dumbfounded, Adrian couldn't find the proper words to respond to this question. He couldn't have found his voice right now if his very life depended upon it. The man continued, "The name's Amadeus by the way." Amadeus? Had Amadeus ever been a name of Death? No, it was latin for Loved By God. But what god? What god could have loved something that seamed to permiate darkness in such horrific beauty?
Adrian started a sentence, "Amadeus, who was she-"
Adrian was only cut off by Amadeus, as Amadeus seamed to partake in finishing Adrian's question, "She? Your mother was Quelyss. The same mother as Cebreese, the one you call the beast." Now this information was perhaps too hard hitting for Adrian, but it wouldn't stop Amadeus' flow of the tongue, for time was eternal and short at this time. "Your mother and father made an agreement. Cebreese would be raised by your mother, you by the father. And yet we see what results that has wrought upon the world. Where as you have taken to Blackthorne ideaology and morals, he has taken to Darkthorne. But he hasn't limited himself in what he's willing to do to accomplish something like you have Adrian. He's willing to sacrifice everybody and everything for his goals, his ambitions. And thats what being a Darkthorne is all about."
What was he saying? Was he saying that Adrian should be willing to sacrifice everybody and everything for an idea, for an ambition? What in Velusia would be worth such a sacrifice that one would be willing to sacrifice everything? The answer was all too simply and complex; nothing... Nothing was worth sacrificing everything and everybody, but then again, if one doesnt have anybody or anything, then whats one's purpose in life? Nothing... Cebreese had nothing, feared nothing, loved nothing. Cebreese? Are you your only love? The dawn of realization had probably becoming apparent on his face as Amadeus winked at him.
Amadeus placed a hand on his shoulder, continuing now, "If nobody has ever loved him, then how can he know what he's never felt. But while this information is one reason I've come to you today... There is another reason." The face that seamed cheery and angelic now was distraught with concentration, as he spoke, "Earlier your brother Reese spoke of fusing with you, to help him defeat the nightmare lord. But I have my own nightmares Adrian. I've fought for battles that are not my own and have taken souls that were not mine to take. And now? Now I have no meaning to life and the souls Ive collected are attatched. So much darkness on ones soul can only go so far before one seeks a light. One whose been so close to evil and still holds purity."
What was Amadeus truely asking? To become one with Adrian indefinately in hopes of not only perspiring his life, but in order to find light in the darkness? But if Adrian were the light, Amadeus the darkness, then surely the only color they would create would be gray, chaotic, indifferent to either the good or the darkness. And what of the other souls? Would those have such an impact upon Adrian's own as to make him a monster like Cebreese? No he wouldn't, he couldn't! But...
Adrian spoke now, his head dropping slightly as he whispered, "I will..." Now the question first asked by Amadeus was all to real for him, for in it held the answer. He wasn't a Blackthorne, he wasn't a Darkthorne. He was simply a Thorne, a figure caught between two worlds. But Thornes? Weren't they so much more then either side? Yes... But it was only through self discovery. And what was Adrian about to discover? What Cebreese had known all along. Nothing made them strong... Nothing but yourself...
Amadeus nodded in recognition of Adrian's answer and in thanks to fulfilling his request. Stepping forward, Amadeus placed his hand on Adrian's chest, leaning his head back to look at the sky. Amadeus could feel the vivid heartbeat pertained within the torso of the young Thorne. Poetically tragic that Amadeus couldn't have found a miniscule of comfort anywhere in all the realms to provide him relief from his own combersome thoughts, voices plaguing his mind with stodgy information of multiple cultures, trades, and countries. But now there was escape for the fallen figure and strangely it was in the last place he would have planned.
Fingers pressed harder against the corpuscles of Adrian, energy relinquishing itself onto the man while phantoms full of knowledge, ideals, and quickly tied themselves to the edge of Adrians soul. The souls sensed the virtuosity of the man and the longed to be a part of it as much as Amadeus had wanted to. Moral fiber was built into every level of Adrian's sub conscious, but they all nipped at it, wanting that kind of understanding, need, and belief in that good lies beneath everything. But what toll was this elephantine energy and informaton having upon Adrian physically, emotionally, and mentally.
His soul was fighting against the others, establishing itself as the domineering one, as it pulled one by one into its very depths, adding it, expanding his own, making it stronger before moving onto the next, only to be oeverwhelmed by information, emotions, thoughts, knowledge that each one possessed. It was chaotic, a tumultuous event that was driving Adrian to the brink of his sanity, but it also made him sane in that he was gaining an understanding more and more of emotions, of evil, of people on a whole basis. He found himself gaining knowledge to powers through fundamentals he had never known to exist. Arcane magic, necromancy, chronomancy? Since when had there been deviations to magical types? Sure he had known there to be some for psionics, but magic itself was something wholey new to him and to find so much in so little time was a baffling thing all its own. Mental prowess was growing exponentially, but emotionally?
Love... Love to hate, hate to love? fear to love? Fear or fear? Emotions all interchanged themselves, one to another on so many levels. Where did courage come from? Fear. Courage came from standing against the fears that normal men would turn from. Emotions themselves were vast as his soul combined with one after another, how amazing. Adrian had based his life around love, but now he was finding himself to be too narrowminded, too in love with love. He needed these soul's others emotions to make him what he needed to be, he needed them because without them he couldn't be anything!
Physically now, Amadeus' body was starting to decay, energy depleating itself as well as the souls contained so long within. But Adrians, he was becoming the interpretation of perfection. Muscle fibers layered over themselves denser, making each muscle stronger in essence, able to withstand more as his skin became unmarred with scars. His skin was bronze satin to behold, sweat glazing it as the manifesto took hold of him. His hair had become stark white and grown slightly longer, perhaps the effect of this absorption? Or perhaps more to the line that he was willing to except all aspects of good and evil unto him. Now he perhaps shared more with his brother Cebreese then he would have ever wanted. A concept of evil, a knowing that it was needed, and an understanding that without evil how could one recognize the good. But as Amadeus' soul finally departed itself into Adrian, Adrians eyes shifted to that ice blue, taking in the world through eyes anew. And Amadeus? What of him? His rapidly decaying corpse lay upon the ground, as time was now in full effect, well... Even more so.
The events in the distance found themselves moving faster than Adrian had ever expected anything to move. It looked at though the world before him were on fast foreward and were going to pass him by as the time he had spent with Amadeus, learning, retaining, and understanding now caught up to him. But he knew things would find their place again, but to what standard? How much of the battle had been won and lost?
But just as Amadeus had been, so Adrian found himself now, naked with only the shadows to cover him at his whim. The faux pas had perhaps cause the inclination of the shadows to cover him. But he saw clothes neatly foled by the tree behind Amadeus and Adrian let the small smirk fall into place on his now handsome features, features mixed of both his and Amadeus'. He had known Adrian would say yes all along... The sly bastard.
Silk maroon pants found themselves fastened on over Adrian, hastily being put on at that. A black sleeveless shirt with white trim soon followed to be put on, with an aodrning maroon vest with gold trim over that. Bracers slid themselves over the vasular wrists, perhaps giving the veins that popped out along his forearms and biceps a somewhat menacing look as the cuts and curves of his muscles were finding themselves to be sharp to the eye. The rain was beating heavily upon Adrian, his hair falling before his eyes as he reached over to grab two katanas which were leaned against the tree. He placed them across his back diagonally each, the hilt drawn over each shoulder as it were. Eerie, he had never used a sword nor like them, but here... Here they felt at home, and the aura about them was vaguely familiar.. As was that of one on the battlefield.. Eduardo... How did Adrian know that name? Amadeus...
Glancing back over his shoulder, Adrians bare feet gripped onto the grass and mud, muscles tensing with anticipation as he then darted offwards into battle. Eac step was finding itself faster then the last, as he felt lighter then a feather. What started out as a pitter patter of feet running soon faded away into the sound of the rain, as he spotted Cebreese with a woman who was perhaps trying to make an attempt on his brothers life... Adrian couldnt have that. He spotted an ogre just a distance off the wall, and wan towards the tyrants back, ahnds reaching over the shoulder to grab the hilt of the katanas, as he dres closer. Feet slowed down only slightly as he let a slight bend in his knee build minor pressure to leap onto the ogres back, before letting, his butt nearly drop to touch his ankles as he prepared for the next jump.
Muddy feet slidd slightly on the back of the ogre, pressing into the tissue of the being with a slight slip, only to have toes furl themselves and dig into the ogre before muscles catapaulted him in a spiral of a leap, wind gaining around him in a torrent, almost cyclone. Katana's found themselves free from their sheeths midspin, and they danced with his movements, making each move seam completely aerodynamic as he landed behind Honor Demise, the wind blowing harshly from behind the woman to let the woman know that somebody had arrived.
Crouched for a split second upon his landing, he instantly pivoted off his right heel and left toes as he dashed up behind the woman, swords crossing themselves to make giant scissors as it werebefore stopping behind the woman about a foot away... He tilted them slightly to angle them with the womans neck as he whispered in that luxurious voice that Amadeus had held, "Let my brother go, lest you want your servants to have to look for your head.... Only I shall judge his life." He didn't want to kill the woman, nor did he want anybody here really to die. He wanted to avoid the bloodshed if he could, but at the same time, he would do it because now things were going to go on his terms. He would deal with Cebreese as a twin brother should...
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-
Gem watched as Reese altered his form, becoming dream instead of reality. While he focused on the death angel, she focused on planting the apple...So as not to drawl too much attention, she focused her thoughts on making a small hole into the rich soil. Using her thoughts, he
telekenesis to push the soil into the shape of her thoughts. A small indentation about 4 inches across and 5 inches deep forced its way into the center of the soil. Quickly she dropped the Golden apple into it and patted the top after covering it with soil. She then took her daggar, cutting her slender pointer finger, letting one drop of blood fall onto the dirt pile...
The seed had been sown. Now what they needed was to allow it the time it needed. She looked back again towards the dream creatures, Reese and the angel...praying to her goddess for the strength to keep going, the strength to keep the apple safe. Her part was done, and some time the wars would end. Her fears would then come to pass, having sold her soul to the keeper of the golden apple so he would allow her to take, Gem would have to return to the tombs to live eternity in Lord Malak's realm. She had sold her soul to reunite the Thornes.
-
As the battle began Analisa was dropped to the ground ready to fight the first foe that charged forth. The twin blades whistled through the air as they met the weapons of her enemies. Their swords danced to the music of clangs that mingled with the others fighting around them. Slicing through the neck of the first Darkthorne the blonde shadow walkers silvery eyes swirled with the adrenaline that rushed her veins. Spinning and dodging to sink one sword into the stomach of yet another enemy she drug the blade up to spill forth the foes insides to the dust covered ground.
Attacked from behind Analisa felt the sword deflect off her armor and turned to meet the next assault with her own bloodied weapon while shaking the numbness from her left arm. Blocking with one she quickly spun the opposite way and used the other to sever the ogres head from its body. The entity whispered eagerly for more and hungered for the feast that lay before it. Drawing strength from the pain of the dying and fueled by the anger of those in battle it happily kept Analisa's own energy from fading away as she cut through Darkthornes and those that allied with them. Ogres and casters alike she paid no heed to their roars and chants as she kept focus of the objective... to see them all dead.
It was hard to keep her own inner balance as the battle waged on and she quickly lost sight of both cousins and uncle as they waded into the center, each seperating off to a different task. Glancing around Analisa paused in her movements as she took in everything and everyone around her.
Catching sight of a few familiar faces she headed towards them fighting her way through the weapon weilding mass before her. She had tried to shadow meld but found her gifts dampened for some reason and so now with her witts and the entity to guard her Analisa charged on determined not to fall nor succumb to a Darkthorne this day or any other.
-
The wind was an indication of somethings arrival however to let go of Cebreese would lose all ground that she had worked to hard to gain, her magical concentration focused on protecting Vincent and herself from ranged and magical attacks left her exposed but not completely vunerable.
"My, my, my...First Vincent, Reece and who-knows-else and now then this gentleman. So are you a whole brother or half brother, monsieur?" she laughed, a warm and inviting sound. "Be fruitful and multiple or something like that. Mmm.. Must make you feel very masculine to threaten to stab a woman from behind."
Honor's voice was sensual and soothing despite her distinct disadvantage, dark coils of midnight colored hair hung around her shoulders like a mermaid. Wet to the bone the woman was exotic with the poise of an aristocrat. As the blades touched her throat she inhaled sharply then exhaled as she feeling the cold metal. Cebreese meant something to someone, although she could not quite see who it was. If he ran her through she could kill Cebreese with flick of her wrist in his weakened state.
"I will let him go once we solve this little matter of attempted murder and fratricide. Cebreese and I were just working out our differences before you showed up so I don't think he needs your assistance or judgement at the moment. Merci beaucoup. If you want to fight it out with him you will simply have to wait your turn."
Not completely obeying the man behind her, she loosened the bullwhips hold around Cebreese's neck sliding it off his shoulders while keeping his hand firm pinned. Soon Cebreese would be able to work past the pain of the pressure point and get control of his locked joint and she did not want to between the swordman at her back and Cebreese if he didn't wish to take her up on her offer. She cast a glance back to Vincent. There were options about defending herself but would leave him in an unsafe position; something, at the moment, she was unwilling to do even if it possibly meant risking herself.
-
Cebreese looked up to Honor as she spoke the words that he was related to Vincent and Reese. Cebreese laughed her ploy to trick him was so simple, he wouldn't believe such a weak lie like that. Cebreese had only himself in this world and thats all he needed, he knew he could depend on himself and no other. Family was a thing of the past a distant memory that merely plagued him every once in a while. He had seen himself through all the bad times in his life, no one was there to lend a shoulder for him. He didn't need a family then and he didn't need one now. She lied of course it had to be a lie and as she tempted him with service to her, he laughed again.
" I am not one of them you lie and your attempt to make me feel sympathy for them is weak. I had a mother and father and their both dead, now if you'll let me up I'll show you just what makes him different then me when I gut him like a fish and rip out his insides."
Even as he said these words a figured stepped up behind Honor, and then everything froze for Cebreese. It was as if some great force pulled him from that moment and time, only Cebreese could move, how he did not know. For Honor still had him there with her whip, yet how could he be standing here when he was laying there looking up at Honor? Cebreese looked around him noticing a difference in the reality. It was darker here and very warm. A voice from behind Cebreese laughed and he could hear the sound of hands clapping together. Cebreese turned and saw a shadowy demonic figure wearing a crown between it's two horns. The figure emerged from flames and smoke, they seemed to curl about the figure as if they were one.
" My son you have come so far and yet you still have so much futher to go.." Cebreese's brow furrowed at this figure who called him son as he found his strength returned to him, he held up his halbred ready to attack.
" Why it's me your real father, Rasha, or if you would like you can call me by my real name...Mephisto" the shadow said as the face and body of Rasha Blackthorne materialized from the shadow. Cebreese stepped back a bit, so it was a fiend lord he faced, no wonder he felt a surge of power from this being. " Why do you call me son and just why have you taken me from my body?" Cebreese stepped back more almost falling over his own feet.
The figure rubbed it's hands together and a fiendish smile crossed it's lips.
" Reese and the others have shown they can't take the mantle I have to offer a son of my loins. When I bound to my body in the lands of Velusia, cast out of the abyssal hells by those that betrayed me and cursed to a life of not knowing my real destiny, I produced many children. I had many failures, but you my son show potentional, your vain and thats a sin I love. You think the world revolves around you, that you are the one whom everyone should look to and follow. It's that quality that sets you aside from all the rest, you are a true prince of hell."
Cebreese thought this some trick of the Blackthornes or perhaps Darkthornes to sway him to their side. " I will not be fooled by complex illusions, now perhaps you could translate your cryptic words for me and actually explain yourself before I come over there and wipe that smile off your face....ah screw it!" Cebreese launched himself at the figure bringing his halbred down at the figure's neck in a sideways slash. Rasha reached out a hand and causally grabbed the blade of the halbred. Cebreese put all his strength behind the blow and still it did not budge, he pulled back and lauched another attack. This attack was not with the blade however this one was from his mind sending out a destructive force directly at Rasha's mind. It seemed to have no affect, Cebreese gritted his teeth and charged the figure again, only to have Rasha snatch the halbred away from him and toss it aside.
Cebreese rubbed his hands which were slightly burned from the grip he had on the halbred being ripped away from him. He started to step back again and watched as Rasha simply laughed at him. " Why have you brought me here tell me now!" Cebreese said finding he could not move back any further.
Rasha pulled a chair from the darkness and casually sat down looking to Cebreese with eyes so red they resembled fresh blood.
" The war between heaven and hell ended long ago in a truce, long after my banishment to the material plane. Velusia was once the stage on the material plane for the final battle between the high heavens and abyssal hells. Then man came and at first both sides hid their battles from the prying eyes of man. Then both sides starting turning an eye to man, for man could shift the scales in favor of either side. You see we demons and angels are merely the gods balance keepers. When we see an opprotunity to bring balance to good and evil we do so, but at that time we wanted to tip the scales for our sides."
Cebreese yawned, Rasha must love the sound of his own voice thought Cebreese.
" I heard that, anyway we were greedy, then the demons that served me tried to pry my power from me. They banished me to the material realm were I was born as Rasha Blackthorne. I had no memory of who I really was, I found an angel who had refused to do her duty in killing me on the material plane so that I could return to the abyssal hells and restore balance in my level of the hells. She too had no memory of who she was, we fell in...love and married, had children you know the story. But then not long before my mortal death I remembered who I was and a change came over me. I left Velusia even though I was it's king, I began to wonder the lands mating with every species I could hoping to produce children who could help me win the war for the hells. Children to do my bidding on the material plane, as a demon walking the lands I could own it all and create a hell on earth."
" But alas I was weakened in that state of being and met my end at the hands of a Darkthorne half-demon. I came back to the abyssal hells to find that the war had ended and both sides called a truce. Now I come to why I brought you here, you see I am going to spark up the old war and with your help the heavens will fall and hell shall come to the lands of man. Your are my son, I have watched you and waited until the moment you found out, so that I could come to you. Come to you and bestow upon you a small portion of my powers to help my cause. The place where the Lochland castle once stood, I placed a seal there that is a direct link to the hells I reside in. Unlock that for me son and there will be chaos and destruction like you have never seen before."
" You seek death to answer your questions, questions like what is your purpose and what is your destiny. This my son is your destiny, to rule in hell beside your father Mephisto, when you die on the mortal plane you shall be reborn here with me my son. Think about it, the world in flames and demons enslaving the races, and you standing over them all with me commanding legions as the prince to my realm. The reason you have not seen this destiny is because I have kept it hidden until I could come to you and give you it."
Cebreese thought over everything the demon said, he could feel a connection to this fiend, one of blood. So this was his father, he was worthy of the title and he did accept his son. So he was the son of a powerful fiend and a prince of the hells, and his destiny was this? Cebreese brought his hand up to his chin as he thought over the proposition. Mephisto kept saying my realm, as though Cebreese would merely be his son and have whatever power his father granted him. Cebreese laughed, this had to be his father, for they were too much alike, he found no reason to doubt Mephisto's words.
" Why not have one of your other children bare this mantle with you father?" Cebreese said with a smile on his face.
" I have had so many and they have all been failures, I've tried but they have ended in suicides or they simple went mad. You seek death and your mind is your sanctuary, this sets you apart from the others, that and you see things the same way that I do. Many of my other children follow a path that they would not detour from to pursue the one I have to offer them. You on the other hand, you and I are just alike and thats why it's your's and your's alone. I have no more ties to the children I left in Velusia, they disappoint me by following a path of peace and justice. Thats why you were raised by the Darkthornes so that you would not be taken away from the destiny you were born for. It's your choice, accept it or don't it's all up to you I would not force you into this.."
" I could burn this whole world down...lead legions of demons from the bowels of the hells and destroy the family I was never apart of...I like it, I shall follow this destiny for it is worthy of one such as I." Cebreese smiled as Mephisto sat up and extended a hand towards him. Cebreese reached out and grasped the hand feeling an painful burnig sensation upon his palm. He fell to his knees and his face contorted in pain as a scream began to rise to his lips. He tried to pull away from the hand shake, but his father's grip was too stong. When Mephisto finally let go of his hand, Cebreese could see the smoke coming from his flesh. He looked to his palm and saw a symbol, the symbol of Mephisto burned into his flesh, scarred and marked for life.
Cebreese could feel a strength within him that he never felt before, he felt as strong as ten Blackthornes. As though he could lift castles without breaking a sweat, he also felt a rush of new knowledge. He felt an ability he had never really mastered or ever tried to. Sorcery, magic..his mind was filled with the knowledge of spells and rituals, of demonic history. So this was the grant of power that his father offered, he liked it. It was addictive this new feeling that washed over him, he felt as though the world could be his for the taking.
" Now go and deal with your current situation, do whatever it takes to free yourself so that you can pursue the destiny that awaits you. A powerful lich currently resides where you must go my son, I have...made the lands around the seal dead and dry so that your path will be easy. The lich will not try to stop you from unleashing the seal my son, for even he seeks to uncover it's meaning and power."
Cebreese smiled and just then he was thrust back into the moment he had been in. He looked up at the face of Honor with a new look in his eyes, one that was not there before. His life thread would begin to change as he realized his true destiny and everything that came with it.
Cebreese heard the words uttered by the mysterious swordman, only to realize it was from a familiar source. He looked back behind Honor's shoulders to see Adrian standing there. Cebreese had found a new strength and it showed in his struggle against Honor's hold on him. He was sure she would notice the change in him, but he would take away her attention from that by directing it to something else.
" Hehhaha...any other day and I would turn down your offer..but I've had a change of mind. I will work for you, but first I think you should let me go before my brother cuts that pretty little neck of your's..." Cebreese was becoming mad with power, he resembled someone who was under an influence of something. His hand bore that mark of Mephisto even here, he realized that it was in his mind that his father had come to him. The sanctuary that was his own realm, only his father could have gone there. It was the connection of blood that had been his father's link to his son's inner realm.
Cebreese would play the part of an agent for Demise, he'd play the part of a lost brother to Adrian even. Anything to be allowed to pursue his destiny of destruction and death. A prince of the hells, he would become more then that, once he had enough power, he'd be the lord of his father's realm. Who needed a father who left his son to be raised without the knowledge of his destiny anyway. His father was good for nothing no matter who he was, he would find Cebreese more then he could handle.
-
The look in Cebreese?s eyes made her shiver more than the cold blade kissing her neck. She had seen that look before her dead father and brother had that same look before they did something especially cruel and manic. Weakness brought on by dust was fading. He appeared to be drawing strength ?from the man behind her? She scowled at Cebreese trying to read his new Lifethread. The pattern undulated hurting her eyes. The man at her back started to concern her less than Cebreese with his strength returned and his alarming behavior. Around them the battle raged, her concentration even now divided between concern for herself and Vincent. She did the only thing that she could do.
?Very well, Cebreese. I accept -on one condition. A chaos oath. If you bring direct harm to myself or my family, you will suffer beyond imagination because we are connected. Fair enough?? Her voice was cool and control as she pulled Cebreese?s arm up high enough to cause him pain and to prove to him that she had a little control left. However until his brother decided to point his blades somewhere else, Honor knew that she was not in the strongest bargaining position.
-
Time, an anamolous thing that held way over so many lives and so little at the same time. Adrian didn't have to see Cebreese face, to see the look in his eyes to know the facades in his voice of being subserviant to another. It was something that he knew to well as he was finding himself drawing closer to a more chaotic viewpoint in life. The effects of fusing himself with a flagitious being were beginning to display themselves now in more ways then one. First the looks, his emotions, and then his thoughts. Amadeus? What had you been to have been so cruel and uncanny in your ability to know the emotions and toy with them of those around you.
Time must have played a roll now for Cebreese, as it had been for Adrian beforehand. And Adrian knew it on different levels as he could see, no.. He could feel the change in Cebreese, as the pugnent scent of flesh burning hit his now astute nostrils. They were Thorne's, they would bow down to no man, less a greater cause held way in the future for them. But he heard the words of both Cebreese and the Lady Demise, understanding that for now his brothers life wasn't of great concern anymore. Adrian didn't find the fear of Cebreese that the Demise woman did, but then again he was gaining that darker mindset that his brother held with ever passing moment, but unlike Cebreese, Adrian found control in his own chaotic endeavor.
The katana held within the damp palm of his right hand pulled back, while the left katana came slowly around the front of the woman's neck, as though he were ready to slice her throat and let the blood flow on her own land at any given moment. Her blood would have been a beautiful thing, dark and warm enough to bath in, but the fact that she was standing stern against her odds made her an oddity, a winsome thing as it were. The right katana found its way into the sheath across his back, bare feet stepping in slightly closer so that his soaked clothing contorted to the lines of his body only found themselves pressed between the two torso's. His chest pressed against her back, his soft pink lips rolling in close to her right ear, as he whispered softly, "While I could care less about his life, be rest assured that I will be the one to kill him, if I deam it worthy."
How strange that he should find himself saying he had no immediate intentions of killing Cebreese? Hadn't he originally come to this battle to do just that? To kill a man who had enslaved him in chains, tortured him with the tain of the darkthornes in that chamber, and murdered his wife and child? Yes, but the recognition of death was any part of life had dawned on him. Revenge was in his vocabulary, but for right now it would be a word withheld from his consciounce. He didn't bother to care nor begin to ponder on what thoughts were rolling over Cebreese right now, as he let his hot breath roll on the woman's neck and ear for a second before right hand that had once held a katana now found its way sliding from obliques to around the front of the womans stomach. His whispered as his pursuit of commanding her attention ensued, "And if you do somehow manage to kill Cebreese, then rest assured I will be coming for your head in place of his." The voice was oh so soft, unctuous and tenebrous. But upon the finish of his last words he leaned in, taking the lobe of her ear into his mouth, sucking softly and biting just enough to pierce the flesh but not tear through it with sharpened canines. A mixture of perhaps ecstasy and pain to leave an impression upon the woman, as right hand found itself between her legs and pulled up and in tightly before he relinquished all contact with her completely.
The second katana found itself in the sheath, as he pivoted a bit towards the side, walking path both Cebreese and the Lady Demise, only to draw closer to the goons upon which Cebreese had aiming their weapons at the Demise woman and Vincent. Adrian could feel the womans personified power protecting her and Vincenet from their diminuative attacks, but still.. They were in his way.
Never stopping his slow walk, his head remained tilted downwards, as if taking only interest in the ground beneath him. Muscles tensed in his right arm, raising level with his shoulder as digits unfurled themselves from what had been a open fist. He pointed the palm at the soldiers, saying it only once, "Move..." His mind barely traced itself along this plane of existence, his mind touching the surface of what was aerokinetics. His mind no longer pleaded with kinetics, asking it for its assistance, but rather now found the comfort of telling it to as though it would have consequences of its own to face should it not respond. A plethora of energy seamed to derrive from this open hand, as indescernible as it was, the invisible force sending them all flying out of his way. He didn't bother to try and kill them, it was a waste of his time and efforts.
He walked... He walked as though nothing was going to stand in his way, albeit Darkthorne, Blackthorne or Demise. He was going to go find something.. Something that right now was just screaming his name more than anything on this realm. It was tugging at his existance... He was going to go find the head of the serpents. This war was quickly drawing weary, as was the noise.
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-
This was war and the fires of battle raged on all around them. Anna was determined to save those she could from fiends and death if she could. Eduardo and his clone?s provided and ample source of protection in there close barriers. Thus, the white and beautiful figure of her blades stayed ever so close to them as they drove a group of soldiers and ogres back towards the bottleneck of the gates. Stepping outside of it was not something she wanted or expected to do. However, it happened without her understanding when or where they had been in the thicket of bodies and fiends ready to rape her beautiful body, leaving her only her mind.
War was war and battle was battle. This battle seemed to stretch on into an oblivion she could almost see. Prescient knowledge of things never showed her very much. Darkness was not something she desired either. Yet, here she was in the middle of surrounding forces with blades and hungry eyes trained on her ready to tear her completely apart. Through bodies of enemies, she could glimpse a clone or two of Eduardo fighting others. Did they know she had been trapped? Did they know she was about to die? Was this where she was to die?
Determination drove weakening muscles forward in a deadly dance of black blades. She was fighting for her life now, not for the saving of another. Mentally she projected a small scream of warning towards Eduardo signaling her dangerous situation. Yet, she did not expect clones or him to even arrive any time soon. They had their own horde to manipulate and kill at the gates. No, she was here by herself and being driven deeper into the lines of the enemy. Her very breath was being taken from her as she forced blades into yet another and another. They never stopped coming. Anna had no time to rest or catch the stench of destruction in the air.
Was this her fate all along? Was she to die here among the death of life? An angel among demons some would say. Anna had been here before, on much different terms and without physical weapons. Only her mind was her weapon then. Now she had both but did she dare to use them. Did she dare use those uncontrollable powers locked inside her discipline leash. No training caused chaos when she unleashed what boiled inside. Managing to get a fairly big circle around her for they were now pulling away the dead to get to her, Anna took a breath and gauged her situation. It was not good, and it was about to become worse.
Behind her emerged from a dark shadow was a soldier. He materialized with his very hands around her neck. Armor as stiff as stones pushed her against him and she stilled for those moments. It was as if the world around also stilled. Soldiers for across the way stopped their pursuit over dead comrades and sinister smiles erupted on ugly faces. Trapped now in the hands of the Enemy the dark whisper in her ears spoke,
?Drop those blades Pretty Little Angel?.?
An arm came under and around her waist, the blade of her captor resting ever she close to her stomach pinching through soaked fabric stained black with and ogre?s blood. Even her breath stilled again as she looked above her noticing the figure flying over them towards the battle that raged above on the battlements. Those opal white rises blending and making the eerie atmosphere of her stare more impressive followed the figure through the air and on the battlements. Even her captor watched in that precious moment before he regained his goals again.
?I Said Drop them Preetty Angel?.?
It brought her back to her own situation. The heavy weight of the blades fell from her death grip and clanked against the broken and slashed body of her last victim. Anger poured from her as she was pushed forward in his very twisted and tight grip. Where were they going? What was he going to do with her? She couldn?t answer these questions as they trekked through the bodies and then the lines of enemy near the gates. Comrades were trapped by Eduardo?s clones. As he moved through the parted masses of enemy soldiers he spoke to her,
?Such a pretty Angel it is going to be fun to rape your body?.Perhaps even our Lord would want to have you? Perhaps he would grant me a reward for such a pretty little Angel??
he was taunting her the glare in her eyes glowing with the rage he was building inside her. At the edge she watched the Eduardo?s fighting against the few they had trapped into the bottle neck at the gates. She was bait? Anna understood now. These sick fiends were going to appeal to Eduardo?s sense of humanity to save her. She was bait to make him drop his weapons as she had.. Her mind stretched out to Eduardo screaming as loud as she could through his mind,
~Eduardo? Don?t Fall For it?Don?t----~ She was cut off but the brute whispering into her ear again?
?What no Scream. I would imagine a pretty scream from a Pretty Angel. Oh Well!!?
Then it began, a deadly dance between enemies, one of which had a comrade hostage. Across the battlefield the brute behind her yelled to Eduardo,
?DROP YOU WEAPONS OR WATCH HER BEING TORTURED TO DEATH??
The hand around Anna?s neck tightened and her very breath was now taken forcibly from her. Ignorance, in a foul brute drove her anger higher. But this was a moment she could barely register something she felt before. Oblivion was to come. Darkness was inevitable as the strong hand closed harder around her throat. Yet, she fought it trying to still reach Eduardo,
~Don?t?keep?fighting?.~
-
Tempest glared at Lonignus as he took her off the ship and toward Demise castle. Her eyes wandered over those that were fighting, she would have no thanks to Longinus. Tempest sent a glare at Vahn as they passed him then glancing to Lucan.
It seemed that lot of those that lived at Demise were busy fighting off the enemy. So that left Longinus pretty much on his own other then the few that remained at guard at points. If any time thismay be the one to get away. Quickly Tempest stopped and moved to the right, testing the grip upon her.
Tempest needed to get away so that she could go back after Raven. She would not rest til her sister laid dead.
-
Shamus kneeled down and picked up some of the muddy earth smearing it up his arms. He drew his strength from the earth, the thing that sustained him. Drawing upon that druidic strength for the battle at hand, a battle of leaders. It would be no mere duel, it would be a fight for his life and everything he stood for. He would have to set aside mercy and become a heartless killer, for his enemy would show him no mercy. Shamus felt the bitter fate of what he was about to do, what he must do. Slashing with his sword he cut the throat of a Darkthorne whom came to close. The blood sprayed from the thing's wound and covered Shamus in a bath of blood. The rain could not remove the stain or stench of blood and death that hung around Shamus. He thought to himself, Gaia give me strength, your servent must walk with devils now.
Shamus's feet began to pound through the mud, each step all the more closer to the cresendo of fate. His heart pounded like a drum as a cruel smile crossed his lips. The rain, mud, and blood had matted his hair down to his skull, if one were to see him now, they would not recognize the noble king. " Let us dance then witch!" Shamus cried in his charge, the shadows about him becoming smokey tendrils that streaked behind his movement. The look in Shamus's eyes was not that of a noble king and loving brother, but the look of a killer. His form began to change, as he willed himself to take on the were shape of the beast. Like a black fur covered his exposed skin, creeping up through the chinks in his armor. Thick black talons jutted from his fingers as the shape of the black bear became one with Shamus. What better way to fight a beast then as a beast he thought.
He could feel his strength doubled, his fear diminish, a primal instinct wash over him. He let out a roar as he brought his blades down at the each side of the crimson witch, intending to cut her in two. The twisted face of the bear, it's maw slobbered with glistening fangs. It's eyes held the mind of both man and beast combined and the instict, the instinct of a killing machine.
-
Even as the rain pelted down upon the warrior hard, the tears of the gods could not wash away that blood that stained the Knight's body. Fenrir flashed, this way and that, ever moving, ever slashing ... forever rending flesh and spilling blood. Einar howled, and roared, and screamed as he frenzied, ripping apart the Darkthornes that dared attempt to infiltrate the area of wall that the White Wolf defended. All thoughts of humanity and of conscience were absent ... all that existed was the need to spill blood, the need to kill every last enemy that stood before him. The fury was like a fire within the White Wolf's veins, burning through him as he lashed out with every last bit of aggression and rage he had within him. Years upon years of pain, suffering and torment vented out in a savage battle that would make the gods cover their eyes. Darkthorne and Velusian alike began to shy away, only a small few of those bold ones daring to come near the monster - either to aid in the struggle, or to engage the Beast.
And so, the White Wolf began to hunt. Silver hues flashed, lines of scarlet etching through the whites of his eyes as he killed with savage abandon. If the enemy would not come to him, then he would go to the enemy. Einar began to stalk down the walls of Demise, Fenrir flashing this way and that, slashing down at the sieging ladders and Darkthorne soldiers that had scaled the battlements. The White Wolf could not count the wounds he had sustained, for they were far too many ... but he didn't feel them, didn't feel anything but the burning desire to destroy anything and everything that threatened his home, his people and his Queen.
It was then that the first Lycal of the Northern Clans ascended the walls and came charging at the White Wolf, howling out with malicious hatred bordering on the obscene, "BETRAYER!" The Lycal roared, even as he pulled back his bearded ax to strike, " ... FACE ME AND DIE!" And face him, Einar did. The White Wolf turned, bloodshot eyes narrowing upon the Lycal before Einar, too, began to charge. Fenrir rose, and then slashed forwards even as the Lycal sent his ax forth. The sword of Fenris-Wolf cut deep into the Lycal's shoulder, as the Darkthorne's ax came swinging in, striking the right side of Einar's torso ... the ax blade plunging through the steel of Einar's breastplate, embedding itself in the hide of the White Wolf. Einar snarled, even as he howled in pain, and his free hand shot forwards, clawed digits wrapping themselves firmly around the throat of the Lycal. " ... Wait for me in Hell, cousin," The White Wolf spoke, and then he tore out the Lycal's throat, blood spurting upon the Beast's face, " ... For I will meet you there soon ..."
Einar then pushed the Lycal's limp body away, ripping Fenrir from it's shoulder. Sights them darted about the battlefield, searching for the Northern Clan ... and then, the White Wolf's eyes fell upon the form of Magnus Darkthorne himself. The grip of Einar's sword grew tighter, and the Wolf found himself striding forwards, heading in the direction of the Thane of the North. So, this was where Einar's struggle was to end ... Here, in Demise. The Warrior already felt himself weakening, and knew he would fall in battle with his Father. But, it was fitting ... fitting indeed.
It was then that Einar noticed the amulet around his throat. One last look, he told himself, one last look before I fall ... And so, the Knight turned, eyes searching for Reinne. And, when they did, his eyes grew wide in horror, watching as Prasutagus and his warriors scaled the battlements, surrounding his Queen. She needed help, needed her Knight by her side ... The White Wolf began to walk towards her, free hand gripping his wounded side, until he heard the sound of Magnus' voice. "Whelp!" The Thane bellowed, "Betrayer! Face me, boy, look upon the face of death!" Einar turned, looking towards Magnus - and his soul tore. What was Einar to do? His hatred for Magnus ascended beyond all limits ... but, so did his love for Reinne. Would he go off to die, defending his Queen and Love, or take the final stand against the darkness that had forever ruled his life?
Einar turned back to Reinne, watching as Prasutagus moved in. And then he looked back to the Thane, watching as Magnus climbed up onto the battlements, his warhammer in hand, and began walking towards the Betrayer. Fists drew in, and jaw clenched in tight ... Every second, Magnus drew more and more near. Every second, Reinne's life became more and more threatened ...
"Magnus," The White Wolf spoke, brandishing Fenrir infront of him, " ... I look at you, and I see nothing more than cowardice and weakness ... You will not be the one to deliver me to Hell ..." And then, Einar turned, and began to stalk towards Reinne, blood trickling down the warrior's side.
"DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK ON ME, BETRAYER! DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK ON ME! YOU ARE MINE TO KILL!!!"
The Thane of the North came rushing up the battlements, warhammer rising up to swing at the White Wolf's skull ... Einar kept walking towards Reinne, even as the Thane closed in, bellowing in the utter most rage. Yet, when he swung his hammer, the spikes of his weapon did not crush the skull of the son, but rather met only the emptiness of air. And then, a moment later, pain erupted in the belly of the Thane. Magnus' silver eyes grew wide in surprise, and the Lycal Thane lost his hold on his hammer, the weapon falling to the ground. Hands came down to grip at the Lycal's gut, feeling the sharpness of a sword. And then, as Magnus looked down, he saw his son - the Betrayer - kneeling upon the battlements, Fenrir thrust out behind him and into the Thane's gut.
" ... No ... My life no longer belongs to you, Father. Nor does it belong to the darkness ..." [/color]Even as he spoke these words, the black veins on the White Wolf's face began to fade away, leaving the Knight of Velusia absent of the Beast. " ... It belongs to my Queen, Father ... and I will die at her side ..." The warrior then rose to his feet, even as the Thane of the North fell backwards, striking the battlements hard. Fenrir slipped from Magnus' gut, and then Einar continued on towards his Queen, leaving Magnus to lay and die. Blood bubbled at the Thane's mouth, even as Magnus fought to curse his son's name, but that did not stop the Knight-Protector ... Not as he walked away, not as he brandished his sword, and not as he began to run ...
Einar let loose one final battle cry as he charged at the lines of Darkthornes surrounding his Queen ... There was no beastial howl, no primal roar ... No, he simply shouted out the name of his love, and drove himself headlong into the fray.
-
A paladin behind Borgan came riding up to him and Borgan looked to Zorin with a smile. " It's time for us to no longer hide our name Borgan, let it be known that the Whitethornes are no devious lot of warriors. Our enemies have revealed themselves and the sacred land is under attack. The Blackthornes have proven themselves incapable of ruling over Velusia, let us take the holy lands back. They were once our home and it is here that the mystery of our being lies. It's here that all myth and lore began for us, and it is here we shall breath our last breath should the noble goddess deem us fit." The paladin said as Borgan nodded and said, " My liege shall you lead us into battle as it should be then?" The paladin nodded back to Borgan and drew his sword, " I am Orn Whitethorne son of Dakkon Whitethorne, it is my duty to protect those whom are in need of protection, to destroy the darkness that threatens all life and protect the values and laws set over us by the goddess."
" We do not come to fight in a war, but to end all wars, do not let yourself become gripped by the taint that lies within the hearts of the Darkthornes and remember that the Blackthornes deserve pity for their lack of discipline. They've let war come again and again and have lost much of the lands granted to us by the goddess Gaia, now we must come as her divine agents and take those lands back. The rule of Blackthorne has come to it's end it's time we took over and brought peace back to the land. This is a mission to grant peace back to the land not to bring more war, this fight will be the end of all our suffering and those who live here."
Borgan nodded and fell back to lead his troop of paladins splitting them up to almost forty each. They had come to take back the lands which Blackthorne was slowly losing to the Darkthornes. The Whitethornes road into battle against the Darkthornes trying not to attack the Blackthornes, though they would not discriminate one evil against another. Any who held evil in their heart was a threat to the future of Velusia. " Find the one whom is called Reinne, for she is deserving of the honor of Whitethorne and it is time she claimed that mantle along side us." Orn and Borgan's forces split up and began to cover the battlefield looking for Reinne and fighting against any evil which presented itself.
-
Syn the leader of the Demul house of Darkthorne had been there all along waiting. He'd burrowed into the ground beneath the battlefield lurking there in wait. He waited for not only a fight, but the right opportunity to present itself, he was after all devious. He enjoyed to attack from surprise rather then head on, since he was more effective when his enemy didn't expect him. He'd played the part of assassin for many years, his forces had tried to take Zalentra many times. Now that the clan was unified once more, he found his chance to attack Velusia. Even if it was under the banners of Merlindria and Prasutagus, whom he had little favor for. He had sought the role of leader for many years only to fail in rallying everyone under him.
What better time then now for Syn to reveal himself, his army had already joined that of Darkthorne. Now it was time for him to show the true power of the Darkthorne Demuls. As Orn's forces road towards the battlefield, Syn moved beneath the ground tunneling through the earth which, was becoming softer and softer. The rain and blood that poured down upon it was making his movements through it so easy. As Orn's forces neared, Syn sprung his trap shooting out long spike from his back, they shot out through the earth just in front of the horses.
-
Orn's horse suddenly reared up and he went falling towards the ground. Some of his men found the same fate and some were unlucky in their falls. Orn's shoulder was pierced by a strange black spike which had suddenly jutted from the ground. He could smell the stench of Darkthorne, of demons upon the spikes. He gritted his teeth and began to pull himself off the spike, the pain was great, but he could not die here. One of his men came up to him and helped him pull himself free. The old paladin had seen more battle then many of his troops, his kinsmen. It was a shame he had to lead them into a fray such as this, where honor in battle had little place. He turned to the man who looked upon him with concern. The wound was deep and blood covered his shinning armor. Orn's thin hair and beard were soaked already from the rain which pelted them mercilessly.
This land was once their home and now it was unrecognizable, it held more dark secrets then he would like. Then he would like his daughter to be exposed to, but she had come with them to battle. He turned to the paladin and said, " Go make sure my daughter is safe, I must fight here, our foe knows we have arrived." Some of his men were already helping those who had survived the attack, as for those that had perished... Orn looked upon one young man who had never seen battle before and knelt next to him. He laid his hands upon the man's eyes and slowly closed them. He could feel it beneath his steely resolve, that beast called anger, rising to the surface like a leviathen. He let out a yell and reached over picking up his sword from the mud. He raised his left arm and his eagle " Kell" landed upon his arm.
Orn was named after the eagles who soared over their home in the north. Named after the birds which represented nobility the symbol of his noble house. When he became king he had the old banner taken down and replaced it with a new one. That of a golden eagle on a black background, within the eagle's claws was a snake representing evil and a tree branch representing hope. He spoke to the eagle, " My old friend you shall find the air here unpleasent, the rain is against you. Go be free now, you have served me well my old friend. Go live long and free.." he urged his arm up, causing the bird to take flight. It flew back towards the north towards his home, he could almost see it through the eagle's eyes.
The lush green, the fog, the mountains, and the mystery, he removed his shield from his horse and looked for the source of these spikes. He ordered his men to go on into battle, to search for the chosen one whom would bring them and the Blackthornes together. It had been forseen that a leader of Blackthorne would be found noble in purpose and honor. That leader would join their clan and bind both by oath to protect the lands of their birth. Orn stepped through the mud looking over the spikes his wound was going to be the death of him. He had not the courage to tell his daughter that their goddess had forsaked him. Had forsaken him for taking it upon himself to ride into this battle. She said that the fates of those here was none of his concern, but he could not allow this war to continue.
War had plagued Velusia for far too long and it was time for them to come and end that. She told him, told him he would die here should he ride out into battle. He wanted Velusia to have the right to choose it's own destiny, the war between Blackthorne and Darkthorne had to end here. And his goddess...she told him that his personal reason for this would be his undoing. She was right, he knew that now, but it was far too late to turn back now. The Blackthorne may have to work things out on their own, but he would be damned if he let them destroy the holy lands. " Come out fiend wherever you are I know your here, I am not afraid to face death in the eyes!" Orn slashed at one of the spikes cutting it in two and was amazed to see black blood ooze from it. The spikes were alive, or rather a part of a living thing...
-
Syn laughed evily as many of the paladins died upon the spikes which jutted from his back. The fools they had no idea how powerful Darkthorne was, nor did they have any right to be here. The Whitethornes, he hated them more then the Blackthornes, they were much worse. With their holy purpose and powers and the code of honor they lived by. He would gain much respect in Darkthorne for having slain some of their order. So the clans were coming to this one battlefield to end the war. That made it a war of wars, it was much greater then any war that had come before. Syn could not wait to take part in this battle, his name would go down in history. When Darkthorne killed off both Whitethorne and Blackthorne there would be only the leaderless Bloodthornes left.
Syn was caught in his thought when suddenly he felt a sharp pain as one of the paladins cut through his spike. He heard the man call him out, even in his deep thought. Perhaps it was time to reveal himself and show the Whitethornes why they should fear the Darkthornes. He emerged through the earth, his claws digging, until the rain began to wash over him. His demonic form slowly began revert back to his human looking form. The grey skin and white hair, dull grey armor, he unsheathed his sword. The hilt of which had a skull on it, he had scars all over his body. " Well well a Whitethorne, do you know who you face? You face Syn the head of the Demul house, I've never faced a Whitethorne in battle before. I had thought your clan had died out like the Bloodthornes, I'm honored to face a worthy opponent. After I kill you there will be no honorable burial for you, your soul shall never rest."
Syn rushed forward bringing his sword up and back down in a barbaric slash aiming for the paladin's head.
-
Orn listened to the babblings of the Darkthorne, he knew the creature was trying to sway him to anger. Orn hoped that his daughter could forgive him for doing what he thought must be done. He should have never led these men and women here, they were not ready. Those here were battle hardened veterans and those he led here were not. Only a handful of his troops had seen battle many he called from training to come here. It was foolish, but he knew that this war must end here. He felt something within him that had called him here. Maybe it was destiny or perhaps an old warrior sensing his end, whatever it was, they were here. The Darkthorne gave little time before he launched his first attack upon Orn.
The paladin's footing in the mud was shifty, his metal boots were slippery in the mud. He watched as the Darkthorne suddenly launched himself, coming charging. The creature raised it's sword as it's feet buried themselves in the mud with each step. Orn raised his shield at an angle so that when the blow hit, he could redirect the enemies momentum. As the sword struck his shield he turned it slightly, driving the remaining force of the Darkthorne's slash towards the mud, as he stepped to the side. He didn't believe in striking an enemy from behind, it was a coward's method. He would wait for his foe to turn and face him again, he hoped for an opening, the battle would have to end soon.
The longer he fought this foe the more of his blood drained from his wound. " I will not falter in my faith Darkthorne, you can't sway my devotion. If you wish to draw steel, I am bound to answer it with my own, you smell of blood and death it hangs about you like a halo. If there is any hope for your soul I pray that you give up now and search for it, it saddens me that I should have to slay a being who has never tasted redeemption." Orn waited for his foe to turn and face him, as he did, Orn charged with his shield up and thrust his sword towards the Darkthorne's chest. The mud was an enemy he could not deal with, but the Darkthorne he knew would not care if his foe was off balance.
-
The old paladin had some skill, shifting his weight and the angle of his shield had redirected Syn's attack off the shield and to the ground. His sword cut into the mud and Syn waited for an attack. He almost laughed when the old paladin did not take advantage of Syn's back being turned. Such a predictable lot these paladins were, thinking honor had a place in battle. This would be fun breaking this paladin and slaying him, he amused Syn. As Syn turned around ready to attack again, he was met with the charge of the paladin. Syn noticed the man's metal boots finding the mud less then cooperable with him. This would be his advantage over the paladin, his boots were not metal, they were leather, and more a part of him then they appeared. This fleshy looking appearance was merely an illusion, something to make him seem like the paladin in looks.
Syn could see the shield up and the sword being thrust at his chest, a nice attack. However he had something even better, he twirled about his feet digging into the mud with such a speed they could not be seen. Down into the muddy earth he plunged again burrowing to come up behind the paladin who moved much slower then he did. As he came up behind the paladin from the muddy earth, he laughed and thrust his own blade to the paladin's unguarded back. Darkthornes did not care whether it was their foes front or back they attacked as long as it did the job. There would be no mercy behind Syn's blade, nothing, but the intention to kill the paladin where he stood.
-
Orn's blade did not encounter the metal of armor or soft flesh beneath. He lowered his shield to see the Darkthorne had vanished. He eyes looked down to see the hole that had been dug only a moment to late. Pain, pain like no other, as he looked down to the hole, a blade emerged from his chest. Orn's shield and sword fell from his hands. His eyes looked on with disbelief that this was his place to die. At the hands of an enemy so tainted and evil that he would strike an opponent from behind. Orn pulled himself free of the blade and staggered in the mud, his hands reached down to the wound. The blood was being washed away by the rain, he tried to breath. Even breath was painful as he struggled to remain standing. His legs were slowly becoming numb, his mind foggy. He slumped down to his knees in the rain, looking up to see his eagle soaring over head.
His eyes closed and his mind played back the sight of his homeland, through the eyes of the eagle. Orn, named after the eagle would soon soar with them, in spirit. The image of his daughter, her stern and brave looks, she was all he had left of his wife. The thought of his wife brought the sound of her sweet voice to his ears. The song she used to sing of their homeland, the sound of the fire crackling in the background. The warm hearth and soft furs, the cold north wind howling outside the castle windows. His daughter's laughter, the scene of his homeland, of his home, of his family. They all flashed before his eyes, had it all come to an end? Was this just a dream? Time around him seemed to stop as his body fell forward towards the mud.
Orn's face felt the cold, wet, mud, he smelt the damp earth and his ears heard the distant sound of the battle. His eyes looked out towards the north, towards his home, as he shed the mortal coil of life. Orn lay dead in the mud, the rain patting against his armor which still shined, it's surface still fighting the rain's cling to it. The last thing on Orn's mind was, he hoped his daughter was safe, and that she lived to find happiness and forget the pain this would cause her.
-
Syn laughed with delight as he watched the old paladin die right before his eyes. He looked upon the blood which was being washed from his blade by the rain. The paladin so honorable in code had fallen to the dishonorable Darkthorne. This proved more to Syn that the Darkthornes had the god's favor on this day. He looked off into the distance watching the battle continue to unfold before him. He knelt down next to the dead paladin and ripped from his chest a locket. This locket held within it two tiny paitings both of females. The Darkthorne asumed one was a wife and the other a sister or perhaps daughter, maybe one was a mother. He would keep this item as a token of his kill, he attachted it to his belt.
Turning he saw now another figure, a Blackthorne, and a female, how nice. He would racked up another kill with this one and earn more fame and glory among his kin. Syn watched Analisa Blackthorne, she had the smell of one who was close to kin. He would enjoy breaking her and then slaying her, he so hoped she broke under his words. He would love to kill her as she became a Darkthorne, for turning her and killing her at the same time would be two rewards. Syn ran towards the female and slid in the mud coming to a halt in her general path. He looked on Analisa with both hate and curiousity, the fact that she was so close, but still free of the taint.
" What have we here a Blackthorne on the verge of enlightment...why do you resist the darkness within you child? Are you afraid of real power?" He pointed his still bloody sword towards Analisa and smiled a toothy grin.
-
Vahn turned down the city streets in his pursuit of Reinne, the woman had to be here somewhere. As he walked past one building he spied in the distance, his sister. There was other figures there with her, one that lay prone upon the ground brought a familiar scowl to Vahn's lips. " Vincent...that bastard..." Vahn looked to Lucan and smiled trying not to give away his jealousy. Even children could remember what they saw and heard, he didn't want Lucan to expose Vahn's disliking for her uncle Vincent. He looked towards the battlement in time to see Reinne atop it having just become surrounded by Darkthornes, he could see Einar coming up close behind them. Vahn looked to Lucan and said, " There is your mother, I trust you will stay here with this elf and wait for her to free herself enough to come make sure your okay.." He patted the child atop the head and smiled warmly as he turned, " that bastard.." walking between the buildings.
Honor was held at sword's edge by a figure he had only seen once, back when he betrayed the Blackthornes to the Darkthornes. Back when he exposed the Blackthorne's battle plans and their alliances, a found memory. He had stood there in their secret council with them while they discussed matters of importance. All the while reporting those plans back to the Darkthornes who were building up strength. Now he hated the Darkthornes as much as he had the Blackthornes before. There was another figure there, that of Cebreese, the man who had Vahn cast out of his own lands, when he took over Velusia. Shame that the fool wasn't dead yet, Vahn could think of a variety of ways he'd slay the man. However he felt the realms beyond this one locked off, by some local force. A force which he intended on searching for, before he encountered the scene before him.
Vahn walked out from the buildings extending his sword towards Adrian, he could extend the blade from this distance and strike the man. However just whose side was this bastard on? " Remove your swords from my sister's neck good sir!" Vahn hated himself, had he still been the man he was, he would have already sent the blade shooting towards the man's throat. The lizardman and Sidius stepped out of the shadows behind Vahn standing next to their lord. Their blades were drawn and ready should he require them to attack on his behalf. Vahn didn't mind getting his hands dirty when someone threatened his sister's life though.
-
Malice descended down into the city of Demise, her slender form carried upon the wind as though she were light as a feather. Her black hair tendriled behind her like ethereal shadows cascading from her head.
Dellrend stepped out over the battlement not far from where Malice had descended, his eyes caught in the distance the injured elf and boy. His ebony skin shined with the wet rain, his dark clothes were soaked to the point their weight was increased. The monk watched everything going on having expended himself greatly in redistributing the absorbed power to the troops.
Dramund armored from head to toe, climbed up not long after Dellrend, his tattered cloak still held up in the wind. His dark grey armor held a thin red aura over it, forged in the fires of hell and enchanted by dark magic. His blade was a twisted one, resembling a frozen black flame.
Bloodthornes had been spotted marching from the east, a scout had been given the news along with the news of the Whitethorne's arrival. He looked for Prasutagus to tell his lord of the arrival of new foes. Knights from Zalentra had already arrived and the news of their arrival had been interrupted by the explosion of the ships. The scout's path had been blocked and it took him almost a good hour in crossing the battlefield, along the way gaining the knowledge of these new foes. The one known as Reese had been seen riding off with a mysterious woman, this news also was to be reported to Prasutagus. The scout saw his lord upon the battlement walls engaging Reinne, he hurried through the battle to deliver the news to his lord.
-
Vincent slowly began to rise from his position just as Adrian made his exit from the battlements. Vincent, tugged at his mask trying to find the lock which kept it bound to his face. The chains about his wrist made this effort almost impossible. They had grown heavy and his strength was failing him as the " Red Dust" worked it's power over his blood. He was weakened and weary, but not dead yet, and as long as he drew breath he would continue to struggle. " Damned mask!" Vincent was becoming frustrated with the iron prison that still caged him. He rolled over and slowly pushed himself up to his knees, his eyes looking on Cebreese with deadly intent. His hands slowly slid towards his thorne dagger, he felt joy at the fact the blade still hung about his waist. The sound of metal against leather sheath as he brought the weapon forth was music to his ears.
Cebreese the dog of fate, the destroyer of destiny, the self proclaimed king of kings. Vincent would could not allow this venomous serpent to poison the waters of their fair Velusia. Leaving this fanged beast alive would only endanger his family more and that was something he could not allow, no matter whom wanted Cebreese alive. Vincent struggled to his feet, barely able to sustain the weight of the chains and mask, but determined still. His eyes were cold and hateful as they glanced down upon Cebreese, the eyes of death itself. That skull which decorated his mask made him seem all the more like the reaper himself. Had he the scythe he carried with him for years, he could pull off that image.
Cebreese was a threat all too great and he had already proven himself to be just that. Had Honor not stepped in, Cebreese would have surely killed Vincent while he was over come by the strange weakness. He wouldn't let Cebreese get another chance, not another chance in hell to harm him or his family, or the ones he loved.
" Goodbye Cebreese.." Vincent said as he came down with the dagger towards Cebreese's neck. He couldn't stand, the only thing he could do was fall, dagger in hand, towards Cebreese and his fate. If the thorne dagger didn't kill Cebreese instantly, at least he could live with the fact that Cebreese would be void of any memory of his life. Perhaps that in itself was enough to put an end to the beast Cebreese had become.
-
Cebreese laughed inside at how he could play the part of the injured, lost, brother so well. He would make whatever deal she wanted, after all he could always indirectly bring harm to her family. And she didn't say that anyone given guidence by him couldn't harm them. And even if, he could still seal them away in a realm where they had no power. Cebreese would find a way to get rid of them, everyone had their one weakness. Before he could say more on the oath she asked of him, he noticed Vincent rising up to his feet. So the fool had found a little strength in him, and apparently he sought to finish what he had started years ago. He couldn't harm Cebreese, there was nothing that Vincent could do to stop him. Cebreese would have his vengance on Vincent as well, make him squirm beneath his boot heel as he ground his face into the pavement.
He would kill everything that Vincent loved, destroy every dream the man ever had. Blood brother or not, Cebreese did not care about anyone except himself and what he wanted, his needs. He began to open his mouth, trying to fight back the cruel smile as he looked into Honor's eyes. Searching her very soul for what she feared most, he was tied to the Crystallis and had glimpsed her brother's fears. He knew what Vahn feared, the Crystallis had been Reese's greatest creation, Cebreese had harnessed it's ability to the limits. His mind was tied to the Crystallis, tied in a way so that he could feed on the memories it plucked from the minds of those it captured in it's gaze. If Vahn feared that one thing, then perhaps Honor also feared that same dark being.
" I'm sure Reagan would like a family reunion, in fact why don't I go fetch him and bring him here, I'm sure he's waiting in hell for a ret.." before he could finish his words, a shadow came down over his eyes. He looked up just in time to see the glinting blade of Vincent's thorne dagger, he moved as fast as he could, but not fast enough. The blade plunged into his heart, it's magic spiderwebbed through his veins to his mind. " NOOOOO!" Cebreese felt fear like no one has ever felt it before, his mind was his realm, his source of power. He could already feel small insignificant memories being drained from his memory. He squirmed, wrenching his arm free of Honor's hold to tear out the dagger in his chest. Already so much was lost, he fought it, but it was a losing battle.
He finally removed the dagger, it's magic tendrils still connected to his wound as he snapped them and tossed it to the stone. His eyes became blurry and his mind was a confusing hub of echoes. He could remember being trapped somewhere, but where? What was he so afraid of suddenly, he looked down at the dagger with a confused look upon his face. He could remember some, just enough to know he had a destiny, a destiny..he hung on to that thought, or was it a memory. He figured the less they knew the better they would be to play, " Where am I?" Cebreese knew his name, knew his destiny, he didn't remember much of his time ruling over Darkthorne and Blackthorne however. The most recent memories still lingered while those from the past barely registered anymore.
" What happened?" the wound on his chest began to heal and he feigned pain as he brought his hand to his heart.
-
Eduardo realized that he needed more forces in order to hold back these fiends from the city. Already he had one of his clones replicating creating more, and just as the enemy tried to push in on them, he and the small group at the bottle neck pushed back. He looked around for Anna finding that she had gone missing, damn it, in all the fighting he had lost track of her. He felt a deep saddness, had she been slain already, was he standing in her blood right now? Anger was something Eduardo could never really restrain, it was a base emotion that always bled out of his being. He couldn't help it, anger was the first emotion he felt in his life. If he'd known love then perhaps he would have shown that just as strongly. He had never had a chance to settle down and experience that emotion, he never really had anyone to love. Anna, he knew little about her, and yet in the heat of battle he felt a slight bound develop between the two of them.
His clones began to hear his thoughts and as he, they too began to look around. And then he heard her voice within his head, calling out for him not to give in. His clones began to report back what was happening, they all shared individual minds and a network of communication. He could even see what they saw, there was no single Eduardo, they all were Eduardo. And order came for him to drop his weapons, Eduardo thought on his choices. He didn't want any harm to come to Anna for some strange reason, he'd never falling for such a ploy before. In fact in many lands he was known to be ruthless and even cold hearted in some. Something inside him told him that he could not let Anna be harmed, whatever it was it was strong. Eduardo decided to answer this fiend, noticing the numbers to slowly start bleeding out of the bottle neck so Eduardo could see this fiend who held his new friend captive.
Eduardo called to his newly recruited clones, at least a hundred of them mounted the battlements and poured into the bottle neck.
Yes thats it distract them, he siletntly whispered to himself as one of his other clones began transform his arm from flesh to root. The roots began to dig into the cracks between the stone of near the battlement walls and root themselves through the ground to the Darkthorne's position.
" How can I trust that you will not harm her after I throw down my weapons? I know you better then you might think pal and I know your not to be trusted as far as I can smell you." Edurado's clones started to put down their weapons, but he held on to his. This situation had never occured to him before, the last time something even like this happened, the friend had been slain in front of his eyes. It had been the Darkthorne's fault for this occuring in the first place, now this was almost a mirror of that fateful day. Eduardo's clone had reached the end of himself and was burrowed beneath the Darkthorne as they spoke. He spoke towards Anna's mind informing her of what was going on, he asked her if she could, perhaps avoid the blade when he sprung his trap.
" Everythings going to be okay, I won't let this fiend harm you, but I need to know your going to be safe if I relinquish my weapons..."
-
Longinus watched as Vahn and the elf walked off with Lucan, he didn't like seperating from the group. He wanted to make sure that Lucan was returned safely, but he also wanted to have Tempest somewhere out of the way. Longinus was walking with Tempest towards the location that Vahn had pointed him out to. It was down a darkly lit street, it seemed vacant without any sort of life. Apparently the battle had pulled away all the defenders from this point. Longinus's grip tightened on Tempet's arm as his free hand went to the hilt of his sword. The battle around Demise was becoming intense, he could hear explosions and screams. It was nothing like any battle he had ever taken part in, the battle seemed as though it were the end of the world.
" Chaos...could this be the end of life as we know it? At this rate there will be nothing left to battle over, they will destroy the very lands they are trying to take over..."
Longinus looked about as pieces of masonry fell from the wall in the distance and tiles fell from roof tops. He had to pull himself and Tempest out of the way of some that almost clobbered them from above. The Darkthornes truly were a threat to not only life, but civilization itself, they'd rule over ruins...no wonder Belgada had so many. Just as he thought that, Tempest pulled against his grasp, her arm slipped out of his hands. He desperately fought to keep his grasp on her arm, only to have her break free. He wouldn't let her get away now, he wouldn't let her harm Raven.
" Don't think you'll get away from me, I won't let you harm Raven, if you want to harm her, you'll have to go through me one way or another."
-
She gritted her teeth biting back her displeasure at her father's order to stay out of the battle. Wind and rain whipped harshly at her face, wisps of pale golden locks slapped against her cheek as she watched with silence as her father and their paladins rode into battle. Her chin was raised in almost defiant manner as she continued to keep her eyes lock on her father while her stallion side stepped nervously, as anxious as she to dive into battle. Leaning forward she patted his neck as she tightened down the reins on her destrier stallion.
" Easy boy. I want to battle as much as you, but Father has commanded I stay here, and here we will stay....and watch."
He released a derisive snort at her words as he pawed the sodden ground with dis'gust that match his mistress's. A brief smile touched her lips at the empathic relationship they seemed to share. Again her gaze would raise to narrow on the figure of her father and the knights only to gasp and tighten her grip on the reins as Talos threatened to bolt forward in response to her sudden apprehension. Orn had been thrown from his horse, as had many of the others. Tense she rose in the stirrups and waited for a moment without breath only to relax slightly as he stood. Inhaling deeply she settled back in her saddle and continued to watching with bitter silence.
The moment she saw the dark human approach her father for a fight, her knuckles turned white from the grip now upon her saddle horn. Her eyes missed not an inch of the fight as she looked on calculating the mistakes that could happen for either side. It was her gift, this deep danger sense. The moment before it happened she knew her father's folly. Pale grey blue eyes widened as she screeched through the pouring rain.
" FATHERRRRR...NOOO!"
It had come too late. She gazed in horror as her father sank to his knees with the purtid sword shoved through his chest cavity. Tears of anger stung her eyes as she spurred her horse into motion despite the protests of the guards set at station to protect.
" Your highness you must'nt!"
It was too late, the battle cry fled her lips as her sure footed mount pounded over the wet ground kicking up clods of mud in his wake towards the place where her father had fallen. Right hand reached across to her left side, ripping her sword free from its scabbard as the minions of Darkthorne turned and began to close in on her. That sword would rise and slash in perfect fluidity as she cut each one down that dared stand in the way of her path to her beloved patron.
Soon enough she had made it to the fallen king of Ul'thyr. Yanking back on the reins she forced Talos into a rump slide as she threw a leg over his back and landed awkwardly on her feet. Again she was met with resistance, that beserked daughter of Ul'thyr swinging wildly as she screamed in their faces dropping them like dominos until there were none left in the immediate vincinity. Quickly she made way to Orn, falling to her knees as she let out a ragged cry dragging his broken form across her lap to cradle his head to her chest.
More Darkthorne minions came but she cared not. This time they were met by the paladins of Whitethorne as she was left to mourn the loss of a great and honorable man. Baleful screams echoed over the field of battle for long moments before a stoney silence replaced it as she kissed Orn's brow and murmured in his ear. " I shall avenge you father. By Paladine's will it will be done."
Quietly she lay his body to ground and slowly stood facing the knights who stood with their backs to her in a circle of protection.
" Here me now. As your queen I command you...kill anything and everything that does not shine with the light of the holy goodness. No mercy....Kill them all!"
-
Reese's ploy worked for as the angel went to slay the dream minions, his blade hummed. Their genetics had changed, they were now part human, his blade halted in the air. An invisible force prevented him from driving it home into their skulls. The angel struggled as he fought that force, that divine power of his god which prevented him from harming a human. Why had he been forbidden to harm these half-apes, yet others could slay them at the god's wishes. Why him...the answer was all too clear, because had he the power, he would slay every human in existance. They were a cosmic plague like roaches they were scattered through the cosmos. Every realm had it's share of humans, some were without, but man was all over, far more then any other race. Crafted after the gods themselves, man aspired to become gods and some did. They created more humans to populate their little corners of the galaxy and it never ended. Man destroyed everything they laid hands on, or did they, here he was fighting over a tree being planted.
A tree that he had destroyed, even though it was a half-human, it was his actions that had brought that about. The first cut of his wing brought tears to his eyes as the second brought a never ending, ebbing, pain. He fell to his knees, he could feel it, the change of his being to that of a mortal. No how, why, he had planned everything so carefully, for centuries his plans had worked, why would they fail now? Had his god finally forsaken him, forsaken his servent, his hood fell over his head. Scourge slowly began to stand feeling gravity now, feeling hunger, breathing in the air. He felt naked, powerless to change his fate, there was nothing he could do. Nothing he could do to stop the apple from being planted and the end of his plans coming about.
" Why...why curse me to a fate worse then death, you curse me with humanity! Make me one of this weak, pitiful creatures that I despise, why does he love them more then us? Why would he not protect me from this fate...."
Scourge felt a deep sorrow as he felt the pain, the endless lonliness. He understood now, he knew more then ever what it was like to be mortal, and he hated it. Turning his blade to where it would be in the ground, he plunged himself upon his own sword. Blood came from his mouth as he slowly began to feel this thing called life slip away. He would rather die then live the rest of his life as a mortal.
-
Smirk crossed Tempest's lips feeling Longinus' grip let go of her as she had lend to the one side. Taking advantage of it she bolted down the way hoping for a way out. She made sure to dodge anything that came falling down. Seeing a lone Blackthorne she kicked him in the back before he saw her. Tempest leaned down and grabbed the blade that the man had, glancing back quickly to see where Longinus position from where she was.
Finding a couple different ways she turned to the right, all the while hoping it was not heading to where Longinus was taking her. Tempest would kill any that got in her way. She stopped quickly seeing no other way to turn just doors to go through. To try a door ment letting the blade go yet not letting it go ment that he would possibly get her again.
Tempest turned getting in position to fight once Longinus got to her. After she killed him she would bag his head and find her way back to the Darkthone leader.
-
Raven looked and saw that Vahn moved on and left Lucan in the elfs hands. She gave command to Rycore to keep air cover for the elf and Lucan. As she had Phantom fly over and grab his tail to get back to fighting. Raven's eyes caught the glimpse of a female(Isolde) and the men about her being attacked by Darkthornes. She gave orders to Phantom to fly near them so that she could give a hand. That once she was down to give a fire blast to the enemy that laid between her and the Demise castle.
Taking a deep breath as she let go of Phantom's tail landing on the ground few feet from the female(Isolde) and her men. Raven pointed her blade down as she landed behind a Darkthorne. Her eyes looked to the female bowing her head some. Then she went back to slashing at the Darkthornes as they came. Smile crossed her lips as a blaze ripped along the top of some Darkthornes their screams muted by the battle.
Raven semed to back up at times as she battled only to feel someone behind her. Turning quickly saw that it was one of the lady's warriors, Raven went back to fighting those coming. It seemed that the two had the same idea, keeping their backs to each other so to keep surprises away.
___________________________________-
Rycore kept his flight over that of Lucan and the elf left to look after the boy. His tail would swing his tail at any Darkthorne that came to close. As well he would do a fire blast here and there when the allies were far enough away.
Godiva flew about the castle giving a swip at the enemy that was closing in. She gave no fire blasts for it would take out the allies along with the enemy.
Phantom kept his attacks close to where ever that Raven was being they grew up together. He fire blasted and swung his tail at any thatseemed to try and over take any allie near by.
-
Faint voices came to her mind the link between them nearly severed with the constriction of breath. A trap, Eduardo wanted to spring a trap. Anna fought harder to remain conscious of her surroundings focusing out across the field toward the lone Warrior among hundreds of clone who still held his weapons ready to kill the fiend who had captured her. Struggling forever shallow breath, Anna pulled a darker experience of her life from memory and training. Shallow breaths could keep you alive; they could keep you focused beyond normal awareness. Light faded from those opal orbs as she continued to stare feeling not just a distance anymore but the trap of what might come. Eduardo was there, but no, he was underneath as well. Her very feet could sense his presence making a line for her to follow to the original Eduardo. Yes, he was here, yet she was still unsure of what was to happen next beyond her need to conform to Eduardo?s plan of attack.
?SHE IS SUCH A PREETY ANGEL DON?T YOU THINK? It would be a shame to see her blood staining the ground. I wonder what would happen if angel?s blood and our blood mixed??
The hand around her throat loosened some as if the fiend, her captor, wanted to hear the scream that might possibly rip from her. It was all the warning Anna needed to know what the fiend was going to do to her. The stench of his body so close nearly made her vomit in the first contact made. His armor smelled as if it had never been washed of blood or mud. How many battles has he fought? Did he ever take off the armor? Did he even bathe? His breath was a foul putrid mirage of drunken nights and pour hygiene. Now, in her need to focus on one thing, it was gone as Anna felt the cold and rusted steel slice through the soaked cloth of her once white shirt and touch the skin. The edge dragged along the soft flesh of her side and opened a deep but not fatal wound. The pain seared through her mind but she did not scream aloud as the fiend wanted. It was even clear through the mind-link with Eduardo that she was skilled in receiving torture such as this, for Anna merely winced and took a deep breath in. The action of her breath lessened the wound by a fraction of an inch. Even through the link the scream was not heard by Eduardo. Stifling such reactions was not done by shear determination alone. Anna even recognized this level of tolerance revealed a suspicious line to her past, but she would not give the fiend more fuel to anger Eduardo further.
The blood was amazingly the fast. It soaked down the side of her leg and touched the very ground underneath her. No reaction in mixing blood happened of course. Anna was not an angel as the fiend hoped she would be. However, it made it no less dramatic for him to taunt Eduardo with the freshly opened wound. Angled some against his body Anna felt the open air touch the wound, exposed so Eduardo could see the depth. Wincing again she managed to gain enough air to breathe again. Her focus returned honed by the pain the wound was causing. This allowed her to send a sharp and clear message to Eduardo. Anna used the sense of his presence below to conserve what energy she had left in this game between enemies.
~I have enough strength to act, but not enough to fight this. He has a tight grip on my throat, cutting off precious air. I can move when you need me to?.just kill him.~
Now she waited focusing her mind into Eduardo?s to sense where his trap would go and where she needed be at the end. And the grip of the fiend behind her began to tighten again. Still she fought to keep the precious thread between her and Eduardo.
-
His whispered as his pursuit of commanding her attention ensued, "And if you do somehow manage to kill Cebreese, then rest assured I will be coming for your head in place of his." The voice was oh so soft, unctuous and tenebrous. But upon the finish of his last words he leaned in, taking the lobe of her ear into his mouth, sucking softly and biting just enough to pierce the flesh but not tear through it with sharpened canines. A mixture of perhaps ecstasy and pain to leave an impression upon the woman, as right hand found itself between her legs and pulled up and in tightly before he relinquished all contact with her completely.
?Do not threaten me. I am not interested in your petty sibling bickering.? Like steel in a velvet glove her voice was soft but held authority beyond her apparent years. The whisper went no further than between them. He heard her inhale a sharply when Adrian bit her delicate ear and shivered at the contact. Honor goaded with a purr, ?You will have to do better than that to impress me.? She leaned back feeling Adrian?s arm pull her up tighter, her warm, wet and lithe body fitted nicely against him, slithering down his body as she was being dropped to her feet.
"Remove your swords from my sister's neck good sir!"
A little late for a rescue, she thought watching Adrian walk away. Honor smiled indulgently at her younger brother adjusting her grip on Cebreese?s hand. ?Better late than never, my dear brother. Have a successful rescue?? Between her brother?s arrival and Adrian?s aerokinetics, Vincent?s safety was no longer in question. She dropped the ward over him and turned her attention back to Cebreese. `
"I'm sure Reagan would like a family reunion, in fact why don't I go fetch him and bring him here, I'm sure he's waiting in hell for a ret.." before he could finish his words, a shadow came down over his eyes.
" Goodbye Cebreese.." Vincent said as he came down with the dagger towards Cebreese's neck. He couldn't stand, the only thing he could do was fall, dagger in hand, towards Cebreese and his fate.
He looked up just in time to see the glinting blade of Vincent's thorne dagger, he moved as fast as he could, but not fast enough. The blade plunged into his heart, it's magic spiderwebbed through his veins to his mind. " NOOOOO!"
"Where am I?" Cebreese knew his name, knew his destiny, he didn't remember much of his time ruling over Darkthorne and Blackthorne however. The most recent memories still lingered while those from the past barely registered anymore.
" What happened?" the wound on his chest began to heal and he feigned pain as he brought his hand to his heart
?Vahn, deal with that Darkthorne mage who locked down the planes, merci. I will see to Vincent.? The sodden queen said pragmatically as she knelt down beside the two half-brothers, separating Vincent and Cebreese gauging their injuries. ?Demise, Cebreese, and you are lucky,? she replied offhandedly after inspecting the healed wound. The thorne dagger had erased some of his memories. But which ones? She worried her bottom lip as she thought, tossing her hair to the side she squeezed the excess water from her black tresses before checking over Vincent. Her cold fingers traced the lips of the metal mask. ?How in the Weaver?s name did he get that mask on you, Vincent?? Closing her eyes, Honor could see him whole and strong. The shackles begin to shiver and changed to quicksilver spilling down to the damp earth, raising her hands over his face mask absorbing the enchantments, fueling the transformation to free him from the instrument of his torture.
-
As he had let the steps roll forth onto the ground beneath him, he stopped when he heard the sound of Cebreese screaming, followed by his inquisitive mind. Adrian had known all to well the weapon used upon Cebreese, purging the thoughts and emotions that he had once held onto without inquery. Vincent... You were a genius for you had just opened up a doorway of possibilities onto the world. You had possibly changed the course of a destiny that Cebreese couldn't have wavered from on his own.
He pivoted on his right toes and left heel, turning about face to look at the kneeling Cebreese. Sure, Vahn and Honor were there, but he didn't consider either of them a threat. They were but bystanders at the moment, as he let his steps slowly ease himself towards Cebreese, stopping in front of him to look down at his older twin. His right hand gently reached out and placed upon Cebreese' shoulder, using it to almost hold himself steady as he kneeled down to come face to face with Cebreese. His ice blue eyes focused on Cebreese', knowing that perhaps now was the only time he would get to say anything to his brother that would hold sway, that would hold meaning in the man's mind.
He spoke softly, without reserve towards Cebreese. "You're my brother Cebreese. And no matter what wrongs you do unto me, I love you." The words of spoken brotherly love came without lie, nor without malice, for he knew that Cebreese wasnt a monster unto himself, but a monster made of this world from his upbringing, from how people treated him. Wasn't that what all Darkthornes had been; but a result of hate and misfortune brought upon by those around them. He leaned in, wrapping his arms around the shoulders of Cebreese, letting fingers interlock as he leaned his head slightly against Cebreese' own. His thoughts rolled over this single action.
'Cebreese, my forlorn brother. I forgive you, though I cannot forget. I can only feel my pity and love for you. You have never known the meaning of family and you may never know it should neither of us survive this war today. But I cannot help but question dear brother whether this is the first hug of love and affection that you've ever felt. If so, then all I can offer is the one now.' He pulled back from the hug after a moment, putting his toes on the ground beneath his butt before leaning back and then tensing the muscles in his legs to push himself to a standing position, he turned back towards the edge, walking past Vahn without a glance as his thoughts pursued the last bit of information. 'But if I must take your life later on brother, then know it will no longer be out of hate, but out of love and necessity.'
He let his neck arch itself backwards as the rain pelted down upon his face. He hadn't taken the time to truly notice the rain amongst the war itself, since his thoughts had been focused upon other matters. It was his first rain in ages, and it was on a battlefield. He found bliss in the rain hitting his face before he looked down to see the Whitethornes had come, they had engaged in battle only to see one of the paladins die at the hands of Syn Darkthorne. Toes crept along the edge as he leaned forward, jumping off the building down to the battle below. Whether the Whitethornes wanter or needed his help, he was going to help them.
He tucked his body in his decent, flipping several times before loosening a bit before he hit the ground beneath him. His right foot was pushed back while his left knee dug into the mud and blood of the victims of this war. No second thought was given to the blood or mud as almost in a sprinters position he instantly jumped off the lineand started sprinting, dodging and weaving between combatants, grabbing a quiver of arrows and a composite long bow that were abandoned by their dead master. The quiver he threw over his left shoulder, the bow carried in the grasps of his damp right hand. He was perhaps a hundred yards and gaining from being close to the Whitethornes.
An ogre was across his path though, the back turned to him which just made things a little too easy. He vaulted towards the ogre and ran up his back a bit before his hand reached over his shoulder to pull out three arrows. Right hand raised the bow as left hand lined the arrows across the oak and string of the bow. Left shoulder pulled the string back, as before the ogre could have turly noticed it, three arrows were let loose down at his head from point blank. The steel tipped arrows found themselves cutting through the back of the ogres skull like a knife through butter, two arrows protruding from the eyes of the ogre, while the third came from the center of his forehead. The ogre was dead before he even hit the ground.
Adrian rode the ogre to the ground nonetheless, taking note that he held only ten arrows left in the quiver as he once again began his pursuit of drawing closer the the Whitethornes. He drew another arrow as he saw the circle of Whitethornes being surrounded by Darkthorne minions, giving off a quick shot to one of the closer minions. The arrow bursted through the back of the Darkthorne minions neck, only to have the arrow head rupture through the jugular and stick out of the front of his neck. Whether any of the Whitethornes would take notice or not, that was something else.
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-
Gem turned slowly to look at Reese and the angel. Horrified to see the angel have its wings sliced off then shortly after impale itself. She moved over to the angel, taking his hand in her own so that he would know he was not alone when he died. It was beyond her why anyone would kill them self...."You will not die alone, M'lord" was all she simply said.
Gem had always held the belief that inside every soul, there was goodness. Even this deadly angel. She knew she couldn't use her healing gifts for him, not couldn't actually...shouldn't, because he wanted death.
She made sure that she could see the apple's resting place from where she sat. Already the magical plant causing a slight glow to the ground.
-
Reese could barely stand, he didn't even know how he still hung on to life. By all means he should be dead now, but still he clung to life. Reese had never been a quiter, never given up hope when all was lost. Never stopped fighting, even when the battle had been lost. The dream minions came about Reese and helped him steady himself. Reese made his way to face the angel, the very being that had cursed his family. Reese knelt down in front of the angel and slowly closed it's eyes. He hoped that it could find the peace in death, it couldn't find in life. Such a tortured soul did not deserve torture in death, he hoped however that the angel could learn to let go. If not then it would carry that torment with it into the otherworld and be a prisoner of it's own hell. Reese made his way to the place where the apple had been planted, it only required his blood now to finish the process.
Reese pulled out a small dagger, one he would have normally used for cutting fruit. He cut the tip of his finger and held it over the glow, watching the blood drop on the mound. Nothing happened, Reese waited to see if perhaps it took a little time. Still nothing, had he miscalculated, was it not his blood that he was to use, or had they failed somehow?
Reese punched the earth and laughed, " after all of this...nothing...what the hell am I doing wrong?" A soft glow came as they were transported from dark heaven back to the gardens in Lochland. Reese began to think perhaps that was what kept the apple from growing, but still nothing. Reese was now in a place where the harsh weight of his injuries began to kick in. His head hurt and his body was weak, Reese's eyes looked over the mound trying to figure out what he had done wrong.
A soft glow appeared on the other side of the mound, it drew Reese's attention. There stood another angel, with long auburn hair, and a face Reese could never forget. It was his mother Relina, Reese felt a warmth wash over him.
" My son do not give up just yet, you have to use the blood of the thornes in the scepter, that is what will make the apple grow into the tree of balance."
Reese looked to her and almost kicked himself for not realizing that, how simple of a solution.
" Gah I should have known, but where is the scepter?"
Relina appeared on the other side of Reese and began to wave him to the castle. " I'll lead you my son, but hurry I have little time to help you in this quest." Reese pushed himself up and gritted his teeth, he refused to let himself die just yet. Reese staggered forward and began to head towards the castle, his limbs wanted to relax and become limp, he kept commanding them to obey him.
" Gem....I need your help friend, I'll never make it alone." Reese was almost pleading with Gem, he needed her to finish this.
-
Gem watched as the angel died, its features softening with the mask of death upon them. She turned and looked at Reese as he closed the angel's eyes. She had so many questions as to all that was happening but there was little she could do at present. Licking her bloody lip. She looked at her torn muddy cloths and scrapped up knees.
She moved over to Reese as he tried to add a drop of blood to the tree. She had no idea why her blood had been needed but deep with in her she knew...Was there more of a connection between the Thornes and her own people that she didn't know about? Could she have Thorne in her?
Again her many questions would remain unanswered until the battles were over. At his request, Gem moved to him and used her small form to steady him and assist him to their next goal.."You only need say where and I will take you my old friend"
The again mounted a horse, her body behind his to steady him as she kicked the horse into a gallup.........
-
" Ha will get to the octagon in no time flat, it's just across from the castle in the woods. It's our little secret, but before we go any further I must do something else I have no time to later..."
Reese reached for Gem's hand, once he had her hand in his, he would place upon her palm a gift. A symbol that marked her as one of his guardians, a priestess to an order that did not exist. He wanted her to know he would always be with her no matter where she was.
" That mark allows you to contact me in the dream realm, allows me to lend you power and strenght when you need it most. As far as gods go I do not get strength from those who worship me as a god, but instead from those who honor me as a friend. It's in you and everyone else that remembers me as a friend that I get my strength. I will die in this mortal body of mine, but only because it has to be. It's a part of the great cycle that has to be followed so that things go accordingly. You will be my agent here in Velusia, and with that comes protection from that which you free most. I know your fear Gem, I know the price you paid for the apple, it was a price that was not your's to pay. I'm honored that you did though, and I know you will find out everything you search to know."
The light of his mother guided them to the octagon a secret chamber that only those of the royal bloodline could enter. Reese slowly dismounted with the help of Gem, he entered the chamber and looked over the two tombs of his ancestors. The scepter had been placed in the tomb to safe guard it, but it needed to be returned to the hands of the king and queen. Reese took one step forward as something happened something he did not expect. Green mist rose up from the tombs, a haunting green glow surrounded the mist. Spectors appeared of the dead ancestors a woman and man, they pointed to the sceptor.
" Go son of our line claim the sceptor, use the blood to heal the wound that needs to be healed, unite our clans into one again."
Reese felt that had any other entered the tomb, they would have met with opposition. He felt lucky at that moment to have earned enough respect, even with the ghost of their ancestors, to be able to proceed unhindered. His footsteps echoed in the octagon tomb, his hand shook as it hovered over the sceptor. The ornate sceptor resembled a tree whose branches curved around a glass ball that held within it his ancestor's blood. The blood of the pure Thornes that glowed with magical essence. He touched the sceptor and felt the same familiar pulse as he had years ago. The sceptor was the final key to unlocking this quest, a quest that would restore the Thorne clans bind them to the one again.
Reese smiled as his mother's ghost faded away with a smile upon her face as well. He turned and began to walk out of the tomb, only to fall forward as the weakness caught up to him. He could barely talk let alone stand, but he had to carry this burden a little further, he had to finish this before he died.
-
Glittering golden pools turned first left then right when she noticed the surrounding Darkthornes and their minions. Immediately she took a defensive stance hand on her sword ready to draw the blade once more in order to fight off this cowardly horde that had surrounded a single woman.
" Well well well my dear half-sister Reinne are you not going to welcome your brother home to Velusia?" Prasutagus held his axes out, opening his arms towards Reinne. " Your brother Prasutagus has returned home to greet his dear siblings with open arms...and death."
That head snapped into the direction the voice had come from. Eyes narrowed defiantly as she gripped her sword a bit tighter watching as Prasutagus closed the distance between. Keen senses drew the attention of bow strings having been drawn causing her to sneer despite her weakened state.
" You are no brother of mine Prasutagus. Is this your idea of an honorabl fight...oh wait, you Darkthornes do not know the meaning of honor. So many men just to take down little old me? Pathetic. Never the less, if it is fight you want it is a fight you will get. Though I must say....I feel sorry for you men."
At that moment her eyes actually moved past Prasutagus to glance at the oncoming Einar with a fierce beating of pride and....love in her heart. Her name on his lips as his battlecry at any other point might have brought tears to those eyes, but at this point, this moment in time it merely gave her the extra energy she needed to fight. It hardened her will against death today. Grinning coyly at Prasutagus she made the first move.
Left foot came forward slapping against the water covering the battlement as her sword incased in both hands came from below and upwards on her left side in an upward arc. It slide harshly across the stone pulling free wet powder of stone and the red dust as she used the sword to fling it into Prasutagus's face hoping to blind him in order to gain an advantage, even it was only a momentary one.
In a straight melee fight she was out done by his strength. She had agility and strong balance but he had size and strength. One mistake on either part and someone may very well die today. She prayed to Gaia it would not be her.
-
She sneered as he smeared mud on his cheeks. Filthy druid. As he charged towards her, his forming taking on another essence she merely smirked lifting her talons hands before her to cast a force of psionic energy toward him...only to find it failed. Crimson gaze widened as she glanced to her hands in shock and finally took noticed ot the russet color staining the ground. Cursing beneath her breath at the presence of the red dust everywhere she looked up in time to make a last moment dodge to the right.
Hurling her body to the right she rolled across the mud and bounced to her feet whirling to face the bear form of Shamus. For the first time ...ever...in her life she felt doubt. Her magic was gone, her psionics dampened by this red dust meant to have been used against the Blackthornes. Something had gone wrong and she hated that. Perfection through chaos was her sin...her pride. She would be forced to fight him with her strength..strength she did not have in this form.
Growling she released her human form to take on her true hideous nature. Eyes of red turned into an abysmal pool of emptiness. Skin became gaunt tightening over her bones as, even those very bones began to crackle and pop growing in length giving her a gangly and ghastly look. The look of something undead...a arch vampire. Fangs erupted from her gums, long a heinous looking dripping with a venom that was hers by nature.
In this form she could match him, in this form she would have true strength and speed. A laughter bubbled up in her breast, hideous and crone like in its formulation. Soon it became the screech of a banshee as she charged toward the bear form as it came sliding to a stop.
The battle was on.
-
As her words fled with the harsh winds and pelting rain her head would tilt those icy globes taking in the sight of yet more minions surrounding her troupe. Fingers flexed, one glove hand forming a small fist as the other became white knuckled upon her sword. Whipping about she moved to her faithful and stubborn steed ripping her shield from the back of the saddle. Shrugging it on she turned once again, just in time to spy an arrow piercing the throat of one minion dropping it like stone. Immediately that battle hardened gaze would look for the being responsible for this unwanted aid. Spying Adrian's descent in their direction she gave him no more heed as she lifted her sword and bellowed.
" FOR THE GLORY OF PALADINE! FOR THE GLORY OF WHITETHORNE!!!!"
In that instant every knight called out in return as they engaged the mounting numbers of Darkthorne minions who seemed to be drawn to their holy light like flies to bittersweet honey. There was no emotion on her face, only that look of a seasoned warrior prepared to fight. As her men fought bringing down beast after beast she moved forward. Out of the corner of her eye she spied a minion charging her on all fours. Immediately she pivoted and crouched with her shoulder lowered in preparation to take the brunt of the collison.
-TWAP-
The bodies collided and yet only one went flying backwards. Slowly she straightened her posture with a sly grin. This was no ordinary woman. As the minion gathered itself to its feets it howled its anger toward this mere woman who had sent it flying backwards with nothing more than a well placed shoulder block behind her shield. It charged once again and this time she waited. Both feet remained stationary, shoulder width apart as she watched its advance. Already the scene coming was beginning to play itself out in her mind. The instant before it could have tackled her again, she pivoted backwards, turning full circle as she brought her sword about with the motion of her body. A loud warrior like grunt would follow the sound of sword meeting flesh.
" GRAAAHHH"
Her hair whipped across her face sucking against those pallid cheeks as she withdrew her sword only to bring up across her shoulder and swing it back down again severing the beast's head completely. Done she turned looking for the next to approach and found none. Instead, she hurried back to her horse, booted feet sinking slightly into the mud in her flight slowing her progress as she called out to her second in command.
" Bomahr! COME! We must find Reinne and take her with us! Leave the others to continue this fight!"
-
" Yeeearrrhhgg!"
CLANG
Bomahr's shield cracked the skull of one of the nearby Darkthorne minions as he jumped into their midst. The double-bladed sword in his hand required two hands for most men, but he was strong enough to wield it with one. The blade came down slicing through the arm of one Darkthorne and the leg of another all in one blow. Spinning around he dodged a sword thrust at his back, the sword plunged into another Darkthorne and in one long slash he beheaded both foes. His shield came up blocking a blow aimed as his head, at the same moment his sword slashed down and cut the foes leg in two, Bomahr stepped with one massive foot crushing the foe's head under foot. He was berserking as always, wanting to crush the evil which surrounded him. Willing to dive into the open maw of evil so he could plunge his sword straight into it's beating heart.
" Heeeaaarrrrhhh!" he tossed his blade into the chest of one enemy while defending against blows from two with his shield. He quickly ran over and plucked the sword out and pushed with his shield bringing his two foes down to their feet. They swung as his feet, he jumped and brought his sword down in the chest of one while dropping his shield and placing his weight upon it, curshing the chest of the second. Bomahr dodged another slash, he picked up the foe that had just attacked and threw him into an on coming charge of more Darkthornes. His eyes were like a hunting tiger, his fighting choatic and deadly all the while putting himself in danger to slay the enemies that threatened his brothers and sisters.
" Raaarrrr!" he picked up a spear and plunged it into the body of the one he just threw and then claimed his shield and sword and charged them. He began to hack apart the foes as they stood, blood covered him from head to toe and his blonde braids were thick with it's color.
" Bomahr! COME! We must find Reinne and take her with us! Leave the others to continue this fight!"
Bomahr turned to his cousin and nodded going to guard her side, his heart still beat with the berserker's fury. Bomahr picked up a large boulder and tossed it down atop the mass of the Darkthornes that crossed swords with the paladins. The sound of crunching bone and stone thudding against earth was enough for him. He wanted to stay and fight some more, but he knew they must go and find this Reinne woman, before they could finish the battle once and for all. Bomahr picked up his weapons and followed Isolde, a stranger had helped them. He had caught site of the arrow puncturing the throat of a Darkthorne as he battled. Whoever this stranger was he had helped those in need, a deed never frowned upon.
-
Arrows with thorned vines attachted to them and empowered through blood magic shot forth cutting off the Darkthornes. Warriors wearing red and black checkered kilts, with tanned skin and wild eyes emerged from the smoke of the battlefield. Red electricity shot from the smoke onto the field as they came from nowhere. They'd sensed the battle for the homelands, sensed the new leader being chosen, born in battle. Steam rose off their skin as the rain touched them, their hair was dyed to have red streaks in it. Their faces painted half red, half black, the Bloodthornes were led by Zian coming to greet their new leader and be led in the final battle. Arrows flew again and on impact they exploded in fire, the Darkthornes that had charged the Bloodthornes were consumed in the flames.
Zian gave a smile to the sight of the battlefield, death and destruction everywhere, it was a true fight. The hunt was on, many of them were covered in furs, trophies from successful hunts. They wore the furs as totems giving them the ability to summon the beast they'd slain to fight for them in battle. Zian drew an arrow and with eyes like an eagle he looked up to the sky, scanning with his bow. Finally he found something to fire upon, a long red streak shot straight up into the air towards a dragon piercing the beast's heart and causing it to fall towards the battlefield. Each Bloodthorne wore two swords upon their belts, for they fought with two sword when it came to melee. Zian sneered at the scent of the thornes gathered on the battlefield. Others had sensed the call as they, and come to claim the homeland in the final battle over the destiny of Velusia.
Which clan would claim the prize to rule over their homeland and slay the others. Zian knew his Bloodthornes were few, but they could hold their own in a battle. They pulled up their hooded cloaks and became like mist moving across the battlefield, moving through everything they came across. Darkthornes tried to slash at them only to find their blades went right through them and into the ground. They walked heedlessly through the battlefield in search of the one born of battle. Zian and the others found Soleus and Zian pulled back his hood as the others did and they bowed before him.
" You have been chosen to led us in battle as the new leader of the Bloodthornes. Now lead us against the other thornes so we can claim our destiny before we lose our chance to. We are few, but we are skilled and will fight to the death." Zian looked up with eyes as red as hot coals on Soleus, this man was chosen as their new leader, but would he prove himself to be fit to carry the mantle?
-
" What have we here a Blackthorne on the verge of enlightment...why do you resist the darkness within you child? Are you afraid of real power?" He pointed his still bloody sword towards Analisa and smiled a toothy grin.
Analisa halted and took her fighting stance standing side ways with her left sword raised in an arc above her head facing the enemy and the right, a perfect line across her stomach as it faced the space behind ready to slice outward. Her silver gaze narrowed upon the Darkthorne target as he grinned at her and questioned as if deserving of an answer.
Snearing beneath the full face helm the shadow walker didn't allow the taunt to effect her and merely replied with an even tone,"I resist nothing and in fact embrace what I know is within me. I simply am not so weak as to have to give up my true self to gain such power." The silver began to glitter like diamonds in her eyes as she loosened her hold on the entity and felt it slither out and spread across the ground like a black fog.
Her lithe armored form moved like the best of dancers as the sword swung down from its high perch to meet his out stretched blade and she slid the two together making the metal upon metal sing in the air until just the last inch of tips were touching,"Tell me child how does it feel to know that your weakness is my strength. A pity really to have to stain my steel with your tainted blood, but alas what must be done shall be."
The area around her was quickly devoured by the inky mist as it sought to defend its host from all attacks except that of the Darkthorne before her. A sharp cry came from behind as one got to close and was quickly swamped over and delt with by its dark tendrils. The burst of energy from the painfull death was like a shot of adrenaline and it made Analisa draw in a sharp but deep breath as the sensation rushed over her skin and raced thru her blood stream.
Refusing to await the enemies whim Analisa grinned to herself beneath the mask and quickly spun right, arching the lower blade up as it swung forth to meet the opposing weapon with a loud clang. The left blade drew in to protect her face and upper body from attack as she came to a stop with the lower right blade tucked in close to her left hip to face backwards once more in a stance that looked as if she hugged herself with her weapons drawn. Side stepping she slowly moved without taking her focus from her target so that she was no sitting duck for some stray or aimed air assault.
The entity simply shifted with her like a well trained pet as its misty fingers curled up her armor clad body like smoke while it slid over the ground at her feet daring any and taunting all to come closer. It thrived off anger, pain and death and to it this battle ground was the feasts of feasts and it didn't hold back as it devoured all that its mistress would allow it too.
-
Syn smiled as he stood before Analisa just now seeing the resemblance between her and Rose.
" Why don't you recognize me Analisa? I'm your mother's brother Syndicale, your uncle. Hehee I'm surprised your father never told you what really killed your mother. She died because of me, died of a broken heart, that her brother would become what you see before you. I sold my soul to the Darkthornes, became a demul all for the chance to have the power to defend our kingdom. Yet still it fell not by our enemies , but by my own hands...I opened the gateway of Megma and released the plague onto our lands...Now I am truly a damned soul."
Syn blocked Analisa's blade by bringing up his own and moving back. His fighting style was like a dance, his movements graceful and elegant.
" Thats right..I killed your mother, it was the plague that killed her like all those in our lands. Their all dead because of me, because I wanted power, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I like killing it brings me pleasure, you and I are so much alike Analisa, why not join me, we're family you and I."
Syn charged at Analisa bringing his sword down in a slash towards her left shoulder. His movements were like that of the demon he was, quick and blurry, the shadows seemed to cling to him, embracing him.
-
Cebreese had done so much evil, more so then any of the other Darkthornes. He was the model for a Darkthorne, his evil was something they all struggled to become. A legend among the Darkthornes and yet he felt like nothing more then a soldier. He'd gone to become a soldier and aspired to a leader, yet who was he really? As Adrian hugged Cebreese, he wanted to pull away at first, thinking it a trick. But then he found comfort and security in the hug, it was strange to him. He was struggling against something, a feeling within him. Was this what made Adrian so stronge, this...this..love is it what kept him living?
Could Cebreese find strength in love as he did hate? A single tear fell from Cebreese's eye, he wanted to fight this emotion. It represented everything he'd learned to hate, everything his mother had told. Weakness, but if it was weakness then why was Adrian so strong, why did Honor show strength when her love for Vincent was exposed. It was a thing he pondered, it seemed love made one weak and strong just as hate could. No he couldn't think that, it went against everything...but then again he couldn't remember everything. It was a blur, the very memories important to keeping him completely evil were lost. Cebreese had reached a point where his path could change, but was he willing to change?
Cebreese's life thread became different hues, changing back and forth as he fought with the questions in his mind. Cebreese had tried to destroy everything, his quest to destroy the world was slowly becoming a thing of the past. The rain washed over him, and in a way it mimiced the cleansing going on inside him at that moment. He could never be like those he hated, but then again, he couldn't hate them anymore. His head looked over the battlefield, he saw all the battles raging on around them. They were fighting for all the wrong reasons. Cebreese now saw things differently and the same all at once. He could reason with the chaos he once was, the beast that he had become.
His mother's soul screamed from within him, she demanded he stop this ridiculous thought now. " No mother...I am not your slave anymore...I see now it's you that kept me back..." Cebreese's face became an image of pain as he reached up to his chest. The soul of his mother slowly began to be purged from his very being, the long twisted angel wings and distorted features of his mother as she screamed. She slowly became physical and her huge monsterous form hovered there over him. Cebreese gritted his teeth as he took the power that his father had gave him. He didn't need this anymore, it all held him back from his true destiny, he would become his own man. His hand began to be consumed in flames and he tossed those flames directly at his mother's form. She screamed in agony as the fires of hell consumed her form, her soul.
" I will find my own destiny, not one set for me by those who try to control me like a tool, I am no instrument." Adrian had already gone, leaving Cebreese with his new found power, his new found destiny. And so it was love was stronger then hate, for in brotherly love Cebreese had found the strength to fight the prison which was becoming his life. The pieces of his life could never be put back together, the past had could never be changed. Cebreese didn't care anymore, he would make the future what he could, as best he could. If he died in battle today then at least he died free, Cebreese jumped down from the battlements and found the one who had set up the lock on the realms. Dramund...one of Cebreese's former soldiers and former right hand man.
He should have known that the living soul of hell would be behind this. Cebreese drew his katanna, letting it glide along the ground sparking as it touched the stone. The blade began to become lit by flames, as he stalked forward towards Dramund. The red dust had weakened him of his bloodborn abilities, but it had not taken his skill. He could still fight, even if it was as a mere man. Cebreese casually walked over towards Dramund and without a word launched an attack upon the former minion.
-
Vincent shook his head, the weakness would not leave him, it would not go away. He looked up to see Cebreese fall in confusion, had he saved his half-brother? Could he have possibly given his brother a chance to start over, the brother he never knew. He could sense something from Adrian, almost as if he too shared their blood. When Adrian talked to Cebreese and hugged him, Vincent knew for sure. He was after all the caretaker of his family, the guardian of the Blackthornes. He could see it even without his blood born powers, if someone shared their blood. The blood of angels that flowed through their veins as did the blood of Merlin, magic and faith. They were a race that the lands of Velusia had claimed as it's own. Yet they struggled to find their place in this world, fighting amongst themselves.
Vincent looked to Honor with tortured eyes as the shackles and mask slowly faded away. Freedom at long last he was free again, it felt like ages since he had been free. Since the curse of Strahd had been broken, Vincent looked young again, not very much different then before. Only that his white hair had gone back to black, it hung down around his eyes, a beard had grown in his time of slavery. The death all around them brought a great sorrow to Vincent's heart, he slowly began to stand again. His hair blowing in the wind, stray strands of it cascaded across his face as he looked on the scene before them. He saw Cebreese in pain and suddenly the dark angel which appeared before him. Something about that dark angel caused Vincent's mind to start turning the cogs.
Could it be? Was Cebreese and Adrian born from that...if so then no wonder they pulled so much about them. Vincent turned to Honor and said, " thank you for defending me when I couldn't, it's been a long time since I've seen you. I'm surprised you remember me, I thought of you..you and my daughter, my family, it's all that kept me from going mad while being inprisoned as the Darkthorne's prophet. Something has to be done about this battle, it's tearing your lands apart and killing off my family at the same time. If we don't stop it soon, I fear that all of Velusia will be lost and no one here will remain to tell the tale."
Vincent placed his hand to the wound given to him by Cebreese, watching the reformed beast stalk off after fresh prey. " I hope he doesn't forget what he's discovered, it's probably taken him years to realize that love is the only thing that can pull us from the darkness of hate. He's so much like my brother Reese when he was young...." Vincent fell to his knees his eyes falling closed as his strength finally left him. He fell unconscious to the stones of the battlement, the wind caressing his hair.
-
Prasutagus laughed at her defiance and how she spoke of honor in battle, honor had no place here. This fight was for the future, for the chance to prove which clan was the strongest, to weed out the weak and make way for the strong. Could he deny himself that his hatred was slowly fading, could he keep this up? As she came rushing towards him, his grin spread, she wouldn't deny him. She wouldn't deny her brother the hate he so desired, hundreds of Darkthorne spilled over the battlefield climbing atop one another to surround her. Prasutagus would not be denied his glory, his moment of triumph over his siblings. And his hands claiming the crown that was rightfully his, for he deserved it more then they.
The rain came down upon his black armor, lightning crashed in the background lighting up the stained glass windows of the cathedral next to them. What better place for Reinne to fight her last fight then next to the place she would find her final resting place. She flung water at his face, he raised his axe a moment to soon. The water with it's particules of masonry and dirt hit his eyes momentary blindness came over him. He blinked his eyes as he listened for her movements, a trained blind fighter. The sound of her footsteps in the rain, her blade being hit by rain drops, he knew her movement better this way then with his eyes open. He moved back as his axe was struck by her sword, she had merely been playing with him.
" Can you feel it Reinne, destiny pulsing around us, this moment will determine everything. Can you feel it in your grasp, the chance to take what is your's? Hah I can feel it and this is not your time, it's mine, my moment to triumph over all the odds that have been set against me. It's time for destiny to come to me, I have my rights to this kingdom by blood...my people deserve a chance just like your's Reinne and I will not deny them their place among Velusia. Look around you, they all are here to witness the moment Blackthorne fell to Darkthorne, the moment Prasutagus triumphed!"
Prasutagus felt the edge of the battlement behind him, his eyes saw the stained glass of the cathedral just a few feet from the inner edge of the battlement. His minions had scaled the wall and stood down there bows notched, while some stood atop the cathedral's roof. Prasutagus smiled as he turned back to the Reinne, his axes lowered from a guarding stance and he came at her. Both axes raised over his head as he came to bring them down atop that pretty head of her's. His footsteps causing the water on the battlement to splash with each pounding foot fall. " DIE!" he cried out at Reinne wishing she would just give up her struggle and fall.
-----------------------
Dramund had been examining the inner workings of the city, checking to see what the defense inside was like. Then out of nowhere a blade came down upon his armor, Dramund was pushed back. He turned and raised his own sword, and laughed, the fool did he think he could damage Dramund's armor?
" You can't dent my armor Cebreese, you know what I am and what I'm capable of doing. Why do you cross swords with me....ahhh I see you've had a change of heart...tsk tsk tsk..now I'll just have to rip it out of your chest so you can die a coward like the rest of these dogs!"
Dramund raised his sword and brought it down on the pavement causing a pulse of flames to fly out from it. Defenders and Darkthornes alike were caught on fire, they fell to the ground screaming as Dramund stood there in the flames. He had cleared the battle ground now it was time to rid himself of his former master once and for all. Dramund raised his blade and swung at Cebreese, a flaming image of his sword with flying out at Cebreese, on impact it would explode. He knew his tricks were too slow to really defeat Cebreese, but he had to keep the lock he'd placed set.
-
She never stopped moving, those feet dancing in odd movement on the sodden stone as she worked to keep him confused. The ploy did not work long as she brought her sword around with a growl only to have it met with one of his ax. The shock of steel meeting against steal cause her arms to shudder with the shock and, still she refused to give up. As he spoke she suddenly laughed. He was wrong in his assumptions of her wrong about why she was fighting.
She fought not out of hate, but in order to protect the lives of her people. She would always fight for them, for the right to live in peace..and to simply..live.
" Aye, I feel destiny Prasutagus. I feel the fate I weave not only for myself but for my people. This is the difference between you and I. You fight out of hatred and greed. I fight for freedom and the love of my people. There is no glory in what you do. You claim what is not yours. You seek to steal from us, while you have a kingdom you rule that is just as large. Why is that Prasutagus? Are you not happy there?"
She paused as he suddenly charged toward her before finishing her words as she went on the defensive.
" No....how could you be when you are filled with the poison known as hate."
-CLANG!-
She brought her sword up flat bladed her free palm pressing against the end of it as his axes met with the flat of the blade. Grunting she strained herself as she forced his axes up and away again. Tilting her head she smiled softly as he regained his footing.
" You are a sad being.....brother. Until you know the essence of what love is, you will never be free of the prison you built for yourself."
-
Shamus watched Merlindria change forms, so she knew she couldn't match him in strenght eh? Well he couldn't match her in speed in this form, he knew she'd have the advantage. Shamus slowly began to shift forms again, going from the form of the bear, to that of a draconic. Scales covered his body beneath his armor, his eyes became yellow as reptilian wings shot from his back. Fangs and claws emerged as he took on a faster form to combat the crimson witch. So this was it, this was the final battle between the two clans and whoever won, would take all. Shamus could not let himself doubt his skills, he had to win, the people, his family, depended on him. Darkthorne was a plague that would infect all of Velusia if he didn't strike them down.
Shamus let out a draconic roar as he went charging forward towards the crimson witch. So she liked crimson eh, well how about the color of flames? Shamus let loose breath of fire at the feet of the crimson witch, let's have a witch burning. The druids had waged war on the witches for a long time, the fact that Merlindria was a witch and Darkthorne made her even more deadly. And it gave Shamus all the more reason to defeat her, for the witches seemed to have a habit of dark magic. Magic that had once plagued Velusia in the days of his great great grandfather. Dark magic that should be forgotten and exterminate before it can corrupt anymore innocents. Shamus lept into the air, his wings gliding on the breeze as he descended down towards the witch with his swords aimed at her heart.
-
They road quickly through the deep woods to the octogon shaped tomb. It's exterior door carved deeply with the now familiar tree symbol. As she received the mark of a guardian from Reese, tears filled her eyes. Despite his injuries she leaned in and embraced Reese. "I have always loved you like a brother and friend Reese" She said softly then watched as he entered the tomb and recived the sceptor.
She looked at both the sceptor and this place, deposting them both into her memory so she could return here if ever need be. She moved again to Reese's side to help him as he moved again to the horse, then again to the temple. She could feel his death was nearing, whispering a prayer to the Ancient Thornes and her goddess to provide him strength.
Once inside the temple, they could see a sickly looking seedling on the spot of the rich temple soil. Gem half draged half carried Reese to the site. Holding him up as he carried the sceptor. The temple itself seemed to be glowing and looking younger in age. As if the growth of the tree was also renewing the ancint building....
-
Longinus went running after Tempest as more masonry fell around him. He tripped over a piece of stone and quickly got back to his feet. His pursuit of her was slowed by his injury, but he couldn't let her get away now. Raven's life would be in constant danger if her sister got away now. The sights of Balgada almost seemed peaceful compared to what Demise had become. It was almost like a hell on earth, he turned a corner spotting a lycal chewing out the guts of one of it's victims. Longinus came charging at the beast which looked up from it's meal and came running at Longinus as well. As the beast went to launch itself on Longinus, he dodge to the left and plunged his blade into the beast side, straight into it's heart. Longinus didn't stop to see it he had taken out the beast, he ran on, noticing that the victim had been a lone Blackthorne.
Longinus saw that the man's weapon was nowhere to be seen, Tempest, she must had just been here. Longinus turned down a street and saw Tempest there at some doors, she had a sword with her. Longinus began to slowly walk towards her, " Now now, don't do anything you'll regret...no one has to die here, don't make me fight you. I don't want to kill Raven's sister, but my love for her is too strong to let me, let you go. I know you'll simply try to hurt her again and I can't allow that, I won't allow that. Not after everything thats happened, I promise you'll get a fair trial, just put the sword down."
Longinus came closer and closer to Tempest, but kept his guard up just in case she tried anything. He wouldn't let himself die now, not after getting a second chance to live his life. The street below them began to crack as not far from them a dragon fell crashing down. He turned for a moment, was that Raven's dragon? He looked it over and instantly knew it wasn't, he turned back around hoping Tempest hadn't tried anything.
-
Tempest kept her eyes upon the end of the hallway waiting for Longinus to turn it. She heard a bit of fighting as while standing there hoping if he was part of it he would die. That hope died when she saw him turn the corner and lay his eyes upon her.
"You are right i should ot do someting that I will regret. But you see I already did that by letting Raven live. So the only way that I will leave here is dead or you take me again.
How sweet my sister as another to love her. Oh did you know that she had a lover in her past. Well at least til I took his life, unfortunely had to kill the boy. For as you should know witnesses are not a good thing."
Tempest brought the blade down letting the tip rest upon the ground. Her eyes watched Longinus' face as he took in what she said. News of raven's husband possibly being the words that hit me the hardest, smirk crossing Tempest's lips.
She kept watch on the distance that was between him for she was ot palying on going easy. As Longinus stepped close enough she swung the sword at an angle at his left leg, taking a step forward as she did.
-
Reese entered the temple which now was a stone throw from the castle of Lochland. The saproling was nothing more then a regular tree, yet still it held enough power to revive this old temple. It would do nothing for their clan without the pure thorne blood however. Reese began to stumble forward towards the small tree with the sceptor when a figure emerged from the shadows. Reese looked up to see Darien Shadow, an enemy he had fought when he was a young prince many many years ago. Darien had been the one who first told Reese of the apple, and he was the first person Reese had shown mercy.
Darien: " You've barely aged Reese...I've sat in my castle for years looking upon the painting I did of you, awaiting your return old friend. Waiting and hoping you would come back, for I'm ready now, I've had to extend my own life just to get the chance to face you again."
Reese: " You did all this just for a chance at vengance....still following your old ways I see...I can't believe you would hold that hate for this long.."
Darien: " You killed Eslyn, she was the woman I loved Reese...why did you do it?"
Reese: " I didn't kill her, she stepped in the path of your sword to protect me from you. She loved you, she knew that you were not evil, that the evil in you was merely a curse of that sword you hold. She hoped you would come to your senses and stop, but you still thrust your sword at me, killing her for a chance to kill me."
Darien stepped out of the shadows now, into the light, his long white hair flowed behind him. His eyes were distant, his skin still young, but his spirit was old at least two hundred. He was nothing more then a human, a human that had extended his life for vengance. His dark grey clothing was covered in dust, his long grey cloak floated behind him in the gentle breeze as petals fell from the trees around. The petals floated down in between the two men, gliding along the ground.
Darien: " You...You lie, it's your fault, you turned her against me and for that you will die." Darien shook his head in disapproval of what Reese had said about Eslyn.
Reese: " You couldn't beat me then, you barely lived through the fight, I remember you walking off wounded so bad that you could barely stand. If you couldn't beat me then, then what makes you think fighting me again will gain anything? We don't even have to fight, just put that sword down and I'm sure you'll come to your senses Darien."
Reese didn't want to fight Darien, the man had once been a honorable noble, a very skilled painter, and old friend of Reese. They'd grown up together, him, Ronin, and Slayn. Why Darien still held onto that hate which gripped his heart, Reese couldn't guess.
Darien: " I have this sword, it's granted me a longer life and better skills, and besides your weak, you can barely stand. I could walk over there and blow you over with my breath. This is it Reese, your life, your destiny ends here, this sword will be your death and I can rest in peace having avenged my beloved Eslyn."
Reese handed the sceptor to Gem, " I don't know why this has to happen now, but keep the sceptor safe. I'm not sure I'll survive this fight, if I win or lose.., but you know what to do."
Reese only had one hand, he drew his sword and sluggishly stepped forward. Darien smiled as he quickly came over with his own sword bringing it up, their sword clashed together and Darien looked to Reese over his sword, " That apple you planted can give me the chance to bring Eslyn back to life. We'll be together again Reese and theres nothing you can do about it, I can feel you struggling even now against my blade!" Reese was struggling to keep Darien's blade from coming down on him, he jumped back and their swords crossed again, and again as they moved about one another slashing and thrusting again and again.
Reese: " You and Eslyn were Thorneblades, your oath to protect that relic was broken when he took it up. That sword has the power to change a man's destiny, the power to do whatever it's owner wishes, it's power is limitless, but even it can not save your soul Darien."
Darien: " I don't care about my soul anymore, nothing matters without Eslyn, I took up the sword so we could be together and live forever. She...she just didn't understand what I was doing, once she does she'll join me."
Reese had never told anyone about that sword, nor what it had done to him. It had changed his destiny, bound him to the fate he had now, he knew that the sword in the hands of Darien was a danger. But how could he plead with Darien to let go of the blade?
-
Eduardo could see she was slowly begining to feel drained, even he was starting to feel it. The wind and rain beat down on him, but that was just it, the water gave him strength. The rain gave him just what he needed and no more, it washed over him. Eduardo has sensed a fellow DeLioncourt somewhere, Amadeus..he had him as a shadow apparently. The two of them never seemed to be far apart and yet they were hardly even known in their own clan, which was now dead. Eduardo had been searching for purpose, for a destiny, Anna had befreinded him in battle. And now as the fiend cut her, Eduardo's mind flashed back. Back to that same battle long ago, as he watched the Darkthornes cut the little girl he'd sworn to protect. Used her to get him to do what they wanted, used him like a tool. A tool for war, just like his creators had intended, the rage began to build.
Eduardo's eyes went silver as he thrust his sword into the stone of the battlement. It was a ploy, he spoke to Anna's mind, " Move forward....now!" At that same moment roots sprung up from the ground, thorn covered roots that began to wrap about the fiend as the clones jumped into the air, all lining up. Each one began to meld together as they began to form one giant Eduardo, his hand now coming down to pick up the fiend that had cut Anna, his other hand going to guard and grab Anna. He would not let anymore harm come to her, he would not let her die like the other he'd sworn to protect. He would not be a tool, he would not be manipulated any longer.
The huge Eduardo looked down on the Darkthornes with a sadistic glee, " You've brought this on yourselves, you've made me become this, you want war, I'll give you one!" His foot came over the battlement coming down atop a group of Darkthornes, his armor protecting him from their blades. Eduardo was furies, he'd never been this angery since that fateful day, and now he knew why. He enjoyed the destruction the death, he enjoyed taking each and everyone of those Darkthorne's lives. " I will crush your whole clan under my heel like the insects you are!" Eduardo stood rising up some 18ft, he still drew power from the rain. He would keep Anna safe, prevent anyone from harming her, he was slightly going mad at this point. His mind couldn't tell if this was that same day long ago or the present and similiar circumstances.
His eyes began to glow as his mouth began to spout off various words of power. A ruinic symbol appeared over each of his eyes as green searing rays of destructive energy purged itself from his eyes, corrupting the molecules of those caught in it's glance. Corrupting them to the point of non-existance, he was taking them apart at a cellular level.
-
Zorin watched the Whitethornes ride into battle and what happened when they did. He watched them only slightly, for his eyes were caught by the devastation around them. The battle was something he'd never seen in his life, the scale at which it was being fought on. Zorin was a mere mortal, no powers, he seemed like an insect in this battlefield. Zorin only doubted himself for a moment, before he realized it didn't matter. He could still fight and as long as he drew breath, he would. Zorin road his horse into the battle and began to fight, soon the Zalentran knights made their way to him. He clasped hands with his fellow knights as he drew in breath, the cold rain was harsh on him.
" It's good to see you brothers, it looks like the battle is more then I expected. We should keep close together, watch each other's backs and don't stray away. This chaos could consume all of us and if it does are death has served little purpose. We have to find their leaders, take them out and the rest will fall."
His men nodded as they closed in together and began to wade through hell, knees deep. Zorin saw Shamus in the distance as he began battle with the crimson witch. He and his men pushed their way through to Velusian king. " We have to protect lord Shamus...what the.." he watched as Shamus began changing forms before them. Shamus seemed to care little about the battle around him, zeroing in on Merlindria.
-
Longinus heard Tempest's words, heard that Raven had a husband. So Tempest had killed Raven's lover, and he had stopped Raven from killing her sister. He now knew why Raven had wanted to kill her sister so bad, it occured to him that perhaps she couldn't be saved. Longinus felt bad now for stopping Raven, as if he was siding with her husband's killer. He had made a mistake, he could see that now, Tempest was not going to change. Never going to stop, until she had killed Raven as well. Longinus knew what it felt like to have the one you loved taken from you. He knew that pain all to well, and that pain was one no one could forget. Longinus knew now what he must do, and it didn't lift his heart any.
Even before he could act, Tempest was attacking him, he barely moved in time. His leg was cut again, a deep wound almost to the bone, he gasped in pain as he brought up his own sword. His sword thrust at her midsection, pain and anger drove him forward attempting to close the gap between them. Why he had to be the one to fight her, he had no clue, but he would not let her harm Raven ever again.
-
Prasutagus spit to the ground, his mouth becoming dry, his breathing heavy. Water dripped from his brows in front of his vision, she knew little of why he attacked Velusia.
" You can't jugde me, only the gods can judge me, and they are silent as the dead. I come because since heaven's gates refused me, I have no other place left to go, but here. I've died once already and death could not offer me peace, I was brought back in this form you see before you, very much alive and with my old blood in these veins. My mother Malmora always told me each great man has a destiny, a destiny that will lead them always away from home. That is what brings me to Velusia, my destiny, and as you know Belgada has become cursed. The land is dry and arrid, there is nothing, but death and sand. I want more, I want my home back, and the destiny of my people comes with me."
Prasutagus's head ached from the rock which had struck it earlier, he looked back to Reinne and listened even as she pushed him back.
" Poison ha...it gives me strength and keeps my tainted heart strong, much better then your poison, you poison yourself by thinking your better then me, that you and I are completely different."
Prasutagus was pushed back by Reinne, no small feat at all, he wiped away the water that kept dripping from his brows. It was begining to annoy him, it kept getting in his view of Reinne. Prasutagus wondered just where Merlindria was, he couldn't help it. Reinne spoke of love as if Prasutagus did not know what it was, it's what made him a Darkthorne. When the one he loved was taking from him, it drove him mad, drove him to do things he'd never thought himself capable of. He could see her now, almost just as tall as Reinne, with black hair, it always was soft to the touch. For a moment a drop of water caught between his eye and Reinne and he swore he saw her standing there. It unnerved him slightly, his anger subsided a little as he struggled to keep his grip.
" What would you know of love!" Prasutagus brought his axes in close to his body and charged at Reinne again. He would extend them the moment he got close enough, making it hard for her to tell just what kind of attack he might pull.
-
Soleus was disturbed from the exploration of his new found abilities by the arrival of strangers. He could feel a kinship in them, one that was strange and constantly moving, changing. As they bowed before him and proclaimed him their new leader, his jaw dropped. Soleus stood there for a moment taking in everything they had said, he realized the opprotunity. They considered everyone there, their enemies. Soleus was a Blackthorne no matter if he had become tainted, he had broken through that taint and become a Bloodthorne. It had taken other years to achieve that and he had done it through sheer need to survive. He had a chance to help turn the scales in favor of the Blackthornes. A chance to be useful in this battle, a role he would not let slip from his grip.
" I will not lead you against the Blackthornes...however the Darkthornes are already all around us. If you accept me as your leader then take this order and follow it. I want the Darkthornes eliminated, it's they who are the greatest threat not only to the lands of Velusia and the Blackthornes, but every clan, every family, every kingdom. They will stop at nothing to get what they want and there is an almost limitless supply of them here. I will lead you, but against the Darkthornes and only the Darkthornes no one else. After the battle we can discuss more of this, but for now I command you to fight!"
Soleus watched each and everyone of them rise and began to notch their bows aiming at him. He at first thought they decided he was not a worthy leader, but then they turned and began to fire upon the Darkthornes. Soleus's heart slide out of his throat as he felt some relief, he gripped his hammer and began to summon more golems to fight for him. His new found group however small they were, made a fine form of defense while he did this. He would not let them die for him, he had led men once back in Luskan, he would do the same here. He would fight along side them and put his life on the line just as they did.
-
The loss of one's homeland strikes harder, and with more finality, than the loss of even the closest loved one. All my friends, the little family I had left, the familiar places of my youth, the prestige of my position, all were gone from me now. For the first time in my life, I was alone, and purposeless.
Where to turn now, when all was lost? I knew of but one man not born on my native land. I remember one talk we had, both of us in a foreign land, with wistful eyes cast toward homes wrought by war. Had he come to conquer his demons, or would my search only lead me to more strife? I realized I didn't care. It was my lot in life to be a soldier, and if my king would not have me, some other king would. Settling down and living the life of a farmer or a merchant did not seem possible. Aimless adventuring, too, lacked the sense of duty and purpose that I was lacking in my life.
So I set out to the south and east, searching for a land I knew little of save for its name, and one man whom I hoped could help me find a new purpose in life: Cebreese Darkthorne."
_____________________________________________________________
From the West, from the city of Illusia, the lone horseman rode. It had taken a considerable amount of coin to divine Cebreese's current location, and from the look of the scrying it seemed the Darkthornes were preparing for war on the city of Demise. Knowing his acquaintance's abilities as a soldier, he knew that the fighting would have started long before he arrived in the city. He just hoped he wasn't too late as he tore across the plains, urging his chestnut mount to greater speeds.
The great stallion raced toward the gates of Demise. The rider could see some of he more wary soldies turning to shout at him. A lone archer turned to face him even as he wrenched free a spear buried in the ground about fifty paces from the gate. As the rider bore down on the archer, he hefted the great spear with its damascus head and let fly even as the archer loosed his first arrow. The smaller projectile passed over his left shoulder even as the spear took the other man fully in the chest, the momentum of the horse's pace adding to the force of the throw and causing the polearm to pass nearly clean through the other man, burying itself in the ground once more. A spurt of blood left the archer's mouth as he coughed his last breath, run through just to the left of the sternum to devastate heart and lung alike.
A long saber flashed out to catch another soldier underneath his chin, the silvery curved blade with its inscribed runic symbols slicing neatly into the flesh and severing the man's windpipe and jugular, pulled free by the horseman's forward momentum before it could fully sever the man's head, but sealing his fate nonetheless with a spray of gore that splattered across the rider's cheek.
He felt the adrenaline rising, carrying him away to the thousand times before the same scene had played out before him. But no men rode with him now, and no on was under his command. He fought alone for now, and the weight of it was felt even as the battle-lust welled up in his breast.
Before him was a wall of flame. There was not a moment's pause to consider what dangers loomed beyond; he lept his mount through the pyre of bodies to be immediately confronted with the scene of a pitched battle, the city just now beginning to see batle within its walls. A quick scan of the nearby grounds revealed the man he was looking for: Cebreese Darkthorne, launching himself at a man in his own colors! The fight was apparently more complicated than it had initially appeared...
It mattered not. The rider bade his horse forward once more, thundering toward Cebreese and his opponent. Here was the reason for his great journey, the one whom he hoped would help provide direction to a man bereft of king and country.
May the gods help anyone who crossed his path.
[ An unknown man enters the city, moving rapidly on horseback toward Cebreese and Dramund. ]
-
Raven slashed at the Darkthornes that came straight at her, left arm was guarding or slashing throats with the claw like fingers. As she took out a Darkthone she pushed them out the way to make room for those coming. All she could think of was seeing that enemy was taken care of and the royal families were kept safe and alive.
As Raven slashed the claws of the glove at a throat time seemed to slow, almost stop. She went from seeing the battle she was fighting to that of the last great battle along side the other Blackrose. It was as if she was reliving it as they all fought for their lives and save the kingdom. She even saw thier faces in her mind. It had been the battle that sent the survivers going their own way. Til the king sent out word to come back, it was time to reunite once again. Just as quick as time slowed it went back to normal.
No more had Raven turned her head a blade was coming down on her. She brought up her left arm blocking it, her blade came right for his gut then up into the heart. Phantom let her know one was coming up from the right. Raven brought up her foot kicking him hard in the chest and stumbling back.
-
Tempest took in the joy seeing that Longinus knew now just what kind of person she was. That her sister had every right to hate her and want her dead if not in great pain.
Smirk crossed her lips seeing the blade cut deeply into his leg. His pants coming even more covered in blood. Pretty soon she would stand upon his dead body and taking his head. Then no one would stand in her way of killing Raven.
Tempest brought back the blade just in time to lesson the blow. The tip entering her midsection and getting shoved down. Her eyes went to Longinus's face as the pain ripped through her. Taking a breath the best she could, brought the blade back sending it towards his left arm. If she were to die Tempest would do her best and try to take him with her.
-
Move, Anna heard the command and went into action the moment she heard it scream through her mind. She had been her toes in the middle of this, dangling from this fiend?s nasty intentions. Now she moved both of her hands to his arm and used what strength she had left to pull herself up both her feet tucked underneath and pushing back against the fiend?s already slackening grip. Her captor?s screams only reached her ears when she fell to the ground in front of the scene. Wincing again as she rolled over Anna barely caught a glimpse of Eduardo?s hand closing over the fiend before the other hand moved down over her guarding her from the others who thought to take their leader?s place as her captor.
Wide irises looked around her in surprise and awe. The hand was nearly as big as she was. Anna barely had time to shift her weight over as the hand closed over her and lifted her up off the dangerous territory she was in. In the palm of his hand, now she moved to sit up one hand placing what pressure she could over the freshly opened wound. Her other hand steadied herself against the awkward motion of his hand and the movement of the rest of his gigantic form. Anna had seen many things in her past, but this was not one them. Between the link they now shared, she could feel the rage building, consuming him almost.
The air came slowly into her lungs; habit of knowing what needed to be done took over as she watched the enemy die under the gaze of Eduardo?s rage. Shocked, Anna merely watched for a few moments as the enemy disintegrated group by group within his gaze. She watched as the destruction filled his mind with pleasure. It was consuming him?No. She must stop him before it consumed all of him. Opal irises lifted up screaming into his mind to gain his attention,
~STOP?Please stop, your going to consume yourself with this. Stop? Please stop~
She tightened her grip on her side trying to staunch the flow of blood the wound created. Anna mentally screamed to him again to stop. Now her breathing became erratic as she looked from the field below to Eduardo above her. Her hand steadying herself was weakly slipping from her grip as she tried in desperation to use what she had left to continue to try and reach him. It was strange for her to do such things for others. But inside she felt drawn to stop him, to save him. She would asking herself why later when this was all over, but for now she continued. Her voice got steadily weaker in his mind, the oblivion of unconsciousness coming closer and closer with each attempt. Yet, Anna still tried despite the threat of fainting then and there.
-
"... REINNE!!!"
The Warrior roared out amidst the symphony of war, Fenrir flashing through the darkening sky, slicing through the rain, and down onto the enemies of his Queen. Death had no meaning anymore, for Einar had accepted the fact that he would die here, and thus, the Knight-Protector feared nothing. Nothing, but the loss of his Queen's life. So long as Einar breathed, he would defend his Queen, so long as he could raise his sword, he would fight for her life. The Blackthorne Knight, already absent of his Half-Lycal form, was feeling the effects of the red dust as well - felt what little power that still flowed within his veins dispersing. Yet, it made no difference, as muscles strained, sending Fenrir into the flesh of his Darkthorne foes, for Einar would fight his final battle not as a Beast, but as a Man.
The Warrior of Velusia crashed into the ranks of Darkthornes surrounding his Queen, slashing away at them in a beserker's frenzy - nothing the Darkthorne soldiers threw at Einar would stop the Half-Blood's approach. Many swords crashed against the armor of the White Wolf, whilst others managed to bite into flesh - it didn't matter, though, for the Warrior battled through the pain. Battled through the agony, and the weakness, and allowed the pain to spur him on. Even as more and more Darkthornes rose to the battlements, surrounding his Queen, Einar fought. Wave after wave of Darkthornes, each stepping in to replace their fallen brethern as the savage Northman charged into their ranks, Fenrir slashing away at anything and everything before him.
The White Wolf would never make it through the waves of Darkthornes and manage to defeat Prasutagus as well - that was up to Reinne. However, the Knight knew this ... if Reinne defeated the Darkthorne King, the circle of Darkthornes would close in upon her to overwhelm and destroy her. Einar would not allow this to happen ... he couldn't ... And so, the Warrior did what he knew best, what he had been born and bred to do. Against the endless tide of enemies, Einar fought.
-
"You speak as if you think such news would cause me pain or great anger.", she smirked,"Fear not I feel neither for them as it was their own trusting natures that gave them their terrible fate. It just happened to be you who was chosen as the one to deliver it." The only thing she felt was disgust at ever being related to the creature before her.
The left sword shifted to block the oncoming attack and yet just barely did so as the power behind it forced her own blade close to her body. The hiss and clang of metal against metal echoed its twin sounds all around them as she shifted quickly to spin off and swing out toward his side with the right sword while the left held Syndicale's blades attention.
"Brother and uncle you may have once been, but now you are no more then the rest of those worthless Darkthornes to me. My mother had her weaknesses and all knew them and they caused her own death..", So he was gifted with shadow skills as well. This heightened and atuned her senses even more to him and yet she knew something he didn't... this particular shadow was her, as much a part of her as her own heartbeat. She controled it and all that it did and soon he would learn just that. The mental connection between herself and the entity hummed with the gathered energy it had devoured and she called it to her building shadowy walls all the way around them blocking out the battle outside it as its mistress fought within.
As the swing was completed Analisa crossed the swords once more defensively before her as she stepped back into one wall to vanish partially from view.Her black armored image was suddenly all around him, surrounding him as each own step by step moved in a slow circle like a coven of witches would a bonfire. Her voice echoed from all each one as her next words were whispered out soft and light as the rain falling from the sky above them, "Trust me Syndicale when I say I do not have such weaknesses to hinder me..." Stepping out from his other side she swung out towards his right shoulder with the left sword and his left hip to his navel with her right sword in a scissoring move.
-
Gem watched as Darien entered the area..Now what? she thought, was every one against this? She wondered. She looked at Darien sizing him up. As he spoke to Reese, fear entered Gem more and more...when Reese handed her the sceptor, she bit her lower lip with fear.
Stepping forward quickly she spoke to Darien.."Please m'lord, please do not so this...Reese will die tonight no matter what you do, but I need his help so that many can be saved...what would your mate want? The death of many?"
Despite her words, the sword fight commenced and she moved back towards the glowing soil and the small sapling. With the men both busy, she leaned over the plant with the sceptor and looked for away to release the blood from inside...odd that despite its age, it was not clotted but the gleaming ruby red of a fresh kill.... Hidden amongst the ornate fret work was a small wax seal. Peeling it open, she poured a few drops on the plant then recapped the sceptor's glass blood holder.
The ground began to rumble as if being shaken by an earth quake, strong enough to knock Gem to the ground and anyone within 100 yards of the temple. Darian went to his knees, bewildered as he looked towards Gem.
"B&tch! I've wated centuries to exact my revenge, what have you done!!!" he yelled at her. His eyes glaring with anger at her. But as he looked at her, it wasn't just the plant and mound the glowed, it was Gem herself. She could feel the power of pure blood she had added to the soil
and feel the power of it invade her.
"Reese?" she cried in fear, not understanding what was happending to her..."Reese, what is happening???"
-
Ion awoke from his unconscious state, he shook his head and brought a hand up to his head. He leaned forward, placing his hand on the ground as he struggled to stand. The rain beat down on the wreckage of the two airships, the fires burned low, but still smoke covered the scene. Ion spied Othium's form laying not far from him, the silver haired Darkthorne was out cold. Ion picked up the young man's form and threw him over one shoulder. He kicked over a piece of his ariship's deck and spoke a single word towards it. It began to hover just inches off the ground, the pedals of the ship were there. He stepped up on the splintered wood and pressed down on the pedal causing the piece of the deck to rise. He pushed on another pedal and the jagged wood went flying forward. He headed towards the city of Demise, he would leave Othium there before returning to the battle.
Flying over the battlefield he spotted a paladin's body laying admist the chaos. The man's swords lay there glowing with the blessing of some unknown god or goddess. Ion could see the wreckage of the Dragon Engine smoking in the distance, the red dust leaking from it's belly into the air. Ion brought the deck down next to the swords, placing Othium's body on the ground next to the deck. He jumped down and went over to the blades, he stabbed them into the deck piece, just as a voice cooed behind him. Ion turned to see what at first looked like a demented jester, he recognized the face almost instantly.
" Crimson...so you still live.."
Crimson: " Live is a crude term for what I am doing, as Darkthorne's head spy, I've died more times then most others...which is why.." his form began to increase, his muscle mass expanding and ripping the jester's attire he wore. " I can do this.." he said in a deeper voice as the glowing magical light of the Darkthorne techonology revealed itself in Crimson's chest. Ion spoke towards him, " I see.." as Crimson began to move towards Ion, arrows came from behind Ion, they plunged straight at the glass orb in Crimson's chest that glowed with it's unearthly green light. The glass broke and Crimson's face showed pain and fear, his hands reached to his chest as he began to spin about. His form shifted, showing all the disguises he'd ever taken on, they began to meld together. Finally his form began to melt into a pile of metal and flesh, a strange green ooze smoked as it ran from beneath this mass.
Ion's nostrils were hit with a foul stench, he gagged as the taste of it entered his mouth. He turned to see where the arrows had come from, spying the forms of the Bloodthornes in the distance. Ion nodded towards them and picked up Othium's body, climbing back on the piece of deck. Again it lifted up into the air and soared towards the city of Demise, Ion spied a lone figured down in the midst of the Darkthornes...Einar. His attention was again taken by the huge form of Eduardo and then the forms of a lone horseman, Cebreese, and Dramund. Ion knew Dramund as well as Cebreese did, he knew he stood no chance against the enemy without...Ion looked to the sword stabbed into the deck. He plucked one free, which caused the balance of the deck to shake a little. He struggled with it for a little while until it became balanced again.
Ion guided the piece of deck down towards where Cebreese stood and yelled at him, " Hey! Take this!" he tossed the sword down towards Cebreese, he hoped he took it, the paladin's blade would match him against Dramund. Ion couldn't believe Cebreese was fighting his own men, he hoped Cebreese was on their side now. Already a few of the Darkthornes had turned sides, perhaps Cebreese had been pulled away from the darkness as well. He hoped so, Cebreese was a good soldier and would give them a good ally against their former clan. Ion looked back to the hordes of Darkthornes coming at Einar, he guided the deck piece down to the building and went in, laying Othium's form on the bed. " Rest well brother, and welcome to the new world.." Ion turned and ran out the door jumping back up on the piece of deck. He soared up and sharply turned it around gliding down towards where Einar fought.
He brought the board down into the forms of the Darkthornes, sending many off the edge of the battlements onto their commrades. He grabbed the sword on impact and went flying down into the battle sword swinging. He cut off the head of one of the Darkthornes as the blade glowed brighter in the midst of evil. " Don't think I'll let you have all the fun Einar, I'm not dead yet." Ion pressed his back up against Einar's, he'd help guard Einar's back and fight to the death. Who better to die with then the one who had redeemed his soul from the darkness within. He owed Einar more then he could ever pay back, he just hoped they could hold them off a little bit longer.
-
Reese fell to the ground as the temple shook with the fury of some unknown force. Darien looked to Reese with a face filled with rage and twisted emotions. There was still one thing that had to be done for the tree to properly grow, Reese had his chance. He stood up and ran over to the saproling only to notice Gem. Her form glowed with the pure Thorne blood, he could see it moving through her form. Reese's brow went down in confussion, as she asked him what was happening to her. Reese could only guess at this point, it had taken him years to become a pure Thorne.
" I'm not sure...it appears to be a transformation...just what are you Gem?"
Before Reese could answer, a blade came thrusting out his side, it's tip covered in blood. Reese's face contorted in confusion for a moment as he fell to his knees, gripping the blade. Dairen was behind Reese on one bended knee smiling, his hands gripped the sword. Reese could feel the sword shifiting his destiny, taking away his destiny as the dreamlord. Reese knew what this meant, his destiny had change, if he died, he might just die for good. Darien pulled the blade out of Reese and raised it to strike again. A light appear over Reese, the form of Eslyn appeared standing there as Darien was about to plunge his sword again. His arm halted as his eyes fell of his dead lover, " Eslyn...what are you doing?" she stood there looking at Darien and said, " Stopping you from making another mistake, can't you see that sword has taken everything you love from you. It hasn't made you stronger, it hasn't granted you what you want, it's using you, just like you would it. Reese was your friend, he tried to save you once, and even a second time here and this is how you repay your loyal friends?"
" I...no he wants to stop me, to kill me as he has done you.." she slapped him, and Reese jerked at the fact, her hand actually struck Darien. " What are you doing?" Darien said to her as his left hand came to his face, rubbing the now red cheek. " Trying to slap some sense into that thick skull of your's, you killed me, that sword it blinds you from seeing the truth. I still love you, but I don't love you as you are now, I love you as you were before you picked up that sword." Darien looked down at the sword, his mind slowly grasping the real truth. He tossed the sword down and began to scream as he grabbed his head. " Oh gods...what have I done!?" he fell to his knees as Eslyn came to him and wrapped her arms about him. Darien looked up at her, and slowly began to fade into dust, he looked to Reese and said, " Thank you old friend, I'm sorry for everything.." Eslyn and Darien both vanished as Reese fell forward in a pool of his own blood.
" I forgive you Darien....now if only everything you'd done could be undone..." Reese couldn't move, he was dying and it was all over, his destiny changed, he was now destined to die? Reese didn't want to fear death, but in the end everything sort of changes. The thought of dying makes a person's mind change drastically. " Funny...in these past two days I've felt more alive then I have in years, only to die." Reese turned to look at Gem again, he was afraid for her as well. Something was happening with her, but he couldn't help in answering that question fully. All he knew was, that she was becoming something else, but it didn't scare him. So he guessed it wasn't some ugly demon that would kill him, he had to speak the word to the tree, before he had no breath left to speak.
-
Despite her fears and her glowing form, after thedissappearance of the couple, Gem moves over to Reese,resting his head in her lap. She leans down and kisses him fully on the lips, some of the energy from her transformation pouring towards him. She hoped that the energy would help him finish their task, maybe, just maybe what ever was happening might help him to survive....
"Reese, we must finish the task, we must finish this I can't do this alone"
She caressed his cheek a glowing tear falling down her cheek hitting him his blood stained cheek. "Please Reese" she whispered as the ground rumbled again...
-
Cebreese jumped down, flattening himself against the ground as the blade image went over him and blew up a wall behind him. Cebreese didn't like this, he'd go up against Dramund with just a sword, he didn't care. If he died in battle at least it was fighting the darkness that once consumed him. He'd been freed from a prison, freed from almost everything possible, he'd die free. Everything Adrian cared for made him strong, could it do the same for Cebreese? That question had been echoing through his head, but Cebreese had nothing, only the land around him. He loved Velusia, no matter what anyone thought, it was beautiful. Cebreese saw a lone horseman come riding in through the gates, the ground shook. He recognized the something about the man, something familiar.
As the man came in, another form caught his attention in the sky, he looked up seeing Ion yell at him and toss him the blade. Cebreese caught it, he looked it over, his wet hair tossed by the fierce winds. As the figure in the sky turned, Cebreese saw a figure he knew all too well. Othium....his son, no one not even Othium knew that, Cebreese found something now. Found that strength that his brother Adrian carried so easily, but for Cebreese it was harder. The blade glowed with holy enchantment, Cebreese looked up to Dramund. The water that touched the blade and fell, it was holy water. The blade would serve him well, the soldier in Cebreese took over from there.
He looked to the man on horseback, could it be? A man so far from his home and yet, no Cebreese couldn't believe it. " I'm glad you haven't died old friend, and I'm glad you've come. The memories you've given me just by showing your face. I know now...what I use to love." Cebreese had loved the land, back when it was peaceful. He was here now to fight for that peace, to bring it back to the land. " I've found something Dramund..something stronger the hate you feed on. Call it love, call it what you will, but it burns longer then the hate in your heart can. It's a strength that never ends, I lost it once, but now I've found it again. Let me guide you into the new world Dramund, the new era of peace I'm willing to die for. This country has been torn by war for too long, it's beings like you that feed off the pain of others."
" I was once just like you Dramund, now look into my heart and see what I'm telling you is the truth." Cebreese hoped his old friend Mikhail was there to help, he could use good fighter like him in this battle. Cebreese charged Dramund to keep his attention off Mikhail, Cebreese would gladly die in battle to bring peace back to this land. Once peace was restored, he'd find his destiny from there. He realized destiny didn't come all at once, it was a day to day thing, like sand on a beach. Destiny was whatever you made of it, you could change it with the blink of an eye. He raised the swords, one over his head and the other extended before him. He charged towards Dramund, his footfalls causing the water to splash about his heels. Water....if the sword could turn the water it touched into holy water...then all he had to do was get Dramund in a pool of water. He ran past the flames, towards the destiny before him. He'd try to strike Dramund's helmet, the visor mainly, with the holy blade, hoping it would dent the armor forged in hell.
-
Reese's eyes closed for a moment as Gem kissed him, could he just let go now? He'd struggled for so long and the pain, it was too much, he was weak, things had changed. It was easy to make the promise to fix things, but clearly it was not so easy to do it. His chest rose slowly, he'd lived so long, could he just rest now, for a little while. A voice in the back of his head screamed at him to stand, to finish what he had started. Finish it...was there ever an end,..if he could do this, things would be better. Things would be better for everyone, but if he let go now, nothing would change. He'd become nothing more then a memory to many, why be a memory. He was still alive, still had breath, why be a memory when he could alive for just a little bit longer. Reese's eyes opened as he felt a renewed strength wash over him, he felt an extension to his slowly draining life.
He turned to the tree and said one single word, " hope.." the tree represented their hope. It was what they had been searching for, what they had been fighting for all along. It slowly grow, and as it grew things would change, the destiny of the clans would change. He couldn't just throw it all away, not after he'd come so far, done so much. Life was about the struggle, the ever changing destiny of everyday. All those that had died to do this, to see this day come, he couldn't let their sacrifice be in vain. He wasn't the god who would take away what they'd done, he was the man that would honor their memory, by completing the task. Tears from his eyes, they trailed down his cheeks, cutting through the dirt and blood. The temple shook again, the ground rumbled, Reese could feel it already, feel the change.
Feel the souls of all those that had died for this moment, being released, hear their sigh of relief. " It's done...it's done!...now we must wait for it to grow, but I can already feel the change." Balance was spreading like a shadow, from Lochland, to Belgada, it was slowly moving over the land. The tree shot up in the ground, it was becoming larger then he'd thought, the temple might not be the safest place. " We got to get out of here, I don't think this temple is going hold this tree..I can barely move..." Reese thought back on all the wars that had been fought for this. Everything had come to it's conclusion, they had to get to Demise, he wanted to be there when the change occured. They would have to borrow a flying carpet and head to Demise, but it would be worth holding on just a little bit longer.
-
Eduardo's rage was almost matched by that of the Darkthorne's, he was just like them. He slammed his foot down on another group of them and laughed madly. He'd cleared the area around the gate, but still more came, they never ended. Eduardo could hear a voice in his head, it echoed, but over the den of his own shouting personalities it was almost drowned out. What was that voice, it wasn't his? It begged him to stop, stop what, killing those that deserved to be killed? He had become the judge today, but was he worthy of judging who lived and who died? He had this great power, and he used it as he saw fit, but was it right? Damn it, no it wasn't, he was abusing his own powers for his selfish rage. Hadn't become better then that, hadn't he seperated himself from the war machine below him?
Eduardo stepped back into the city of Demise and gently sat Anna down, he slowly began to shrink back to normal. He almost lost himself in his rage, it was consuming him. Eduardo fell to his knees, slamming his fist to the ground, his silver eyes looked up at Anna. The eyes of the weapon of war he was, slowly they began to fade back his natural color. Tears fell from his eyes, he swore he would never let himself become that again. He had to control his powers or they'd control him. " I'm sorry...it's just I couldn't stand seeing them harm you..." Eduardo simply shut up, he wasn't good at explaining his methods. He stood up and walked over towards Anna, he'd heal the wound done to her. She had snapped him from his madness, saved him in a way. Kneeling next to Anna he reached out towards her wound, his hands glowing with a natural power. He was closely tied to the earth, to the water, the air, and that power had been used to destroy, now it would heal.
Placing his hands over the wound he set about mending the damage done to her. As he did, he wondered why the fiend had called her angel, just what was she?
-
Dramund
Dramund looked at Cebreese, smiling for he knew that Cebreese was powerless and could do nothing to stop him. Yet he also knew Cebreese was a skilled soldier, to under estimate his resourcefullness would be a mistake. The flame whipped about in the wind, the rain continued to fall, and the wind still howled. Dramund was amazed to see Cebreese survive his first attack, let alone stand to still face him. Didn't he know he was out matched, that Dramund was not weak like him? Cebreese spoke of things that Dramund cared nothing of, but when he told Dramund to look into his heart, he laughed. He looked on Cebreese's aura, he could see it slowly becoming brighter and brighter, larger and larger. Just what the hell was feeding him this strength, this resolve? Dramund now knew Cebreese could not be under estimated, Cebreese's old aura had been the same only as black as night.
What was Dramund witnessing here, and what had Cebreese found, this new fuel that drove him on. If Dramund could get Cebreese to clearly state it, then perhaps the Darkthornes could harness that energy, turn it into power. Dramund saw a figure in the sky, it tossed Cebreese a glowing blade, Dramund laughed, did he think two blades would help him defeat Dramund? As Cebreese charged forward towards Dramund, Dramund didn't notice the figure on horseback. He focused on Cebreese, focused on the enigma that came to challenge him. Dramund raised his sword to block the glowing blade, while grabbing the flaming one in his gauntleted fist. His demonic blade was suddenly shattered by the glowing blade, the droplets of water that fell from the blade hissed and burned his armor.
Dramund felt his first taste of fear in the moment as the glowing sword came down, denting his helmet's visor, he felt pain. How could this be...he found the answer just as the holy water burned through his armor into his very being. He had to get away from Cebreese, fast, or their close quarters would prevent his mobility, it would be a trap. Dramund lost his control over the enchanment locking the realms, he lost his resolve as well. He decided it was best to run, then die at the hands of a former commrade in arms. Something had changed Cebreese and whatever it was, it gave him a courage that even Dramund couldn't match.
He was weaponless, and as the holes in his armor took in the rain, he could feel the red dust weakening him. The flames within slowly became flesh again, his visor was dented limiting his visibility. He clanged against the wall falling back into the path of the horseman. " Help!" Dramund cried, something that no Darkthorne had said before. But it was all he could think of, how could he fight something he couldn't understand?
-
"Hope" the word clung to the air as it echo from the walls of the temple. Gem looked at the tree, feeling its power as it spread.
She looked again to Reese smiling "You've done it old friend" She whisperd in his ear. Her glowing becoming stonger she and the tree seemed part of each other at present, as it grew stronger she felt herself grow stronger, slolwy she stood, gently her telekineses lifting Reese. She concentrated on moving his form, moving it up into the air and across the miles towards the castle where he could see his death was not in vane.
His form hung over the armies, unseen.
Gen stood slowly, brushing the dirt from her knees. She had to stay here while the tree grew until it was whole and towering again. She was its protector, she was its guardian for now
-
Kaydean spied the figure of Adrian upon the battlefield, he drew in another breath as he took aim. His bow string was pulled back, through the rain drops he watched his prey. This was the man Cebreese had told about, the man that had killed his father. Kaydean was only here for one thing, vengance, it drove him, fed him. The hate for this figure, whose name he didn't even know, it consumed him. His blonde hair was already wet and matted to his head, but he helmet he wore kept the rain from his eyes. He was the commander of the archers of Darkthorne, he'd worked hard for that rank. Many of his troop had been cut down or scattered in the fray, he alone stood there atop the pile of bodies. He breathed out and let the air fly towards Adrian's leg, he'd cripple him.
And after the man could run no more, he would walk up and take his head. He wanted to see the look in the man's eyes, the eyes of his father's killer as he took his vengance. It would bring him pleasure to see this man die before his eyes. Cebreese had taught him to feed on his hate, let it give him strength and drive him to his limits. This is what he did, he didn't feel fatigued, didn't fell anything, but that cold, burning hate within his heart. He notched two arrows and took aim on Adrian's legs again, even as the other arrow still flew towards it's target. He pulled back and repeated the samething as before, letting two more fly out towards Adrian. He bit his lower lip in unrestrained hatred for the man, the blood trailed down his chin. He was just a soldier, given the taint because of his blood, but he knew how to fight.
Cebreese trained him not to depend upon his taint, but his skill, for his bow and sword were all he could trust. His skin was hot with hatred, he had waited for this moment for years. His mother as well had died at the hands of this man, he would take vengance for her as well. Each arrow he fired was for them, one for his father, and two for him and his mother. They represented his revenge, the instrument of his hate, made real by his own hands. Kaydean would have his revenge, but what he didn't know was the man he fired upon...was his father.
-
Longinus was fighting for Raven and himself, fighting for the chance that they could have a second chance at life. Fighting for love, was it such a idiotic concept, it drove men to great deeds. Maybe it could give him the strength to survive and live again. As his blade cut Tempest's midsection, only for her to attack him again, he wondered. What was she fighting for, could her desire to kill her sister and destroy everything she loved be just as strong? If their reasons were just as equally matched, then he would have to try harder. Dig deeper into his own soul for the strength to defeat Tempest. He watched the sword coming and moved aside, he then did something unexpected. He reached over the sword, he would attempt to clamp it to his side, under his arm. The back and the blade couldn't cut him, these blades were luckily one sided. If he could pin her blade under his arm, it would prevent her from attacking him again, while she tried to pull it free.
He attacked in that same moment thrusting his sword at her heart, that black void. If she even had a heart, he hoped it would feel guilt in the end, he hoped she would at least have one moment of sorrow for what she did. His blade went straight towards he heart as his arm went over her blade, if this worked he would say a prayer of thanks to the gods afterwards. His face contorted in determination to not be defeated.
-
He glanced up to find his eyes connecting momentarily with the two Whitethornes who had taken notice of his help. While the woman Isolde was rather cold towards the matter of the mans help, the man Bomahr took notice and seamed to find some appreciation in whatever manner of help one could give, perhaps even respected it a bit. Adrians white hair caught slight light to reveal it a blonde, but the shadows and war played tricks on the minds of everybody, including Adrian himself as his distraction with the Whitethornes had cost him slightly.
Before he could bend slightly lower to take a leap foreward at the Darkthorne minions who were continuing their onslaught in the war, he felt an arrow head melt through his flesh, piercing the back of his left thigh, only to cause him to fall to his knees as pain seared from the location. Soft eyes looked down in slight suprise as he saw the arrow sticking out the front of his leg. He pulled himself about face on his hands a knees, only to be met with another two arrows that had also been meant for his legs.
The first arrow clipped him in his left shoulder, driving through the veins and muscles of the man, though it struck the bone, stopping it dead in its tracks, but not without the sting of pain ringing as the other arrow found itself lodging between his rib, digging near the center of his chest, missing the heart by a fraction of an inch. Pain... Pain was oh so familiar to him, but this pain wrought on him so much more as he could feel the very aura on the arrows where fingers had graced. He could smell the taint of Darkthorne on the arrows, disgusting and fowl enough that he could taste it in the very air.
Heavy breaths found themselves escaping from his lips, the rain and a gust of wind bringing down the wrath of the red dust upon him, slowly draining his energy bit by bit. But his resolve was stronger then that. It had to be... He leaned forward, which dug the arrow inbetween his ribs slightly deeper, causing him to wince in pain as he pushed himself from his kneeling position towards a huddled over standing position... The shadows now hid everything except those vividly bright blue eyes, which found themselves focused upon the archer. Standing upright slowly, one step began to follow another, slow and increasingly weary as his blood dripped across the muddy ground, coating the arrows and his clothing.
His destination was the archer and his thoughts were narrowing in on his past.. His history.... Cebreese, what had you done... He could see the archer's eyes.. That was enough for him to know. He could almost feel the archers touch and that was enough for him to know.. But what truths would unfold in the moments were to come... That was something he truly wished to find out...
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-
Sigonus stood there with the boy, the elf spoke out loud, " if only I could find a healer..." The young boy Lucan looked up at the elf, he reached up for the elf's hands. The boy took them in his small hands and slowly, he struggled. Sigonus smiled thinking it was nice that boy thought he could do it..suddenly a spark of light appeared. The boy closed his eyes and seemed to struggle with concentration, the spark of light grew moving over Sigonus. His mouth opened in awe at what was happening before him. The power slowly began to do just what it was intended to do. Sigonus's wounds began to heal, he looked over his form as the wounds closed. The light went out and boy began to fall, Sigonus quickly caught him.
" Is that okay Uncle Sigonus?" the boy said weakly as he slowly began to regain his strength.
Sigonus laughed and said, " Yes..Yes thats just perfect, how...nevermind, thanks, come we got to get to safer ground."
Sigonus looked around spying the cathedral, it looked like a safe place for them to hide. Sigonus said, " Come let's hide in here..." Lucan pulled on Sigonus's hand, " Hide..why hide are you scared?" Sigonus smiled, not sure how to answer, yes he was scared, " I just think that perhaps we should take cover in case the fighting errupts even more in the city." Sigonus was suddenly struck by a ebony fist that sent him flying into a cart. Lucan fell over as Sigonus's hand was pulled from his by the force of him flying. Sigonus looked up to see Dellrend the shadow elf standing there, the monk stepped forward towards Lucan, as Lucan stood, Dellrend slapped the boy down. " Stay out this boy...this is between me and the cleric here." Dellrend brought up his fist and began to bounce around, Sigonus looked at him like he was crazy.
He rubbed his jaw which was already bruised, this guy was nuts, with punches like that he could tear Sigonus apart with his hands. Sigonus reached over and grabbed a wood pole out of the back of the cart and cast a spell making the rod a staff. " Attacking me is one thing, but you didn't have to hit the boy, for that...I'm going to have to attempt to kick your ass." Sigonus came at the dark elf who dodged the thrust of the staff, just as he dodged, Sigonus spun around hitting the dark elf in the back. The dark elf quickly turned around grabbing the staff and pulled Sigonu past him and hit him in the back.
Sigonus turned and felt his shoulder stiff and soar, those punches could get deadly. " Not bad for a cleric.." Dellrend said, suddenly he shouted in pain as Lucan came out of nowhere with his thorne dagger stabbing it in the dark elf's foot. The dark elf was pinned to the ground, he looked down and was about to slap the boy, even as his memories were being drained. Sigonus ran forward and with a swing blessed by Gaia, he swatted the dark elf back through a door into a house. The dark elf stood up and dust himself off walking out of the house, " your gonna..." the dark elf fell to the ground unconscious.
Sigonus looked down to Lucan and grabbed his hand, " thanks again.." the two ran into the cathedral.
-
She rolled to the ground and stayed sitting unwilling to move as Eduardo began to control his powers, shrinking back to a normal level. Anna watched the playing of emotions stretch across his face as he shrunk down to face her again. Tears brought a soft surprise to her pale and angelic features. Yet, they were not so angelic with smears of ogre?s blood drying across her skin and soaked in the very shirt that was stained bright red with her blood. Sitting quietly mentally and vocally she listened to more than just his words. Many things existed behind his words but Anna was unwilling to delve deeper than what he gave permission to do so during the battle before.
Slowly her blood soaked hand lifted as his hands touched the wound. Anna was thinking really of what he might discover as the rush of his healing powers moved to knit the flesh together from the inside out. However, he would noticed that the healing power would stretch beyond the wound out towards older wounds that laid across her back. If he could feel the path of his own power he would feel the lines of it criss cross along her back. Lash marks from wounds that was no more than a days old, healing on their own but still fragile and broken in places where she stretched to slash at a fiend who dared to think he could kill her first. They were the marks of a slave.
Those white opal orbs watched him without knowing that she was doing something she had refused from others along her path towards Demise. She hide her past well, but now she wasn?t. the soft gasp made was reflected in her actions as she quickly pushed his hands away. The wound wasn?t even healed half way, but it had stopped bleeding at least. She scooted back a little those white irises avoiding his eyes as her she mentally spoke to him,
~Thank You, I am sorry I didn?t mean to get cut off in the crowd.~
She didn?t speak out loud, nor would she for she couldn?t. Even the best healers couldn?t understand why she couldn?t speak. She looked around her hand covering the wound. Her mind tried to work quickly to find an excuse for both her handicap and the older wounds on her back. But all was silenced in her head. No she couldn?t come up with any plausible excuse so the silence stretched on before she again looked up to Eduardo.
-
Tempest kept her eys going form what he was doing and Longinus' face. She did not want to miss the look of death when it came to him. She gritted her teeth doing her best to hang in there. Tempest let out a growl having her blade pinned under his arm. She stood there pulling hard on the hilt of the blade. On one of the jerks she sent her body upon the blade of Longinus. Tempest's body seemed to freeze as she felt it enter her heart. Slowly her hands slipped form the hilt of the blade, going to her knees. Tempest's eyes went up to Longinus's face as she opened her mouth, no words came out. Her body slide off his blade and fell to the ground. Tempest's body shock as her last breaths left her, couple tears rolled from her eyes as her body stopped moving.
-
Vincent turned to Honor and said, " thank you for defending me when I couldn't, it's been a long time since I've seen you. I'm surprised you remember me, I thought of you..you and my daughter, my family, it's all that kept me from going mad while being inprisoned as the Darkthorne's prophet. Something has to be done about this battle, it's tearing your lands apart and killing off my family at the same time. If we don't stop it soon, I fear that all of Velusia will be lost and no one here will remain to tell the tale."
Wrapping her arms around him reassuringly, Honor agreed with him. She did not wanted this battle to turn into a lingering war of atrocition. There would be survivors, there were always survivors left behind to pick up the pieces. Honor managed to summon a weak smile as the rain made a patter on the stones around them. How could he think that she would forget him? Vincent infuriated her to wit's end, yet the coldness of her heart thawed a fraction, finally comprehending what happened to him.
Vincent placed his hand to the wound given to him by Cebreese, watching the reformed beast stalk off after fresh prey. " I hope he doesn't forget what he's discovered, it's probably taken him years to realize that love is the only thing that can pull us from the darkness of hate. He's so much like my brother Reese when he was young...." Vincent fell to his knees his eyes falling closed as his strength finally left him. He fell unconscious to the stones of the battlement, the wind caressing his hair.
Honor buckled under Vincent's dead weight managing breaking his fall. His words echoed in her ears. "..Love is the only thing that can pull us from the darkness of hate." What a stupid romantic notion. She shook her head and stroked his hair settling in against the cold damp stonework with Vincent in her arms and bent her head whispering in his ear. "Foolish angel. I have missed you terribly."
Around the walls the battle continued its fever pitch. Ortek gears slammed into the rampaging orcs reducing their bodies to broken puppets and slung back into the frey. Vitus's manical laughter reached her ears. Her minister of techonology was clearly enjoying himself. A brace of Shard and Cordelia scurried over to assist their soveriegn. "Mistress!" Cordelia's dress was ruined beyond repair; her full platinum hair hung like a halo around her pale face.
Lady Demise waved them away with her hand and gazed up at the clouds exclaiming. "That is quite enough!" At her whim, the threaten clouds stopped its assault. The Shard gently lift the injured man out of Honor's arms as she took to her feet. Their entourage started gathering momentum moving down the battlement steps more Shard, mages, and musketeers join to hasten their departure towards the manorhouse.
-
Raven slashed at a Darktornes gut as Phantom flew close to her head. She reached up and grabbed it just as it swung at her with its blade, it putting a nice slice in her side. She gave it a kick as she went up with Phantom so to move to another area that wold use her help.
She had Phantom bring his tail around to the side, leaping upon his back once again. Taking a glance at the wound before looking for a place to drop down and help out. She caught a glimpse of the elf taking Lucan to saftey. Raven could not see Longinus any where hoping that was a good thing.
She looked up just as a dragon came their way, singing her blade at the wing. It only getting a small cut form her but it seemed to want more from her. So she watched it close in only slashing the blade as the neck went by. Raven got a rain of blood in turn it started to fall to the ground. She looked up just as she felt claws go in her shoulder, causing her to clench her teeth. Raven brought her blade down then thrusted it up into the gut of it. Next thing she was falling to the ground quickly, body hitting the side of the Demise castle. Raven let out a gasp connecting it to the wall then another hiting the ground.
Raven took a quick moment to get her breath back before any Darkthorne attacked. No more had she gottne to her knees two of the charged her. With rage in her she brought the blade up and took it from left to the right, cutting their guts open. Raven got on her feet in time to take on some more that came her way.
Seemed no more did they take out a bunch that there were more people there. It felt they were getting no where unless some other allies had joined them.
As she slashed and stabbed enemy the brown eyes looked for those that she had not seen in moments or days. There had been no sight of Shamus which she was sure would have came to help out. It had been a while since she had seen Reinne, Honor or even Vahn. Ease came to her when Phantom let her see those that she worried about. But that did not solve where Longinus was, what came of him. If he died at least he did not do it on Darktorne lands.
-
Kaydean could feel something, the red dust, he smirked, so it would be like that. Kaydean tossed down his bow and unslung his quiver, his foot came down in a puddle of mud and blood. The bodies had begun to pile high, friend and foe alike. Kaydean's hand went down to the hilt of his sword, the sound of metal slowly sliding free of it's sheath, music. He brought the blade up looking at his reflection, the sound of the rain against his metal blade. He was enjoying this moment, his glorious moment of triumph over his foe. This pain he'd held for so long, he was finally ready to let it go. Kaydean jumped over a pile of bodies and began his path to the coming foe.
" You'll pay for killing my parents, I want you to know why I'm killing you so in the moment of your death I can see what the eyes of a heartless killer really look like. You are just as bad as the Darkthornes and you hide behind a mask of good. I've learned how to be evil as well, I've studied killers so that when I faced you I could not hold back. This is for my parents you bastard, prepare to die slowly!"
Though the dust sucked out his strength, he had lived most of his life as a man. It was nothing new to him, he began to run towards the figure with his sword extended outward and his hand, open palm, close to his side. All around him, he saw his fellow Darkthornes, they fought their own battles. One came up to go after the injured killer that Kaydean was heading towards, Kaydean thrust his sword in the bastard's back, " He's mine!" he pushed the Darkthorne off his blade and continued towards Adrian. Only a few more feet, his blues eyes caught sight of Adrian's eyes, a shame they shared the same eyes.
-
Eduardo could feel the healing, feel all her wounds as if they were his own, but that was a healer's price. When she appeared to be shy or ashamed of her wounds he simply smiled and sat next to her.
" My past isn't that beautiful, I was once a killer, I killed women, children, and men, never stopping once to think about it. Here in Demise though, your sins are your own, you won't be judged here. I know what it's like also to be a slave to others. I've been searching my entire life for some meaning beyond being an instrument for war. I met a little girl once, an orphan, she had no one and I have no idea why she chose me. At first it was like having a pet follow you around, but after realizing she had needs, I fed her, gave her shelter, and protected her. She sort of grew on me, like the daughter I never had, then the Darkthornes kidnapped her when I refused to serve them. They held her hostage, cut her in front of me, made me fight for them. She was killed by the otherside no less, they had no care for who was innocent or guilty, just like the Darkthornes..."
" I realized then that everyone is a victim in war, no one really wins. I went back and attacked that city only to kill innocents myself, with their blood on my hands...I was so close to madness, like a moment ago. I fled found a land where people went to heal and find themselves. I buried the girl, became a farmer, tried to forget the past, but it followed me. The Darkthornes attacked that place, destroyed it, nothing was left no matter how hard I tried to protect it. I came here and was healed of my madness by Shamus Blackthorne, the king. I gave him something of mine that could either be my slave collar or my freedom. It's been my freedom ever since, but without any more meaning, I've been searching for what my life means, for where it's going."
" People can be cruel, I'm not really human, but I know enough about them, know enough to not want to be one. Not because I fear I'd become what I hate, but because by being different I can remember what I protect, I protect something I'm not, something I've never had. I don't know if that makes any sense, but it's the best explaination I got..you don't have to share if you don't want to, I just thought perhaps you should know a little about me..it's not you, you've helped me find my old path again, I can feel the answer right there in front of me, but it's still out of my grasp." Eduardo shrugged and gave a smile, he'd never shared that with anyone before, he kept himself somewhat a mystery to all he knew. It was better that way, it made things less complicated. He stood back up and caused his arm to break up into more clones.
They went to keep the gate secure now that he'd finally cleared it, he'd never needed a family with himself around. He had one once, even felt as though he belonged, but they were all dead now. Just two left, and they both searched for meaning, he smiled at least he wasn't alone in searching. He had been evil and good, he had been a healer and a killer, but he'd never taken the time to let go and be himself, except that one time. He had enjoyed the simple life of a farmer, enjoyed it more then any of the other vocations he'd taken on.
-
The rain stopped just as Tempest's life ended, Longinus stood there with a grim look upon his face. He felt sick, he looked at the blade with Tempest's blood on it. With disgust he tossed the blade aside and knelt down next to Tempest. Would Raven forgive him for this, would she understand what he had done. He reached down to check Tempest's pulse, she was gone, her blade lay there next to him. Longinus lowered his head saying a prayer for Tempest's soul, he hoped it found the peace in death she seemed to lack in life. Logninus gentle slid his hands under her legs and back and lifted her body up. He wouldn't leave her here, he began to walk back to the town square, tears coming from his eyes.
Could he have saved Tempest's soul, or was she as lost as she appeared? Longinus would never know, but he hoped that Raven could understand. Death was not unfamiliar to Longinus, he'd delt it to many people, people he'd never come to know. He knew her name, knew a little about her, he began to see that there was no other way. Stepping out he laid her body down admist some flowers, she didn't seem so evil now. It almost looked as though she merely slept, the flowers seemed to make her evil appearance diminish. " Rest in peace Tempest, you fought well.." Longinus sat down next to her, his wound finally catching up to him. His leg was numb, he was losing a lot of blood. He tore some of his shirt and tightly wrapped the wound, he laid his head back against the wall. He couldn't fight anymore, he'd come to his end today.
-
The rain pelted down upon him oh so heavily, as he found himself growing heavier with the bloodloss that he was suffering. The tainted tip of the Darkthorne arrows was holding its effect as steps found themselves faultering half way, Adrian dropping the composit bow he had held in his right hand. He would have fellt to the ground completely had his hand not caught itself upon the metal armor of a dead ogre whose body lay only inches away from himself. Kaydean... What had happened to your love and values that he had tried to instill? Revenge wasn't the answer... No, not this time it wasn't.
The deafening roar of the battle was drowing out amonst the words of Kaydean, calling him a murderer, a killer of parents. He closed his eyes, as a tear rolled down his cheek, though one couldn't have differentiated it from the rain that streamed down his face to wet clung hair. In his own way, yes he was a murderer. Every person killed today had family, whether they were a son to a widowed mother, or a father to a young son. Who was he to take the life of another? To play judge, jury, and executioner? The apple could have avoided this all, it could have avoided so many unwanted deaths. If only it had been planted... But hadn't it? Wouldnt it? Adrian had no knowledge that his brother Reese had done just that, had helped plant the apple.
Blue eyes blurred as he saw the attack of Kaydean drawing closer, an assassins stance which could have done an array of movements should one so much as try to counter attack, or dodge. But Adrian would find no comfort in attacking Kaydean, he wasn't a Darkthorne, he had never been one, and never would be. He didn't have the heart or stomach to destroy what was essentially his family. And so, he would place his hands in the life of Kaydean without fear of death, without fear of what would be in the afterlife. The blade found itself meling into the flesh of his stomach, pouring a new sense of pain into his heart as the blade of his son found its way into his body. He stopped only a second as a grunt found its way out the mouth of the man, along with the heavy breaths. But he wouldnt stop, he would just keep walking forward onto the blade until the hilt of the blade met his stomach and he was practically face to face.
Slowly Adrian lifted his head, looking Kaydean in the face with a small smile upon his lips, small dimples tracing the corners of his mouth as he gazed now into the eyes of an older Kaydean, a darker Kaydean; but it was Kaydean all the less and that in itself was worth it. He whispered softly to his son, "You found me..."
Eyelids fell over his eyes, as the words werent the words of his condemned soul, but rather a memory of once upon a time, when things were so much simpler and love was sincere in the land. The thoughts crossed Adrians mind as he found himself falling forward to lay his head on Kaydeans shoulder.
Adrian was running about the log cabin house in the mountains, chasing after his wife, only to see Kaydean come running outside and down the steps, the snow crunching beneath his feet as he screamed happily at his dad's return. Adrian stopped the playfully pursuit of his wife only to pick kaydean up beneath the arms and spin him around in the air. Kaydean, the innocence... Hiding your face behind your hands, only to peak between your fingers Adrian put you down to take a knee before you and mimmick the gesture. Kaydean pulling his hands away began to pull at Adrians own hands. Adrians hands fell, as he reached out and grabbed Kaydean into his arms into a hug, saying softly everytime he returned home, "You found me!"
His tears fell softly upon the shoulder of Kaydean now, as slmber and exhaustion became the controlling force now. He was resting his weight towards Kaydean now and he had no knowledge of what was to become of him or this fight. But he could only pray that the will of man would end it. Destiny wasn't at the hands of gods, but it was the in the reigns of each individual. They held the choices here, they held destiny....
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-
Malice
The female Darkthorne had arrived in the city with the other elders, she saw Dellrend's fall. She had brought him back to the darkness once, she knew he would be of no use to them now. At least she could count on Dramund, he was almost as feared as Cebreese. Just then she heard Dramund call for help, Malice blinked. She floated down the street and looked about the corner seeing Dramund flailing blindly before Cebreese and a lone horseman. What had happened, but before she could finish that question, she knew. Glancing upon Cebreese she noticed the change in his stance, in his aura. So he'd turned on them, without Dramund and Dellrend, there was no reason for her to be here. The red dust began to settle over the area she was in, she felt the weakness gripping her. Damn it all she had to get out of here before she was discovered. Malice whistled to her pet, the black dragon in the sky came down, landing in the square.
Malice ran towards it and jumped upon it's back, she would deal with these fools her way. Malice urged the dragon up into the air and as they rose she spied, Raven so they had dragon riders as well. Malice didn't know this person, she did know however that this person was not on the side of Darkthorne. " Let's go show her what happens to those who oppose Darkthorne my pretty." The dragon flew next to Raven's and Malice threw one of her knives as the woman. Malice had no need to give a long speech or discuss matters, she was here to help Darkthorne reach it's glory, not discuss matters with her enemies.
-
Raven moved along the wall making her way to a place that would give her more room to fight. The enemy was getting her pinned against the wall to where she was not able to fight well. If she stayed there her death would come with no doubt in her mind. Getting some space between her and the enemy she yelled "Dragon Breath" aiming the blade at the Darkthornes. Those hit by the flame screamed out in pain and fell to the ground dead. Taking advantage of it she ran towards the edge of the battle.
As she made head way along the wall Phantom gave her a picture of Longinus. He was sititng along the wall next to Tempest but she was not moving, what kind of condition was he in. She gave a message to Phantom to fly over, grabbing his tail as he did. Raven's eyes looked over the ground looking for the spot Longinus sat.
Seeing the spot that Longinus rested along the wall she had Phantom fly low over him. Raven landed a few feet from him, her eyes going between him and Tempest. She kept close watch upon he sister not up for any surprises right now, keeping space between them. After a bit dropping her blade to the side as she came to kneel beside Longinus.
First thing she looked to the wound on his leg that looked pretty bad, at least she knew where he was. Raven looked to his eyes before moving the badge some to get a better look. It was very deep and needed looking at, she had no idea were a healer was.
Staying beside Longinus she looked to Tempest getting a look at any wounds that she may have. One of the wounds caught her eye over the couple that she saw, the one over the heart. Raven looked to Longinus with wonder in her mind, knowing a healer could only take care of such wound.
She looked to Longinus' face "I need to get the two of you out of here so that you have a chance to be healed. You will go first being that i don't think that Tempest has a great chance to live. Are you able to stand long enough to get a lift out of here?"
-
Reese watched, and as he did, the wound of the destiny blade began to glow. Reese felt torn, as though he was being ripped apart inside, he could hear a voice in his head. The strange thing was, the voice was his own, it asked him a question. " After living again, are you so sure you want to give up this life, this beautiful land, and go back to the realm of dreams?" Reese puzzled over the question, he had a duty to fulfill, a destiny..." A destiny that will forever be your's, for in the dream realm time has no restrictions, I am here as you are there." Reese realized what the voice said, time in the dream realm was non-linear, his past, present, and future all existed on the same plane. He was in the dream realm, forever, as long as he claimed the title he would be the title. " But if you should stay there, you will give up everything, you will become mortal, you will have nothing."
Reese thought this over, he wasn't stepping down from his position, he would always had it. However the voice wasn't clear on just what it meant by he would have nothing. Did Reese dare take a chance at a life again, a life that was unclear, would he even remember anything? The bright sun peeked through the clouds, it crested the mountains in the distance. Over those mountains was the ocean reflecting the golden sun, fields of yellow wheat, the sites of Velusia, of this realm were something else. In the dream realm there was beauty, but nothing like this, the white clouds and light blue skies. Reese took in the scent of the air, it held in it the scents of nature itself, the sun, the green landscape. Reese refused to answer the question just yet, he needed to know everything was going to be okay.
He needed to know that the kingdom would survive the change, witness the new era of Velusia's history. The moment that would change everything from now on, forever. His time was over, and a new time was begining, one that he had dreamed of all his life.
" Gem...I'm afraid.." Reese was afraid, of dying, of his fate changing, of answering a question that might forever change his life.
-
Kaydean halted as the man fell against him, the man had said something which was familiar. As he pushed the man off his sword seeing, that there would be no fight. He looked over this killer, the man that he'd been told killed his parents. It was odd they shared similar features, the man had the same eyes as him. Kaydean raised his sword to finish the job, but he couldn't. Something in him just wouldn't let him do it, he began to wonder what was holding him back. It was the man's words, they echoed in his mind like a memory. A memory of what exactly, Kaydean wasn't sure, the rain began to stop. Kaydean looked up at the sky, seeing the rays of the sun coming through the clouds in the distance.
Kaydean would raise the sword again, his parent's deserved revenge, it was his destiny, he'd been told this many times. It was his destiny to defeat and kill this man, this man whom's name he didn't know. He felt a warm sensation over his hands, looking up at the mist of the rain and light of the sun. Within them he saw a figure, hauntingly beautiful, a face that he would know in any crowd. His mother's spirit, tears fell from Kaydean's eyes, " Mother...I can't do it, I can't bring you and father the peace you deserve..." His mother softly smiled at him and reached down towards the man, Kaydean watched as her hand never left his. Suddenly his mind began to become flooded with memories, they melded into those already within his mind. It was as though he lived two lives, each unaware of the other.
He felt himself fighting himself, fighting a battle inside, for what though? Kaydean fell to his knees in front of the man, not just a man...his father, Kaydean felt sick. What had he done, Kaydean shook Adrian as his mother's spirit slowly began to fade with the cloud cover. " Father! Father! Wake up please don't die on me, not now, not after I found you!" Kaydean's world had just shattered, everything he knew was a lie, the truth had been taken from him. He'd been made to be a tool to use against Adrian, a pawn in a sadistic game of chess.
-
His story poured out of him like a lake of misery pain and only a few happy days of sun. Anna listened her shyness, her embarrassment was not really apart of her reason to push him away. No it was always case if she was sent somewhere to do something, that she captured again in the midst of being caught between two enemies, unknown or known. She learned how to survive but without the fear of knowing that she could be captured again and sent to the auctions for someone else?s greed. It was fear that drove her to stop him from feeling those wounds. However, he had already felt them and now he sat here telling some of his story to her.
Her opal gaze followed the clones disappearing towards the gate of Demise city. Slowly her voice erupted into his mind feeling the need to not explain but to tell someone of how and why she came here in her life.
~I have never known a time when I was not a slave. Most often times I would be treated like a pet, pleasure, torture?.many other things, merely because I could not speak as most others do. At first my trainers tried ever healer they could find to fix the problem, but even the healers could not understand why I could not speak. Eventually I learned how to use a part of my mind to reach out to others, but it did not serve me well. Often times I was beaten for being insolent or defective. A few of those Masters could be taught to use their mind to sense my voice, others were too cruel to care.
Out of those who could hear the voice you hear now, half were decent, kind not as cruel as others. But that half was so few and far between that I barely remember them. My memory focuses on those who found a new sound in my scream that only they could hear. My trainers tried to prepare me for being a torture pet, or even a blood doll, but they never came close. I learned quickly how to survive even when the current Master thought I would die.
Somewhere I found a teacher, someone who taught me more than just being a pleasure slave. He needed a partner. So he taught me how to fight, how to be an assassin. He gave me those blades that now lay in the field. But he lost me in a battle and I was again taken to the auctions. Now, I?m here only be the simple fate of being bought by someone who freed me. Why am I? I don?t know. I didn?t know when I entered that I would be in the middle of another set of enemies. I saw one was cruel and the other needed help. I didn?t know what would happen to me here, but I came because he said it would be a good place to start. Start what?I still don?t know?~
Anna watched the efforts to fortify the gates again from the rushing charge of the enemy as she poured out some of her own life. The pause waited until she saw one of his clones move to help a soldier of Demise. Then she turned her eerie white gaze back to him,
~I wouldn?t have died easily. It is why I didn?t scream. I could feel you were angry at being manipulated, at those who were also using me against you. I have been at the edge of death more times than I wish to remember. He, the fiend who dared use me in such a way, wanted to have me for himself, or give me to his Master in order to gain a better position?Thank You for save me from a fate I already know in servitude. I?m still not sure what I should do beyond this fight?.~
She had her breath and her life, but Anna was still unsure of her place here as a free person and not subjected to someone else?s whims, desires, needs or mere passions. It was written on the lines of her expression as she moved again to watch the efforts to keep the gate?s closed and free of enemies.
-
The Shard moved Vincent?s unconscious form carefully along side Her Ladyship. The chaos on inside of the walls of Cazeneuve where being brought to a margin of order by General Blackshear?s arrival flying in taking his place beside his queen. His beautiful red-blonde hair stood out in contrast to his blackened armor. Honor acknowledged his presence with a smile. He stayed long enough to shout orders gather a force of able bodies that were not helping the wounded and lifted into the air sending them to reinforce weaken areas.
A rumble of feet over the cobblestone streets announced the arrival of a large entourage. Many of the members wore doublets, tabards, or robes with the Demise family crest emblazoned on them. Priests in bloody robes joined the edges of the throng. A lumbering Ortek followed behind them, the crowd grew larger as injured that could be moved joined the procession.
" Father! Father! Wake up please don't die on me, not now, not after I found you!"
The procession stopped. The crowd parted and surrounded the two men as the queen approached. The dark lady moved towards him and smiled like angel exuding a soothing quality that calmed his spirit. She held herself with a regal bearing walking towards him, the people quieted as she passed, to lay a gentle hand on Kaydean?s shoulder.
?Your father is not going to die to day.? She said with absolute conviction. Sweet honeyed tones calmed his frazzled nerves while her hands glowed with warm healing energy, not daring to do anything but stabilizing the man in case she close a wound with shrapnel. ?He is suffering from blood loss and shock. Allow us move him to the manor and we will tend to his wounds properly.?
Men approached with litter arranging Adrian?s body with careful haste. Rising to her feet, she offered her hand to Kaydean observing his Lifethreads. This boy was the son of man who threatened to kill her earlier. Interesting. The man hardly appeared old enough to have a full grown son, however such was the nature of Thornes. While they moved towards the heavily fortified mannor, Honor brushed the man?s hair out of his face ?handsome, another Thorne trait. In that moment she compared Vincent and Adrian?s features and then glanced over to Kaydean. She was curious. ?What is your name??
-
Dark hair flew behind her as they flew throu the air just like the many days before. Belle had gone to Stormspire to speak with her mother when she had not been at Dragon's Breath Manor. Seemed that she had gone off for time alone to clear her had or what ever reason she had. Belle had gotten word that her aunt was looking for her which was not good. Her eyes scanned the area before here looking for any sign that her mother would be there. Slowly Belle sat up as she saw long bursts of red on the horizon.
Belle pointed to where the blasts were "If I was mother that is where I would be. For she has a heart that brings her to help others when in need."
She had Darius head toward the red blasts Desari flying close by her brother. Belle rarely went any where without the other following close behind. She pulled on her armour as they closed in, not grabbing either blade til knowing if they were needed.
-
Meredith was not happy at all that her sister had drug her along in search of their mother. She was having enough fun talk ing with the men in the tavern. But she was there upon Razven flying over a strange land after they check the regular two spots. Joie was flying along side of her mate going where he did.
She looked to where Belle pointed seeing the same red blasts. Meredith knew that her sister was right about that thier mother was there helping out. Who knows it may be one of her dragons making the red blasts that they saw.
It seemed that their mother never had time for her, which made it odd that she aggreed to come. But she was curious as what thier aunt wanted with their mother. She had never met her but had heard stories from her mother and others.
"What are we going to do if those people need out help? Are we going to enter into someting that we have no idea allie from enemy?"
-
A wry smile tugged at Cordelia?s lips observing her lady?s concern with all of the Thorne men; sure that it was more than a concern of noblesse oblige. Her lady?s appetites for the male species were legendary. Glancing back and forth between Kaydean, Adrian and Vincent, the trusted companion would not mind accepting any of her mistress?s leftovers. All of them might have her lady?s mercurial attention for short period of time but none held her heart. She was not even sure that Honor was capable of real love.
Cordelia gave a great sigh and futilely attempted to wipe the gunpowder off her hands. She loved Honor like a sister wanting only her real happiness. Cordelia didn?t think that Honor really knew what that was either. She had heard stories of how villainous the siblings were, how Vahn single-handled brought down empires by conspiring to play both sides against each other, how Honor pitted family member against family member conquering the crown through intrigue. Her confidante could believe the stories to a certain point. The remaining rulers were tough, devious and lethal; however they were merely products of their harsh upbringing. A measure a pity filled her breast. She served Honor out of love and loyalty hoping one day that Honor would understand to concept of unconditional love, a power more foreign to the Demise ruling line than any concept in the world.
-
Vahn jumped up on the battlement feeling the lock on the realms give way. Vahn thought on Vincent, on Adrian touching his sister, oh how he loathed them all. The male suitors of his sister, he hated them all, that rage built up underneath his placid appearance.
" Hehe..."
Vahn extended his hands reaching into the umbra, where creatures hungered for fresh flesh. It was a dangerous play, for nothing could control these creatures, Vahn didn't care anymore. He was searching for power, not these creatures, if they devoured his soul, he wouldn't care. They watched him, his astral form appearing within the pool, the pool from which he would drain his deadlist card yet. He summoned up the aura of misdirection, it extended about him in a 20 ft circle. It caused attacks on your enemy to be redirected at you. In other words you blade would strike at the enemy, but come down on you instead. Vahn jumped down and walked amongst the Darkthornes and Velusians. They fell in without even knowing what happened, when one survived an attack by defending they found their death by attacking another.
Vahn chuckled as he walked through their numbers, he extened his mirridian sword as the blade became liquid and snaked out stabbing enemies in front of him. Vahn laughed, he didn't collect souls, he didn't care about allies, but the fact they attacked his lands. He held no pity or mercy for them as they fell. Vahn had to extinguish the anger he felt for those whom time returned to trouble him. Vincent, he'd find a way to kill his this time that would be absolute.
-
Reagan had waited, in shadows he'd been waiting for the lock to lift so he could introduce himself. As Vahn extended himself in the umbra, Reagan was there waiting and watching. Vahn's astral form was unprotected as he began to drain the energy for his aura. Reagan attacked, sending a pulse his hate for his brother, the energy hit the pool changing it to drain Vahn. Reagan appeared in front of Vahn's astral form smiling, slowly he appeared at Vahn's back in Demise. His disguise hid the horrible transformation of death, but his disguise did not hide his aura. Vahn would recoginze his brother no matter where he stood. Reagan raised up a black mirror and tapped Vahn on the shoulder. When Vahn would look into the mirror it would show him, just what he had become. It would make him mortal for a short period, long enough for Reagan to leave his calling card.
Reagan began to slide the sword from it's scabbard, it was his father's sword.
-
She stood watching the tree as it grew, ready to protect it from what ever might appear. The she ehard Reese's voice..Hadn't she just sent him to the castle? She looked and sure enought there he was, still laying on the ground where he had fallen.
" Gem...I'm afraid.." He had said.
SHe moved over to him again, lifting his head and upper body so that it reasted on her lap. She had the healers touch, and at last she was intent to try...that was all she could do, was try to heal him....
Gem's hand touches him gently on the shoulder as she closes her eyes to concentrate on the task at hand. Her other hand gently caressing his cheek. Her full lips begin to move as she begins a concentrated prayer. The ancient prayers of her goddess, the gift given to her at birth and nurtured by her mother.
Channeling the life force from everything around her, channeling it through her body, through her hands and past her fingertips she continued to whisper her prayers as the life powers drained from her fingers towards his stricken form. Warmth and healing flowing through her like a gentle ocean current....
-
Vahn sensed a disturbance in the umbra, sensed a change in the pool, he had to draw himself from it. The aura faded and Vahn cursed whoever dared to challenge him in power battle. Vahn smelt brimstone, it hung in the air about him, he became curious to it's source. Before Vahn had anymore time to question that source, his mind thought back on the Crystallis. He'd smelt that same smell here and there in Belgada. Vahn felt a tapping upon his shoulder, he drew his sword back in and turned around. As he did his eyes fell on the mirror, it's surface reflecting back to Vahn, his very soul. Vahn didn't like what he was seeing, he raised his arm to block the mirror's image. He felt weakened, but he didn't let it be known, he turned to the one that held the mirror. The mask, wig, gloved hands, and old clothes they hid the person's true identity.
But Vahn had seen enough of the person's aura to know who it was, so the devil had come for his soul. Vahn began to step back trying to get away from his dead brother. Vahn turned and slowly began to make his way up towards the forest, he couldn't be caught on the battlefield mortal now could he. Vahn stumbled over some rocks as he clawed his way up the hill, he'd kill his brother himself this time. Vahn dropped his sword and as he went to pick it up, it shattered, his enchantment over it had weakened. Vahn could feel many of his enchantments fading as he climbed. As if climbing from the lowest levels of the abyss, the further he got, the more he lost. His lifethread began to become dim as he slowly became more and more unprotected from the harsh reality of the mortal fate.
A spirit struck him draining more of his life rather then magic, Vahn fell. He looked up for the ghost that had attacked him, there were many spectors in the woods before him. Their haunting white glow, Vahn slid up against a tree, he felt drained, fatigued. Reagan had the upper hand, as always, just like when they were children. He knew Reagan would not go easy on Vahn, he knew his brother was coming to torture Vahn. Reagan would destroy everything Vahn took interest in, Vahn would have no peace. Vahn's mind was slowly screaming as he verged the line between sanity and madness. His eyes grew big as he looked about the forest, that same little lost boy of his childhood. Reagan's laughter echoed through the woods along with the laughter of an unknown female.
The ghost surrounded Vahn, souls of those he'd slain, those whose lives he'd taken through murder. Vahn's day of judgement had arrived, but he felt no remorse for the lives he'd taken. If he was going to have to face Reagan as a victim, then he'd be defiant to the end.
-
Reagan slowly walked after his brother, he had been wanting him to flee to the woods. He'd done so many times in their childhood, when Reagan was hunting Vahn. He had an ally waiting in the woods for Vahn, waiting with the ghosts of Vahn's victims. The ghost summoner of Deceit, Reagan's long lost lover waited there. Together they would exact their revenge of Reagan's family, take back his lands for him. Deceit and Demise working together, they would have been a force to fear. Reagan had been betrothed to the daughter of the Deceit leader, but Honor had destroyed that. In her sorrow, Morgana Deceit had stayed alive all this time. The ghosts of her family protecting her, when Reagan had arrived from Belgada, she was going to take her life. Reagan stopped her, whispering words of love and revenge in her ear like sweet wine.
When Vahn and Honor died, Reagan would be returned to his handsome visage. And together they'd rule Demise, Morgana want revenge for her family and her lover, the chance for the two of them to be together. Reagan enjoyed Vahn's plight, his brother suffering through the knowledge that Reagan was coming for him. Reagan entered the woods as the ghosts directed him to Vahn's hiding place. Such a fool, to hide in the same place that he did when they children. Reagan's blade went straight for Vahn's shoulder, he wanted to pin his brother down. Pin him to the tree as he use to do insects in his collection. What was this a tear, Reagan leaned in close to his brother and his disfigured tongue emerged from the mask. It slowly licked the tear from Vahn's face, it was like wine to Reagan.
" I've come for you Vahn, come to kill you, but first I want you to suffer. I will destroy everything you desire, everything you hold dear in that black heart of your's. There is no where you can hide from me Vahn, I will find you no matter where you run." Reagan reached behind him as his beautiful companion emerged from the darkness of the woods. " Torture him in front of me my love, arouse me with the pain you do to him." Reagan turned to Morgana and smiled, " I'd have it no other way, this is just a taste of things to come Vahn." Reagan brought forth a club, covered in spikes. He raised it and would strike down upon Vahn until he rendered him unconscious, he wanted to extend Vahn's suffering. Killing him now would be too easy, after he was through, Reagan and his lover would retire to her estates, leaving Vahn to his tortured dreams.
-
Vahn felt the pain of the sword blade pierce his skin, it went through his shoulder into the tree behind him. The only way to escape now, would be death. Vahn looked on Reagan, those eyes that lusted for Vahn to scream, he wouldn't. A single tear fell from his eye and when Reagan leaned in licking it, Vahn's nose was filled with the brimstone smell. He gagged, and as the last remaining member of the Deceit family joined Reagan, Vahn felt trapped. Was this his end, no Honor had saved him from Reagan once, she would again. Vahn told himself that as Reagan showed him the club, that same club he'd beat Vahn with many times in their childhood. Vahn was pummeled under the blows, until the world went black. He lay there against the tree, bleeding and unconscious as his brother removed the sword and left.
Vahn's enchantments would slowly return, but the scars left on him this day would never fully heal.
-
Reese knew himself well enough to know that his other self would abide by the rules. Reese wanted to alter the bargain, to do so he'd have to go back to the dream realm, face himself. Reese felt Gem there with him, again he knew his old friend could be trusted. She didn't know anything about Reese's charge as Dream Lord though. That he had to go back, had or perhaps wanted to. It had been a change, a time for him to heal, to escape the madness that was the endless war. Now that would soon be over, he could start anew in Velusia, or elsewhere. Reese felt the powers of her healing, wash over him. The wounds slowly heal, but one wound would never heal, the wound of his destiny. It was in question even now, he had to create himself a new one. That damned sword and it's power, it needed to be kept secret and safe. The Atlantian blade was a relic of their family that had been kept under close guard. The family knew of it, but for them to possess it...it was too desirable an object for anyone to wield.
That and it had a way of distorting a person's view, making them forget why they picked it up. It would seem the cure to all your problems, and become your greatest one. Reese smiled, yes a new destiny, he'd already died, long before he came back to Velusia. Though his body hadn't died, everything he stood for had at the time. " Thank you Gem, perhaps you've given me more healing then even you know." But there were still people like Gem, like Adrian, like his children, people that would fight. People that would protect the things that needed protection. That hope was something that helped him make his decision, on what his new destiny would be.
-
She felt the familiar drain that occured when the healing took place and worked. A smile crossed her dirt streaked fat lipped face....
She leaned back to catch her breath and looked again at the tree..."How long has it been do you think? How much lionger until ti is safe?"
-
Kaydean cried over his fallen father, but when strangers arrived, Kaydean stood drawing his sword. When he saw that they didn't bare the crest of Darkthorne, but Demise, he slackened a little. As they looked over his father, he stood there watching, not saying a word. He had done this, he didn't know what he could say. As they said his father wouldn't die this day, Kaydean felt a relief wash over him. He had feared he would never get a chance to know his father again. The puddles around him glowed with the sun's light, Kaydean's form lost the dark aura about it. He had only been a Darkthorne under the charge of Cebreese. The only darkness he knew, was a lie, he had no need for what the Darkthornes offered.
The woman seemed to know his father, he could tell by the way her eyes looked on him. She didn't know Kaydean, but somehow she accepted him, Kaydean sheathed his sword. " I'll help you take him to the manor.." Kaydean would help hoping he could push them into getting his father there faster. As the woman looked over Kaydean and asked him, his name, Kaydean said, " Kaydean.." thats who he was, all he was. Kaydean the son of Adrian, a lost soul in the battle. A lost soul that had found his own way by shere accident. He was lucky he had found his father, and unlucky that he had attacked him. But now that he knew everything would be okay, he was happy. Happiness was something he had not experienced in a long while. " Cebreese somehow turned me against my father, made me forget him. I...I did this, it's all my fault.." Kaydean fought back more tears, his eyes wanted to cry.
He fought his own eyes, telling them tears would do him no good. Tears only served to clean one's eyes, they couldn't heal wounds. They couldn't rewind the past and undo the actions he'd done this day. They couldn't take him back to when his mother lived and his father..they couldn't do anything for him.
-
Syn was surrounded in a black walled prison, he laughed, had she no idea. " I'm afraid we are simliar, for you face a shadow demon, lovey." The shadows were his home, they embraced him intimately, coursed through his veins. But something had changed, these shadows refused his calling. Refused him as though they were under someone else's control. Her blade her his left side, black blood poured from the wound, as her other attack came, he defended against it. Blocked it with his own blade and pushed back against her's, why wouldn't they obey him? Syndical began to draw in his own shadow, deciding that it would at least obey him. The shadow coursed along his blade and licked at her's.
" You think your so smart, that you've trapped me? I'll find a way to defeat you at your own game missy. Don't think that the leader of the house of demul will be denied his glory." Looking on her images, he began to randomly attack them, striking at them, he couldn't see with his true sight. He knew he was going to lose, she commanded this tiny pocket of shadows, she had taken his trump card away. But he would not go down without a fight, he wouldn't let his neice have the pleasure of killing him easy.
-
As they closed in on the battle area she started to look for any sign of their mother. She could see her mother's dragon's buten not her anywhere. Her heart raced as she could see anyting of Raven, even a dead body was better.
Belle glanced back to Meredith"Please go look more about the castle there while I stay over the battle field. We will have a better chance to find her if we seperate. If either gets into trouble we just call out and the other comes."
She turned back around and continud her search over the peole fighting. They all were pretty good at fighting for what ever was the purpose of this one.
She tought to herself, oh mother how could you make us worry. Please show yourself to use so we know you are ok.
-
Her eyes grazed each body as they flew over the battle below. Meredith looked to Belle listening to her words knowing that was best to find her before Tempest did. Giving her sister a nod she headed quickly to the castle. She did a fly over of it before slowly flying around, eyes spied a group of people walking.
Tempest looked back to make sure that Belle was ok then looked back to the ship. She made the approach slow and nonthreatening, last thing she wanted to was scare them. Seemed that some of them were hurt each to a different degree. She looked to Joie giving him a command to circle the castle while she got a look at the group of people. Meredith's eyes looked closely at those walking looking for the leader of the group. She spotted a lady that had people staying close by her. She had Razven fly little ways ahead of them, getting ina squat upon his back. Razven turned around and flew lower to the ground. As he fly closer to the people Meredith dropped from his back, landing on the ground little ways from the female(Honor). In a bit of a quick step she moved towards Honor hoping that she had heard or even seen their mother.
-
Beads of sweat rolled down the Paladin's brow, hidden behind the armoured faceplate of his winged helm, as the Knight exerted himself to his fullest, bringing his mighty blade down upon the hordes of Darkthorne, again and again. Time seemed nonexistent, a second and an eternity wrapped into one. The Champion of Ul'thyr had rode into battle at King Orn's right hand, breaking into the lines of darkness like a wave. He had spent his lance in that first charge, and had quickly unsheathed the large, double-handed templar sword in which had been strapped to his destrier's saddle. The Paladin bore a shield upon his left forearm, a golden falcon emblazed on the white steel, whilst he slashed with the sword in his right. Moments in battle seemed hours, hours seemed moments ... Time had no place on the fields of war, every bloody second flashing in and instant, and slowing forever. Such had been the fall of King Orn - the steel blue eyes of Aureon had stared in horror across many a-foe, watching as the Paladin's King was stricken down. The Champion of Ul'thyr found himself crying out to his King as he began fighting towards the Whitethorne King, slashing down at his enemies from atop his steed, Eidon. Yet, no matter how hard the Paladin fought, he could not make it to his King's side before Orn was cut down. Aureon watched as the King of Ul'thyr slowly fell to the muddy, blood-soaken ground, the white robes of the King becoming soiled by both ground and the life's blood that spilt from the King himself.
If you were to ask Aureon now, how long it had been since Orn had fallen, he would been unable to tell you. The events of the battle flashed like a wildfire, between the moment Isolde rushed to her father's side, to her fierce decree to bring down the legions of Darkthornes, and the now ... Aureon fought with the strength of the Angelic Host, singing out loudly within his winged helm to his God, praying for the redemption and salvation of the tainted and lost, all the while cutting down the demons of darkness that threatened the lives of the innocent.
Those steel blue eyes - startling to behold - fixed upon the battlements of Demise as his newly appointed Queen pointed towards the Blackthorne Queen and began to head towards the woman's side. Aureon brandished his steel, striking away a Darkthorne warrior by bashing the beast with the solid steel of the Paladin's shield, and then the Champion of Ul'thyr dug his heels into the flanks of Eidon, leading the mighty charger towards the battlements. The Whitethornes had come here with a mission, and they would see it come to fruition. King Orn's death would not be in vain, Aureon promised to Paladine, and his death would be avenged tenfold. And so, the Paladin began to charge through the hordes of Darkthorne soldiers, heading after the queen, Isolde, for the Knight would not abandon the Daughter of Orn to complete her father's charge alone.
-
Longinus couldn't tell if he were dreaming or if he was really hearing Raven's voice. The rain had stopped and the sun was slowly coming out, the sound of battle still roared on. His joints ached, his muscles were soar, he was hot, and the wounds were finally taking their toll. Longinus shook his head to get a bit of clarity, looking back to Raven. " I may have one foot in the grave, but the other is just fine. I don't think Tempest will be harming you anymore, I had no other choice, she escaped and attacked me. She told me she killed your husband, that she would kill me and then you. I think I failed in hoping that she could change, then again, not everyone can." Longinus put his hand down on the ground and bent his uninjured knee, slowly rising up. He reached out and put his hand against the wall as he stood. He was light headed and needed rest and healing, food and drink wouldn't be that bad either.
The battle wasn't over yet, but he knew he couldn't fight another battle, he'd done all he could. " I don't think I'll be much use in battle however, I've worn myself out today, I think if I fight one more battle I'll be on the losing end." Longinus walked with Raven, letting her guide him to wherever they were going. " I'm sorry about Tempest..." Longinus limped, trying not to put anymore pressure on his leg then he had to.
-
Eduardo listened to her story, he knew all to well about blood dolls, many of his old family had them. He had seen many sites in the lands around here, seen the cruelty of slave auctions. He knew slavery had been abolished here in Velusia, after the feline humanoids came here seeking refuge. He was here when they came, set up their own little city in the far corner of the lands. He had heard all about the slave auctions, seen them. He spoke to her again in her mind, " Freedom is sometimes a scary thing, because you have to make your own way. But at the sametime after you've had it, you never want to let it go again. I've wandered too long myself, I have enough of me to build myself a place here after the war. Not much in the way of money, but I'm a skilled farmer, if anything you can stay with me. It's not much, but it's better then a life of slavery or wandering around aimlessly with no place to stay."
Eduardo turned looking at the gates, they wouldn't stop, he knew the Darkthornes had no understanding of the word retreat. Even retreat for them was only temporary, they never went far from the place they were trying to take. Eduardo created another blade from the air, he swung it a few times making sure he hadn't made it unbalanced. Giving out a sigh, he looked to her and smiled, " I'll have some of my clones come here and watch over you, I think I should go make sure once and for all this gate doesn't fall." Eduardo whistled as a few of his boys came over to Anna and stood around her, they were the same as him, they were him. He was unique in one thing, that he was not of this realm, nor was he ever born.
Eduardo ran over to the gate and began to draw on the earth itself this time, pulling up a wall of dirt,stone, and roots in front of the gate. Eduardo began to order his clones here and there, taking up positions along the battlements. They'd go and begin to engage the Darkthornes with ranged attacks trying to avoid melee at all cost.
-
Raven stood there loking to his face as he looked back at her. Seemed that he was having trouble telling ig she was really there or not. Seeing that Longinus shook his head some.
"You may have one foot in the grave but the other one is not following it. We shall see look into getting th one out of the grave."
His words about Tempest hit her hard, like a person punching her in the gut. Raven may have had her issues with her sister but still loved her. Slowly her head turned looking to her sister's body realising that she should have known that Tempest was dead. Tears did not roll til she heard the news about her huband. Turning her eyes away from Tempest's body Raven made her way back to her feet.
Taking a deep breath she placed herself close to Longinus in case he needed any help along the way. Raven sent out a mesage to Phantom to come land near them.
"You say that you had no choice to kill her yet, you stop us in Belgada from killing each other. Why is it that you could not have disarmed her or something so she could be questioned?
I had heard rumors shortly after my husband was killed that it was Tempest that did it. But I wanted to question her why she did and how she could kill a child that could not lift a sword yet."
Raven grew quiet as they walked to where Phantom waited for them. She ran ideas through her head what drove Tempest do the things she did. Their father treated them pretty much the same as they grew up. There would be no tears shed for Tempest, only wonder if she was to blame. She watched the dragon land a few feet in front of them, Phantom turned looking to them.
"Take it easy getting up on his back, you can use the edge of his wing if it helps getting up."
Raven kept close so if Longinus needed a bit of help getting on Phantom. Once he was up she would slide in front of him then take him where he could be healed.
-
From this position Anna was free of danger or even defeat now. Her thoughts took in his words, mulling over them as he made his offer to give her a place here with him. With him? She watched as the gate was reinforced by his unique control over the earth. Yet, he was standing around her in threes almost watching over her as he had when he was a much larger figure of himself. It should be strange, odd and rather frightening to some that one person could be so many. Anna, however, could not see it as something to be frightened of, if anything it was an asset.
Still on the ground she shifted reaching her hand soaked with her own blood and mixed with that of the Darkthorne enemies. A steady and firm hand gripped hers and carefully brought her back up to her feet. Sore muscles and a half healed wound still in her side caused her to wince for a moment. The same expression etching over each Eduardo that stood around her. Still weak from her captor?s foolish attempts to cut of her air and then drain her of blood was still affecting her system. The gentle tilt of the universe was all she needed to tell herself that healing naturally would take a few mornings of sleeping in. Her hand was given a resting place in his hand as another arm kept her steady against the ground.
Was it strange to have so many of the same man doting upon her? Was it strange that in the heat of a battle she found what she hoped for in coming to this city? Hope? Anna would not necessarily call it hope that brought them together. She would have been satisfied even with a position as a barmaid in some tavern here, as long as she had a safe place to stay and a comfortable bed and meal to have. Now she was offered a home in this man. Yet, it wasn?t the strangeness of him that drove her to question this, rather it was her near readiness to fall into this situation with a prayer to some goddess in the heavens. Not that she believed much in deities or faith?s but Anna was beginning to understand why people did such things in these times.
Most of her old wounds, from a bad day with a guard among the auctions were healed. However, her side where the blade sliced through precious needed skin was only half healed and still stung as if the blade was still running through the cut while pouring salt in it simultaneously. Her head pounded as she tried to understand her desire to simply fall into Eduardo?s life, as if she were bought by him?Anna gasped almost audibly as she came to a stop in her thoughts. Is that why? No surely it is because he is kindred?has suffered?. We understand each other?He would never?First her eerie stare glanced sharply to the Eduardo commanding, then to the one who held her steady. And her mind asked nearly out loud if she were speaking, Or would he?
-
She watched the emotion on his face, in his eyes as she pushed him back. It was the best opportunity to take a look into the depths of his dark soul, and it was the one thing that could give her the edge. She had wounded him, not physically, but emotionally...mentally. Her words had been a dagger, and his subconscius its victim. She couldn't undertand how, but somehow....she knew. She knew he had emotion for another, something stronger than hate...something like love. At his outburst she narrowed her eyes at him.
" We are different, you and I. You thrive off your hate, you seek to oppress others for crimes against you that do not exist. Open your eyes Prasutagus, perhaps if you would simply ask to come home...we may have welcomed you with open arms...as a family should."
Her words were cut off as he raged about her knowledge on love. What did she know about love? She knew that love came with heartache, uncertainty...and the greatest amount of joy one could ever fathom. Love was a risk. It was the very thing that kept people fighting to live. Love could kill a person's soul, or bring it to new heights. There was much she knew about love....and sorrow.
For only a second her eyes glanced at Einar who had come to aid her. As they came back to Prasutagus she gasped, eyes widening. He was nearly on top of her! Sucking in her breath she had no time to bring the sword up so she did the only thing any one could in the situation. She hit the dirt and prayed he could not stop his momentum enough as she rolled into his feet hoping to trip him.
-
Her grin was a sickening sight. Once beautiful youthful face was now the vision of horror. Skin was pasty white, grey even, and looking corroded. Her mouth, a gaping mawl. A snake like hiss escaped blacken lips as he breathed fire at her. This time the weather worked to her advantage. Or so she thought. As soon as the flame was almost upon her the rain stopped. Widening her gaze she leapt back to avoid being skalded.
As the flames died away she gazed where he had been only to find him gone. Whipping her head around with a snarl, she searched the field only to turn that gaze upwards as the roar came from above. Grinning she stood her ground until the last minute, then using her speed she spun forward, leaving his swords nothing but air to strike as her hands came up with talons spread. She viciously swiped at his form hoping to rip his gut open as he came down.
Anyone knew, when in a battle, it was best to keep your feet on the ground. What goes up....must come down.
-
Kaydean?s Lifethreads change was easier to watch and interpret than Cebreese?s. It disturbed her to know that Cebreese knew of Reagan?s influence on the family and prayed to the Fate?s that he had forgotten his threat to bring her despised middle brother back from the dead. Cold dread filled the pit of her stomach. Fear, not for herself, fear for her brother Vahn. He tried to stand up to his older brother, again and again in vain. If she had not used her influence in the court and enchanted the masks, Vahn would have eventually been consumed by his brother?s power-hungry madness. She felt no remorse. Reagan and her parents deserved the fruits of their malicious dealings. And if Reagan, Queen Francesca or her lecherous warlord father rose from the dead, Honor vowed to rip their Lifethreads from the Cosmic Tapestry so that they may never harm another soul ever again.
Her thoughts soften as Kaydean introduced himself and blamed himself for Cebreese?s machinations. The poor young man reminded her of Vahn in his youth, blaming himself for being unloved by his mother and father and the cruel sport of his older brother. A gentle sigh escaped her full lips placed a motherly arm around his shoulder and guided him towards the lavish manorhouse. The lady?s hands were soft and cold on her hip hung a coiled bullwhip, the white shirt transparent by the rain, clung to her womanly curves cinched by her black satin corset. She wore a pair of man?s trousers wet, muddy and molded to her form and her brunette tresses tumbled around her fair face.
Honor stopped them both turning him to face her, grasping his armored shoulders. Her wide blue-grey eyes pierced him as she shook her head at his self incrimination. ?No Kaydean. You were a pawn, a means to an end to hurt your father. The true game was between your father and his brother. I am positive that your father will forgive you because there is nothing to forgive; you said you were made forget. Cebreese was the wrong-doer, not you. Your half-uncle,? she touched the unconscious man?s hand for a brief moment. ?Vincent has given Cebreese a taste of his own medicine by erasing part of his memories. Now, you are reunited with your father. He will be healed and in the end all will be as it should be. We become stronger through our experiences.?
She turned a fraction and addressed her trusted confidante. ?Cordelia, run ahead see to it that Vincent?s accommodations are made on the same floor as Kaydean and father are settled into the adjoining apartment. Summon my healers to attend them immediately.?
The appearance of a Dragonrider usually heralded the arrival of news from the Blackthornes. Her coterie came to attention. One of the Shard acted as emissary and approached the rider. ?State your business.? His tone was forceful and to the point.
Honor gave him a comforting look and released Kaydean from her kind grip. ?Excuse me for a moment, Kaydean. This could be important.? and started towards the rider and her knight.
-
Meredith held her head high as the knight appraoched her. He asked her what was her business.
"My sister and I have been in search of our mother, to bring her news of our aunt. I was hoping to speak with the leader of your people."
Her eyes looked behind him to the people that were behind him. Meredith noticed that the lady that was surrounded by people was heading toward them.
"If need be I may be of help getting the worse off people to where you go faster then walking. I bring nor wish to bring harm to any here."
-
Prautagus could almost taste victory, it was finally within his grasps, the rain slowly began to stop it's assult. As the sun came out, his armor glistened, the battlefield behind them was still raging on. As she turned, and his axes came down closer and closer to that delicate neck. She turned and he could see his reflection in her eyes, she ducked. He looked down to see her rolling towards his feet, he pushed with his right foot. He soared over her rolling form coming down almost, falling off the battlement. He balanced there for a moment, his arms flapping as he leaned dangerously forward, he quickly went back. He twirled around and pushed with his right foot again as she was standing up. His axes went to his side as he madly charged at her, the stained glass windows behind her reflected them both.
" Raaaaarrrghh!" he was tiring of her struggle, of her defiant fight against him. Against his glory and the chance for the crown to fall into the hands of it's rightful wearer. Why wouldn't she just give up, what could she possibly be fight for? Was it her son, maybe her brother, or some unknown lover, whatever it was, he had his reasons as well. Reasons that drove him like a machine, driving him to the ever closing glory that would be his. He put all his strength into the charge, he would plunge them both into the windows in an attempt to both gain stable ground, and give her, her final rights. It was time for this battle to come to an end, for Darkthorne to finally win, to finally conquer the one land that refused to submit to their rule. The one challenge that would bring an endless peace to his clan, with their enemies destroyed, their lands taken.
There would be only one fate, one driving force and that would be the Darkthornes.
-
Shamus felt the ripping of armor and flesh, as she avoided both the flames and his swords. His mind was closing in on that thin line, the line between madness and sanity. His form rolled across the ground and the rage built, his veins pulsed as the mindset of a berserker took over. His hand went to his wounded gut, he looked upon his own blood and smeared it on his face. Foaming at the mouth, his eyes went white as he stood again and came at her relentlessly. The only thing that drove him now was to kill her, his mind no longer determined who was friend or foe, they all were viewed the same. His swords came up towards her neck, he'd make her kneel, just before he lopped off her head. His form ran as though his weight were dead, his swords dragged along the ground as his white eyes stared straight ahead.
The wind whistled about them as the pools of water rippled, the rain slowly began to stop. The sun now looked down upon the battlefield, it's warm gaze could not be felt by Shamus. The witch must die, Demise smoked in the background as the Zalentran knights closed in to their king. Shamus's muscled tensed up become like corded steel rope, the fur about his shoulders was wet, as his hair was. His armor was covered in water, that slowly dried as he made his charge straight ahead to the queen of the Darkthornes, the crimson witch.
-
Eduardo had his demons to deal with, he knew that some day karma would kick him in the butt. He'd done so much evil in his life, not because he was evil, but because it was all he knew. All he knew to begin with, but as he learned of other ways, he slowly took them in. He had the capacity to be either good or evil, he chose his path though. He chose what would be his future, no one else. Eduardo wouldn't allow anyone else to decide for him, never again. Eduardo watched a lone horseman trample the Darkthorne Dramund. Eduardo could sense it, this was the fiend who had been behind the enchantment that had cut off everyone's ties to other realms. Eduardo watched the one known as Cebreese, who had obviously changed sides. He was fighting Dramund, whatever cruel twist of fate had turned Cebreese, it was welcomed.
Eduardo saw Dramund's armor flatering in it's enchantment, saw the demon slowly changing to a man. He was blinded and his armor had become his prison, Eduardo raised his hand. It was time to show a little of his evil, to show what kind of weapon he was. His arm began to glow with blew orbs drifting about it. His hand seemed to disappear as roots twisted about where his finger tips once were. A spiral of blue light appeared along his arm as he focused on Dramund and without hesitation launched a blast of ionic energy at Dramund's form. He hoped Dramund burned in hell for all the lives he'd taken. Dramund was there that day, he served Cebreese then and it was his men that took Jill captive.
Eduardo bit his rage back though, he knew to give in would result as before. Eduardo had once laid his sword down for peace, once given up fighting to help build a future. After this war was over, he would try that again. Perhaps he could build him a house, plant him a farm, but he would have to make sure peace was kept. If there were any openings in Demise's military, Eduardo might just apply. Peace could never be kept by laying down one's arms. It could only be maintained by vigilance and dedication to perserving it. Even if it meant fighting for it, he could protect Demise, the city which would come under many enemy attacks. For any enemy wishing to march on Velusia would have to come through here, that is after they crossed the barren outlands of Belgada.
One of the Eduardos near Anna turned to her and smiled, speaking to her in her mind, " It's your life, you have freedom, and you have the chance to make it whatever you will. I know my healing powers caused you to shy away, but I can apply a healing salve to the wound, it will fight off infection and aide in the natural healing process, if you wish." The clone reached into a pouch at his belt, he carried various items with him. Sometimes the power of knowledge was greater then magic. It was easier for many to accept and understand, magic shouldn't be used all the time anyway. Eduardo hated using his power, it made him stick out even more when he did, but times like this it came in handy. But it always drew in those eyes he wanted to keep off him. Those eyes of the hungry men and women that saw a use in his powers. Saw him not as Eduardo, but as a weapon, a tool to be used for their own selfish needs.
It's why Eduardo wandered rather then settled down, but here he felt he could have a chance. They used a type of mechanics that was even interesting in his eyes. Magic would probably seem barbaric to these people rather then awe inspiring and simplistic.
-
Longinus looked to Raven, it was clear she had hoped her sister could be saved. Perhaps she could, but it would have to wait for after the battle, there were ways to bring the dead back.
" I wanted to disarm her, I asked her to put the sword down, but disarming someone who is on top of you, trying to kill you, it's not as easy a task as it sounds. Had I thought there was a way I would have attempted it, I didn't want to kill her. I knew it wouldn't make you happy, I knew that she might have a chance of being saved, but she didn't seem like she wanted to be saved. My head is a blur, when one is in battle they have little time to think, it's more of reaction and instinct, it's what defines someone's skill. I had her sword pinned under my arm, but had I tried any other attack on her, she could have disarmed me and slain me. If you want her back, I think there might be a way, but it's dangerous."
Longinus knew he would regret it, but he knew one way for sure to bring Tempest back.
-
Raven looked to his face as he spoke to her of how he had no coice but kill her or be killed. That her knew a way that Tempest could be brought back to life but it was dangerous. She brought her hands up and placing one on each arm. Raven took a deep breath as while staring to his blue eyes.
"There is no way that you are going to do anything dangerous to bring her back. I did not risk my life to rescue you to loose you to have her black heart beat again."
She lowered eyes for Raven did not want him to see how she really felt for him. Raven thought that she would never find another that she felt close to. Taking a deep breath she finished speaking her thought.
"Let her rest wether it with the beasts of hell or being among those that she had killed. I cold not live with myself if she went back to killing."
Slowly she brought her eyes back to his face hoping that he would understand. And he would let the fate that came to Tempest be and not change it by bringing her back.
-
The taint of Darkthorne that clung to her blood sang with glory at the draw of first blow. Silver eyes glittered deep in the black helm as she continued to circle him even while he attacked each image cutting thru the inky darkness only to see the illusion fade and his blade dip into the shadowed vortex. The entity was full and well powered from its previous feasting upon the battlefiled and now as Syndicale's own shadow touch the blade of its mistress it used some of that energy and power to spill over the ground at their feet, quickly spreading out to cover it.
She matched him blow for blow and swing for swing shifting from one image to the next meeting him face to face as each gaze glittered and challanged for more. The shadow walker grunted as Syndicale's blade bit thru her armor to bury into her left side, as the blade slipped free she stepped back into the wall. Reaching down to graze over the wound with her knuckles Analisa lifted them bloodied to her face and seconds later the helm faded away like mist to reveal her lovely pale features with the golden tattoo upon it and pulled back mass of sweat dampened blonde hair. The tip of her tongue darted out to taste the crimson smears and she shivered at the flash of pain before the shadows swamped in to steal the sensation and seal the wound. Dropping back into fighting stance she felt the helm as it was formed back into place.
"We are far from similar.. Syndicale Darkthorne fore you see I was tainted by the Darkthorne and yet strong enough to walk away." Down to but a few images left and each one condemned him with little more then the grate of every word spoken. "Tell your maker an old friend says hello.", she grunted as another strike found a hit on her upper right arm.
As he continued to strike out she took the opportunity to strike back aiming for the center of his spine as she stepped out of the shadow wall behind him starting the blade low with a strike meant to sever the spine. The runic markings upon the blade glowed brightly as it's weilders blood slid down along its whisper thin length like a sacrifice to its held power. "Glory...",she smirked,"I'll deny you all that I can for as long as it is possible." The darkness at his feet crept up to ankle height as it caressed the ground in a fog like manner.
-
His long black hair flew behind as the hazel eyes looked at the treees before them. Nikko had tired of hanging in the walls of his family's castle. They all knew that his spirit was to wild to be caged within the walls of the home. It never surprised them when he disappeared not being found for hours. They only asked that he be armed incase of any surprise that he may come across. Nikko sat up letting the winds blow over cooling him down.
Nikko brought the horse to a quick stop seeing red in the distance. With the quiet about him he could make out yells of people fighting. He wondered how something like this could happen without him knowing. Deep down her knew that family would be angery with him. But he loved nothing better then a good fight other then making love to a woman.
He nudged the horse in the ribs sending it off in the direction of the fighting. Nikko lowered his body making them more areodynamic.
Just as they closed in on the battle he quickly with drew his blade and brought it out. As her charged in he took a couple heads off and wounds another. One close enough could see the joy on his face at killing those around him. Seeing that the Darkthornes were here explained just what brought this all on. He left the others alone so to help take down the enemy.
-
The noble woman walked closer, cautious of the dragon and its rider. The lady shook her dark head. Neither young nor old, she held an ageless quality in her bearing. ?We appreciate your offer of aid. I fear that we have too many injured and not enough dragons.?
"I have two dragons as does my sister we could move them few at a time. Which may prolog their life to where they shall live another day." Her eyes went and looked over those that stood some distance form them. "But I have the mission that brought us here as well to deal with. I do not mean to be rude but I look for your king."
The crowd laughed. Honor smiled. ?Milady, I am the Queen Regent of the House of Demise. I am their leader.?
Her mouth falls open "I am sorry m'lady please for give me." Bows down. " But we have been traveling for may days. Seems that faces have started to become one."
The rider amused her. It was not everyday that she was told that she blended in with the crowd. ?You may rise.? The Demise queen chuckled kindly. ?What is it you need to address, young dragonrider??
Meredith stands back up looking to the queen. "We have been traveling in search of our mother finding to no luck. She was not at either place that she usually resides." She gave a quick glance to the knight returning her eyes to the queen. "Then we started to take look upon the lands that have connections with the Blackrose."
Honor cocked an eyebrow with interest. ?Pray tell your mother is who??
"Our mother is Raven Dragonheart, she too is a dragonrider."
?If I remember correctly, she is in the service of Reinne and Shamus Blackthorne. The Blackthornes are assisting us in repelling the siege. If you wish to come with us to the manor house, we can search out your mother after we get the wound settled.? To know who was who was very important to Honor, using the Queen?s Mirror she keep tabs most of the important coming and goings in Velusia. Raven had just appeared in Lochland not too long ago.
"Helping is the least that I can do for your help. Just let me know where my help can be of the greatest use." Meredith's eyes looked over the lot of the moving away from the battle. She would get word to her sister when she was sure about mother.
Honor motioned for the worst of the wounded to be brought forward and she nodded with gratitude. ?Demise manor is past the cathedral beside Le Academia. Take the worst that can travel by way of dragon. The rest will have to travel by foot.?
Meredith looked the wounded over trying to pick the lucky few that would be moved faster. She motioned for couple of people to come forward. Carefully she helped them upon Joie, pointing to another and helped him up. Meredith brought forward couple of the younger males placing them upon the back of Razven.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, the luxurious manorhouse in the heart of Demise had been converted to a triage and hospital. Pampered courtiers rolled up their sleeves and began tending to the wounded. Pride filled her heart. Nearly three days had passed with no sleep for the Demise queen, she yawned with weariness expending much of her energy in the last two: the rescue of her brother and the siege of her country. Vincent and his half brother were settled in bedrooms with an adjoining sitting area. Outside the battle was pitched; inside there was a stillness that sat in juxtaposition to the noise and rage of battle. No time to sleep. Honor had quickly changed into a simple gown and ran a brush through her dark tresses. Tiredly she joined dragonrider in the war room to scrye for her mother.
((joint post of Meredith and Honor))
-
Meredith followed Honor to the warroom looking the place over as they moved along the hallway. She slipped off gloves and slide them between her and a belt. Long red locks cascaded along her back as brown eyes enjoyed the beauty of the place. Meredith thinking that she may try and find employment here. Here she may be close enough to her mother to make her happy. While having a place to live and work away from her.
"Do you live in this place by yourself or is more family?"
She noticed that Honor was getting tired form what must from fight in the battle. It must be hard running a plce that depended on her to keep them safe. Thou at the same time she had no worry wether she was going to eat of drink that day.
"On behalf of my sister and I, thank you. Thanks to you we are able to end our search for our mother. Thou she is more thankful then i being that she begged me to come."
-
She hoped that Meredith would be ok being she out of sight. Being that she had not yelled out was a good sign unless, she decided try do it herself.
Belle had Darius fly low over the battle so to get a better look at those below. She saw many people down there either fighting or they were dead. There might be a chance that few were closing on their last breath. While they flew over the battle she had Desari help the other dragons blast the enemy with fire.
Wonder went through her mind seeing the other two dragons in the sky blasting the area with fire. The looked lot like that of her mother's but she was no where to be found. The younger one looked quite a bit like that her aunt rode upon. She to was no where to be found which put worry in her.
-
Freedom, it was merely a word right now with sentiments of a faint hope attached to them from the barely remember days of her training. Now she was offered her chance at knowing what it was. Anna watched the clone Eduardo next to her begin to fish around in a pouch. Quickly her own hands reached for his wrists. A gentle pull bringing them out as she responded, correcting him on her shy actions,
~I wasn?t shy about being touched by magic. I was fearful that you would know what I am?What I was. I understand healing in both ways though I have little training in healing others or even myself with magic but I know I can if I have to. I have little on many things with my powers beyond keeping them in check from chaos. I know more about natural healing, but it doesn?t make me have an aversion to one way or the other.~
Her grip was soft and barely a caress most would say. Anna always had a light touch with those she trusted, or was loyal to. It was a habit of her training more than her nature. Really she could be the most deadliest creature many have ever known, or the sweetest angel anyone had ever kissed. The duality of her personality often made those who were commanding her suspicious of her mental state. Yet, the only thing she was lacking was the training to manipulate her mental powers.
When she had eventual brought his hands back out of the pouch she stopped moving to take his hand again allowing the steadiness of his sturdy frame.
~You are taxing your energy now, stretching it between too many of you. My wound can wait for awhile. It was a clean cut just a sharp blade wielded by a corrupt fiend, it is bound to sting for a bit. I can wait.~
With that, Anna?s stare moved along the battlements watching observing and filling in a space of a fresh look for the many Eduardo?s that stood around her and still fought as if with an undying energy. Her lungs still hurt from lack of oxygen, bruises had formed around the length of her neck. Some were still showing faint signs of the fiends gripped indentations. It was only contrasted by the paleness of her skin and the stark white hair that was not smudged or drying in the sluge that was the corrupted blood of the enemy.
-
Syn gritted his teeth, even if she killed him here, he would find a way back. Find some way out of hell to come back for his revenge, some way. He hadn't sold his soul just to be destroyed by her. She resembled her mother, every once in a while, he couldn't tell the two apart. If he didn't know better, he'd say she carried the strength her mother once had. Him and his sister had forged their kingdom with their bare hands. Fought for everything they had, and after the fight was over, she quit. He hungered for battle, it never left his system, but she resigned herself to the duties of a monarch. Syn had seen their kingdom of warriors grow weak, everyone took in the peace.
Maybe it was never meant for him, but he would not give up, never, he would die fighting.
" I'm surprised your father never told you...hehe he's probably too ashamed. Your brother never survived did he, it's a shame really, I didn't know she was with child when I unleashed the plague. If I'd known, I might have stolen the child away to raise as my own. That way you would have faced your brother today instead of me. Did your father ever tell you about your family's past, I'm sure he painted a beautiful picture. Strahd served me, I had him take your father out, but he couldn't kill him. So I told him to keep him prisoner, while I took out his family. I failed in that, and your father was set free...."
Syn slashed at another image and as the blade met resistance, he smiled, he had hurt her. Bringing the blade up to his lips, his tongue snaked out and licked her blood off his blade.
" Tell my maker...hah why don't you tell him, you'll be joining him soon.."
Syndicale began to look for his next target to strike, he was feeling a rush, he could win this battle. His ears caught the sound all too late as the blade stabbed into his spine. His hand relaxed dropping his blade as he fell to his knees. Only a few things flashed through his head as his mind slowly decended into darkness. For a moment he had freedom, before the darkness consumed the soul it owned. His body fell forward, into the darkness that had been knee deep.
-
Sigonus and Lucan entered the cathedral, Sigonus held a hand out keeping Lucan near the door. He turned left and right looking around to make sure it was safe.
" I think will be safe here.."
Sigonus raised his newly made staff up and tapped it against the floor, the head of the staff began to glow. It sought out anything evil, it would tell them for sure if they were safe.
Nothing, he sighed in relief, turning back to Lucan, he knelt down and touched Lucan's shoulders.
" Look if anything should happen, I want you to run, find a safe place to hide, okay? No matter what happens, you can't let yourself get hurt, or captured, your dear mother would be sad if anything else happens to you."
Lucan nodded and they began to walk deeper into the cathedral, thanks to his elven blood, Sigonus could see through the darkness here. However Darkthornes had a way of getting around being seen, if they came here, he'd have to defend it himself, in order to keep Lucan safe.
Sigonus looked around at the lavishness of the cathedral, he had seen some beautiful sights like this back in Lochland. But to think of something like this way out here on the border city of Demise. He'd never been to Demise, never, not even once. He spent most his time in Lochland, but now he was realizing the sights he missed by staying in just one place.
-
"Do you live in this place by yourself or is more family?"
"My brother and I are all that is left of the ruling family line. I live here, but my brother comes and goes by his discretion." Honor could only image that Vahn had found something to amuse him. The very thought of Vahn made her smile. How she had missed him! Now he and Vincent were back and soon the universe would be set right.
She noticed that Honor was getting tired form what must from fight in the battle. It must be hard running a plce that depended on her to keep them safe. Thou at the same time she had no worry wether she was going to eat of drink that day.
"On behalf of my sister and I, thank you. Thanks to you we are able to end our search for our mother. Thou she is more thankful then i being that she begged me to come."
"The sacrifices that we make for family." The lady nodded in understand and waved her hand over the table. Her weary eyes capture Meredith's. "Tell the mirror of what you seek."
-
Cebreese watched Eduardo's attack melt the armor of Dramund, and then only the man was left. Mikhail's horse came trampling over the former demon knight, the sound of bones crunching made Cebreese turn away for a moment. When he turned back, Mikhail and the horse were gone, had it just been an illusion? Or perhaps it was fate drawing him back to old friends by making them appear before him. Cebreese walked over and looked on the form of Dramund, he was dead, if it had been an illusion, it was a deadly one. Cebreese thrust his sword into Dramund's heart, and smiled, he twisted the blade and spat on the broken body at his feet. " Goodbye cousin..."
Cebreese turned and walked across the street, his feet splashing in a puddle here and there. His hair was drying now thanks to the fire and the end of the rain. Pushing open the door to the house he had seen Ion deposit Othium in, Cebreese made his way over to the bed. Othium lay there unconscious, Cebreese ran his hand through Othium's hair. " My son...if only I could tell you I'm your father.." Cebreese took out a pendant, it belonged to Othium's mother, they never really loved one another. Didn't have a chance to, Cebreese might know what love was had he been given that one chance. He tossed the pendant down on Othium's chest, and inspected the wound to the young man's head.
It was only a flesh wound, it wasn't anything to concern himself over, Othium was his only child. Cebreese had never spoke to Othium, had him placed under another commander for training. He had done everything he could to keep his distance from Othium, until now. Cebreese turned and walked out the door, looking to the battlements, Ion and Einar where slowly becoming out numbered. Cebreese turned and looked to the Eduardos and Anna, he turned back and began walking towards the steps. His eyes caught the dead form of Magnus laying there, Cebreese, continued up the stairs, slowly as arrows flew past him here and there. One struck him in the shoulder, he gritted his teeth, and refused to let his pain become vocalized on his lips.
He plucked the arrow out and looked it over, a goblin was standing on the battlement notching another arrow. Before he could Cebreese rushed him knocking the creature over. He planted a boot on the creature's chest and stabbed one of his swords into the creature's groin. As he put his other sword to the creatures neck, " thats it scream for me.." the creature was screaming already from the pain as Cebreese began to lop off it's limbs one by one. His katana raked across the battlement's stone, flames errupted upon it again as he ran towards the large group of Darkthornes ahead of him. " Comes brothers and sisters, let me compose a song of suffering and pain from your dying breaths!"
His katanna chopped off the arm of an orc as he ducked under a Darkthornes blade, he impaled one standing in front of him on his katanna. The body burst into flames and with a kick he pushed it back onto the crowd around it, as he turned to cut from the groin up at the one who slashed at him before. As another darkthorne came running up, he brought his blade down onto it's head and cut it in two, blood splattered upon Cebreese. The Darkthornes remembered him, they stepped back for a moment, before realizing they would die for retreating also. They came forward and he slashed and chopped again and again before their numbers finally over took him. They fought hard to keep him down, but he stood up again killing them one by one. They stepped back again, his form was covered in bruises, blood of his enemies and his own, he had cuts all over him.
Cebreese was the Darkthorne's champion once, but now he was their worst nightmare. " I will not give up, I will fight, until I can fight no more." The Darkthornes came at him again as he slashed around himself, keeping them at sword's length. Each one that stepped up was delt with quickly so he could be ready for the next. He wasn't going to let them overrun him again, just then people wearing the Whitethorne emblem began to cut their way into the group. The Darkthornes began to fall in greater numbers now as Cebreese was giving reinforcements. Cebreese grinned a laugh escaping his lips, as the Whitethornes secured the area around Cebreese, he fell to his knees. His wounds were nothing serious, but he had reached his limit in weakness. " You go on, I'll be fine.." he told the Whitethornes as he knelt there looking out on the battlefield.
The sun's beams came down on a scene of hell itself, Cebreese watched the lands he loved so much being destroyed before his eyes. It sickened him, but there was little he could do, he cut that thought short rising to his feet again. He still had breath, was still alive, like hell there was little he could do. Cebreese climbed down from the battlement and began to walk towards the battlefield. Hadn't he said he'd fight till he could fight no more, thats just what he was going to do. His sword crossed with another Darkthorne's and his eyes held no mercy for those that stood in his way.
-
Honor's words caught her ear like she knew what it was like to do things against ones will. Seemed that Meredith had found one that lived a life close to her's. "You have done things for your brother because he begged you? "It was great to have another to speak with about the troubles of pleasing siblings. Smile crossed her lips for the first time in days.
Meredith tilted her head some hearing Honor tell her to speak to the mirror of what she seeked. Last she knew mirrors could not hear nor show anything other then what stood before it.
Taking a deep breath she slowly let it out Meredith looked to the mirror. "i look for the where abouts of my mother Raven Dragonheart."
[/quote]
-
Belle laid down upon Darius seeing that the enemy seemed to be gettig the upper hand. She had to do something to keep that form happening. Carefully she scanned the area that needed the most help. Just as she flew by a man(Cebreese) that just steppd out on the battle field. Belle's eyes caught few darkthorne moving up a few feet from him.
She had Darius turn about so that she could help out. She got in a squat as her mother taught her, at the right moment she leaped. Belle held out her blade taking down a couple Darkthorne as she landed, only one was killed. She turned keeping the blade flat and finishing the one off. She slahed and kicked at the Darkthorne as they came. She only hoped to be to some kind of help.
As she turned a blade cut across her side driving a scream from her lips. Gritting her teeth she stabbed the Darkthorne in the chest only to turn and deal with another. Belle would not give up til all were gone or death was dealt to her.
-
Honor's words caught her ear like she knew what it was like to do things against ones will. Seemed that Meredith had found one that lived a life close to her's. "You have done things for your brother because he begged you? "It was great to have another to speak with about the troubles of pleasing siblings. Smile crossed her lips for the first time in days.
A wry smile curved the lady's red lips. "Every day of my brother's waking life."
Meredith tilted her head some hearing Honor tell her to speak to the mirror of what she seeked. Last she knew mirrors could not hear nor show anything other then what stood before it. Taking a deep breath she slowly let it out Meredith looked to the mirror. "i look for the where abouts of my mother Raven Dragonheart."
From the mirrored table arose the image of her mother beside her dragon as she earnestly to a blonde man. "They are at the wall, the battlements near the front gate." Honor observed.
She stood there staring at Raven as she spoke to the man. Meredithe looked to Honor "Do you know this man that she speaks with?"
"Not personally, only by reputation. His name is Longius," Honor peered closer, "He appears injured."
She turned form the mirror seeing her give the man sme of her time made her mad. All she ever wanted was some of her attention but business seemed to take all of that. "It should please my sister to know that she is alive and helping others like always."
With a wave of Honor's hand the image disappear and Honor took a step over to Meredith. "Something vex's you?" Honor knew the girl was jealous, wanting a scrap of her mother's time and attention.
"All the while I was growing up she could ot spare time for me. She said that someone had to make sure the place ran smoothly." She took a deep breath as she let the anger out. There was noway that she was going to let Raven get to her.
"I can empathize with your situation completely," she smiled, this time the smile did not quite reach her stormy eyes. "I would not be so trite to bore you with my own personal experiences."
Meredith turned her eyes to Honor. "How could any mother wrong you when your father had a son to teach. I would give attention to my child, leave business to the man."
A humorless laugh escaped her before she could stifle it. "You do not know Demise very well do you, young lady. My family cut their teeth on intrigue. Business is everyone's business. I am sure that you have heard the expression 'The female of the species is more deadly than the male'. It is doubly true in Demise. My mother saw me as a rival, not a her child." Her explanation held no emotion. The pain of Francesca's abandonment faded years ago leaving an empty void.
"Guess we both had mothers that did not care to show us the way. Instead they shove us to the side and do what they want. You got attention just the kind we both wanted." She lifted her head up as she did when she got serious. A suttle smirk crossed her lips. "Guess it is our turn to show them what we can do. That knocking us down just makes us stronger."
"Mine's dead." Honor said plainly. "Yours, whether she would admit it to you or not, may need you. Go to your sister and tell her where your mother is. We can talk more later. For now each of us have our own obligations."
Even thou she did not like what Honor said she was probably right. Meredith grabbed her gloves and slide them back on. "I shall leave one of the dragons here incase you need help. It shall be given orders to provide a ride to where they need to go. All they need to do is tell it where." Meredith made her way out the room and to Dazven. He eyes glanced over those within her sight.
Her ladyship followed behind Meredith closing the war room door behind her. Her youthful rebellion could prove useful to her. Honor yawned again and stretched. Her body craved the tender embrace of Morphius. To sleep was just beyond Honor's reach, unwilling to surrender to much needed slumber until she checked on her two most important guests with her own two eyes.
First, to Vincent. Physician and healers gathered bedside speaking in hushed tones. Honor glided over sitting on the opulent covers. "How is he?"
Stroking his beard, the Physican General rumbled in his resonant baritone. "Your Majesty. We are pleased to say the patient will make a full recovery. His healing is most extraordinary. The rate by which..."
Honor cut him off impatient with the physican medical clap-trap. "Merci, doctor. And how is the other Lord?"
"Very injured. Several laceration, severe loss of blo-."
Again Honor interrupted. "Get to the point. Will he or won't he live?"
The doctor wiped his brow with a linen handkerchief. "He will live."
Honor offered him a sacastic smile. "Now see, that was not so hard was it? You may leave."
She stretched out on the bed sinking in the mattress covers and exhaled deeply before rolling up resting her head on hand, watching Vincent sleep. "Vincent Blackthorne, you handsome devil, was there no way to tell me that you were in Darkthorne lands? No way to send me a message? You left me with no word. I grieved you, hated you for abandoning me."
Still he slept. Honor huffed. Until he woke up, he would not be any fun. She leaned over and buzzed his lips with a kiss and rose from the bed. Maybe Vincent's mysterious half-brother would be more entertaining. She leaned on the bedpost and blew him a kiss. "Good night my dark angel. I am glad you are home."
The parlor that joined Vincent and Adrian's rooms was dark except the glow of an oil lamp. Honor ran her fingertips over the back of the chair adjusting to the darkness.
((joint post with Meredith and Honor))
-
"Don't think I'll let you have all the fun Einar, I'm not dead yet."
Grey hues widened in surprise at hearing the voice of Ion, having thought the man dead. Fenrir flashed forth, cleaving the head of a Darkthorne soldier before the White Wolf turned, taking in the sight of the battered - but still alive - Ion Darkthorne. The Warrior couldn't help but grin with relief at the sight of the Old Knight, and with that relief surged a new vigor towards the battle he fought. Attentions returned to the Knight's front, Fenrir coming up and slashing away at the blade of an oncoming foe. Everywhere Einar looked the enemy closed in - they scaled the walls of Demise in bands, filling in the holes Einar carved every moment. The White Wolf growled in frusteration, fighting back the pain of his body, but he did not revert to his Half-Lycal form. Did not give in to the taint within him ... He fought as a man, and fought with all his heart and soul.
Left hand reached back, as knees bent slightly - the fingers of his hand finding the scramsax sheathed along the Knight's lower back. Digits closed around the long knife and unsheathed it, bringing it up in a round-about arc to slash open the newest Darkthorne foe's throat, whilst Fenrir kept the Creature from running Einar through. The Knight offered the falling Darkthorne a toothy, wolfish grin, before the Warrior pressed forwards, Fenrir in one hand - the spirit of Fenris-Wolf pulsating with bloodthirsty vigor - and the scramsax in the other. It was then that Einar saw Reinne fall.
The Knight cried out, and rushed forwards, arms slashing this was and that in a unstoppable fury. The two blades the White Wolf bore cut into everything around him, pushing back the enemy as the Knight charged to the center of the ring of Darkthornes - Damn the risks, damn the consequences, Reinne needed him! Prasutagus leapt over Einar's Queen, moving past her and nearly falling off the edge of the wall. This gave the Knight enough time to leap forwards, jumping infront of his Queen, blades flashing up infront of him as one. Fenrir brandished ahead, the tip angled towards Prasutagus, whilst the scramsax was held in a negative grip closer to the Knight's chest.
"Reinne, can you stand?" The Knight would shout towards his fallen Queen, his eyes never leaving the figure of the Darkthorne King - even as Prasutagus charged forwards with all the strength and might the man could muster. Blades flashed up, in order to catch the twin axes at the King's sides and divert them from harming either Einar himself, or Reinne. Yet, however strong Einar was, the Darkthorne King sent both men reeling backwards, soaring off the battlements and crashing backwards into the stained glass windows of the Cathedral. Pain surged through the Half-Breed's entire body, but he would have paid the price time and time again so that Reinne had not suffered Prasutagus' charge.
After the fall, Einar would move quickly to recover and compose himself, rolling away from the Darkthorne King and bringing his weapons up infront of him to defend himself. " ... Prasutagus ..." The Knight spoke, his words laced with pain, as he nodded to the King in recognition, having seen the man in passing years before, " ... You've discovered a way to return the Old Powers ..." Einar afforded the Darkthorne King a grim smile, " ... Impressive."
-
Kaydeans foot pressed against his stomach, only to kick him off of Kaydeans sword, his son still unaware of who Adrian was to the man. Though in his weakened dreaming state, Adrian found himself not finding more and more pain, but rather found himself falling, forever it would seam. There was no air, there was no ground, there were no trees nor animals or birds. it was a place void of all such obscenities of sound as light was the only blinding sorce. But in his decent from nowhere, he found himself falling softly onto he could have confused as a cloud of pillows. He felt so comfortable and warm as he felt a hand grace his face.
The touch was so soft and warm, and though he couldn't find the strength to open his eyes, he leaned into this imaginary hand, embracing it for all the love and effection that it seamed to hold towards him. He could hear voices, some that sounded vaguely familiar, while others were of those he didnt know at all.. Kaydean... His screams of begging his father not to die were making themselves clear as the hand that was touching his face pulled back slightly, almost shocked by the sound of Kaydean's voice. It remained pulled back before the fingers ran themselves through his hair. But in all actuallity, he was feeling Honor's hands running through his hair and the feeling was just carrying over to his dream. The hand played with his hair only momentarily before whispering into his ear, "There's no place here for you yet. You've left things unfinished."
But where was here? And why couldn't he come here? Here where it was so warm, quiet and peaceful. He was falling again, faster and harder before to the point that it brought some minor feeling of fear into him, heartbeat becoming dramatically faster before, before... Nothing... Weak eyes fluttered open to glance at people he didnt know, only for a second before they found themselves falling shut once more. The darkness had fallen over him again as the Demise healer's fussed over him. They were once again drowned out to the darkness, as his thoughts now focused on Reese. REESE! How was his brother? In the midsts of the battle he had been so abscent minded, so forgetful of his weakening brother, of the nightmare lord, of everything! He could only pray that Reese was alright.
He couldn't rest, he couldn't sit here and sleep, he knew it, as there was indeed much to do now that the battle was coming to its close. Forcing himself from his dreams, he let ice blue eyes find themselves fluttering open to complete darkness of the room, only to catch glimpse of soft glow from an oil lamp. He glanced around for Kaydean, but didn't see him anywhere in the room, as he assumed Kaydean was off resting a bit himself since he too had experienced much this day as any other soul on the battlefield.
Adrians hands pressed against the satin sheets that he layed upon that covered the very form of the bed, only to find that he didn't recognize the room in the least. He pressed himself up slightly with a wince of pain becoming apparent in his eyes, his blonde hair falling down before his eyes to nearly cover his face in the shadows from the light over yander. His head leaned back to rest against the wooden headboard, taking note now of the ceiling features before his chamber doors opened and he saw the outline of a figure. But of whom? That he was unclear of...
[/size]
-
Now in the doorway her exhaustion nearly consumed her, Honor felt disconnected from reality as if her soul had left her body. She was hallucinating. Adrian was sitting up in the middle of the large bed looking impossibly handsome by the etheral glow of the lamplight. Wordlessly, she shut the door locking it behind her. It must be a dream, Honor surmised. Since it was a dream conventions of reality did not apply then it would be okay to indulge her fantasy. She did not know his name. Did it really matter?
She moved slowly over to his side and crawled into the cool sheets. Honor splayed her hands over the sheets, skimming his body reveling the sensation of heat of his flesh beneath the coolness of the satin. Pressing in close, her hands continued traveling up his body of their own accord. In a familar gesture, she brushed the locks of hair away from his face. A light kiss brushed his lips, testing, tempting. Honor was powerless to stop herself, inexplicably drawn to him.
-
Sidius searched and searched looking for Lord Vahn, after finding where his lord had been, he looked to the woods. Could Lord Vahn have gone into the woods, he felt the connection Vahn had instilled upon him. It led him to the dark woods ahead, Sidius climbed up the rocks and looked around the trees. He walked into the woods more following footsteps, he came to the tree which Vahn lay beneath. Sidius turned his face, Lord Vahn was dead, he had to be. Blood was splattered all over the tree behind Vahn, his form lay there limp not moving at all. Sidius knelt down in front of Vahn's broken body and prepared to take his own life. His only friend in this world was dead and he had not been able to do anything.
As he pulled out his dagger, a grasping, wet breathing came from Vahn's form. His fingers began to twitch as if to say he still lived, Sidius fell back, his hands propped up his body. He looked to Vahn with disbelief, but sure enough Vahn was still alive. Sidius didn't know what was worse, the shape Vahn was in, or the fact he still lived in his condition. Sidius slowly began to pick up Vahn's form, he knew it must be painful. Vahn had to deal with the pain, Sidius couldn't use magic to transport Vahn to the manor. The lizard man appeared in the woods ahead of Sidius, he hissed. Something behind Sidius moved, he turned to see a glowly white figure emerge from the thicket. Sidius's mouth dropped open as the ghost of Vahn's late father stood there with a look of murder upon his face.
" You take Lord Vahn back to Demise, I'll cover your retreat...ss" The lizardman ran past Sidius towards the ghost. Sidius turned and began to slowly descend the hill from the woods. He made his way around the battlefield to the city of Demise, having to go around the back way.
Sidius kicked open the door of the manor and carefully laid Vahn's broken form down upon the floor. " I need help, Lord Vahn is in bad condition!" Sidius sat there next to Lord Vahn, the shape of Lord Vahn's face made Sidius sick to his stomach, but he knew Lord Vahn could be healed.
-
A shadow appeared atop the cathedral, the sun at it's back, it looked onto the Darkthornes. Before they had a chance to notice it, arrows pierced their backs. Zian moved forward, he could smell lycals about, their pelts were worthy trophies for a Bloodthorne. He drew his blades, they sang music, as he walked over to the remaining Darkthornes.
" Get off my roof..."
The Darkthornes turned and looked at one another, before coming at him. Zian stood there as one Darkthorne thrust his sword at Zian's head, he moved his head to the side. One of his blades came up batting the Darkthorne's blade away as he thrust his sword into the creature's gut. As two Darkthornes stood to either side of Zian, he simply stood his ground. One Darkthorne nodded to the other and they rushed at him with their blades up to impale him. As they came closer, Zian spun around and thrust his swords into their guts as they impaled one another. A fourth Darkthorne came running up behind Zian, he kicked back hitting the fiend in the center of it's stomach. The Darkthorne became off balanced and started running backwards till it fell off the roof with a loud meaty crunch, signaling it's impact.
Zian walked back to the edge of the roof and picked up his bow, he began to fire arrows down upon the Darkthornes on the battlement walls. The roof was a nice place for him to let down his rain of arrows, as they fired arrows he ducked flat. Notching his bow while he lay down, coming up and firing killing a few, then falling back flat. As he drew back once to fire, an arrow hit him straight in the chest, he clasped the wound. Rotten luck, a Darkthorne had gotten lucky, learned his pattern and fired as he rose. Zian turned laying with his back against the roof. He took out his flask of wine and drank deeply, the arrow had punctured his lung, but he had fought well. If only he'd not become to hasty and headstrong, as he lay there he thought over his life, as the ever clinging darkness slowly crept over him.
-
Meredith walked over to Joie, running a hand along his neck giving him a message. That he was to stay there so if they needed hel they would have quick travel. The person that sat upon him would tell him where they needed to go. Meredith gave him a pat and went to Dazven getting on his back.
Quickly they took to the sky and flew back towards the battle heading to were Raven was. Meredith went thtough what she would say whenshe got there. After all Raven would expect her to behave and be a lady infront of the man. Her thoughts would wonder back to Honor, knowing that she understood what she had gone through.
As she caught Raven and the man in sight they lowered their descent so to land near Phantom. Her eyes never left the two as they touched the ground. Meredith did not move for sometime looking at the two, seemed that the two cared for each other. Meredith brought a leg over and slide down Dazen to the ground.
Meredith's heart raced as she neared the two standing there, still not having any idea what to say. So she went and stood beside Raven, looking the man over.
-
Blood dripped into a bowl created red ripples and dissipated into the water. "Martha, hand me those bandages." Cordelia asked pointing over to a pile of freshed made wrapping as snapped the thread between her white teeth, threading another needle. Injured soldier and civillians laid on blankets moaning in pain. Priest shuffled mumbled prayers over the dead. Martha dutiful obliged wiped a musketeers wound with alcohol. Le Academia students shuffled in more medical supplies. Coordinating the make-shift triage at the manorhose and Le Academia was a diffficult feat in itself, added the stress of incoming intelligence from the front lines, and her own sleep deprivation, Cordelia's nerves were raw. She wiped her brow with the back of her hand filled with the dread knowing that her majesty had slept even less than her.
"Have you seen milady since her arrival?" She asked Martha leaning back on her heels.
Martha shook her head. A pleasing older courtier, she had been in the service of her ladyship since her mysterious reappearance."No, Lady Cordelia. I saw her exiting the war room with the dragonrider. Her majesty could be lying down. Would you care if I checked on her?"
The younger lady-in-waiting took in a deep cleansing breath before cautiously helping the musketeer to sitting positon. She winced with empathy at his pain. Some of the mages had the ability to sooth the most serious injury with a touch of magic, however Cordelia lack the ability. "No. I don't mind at all, but if her majesty is sleeping, do not disturb her." Nimble hands made quick work of the dressing, Cordelia cast a glance at the lady's departing figure and looked back to the man that she was attending. One down, countless others to go. This soldier was lucky. In comparison to some of the wounded that were being brought in, the injury was a scratch. She smiled tiredly and lowered the young man back down to rest.
He captured her hand bringing it to his lips kissing each of he fingers before release it back to her. "Merci, beautiful angel of mercy."
Cordelia giggled. The musketeer had not lost any of his debonaire in the battle. "I do what I can, milord." Her cheeks flushed feeling a little giddy with exhaustion as she stood up.
"Lady, the enemy may have wounded my body but you have captured my heart."
He was making her blush more."Ah..well..merci.. I --"
Sidius kicked open the door of the manor and carefully laid Vahn's broken form down upon the floor. " I need help, Lord Vahn is in bad condition!" Sidius sat there next to Lord Vahn, the shape of Lord Vahn's face made Sidius sick to his stomach, but he knew Lord Vahn could be healed.
A terrible panic erupted in the great hall. Cordelia scurried to strapping bodyguard dropped to her knees running her hands over Vahn's form to access his state. "Healers attend his highness immediately! Notify Minister Vitus that Prince Vahn is seriously hurt." She shouted. "Ladies. Find and wake the Queen! Double the guard in and around the manor!"
The distressed courtiers dashed to and fro to do the Lady's bidding. Cordelia shook her head in absolute dismay, never had she seen someone take such a beating and still live. She was not really sure what connection the man had to Vahn, yet by the man's demeanor he is loyality to Vahn was as strong as her own to Honor's. "What happened?"
-
A healer returned to Vincent's room to check on him, only to find the room empty. The latches to his window had been undone, it opened to the outside, Vincent had gone. It wasn't unlike Vincent to leave without explaination, but he had felt a bit ill at ease. Within his dreams he kept seeing the future play itself out. He knew things would be peaceful for a while, but he could see everything. In his visions, he seen his family in their current situations, and a glimpse beyond that. The war would be over soon, he didn't want to wait around for explainations. He stood there atop the manor, his hair blowing in the wind as night slowly krept in over the battlefield. Vincent already felt his strength returning to him, he also felt changed. A bit of the nightmare lord's power still remained in his frame. He had tested them drawing forth a scythe, it's golden blade held runes which glowed.
He had created himself a new set of clothing, which he put on leaving his old rags back in the room. His role in the family's fate wasn't over, he would still play a part, but he knew there were other things that needed to be taken care of first. He lept down, his cape opening as he glided down over the battlements landing on the ground. Vincent scanned the area about him, finding the one he sought, his beloved daughter. She was engaged in battle against none other then her uncle. Vincent glided across the ground, his feet levitating just inches from the ground. His training as a druid had now become a part of him, it was an extension of himself. He came to a stop near the dark dome where Analisa fought the figure from their past. His voice called out to her, " Analisa.." Vincent wanted his daughter to know he was okay before he left again.
There was a darkness rising in the south, Vincent had to go and find out just what lay there.
-
Sidius looked over Vahn and then back to Cordelia, he hadn't seen anything really.
" I don't know, I was ordered by lord Vahn to help defend the city. I noticed him wander off onto the battlefield and then I sensed a fear from him. I came looking for him along with Iago. We found him in the woods, he was like this when we found him. A ghost appeared, the ghost of Lord Vahn's dead father, Iago distracted the ghost while I carried off Lord Vahn. I felt Iago's connection fade not long before I reached the manor. Something attacked Lord Vahn thats all I know, but the wounds, whatever it was, it wielded a weapon. By that we can rule out beast as his attacker, but they left Lord Vahn alive for a reason. You don't just beat someone like this and expect them to live. You have to know when to quit, it was done with both anger and meaning."
Sidius had once served as a deputy in his journey across Velusia, his family had served Lord Vahn with loyalty for years. Sidius was two steps away from being in the grave when Lord Vahn had come across him. He lived on the streets homeless, his family's fortune sqaundered away in search of Lord Vahn. These things had only been revealed to Sidius recently and he already had a close loyalty to Lord Vahn. Sidius held Vahn's hand ever since he set him down. Something had scared Vahn almost to insanity, whatever it was had gone. But Sidius could still feel the fear oozing from Vahn's eyes.
-
Prasutagus lay there groaning after Einar had cut him off from his victorious moment. His left shoulder was dislocated, the axe fell from his left hands grip as he slowly began to stand. Prasutagus was begining to feel the fatigue of this battle start to seep into his muscles. The right hand however was still very useful and deadly, the axe grated against the stone of the cathedral. Prasutagus noticed the elf and....Lucan in the distance. Apparently Longinus had betrayed them even further then he could have guessed. As Einar's words echoed in the cathedral, Prasutagus smiled and said,
" Aye the old powers have returned to Darkthorne, the wheels of fate have began to spin in favor of our kind. It's a shame you left us Einar, you were such a good killer."
Prasutagus set about his left arm and with a crack, he put it back into socket. It was still useless to him, he had broken it in the fall, but at least now it was no longer dead weight.
" If only you had been so loyal to Darkthorne as you are to Rienne. Your love for your queen will be the death of you one day Einar, I should know from experience. We both have fathers whom we hated, I've made amends with Reese. I can feel you've made your own amends with your father, only in a way....that I have to commend you on. You may hide the fact that your Darkthorne blood still calls to you, but you can't lie to me Einar. We're family by blood, you were once such a great warrior....it's a shame you must DIE!"
Prasutagus threw his axe at Einar's right shoulder, even in that moment he was already reaching down, eyes up, as his hand found his other axe. Prasutagus would give Einar no mercy, for a betrayer was an act punishable by the cruelest death imaginable.
-
Rider and horse flowed as one being. Isolde's hard gaze never left the battling form of Reinne as she closed in on the gates cutting down any dark being that had the audacity to get in her way. As she watched the young queen of Velusia she could not help but feel a deep sense of pride in the woman's unwavering valiance. Reinne Blackthorne would be a grand addition to the Whitethorne clan. A final glance was afforded for locking down the queen's location as she rode beneath the threshold of the gates only to have her destrier rear up angered as spears were jutted at him.
Isolde leaned forward in the saddle holding true to her seat as she growled at the beasts slashing her sword wildly to dispose of the threat quickly. With Bomahr not far behind she cut a small path through leaving the rest's fates in the hands of her cousin... the zealot. Wheeling Talos about her eyes shots upwards once again only to grit her teeth as she watched the queen fall. Fingers tightened on the reins for only a second before she launched from her perch patting Talos on the rear in signal to go. He took off kicking and biting at anything that moved as he sought a safe place to await his mistress's signal to return.
The battlemaiden, turned queen, launched herself up the steps. Her sword raised to fend off the attack of a minion as her body arched back rolling into the wall as she booted it out of her way sending it to the ground below. Again she would meet with opposition, this time she ran the sword through its gullet and yanked it free leaping up as it rolled down the bloodied steps dead before it hit the bottom. Almost half way she heard the shattering of glass, her eyes widening as her whipped to spy a pair of male bodies crashing through the stained glass of the church. She pace doubled as she ran up the stairs taking two at a time merely shoving anyone and anything, be it friend or foe, out of her way in her hurry to get to the queen.
At the top she saw Reinne on her feet at the edge of the battlement staring almost paniced at the broken glass. Isolde marched forward.
" Reinne of the Blackthornes...are you well?"
-
As Einar appeared out of nowhere her eyes would light up with the love she could not hide in this heated moment. Her hands clung to his arms as he helped her up, lingering a moment longer than neccesary. As he questioned her well being she merely nodded only to widen her gaze as Prasutagus charged them. Einar had moved her out of way and, thus, he took the full brunt of the tackle as both men went sailing over the battlement and through the glass of the church below.
" EINAR!"
She twisted and ran to the edge of the battlements, those doe eyes seeking any sign that the man she truly loved had survived. The wound of her shoulder was beginning to heal as the rain had let up, finally washing away the red dust. Her strength would slowly return.
" EINAR PLEASE!"
As she searched with her eyes another voice called out to her. One she did not recognize. Turning to this new threat she drew her sword only to relax at the sight of the crest the woman bore and the light that seemed to cling to her like a second skin. She was a Whitethorne.
" I fair well enough! Please help them clear the gates so that we may close them again in hopes to slow the tides. I must go help my champion!"
With that Reinne actually moved to brush past Isolde.
-
Isolde was taken back by how easily Reinne made the request, as if she would easily dismiss the Queen of Ul'thyr. Her mouth hung open for a moment before clamping shut. Then she spoke as Reinne began to move.
"I am afraid I can not do that my lady."
As Reinne moved to walk past her, Isolde reached out gripping at the queen's arm to detain her. As Reinne looked down in shock at the strong grip on her arm Isolde smiled grimly.
" We have come to collect you Reinne. You have proven worthy of the mantle of Whitethorne. Paladine has chosen you to join our ranks and fight for the holy light against all that is evil"
-
The satisfying feel of her talons ripping into the flesh of his stomach brought a nefarious smile to those heinous tiers. Slowly her head cocked to the side as she watched him looked at his ruined armor and touch the wound in shock..only to slowly become beyond enraged.
" Yessss, Shamus, give in to your hatred. Let its poison taint your soul..come to our side....where you belong."
She chuckled. But that chuckle faded as he roared his anger and charged her again with blades dragging across the ground. One look at his face and she knew he was beyond hearing anyone or anything. Shamus had gone completely beserk. She turned toward him prepared to dodge and counter with both feet planted shoulder width apart.
As he came upon her she would step to the left leaning down as she brought her closest hand up talons curled hoping to deliver another wound to his back. It was a dangerous game she played, but she enjoyed danger...almost as much as she enjoyed toying with her victims before finally ripping their life from them.
-
Bomahr chased after Isolde's destrier, his feet could match any horse, any horse that was not magical. Bomahr gave out a battle cry that gave strength and healing to any being fighting evil around him. " Haaarrrr!" Bamahr turned and saw a Darkthorne ride up on a horse, Bomahr ran at the horse. And with one quick movement he headbutted the horse. The horse's head nodded from side to side as it stopped and slowly went falling to it's side unconscious. Bomahr turned to see an enemy archer about to fire upon Isolde. His shield which had serrated edges all along it, was thrown with one mighty action. It soared through the air, the Darkthorne's eyes looked down at the shield as it's body slid down the wall. Slowly the head tilted and rolled off the shield which stuck in the mortar of the wall itself.
Bomahr ran over and grabbed his shield and turned as a Darkthorne thrust his sword at him. Bomahr's shield deflected the attack and he plunged his sword in the enemies abdomen. With great strength he lifted enemy and sword up and tossed the body atop those scaling up the pile of bodies. Bomahr's aura began to glow brightly, though unseen by untrained eyes. An ogre's club came down almost hitting Bomahr, but his quick reflexes moved him out of harm's way. Bomahr plunged his sword into the orge's hand pinning it to the ground. He ran up the orge's arm and with one massive fist punched the orge square in the jaw. The bone cracked and went into the creature's brain, it's form slackened and fell limp as Bomahr jumped down taking his sword back up.
Bomahr moved like a tiger on the battlefield, as he followed his cousin but to the battlements where Reinne was. A spear came flying at Bomahr, who dropped his sword and moved to the side, snatching the spear from the air. He turned and threw it back pinning the thrower and another Darkthorne behind him. Bomahr picked up his sword and stepped behind his cousin, his breathing heavy from the battle, but they had found the one they searched for. Bomahr sheathed his sword and took the horn from his belt, he blew upon it to signal the other Whtiethornes to the location of the one they'd come in search of.
-
His steed charged through the thinner points of the battle knocking down and that got in their way. Nikko slashed at those on the sides trying to make his way closer to the battlement. If those that lived here were still alive they would be there. Just as he was about to swing his blade he was flying through the air. He brought the blade befor him gripping the blade with his free hand. Nikko tuched his head and rolled landing on his feet, only to be greeted by Darkthorne. He took a deep breath as he slashed at them pushing his way through. Yell of rage poured from his mouth as a blade cut along his left arm. Nikko turned qickly and brought the Darkthorne down by taking its head.
He turned around seeing that he was at the battlement. Now he would look for those that lived here. Nikko pushed on moving slashing at the Darkthornes as they came. Another growl of anger came as he felt a blade cut along his back and another got near the cut on his left arm. Nikko grabbed the hilt with the other hand and pulled, making the one sword two. Turning quickly as he did so, stabbed one in the gut while slashing the throat of the other.
His eyes found the form of Reinne, takins she be the head or one of them of this place. For he saw many moving around her and checking to see if she was hurt. Nikko made his stance few feet fromthe group and turned looking at the Darkthorne that were coming. He tilted his head down and gave them and evil grin. No more had he gotten inhis stance that they charged at him. He slashed at them wiht all that he had.
-
Darius kept his flight close to the area that Belle was, he was her eyes for the area. She ran toward a Darkthorne using the dead bodies to leap to the air, bringing her blade down on him. Belle brought her blade straight back taking the one frm behind her. She steppd on the one she had killed before her, pressing on. Belle's eyes being aware to that around her, not only for the Darkthornes attacking but for Raven as well.
-
"Aye the old powers have returned to Darkthorne, the wheels of fate have began to spin in favor of our kind. It's a shame you left us Einar, you were such a good killer."
Despite the pain coursing through the Knight's body, the warrior mustered up enough bravado to offer the Darkthorne King a wolfish grin, "More than you know, Prasutagus ... But I promise ... You'll find out." Einar tightened his grip upon Fenrir, feeling the spirit of Fenris-Wolf howl across the planes. The Old Powers coursed through the blood of the Darkthorne King, and Fenris-Wolf lusted for this more than any other's lifeblood. And Einar was more than happy to oblige.
" If only you had been so loyal to Darkthorne as you are to Rienne. Your love for your queen will be the death of you one day Einar, I should know from experience. We both have fathers whom we hated, I've made amends with Reese. I can feel you've made your own amends with your father, only in a way....that I have to commend you on. You may hide the fact that your Darkthorne blood still calls to you, but you can't lie to me Einar. We're family by blood, you were once such a great warrior..."
"I hide nothing, Prasutagus. These claws of mine have ripped the life from many of your men today ... Both here and in Belgada."
" ... it's a shame you must DIE!"
It was then that Prasutagus' axe came slicing through the air, heading towards the Knight. Grey hues widened in surprise, although later the man would curse himself for allowing the Darkthorne King to catch him unawares. Einar rolled his shoulder back in the last moment, but it was not enough. The axe struck the spalder of Einar's armor - but whether it was from the might of Prasutagus' blow or a cink in the battered armor, the axe managed to break through the steel and embed itself in the White Wolf's arm. Einar howled out in pain, taking a step back with his right. Jaw tightened, and grey eyes flashed upwards, narrowing upon Prasutagus through grisly locks of pale blonde. Te Knight tested his right arm, trying to lift Fenrir - yet found he couldn't move the sword more than two inches upwards. Einar swore softly under his breath and then thrust the sword down into the floorboards of the Cathedral, brandishing the scramsax with his left.
"EINAR PLEASE!"
The Knight heard the words of his Queen, and those words gave the warrior strength. " ... What are you waiting for, cousin ...?" Einar questioned, taking a step forwards, heading towards Prasutagus. The scramsax in his hand was long, yes, but little match for the hand-axe the Darkthorne King bore. Unless the Knight managed to get himself close enough to Prasutagus so as to render his axe useless, Einar would forever be on the defensive. The Darkthorne King was fast, much like the White Wolf, not a bulky and burdened foe. Such would be difficult indeed.
" ... Einar the Betrayer has come for your blood!"
And with that final shout, Einar rushed forwards, one arm useless to him, the other - his nondominant, but still trained in secondary arms - bearing a long dagger. Legs pumped with strength, giving the Knight the ability to leap at Prasutagus with all his might. The left arm came up, the scramsax slashing out towards the axe the Darkthorne King bore in hopes of deflecting the weapon off to the side as the Knight-Protector charged him. If Einar could send both men reeling to the ground once more, there was a chance that Prasutagus would lose hold of his axe, evening the battle just a little more.
-
Slowly the vapor entered the manor and stopping along side Cordelia. Calesta started to materalize along side her, looking at what she was doing. Semed that the feeling that she was getting off Cordelia was not wrong. Calesta turned around some getting a look at the room that she came into. She could he sounds of battle outside the of the manor. Seemed what she saw was probably just the start of the injured that would need help.
Softly she laid a hand upon Cordelia'a arm "I came when I felt the pain you were feeling, I see now why you felt it. Just let me know where I can help out the most."
Calesta's white hair fell covering the side of her face, wondering why any would want to harm others. Her blue eyes watched as Cordelia assess the man's(Vahn) injuries.
-
The sounding of Bomahr's horn ripped through the enraged battlefield, directing Aureon's attentions towards the battlements even as he fought through the masses of enemy that surrounded him. Eidon charged through the Darkthorne ranks, hooves kicking out and leveling foes to the ground, teeth snapping at anyone in reach, all whilst Aureon swung his blade downwards, cleaving his enemies in single-strikes, whilst bashing others away with the broad steel of his shield. Aureon Whitethorne pressed his boots into the flanks of Eidon, urging the destrier forwards with urgency - Isolde and Bomahr had found their mark, and now they would need protection. " ... FOR ORN! FOR ISOLDE! FOR UL'THYR! FOR PALADINE!" The bellow of the Paladin roared out from beneath the face-plate of the Champion's winged helm as he broke through the Darkthorne ranks, killing or forcing his enemies to the side as Eidon raced towards the walls of Demise and the open gate.
" ... FOR THE WHITETHORNES!"
The destrier charged through the open gateway, hooves clattering upon the cobblestones as Aureon brought Eidon around towards the stairs leading up to the battlements. Aureon then urged the steed up the stairs, guiding Eidon up onto the battlements. Steel blue eyes narrowed upon the few Darkthornes still scaling the walls, and the Paladin of Ul'thyr cried out to his god before charging along the battlement walls, his blade slashing downwards at the climbing Darkthornes. Aureon had lost his King today, he would not allow his newly-made Queen to share the same fate.
-
The black form stood silently as he stared into the deep languid pool of silvery water. The liquid his only contact with the wold outside his tomb. He grinned his skeletal stained teeth reflecting earily in the water.."Soon I will have a new amusment to pass the time here in my prison" He mutter to him self. Stepping forward he rested his black gloved hands on the edge of the water, his burning flame red eyes staring at the pictures he saw...The great battle of Demise....He watched the death and distruction with amusement. Pain and death were always his entertainment. Specifically he watch the keeper of the tree...waiting for the growth to complete so he could claim what was his.
Taking a step back, his leather and bones creeked..."Soon wench, soon you will be mine"
-
Darkthornes climbed up on the cathedral's roof once more, the one that had fired the arrow walked over to Zian.
" I killed him, I killed him ha ha, that will teach....whats that sound?"
Zian was merely asleep, he had played dead hoping to draw the enemy in. He was now going to show them what a true Bloodthorne was capable of, his blood began to move. It covered his form, talons, teeth, and tendrils covered his form as it rose. He was more like the beast he'd hunted now, the creature he'd become was very deadly. Only Bloodthornes who could master this form, could control it. The tendrils shot out at the Darkthornes impaling them upon spikes. As they fell dead The blood slowly went back to the arrow wound and back into his body. Zian's eyes opened and he removed the arrow, looking to the wound as it healed.
Zian turned and looked back over the roof to the battlements where many had gathered. He saw one lone figure, he decided he'd help even though he would rather keep the roof. He lept down landing on the battlements and cut his way to Nikko. He looked the stranger over and continued fighting whatever may come.
-
Shamus only followed instinct now, like a beast he was hunting Merlindria. As she moved to the left, his movement directed itself to the left, towards her. His swords came up, one laying atop another, like scissors, no matter which way she went, he'd be ready now. Shamus's mind reflected on the first time he encountered the Darkthornes. When they attacked Lochland years ago under the leadership of Eseer. He remembered all the death and pain they caused to everyone there that day. He wouldn't let that happen again, he would end the cycle here.
Shamus saw her talons and he would not let her get another chance to harm him. It was time for the Darkthornes to finally be laid to rest, he would make sure none of them ever rose again. The celtic tattoos on Shamus's form began to glow as there spellwork gave him a better chance against her. An aura flashed over him, one that would protect him from any evil Merlindria could dish out. The rocky terrian was covered in pools of water from the recent rain. His foot splashed into one and as it did, he pressed down, lifting his other foot. He sprang forwards towards Merlindria caring not whether she expected him already or not.
-
Prasutagus watched Einar coming for him, he was a skilled fighter with the axe however. He knew he had to keep Einar back, the axe was no use in a close quarter duel against an enemy who carried two weapons. Prasutagus's left arm went behind him as he attempted something. He could feel the red dust slowly wearing off, his left arm trsnformed slowly healing itself. It reverted back as he could not hold the transformation, but soon he could. He came at Einar as well now with the hope of catching him by surprise as he revealed his arm healed. His axe slashed at Einar's weapon holding to catch it and hold it in a lock. As his hand would come up to grip the white wolf's throat and with his bare hands, he would squeeze the life from Einar. Prasutagus watched it play out in his mind, he would have to be quick, the fatigue of battle was begining to slow him down.
He pushed himself just to match Einar's speed now, he had little else he could draw on, should the battle continue long. Prasutagus would use Einar to draw Reinne into the cathedral, and then he'd have his glory. He was sure he might be able to get Reinne to surrender, if he could get his minions into the cathedral. For then he'd have both Einar and Lucan as both bait and barganing chips.
" You fight with courage Einar, but you should learn the art of surprise and trickery."
Prasutagus said as his left arm swung around to reveal itself healed.
-
Quickly he took a glance to the side seeing another near him thinking it be a Darkthorne. Instead it be one to fight them alond side of him. Thou Nikko did not know him another was welcome to help out and lessen the Darkthorne army.
He brought a blade across the throat of one as he kicked anther in the chest. Bringing it around to the other side to send it throu the gut of another. Nikko turned a bit sending each blade toward the enemy, one getting it in the gut second loosing its head. Thee seemed to be no end to the vial beings.
If they were able to keep them back and not over running the place then all was good.
-
Kaydean sat in his room cleaning his weapon of the blood, he looked to the cloth he'd cleaned it with. The blood was that of his father, could he ever forgive him, could Kaydean forgive himself? Kaydean heard a noise outside his window, he looked out at a figure dressed in red. The figure turned to him and then bolted off gliding down over the battlements back to the battlefield. Kaydean put down his blade and walked over to the mirror looking over his face. He shared many of his father's traits, the sight of his face only made the guilt worse. Cebreese had used him, from what he'd heard while on the battlefield, Cebreese was here. He thought over whether he should go and face Cebreese. Face the man that had taken his family away from him, almost made him kill his father.
Could he fight such a man, he'd heard of Cebreese's military career, the man had charisma and skill. A deadly combination in the hands of a military leader or figure head such as him. Kaydean looked to the window and to his backpack. He walked over and took out the small length of rope he had kept in it. He tied it the bed frame and opened the window letting the rope wind down to the ground. He walked over and picked up his sword sheathing it, he stepped out the window and climbed down. As his feet touched the ground, he felt that familiar feeling, fear. There was no way he could match Cebreese in battle, but perhaps he could catch him by surprise. He put his helmet on and ran off back towards the battlefield, he'd avenge the deed done to his family.
Perhaps the figure in red could help him against Cebreese, he would follow that figure's movements and try to locate him.
-
Eduardo turned and walked back to where Anna was, with the other clones. He could feel night creeping in over them and new that soon the Darkthorne's greatest ally would arrive. The cover of night, the Darkthornes basked in the darkness of their own hearts. He could only imagine what they'd do in the blanket of night, he realized now what they'd been doing. They'd merely been waiting for nightfall to come, so they could become stronger. Even as they wore down the defenders weaking everyone so that they could eventually rise up and crush them. He could hear forces coming in from east and west, one of his clones reported back to him. The gnolls had arrived, he knew it, they'd been weeding out the defenders, wearing them down.
Eduardo looked to Anna, he had worn himself out in the battle that he been waging. Eduardo didn't need sleep, but he could use a few moments of meditation. Eduardo said, " I think their reinforcements have just arrived, if the battle doesn't end soon...we might lose this fight."
-
A chill ran through her core. Was a spirit of vengence hunting down the remaining Demise family line? "Ghost cannot kill can they?" She asked Sidius with distress, her eyes moved down to the Prince and back up to the bodyguard, reflecting the fear that he held for Vahn.
Cordelia barely had time to process the brutality of the attack when her cousin materalized. She almost jumped out of her skin. Cordelia cousin's kind words threaten to undo her. She squealed throwing her arms around Calesta and sobbed kissing her on the cheek. "Cal!" She exclaimed thrusting Calesta into powerful embrace. "I thought you were in Camelot!"
Calesta brought hope. She was the most talented healer in any land; and if anyone could cure Vahn, it will be her whether the afflicition was mind, body or spirit. Reluctantly releasing her, the lady-in-waiting looked down at Vahn. "It looks very bad. Do you feel that he could be moved again safely? Tell me what you need -you have carte blanche for anything if you can help him." Honor was going to be devastated so they need to move Vahn to his room quickly and clean him up before she saw him.
Face-to-face the resemblence between Calesta and Cordelia was remarkable. The rain had taken the fashionable curls out of Cordelia's hair and she had not had time to change in her formal gowns. In a simple tunic and straight platimum blonde hair, the cousins sat like mirror images. As children they saw things that one one else did, gifted with True Sight, and heighten intuition before they spoke to adults the girls created their own language. They cried the day that Calesta's family moved away. Time has a way to healing. When Cordelia began studying Streghia, she scryed keeping her eye on her beloved cousin as she became an accomplished healer in the Camelot court.
All through the apartments the ladies went from room to room started with Honor's, searching out the soveriegn. "Queen Honor! You Majesty come quick!" Knocking on locked doors, each lady was responsible for a section of apartments. None wanted to deliver the bad news to the Queen least they rouse her mecurial nature -and her wrath.
-
Grey hues widened as the Darkthorne King's left arm - now fully healed - came swinging around from behind his back, fingers rising up to the White Wolf's throat to seize the flesh there and tighten like a snake. There was little the Knight was able to do to stop the surprise attack, his scramsax locked with Prasutagus' axe. And so, the Darkthorne King had the Knight where he wanted him. For the moment, atleast ... Einar felt the tight squeeze of Prasutagus' hold, felt his lung begin to ache and burn from the lack of oxygen. The warrior would not be able to last like this for long, he needed to do something ... fast.
"You fight with courage Einar, but you should learn the art of surprise and trickery."
The warrior's face etched in a half-smirk, half-sneer as a low growl rose from deep within the White Wolf's chest. The red dust's effects were leaving, the powers unto which the Thornes possessed returning to them. That was the only explanation ... And so, Einar dealt the Darkthorne King a surprise of his own. Blood began to trickle down the chin of the Knight, dripping down from within the White Wolf's mouth. A few droplets of warm blood trickled on the floor as well, falling from the Knight's hands. And then, the steel of his armor began to moan as his body seemed to grow. Hair protruded from his jawline, even as the throat in which Prasutagus grasped began to thicken, layers of expanding muscle lessening the effects of the King's choke.
And then ... then black veins began to rise up upon the pale facade of the White Wolf, and his grey eyes flashed to silver just before the Knight would send a vicious knee upwards, the steel armoured knee-cap heading straight for Prasutagus' gullet, if not to wind the Darkthorne King, then to atleast send the man reeling back a few steps. And, should such happen, and the King's hold on the White Wolf's throat lost, the warrior would smirk towards Prasutagus, whilst rubbing at his throat, his scramsax having fallen to the ground as the men would part.
" ... I told you, Prasutagus ... I hide nothing ..."
The Half-Blood would then slip his boot under his fallen scramsax, and send it flying up into the air so the warrior could catch it, bringing the weapon into a negative grip along his forearm.
-
She placed a kiss upon Cordy's cheeck as she got one. It was good that her cousin was pleased that she was there.
She exclaimed thrusting Calesta into powerful embrace. "I thought you were in Camelot!"
"I was watching over one that was healed when I got a feel of pain. When I realised it was not me I sent myself to you. Seems that you could be need of extra hands."
Slowly Calesta looked Vahn over getting a feel for his injuries. "I rather not have him moved but have seen they heal better when some where familiar. Once he is clean I will have a better idea just how bad they are. I will be in need of herbs, warm water and bandages, rest will come from him and I."
She looked to Cordy with a smile upon her face. "Do not fear he will be fine in a few days. Just who is this man that you want me to help, if you do not mind me asking?"
It felt good to be with her cousin again, Calesta would stay here as she was needed. Thou it will send the people there for a loop seeing the two together.
-
Prasutagus rubbed his gullet, as he backed up away from Einar, his eyes flashed black. Black veins coursed their way up his left arm, slowly making their way along the left side of his face.
" I shall show you the powers of old, show you boundless pain that will carve away your very sanity."
Black wings emerged from Prasutagus's back as a third eye opened up on his forehead. His flesh became grey as he felt the dust being flushed from his system. His black hair grew longer as dark circles appeared under his eyes, his armor and clothing strained underneath the awakening. Prasutagus looked to his left hand as the black veins pulsed. He could feel the old power course through every vein, he felt invincible.
" Now Einar noble warrior of Velusia and betrayer of Belgada, it is time for this battle to conclude itself. I have matters to attend to with your queen before I cut off her pretty head."
Prasutagus stepped foreward, ready to begin the battle again, for he knew Einar would not go down so easily.
-
Longinus looked back to Tempest not sure whether it was wise to just leave her there. He sighed it was a shame he had to do what he did, but she was going to kill him. Longinus got up on the dragon's back and looked to Raven, his eyes couldn't betray his feelings. He'd fallen in love with her, she cared so deeply for someone who suffered so much. If he had a chance, he'd repay her for everything she'd done for him.
" I hope she finds peace wherever she maybe be."
-
The grip on her arm followed by the words of Isolde had her momentarilly stunned. Her gaze shot the grip then to Isolde's grim and determined expression before finally she shook both off. Wrenching her arm free she moved to stand toe to toe with the north woman.
" I follow the ways of Gaia, Paladin of Whitethorne. Though your god may be holy, I can not simply leave my people when they need me most in order to do as you say your god has deemed I do. My place is here, in Velusia, with my family and my people. Now either help me to help my people or leave..but mark my words if you get in my way again..I will not hesitate to remove you from my path."
-
A slender rose at the sharp words of the Velusian queen. In fact, she smiled at the bravado the smaller woman showed. Tilting her head down, blue eyes pinned glittering amber ones as she spoke.
" You are more worthy than I previously thought. As you wish...my men and I will defend the gates and get them closed. We will aid you in this battle..but know this," Gripping Reinne's shoulder to ensure she had her undivided attention," We do not let go of our prospects so easily."
She released her grip on Reinne allowing the smaller woman to attend to her task. As the Blackthorne rushed off down the stairs of the battlement, she turned to her knights with a stoic expression.
" Secure the gates. We will aid in this battle ....then we will claim what we came for!"
-
Reinne's expression did not change. She merely nodded mutely and took off practically flying down the stairs. Nimble feet and agile form had her weaving through the remnants of battle within the city as she jumped over dead bodies and twirled around combatants determined to get to Einar.
The fronts doors were kicked open revealing her slender silohuette in the dawning light of the rising sun. Quickly she took an inventory of everything and everyone in the church hall only to feel her heart stop at the sight of her son and Sigonus. Before she had the chance to stop him Lucan was rushing at Prasutagus's back prepared to defend Einar.
" NO!"
Reinne leaped on a pew and dashed across the tops tackling her son sending both of them skidding into the wall with him protectively in her arms. The force of the hit had her winded. Wincing she sat up, gripping her child's shoulders.
" Are you alright?"
He nodded.
" I was going to help him Mama."
She smiled glancing warily at the battle about to engage between Einar and Prasutagus.
" I know little one. You are very brave. I must ask you to do something for me."
He nodded while looking toward the two engaging in battle with wide eyes. Reinne quickly gripped his chin bringing his gaze back to her.
" Take Sigonus to the Castle Demise. I need you to keep him safe my son. Will you do this for me?"
Lucan nodded obediantly as she quickly drew him into a tight hug, her eyes falling on Sigonus in silent plea to play along. Pulling back she smiled and kiss his brow.
" Now go. I will be there shortly."
Lucan took off as she watched him grabbing for Sigonus's hand to lead the elf out of the church. Her gaze was drawn to Einar once again, those amber eyes taking in the sight of him in his half lycal form with a bit of sadness and fear. She could only pray he did not fall in this fight..she did not think she could bare to lose the man she loved. Luther had been difficult to bare she had always loved him in her own way..but Einar...this was the man who truly held all parts over her being in his grasp, the only fault in this..was...he did not know.
-
Her brown eyes get on the back Phantom, then turned to the one that stood beside her. Raven figured that Godiva or Rycore brought on of the Blackthornes to her. But her eyes opened wide seeing Meredith standing there looking to her and gazing to Longinus at times.
"Why are you here in the midst of this battle? It better be good for we have already lost famiy this day."
Meredith glanced up to Longinus the back to Raven. "Belle had gotten word that Tempest was looking for you. For she thought that we needed to find you and give you heads up. Thou it seems that you have been busy, not talking of the battle either."
Raven's eyes went looking over the battle being that Belle was not with her sister. She looked back to Meredith "Are you saying that as we stand here your sister is out thre fighting? " As she let out a sigh Raven shook her head wondering if they thought it out. She reached back placing a hand on Longinus' leg. "This is a Lonignus a good friend of mine that has been fighting this battle with me and others. Longinus this is one of my daughters, Meredith."
Here eyes went up to Longinus lowering her head, "It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for helping keep her alive." Meredith looked back to her mother.
"I am going to take him some where to get his wounds looked at. Stay here, I will return then we can go look for your sister. Then there is news that I need to give you two. " She reached up gently touching Meredith's cheek. Raven turned then got up on Phantom, she took the spot infront of Longinus."I shall see you shortly."
Meredith stepped away from Phantom so not to get hit by his wings. Then watched as once more her mother put business before her. She turned and stood beside Darius.
Raven gave Meredith smile as she gave Phantom a command to take flight. The dragon took to the sky as Raven looked for a plce they would be looking after the injured. She followed the path to the manor, Phantom landed near Joie. Raven got off Phantom and looked up Longinus.
"I never thought that you would meet Meredith, sorry she does not exactly like me."
((combined post of Raven and Meredith))
-
More just using the extra body as a place to steady herself rather than lean on, Anna looked up as the first one of the Eduardo?s approached. She only glanced at him, for her perceptions changed and world of Demise walls and a fortified gate fell away inside her vision. It then that she looked past the Eduardo standing in front of her, as if she were staring through him towards a landscape currently covered by Darkthorne?s. It happened on occasions such as these times of prescient perceptions. She stared at the new landscape as if she were the only one on this battlefield.
Darkness enveloped this place in her mind. Nightfall was not apart of this darkness as she saw the scrounging vermin roll over the wall and through a gate as it were precious silk to be torn through. Eyes as red as there hatred seemed to pour down on her and file through what was the city, the estates, the very stones of Demise. The very ground under their feet became a dark pool of what they brought with them-corruption in such purioty defeated everyone and everything in its path. Yes they were coming and they were going to corrupt, destroy and ravage anything in their way. This was a desolate and devastating place in her vision that caught her off guard.
An arm around her waist tightened as she swayed leaning more heavily against her savior. Those wide opal eyes stayed with the vision trying to pull it back in reverse, to find the weakness that would tumble all of these citizens in not just darkness but also corruption. Anna pushed this vision backwards her breathing coming in heavy gasps, but it would not move backward for her. Anna knew that if she could not manipulate the vision in such ways that the force in them was strong, but not impossible to defeat.
Letting the vision go she found her nails were digging into the arm of the clone holding her in his protective grasp. Noticing this she immediately let go of his forearm focusing on him first with a soft apologetic look before she moved to listen to what Eduardo was saying. Prescient moments such as this were a flash of time in current situations but the events inside them ran forever sometimes. Yes we might lose this battle and she kept this vision from Eduardo. It would only fuel him harder and faster. Anna recognized his need to conserve energy, doling it out in measured pieces of himself. Now more than ever she felt like a burden, for here were three of his clones just to watch over her when they could be fighting.
Lifting the arm holding her in a steady position, Anna stepped forward to Eduardo. Light fingers lifted up from her side, her palm rested on his chest.
~I can do one thing to help?.~
Already within his mind a sense of her grew slipping into a layer were the clones relayed information and stacked up reports. Anna could see very strings of life stretch out into a spider?s web network of clones and tasks. She didn?t cut him off complete from these sections of himself. However, Anna simply placed herself where she could gain the reports first organize them and also relay a soft message back to the clones. Essentially, Anna placed herself in a position where Eduardo could enjoy a soft silent place within himself, to rest and collect himself again. His clones were still there, however they were a set of mumbling voices to keep his connection to them. Anna took over for a few moments relaying information, giving sharp but simple commands and allowing him a chance to rest. It was up to him to allow her to do this or not?.
-
Reese could feel the emotions of the battle rise, he couldn't sit here and wait. He had to go and make sure his children were safe, that they had not perished. Reese's form began to blink in and out as he concentrated, traveling across the distance to Demise in a heartbeat. Reese appeared there on the battlefield looking at everything around him. There was so much death and destruction, his mind flashed back, he relived all the battles he'd been in. Every battle in just a few seconds, they all blurred together, Reese was watching the land he loved be destroyed before his eyes. So much had happened and the tree was still covering the lands of Velusia with it's balance. Reese reached to his belt and drew his long sword.
" I will not sit by and watch anymore.."
Reese ran forward towards a large group of Darkthornes, the group didn't even get a chance to react as he ran through them. Their formes began to seperate vanishing as he continued to run towards the city of Demise. A blade came down where Reese was running, but he had vanished. From behind the large Darkthorne, Reese appeared, his blade plunged into the beating heart of the enemy. He turned and saw Shamus in the distance, Reinne was surrounded by allies, she was okay, but Shamus was in the thick of it all. Reese made his way over to where Shamus was fighting Merlindria, he slid along the ground, the mud almost threatening to cause him to fall over. Reese looked upon his son and the female, Merlindria was of Eseer's blood. Eseer was Reese's evil clone created by his brother Desmond to take over Reese's life.
Reese watched his son who was not in control of his mind currently, Shamus was lost to the pulse of battle. Reese turned to Merlindria's liches and began to walk towards them, his sword down low as he lept up into the air, he brought forth a holy magic enchanting the air, as he used a psionic force to throw it down at the liches. As Reese came down to the ground, he turned and began to cut his way through the Darkthornes. Reese would keep Shamus protected along with the Zalentrian kinghts, he trusted them in helping protect Shamus.
-
Bomahr nodded to his queen and cousin as he put the horn back to his belt. Bomahr turned and made his way to one of the gates, the Darkthornes were slowly turning the tide against the defenders. Bomahr grittted his teeth and lept down into the fray. He brought up his shield slicing open a Darkthorne from stomach to chin, as he turned and thrust his sword into the right eye of another. Bomahr looked up at the musketeers as they fired down on the Darkthornes. Bomahr picked up one of the pistols and looked it over, he'd heard of these weapons. It served no purpose to him, it was a coward's weapon, but once the holy touched was placed upon it. Bomahr's hand glowed about the weapon as he turned and pulled the trigger. A blast of holy magic shot forth hitting one of the Darkthornes in the head. It's head exploded and Bomahr grinned, he put the pistol into his belt. It now was a good close quarters weapon.
Bomahr took out his flask of holy water and drank of it, turning he spewed it onto the crowd of Darkthornes. They screamed as their flesh burned, Bomahr waded back into the midst of hell. " Arrrrhhhh!" he kicked a Darkthorne over onto it's back and stomped on it's head crushing it. Bomahr stood atop a pile of bodies fighting each and every Darkthorne that ran up to greet him. A large Darkthorne, whose blood was of the north, came up, Bomahr shouted at it, " Rrrreeeaaaarrrrrrrhhhhrrrrr!" the two titans met atop the hill. The Darkthorne batted Bomahr's shield away and then his sword, Bomahr disarmed the Darkthorne likewise. Now the two stood atop the hill with only their fist, they traded blows back and forth.
The sun began to set behind Bomahr and the Darkthorne, night was creeping over the battlefield. Bomahr was hit hard by the Darkthorne, his lip bled and Bomahr fell to his knees. The Darkthorne laughed as it reached down to take up it's weapon again. Bomahr wiped the blood from his lips with his right hand and smiled up at the Darkthorne. Their eyes met as the Darkthorne's hand was just inches away from it's weapon. Bomahr launched himself up from his knees and wrapped his arms of corded muscle about the Darkthorne's form. The Darkthorne matched Bomahr's strenght, Bomahr let out another one of his holy battle cries, " Heeeeeahhhhrrrrrrgggghhh!" His arms tighted about the Darkthorne's form as his vein pulsed, his skin glowed.
The Darkthorne headbutted Bomahr, Bomahr headbutted it back and looked into it's eyes. His look was one of fierce determenation as the sounds of cracking slowly came to his ears. The Darkthorne fell back screaming as it's form went limp in Bomahr's constricting embrace, the Darkthorne's feet hung in the air. Bomahr tossed his enemy's body down, it rolled down the pile to the feet of the other Darkthornes. Vultures circled over head, Bomahr beat his chest and roared looking down to the other Darkthornes. They all began to rush up the hill, an army against one Whitethorne, Bomahr reached down picking up his shield and sword as they came. The tiger would greet them with it's teeth and claws, Bomahr lept down atop the mass of enemies. His large form waded into the them, the pile of bodies became swarmed as Bomahr drowned beneath the mass of enemies.
They climbed atop one another, a pile of bodies thrashing about atop one being. A loud battlecry echoed out as a white light pierced through the dog pile of bodies. The Darkthornes minions went flying back as Bomahr stood there covered in cuts and bruises, his arms out and head back as he let the cry echoed to heaven. The Darkthornes that had piled atop him began to burn with holy flame as Bomahr's head looked down on them. " The goddess protects me!" Bomahr stood atop the pile of bodies, waiting for more Darkthornes, each one fell as another came, or one of the dead rose. The Darkthornes swarmed the pile once more, their hands reached out with claws as Bomahr raised his sword. They clawed at him, it was like a scene from hell, a tortured soul being dragged down by the lost souls of hell itself.
Lightning struck Bomahr's sword as he slashed through the enemies, sending a powerful line of holy force through them. He cut them back down and stood there, he knelt down as the Darkthornes kept their distance. There upon the pile of bodies, he knelt down in prayer, saying a blessing for the fallen warriors who died fighting this evil, saying a prayer for the lost souls who were cast into limbo. The Darkthornes circled the pile as he knelt in prayer, archers came running up. Bomahr stood up and looked down onto the Darkthornes like a grim figure of battle. The archers surrounded the pile and a voice called out, " put your weapons down and surrender yourself Whitethorne, so that we may bring you to our master as a prize."
Bomahr stood there in silence as they waited for him to reply, Bomahr did, " Eeeerrraaaahhhhgggggg!" he came rushing down the pile towards the Darkthornes. Arrows were fired, one pierced through Bomahr's armor into his right shoulder, another his left upper leg. Another arrow stuck into his chest, another his stomach, three more into his back. Bomahr would not be stopped as he cut into the first line of these archers. His shield arm reached out and his hand grabbed one of the archers by the shirt and threw him into the rest. Bowstrings snapped as he looked back at them with defiant eyes, the tiger would not be taken alive. Nor would the tiger be caged, he would cut them down where they stood. Within minutes they were down and the more arrows were jutting out of Bomahr's form. He climbed atop the pile of bodies and knelt down, his sword plunged into the hill.
He knelt there not moving, his large form covered in arrows merely knelt as if in prayer.
-
Sigonus nodded to Reinne he wouldn't disappoint her, he'd watched her grow to a fine young woman and good queen. Sigonus turned to Lucan and said, " come help me get to Demise castle, together I'm sure we can make it." Sigonus turned and gave a look to Reinne that said, " please be careful" and then he looked to Einar and Prasutagus. Sigonus exited the cathedral with Lucan as they exited he heard a sound. Dellrend the shadow elf was getting back up, wiping the blood from his lips. Dellrend smiled and walked towards Sigonus and Lucan. Sigonus raised his staff and took up a defensive position, he wouldn't let them be taken now.
Dellrend: " Careful there brother elf, I might take that as a sign you want to play with me. My mind is sketchy, last I remember I was protecting a village from attack by the Darkthornes...I'd betrayed my clan..now I'm here and there is war all around, and I can only guess it's the Darkthornes yet again. I'm a master monk, I see your protecting this boy, then I offer you my services, I could never let a child fall into the hands of the Darkthornes."
Sigonus was shocked, the mad monk had lost some of his memories and the only ones he could remember were good. Sigonus almost laughed out loud, before he said, " I'm a cleric of Gaia, my name is Sigonus, this is prince Lucan Blackthorne. I'm ..we are heading to Demise castle for better protection.." Sigonus made head movements and eyes movements to give Dellrend the idea he was playing along with something. Dellrend looked at the elf confused and said, " Are you drunk, or just lame in the head?"
Sigonus patted Lucan on the shoulder and walked over to Dellrend with a urging finger. As the two elves walked a little distance from Lucan, Sigonus told Dellrend everything. Dellrend nodded and laughed, " okay let us all go to Demise castle then." Dellrend's fist were wrapped in black cloth and he was clothed in black robes with a gold line bordering them. Dellrend's long white hair flowed behind him as the trio made their way to the castle.
Sigonus was happy that his fellow elf had been saved by Lucan's attack. The boy was gifted, and would make a great king someday, if they all lived to see that day.
-
Gem watched as Reese stood and within a moments time dissappeared .."Reese..." would be the only thing he heard as he dissappeared leaving her alone at the temple with the tree.
Time passed slowly for her as she watched the ever growing hardwood branch out. The sun began to set and the night was creeping over the temple. Moving to the fountains that had once decorated the gardens outside the temple, Gem found reasonably clean water to wash her hands and face with. From her medicine bag she took a drink of clean water, then dabbed salve to her scapes and cuts. Finally she ran her hands though her hair to try and gain some control over the blond tresses.
She found a safe place, in the corner of the temple to sit and watch the tree until it grew to adulthood, only then would it be safe....
-
Eduardo let Anna take over the reigns of his control, he at first resisted. But when he looked to her, his resistance metled away. Eduardo fell to his knees, his hand reaching out to the ground. His mind slowly faded from Demise as it drifted back to the ebbing flow of his conscious. It was like an ocean of voices, faces, he plunged beneath their surface. Eduardo's hair came down covering his eyes which had become solid white. He felt his connection renewed as the fatigue of battle slowly began to fade. Eduardo breathed it in as Anna sent out orders to each of his clones. Eduardo existed not only here, but many other places as well. Places he'd been sent to conquer, places he'd moved across in his search to escape his creators. They however had their own fights, their own lives they were living. This one Eduardo was their saving son, it was his personlity, his spirit, that freed the others.
They learned to live through him, by his actions they improved themselves. Eduardo snapped back to Demise after spending hours in his meditation, his mind went to Adonis. Adonis was the one clone of Eduardo that followed a different path. Adonis was defective, he sought to destroy life and conquer every place he came across. His clones were lost to Eduardo, but he was thankful for that in a way. Eduardo stood and looked to Anna, " Thank you for giving me a few moments rest, I think you should rest as well." Eduardo looked over the city of Demise, surely there was a place here she could rest for the night. He had one of the clones go search for a place while he extended his hand to Anna. He wore a smile upon his face, he felt better thanks to her.
" I sense others fighting to free the other gates, I also sense something coming, something that will change this land forever. Something deeply tied to me..."
Back in Lochland the seed which was held in the painting room began to glow. It slowly drifted down the hallways of the castle coming out into the garden where Gem sat. The seed drifted to the tree, the small crack on it began to spill red light out as the seed itself glowed white. A small glow appeared in the tree as the seed passed into it becoming one with the tree. Eduardo sensed something now, a rush of knowledge that had never been there before. He was created by the people who had fought over that tree long ago. He and the tree shared a destiny, perhaps that is what drew him to Velusia long ago.
" I'm tied to this land more then I had thought, soon this battle will end and a new day will greet us all."
-
Her lips grazed Adrian's with a feather touch and seductively tilted her head giving half a sigh of contentment before kissing him again before he could say anything, a slow, passionate kiss, her desire trying to express itself in one kiss. This would probably be the only moment they would share like this?and she did not regret doing it. Slowly, Honor deepened the kiss, her tongue coaxing his playfully as she intertwined in his arms stroked the broad plains of his back.
"...You Majesty come quick!"
Suddenly, her body stiffened hearing to the urgent call. She jerked away quickly, shaking her head fiercely, clearing her head. ?I must go...? In half a heartbeat, Honor slid off the bed and strided over to the door, unlocking it, practically ran into the parlor. The door to Vincent's room remained open. Honor's breath She stumbled to his room. The window remained how the healer had left it, opened to the outside, the heavy red curtains billowed in wind. Fear, guilt, anger mixed together overwhelmed her delicate control over her emotions. A sob broke free as she ran over to the window. "Vincent!" Honor screamed near frenzy stepping up on the window's edge. "Vincent!"
Panic blossomed. She tore out of the room stalking down the corridor. Two of her ladies joined her. "Milady... Something terrible has happened!"
"What happened to the man that was in that was in the first room on the corner!" Honor turned her heel on the Elie grabbing her elbows harshly and started shaking her. "He is not dead is he? Did he get up and get himself killed. Tell me! Tell me or so help me...!" Tears streaked Honor's flushed cheeks full of hysteria.
"No your majesty! Please stop! It's your brother, he's been injured badly, milady!" The lady gushed bring her hands up to avoid a blow.
Honor dropped her to the floor, her tone fierce. "Where is he?"
Elie would do anything to redirect the Queen's attention. "Downstairs. Cor-"
There was no time for the lady-in-waiting to say more. Honor flew down the stairs taking two at time. Vincent gone. Vahn injured. Too much, too much to bear alone, she sobbed as tears stained her fair cheeks. "Vahn!" At the bottom of the stairs, she threw herself over her brother's broken body. "WHO DID THIS? You find them. I want them DEAD. NO. Tell me andI will kill them...I will kill them ALL..." Honor was not making much sense; her rationality had deserted her. Honor's body shook with anger and sorrow. "Vahn my precious..I promise I will make it right. Please goddess...please I pray to you. Avenge my brother...I love you so much..please don't leave me alone..."
-
Vahn's mind was torn between two different versions of his life. One was what he could have, if he could get what he wanted, a chance to stop living in Reagan's shadow. A chance to be what he might never be able to be, but a chance. A chance for a life, a lover, and a place to finally belong, his sister and Reinne. That dream of being a father, a lover, and a brother, being better then his father and brother. The other version of his life, was what he'd been doing before Honor set him free. Playing the villain, following every footstep Reagan had left behind. He had looked up to his brother, but it was out of fear, his brother commanded people's attention. His brother found something he wanted and waited until it was his. Vahn had tried hard to be that cold, calculating force that his brother had been.
Vahn had never stopped to ask himself who he really was, perhaps it was part of their curse. Vahn had been changed while in the mirror realm, he'd been given a second chance. It had come to his attention, mostly in part thanks to Honor, that if he continued as he was, he would die. Did he really want to die being labeled just as bad as his father, brother, or even mother? Vahn had been slowly reforming his character while he had returned, trying to turn around his life. Trying to get out of Reagan's shadow and into his own. Vahn wanted more then anything to be himself and no one else. He could see Reagan's smile, smiling as he hit him over and over, that same smile Vahn held when he was in that role. Vahn felt suddenly disgusted with himself, how could he have been so stupid.
Vahn had never really lived, he'd been alone in his shell not letting anyone in. He could have been warmer to Honor, been a better brother, not so cruel and manipulating. They'd been through enough already and Vahn merely complicated matters. But Vahn wanted more then anything to find love and happiness, that thing everyone else seemed to be able to find except him. He knew Reagan would kill Reinne if Vahn married her, but Vahn wanted her more then anything. He knew Reagan would try to hurt Honor, but he loved his sister just as much. Reagan was a looming shadow over Vahn, a huge figure like some childish god and Vahn was the insect now. The boot heel of Reagan's foot loomed over Vahn now, and he knew he had to let everything he wanted go.
As Honor held Vahn's broken form, tears fell from his eyes, they hit the floor as solid crystal. Vahn didn't want to let everything he wanted go, it wasn't fair, but he couldn't let Reagan have that pleasure. Vahn's wounded mouth quivered as his raspy voice said, " R..R..Reagan.." Vahn's eyes looked on Honor distant and full of tears. He was that scared little boy again, in his sister's arms, afraid of his brother, afraid he had no choice in his life.
-
Again time passed for Gema s she sat in the temple gardens.
She thought she was dozing when she first saw the seed drift to the tree. Blinking her deep lavender blue eye repeatedly to make sure she wasn't ....
The seed drifted to the tree, the small crack on it began to spill red light out as the seed itself glowed white. A small glow appeared in the tree as the seed passed into it becoming one with the tree.
Standing, she walked closer to examine the seed and tree. For a moment she wondered if this was a bad thing to happen. but deep with in her core she knew the seed belong there, knew that it ws part of this entire process.
How is it that I know these things..she muttered to herself. It all made no sence to her. She also wondered what had happened to Reese and Solius...why was she the soul person kept here to defend the tree.
Raising her delicate hand she noticed that the glowing from earlier had stopped though she knew the power it had unleashed was still present in her
"Bah too many unanswered questions" Moving back to the corner of temple she sat down and prayed to her goddess for clarity
-
Calesta watched a lady run in the room and throw herself across the body of the man that she was looking over. Slowly she knelt down and placed a hand upon the lady. She was hit by the fatigue that the lady was going through, quickly taking a deep breath and pushing it away.
"He will be just fine m'lady for I have been told to look over him personally. I shall do everything in my power to keep him on this plane with you. "
Slowly moved her hand long the should of Honor wishing she could take the pain away. But that would go as Vahn was healed and kept here with her.
Calesta leaned back as she watched tears form and fall to the floor from his eyes. But his tears were different then those that she had seen before they hit the floor as solid crystals. She looked back to Vahn's eyes shocked that they were open. It was a good sign that he would stay here and not die.
She took her hand from Honor and placed it over the deep wound upon his shoulder. If she did not get it taken care of it may get infected by the dirt on his body.
"I do not mean to ruin this but his wounds need tending. If dirt gets in them then it will take longer to heal him."
-
Slowly moved her hand long the shoulder of Honor wishing she could take the pain away. But that would go as Vahn was healed and kept here with her.
Holding her brother eased her hysteria, Honor had to be strong for him. ?All will be well. I promise??
"He will be just fine m'lady for I have been told to look over him personally. I shall do everything in my power to keep him on this plane with you."
Cordelia handed her a handkerchief monitoring the activity around her mistress making sure that none would interrupt. She hurt for her lady?s condition and feared for her state of mind, wondering how much pain could her lady internalize. She caught the glance of Calesta and frowned shaking her head as if to say. ~My mistress does not even know we are here.~
Honor took it from her confidante and wiped her eyes leaning in to cradle him in her lap. She sat like this for minutes rocking him in her arms, the pitiable youngest son. Courtiers collectively gave a sigh of relief when her majesty seemed to claim, not noticing the double images kneeling at her side. Vincent was gone and left her an empty shell. What was it that Vahn had told her repeatedly? Never trust a man with your heart. She brushed his hair and lightly kissed his forehead. You will never have to worry about that ever, she promised Vahn mentally, you will be the only man of importance in my life.
The aching pain dulled as she focused on Vahn?s beautiful grey eyes. Some infant?s eyes changed weeks after they were born. His never did, remaining their striking color. Honor had held him, raised him, cared for him before the rest of their family ever noticed him. Her heart tore in two to hear Vahn try to speak.
Vahn's wounded mouth quivered as his raspy voice said, " R..R..Reagan.." Vahn's eyes looked on Honor distant and full of tears. He was that scared little boy again, in his sister's arms, afraid of his brother, afraid he had no choice in his life.
?Shhhh, darling, Reagan is dead. He cannot hurt you anymore.? She thought that the beating that he had been given had conjured up Reagan?s memory, Vahn?s worst nightmare, rocking him gently she whispered, ?Reagan is very bad memory, a phantom of your worst fears. Do not fear him. You are a man now, not a child that can no longer fight the nightmares that come. Face him and you will see he is nothing more than shadow, a reflection of fear itself. I love you, Vahn. First, last and forever. Let our love give you the strength to face your fears.?
She took her hand from Honor and placed it over the deep wound upon his shoulder. If she did not get it taken care of it may get infected by the dirt on his body.
"I do not mean to ruin this but his wounds need tending. If dirt gets in them then it will take longer to heal him."[/b]
Calesta?s logical statement snapped Honor into the present, turning her head to address the healer. ?Of course, Cordelia?Cordelia??? She said her voice trailed off weakly realizing that Cordelia was kneeling on the right side of her.
Cordelia smiled with chagrin. ?Yes, mistress.?
?You are not Cordelia.? The lady stated her gaze darting between the cousins with a puzzled expression on her noble brow.
?You are correct, milady,? her confidante explained. ?Calesta is my cousin; therefore, yours distantly. Time for formal introductions later, my Lady, because my Lord needs his rest?and so could you.? Cordelia held her tongue about Sidius's ghost sighting. The story could wait until her mistress was in a better rested and in a stronger frame of mind.
((joint post for Cordelia and Honor))
-
"I shall show you the powers of old, show you boundless pain that will carve away your very sanity."
Einar flashed a wolfish grin towards Prasutagus, even while the White Wolf grimaced through the pain that coursed through his wounded shoulder. He could feel the wound healing - although, not at the rate of the Darkthorne King. However, as the Knight tested his arm, he found that he could move it once more, even though it pained the warrior to do so. And so, Einar began to back up, heading back towards the place in which the warrior had thrust Fenrir into the ground. As he came to his faithful weapon, he reached out with his swordarm - the wounded arm - and grasped the weapon. The wolf-like jaw of the warrior clenched in pain, but Einar tightened his grip around the blade nonetheless, pulling it from the ground and brandishing it before him even as Prasutagus' form twisted itself into an Apocalyptic form of himself.
"NO!"
Silver eyes flashed, catching sight of Reinne rushing in. The White Wolf prepared to fly into battle, thinking the Queen to be attacking Prasutagus from behind - yet, then he noticed the form of Lucan and knew that he needed to divert the Darkthorne King's attention before he turned on both Reinne and Lucan. Einar began to stalk forwards, heading out to meet Prasutagus, rage and hatred for the man filtering into his system, boiling his blood. Adrenaline rushed through the warrior's form, and the pain began to fade away, replaced by an undying need to bring Prasutagus down to his knees. The warrior knew full well he was outmatched against the Old Powers, knew full well that he could not expect to destroy Prasutagus without his own demise ... yet, the Knight marched forwards nonetheless ... And with every step Einar took towards the Darkthorne King, Fenrir pulsated. The sound of drums began to pound within the Warrior, soft and first but growing stronger and louder with every step the White Wolf took. And then, as one, Fenris-Wolf and Einar howled!
The howl ripped through the empty cathedral, shaking the very foundations, causing the windows to quiver and the pews to move. And then, even as the howl filled the air, the White Wolf rushed forwards with all the strength and might the warrior could muster. Reinne's fate rested on that of the White Wolf's, and if in death Einar could save his Queen, he would gladly meet his maker.
Fenrir flashed out as Einar closed in on the daemonic form of Prasutagus, the sentient sword slicing through the air, swinging in a round-about arc, coming towards Prasutagus' left side, heading straight for the Darkthorne King's middle. The slash was meant to catch Prasutagus not by the tip of the blade, but rather by the middle, making it difficult for the Darkthorne King to dodge and back away from the White Wolf's fierce strike. And, if that were not enough, Einar would keep charging forwards, the scramsax - still in a negative grip - would come slashing in towards where Einar precieved Prasutagus' face to be. " ... We're going to Hell, Prasutagus," Einar would growl as the scramsax came in, " ... Together!"
-
When he rose from his meditation a Clone to his side handed him a flask of water. It was one of Anna?s last orders to the clones that seemed all to over-powering in the first moments she slipped through his mind taking strings and plucking them as she could. The flask was not just water though. If Eduardo managed to noticed through his groggy waking again he would noticed the soft a white bandage wrapped hastily around her wrists. The ends dangled some as she stood there catching his forearm as the clones voices faded from her mind and her concentration began to narrow down into just herself and the sense of connect to the Eduardo standing in front of her.
It was one reason why she was a unique blood doll to some. Her blood was nearly an elixir to humans as well as those of the immortal realms. She was often used as such for the blood dolls favored by her masters, renewing their strength so they could continue to supply the precious amount of their blood they could. The flask, however, held more water than it did blood so the taste of it would be masked. The second flask disappeared into the ranks of clones and soldiers still trying to keep the gate secure.
The very mention of the word made her sigh in a sense of relief as the last clone?s voice slipped from mind.
~Rest sounds good,~ She glanced to the flask of water the clone was holding to him and added ~Drink some water it will help even more?~
Then with that simple request the world began to fade and a enveloping darkness. Her body and her mind could only take so much. Being untrained to handle the voices of another person taxed enough of her mental strength to hang on to the strength her body didn?t really have. No her hand on his forearm slipped off and the rest of her body swayed forward into him.
-
He himself felt as though he were in a waking dream, as though the things that were to take place were nothing more than a figment of his imagination. he saw the form of the woman he had threatened to kill earlier gracing the doorwaybefore she seemingly glided over to the bed. She climbed in beneath the sheets, only to gaze at him momentarily before leaning in for a kiss. Did he want the kiss? Did he yearn for a woman's touch after so long? Who knew.. He just went with the moment.
The feather kiss that grazed his lips took him a bit by suprise to a degree, as thoughts of perhaps holding back were not only upon his mind, but perhaps upon hers too. But before he could even try to utter the word that maybe they shouldn't, she leaned in to deepen the kiss. Her lips found themselves pressing against his and the tenderness and passion behind both ends could have perhaps been considered a prelude of perhaps things to come. He let his tongue roll into her mouth, to press against her own as he wrestled for domination over her. But he pulled his tongue out slightly, only to let his teeth bite down ever gently onto her bottom lip before sucking and pulling almost simotaneously. Her hands finding themselves moving across his back almost sent a shiver down his spine, as the cool air of the room and her hot flesh seamed to contradict everything about the situation.
The ruckus of hand servants calling, beckoning for their mistress caught way to his ears and apparently so to Honor's as the woman found herself breaking their little ecounter so she could go take care of some other business. He watched the womans form slip from the bed, before opening the door to Vincents room. adrian couldn't help but watch the woman walk away, taking particular notice of her skin, her hair, her scent, her very aura in its entirety. His eyes trailed their way from her shoulders down her back, only to rest themselves upon the curvature of her bottom. His daze upon this aspect was only broken as he heard Honor start to scream, wondering to the whereabouts of Vincent before she then proceeded to find news of her brother. So Vincent had made it out of here before Adrian did? Somehow Adrian had pictured himself making it out of the window before his brother did, but it seams his brother was a bit quicker to the ball. Couldn't very well be a copycat now could he?
Adrian leaned over a bit more and turned ever so slightly to let his feet hang over the side of the bed. He pressed himself to his feet, a sigh almost instantly rolling from his mouth. It seamed he never had a moments rest, but then again, did ever Thorne truly sleep peacefully for very long? It seamed they were always off running somewhere for something. Upon standing from the bed, Adrian looked down to find that the only type of cloth that was worn upon him was the wrap of bandages that covered his midtorso and a bit of the upper, before wrapping around his left shoulder. Where had the healers taken his clothes? His right hand reached up a bit to scratch his hair as he looked around inquisitively, only to spot them in the corner of the table in shreds. He looked up and around instantly as if to yell at the healers, he wanted to yell at them, seriously.. What the fuck?
A groan managed to escape his lips in his frustration as he now looked about the room for something else to adorn himself with to keep his naked form from the world. Checking the dresser by the window, he opened it up to find only womens dresses of greens, lavenders, reds and every other god forsaken color. Obviously this room hadn't had any male occupants in some time for there to be no clothes for him in here. He glanced over his shoulder to take a look at the bed...
Moments later Adrian was walking down the hallway towards where Honor had gone, the white satin sheets wrapping themselves around his waist, only to be tied in a knot at his right hip. His right leg would peak itself out between the folds of the sheet with each step, turning a corner to peak his head in at Honor, Vahn, and the other two women (Cordelia and Calesta). He stood in the doorway for now, not wanting to interupt the conversation, since these were not his estates. He simply waited, half naked, half bandaged, and half wondering where he could get some clothes.
-
Reese fought and fought, with each battle, he pushed his lifeforce ever closer to death. If Reese continued to fight like this, he would surely die, but he could not let anymore Velusians die this day. If he was going to die, he wouldn't die a god or a Blackthorne, he'd die as a Velusian. A cut across Reese's head began to bleed down into his right eye. Sweat poured off of Reese's face, his clothing was damp with it.
" I won't let anyone else die in vain, I will defend my fellow Velusians, I will defend my family, and my home."
Reese's sword clashed with a Darkthorne's blade, the two struggled against one another. Finally Reese pushed back and then quickly lunged his sword piercing the Darkthorne's heart. Reese began to cough, it seemed he could not fight death, no matter how hard he tried. Blood trickled down from Reese's mouth, making a crimson trail along his chin and down his neck. Reese looked up at the army, they kept coming, was there no end, would the tree be too late? He couldn't let doubt fill his soul just yet, as long as they lived, there was a chance. He only hoped he could live to see the balance returned to the land.
All the faces of those he cared about, of those already dead because of the Darkthornes flashed before his eyes. No....if he did fail now, he would let them all down, he couldn't. Reese clashed swords with another Darkthorne, he moved to the side as the Darkthorne slashed. Reese stabbed his sword into the side of the Darkthorne, sliding it between it's ribs and into it's heart. No matter how much blood had to be shed, the land would know peace finally. " Ahhhhhhh!" Reese ran towards the Darkthornes before him, his sword clashed with theirs, they fought with Reese leaving one remaining. The names of those who had died for peace, he would carry them like badges in his memory. They would give him the strength to carry on, just a little bit longer.
Reese couldn't hear the battle anymore, his mind played out a sonata, one his mother played for him once. The day before the wars came to Velusia, the day that would live in his memory forever. It was peaceful then, life wasn't so complicated, pain was just a word. That dark day so many years ago, it echoed in his mind, that tune. Time around him seemed to no longer flow at it's natural pace. Was this his clock ticking away it's last few minutes here, his end? Blood and sweat soaked his clothing, as explosions rocked the field around him. A fallen soldier of Velusia lay there among the bodies of the Darkthornes. Reese knelt down next to the fallen hero and the man reached out to Reese. The man's face had been badly burned, but he could still speak.
" My family...I came to fight to protect them, so that they could live to see the day...when peace returned to our beautiful land...whoever you are...you must fight, so that a war like this will never happen again...life is too precious, it's...it's the only treasure we have left in the end....." the man spasimed for a few moments trying to rise up so he could fight again, but it was too late. Reese looked down to the man, a tear fell from his eyes, war was never good, but a land where war was a yearly cycle, was not a land, it was hell. It was a depressing place, a place where one could not live their life to it's fullest, but wait for the day they too would die. Reese couldn't let the man's sacrifice go in vain, it hurt him inside, to see this, to feel this burden. But he had to push through it, to let go of the chains of sorrow and misery that threatened to over burden his very soul.
If he fell into that path, he would never be free, never be able to fight for that peace. To see a day when the war was finally over, to see children playing in the streets and growing up without having the threat of war destroy the future they might have. Reese looked up to the skies above, if only he could be a god on this plane instead of one so far away. If only he could bring those powers here and use them to end all this, but that was selfish. His powers were for the protection of another realm, a place that needed it just as bad as this. He spoke, " Gaia...look at how your followers suffer, look at how they die and bleed upon your earth, fighting for the sake of peace and happiness. Is this the way things will end, is this how you let us sort out our differences, our problems, by dying in vain for something everyone dreams of?"
" I'm sorry...Gaia, but I can't let this go...on anymore...the cycle must end here...it must end. The warmth of kindness is lost here on this field, I am so lucky to have lived a full life, I only wish I could have lived to see peace restored and balance returned. I'll be coming to visit you soon Gaia, maybe you can show me how things turn out in the end." Reese began to cough more violently this time as he slowly stood up. Reese ran forward towards another Darkthorne and as their blades met, Reese had struck so hard, their blades shattered. Reese punched the Darkthorne with his metallic fist, crushing it's throat as he fell to his knees. He could give no more...his heart was begining to slow as the cold began to creep over him. Reese turned falling back, he lay there on the battlefield looking up at the clouds, the sun, if only he could have held on longer. He might have been able to see the day, but he had done what he came to do.
Reese smiled, he had done his part in this, " I will carry those I love in my memories, I only wished I..." Reese lay there looking up at the clouds, his breathing slowed, then stopped completely. His eyes glazed over as his life faded from the mortal shell of his body.
-
As Einar came forward towards Prasutagus, he felt something, something warm course over him. His father, Reese...he was dead, but in death he gave his son, the one gift he had not been able to give in life. Not because he couldn't, but because Prasutagus would not accept it. But now he had forgiven his father, he knew the truth, he could hear Reese's voice in his head. " My son, I give you...my love for you, don't let the dark path your on, burden you and lead you to your death, live for me and find your happiness, the happiness I could never give you in life." Prasutagus barely noticed Einar now as the distant memories of his childhood flooded his head. A time when he didn't know how to hate, days he could never have again. Prasutagus heard Reese's words from years before, that he would fail if he continued down this path. A sword drawn in hate, would be a sword drawn in vain, a sword that would never find peace.
As Einar's sword slashed into Prasutagus's side, his gauntleted hand grapsed the blade preventing it from going very deep. He looked up into Einar's eyes, as they fought Prasutagus had better understood Einar, he had connected to Einar's heart. Einar fought for love, not hate, he fought, for Reinne, he loved her. Prasutagus's eyes glazed over for a moment, those times of happines, he'd thrown them away to get to this point. A single tear fell from Prasutagus's right eye as he understood now. His love for Merlindria, it burned in him stronger then the fires of hate, stronger then anything. His goal of returning to Velusia to protect those that had been oppressed had been twisted into this corrupted campaign.
Prasutagus looked to Einar again, " you...fight for love.. you would give your life to protect her happiness, her life, even though you hide your love...how could...how could you be so strong and dedicated to that fickle emotion?...How..." Prasutagus looked back on those times, back when his small hands had never been stained by blood. Back when he was a child, his father did love him, he remembered now, his father had put his life in harms way to protect Prasutagus. Just as Einar was doing for Reinne, one could not lie in battle, their heart spoke through their actions. Prasutagus had been fighting all this time, for the wrong reasons. Blood coursed down from Prasutagus's side as the Darkthorne king decided, he had to die. He had to die to be forgiven for everyone he'd convinced himself was the truth. He'd been lying to himself all this time, the decision he had made long ago had made him suffer for so long.
He had created his own hell, it was all his fault, he felt that guilt, and that guilt drove him to let himself die. But he would not go down without a fight, he couldn't, Merlindria.... No..he couldn't let himself die, he had found love, found a chance at the happiness that his father wanted him to have. " Thank you father..." his heart had once bled tears of blood for every life he took and now it bled again. Bled for all those lives he'd taken believing in a lie. Prasutagus's form began to shift back to it's normal form, the wound began to bleed even more. His people wanted him to win, they believed in everything he told them. All the lies he'd said, he had to live to undo everything he'd done. " What have I been fighting for..." Prasutagus's eyes were distant, as his soul screamed in pain. He'd let so many of those he loved go for his hatred, he'd thrown all those days he could have had with them away.
Prasutagus brought his axe up bringing the flat to hit Einar in the side of his head with a powerful swing. He had to see if this man could show him the way to death, or if he could win and change everything.
-
Eduardo looked to Anna and to the flask, his eyes seemed to become possessed by something. " You would give your blood merely to give me strength..." Eduardo couldn't help, but feel moved by her kindness, she barely knew him. The fact that she gave up her own blood meant so much more then the act of giving him water. She was willing to bleed to give him strength to continue fighting. She may say she was not all that trained, but her heart, it was the heart of a true fighter. Someone willing to give their life's blood for the strength of others. Eduardo felt honored beyond words as he looked on her. He felt her grip on his arm begin to slacken, Eduardo felt fear grip him as he reached out. His hands embraced her as she fell back into him, he blushed.
" I..I.. Anna? Are you okay? You've exhausted yourself, you need some rest.." Eduardo looked around spying an inn in the distance, he lifted up Anna's form and carried her, the clones walked alongside him, they all wore that same face of worry that the one holding her did. The clones at the gate fought harder now, they had something to drive them, something beyond just their own selfish desires. Eduardo walked into the inn and looked to the inn keeper, many injured had been brought here to be treated, but they were obviously being taken somewhere else as well. Eduardo spoke with the inn keeper finding that they had no more rooms vacant, but there was room in the cellar. Eduardo closed his eyes and looked back to the man thanking him.
Eduardo found that the cellar is where the furnace which heated the inn was, there was a small bed there, it would have to do. Eduardo set Anna down upon the bed, tucking her in under the sheet, he and the other clones sat there silently watching over her, while the others defended the gates.
" So will she be okay?" one clone said, while another turned going " Shhhh" with his finger to his lips. They'd keep her safe, and try to give whatever they could to her, just as she had done for them. To think that such an act of kindness could exist amongst all this hate, death, and destruction. Eduardo was amazed by Anna, she defied his logic, he couldn't understand much beyond battle, it was all he knew. He had learned a little bit of farming while in peace, but peace here had been such a fleeting moment, long ago. Could he exist in peace, could he actually find a purpose without a battle for life and death? Or...was that the thing, that life itself was a battle to survive and live everyday as if it were your last? Eduardo laid back against the wall watching the fire burn, it's light cast illumination over Anna's form.
Beauty existed on her outside, but inside she was scarred by a past, much like him. It angered him that such a kind and beautiful person, could have gone through so much. Eduardo should never have allowed her to get involved in the battle out there. But he didn't know that there was such a person worth saving in this city. He had merely wanted to repell the Darkthorne attack to prevent them from reaching Lochland. Now he realized that he'd even been blinded as the Darkthornes, fighting for his own needs, his own goals. He was ashamed of himself for never seeing it sooner, but now he had a chance to be a better being.
-
Kaydean stood there on the battlefield just a few feet away from the figure he'd seen escape from the window. The thoughts of revenge for his mother's death hung about Kaydean's head. He knew sometimes there was more pain in living then in dying. That pain of his mother's death would never leave Kaydean's heart. Cebreese had spared no one mercy, he had destroyed so many lives. How could anyone let someone so evil go by unpunished, living a life while so many suffer from his actions. Cebreese had to die this day, so that his mother would be avenged. All the harm Cebreese had done to his father, him, and his mother, their lives would never be as they were. He could never have those precious memories back and he would make Cebreese suffer. He knew the path of the Darkthornes now, he knew it in his heart.
Kaydean ran towards the figure with purpose, he would find a way to bring Cebreese to his knees. His mother had died protecting him, died shielding him from the sword meant for his heart. A heart that now beat with anger at his weakness then, his inability as a child to protect his mother. Even if Cebreese died, it would not change Kaydean's fate, his life. But he didn't care anymore, he wanted Cebreese to pay for the life he took away from Kaydean. Not far from the figure, Kaydean saw the man, the beast Cebreese, he was weak. He could see that the battle was slowly taking it's toll on Cebreese. If he struck now, perhaps he could win, he knew Cebreese's moves. He had been trained by Cebreese, trained to fight just like him. That would be Cebreese's undoing, he would fight Cebreese with his own style, his own techniques.
Kaydean looked back to the figure in red, his black hair swaying in the breeze. He didn't need any help, why should he, this was his battle, his and his alone. If he died, he would die as Kaydean, son of Adrian and not a Darkthorne soldier under Cebreese's control. Kaydean drew his sword, the sun glinting upon it as he made his way to the devil of his past. To the killer of his mother and the man who had tortured him and his father. Tears fell from his eyes as he ran towards Cebreese's form, he would find peace with Cebreese's death or his own. He raised his sword and shouted at him, " CEBREESE!" he jumped over a nearby boulder coming slashing with his sword, downward towards Cebreese.
-
Cebreese fought without hesitation, without regard to his own personal safety. The fight for him had taken on meaning, had become his redeemption, as he fought the demons of hell to pay for his sins. These were his sins alone, no one elses, the sins of a former soldier. A soldier whose debts so far had been paid in blood, he had walked down a road stained in blood. The rode of the ebon heart, the road of Darkthorne, stained in blood and built from the bodies of countless enemies. That road which lived in Darkthorne legends as the road that the champion of the Darkthornes would walk. Cebreese had been down that road, gone to it's end and seen the future it held for him. A future as a king of ruins, a king over corpses, Cebreese had turned his back on that path now. Walking back down that road was not easy, in fact it was damn near impossible.
Cebreese sliced through another enemy and turned just in time for an attack from behind. He blocked the attack and began to counter attack, when he saw the face of his attacker. Kaydean, he'd almost forgotten about the boy, amazing he was still alive. What was he doing, was he still a servent of Darkthorne, no, by that look in his eyes, he knew. So he found out the truth about his life and now he was trying exact his revenge on Cebreese. The boy was brave, but he was not very smart, to put one's life in danger after discovering the truth. He had a long life ahead of him and yet he threw it away carelessly just for revenge. If he killed Cebreese, he would become a full fledged Darkthorne with no hopes of turning back. Cebreese knew all to well, the boy wanted to walk the dark road, revenge was honey to the taint of Darkthorne.
Cebreese didn't want to kill Kaydean, he had nothing against the boy, nothing against his father. He was his uncle after all, and now that he had found his way back towards the light, he would not go further in either direction. " Why do you fight, do you think that killing me will bring back your mother...it won't. Your father just found you and you throw yourself into danger without any regards to your father's feelings. You haven't even had the chance to get to know him and already you come looking for death. I know your heart, you can't hide it from me, your attack has told me everything. You carry anger, the hope of revenge, you will become a Darkthorne should you let yourself give into your emotions. I have done many evil deeds, only now do I try to redeem myself, to atone for the crimes I have done to others. If killing me will make you happy, then I shall not stop you, but in killing me, you will become what I was. I hope you like slavery, the Darkthornes will welcome you with open arms."
Cebreese looked to Kaydean's eyes and lowered his sword, he knelt down and offered his neck for the boy's blade. Cebreese didn't fear death, it was merely a part of life. A soldier had to take a chance in dying by taking up their blade and fighting. If he died here, at least he died free, it would take an eternity to pay for his sins. But if this boy wanted him to pay so fast, he would lay it all on the line.
-
Belle started to get worried about her sister being that she had not head anything from her. She gave a call out for Darius as she fought to get the Darkthornes back. As Darius flew down she grabbed a hold of one of his clawed hands and sheathed her blade. Carefully she made her way up to Darius' back, using the edge of his wing to giver her a lift up.
Her eyes started to scan the land below for her sister, nothing but people fighting down there. Til she hit a grassy hill where she saw a dragon that seemed to be not moving. Belle had Darius do a fly by so to get a better look. Shock crossed her face seeing that it was Meredith, what was she doing just sitting there. They cam eback around and landed a few feet from the two just resting there.
Belle walked over to Meredith looking to her face. "What are you doing here you are supposed to be looking for mother? I know that you did not want to come but I could not do this alone. Another pair of eyes were needed to find her quickly."
-
She stood there running her hand over the side of Razven talking to him softly about all that had taken place. He and Joie were the two that she trusted the most with her feelings. Meredith looked to the sky a she heard what she thought was thunder. It turned out to be Belle upon Darius flying over them. Shortly later the two had landed not far from them and Belle walked over to her.
Before she could say anything Belle attacked her with words.
Belle walked over to Meredith looking to her face. "What are you doing here you are supposed to be looking for mother? I know that you did not want to come but I could not do this alone. Another pair of eyes were needed to find her quickly."
"If you would have given me a moment I would have given you the news that I found her. She told me to stay here as she took and ijured man to be looked after. When she returned we were going to find you so she can give us some news."
Dazven lowered his head near her shoulder sensing the tension in her voice. Meredith reached up and ran a hand along the middle of his head. She felt that Belle had no rigiht to yell at her, after allshe was only there because she begged.
-
Analisa blocked out all that he ranted as she went for the final blow, watching him crumble to his knees and fall face first into the blackness. Drawing in deep breaths she shook off the desire to relax, instead walking around to lift her blade and forcing the shadow to back away, she severed her uncles head from his body. "Return to hell where you belong!" As the blade crunched thru bone to quickly bite into the ground beneath Analisa heard her father's call and spinning around she looked up at him while the black shadows faded away and the mist at her feet snatched at the body of her dead enemy. When it finally returned to her there was nothing left of Syndicale and she could feel the delight of her entity over the victory. He had been powerful and she knew if he had fought her a century ago she would have lost quickly. Glancing down she frowned as she saw there was no body in sight. Perhaps the entity had devoured it completely it had been known to happen, but then again perhaps one day he would return and she knew she would have to be ready for that.
Before she could rise to meet him two more enemies rushed her and spinning with the right blade Analisa wasted no time at all in fighting them. Removing the first ones head with a few quick blocks and thrusts, she turned her attention to the second one. After several dodges and blocks the shadow walker felt the tip of his blade slide across her armor and grinning struck to bury her own blade deep in his chest. Resheathing both blades after wiping the blood from them Analisa let the helmet fade away from her face while slipping up to meet him. The shadow walker took a moment to look over her father with sparkling silver eyes taking note that he seemed well. Vincent looked so much different and Analisa felt joy at seeing him thus without the helm on his head. Syndicales words kept running thru her mind and she blocked them once more while greeting her father,"I am happy to see you returned and looking well."
Analisa refused to let her corrupted uncle tain and ruin what she had with her father...ever. The wind tugged at her pulled back hair sending a few stray blonde locks to dance out across the gold tattoo on her cheek as she tilted her head to the side in her stance. Her right hand casually drifted up to rub across the place on her left arm where Syndicales blade had scored and she could feel the tug at her side where that wound was still mending as fast as the entity could repair it. Analisa could tell something was bothering him and knew he wouldn't be there for long as she watched Vincent's gaze drift off to the south again and again. "I won't delay you, only wish to say that you must return father.. it has been so long and we have much to talk about you and I. But as everything else can wait so can this, I have a battle to return to and you.. well you will do what you must."
The shadow walker brushed the hair back from her face and called the helm back into place. As it crept up to cover her pale skin and pale hair Analisa moved quickly towards her father hugging him tight and whispering for his ears along,"I love you papa.", before dropping sharply from the air back into the midst of the fighting and drawing her blades for the next attack.
-
Longinus road upon the dragon's back, it was truly amazing, to fly high above the earth. It had taken his mind off his pain, for the experience was both exciting and scary at the same time. He kept thinking if he lost his grip the fall to the earth would not be pleasent. When they landed and Raven began to speak to the stranger, Longinus found himself feeling light headed again. When she introduced him to the stranger, Longinus tried his best to be polite and nodded, " I am pleased to meet you." It was all he could muster at this point and time, finding the midst of battle a lousy place to make polite conversation. Maybe when he had more time and was feeling better he could engage them in more conversation. He was interested in knowing more about Raven's family, they seemed a close knit group of people. He also noticed more dragon riders in the area, which must mean they all had her talent. Someday he would like to learn how to ride such magnificant creatures, he'd enjoy that.
" You seem to have a lot of people that care about you, I can see why someone like yourself has such a deep respect for another's life. You have friends that would come vast distances to make sure your safe."
Longinus had heard tales of the Darkthornes, and how they set fire to many of the Velusian cities in the last war. The land was still healing from those fires, he wondered what this battle would do. It would leave lasting scars on those who survived it, on both sides. Longinus watched as they took off and found another one of Raven's friends. Longinus's head burned as did his body, he was developing a fever. Longinus thought back on the Duke's chains, they had been poisoned with something. Longinus had began to wonder why he was becoming so fatigued after the ride back from Belgada. Now he understood just the extent of his injury, he was suffering some sort of illness due to the wound the Duke gave him.
-
Vincent watched his daughter go off to fight again, but he had to tell her what was lingering over his soul. He would send this to her mind so that she alone would hear his words.
" Analisa, you know I love you very much, your all I have left of your dear mother and the union of our love. But you should know there is more to me and your mother's family then what I have told you. I was charged with a sacred oath to watch over our family, as it's guardian. I come form a long line of guardians, a member from each generation is selected for this task and only it they are born with the sacred symbol upon their body. I am the last of the guardian line, for no other has been born with that symbol since I. I have to protect every member of this clan, this family, as well as it's secrets, there are many things about our family that you do not know. Strahd was of a bloodline that has been at war with our family even before we came to Velusia. He comes from the same line as Aram-dul and many other enemies of our family. The same line as your mother, her brother and her were labeled as possible threats to our family. As it's guardian it was my duty to kill them both, I failed in doing that because I fell in love with your mother. I fear we both will have to deal with this past in the near future in order to finally have our peace."
Vincent added that he would be gone for a week as he journeyed to Destrahd to see what shadow rose from Strahd's lands. If it was what he feared then they might be meeting with that future all too soon. Vincent had sent a message to Honor telling her of his need to depart on business for the family. He hoped Analisa and Honor both understood he had no choice in this matter, as the family's guardian he had his duty. He carried that burden alone for it was the price one had to bare. The price one paid for their family's safety and secrets. Vincent picked up a shield from the battlefield and placed it on the ground. He placed his hands together in front of him and closed his eyes. He infused the shield with a spell he had personally created himself.
Stepping atop the shiled a fog began to form at his feet as the shield began to rise up in the air. It drifted up to the clouds themselves and the fog blended with the clouds, making his location vanish. Vincent drifted off to meet with whatever dark demon rose from his past, he would return shortly. When he did, he'd make sure to take time to visit with both Honor and Analisa in hopes of making up for all the time they had lost. Vincent would enjoy the day when peace finally came to Velusia, for then he could rest and live a normal life. He was bound by his duty until the clans were united and even then he still had duties to perform. Until the next guardian was born to replace him, he would have little time if any.
-
She looked to Longinus for a long time before leaving him at the manor to get looked after. Raven could tell that he was not feeling all that good, praying that this was not that last time she saw him. "I am not sure about caring for the one that you meet for I was not able to give her quality time. Chances are her older sister made or begged her to come with. We shall talk more when I return here with the two of them."
Just about the time Phantom opened his wings to take off she tossed her cloak to Longinus. She smiled to him as she took back to the skies giving him a smile and a wave.
Raven headed back in the direction that they had come from. She took that moment to think what to say and how. It had been sometime since she had been wiht both of them at the same time. Seemed that Belle had found her sister for the two were where she left Meredith. Phantom came around and landed where he had been when Meredith found them. She called Rycore to come, Tempest's body would be laid upon him and taken with them.
"It is good to see you two ladies hoped it would not be in such a situation. But I have a feeling by what little Meredith said that you two came to warn me about your aunt. Seems that youfound me a little late for she found me. If it was not for the man that you saw Meredith she would have kiled me."
She looked to the girls happy to see that they were ok and safe. As Raven was bout to turn Belle started to talk.
"What is going to come of you and this man? You have not been with another man since you were with Meredith's father. I just want you happy and have someone to be with since we don't live with you."
"Lets get your aunts body put on Rycore and go some where else to talk that is not so close to the battle. Hope that you feel the same way Meredith."
"I don't care much about what comes of you and that man. As you probably know I did not come on my own accord. " Meredith turned getting on the back of Razven, sitting there til they left.
Raven headed over to where they had left her body. She knew that Belle would give her a hand. Rycore landed close to the batlement not far form the body. Raven smile to Belle as they lifted the body and placed it on Rycore's back. They made sure that Tempest was secure on his back. Quietly they made their way to the dragons and got up on their backs.
Raven motioned Phantom up and Rycore followed, she led the way back to the manor. She glanced down seeing the two girls down below one taking off after the other. Rycore took his place behind her, the girls take a place on each side of her.
She had hoped to hear more out of Meredith but it seemed that she was not going to speak. Some day she hoped that Meredith would share what was on her mind. They lowered their descent as the manor came into view. Raven landed few feet from the manor, the girls following close by. Raven had Rycore land on the other side of the door.
((joint post of Raven, Meredith and Isabelle))
-
He watches the Gem stand with her dagger, across from him. He tilts his head upward, as blood drips through the floorboards, above them. The drips start to rain slowly into the damp cellar. The armored man opens his mouth and takes a deep breath. A loud echoing howl escapes his mouth, and is returned by the screams, and growls of his comrades above them in the bar. He looks back down to the girl, and a smile works across his face.
"Now what exactly do you plan on doing with that,? he pauses and drags the tip of his sword through the dirt floor as he approaches her. He continues, ?I have killed over sixty of your lands greatest warriors with my own hands, today alone. A girl with a dagger is supposed to frighten me? Now, girl, do be sensible drop the dagger, and I will let you live.
She felt the drops of blood fall gently on her head as if there was spring rain falling gently. His howl like the snapping of lightening of a spring rain storm. She covered her ears at the answering thunder of his comrades around and in the house.
Biting her lower lip, a tear slips down her cheek mingling with the bright red blood from above. The she lifts her chin looking at him..?I am a healer m?lord. Please allow me to continue on my journey so that I might heal those in need?
She knew it was a last ditch effort on her part. She also knew that she wouldn?t be let go if allowed to live...still there was something deep inside her that believe every creature had a spark of good in them..even this murderous man..
The man simply snarled at her request, his voice low and threatening as he took several large steps towards the girl. His right hand shot out at her, making contact with the soft pale skin of her left cheek. The blow sent her tumbling to the gritty dirt floor of the cellar.
Gem's eyes snapped open as she tried to make sense of where she was. After a moment she realized she was still in the temple of the tree. The drops of blood had been rain and the thunder the sounds of the tree tearing the earth apeart while it grew.
She stood and the color drained from her face as she felt like she had been kicked in the middrift..."Reese" she whispered, Reese was dead, she could feel it deep in her soul....
-
Calesta turned her head and looked to Cordelia wondering if there were others. Such a question would have to wait til Vahn and any other injured were looked after. ~Cordy if she is family, what of this man before me?~
Bowl of water and rag were handed to her, she thanked th eone that brought it. She set the bowl on the floor and wet the rag, ringing the extra water out. Calesta started washing the blood from his face, making sure none of it was his. Gently she ran the rag down along his neck making sure to keep eyes out for injuries. She put the rag in the bowl and left it there. Taking a deep breath she grabbed his shirt and ripped it open so to get a better look at the wound. She reached over and grabbed the rag leaving the extra water in it this time. Carefully she ran the rag around the wound at first then over it. Once more she cleaned the rag and ran it over his body.
Turning she had the person get a bowl of fresh water and a new rag. As she waited, pulling from a pouch a few herbs and a stone slab. She used the small stone on the slab to ground the herbs down to a paste. Taking the water she sat the bowl down then took the rag. With her hand took some water and added it to the paste. She took some of the paste and placed it on the wound, making sure that the whole wound was covered. Once the wound was fully cover she took the rag, ripped it in half and covered the paste so to keep it being rubbed way.
Calesta turned so that he was laying directly infront of her, spoke a few words and wind came moving under him. Using the wind she turned him on his side. She took a handful of water and washed the wound, riding it of dirt and dry blood. Then she covered it with the paste the placed the other half of the rag over it. Calesta placed her hands over each wound and took in a deep breath. As the breath was let out she said a prayer so that the wound would heal leaving no scar.
She handed the bowl back after she had cleaned off the slab and the stone. Gathering the things, placed them back in the pouch at her side. Once she had taken care of things she sat back and watched Vahn.
-
The White Wolf felt his blade sink into the side of Prasutagus, felt the steel as it sliced into the Darkthorne King's flesh and spilt his blood, felt the battle nearing it's end ... Yet, even as his left hand came in, scramsax in hand to slice across the King's throat, Einar stopped. He stayed his hand, the long dagger along his forearm left waiting in the air, the strike delayed. The warrior found himself hard-pressed to explain why he had stayed his hand, why he hadn't finished Prasutagus off when he had the chance. And then it came to Einar, the answer ... it was the look in the Darkthorne's eyes. The silver orbs of Einar bore into Prasutagus' own, ready to kill the man, and then he'd seen it ... Regret. Regret not for death, but rather, for the life lived. Einar had seen that look before ... both within himself, and in the eyes of Ion. And for a moment, Einar thought that perhaps he could bring redemption to Prasutagus.
" you...fight for love.. you would give your life to protect her happiness, her life, even though you hide your love...how could...how could you be so strong and dedicated to that fickle emotion?...How..."
The White Wolf listened to Prasutagus, blazing silver eyes watching as a tear rolled down the Darkthorne King's cheek. "Because, Prasutagus," Einar spoke, "It's that emotion that saved me from the darkness ... it's that emotion that keeps me from falling back down into the abyss ... Love is what keeps the beast at bay ..." A grim smile found it's way onto the features of the wounded Blackthorne, as his gaze fell - momentarily - on Reinne," ... it's what keeps me alive ..." The Knight watched as Prasutagus allowed himself to shift back into his normal form, the wings falling away, the blackness fading from his flesh. And in return, Einar did so aswell. His silver eyes returned to their natural light grey, his muscles relaxed, and his claws sank back into his flesh.
"What have I been fighting for..."
Before Einar realized what was happening next, Prasutagus' axe came up, the blunt of the weapon striking Einar across the head - hard. The world around Einar flesh bright, and the White Wolf was thrown to the side. The Knight's grip, however, was tight around his sword and as he was forced off to the side by Prasutagus' strike, Fenrir would either cut deeper into the Darkthorne King, or slice at the gauntlet'd fingers that had held it at bay. The White Wolf would take a few steps back, his eyes senses adjusting as he brought Fenrir up infront of him with his right arm, the scamsax in his left held near his hip (still in a negative grip). Einar looked towards Prasutagus, and the Knight of Velusia came to understand the Darkthorne King.
There would be no redemption for Prasutagus ... He would either win this battle - this war - and conquer Velusia for his clan, or he would fall before Einar's sword ... The White Wolf could expect nothing more, and nothing less ... And so, the Knight began to side-step over the floorboards of the Cathedral, slowly circling around the Darkthorne King, his grey eyes looking for weakness ... for a place to strike. And then, his left arm shot forwards, fingers opening as his wrist flicked, sending the scramsax slicing through the air towards Prasutagus, the tip of the long dagger aimed for Prasutagus' black heart.
-
For too long the wars had been going on tearing both the clans and their lands apart. Prasutagus had once been of the Blackthorne clan a scholar of diplomacy and politics. He had spent all his time trying to improve himself so that one day he might be a good leader. Then his life changed, and now here he was destroying what he once tried to protect. Perhaps fighting was not the way, perhaps it only brought more violence. Prasutagus's eyes fell on Einar, if he died here and now, he would never have a chance. He'd never be able to make up for all the evil he'd done. Nor would he find peace, not for all the lives he'd taken. A soul like his, that carried so much weight, so much bagage would never find peace in death. As Einar came at Prasutagus, he could see the man's choice, he would not let Prasutagus destroy this land, this clan.
Prasutagus's form split in two, both of them jumped to either side of Einar and looked upon him. He could have attacked Einar in that moment, but his hand would not rise. Why could he not do it, why could he not strike down the enemy he fought? Prasutagus slowly began to understand, for Einar was like Prasutagus. Prasutagus's love for Merlindria was slowly becoming his driving goal, his one purpose, to change their fates. The fated lovers of a clan destined to destroy or be destroyed, he would change their destiny. Prasutagus reformed behind Einar, Prasutagus was slowly finding his way back to his old life. But the road back was never easy, but Prasutagus would not be stopped now. He would be whole again, he would lead the Darkthornes back to the light.
-
Vahn could feel his wounds heal, feel his body pain slowly going away, Vahn began to move. The image of Reagan filled his mind, that cruel smile, Reagan had returned, or had he? Didn't Vahn hear Honor telling him that Reagan was dead, but he wasn't. Vahn had seen Reagan with his own eyes, Vahn knew he had to keep this secret. Reagan would endanger everyone Vahn cared for, he would have to do something. Vahn would have to stop Reagan, but how, Vahn couldn't defeat Reagan could he? He couldn't all those years ago, what made him think he could now. Vahn rose up in the bed, his breathing heavy as he looked around. Could his time be finally coming to an end, had all those he killed sent Reagan from hell to claim Vahn's soul?
Those ghosts, they didn't harm Reagan, but they drain Vahn of his immortality so that Reagan could harm him. Was Reagan commanding those ghosts or was someone else?
-
Kaydean raised his sword to do just that, to take Cebreese's head, but when he looked down. Looked down into the eyes of Cebreese, he couldn't see that evil man he once knew. That man was not here, this was not the Cebreese that Kaydean hated. He couldn't find it in himself to bring down the blade, no matter how much hate he brought up in his memories. He could feel an aura about Cebreese, such strength still, how could this be? How could Cebreese be so strong even when he no longer held to the values of Darkthorne? Was Cebreese really a true thorne, a pure blood, is this what a pure blood was capable of? The ability to cross those bloodline boundries without any restrictions, to find strength in everything. Kaydean had heard rumors of Cebreese's past, of the women and children he tortured. The citizens of Peacecraft and Lioncourt, all those people dead because of this monster. And yet that monster had new fangs now, ones for those monsters from which he emerged.
Tears fell from Kaydean's eyes, he could feel Cebreese's rage still within that form. A rage that burned hotter then the fires of hell, then the sun, that rage was controled. Controled by the very man who knelt here before Kaydean, he had been there at Grandia, when Cebreese locked all those prisoners into that church and burned it down. That man didn't care, he wouldn't bow to anyone, and yet he served Darkthorne like a dog of war. That man wasn't here any more, maybe that man was left in the kingdom of Cerebus, the land Cebreese went to when he disappeared. What did Cebreese find in Cerebus, ever since he'd returned, the man had been stronger. He had heard rumors of an old castle made by the thornes of old that existed in Cerebus, but that place was controled by the evil being Coldheart.
How could Cebreese have convinced Coldheart to let him learn those secrets? Kaydean wanted to know just what Cebreese had found, what he might still be searching for. He knew Cebreese well enough to know that the man had changed, but he had also changed at Empire, when he fell to the darkness of Darkthorne. Kaydean knew all about Cebreese's history about how he went from being an honorable soldier and champion of Blackthorne to the same for Darkthorne. And then he became the king of both while pretending to be Reese, he was too powerful to be left to his own devices. Something had to going on in Cebreese's head, something, he was playing them all, he had to be. But Kaydean couldn't see the beast in Cebreese's eyes anymore, maybe he had changed. Maybe, but how long would this change last, how long would it be before Cebreese turned on them again?
Kaydean lowered his sword, he put the sword into his sheath and turned his back to Cebreese. He would watch him, he wouldn't let go of the memories Cebreese had given him. But he couldn't kill this man, he wasn't the one he wanted. Kaydean could only hope that the man he hated would return someday, return so he could be the one to stab the sword into his black heart. " I don't know who you are, but your not the Cebreese I'm hunting...but...I promise you, when he returns, I'll be there to see him dead." Kaydean ran off back to the Demise manor, he had to check on his father, to confirm just what he had seen with his own eyes.
-
Cebreese watched Kaydean turn his back and then take off, before he stood once again. Cebreese had taught Kaydean well, taught him everything he knew, but he was Adrian's son. There was no doubt about that, he his father's pride and strength, but if he confronted him again. Cebreese would not let him live, already the Darkthornes had used that time he was dealing with Kaydean. Used it to destroy more of the land around him, killed more innocent people, Cebreese had wasted his time. Cebreese could feel the red dust slowly wearing off of him, he could feel his blood awakening again. His sword flew forward cutting through a line of Darkthornes before coming back to his opened palm. Cebreese looked at the weapon and nodded, yes indeed it was wearing off. The Darkthornes began to back away from Cebreese, he'd already killed some of the higher ranking Darkthorne soldiers. It looked as though he wasn't done just yet.
Cebreese stepped forward and spoke to the Darkthornes, " You serve like dogs to leaders who would sacrifice you for their own goals. But when I ruled over you, I didn't sacrifice the unwilling, I gave every one of you a choice. I'm giving you that choice again, turn away from your leaders and serve me, or serve them in death." A few of the Darkthornes stepped forward, remembering the glory Cebreese had brought their clan. That and they knew he would kill them just as he said. The ones that didn't step up looked at their brothers in disbelief. " Now kill those who dare to stand in my way!" Cebreese said as he sent out some of his own energy into those who'd come to his side. They became empowered by Cebreese, becoming stronger then the other Darkthornes as he purified their blood of the taint, making them all pure thornes like him. The physical change was noticed by the other Darkthornes, but the change in their eyes is what caught their attention.
They looked as though they feared nothing, they strode forward into their former ranks and began to fight the Darkthornes. Cebreese's head went back as he laughed, he had never done that before. He had used that very same power to remove the taint from Darkthornes before, but now he found he could use it to make them pure bloods. He had himself a new army, and he would show the Darkthornes just what a fight was.
-
After the intial rage and shock over Vahn's condition, she slowly regained her composure. Honor did not respond to Cordelia immediately. She was listening to Vincent explain that he had be away on family business. Somethings never changed. Honor shook her head in sadness. In some ways it was easier to think him dead or corrupted than to see Vincen'ts Lifethread and know that he would never be with her. Vincent had an opportunity to come to her and explain the matter face-to-face, but chose not to; therefore, his lack of concern proved to her that he did not love her as Cebreese had said. Was he here when she needed him? No. She wanted Vincent to love her as much as his blood family -to prove to her his devotion to her by once putting her first. There would be a warm day in the Realm of Ice before that happened. Because the battle would never stop long enough for him -for them, she would not wait with bated breath for his return.
Honor place her hand on Calesta's own and said. "Cousin. Thank you for attending my brother so quickly. Please accept our meager hospitality in this trying time. Please let me know if you need anything to aid in his recovery. Ask and it will be yours."
As Calesta began treating the wound, Honor raised her liquid blue-grey eyes to Adrian standing in the door and smiled at him reluctantly. The rogue looked impossibly handsome in his white satin kilt. A brace of soliders brought over a litter to assist their Lordship into his apartment. She motioned for Cordelia to lean over to her and whispered in a hushed tone. "Go to my laboratory and fetch two restorative potions: give one to me and take the other for yourself. I would love to take you up on the offer and retire but there is much to be done before we sleep...And make sure that man in the door way finds some appropriate clothing, we cannot have him disrupt the ladies with his lack of attire."
~I guess you could call him a distant cousin as well. But from what I gather, both are much older than they appear. Do you remember the old wise woman in our village? She was Streghia, a loose descentant of the Streghia Nona that raised Honor. No biological relation. She had told me bits and pieces, but I have not ask and do not feel it is my place to pry. I wish you could have met them under different circumstances...Don't you think his Highness is attractive?..Uh well.. I mean he would be handsome if he was not so beaten ..Nevermind. I have no place thinking such thoughts.~ Cordelia coughed blushing as she ran off to do her Lady's will. "Yes, mistress."
Lady Demise rose to her feet crossing over to Adrian and took him by the elbow walking him back to his room. "Milord, my attendant will be bringing you more clothes. Can my people bring you refreshment while you wait?" She acted as if nothing had happened between them minutes before the uproar, feigning a detatchment that she did not feel. He exuded a raw masculine energy that she responded to on an unconscience level.
((joint post for Honor and Cordelia))
-
The Knight watched as Prasutagus spilt himself in two, the dagger slicing through the open air between the two figures of the Darkthorne King and embedding itself within one of the wooden pews, thrown about haphazardly about the cathedral due to the fall of the Darkthorne King and the Velusian Knight. And then, Prasutagus was gone ... Brows knit together, and the animalistic instincts of the White Wolf had the man turning about, Fenrir brandished before him as he faced Prasutagus once more. And yet, as the grey eyes of the Knight fell upon the Darkthorne King, he saw within Prasutagus a will for change. The jaw of the Knight tightened, even as Fenrir bayed for blood ... It was in Einar's nature to offer redemption to the wicked, to allow them the second chance Einar himself had been given. Yet, deep within his breast, Einar feared a ploy ... Once already, the White Wolf had lowered his guard against Prasutagus, believing he witnessed change in the man. Could he do it again?
"Tell me, Prasutagus," Einar spoke, as he stood across from the Darkthorne King, "Do we fight here, to the death? Or will you return to the light with me ... will you help me stop the bloodshed outside? Will you help me bring peace to the Thornes?" Einar took a step forwards, bringing the sword down to his side, the tip of the blade pointed at an angle towards the floor ... yet, even with the gesture, the White Wolf kept his grip firm upon his sword, "Will you help me, Prasutagus, or will you stand in my way? It's time to decide ..."
-
Vahn thought back on the day he tried to kill Vincent....
Vincent: " I've come to tell you I plan to ask for your sister's hand in marrige. I promise I will protect her just like you Vahn, I hope we can learn to trust one another. I know you have your bad blood with my family, but I love Honor more then them, more then I can even love myself."
Vahn: " You love my sister more then yourself....hehe...she is fickle in her attention, how long do you think she will love you Vincent?"
Vahn stood over the body of Dante Blackthorne a spy that he and Vincent had uncovered and killed. They had been working together lately, more then Vahn would like. Vahn's eyes fell on the thorne dagger at Dante's belt, his hands glided over the blade drawing the blade from it's sheath. It glittered in the sun light as Vincent looked over the cliff to the river below. Vincent was turning around with something in his hand, Vahn came forward with the dagger in his hand and plunged it into Vincent's heart and twisted. Vahn smiled cruely at Vincent bewildered eyes, " Your love for my sister will never be, do you hear me, I will never let anyone take her away from me!" Vahn pushed Vincent back over the edge and looked down to see what Vincent had dropped from his hands. A ring, it was nice, well crafted, Vahn dug a small hole and burried the ring.
Vahn looked down to see Vincent's sword still in the ground, he took it up and stabbed himself in the side. When the rest of their scouting party found Vahn laying there wounded, they asked him what happened. Vahn told them that Vincent was a spy as well, he was tainted and turned on Vahn. That Vahn defended himself and Vincent fell over the edge to his death, that he tried to persuade Vincent to give up, but it was no use.
Vahn was treated and released, when it came to the trial of Vincent's friend Adalgo for conspiracy, Vahn had been behind that as well. He lied with his testamony since Vincent's friend knew Vincent was going to propose to Honor. He had to tie up that lose end, and he did that as well, poisoning the man's drink while he sat in a cell. The poison had drove the man mad preventing them from getting anything from him. Vahn had then gone to the Darkthornes when they found Vincent alive and it was Vahn who had Cebreese place Vincent in that prison. Vahn had been the one that kept Vincent away from Honor all this time. Vahn hoped Vincent's memory stayed as it was, he didn't seem to remember everything Vahn had done. With Reagan back, Vahn had enough to deal with, if Vincent came after him, he would be overwhelmed by enemies.
Perhaps it was time to make sure that Vincent didn't get in his way again, Vahn smiled and as he did he saw Reagan's smile. It haunted him, perhaps he could be in his brother's shadow for just a little bit longer, long enough to dispatch Vincent once and for all.
-
Prasutagus turned from Einar and walked up to the altar in the cathedral, he laid his axe down on it. Looking up at the window which they'd crashed through, he thought over his life. Einar asked questions that Prasutagus could not answer just yet, within his hand began to shift shadows. The blade of the Darkthornes appeared in his hand, only those who controled the old powers. Those worthy enough could wield this blade of hate and sorrow, of pain and suffering. Years ago Prasutagus had been struck with this same blade in a battle against his half brother Diago. Diago had been the leader of the Darkthornes, he had killed all the Blackthornes in one masterful battle. And after they were dead, he walked in the castle of his birth unhindered, but he saw something. Or rather he felt the lack of something, Diago had brought those Blackthornes back to life, and returned to Belgada to one day come again and fight.
What had Diago seen that Prasutagus did not, Diago had won and yet he gave up that victory to revive his enemies. If Prasutagus won would the battle truly be over, or would his soul search for more. Would he yern for this battle the rest of his days, would he continue to search for a fight like this? Prasutagus turned to Einar with the blade and said, " The light...ha...without the darkness there is no light Einar. I can't come back to Velusia, I see that now, if I kill you all and take what I want, I will be cursed in wanting more. I can't stop the battle outside, I can't deny who I am, I am Reinne's half brother, she may hate me, but I once loved this family with a deep devotion like no other. Can I go on living with this knowledge, with the deeds that I have done? If I come back with you, they will put me on trial for everything I have done. I will be going back to be executed as the representation of all the evil that has befallen Velusia."
" You were given a clean slate, but I...I am the leader of Darkthorne, I openly defied everything Velusia stood for. A sometimes there is no hope for one as cursed as I. I was happy once, that happiness I found again in love for my wife. She is my hope Einar, my darkness will never end, but with her the flame returns and there is a fire lightning the darkness again. Destiny has dealed the cards to us, and I fear I was found to be weak, I've not only betrayed my family the Blackthornes, I've betrayed my clan the Darkthornes, the people that have come to respect me and fear me. There is no place for one such as I, not until balance is returned to the Thornes. I fear we shall have to fight to the death Einar, but can you fight someone who now fights for the same thing you do? I fight to live to see another sunset, to find happiness with my beloved, to see my people suffer no more. I fight to restore order to the Darkthornes, to bring peace to my lands. Can you fight what you stand for, thats the questions troubling me now. Fighting you will accomplish nothing, defeating you will accomplish nothing, but where do I go from here?"
Prasutagus waved his hands as the shadows themselves began to form into Darkthorne minions. Prasutagus gave a grim smile to Einar, he was torn between his decision, but they were not. The minions had only one thought and that was to kill the Blackthornes and serve Darkthorne. Prasutagus held up a hand for them to stay back, he knew Einar would be asking himself questions, He knew Einar would be trying to figure out if he should kill Prasutagus or try to redeem him still. Prasutagus asked himself these same questions about Einar, he could have killed Einar many times already in the course of this battle. Something kept his hand from delivering that death blow though. Ever since he felt his father's death something inside him had been growing, the memories of who he was began to surface. The taint fought for him though, it didn't want to let go of Prasutagus. The symbiotic creature formed from his darkness began to slither about his armor, it was fighting Prasutagus's will. But something that was so much a part of him could not withstand the will of it's master.
" My father Reese...is dead..in his death, he gave me love, the love he had for his son even though I destroyed almost everything he loved and cherished. That forgiving nature is not among the Darkthornes, and it corrupts my very being as we speak. It's like a warmth burning in my heart growing, it's guiding my actions, my thoughts. My love for my wife is clear to me now, pure in it's new form. I can't allow myself to give up Einar, to surrender to you or Reinne. Call it pride, but I feel that my destiny has changed, I am a great leader of men and women. With my guidance the Darkthornes could become better then they are now, but they have been lost to the darkness for so long. Together Merlindria and I can lead them with our light, to a new tomorrow. And maybe someday we can mend the wounds between our family and restore balance. That day has been being fought for over countless years and no one has ever won. When that day comes, I would gladly come lay down my arms and end this battle forever, but until then....this fight must continue for balance itself rest in these actions."
Prasutagus's form shifted to a shadowy ethereal form as the symbiote crept off him forming into a image much like his own, only completely black. The minions began to move forward now as Prasutagus turned from Einar and began to head towards Reinne, the minions moved in closing the gap between Einar and Prasutagus. " Now as mere pawns of this legacy, this destiny, we will decide our fates and see whose clan has the right to rule over this great kingdom, once and for all Reinne."
-
As Prasutagus spoke, Einar could see well the position of the Darkthorne King. It was true, Prasutagus could not return to the Blackthorne Clan - it was true, that the people would hate him. It was all very true ... Prasutagus brought an army to the lands of Velusia, brought pain, death and destruction to countless people. He could not be forgiven so easily. To believe so would be naive ... The White Wolf knew this, but he also knew that if Prasutagus continued on his path, the Knight would be forced to cut him down, no matter the cost. A pale brow lofted as the shadows around him began to shift, morphing into man-like shapes, but bigger ... spikes and blades erupting from apendages where hands should have been. Einar released a regretful sigh, for he knew that he was losing the battle for Prasutagus' soul ...
"Prasutagus ... you are being a fool." The icy words of Einar fell from the man's lips, a haunting echo moving throughout the cathedral, "Velusia is not the only land the Darkthornes can go to ... You have Belgada, and with work you can return it to it's beauty ... You can go forth and find a new home, devoid of peoples that must be slain for the benefit of your kin ... Your pride and your weakness blind you, Prasutagus ... and they shall be your downfall."
And with that, the Darkthorne King was moving off towards Reinne, whilst the shadow-warriors were closing in on the White Wolf. Lids fell over the grey hues of the White Wolf, and Einar began to atune himself to Fenris-Wolf through Fenrir. He felt the savage nature of Apocalypse-Wolf, felt the courage and nobility of the great warrior ... And Einar allowed himself and Fenris to become one. The Darkthornes closed in, moving in ever nearer with every moment, but Einar stood there, silent and still ... until, suddenly, his eyes flashed open, and rather than the grey occulars looking out onto his enemies, there was silver flame erupting from the sockets. And then silver flame began to dance over the blade of Fenris-Wolf, lighting the darkness.
"Forgive me brothers, but if you do not return to Belgada," The White Wolf's sight panned over many of the Shadow Warriors, "I will send you into the abyss ..." And then, with a savage howl that made the Cathedral's stained glass windows shake, Einar leapt forth into the foes that stood before him, the flaming sword of Fenris slashing in a wide horizontal arc, ready to cleave as many of Prasutagus' creatures as he could.
-
Vahn was sitting up in his bed, his thoughts had been rolling over Vincent and Reagan both. As his eyes looked out the window of his room, he saw the Eduardo clones, one of them was injured by the Darkthornes coming over the battlements. Vahn had been looking for Eduardo for some time now, this was his opprotunity. While they were distracted he could get the sample he needed for his ultimate weapon. Vahn used his magic to collect the blood of both Eduardo and Matius that was on the battlement. Darkthorne and Cascadian alike, once he added these attributes to the blood of Duran Shadowspire, the deathwalker of the Cryptonis race. He could create a serum through his alchemy to give himself the abilities of all three individuals. Reagan and Vincent would have no chance against Vahn after that.
Vahn smiled and put the samples in vials sending them to his private laboratory. He'd work on it later when he felt his strength begin to return, he could become much more powerful. He laid back down in his bed and looked up at the ceiling, he thought over it more realizing if he could purify Matius's blood he could make a strain of it that would of the Thorne pure blood type. But what else was in Matius's blood, he knew he was a Darkthorne, but what else was he? Vahn smiled, yes he would show Reagan he was not to be played with. He would kill Vincent once and for all as well as Reagan. Vahn could become something more powerful then even the Thornes. He could carve a new destiny for Demise, they could rule over vast lands. Vahn couldn't wait to get started on his new plans, he would change everything.
Vahn also thought on the deal he and Reinne had, Vahn had done his part. He wanted Reinne, but he knew Reagan would be coming to kill her if he married her. He'd have to do something, as soon as the battle was over he'd begin to have everyone prepare for the wedding. He'd make his decision there rather then making one now. After all, the only thing he could think of now, was that he wanted Reinne.
-
She was frozen. The fear of losing the man whom she loved with every fiber of her being held her paralyzed as she stood by and watched the two go back forth verbally and physically. Bitter tears rolled down her cheeks as she warred with her own sense of honor....love. The moment Reese's spirit fled the physical shell of his form to pass on she clutched her chest and collapsed to her knees a soft sob erupting from her lungs as the tears flowed like a broken dam. Doe like eyes looked up to the pair, a sudden passing of knowledge seeming to flood her form, almost as if Reese had given her one last gift...a gift that could save not only her clan...but the Darkthornes as well.
As Prasutagus summoned his minions and spoke of not being able to return to Velusia she slowly stood up watching intently. Where anger had once been for Prasutagus, there was now a deeply rooted love. The love given him by their father had been spread to her as well. She understood. She understood and she acknowledged it with a muted nod toward no one.
" The light...ha...without the darkness there is no light Einar. I can't come back to Velusia, I see that now, if I kill you all and take what I want, I will be cursed in wanting more. I can't stop the battle outside, I can't deny who I am, I am Reinne's half brother, she may hate me, but I once loved this family with a deep devotion like no other. Can I go on living with this knowledge, with the deeds that I have done? If I come back with you, they will put me on trial for everything I have done. I will be going back to be executed as the representation of all the evil that has befallen Velusia. You were given a clean slate, but I...I am the leader of Darkthorne, I openly defied everything Velusia stood for. A sometimes there is no hope for one as cursed as I. I was happy once, that happiness I found again in love for my wife. She is my hope Einar, my darkness will never end, but with her the flame returns and there is a fire lightning the darkness again. Destiny has dealed the cards to us, and I fear I was found to be weak, I've not only betrayed my family the Blackthornes, I've betrayed my clan the Darkthornes, the people that have come to respect me and fear me. There is no place for one such as I, not until balance is returned to the Thornes. I fear we shall have to fight to the death Einar, but can you fight someone who now fights for the same thing you do? I fight to live to see another sunset, to find happiness with my beloved, to see my people suffer no more. I fight to restore order to the Darkthornes, to bring peace to my lands. Can you fight what you stand for, thats the questions troubling me now. Fighting you will accomplish nothing, defeating you will accomplish nothing, but where do I go from here?"
She bit back the cry that threatened to rip from her throat. She wanted nothing more than to help Einar, to save him, even if she could never tell him the truth of her feelings for him despite the fact she could not hide her emotion towards him in her eyes. Was Prasutagus right? Would one of them have to die to restore peace to their clans and unite them as they should be? Or was there something else there...something they were all missing?
" My father Reese...is dead..in his death, he gave me love, the love he had for his son even though I destroyed almost everything he loved and cherished. That forgiving nature is not among the Darkthornes, and it corrupts my very being as we speak. It's like a warmth burning in my heart growing, it's guiding my actions, my thoughts. My love for my wife is clear to me now, pure in it's new form. I can't allow myself to give up Einar, to surrender to you or Reinne. Call it pride, but I feel that my destiny has changed, I am a great leader of men and women. With my guidance the Darkthornes could become better then they are now, but they have been lost to the darkness for so long. Together Merlindria and I can lead them with our light, to a new tomorrow. And maybe someday we can mend the wounds between our family and restore balance. That day has been being fought for over countless years and no one has ever won. When that day comes, I would gladly come lay down my arms and end this battle forever, but until then....this fight must continue for balance itself rest in these actions. Now as mere pawns of this legacy, this destiny, we will decide our fates and see whose clan has the right to rule over this great kingdom, once and for all Reinne."
It was as if she had suddenly been filled with ancient wisdom. A light so bright burned inside her as her gaze slowly left from its lingering on the figure of her true love to look upon her brother...her family. It was almost as if she were being possessed by a higher being. Perhaps she was, but she would never truly know. She choked out the first words.
" I forgive you Prasutagus....Julian."
-
Prasutagus halted in his movements toward Reinne after her words hit him. She forgave him, and she used his real name, the name he'd left behind so long ago. The name given to him by his mother before hell fall into darkness and corruption. That named carried with it a long history of memories, ones that could never be forgotten. A smile crept over Prasutagus's face, so she knew him better then he thought. The first born son and the last born daughter, it came to this. Prasutagus couldn't move, he felt as though he were frozen, forgiven. Prasutagus turned to the souls of the Darkthornes in the shadow minion form and shouted, " STOP!" They all halted in their movements towards Einar, Prasutagus extended his change out to them. They began to change, their eyes held a reason that was once not there, they looked to Einar no longer the evil unreasonable beings they once were.
Prasutagus held a hand out to Reinne, his sister by blood, and action, she was more family then his dead twin ever could have been. " You forgive me...and you know my forgotten name, we shall stop this fighting together then. Belgada and Velusia will merge and the two thrones will be united in alliance. We have to find Shamus and Merlindria though, before either of them fall in battle."
-
"I forgive you Prasutagus ... Julian."
The words filtered through the Cathedral into the ears of the White Wolf, even through the din of battle, as Fenrir slashed against the shadow weaponry of the Darkthorne warriors. Even as Einar fought, his eyes widened in surprise, the silver flames flaring out through his grungy, pale locks. Could it perhaps be that Reinne had found the way into Prasutagus' heart? Could it be that she had found the way to the Darkthorne King's redemption? "STOP!" As Einar brought Fenrir back to release a decapitating swing unto one of the Darkthornes, he found himself holding his strike back ... as did the Shadow Warriors of the King. The White Wolf could not stop the smile that crept onto his face, as he witnessed a change in the Darkthorne warriors. As he witnessed a change in Prasutagus himself.
Einar brought Fenrir to his side, and walked through the circle of Shadow Warriors towards Prasutagus and Reinne, watching as Brother and Sister joined together, not as enemies, but as family. " ... We have to find Shamus and Merlindria though, before either of them fall in battle." The White Wolf nodded, but kept himself silent. It was up to Prasutagus and Reinne to end the strife between Darkthorne and Blackthorne ... Einar's duty was simply to protect them and enforce whatever the two needed done. The White Wolf looked to Reinne, watching her in silence, all the emotions he held for her rising to the surface. His brow creased, and he was sure that even through the silver flames, his adoration for his Queen could easily be seen. Yet, he said nothing. Now was not the time, if ever it could have been. They had a job to do, all of them ... And Einar would see it done.
-
He rested between the doorway for a moment, letting those baby blue eyes scan over the forms that lay before him. Scan over the bodies of the women almost visciously. He was a predator to them, eyeing the three women without signs of hiding almost primal intentions. He surveyed Cordelia, Honor, and the third woman Calesta. Who were the three women to him then perhaps meat for him to feast upon, to feed primal desires, to feed the hunger that was dwelling within him and seemingly growing more impatient by the moment. And his thoughts? They held their way on his face in the very eyes themselves, those hungry eyes which would tear the women apart one by one. But a small smirk that came complacent upon his lips denied that hunger, as other thoughts rang into his mind, driving his insatiable hunger to a hault as he paid slight attention now to Vahn.
Vahn, the creature who had tried to declare himself silently as a hero before on the battlefield, by coming late. Adrian couldn't help but ponder whether or not it was a common theme for Vahn to show up late and try to save the damsel in distress. But by the wounds that he surveyed upon the man, the look in the man's eyes, he wasin distress in his own sort of manner. Vahn's eyes caught themselves to be reflective upon past events to Adrian, causing Adrian to perhaps wonder what the man was truly thinking; but in all honesty, Adrian couldn't really give a damn less. He was just curious as to who they were. Not purely on a first name basis, but on a historical, psychological, emotional basis. He was finding himself a michevious cat, curious by all standards. But wasn't that in itself such a dangerous thing? To be curious of anothers nature and wanting to explore the depths that it went. no, he wouldn't just explore things by persuing him. He wasn't about to fall into a game of cat and mouse on somebody elses terms, he wanted them to fall in on his own. Thats how he would discover who these people were and what they meant to this realm. What their future would hold.
The satin white sheet seamed to catch the shadows to make appropriate areas seam darker, as he walked over closer to Honor and the other two women, giving each of them their own little smile that was intended to be enticing, almost inviting. He leaned down, letting his nostrils flare ever so slightly as he inhaled the scent of Cordelia and then Honor, only to let his hot breath roll down the neck of both women. The bandages that he wore gave way to no scent of blood, as one would have expected, for the wounds would be considered fresh by any standards, but nay, not even the sanguine droplets would proclaim themselves on the linen bandages that adorned his upper torso. He let his mouth drift delicately next to the ear of Honor, letting his words escape from the vassel that was two soft pink lips, pursed together only to hide an attractive baritone voice. The whisper was lavished as he pronounced each syllable, emphasising the use of his tongue to give way to no accent which some would find. "I would like to thank you for your hospitality."
He paused, a devilish grin peering upon his face as he glanced at all of the women, speaking each of them now, except Vahn. "All of you." He then turned his attention back towards Honor, as he let his voice ring on in his self indulged conversation, "That is all. Should any of you need me, Ill be in the quarters that I was stationed in upon my arrival" Was it an invitation to Honor? To Cordelia? Or perhaps to all three women? One couldn't really tell by the way he implied it. He used his body movements as much as any women could have to send mixed messages, while his words would then send them in a complete different direction.
He pulled himself away from Honor, standing uright to show the curvature in his torso, fine lines becoming apparent and obscured with every movement that he took, ever shifting with his steps as he found himself turning about face to start walking out the door. Hands raised themselves to clasp together and rest upon his head, elbows out to the sides as he walked by guards and haindmaidens alike, half staring the ceiling as though he didnt even notice those that he passed now. He was thinking what was in store now for the Thorne's, the people in the room, for all of Velusia... What was to become of this land now? Would peace reign, or was it just something that some prayed for but would never find. Only time was tell. And that was something he now had plenty of....
-
Vahn saw Adrian, Honor, and the other two women gathed about, his mind instantly became aware. He couldn't let his plans become undone by his own growing madness could he? Adrian, Vahn remembered the man, though he was sure Adrian knew little about Vahn. When Vahn and Cebreese had once worked together, Vahn had disagreed with Cebreese's decision to inprison Adrian. He had suggested that Cebreese kill Adrian there and now while he had the chance, as they had his family. Vahn had been there with Cebreese in Cerebus when he discovered the Thorne ruins. They had met with the being known as Coldheart and together the three evil men had uncovered a lot. Thats why Vahn had began to collect the blood samples, finding connections within some of the being's creation and blood that hinted back to the ancient Thornes.
Vahn didn't care about Adrian, after all he didn't appear as a threat to Vahn's plans. Vahn had collected the Exodus Machine from Cerebus and would use it to create the serum that would make him an army of one with the touch of death. Vahn already could see the world at his feet all his enemies crushed and Reagan...Reagan begging for his life instead of Vahn. And Honor would be there with him, no one would take his sister away, no one. Vahn yawned and laid back down pretending to sleep while he plotted in his mind. Now that Cebreese had lost his mind, no one could reveal Vahn's plans, he'd enjoy the moment he unveiled his plot. It would be his last ditch effort to destroy Reagan and keep his sister by his side. If he had to declare war on the world to do it, then he would. It would take some time to prepare the serum, he needed more samples for it. He'd find them, however, and follow through with his other plans.
-
Longinus could feel something, he knew the dread of what he didn't want to admit. In Belgada the spear had found it's way out of the crevace and it was calling out to Longinus. He began to feel it's pull, he resisted, not sure how this was happening. How could the spear be reaching out to him from this distance, without him touching it? Longinus's eyes began to grow black as he fell from the dragon's back. Before he fell he said, " The spear is trying to get me back..." Longinus couldn't see anything, his eyes were being flooded. Images of the spear flooded into his mind as he combated this threat from within his mind. He started to think about Raven, letting the thoughts of her push away the spear's influence. He couldn't become that instrument's slave again, he wouldn't.
Longinus regained his mind and understood now, the spear would be coming here. There would be no safe place for him to go, for the spear could find him now. He wouldn't let it take him without a fight no matter what the costs, he would fight to tbe bitter end.
-
There was no hesitation on her part. Those eyes shot to his extended and her own lifted and embraced it with her own. Tender fingers wrapped around his much stronger one as she looked to him, staring him deep in the eyes and spoke.
" Yes, let us end this war together. Let us bring the light and the dark back together bringing peace and balance to both our lands and unite them as one....a United Kingdom"
Immediately her mind reached out for that of her brother's mind, the gentle touch of her warm mind waves brushing over his only to retract with a gasp at the scene she saw from his wild eyes. Her gaze popped open and those deep amber hues widened as she looked to both of the men she loved in their own way.
" We must hurry! Shamus is fighting Merlindria!"
-
Merlindria snarled as she moved with him. The pair would be like water, constantly changing, gauging each others actions and equaling it with a reaction. Shamus had gone into a frenzy, giving her a slight advantage as she remained diligent, but that advantage was nulled by the use of his weapons as she had nothing to block with. It was not her way to use weapons.
She stepped back in a feint and moved to other side hoping to gain ground behind him something happened. Something that had her stumbling with shock. Her heart suddenly twinged, skipping a beat. A lump filled her throat. Emotion she was unused to seemed to cover her being from an outside source..a source she knew only to well.
Prasutagus.
A sharp gasp fell from her lips as her form suddenly shifted back to it's human status whilst she tumbled to the ground in a tangled heap of skirts and legs. Gagging on this sensation she brought herself up to her hands and knees, crimson gaze staring at her hands as the deadly talons retracted leaving behind deceptively soft digits in their wake. As she came to her knees her gaze shot with wild fear, another sensation she was unused to, toward Shamus whom had matched her step by step.
As he bared down on her, her hands lifted as is to beg him off. At that moment she knew she was going to die and all she could think about was the man she had married..the man she loved.
-
Anna didn?t fear much in her life. Not even death phased those beautiful opal white irises. It is the reason she gave her all to save those who still fought against a darkness they feared. Hwoever, darkness was her one weakness. Not the dank cells of torture chambers that have been her home on occasion. No, it was the oblivion overwhelming her mind and body when all energy was sapped from the very marrow of her body and mind. It was this darkness she feared.
It always began thus. The enveloping cold that brought her down into a hell she never wanted to revisit again. Yet, here she was wondering if the light would ever return. Next came the cold, like a grave seep into the skin and through her. Winter could not compare to the breeze tearing through her body. Darkness consumed this cold and brought her to her knees. Breathing was hard and shallow as she waited and waited for the drowning to begin, Water was smoother than this stuff that was fed to her by a force unseen and unknown. Hands held her steady to take the stuff down into her throat making her choke and cough with the force to breathe past the thick liquid. It coated the very walls of her throat and caused all sound to fade from those precious vocal chords. It was a dream that lasted forever, a dream she sacrificed herself to now.
In the outer world among the clones that fussed and worried over her, even to the man who stayed at the wall watching her, it was a different sight. Weakened by giving so much Anna laid there for quite sometime without much improvement beyond her breathing becoming more normal and less raspy. Eventually a maid came down and shoved them out of the room so she could clean Anna?s wounds and body of blood and muck. It didn?t take long and now her hair shined like a rainfall of moonlight. It shimmered under the crackling furnace and her pale cheeks blushed with the heat of the room. But when the dream intensified the blush soften to a pink first, then the pale color of a corpse. Bluish tints coming to where the lines of structure and high cheek bones surface over the skin. Yet this was a gradual sign of the dream within her mind.
It always came, these dreams? the nightmare of something she should remember but never could. Before to long the movement of shifting began. It was some life in her despite the cool and pale color of those cheeks. Yet, when touch the skin would burn like the flame that heated the room. Breathing was always steady now but soon that would give way to a soft coughing now and then. And finally it would happen.
The fit of taking it in her mind was effecting her physical form to the point where the tossing and turn, the simple delicate cough would wake her. The connection between her and Eduardo would erupt into a series of screams that were trying to get past those delicate lips. The scream was only halted by the fit that came after. Sitting straight up with an audible gasp to those parted lips. Wide fear stretched those orbs as she focused first on the fire. Then the fit began. Anna?s body doubled over twisting some to catch the side of the cot she was on. This was no ordinary coughing, No, it was as if someone had choked her nearly beyond what her lithe body could handle. It was the coughing of someone?s lungs reaching for the precious air needed for the blood in her body.
It only lasted for a few moments her hair covering her face as she tried to gain a steady breath from the gasping aftermath of coughing again. Straightening up again she noticed she had a huge white cotton shirt draped over her shoulders and hanging loosely over her body. Her bare legs covered by a sheet and her pants no where to be seen. No longer supporting herself from coughing, lightly her fingers touched her lips feeling a residual effect of the nightmare. Drawing those fingers away she realized that some of the black slug she was forced to drown in was on her lower lip dripping down her chin a little. Shock registered and Anna merely stared in an eerie silence.
-
Shamus's heart pumped as he moved towards Merlindria, the Zalentran knights on all sides of her. The knights looked at him in bewilderment, they could see there was something different about Shamus. Shamus's eyes were white, he was not the noble king the knights knew him to be. He was something else, something that only his people could know. The long legacy of berserker blood that lived within his veins had awakened. He was more demon then anything at this moment. Victory lay there before him, his enemy at his feet defeated. All that he had to do crush them and then move on to the next. The knights were not recognizable to Shamus, the only thought within his head was battle. Shamus dragged his swords along the ground laughing as he slowly walked up towards Merlindria. The knights drew their blades pointing them at her, but they kept their eyes to both king and enemy.
Shamus resembled something primal and animalistic in nature, the grin more like that of a wolf to a lamb. Shamus raised his swords and screamed at the heavens as he prepared to bring them down and crush the enemy before him. Some would say he had gone mad, while others would say he were possessed. But not even Shamus knew what was going on at this moment. That the war was so close to being over, and yet within his heart it would never end. All those years of fighting, all the near death instances, they all awoke that blood within him. That blood that made him this battle saint, this being who would fight to the death. No effort in defense was taken, he didn't care about his life. His life now was the battle, and that was all that mattered. No words were needed, no mercy, nothing, but the one single thought.
It was time for Merlindria to be cut into pieces and scattered across the battlefield. Time for Shamus to bath his form in the blood of his enemy and take any life that crossed his path. He had become the hunter and all those there on the battlefield were his prey.
-
Prasutagus wasted no time as he ran with Reinne from the cathedral, his minions flooding out after him. The Darkthornes were slowly feeling the change as well. A change that was even greater then the mere leader's transition. The land was changing in the distance, like a coming storm, something was happening. Prasutagus didn't think about what might be coming, instead he thought about the woman he loved. Merlindria...he couldn't think of what he'd do if she fell in battle. It would be a destructive blow, enough to push him back into the darkness. It would be enough to bring destruction like no other to this land. The land of his birth, he had to reach her before something happened. Pushing aside his own soldiers and minions as he traveled with Reinne across the battlefield. They came to the area where Merlindria's troops were, were they were.
He could see Merlindria's form laying upon the ground, for a moment his heart stopped. That old voice began to echo in his head, he was too late, they were his enemies, they would destroy his hope. Prasutagus shook his head as he saw Merlindria move, his black heart began to beat again. His eyes went over the Zalentran knights that stood about her, to his half-brother Shamus. Shamus had his sword in the air as the sun began to rise to another day. Would this new day bring with it the death of Prasutagus's love? He couldn't allow such a thing to happen, not after he found her, after he was given another chance.
Prasutagus's form became shadows that swirled into mist as his form appeared there over Merlindria. His eyes turned to Shamus, whose mind he could not feel, the spirit of the berserker dwelled within Shamus. Prasutagus knew it would not be easy to reach Shamus, he leaned over Merlindria and blocked the first blade with his own body. A deep wound appeared on his chest as he saw Shamus raising his other sword. Prasutagus fell back and raised a hand creating a barrier to stop Shamus's blades. The wound began to pulse with energy, he could feel himself becoming weaker as some of the red dust had been upon Shamus's blade. Prasutagus cursed his luck, it wouldn't be so easy would it, soon he wouldn't be able to keep the barrier up. He would have to try to plea with Shamus, to reach his half-brother's mind and bring him back.
" Shamus, it's over, do not kill the one woman I love, do not start the cycle of death and hate all over again. I have just found her, just been given a chance to start over again. If you kill her, I will never forgive you..I'm your half-brother Shamus. The war is over, already those not directly loyal to the Darkthornes are turning to retreat....balance is sweeping like a wave towards Demise..can't you feel it? Something has changed the land's fate, there is no reason for our clans to fight, for we are one clan united."
Prasutagus had felt it with the first blow of Shamus's sword, the ancient tree had been planted. Balance was slowly returning, like waking from a long dream the thornes were slowly begining to take hold of their own destinies. No longer did the curse keep them seperate, soon that balance would be here where they stood now. Prasutagus only had a few moments of energy left before it would be gone, but would balance awaken Shamus in time to spare both Prasutagus and Merlindria's lives?
-
Reinne's feet beat across the fields of death as she ran in tow behind Prasutagus, both of them desperate to stop Shamus before it was too late. Her heart crashed against her ribs fiercely with each fleeting step forward in thier flight to stop the senseless killing. She saw Merlindria on the ground and nearly wept thinking it was too late, but as the woman of crimson hair moved her heart beat with a renewed hope. There was still a chance to stop it, to save them all..
Suddenly her grasp was devoid of her half brother's grasp as he melted away only to appear over the form of his wife taking the first blow of Shamus's swords with his own body. Reinne slid to a halt her hand already reaching for her bow with a speed that was nearly unmatched. Pulling it before her she tugged back on the string and took aim at the other sword of Shamus. Quickly she released the arrow of a steel make sending it with the unerring path toward his sword as it came to meet with Prasutagus's body once again. She would not harm Shamus, but she would be damned before she let him kill Prasutagus in his frenzied state.
Finally she screamed toward her twin with another arrow notched and ready to knock his swords free form his grasp if he did not stop.
" Shamus! STOP! Please brother..LOOK AT ME! It is OVER! Do you understand!? We have peace between us! Do not shatter that in your rage! Come back to me..come back to us and see the change as it is taking place."
-
Raven slide off the back of Phantom and headed toward Rycore giving a quick glance to Longinus. While looking back to Rycore she caught the sight of Longinus falling of Godiva. She darted to to him wrapping her arms about him.
"Girls can you please see to it that Tempest's body gets taken cared of. That her body is prepared correctly for her funeral."
She let Longinus lean on her as she took him into the manor. "Someone come and help me he needs help right away." Raven made ehr way down along the hall with her arm around Longinus. Such fear was going through her that she did not realise that tears rolling down her cheeks. Her eyes took a look at Longinus seeing that his eyes were black not the beautiful blue that she loved.
Hearing people in a room to the left she carefully turned and took him to them. Gently she helped him lay down upon the floor and stayed at his side. She took her cloak and laid it under under his head.
-
Seeing that Vahn was goig to be ok she got back on her feet. Calesta glanced to Adrian as he left the room seeing that he hand bandages. She looked to Honor and Cordelia seeing that they wee fine. Quietly she made her way to the room that Adrian went.
Calesta made her way to Adrian blue eyes going to a bandage on him. Her fingers grabbed a hold of it and gently removed it to get a look at the wound. Reaching over she placed it on a table in the room, carefully she looked it over seeing that it was healing just fine. Reaching in a pouch of her's, she pulled out an ointment. Placing some on her finger she put it over the wound .
"I am sorry if this hurts at all but it can not get infected."
Calesta could not help have her mind wander over the words that she had heard Cordelia speak to Honor and ones to her. Maybe there was other things she could do that her parents never told her. At lest there was one that could tell her more about the family period.
-
As the battle continued on Analisa fought her way to the very center where it was the thickest and took on all that stood in her way to her cousins side with the twin swords swinging thru the air. One foe after another fell beneath the runed blades and the silver of her eyes glittered with the blood lust of the moment as the crimson liquid coated her shadow armor in dripping streaks. Her father had spoken of his oaths as a guardian to the family and of things she didn't know. A growl left her lips beneath the helm as she slammed her blade thru the chest of yet another enemy and her mind threw her fathers words up at her like cold water in the face.Wading her way thru the waves of fighting bodies she pulled enemy after enemy off of Blackthorne troops and allies alike slaying any Darkthorne or Darkthorne minion that was unlucky enough to be in her path. She had pledged herself to this family as well as to her cousins the king and queen no less yet most of the others would have slain her on this battlefield as an enemy if they had their way and still he didn't think she was already facing their past?
First her uncle had thrown her mother and secrets that she hadn't yet dealt with at her and now her father spoke of more.. Shoving an elbow into the ribcage of a charging enemy she turned to surge the hilt into his adams apple and fisting the other sword used the edge of her palm to crunch against his nose, sending blood spewing everywhere and the enemy falling back to spasm on the ground twitching. It was at adrenaline heightened moments like this that the darkness sang thru her veins giving her that sweet rush that was addictive and all consuming, tempting her to give in to the one thing that she had denied for so long. The entity swarmed out around the blonde shadow walker lapping at the death and pain that lay at all sides, feasting on those emotions and in return sending its hostess more and more energy. Analisa's breathing turned sharp as the metallic scent of fresh blood mixed with the earthy fragrance of the plowed ground beneath her feet to rush thru her lungs feeding the blood lust even more as the dying cried out with their last breaths and her search continued on. Catching sight of the large ring of Zalentrean knights Analisa headed towards them and what she already knew lay within...for now her past and that of her family would have to wait.
It was as if time itself seemed to stop for just an instant as the armor melted away from her body leaving it clad in the traveling attire of black silk blouse and black leather pants beneath. But it quickly ressumed to have the hellion meet the next foe with a spin to the left and hard slice across the throat that had the head tipping off the huge hulking shoulders of the ogre to drop with a nasty splat to the already messy ground behind it. The darkness swirled around her knee high boots and coiled up her slender body like slithering black snakes as she called upon it to travel across the last bit of distance and slip between the Knights to reach Shamus' side.
Hearing Reinne's cries and watching as the Queen notched the arrow and took aim Analisa appeared behind her cousin Shamus to quickly engulf his body in the entity and draw him thru its vortex with her to reappear approximately twenty feet from the others. Gazing at them Analisa spoke in her calmest of voices,"It won't come down to that Reinne lower your bow and let me help, after all it is my job to guard my king." Her gaze flickered to the others as she connected with Shamus' mind to find all that lay there and found much of what was there in her own heart and mind locked away. Using all the energy she had stored from the recent battle the shadow walker weilded the inky mass like the finest of webs as she encased Shamus in its black void to fight out his rage where he could harm none and whispered for his mind alone,"Let it go my cousin, my king do not let it destroy you as it has done to others be stronger then that." Her cool fingertips caressed each side of his head as she gave free reign to her shadows,"Listen to your sister plea, hear love calling to you. Grasp what awaits you and find your way back."
Tasting the first touches of the King's emotion the entity hungrily feasted off the heated anger, drawing it from him and urging him to share every last drop as it replaced the sharp emotion with a lethargic sensation lulling him like the most powerful of drugs. It seeped in to every nerve and pore seeking out more to drain until all was gone and the form of Shamus was some what relaxed in its grip. Analisa stood close by unafraid of his anger and ready to aid when needed, she would release him from the entity's hold when she saw her cousin returned back to himself and knew she wouldn't have to fear his own kin having to take him down. Her vow was to defend him and this she would uphold, it would be a shame to have to protect him against his own...
(autoed with permission)
-
The White Wolf sprinted from the Cathedral behind Prasutagus and Reinne, his legs pumping even as pain coursed through his body. Too many lives were at stake for Einar to slow down - the time for rest would be later, now it was imperitive that this war was stopped. The heroes of this battle had fought too hard to allow more innocents to die. And so, the White Wolf pushed on with all the strength and might he could muster. The band of both Blackthorne and Darkthorne rushed through the crowds of warriors, and as they did the White Wolf cried for them to stop fighting, to put down their swords ... He yelled to them that the battle was over, that the war between the Thornes was done. And as the Darkthornes began to share the gift Prasutagus had been given, both warring sides began to put down their blades.
And then, the silver flames of Einar's eyes turned towards King Shamus, as he prepared to deliver unto Merlindria the killing blow. The White Wolf was too far away to stop it, but the swift actions of Prasutagus, Reinne and Analisa prevented the Blackthorne King from destroying the wavering peace Reinne and Prasutagus had achieved. The Knight let out a sigh of relief, watching as Analisa cared for Shamus and as Prasutagus went to Merlindria's side. A tender smile found it's way onto the lips of the Knight, and he thrust the tip of his blade - Fenrir - into the soil beneath his feet, resting a gauntlet'd hand upon the wolf-head pommel. Einar then looked to his side - to Reinne - and the Knight lifted his other hand to place it upon the Queen's shoulder. No words were spoken, nor did they need to be ... one need only to look upon the deeds of those around them to see that, despite the rocky road ahead, everything would turn out alright ...
-
Shamus thrashed about swinging his sword, with each swipe he could feel his hate draining. He felt a fatigue, a weakness washing over him, his eyes becoming sleepy. He fought it with everything he had, he couldn't control himself, he was a beast. His mouth slowly opened and he let out a sad yell before dropping to his knees. Tears falling from his eyes as he let go his sword and began to beat the ground. He fell over on his side now hearing the voices which echoed from a distance. His mind slowly began to awaken and he began to become confused. Shamus didn't know how he had got where he was, wherever that was? His eyes couldn't resist any longer, as his head fell back to the earth. " I can't...stop now...must..kill..." Shamus's hand fell open as he drifted into a light sleep.
Images of the lady he had seen on the battlefield flashed through his mind, Lady Grey. How could the woman he loved and seen die be alive after all this time? She had to be a ghost haunting him, trying to push him over the edge of sanity. What had he done to deserve her vengance, her continued haunting, he'd seen her at Camelot and in the throne room of Lochland. Now he had seen her on the battlefield here in Demise, was she truly dead, or was it all just a false memory? He didn't know what to believe as the dream stretched out to him standing over Merlindria. That one killing blow and blood raining down from the heavens as Shamus became that which he killed. Shamus awoke startled from his light slumber, what had happened? He looked to his swords which lay upon the ground and sat up.
" Analisa? where...how did..what's going on?"
-
Pools of silver stared up into the dark skies above, an ugly sneer etched upon the ruined face of the Lycal Warlord. Blood seeped from the wound in the Thane's gullet, pain coursing through his body every time the Darkthorne attempted to move, yet nothing was worse than the bitter defeat Magnus had suffered. There, in the moment he had waited so long for, he was denied. He would not have the death of his son, the Betrayer, to boast of ... It had been stolen from him. Einar had stolen his glorious chance to strike down his wayward son, had stolen the moment when Magnus could have cleansed his line of filth and weakness ... Nothing, nothing caused Magnus more torment than that. Not even when the Thane of the North felt emotions rush over him, the gift of Prasutagus ... Aye, the Darkthornes had mustered, and they'd been defeated once more, but even that bitter defeat did not enrage Magnus so much as his son.
Blood stained gauntlets held the bloodied wound at the Thane's gut, animalistic claws protruding from beneath the steel - the weapons of the Lycal warriors - staunching the flow of blood. Magnus could already feel himself beginning to heal. Could feel his strength slowly returning ... Yet, he knew - and this perhaps tormented the Thane more than anything - he would not regain enough of his prowess to reignite the flames of war to this weakening army, would not regain enough of his ferocious tenacity to cut his son down. And so, the Lycal began to force himself up, to stand upon the blood-drenched battlements so that the Thane of the North could stalk away from the battle and into the trees. Prasutagus might have granted his people the gift of redemption, but Magnus was not about to partake in that sullied gift. The Darkthorne King had proven weak. Magnus sneered, gazing down below at the scene before him, and the Thane spat out blood in the direction of the peace-mongers.
And then, as the Thornes began to settle their differences, Magnus crept down into the crowds of warriors, weaving through the tides until he was free to stalk into the trees from which he had marched his tribe. It disgusted the Thane, the weakness of his King ... of his clan ... and even of his tribe ... Of the hundreds of Lycals the Thane of the North had brought to Demise in order to conquer and destroy the Blackthornes, only two of his tribesmen returned with him. Bjorn Bloodclaw and Karnak One-Eye. Found in the midst of Thornes, Magnus had taken his two warriors with him as he stalked into the forest and away from his misguided clan. They had become weak, all of them ... and so, before turning his back of the spineless Thornes, the Thane of the North cast his gaze down into the fray, finding Einar the Betrayer standing beside his Queen. And silently, the Thane vowed that he would have his revenge ...
-
Within Belgada, Prasutagus could feel the volcano beneath the stronghold begin to errupt. He could feel the land begin to conform to the removal of the long curse that had been over it. He even saw the Duke of Darkthorne crawl out of the crevace and howl at the balance returning, refusing to give in. Lava flowed down the crevace as the Duke turned with a spear in hand. Before long that lava flowed up from the crevace it's fires consuming the Duke where he stood. The demon lord began to scream and howl as he and this spear began to melt. He pulled himself from the lava to the cave, where Prasutagus felt his lifeforce give out as lava flowed into the cave. The flesh vats, were consumed in the lava as well. Prasutagus did not care however, his stronghold could be rebuilt, the flame of hate had burst, but was not forgotten. Though his war with Velusia was over, there were other lands, other kingdoms out there.
Just as he told Einar, there could be no light without the dark, they would protect their family and combined lands. But Prasutagus held no favor for those allied to neither clan, they were fair game. Prasutagus was still evil, still had evil plans, but none of them envolved Velusia anymore. He looked to Merlindria, together they would rule over the remaining Darkthornes rebuilding their strength and lands. They would someday rise again to be a threat to some far off kingdom perhaps, but they would never again come as enemies to Velusia. " We will rule the rest of the world together my love, and bath in the blood of our enemies." Prasutagus rose and offered his hand to Merlindria as the Darkthorne army began to collect their dead. They began the long march back to Belgada, to rebuild the stronghold and city.
Rain was falling in Belgada now that the volcano had settled, it was cooling the lava off as they spoke. The sand was being blown back by strong winds revealing the lifeless soil beneath it. The ruins would be rebuilt, the city of Acheron would once again rise up as Belgada's capital as it did in the days of old. Only time would tell if the Darkthornes ever out shadowed the Blackthornes some day, but they were a family united now.
-
Ion looked on the Darkthornes seeing the change, he even felt different as balance returned to the land. Ion turned to see the Darkthornes leaving back to Belgada, collecting their dead. Smiling, he knew someone had finally done it, ended the war for good. The clans were united finally and the wounds could now heal. Propping his sword on his shoulder he stepped up on the broken deck piece. He guided it up over the armies looking down, none of them would ever really forget this day. The day that Velusia changed forever, but there would be more wars to come. Only this time they would not be between the Thornes, it was time to heal. He could only hope that the peace lasted long enough for some wounds to mend.
Where was his place in all this, he didn't know, perhaps he'd go back to Belgada and try to help in the efforts there. Maybe he'd go to Velusia to see the place he once called home. He couldn't decide, no longer did he have to worry about crossing either territory. Maybe he could go visit the Bloodthorne's lands or the Whitethorne's. He was free to travel wherever he wanted, to do whatever he could occupy himself with. There were many orphans out there left from the wars which had happened in the past. Perhaps he could visit those villages that had been destroyed by the Darkthornes, see if there were any still there. He looked down seeing Einar, he smiled that old dog, he'd have to return someday and see how he was doing. For now he wanted to go see that Belgada was freeing itself from the curse that had a hold on it for so long.
All those who had died in Belgada in the great war past, he could feel their spirits rising to freedom. They were finally set free and that freed the land itself, it would be changing, rebuilding, he might find some place in this new era for Belgada. He knew he wouldn't be able to lay down his weapons and give up fighting. After all he might be called upon someday to come and defend the land from a new enemy, but for now. Ion could only think of one true objective, to clear his soul, to find his peace. He had to clean his soul before he could ever rise his sword again. There was much to think on, to reflect upon and a whole wide world out there. He glided off towards Belgada, he'd come back again someday. He waved to Einar and everyone else he recognized as he went off to find a new purpose.
-
Othium awoke to the change, it had pulled him from his slumber. As he awoke on the bed, he felt something against his chest. A strange pendent was laid upon it, he looked it over. He knew whose it was, it was his mother's, but she had been dead for sometime now. Othium rose and walked out of the house he'd been left in. Darkthorne was changing, he could feel it echoing out through the Darkthornes there. He could fell himself begin to see clearly almost as if his eyes had been covered. Othium had to find his king, Prasutagus and queen Merlindria, something strange had happened. He could barely remember anything, but he knew enough to know where he belonged. Othium spread his wings, a feather or two drifted off in the wind as his silver hair whipped about his face. Jumping up into the air he took flight towards where he felt his leaders to be, he'd find his answers there.
Landing near the Zalentran knights, Othium walked up to see what had happened. He saw Prasutagus and Merlindria there as well as strangers. So somehow they were freed from the curse of the gods. The curse to forever be seperate and at war with one another. Othium still felt a hint of his evil lurking within his subconscious, but he felt it drained it lacked the unstable composition it once had. It no longer drove him, it merely lingered like a memory or any other emotion. It was up to him whether he gave in to it or not. At this point he was fine just how he was, he wanted to go home, back to Belgada. His ship had been destroyed somehow, he was alive somehow. Questions sometimes only led to more questions and no answers, it was best to leave them be. Sometimes one should merely accept what is before you, then thinking on what you can not see.
That was how Othium saw it anyway, he went and began to march with the other Darkthornes back to Belgada. He'd build a new airship of his own design and serve the new leaders as they saw fit. He only hoped that they would not become too soft, evil was a need thing to keep balance. Othium found a horse without an owner, he climbed upon it's back. He'd ride to Belgada rather then fly, it was too long of a distance anyway to fly. He might come back to Demise after it had been repaired, he'd like to find out those answers someday.
-
"It is our duty, milord." Cordelia said indifferently as shot the half clothed man a strange look as she passed in a hurry. ~Cal, I will be back in a moment. The injured are coming in faster than we can treat them.~
Catching a page in the hall she instructed him to bring a set a clothes for the man and continued down into the lowest levels of the manor into secret passage ways warded with heavy enchantments, each more powerful than the next. Nothing could pass without her mistress's knowledge or permission. Entering the laboratory, she quickly found the bottles, draining the first one quickly. She wipe her mouth as she felt the potion coursing through out her entire body. She leaned on the cold marble sparing a brief moment to catch her breath.
Reuniting with her closest relative prompted a wave of homesickness to see small thatch-roofed cottages in her home village and hear the songs of the washer women who do their laundry in the nearby river. Cordelia could not remember much of Calesta's family, only they had penchant for playing lively music and were talented healers. Their gran, the village wise woman, was the last living decendant- blood or not, of the Nona Streghia that raised Honor in her youth. Cordelia speculated it was the main reason that Honor had sought out the village after many years.
Placing the empty bottle on the long table she walked out of the room reminding herself to come back and prepare more potions for the exhausted caregivers -but first her mistress. She closed the door shut and momentarily reconsidered. There was more potions in the lab. Since she was going to make more there was no sense in bringing more up now. Going back into the laboratory she filled her arms with as many potions as she could carry, closing the door again with her foot. A bottle slipped from her arms rolling down the hall. "Great Weavers!" she swore passionately chasing down the errant bottle. The door to another laboratory was ajar a fraction as if someone had been down here frequently.
Cordelia picked up the bottled and looked around the hallway. "Is anyone down here?" Silence greeted her. The door led to her mistress's brother's private laboratory. He was in no condition to be down here, she thought. The possibility of a break-in was unthinkable, but still she felt the need to investigate. "Hello? Anyone here?"
Gaslight created dancing shadows around the dusty room. Stranger and stranger. Fresh vials sat on the counter -plainly new arrivals. Who did delivered this and for what purpose? A chill ran through her veins for her mistress. Did her brother intend on harming his sister, after all Honor had done for him? Suspicion squelched any burgeoning attraction that she had for Honor's long lost brother. She had heard of his misdeeds and could not understand how time and time again that her mistress turned a blind eye to his true nature.
Running out of the room, she hastily closed the door with her shoulder and scurried up the steps, depositing the lion's share of the potions with Martha before rushing to check on her mistress's safety. She knew right where Honor would be. "Mistress! I need to speak with you urgently!"
-
Honor smiled tiredly at Adrian's attempt at seduction, if she had more energy she might have called his bluff. Spending time with her brother was her only care at that moment. Her forces were top-notch, her technology was cutting edge and her alliances were strong. She felt confident if matters turned for the worst Vitus would contact her immediately. When Cordelia returned with the vitality potion, she would feel more like herself.
She stepped into Vahn's apartment pulling a chair to his bedside watching him as he slept and brushed away the errant locks covering his face, feeling her heart ache at his condition. Honor must have stared at his precious face for minutes until her most trusted confidante scurried into her room with a look of pure dread on her face.
"Mistress! I need to speak with you urgently!"
Honor scowled in confusion, wondering what had upset her lady-in-waiting so. "Yes, Cordelia, is there a problem?" She asked as she rose from the chair and walked over to Cordelia stepping out of the apartment into the hallway and closed the door behind her, not wishing to disturb her ailing brother.
-
As Honor left the room with Cordelia, Sidius slowly and silently made his way in. Sidius came to check on Vahn and make sure his lord was doing okay. Vahn opened his eyes grumbling, but this presented the opprotunity. Vahn turned to Sidius and gave him the instructions on how to opperate the Exodus machine. Gave him exact instructions on which vials to add first, and what reagents needed to be added and when. Vahn also gave Sidius a sample of his own blood to add to the mixture. Sidius read over the instructions and looked up at Vahn, but Vahn gave him a look. A look that said he didn't want this to be discussed out loud. Vahn had plans which he would be undertaking as soon as he regained some of his lost strength. Plans that included that serum and would eventually include the Thorne's realm stone gateway. Course he'd deal with things here first before going to the old world, a world where he would be the only magic user.
Vahn had Honor and Reinne to deal with, as well as Reagan he'd have to deal with Vincent when he could. He'd also like to try and have another conversation with Coldheart, and perhaps try to get a sample of his blood as well. Coldheart had forbid Cebreese and Vahn from digging around any more in Cerebus. But Coldheart had also told them that some mysteries are better left buried under the snow and ice. That hinted that Coldheart knew what lay beneath his lands. Vahn wondered just how much that bastard knew and wasn't telling. He didn't want to make an enemy out of Coldheart, but he was hard to make an ally. Vahn remembered that Cebreese had found something as well. For Vahn had been around Cebreese for sometime and one day noticed him wearing a strange amulet.
Could he have found that amulet while looking around the ruins while Vahn oversaw the digging? Vahn ushered Sidius off to get to work, after the wedding Vahn would go down to inspect his work and see if the serum was perfected or not. Right now Vahn would rest for his mind was begining to think just a bit too much. He needed rest to regain his strength before undertaking the long road ahead of him. Vahn told Sidius to use Vahn's ring to teleport to the laboratory that way he could continue his work without being seen.
-
Analisa had knelt close by the now resting Shamus and when he awoke confused she rose to her feet offering assistance to him to do the same. The entity had done its job well as she saw no hint of the all consuming rage that had taken over her cousin. His eyes were bright and clear with just the hint of confussion in them and that was the only emotion she felt emitting off him as well.
Reaching down she plucked the sword from the ground and offered it hilt first to him as the shadow walker finally answered her kings question,"You are in my sanctuary the shadow realm. I kept you from killing Merlindria by bringing you here, you were not yourself...", cutting the sentence short Analisa cleared the darkness away and brought them out into the open once more.
Watching the others move about she kept to the position just behind Shamus' left shoulder in preparation for anything that might come their way that looked harmful. A simple nod and glance in the king's direction would tell all those interested that Shamus was indeed well and back to normal,"I believe your attention is requested sire.", Analisa glance from Shamus to Reinne then grew silent once more.
-
Zorin turned seeing that everything was coming to an end, he didn't have a single wound. Zorin began to wonder, but then he realized she of course would be looking over him and his men. Aurora, she had placed some sort of protective spell over them before they left. Zorin heard something from one of the mercenaries that served Darkthorne.
" He looks almost just like the guy.."
Zorin realized the man was talking about him, Zorin approached the man and asked, " Who do I look like?"
Man: " Dorin Peacecraft, the leader of the city-state Peacecraft that fell in Belgada during the last war. I hear he's still there, but everyone that goes there disappears. Yeah you two could be brothers, twins maybe even..."
Zorin turned away from the man, could it be, the he had heard that he had a older brother. When he returned to Caspius to learn of his missing siblings, he'd gone on a search finding only his two sisters. He had thought perhaps the rumor about a brother was just that a mere rumor. If it was true then that meant...that he would have to go to Peacecraft and see with his own eyes. But first they'd go back to Zalentra, he wouldn't go without Aurora, for the trip would be long and possibly dangerous. Too dangerous for him to take his men far from their homes. He'd have to do this on his own, but since peace between Darkthorne and Blackthorne had occured. He would have the time to go on such an endevour, besides if it really was his brother, then he might need his help.
He had heard his older brother was the son of the goddess Hydros, that he had powers over water. From what he remembered of Peacecraft, their leader had such powers. Why hadn't he thought of that before, though Peacecraft once was part of Velusia. Ever since it became taken over by the Darkthornes and become part of Belgada, it surely suffered the fate and curse of all cities in Belgada. His brother might already be dead, for the desert had consumed all the cities in Belgada, leaving only a dry and sandy landscape behind.
" Come Zalentran knights, the war is over, let us return to our home and rest for once. It's time we treasured the peace to come while it lasts, mount up!"
Zorin walked with his knights to their horses and mounted his, turning and waiting for the others to as well. Together they rode back towards Zalentra, none of his men had perished in the fight thankfully. They were blessed to have Aurora on their side, she was quite the woman. Zorin stopped in front of Shamus and Analisa, he looked to Analisa, " Thank you for helping return Lord Shamus to his rightful mind. You may be dark, but your heart holds enough light to balance it out. Lord Shamus, the Zalentran knights will be heading back to Zalentra if your majesty has no more need for us that is."
-
Pale gold tresses hung in ringlets of pink, blonde and red as she finally lowered her sword and shield to look at the piles of bodies that littered the ground where she and her men stood. The gate had been secured and rather easily at that. With a quick flick of her wrist she slashed the dribblets of blood off her weapon and sheathed it in the scabbard at her side as she turned to a few of the men and barked the orders to begin clearing the gate of bodies. As she turned toward the chruch she caught a glance of Reinne running in tow behind the man of such darkness and evil it nearly made her ill. Growling she turned her stoney gaze to Bomahr and Aureon.
" Let's go!"
Immediately two fingers entered her mouth as she let loose a shrill whistle. Within seconds, the sound of thundering hooves clattering over the cobble stoned streets of Demise greeted her ears. Talos came galloping up to her side, his muzzle quickly beating against her chest in greeting as she patted his neck before launching herself into the saddle.
" Let's go boy! HYAH!"
The pair took off in the direction the Darkthorne king had taken the Velusian queen. They would not lose their prospect so easily. As Talos flew over the bloodied ground and leapt over the bodies she leaned forward in the saddle looking like a valkerie as she came to the circle of Zalentrian knights. Quickly she yanked back on the runs, her destrier sliding to a stop on his haunches pawing the air slightly as she leapt off and yanked free her sword once again, prepared to fight. Shouldering her way through the masses she came up short at the scene before her.
Shamus had just hit the king of Darkthorne in the back with his weapon. As her eyes took in the entire scene, she marked every detail in that instant. One glance at Reinne and she knew...peace had been made. Though she loathed to think the Darkthornes would be welcome back to the folds, she would not sully the peace on this day. It was not the time to deal with the darkness of that evil clan. As her other men came up and prepared to take on other Darkthornes she raised her hand in signal to stand down..despite their grave distaste at such an act of mercy. But they knew, to disobey was considered treason and an affront to the oath of the paladin, so they did as told.
As Shamus came about her eyes would study the man, a small twinge in her gut that was unfamiliar as he questioned what had happened. Wincing she pulled her gaze away settling on that of Analisa only to perk a brow at the aura surrounding the Blackthorne woman.
" Interesting," she whispered.
Finally it fell to Reinne and the warrior who placed his hand with such familiarity on her shoulder. Again a brow would perk, this time a small smile gracing her lips. Even a blind man could see what was going on between those two. Now to wait and see what would happen.
-
It was as if her very thoughts of him had summoned him like an avenging angel of darkness. Her mind barely registered the fact that she was suddenly wrapped protectively within his embrace keeping her from the blades of the frenzied king. In that next breath, however, she felt the pain that surged through his body as steel bit into his flesh. A growl of rage would erupt from her throat as she tried to get up to defend her husband only to find herself trapped still within his insistent grasp as he spoke to the king. Shock coursed through her body. Surely he was joking! Peace between them? How could that ever be? It wasn't true. The Blackthornes would never allow for peace-
The words of Reinne filtered through the weary caverns of her mind, muddling her own thoughts with the words of peace. At that moment something within Merlindria changed. Her hatred of the Blackthornes changed, for she knew....she felt it. A gentle touch on Prasutagus's mind told her everything. Reinne had given him the gift of forgiveness and unconditional love of a sister. Everything was happening so fast! Suddenly Shamus was gone, his form having raged against the entity of another Blackthorne woman as everyone stood by, waiting with baited breath.
Slowly she would work her way to her feet, helping him to stand as well. Carefully she plied her arms abut his waist that crimson tressed head curling against his chest as he spoke of his plans...their future...their new destiny. Smiling she looked up to him.
" Let us go and begin this new journey together than...husband."
-
Her eyes looked to his face quickly then back to where the wound was supposed to be. She had not met many that had the ability to heal quickly. But she had helped humans more then any people.
Calesta looked back to the person that entered with clothing for the man she was looking over. She looked the person over then stepped back some.
Feeling a calm come across her getting the message from Cordy.~Cal, I will be back in a moment. The injured are coming in faster than we can treat them.~
~I shall leave this man and come help, tell me where you need me.~
-
Raven looked down at Longinus feeling bad that he was hurt. When it got bad with Tempest she should have killed her. Lifting her eyes she saw many moving about none stopping to ask if they needed help. She yells out "We need help over here now."
After all that had gone on she was not going to leave his side. Only way that she would move was if she was told that he was going to live,no chance of death. Raven reached down and brushed hair from his face as she looked to him.
"You need to fight what ever it is that has caused this change. There are things that you need to learn about me and something that I want to tell you. " Raven tried to keep a smile on her face as she knelt there.
-
Cordelia wordlessly handed Honor the potion bottle affording the lady-in-waiting to gather her thoughts. She could not come out and accuse the prince of treason. Honor was too attached her brother regardless of his past misdeeds, if she did she could irreparably harm her relationship with her lady.
She curtsied, cleared her throat and said. ?Mistress, someone has been down in laboratories. The door to his highness?s laboratory was open and vials had been added. Are you aware if someone other than Vitas and yourself has been given permission to work in your brother?s sanctuary??
Bringing the information to her mistress in this fashion did so without accusing anyone of anything yet bring it to the attention to her lady?s eye.
Mentally she acknowledged Calesta and responded. ~Just as I feared. I will be along momentarily but we have more dangers brewing in the manor as well as from without. I promise to explain to more in time, but please, please do not let Her Majesty spend any time around His Highness without you or myself in the room. I am with her now.. ~
-
Bomahr rose and made his way back to Isolde just in time for the order to be given to follow the prospect. Without hesitation, without question, Bomahr did as commanded making his way behind Isolde's horse. He had tasted blood enough this day, and with the way things were looking so had everyone else. The battle had come to a complete stop and the Darkthornes were leaving, but they were taking back something with them. They were going back with clear minds, minds unclouded by the taint which had tore this family apart at the foundation. Bomahr wondered just who had accomplished the task which so many had died for? What brave warriors had finally set this clan free of the curse which had hung over it for countless centuries? They deserved both rememberance and respect for such a deed, a true quest.
Bomahr even felt a change within his own heart, he felt as though he were free to follow his own path should he choose. But he was loyal to the Whitethornes, to his cousin Isolde, to his brothers and sisters in faith and arms. There were still evils lurking in Belgada that would need cleansing, evil that if left alone would feaster as a wound upon the peace made. Bomahr watched as the scene before him took place, with the kings and queens. This game of chess had come to it's final pieces and it was a stalemate, Bomahr grinned. Both sides had learned much this day, even he had learned the tenacity of the Darkthornes, they were like the Whitethornes when it came to battle. They would never back down and never give up, no matter how many of them died in battle. Upon the backs of their commrade's sacrifice they would rise to the unreacable height to grasp what they believed in.
An evil such as that, dare he say it, an evil such as that was something needed for the balance of all. He only hoped they never strayed too far from their home, and never ruined too many lives. For if they did, then the divine judgement would have to be laid upon them. Bomahr looked to Shamus,Prasutagus,Merlindria, and Reinne, they would be the future of these lands. He looked back to Isolde and hoped that she could stand tall alongside them. For this land was united now and it needed strong leaders, ones that were willing to lay their life on the line for it's peace and people. It was every creatures nature to war and kill, survival was a nasty instinct, and when greed polluted that instinct, things got out of control. As long as both sides were willing to remember they were a family united, then there would never be another Thorne war.
The endless war had finally come to it's end, Bomahr knelt down to say a prayer for all those who had given their life for this peace. A prayer to usher those souls into enternal peace and salvation, knowing that their sacrifice would not be in vain. And that there were those still alive who would ensure that to their dying day.
-
Zian found his way to Soleus and his blood brother Orphan, he drew his bow back to kill another Darkthorne, when.. From the corner of his eye he saw them, the Bloodthorne's enemy, the Whitethornes. They were here alright, and they were fighting for the Blackthornes as well it would seem. Once the Darkthornes and Bloodthornes worked together side by side, until Eseer vanished, without that charismatic leader they had nothing. Bloodthorne began to hunt for battles in which to die in, to find worthy opponents that this world had never seen. Death against such odds was the only honor a Bloodthorne could wish for. That or the victory over such powerful foes, Eseer had understood that better then any Darkthorne. He knew that a Bloodthorne pledged their life for the battle and the hunt.
Fighting man and beast for the sake of finding a strong opponent and happy to die if they proved to weak themselves. Such honor was here, but Zian was still alive, this battlefield was not just one around them, but within them. Zian felt the change within his very being, the chance to be free. Orphan looked at him and the two who had made the pledge of blood brothers smiled. They had sworn to die together on the same battlefield, against a foe even the gods would tremble before. Yet this battle was over and here they stood survivors of a power beyond their control. Such a foe that did not kill, but changed it's opponents, a foe worthy of their engagement. So Soleus had become their leader and led them into a battle that would go down in history. He had earned respect for that even if he had not intended it that way.
No Bloodthorne would forget this battle, it would be because of this battle they chose to rebuild their clan's strength and find new foes. Even the Whitethornes were now a part of their family again, Zian looked over at Bomahr who knelt down praying, a Bloodthorne didn't belive in the gods. They believed that those on this earth made the gods, that they could even become gods. They didn't believe gods were watching over them deciding their next move, or their next heartache. But Zian knelt down anyway and began to say his own prayer. And if there was such a thing as gods, he hoped that they heard his silent whispers. For all those brothers and sisters who had died to see this day, the day the curse was lifted. The day when brothers and sisters no longer fought against one another. The day when their true enemies were pointed out to them. Those enemies were anyone who dared to try to kill any member of these clans.
Anyone who tried to destroy this peace which would usher in a new age of enlightment for all the clans. If that enemy presented themselves, then the Bloodthornes would be there to challenge them to the death. Zian would have been honored to die on this battlefield, but he knew deep in his soul. Knew that his death would be in a battle even greater then this one, against his real foe.
-
Soleus had fought to the bitter end, and just when he thought death was certain, it stopped. He had been smiling at the face of the enemies about to overwhelm their ranks when the battle simply stopped. Soleus along with the other Bloodthornes made their way to where Shamus and Merlindria fought. Looking on with admiration, the king had almost pushed himself to his limits, Soleus wondered. What would happen if Shamus broke his limits, what would he become. Soleus had broke his limits at death's door and transformed into a Bloodthorne. Shamus however seemed to have other reasons to live, that reason being to ensure the peace of this kingdom. He was willing to sacrifice his own life for that peace. Soleus couldn't help, but admire his cousin for his will to die for the sake of all others.
Soleus had just remembered, Gem, where was she and was she still alive? She went to join Reese to return the balance...and that balance just now hit Soleus. So she had to be alive, otherwise none of this would be possible, she had saved them all. He knew she would, from the first day he saw her, he knew there was something about her. She had a strong aura about her, it spoke of a the possibility of her achieving a great destiny. He hoped she would forgive him for almost dying on her, but he had lost control. Now he was his own man, as leader of the Bloodthornes, he would bring a new era for this clan. By rebuilding their lands and strength, he'd show his father that he was just as great a man as him. He could see his father smiling on him from the depths of darkness. Soleus was the son of the greatest traitor of them all, and he had seen the end of the curse. Seen Luskan, even been part of the effort to restore the peace and balance.
Soleus had done a lot in a short time, he knew his father would be proud of him. Proud that his son could out shine his father in his own way and show everyone that he was his father's son. As the Darkthornes began to head home, Soleus turned to the man named Zian and after a brief discussion, found out something terrible. The Bloodthornes had lost their lands long ago to a evil more powerful then even the Darkthornes. They had been wondering homeless like a group of gypsies this last few years. Soleus knew just what to do, he'd lead them back to Lochland and build a new home for the Bloodthornes. One where they could live amongst their family and be there to fight whatever came their way. There were those that took life and those that gave life. Soleus wanted to be the one that gave life back to the Bloodthornes.
The Bloodthornes whose blood held the necromatic magic in their blood, they would stand strong against whatever threatened them. He ordered for the march back to Lochland, he needed to make sure Gem was okay. He could sense that the balance came from Lochland, which meant Gem had to be there. Soleus found a horse and watched the other Bloodthornes follow him, they began to the ride to their new home. There was much for Soleus to catch up on, he'd been gone for over forty years and times were changing.
-
Honor took the potion from Cordelia?s hand, draining the bottle and handed it back to her. The draught worked its magic, revitalizing her. Lines of stress disappeared from around her eyes. She stretched feeling as refreshed as if she were awaking from a good night?s sleep.
She yawned contemplating her confidante?s words. No one had permission with the exclusion of herself, Cordelia, Vitas and Vahn. Vahn had been missing for most the battle. Perhaps he was entertaining himself with special alchemical development, curious but not alarmed, she placed a reassuring hand on her handmaiden?s arm and led her away from Vahn?s quarters. ?I would not lose too much sleep about it. I am sure that since Vahn is back that he is eager to restart his old alchemical projects.?
Placing her pale finger on her confidante?s lips to stop the objection before it came; she smiled and soothed. ?Don?t worry so much, Cordelia. You will get frown lines.? Honor dropped her hands and walked beside her friend, watching her people run to and fro. Soldiers stopped kneeling before them as they handed her a missive sent via unseen servant. She scanned the note and nodded in approval, handing the note back to the warrior, patting him on the shoulder as she passed. ?The battle will soon be over and we can focus on the rebuilding. Vahn will be married and then I will pass the burden of rule over to him, for he is the true heir of the Demise legacy. Everything that I?ve built, everything I have done, has been for him.?
?I am only the Regent. After I am no longer needed?? She looked pensive trailing off. With that chapter of her life closing, Honor was not sure what her future held. ?I do not know, perhaps I will go somewhere and create my own kingdom instead of managing someone else's.?
-
Adrian found himself shrouded once more in the dim lighting of the room, that oil lamp burning just as feverishly as it had before when he and Honor has shared their little kiss together. The thoughts seamed to wash back over him in a tide; drowning him with the endless possibilities that could be at hand should he come to pursue such a thing. But there was something about Honor?s brother, Vahn, which he didn?t like. Something about the man just seamed to irk Adrian to his core, pulling and tugging as though he himself would perhaps bring something horrid to the land; an abomination as it were. Oh well, the tide of battle was nearly gone and Adrian found his hunger growing preternaturally larger by the second. He hadn?t eaten as much as he had wanted to back at Lochland Castle with Reese, but then again he hadn?t given it much time in all honesty. He had simply woke from a little nap, eaten, and barely maintained enough strength to put an attack on anybody.
His displays of power, displays of psionic wonder and magical splendor were nothing more then mere tricks, as he hadn?t come to terms quite yet on gaining his powers yet. The geokinetic attack upon Cebreese and his men nearly drained him of perhaps everything, but luckily Cebreese hadn?t quite caught that bluff. Cebreese was a fighter true and blue. He was capable of noticing battle strategies and the plans behind it, but what of the bluff? There was never any true plan behind it other than to try and get Cebreese into close quarter combat where Adrian could stand some chance against the vagrant monster. No? Monster wasn?t a word that could apply to Cebreese anymore, not since Vincent erased the memories of hate and war. Since he erased one malicious personality and replaced it with another most justly one. Cebreese wasn?t a monster, not anymore. But Adrian in the pit of Adrian?s stomach he could feel the knots that perhaps he would have to watch Cebreese? actions nonetheless. He wasn?t a believer in destiny or gods, nor was he a believer in people always completely changing.
He heard somebody enter in behind him, as he found himself turning to sit on the edge of the bed which were stripped of its sheets. The woman was one of the women from the other room, Calesta. He noticed that she looked familiar to the other one that was in that room and found himself a little disappointed that Honor had chosen not to join him in the room. The woman kneeled down before him and looked up to him with eyes that he found to be intoxicatingly innocent, something that he found he wanted to change ever so much. Though he knew now wasn?t the time nor the place for such a thing. The woman removed the bandages to see the wounds and Adrian thus responded the same since he hadn?t taken the time to inspect them himself. It was rather bothersome to be tied down to a bed now wasn?t it? Surely he had to do something about that.
The woman grabbed the potion and began to address it to his wounds, but he knew it was useless as he was going to have to expend a bit more energy if he wanted to get out of here any faster. The woman?s hands rubbing across the wounds found themselves null to his senses as he closed his eyes and focused upon the four wounds of his body. His face remained complacent as he thought of tissues and cells working and mending together, before the wounds closed themselves completely before the eyes of the woman. Regeneration? Not a common practice, ever by Thorne standards that he?s seen. He glanced back to the woman Calesta to take notice of the look upon her face. Something that was perhaps even a bit more enticing in the sense that she looked rather shocked to see such a thing.
But her attention quickly became taken, the servant that was bringing him clothes walking in to place the clothing right next to the man before promptly bowing and walking out. Adrian looked down to the clothes, completely unaware that Calesta was having a telepath session with Cordelia about wounded soldiers. Adrian?s senses were falling a bit short right now and he knew they would just fall quicker and quicker for the more energy he expended and the more time that he wasted.
He didn?t even give a heed to the woman that was still in the room kneeling down, practically a foot away from him as the sheets that had been wrapped around his waist fell to the floor. His exposed body was bluntly before her as he then turned his back to look down upon the black clothing that was brought out for him. He grabbed the silken trousers, putting his foot through each pant leg before pulling them up. Before swiftly securing them on with a black sash. He reached for the shirt when the distinct sound of a stomach roaring came to his ears as well as hers, deafening in the confines of the quarters of the room. He shrugged the feeling off before quickly putting on the long sleeved v-necked silken shirt. It hung slightly loose upon him, but oh well, it was comfortable to say the least.
He turned back around to the woman, not even taking notice of whatever facial expression she might have held at that point in time before bending over to whisper right down next to her ear, ?Next time perhaps I?ll have you on your knees for a different reason.? He let a small smirk play itself back upon his lips as he leaned in to bite at her neck, canine teeth seeming dangerously sharp as they pierced her neck and let her own blood flow. He sucked on her neck a bit, taking the sweet nectar of her blood, just one of a few things he wanted the sweet taste of. His back straightened itself out, as he then proceeded to walk out of the room before the woman, going in search now of the dining hall where he could find some food. It was after all always about Adrian?s stomach wasn?t it? And what he hungered for? Whether it be women, food, or combining the two.
-
Eduardo could hear something, something in the connection between him and Anna. Something that made him worry for her safety and well being, but how could he help? Eduardo had been ushered out of the room by a maid, making him feel useless. He kept hearing that screaming though and try as he might he couldn't block it out. He tried to pursue Anna's mind over the connection asking her what was wrong. Trying to get her to snap out of it, he liked to believe that people had their own strength. A strength within every individual just waiting to be found. People who had suffered a great deal however seemed to stop looking for that strength. Eduardo wouldn't let Anna down, he'd make her life beautiful and happy. He'd help her realize her own potentional and strength. Eduardo bought some food and returned to see how Anna was doing.
He wanted to question her about the screaming, he knew she was somewhat shy about detailing her past or things on a personal nature. But they'd built a bond between one another, he was tied to her now. It wasn't like when he served other people, he was free to leave whenever he wished. But he felt he needed to help her, to protect her, he had become a sort of bodyguard and friend. Anna was only wearing a shirt, but Eduardo didn't care, he'd seen the female form before. However his eyes slowly traced her legs moving upward, before he stopped himself. Hmm he thought, I'd never noticed how beautiful she was beneath all those rags. He snapped out of his thought and brought his arm back to her, holding the plate of food.
" I've brought you some food, I don't know if you evern eat, or what you eat, so I hope it will do..." The war outside was coming to it's end, there would be need for rebuilding and cleaning in Demise. Eduardo would do as he always did, offer his services for a price. Enough money to buy that house he promised Anna, and buy what he needed to plant a crop. It wouldn't be anything grand, but with the right supplies, he could build a castle if he wanted. He had the manpower when it came to building, only he needed was land and minor supplies. But could he lay his sword down and never raise it again? He'd been trying for years to get away from the bloodshed of battle, to stop killing people. He'd killed innocents before, killed sinners and saints, but both bled the same. A nice cut across the chest and a being was exposed at their weakest moment. The moment they knew pain and the fear of losing their life.
He never liked closing his eyes, for he could see all his victim's eyes in the darkness of his mind. They watched him as if he were the only thing left for them to see. Those eyes, eyes that saw him before they died, a powerful thing the eyes were. " I couldn't help, but hear screaming over our connection...perhaps you could tell me what it was. Are you alright, I'm sorry I couldn't afford better lodging. I'm simple when it comes to some things, I'm a killer and a fighter, a mage. I'm concerned about you Anna, if your in some sort of suffering, or danger please let me know." Eduardo reached down to a bench and picked up some pants and handed them to her. " If it'd make you feel better, you can wear these, I bought a few odds and ends while the maid was tending to you."
-
Longinus looked up to Lady Raven and gave her a warm smile and reached for her hand. He was in a great deal of pain, but with her at his side, it kept his mind off it. Was he going to die, Longinus had struggled for so long to finally get free of the spear. Was this his way of paying for the sins he'd done while in the spear's servitude? The war like all things had to end, everything had to end. Even life had to end, but Longinus heard Lady Raven tell him to fight. And fight it he would struggling to live was the one thing everyone had in common. Everyone tried to survive in a harsh world, where nothing was ever made easy.
" Lady Raven...if I die at least let me say this to you now, before it's too late. From the moment I saw you, the moment our eyes met, I began to see a world like no other. A world warm and colorful, reflected in your eyes, it was like waking from a long sleep. When you came to Belgada to save me, you showed me a kindness I hope to repay someday. A kindness that will forever burn in my heart and guide me wherever I go. I understand things better since I've met you, I know that I do not have to struggle alone in this world. There are those like you that are willing to lay their lives on the line for their fellow human beings. Those willing to show kindness in the midst of cruelty, willing to go great distances to save a tortured soul like me. For that I am in your debt, but also for being that way I also..love you."
Longinus smiled and closed his eyes, he was very tired and after the long travel and fighting, he needed rest. How long had he known true rest, how long had he been able to sleep?
-
Quickly, delicate fingers swiped at the black sludge dribbling from her lower lip as she heard the door open with Eduardo?s voice entering the room. Hoping that the stuff didn?t smudge she sent her fist into the sheets allowing the fabric to be smeared with it instead of her lip. Bright opal white eyes looked to Eduardo waiting to see if he noticed a smear of any kind on her lower lip. Her eyes swam with questions that would seem undecipherable in these moments as he moved forward with a plate of food. In the dimly lit area of the room Anna saw the measuring of her figure as his eyes moved up from her legs. Relief caught her in that moment before he held out the platter of food for her. Yet, those previous unanswered questions brought a sense of nervous fear to the surface of her own mind.
She had been sized up before. The auction was always filled with those who would see the beauty of a figure with greedy eyes and anxious hands. All to often those were the people with empty pockets and devious minds. She had been kidnapped once by a pair of them. It was only luck that made them decide to sell her off again when she was found to be a difficult slave, loyal only to those who actually bought her rather than stole her. Eduardo?s silent appraisal of her body didn?t phase Anna much as she shifted her legs back from the long end of the cot giving Eduardo enough room to lay down the platter in front of her. She managed a soft smile of thanks in his direction but it was an after thought. Nervous energy and frightened nerves still had a hold of her senses. Anna also knew he could perhaps tell even without the bond weaving deeper into each other.
Picking up a piece of fruit, bread or cheese Anna ate slowly trying to avoid Eduardo?s curious eyes. If there was meat on the platter she stayed away from consuming it for various reasons. Making sure her other hand was free of the blade sludge she drew away from her lip she drew it to her opposite side touching the soft bandage the maid managed to apply over the half healed wound the fiend sliced into her. It laid under the shirt but it was no less visible through the white material. It was a conscious touch merely to tell herself she was not in a dream anymore, this was reality and she was free again for now.
However, she was not free of Eduardo?s questioning gaze and when he asked after the screaming she involuntarily produced when waking those bright orbs sharply glanced at him. Hesitation caught at the thought of just answering him. It was not something even Anna could understand. These were nightmares she was often plagued with. At times Anna even thought it might have been something forgotten from her past, something her mind demanded she remember. Yet, she still fought against remembering too much of the nightmare. Picking up another piece of fruit Anna began on hesitant feelings,
~It was only a nightmare. I have the same one often enough to frighten me from falling into the dangerous trap of sleep from time to time. Most of the time it is when I have given too much of myself, no matter if it is in battle or if it is just of my blood. I am not afraid of much but I am afraid of the darkness that surrounds me there. It is like a grave thought I am not dead yet, rather I have just taken my first real breath. I don?t even dare speak for somehow I know if I do ?they? will only come faster. But it is an inevitable end to the nightmare that they do come for me. Hands I can?t see wrap around me holding me in a position I am more familiar with than I wish to be; on my knees, my hands kept at my lower back, and my head tilted back to a painful degree. Something is shoved into my mouth. In the beginning, when I first had this nightmare, I thought it might be a weapon of some kind, blunt like steel. However, after I began to remember the whole dream I realized it was a bottle, like those of wine and champagne. It wasn?t alcohol that came out of it though. It was thick and nearly as black as the darkness enveloping me there. First one bottle of this stuff was poured down my throat then another and another. I lose count somewhere between the coughing and struggling. At some point I realized that their point was not necessarily to kill me but to drown me in this stuff. As much as I can take?that is until I wake up~
Anna stared at the half eaten cheese still hovering in her fingers. She was questioning herself as to why she told that story to him, but it was a useless effort when is already knew the answer. Anna?s bond was stronger with him than with any others. It nearly frightened her in the heat of battle she realized. Anna even asked herself why that was, but even then she knew this answer as well. It was because she willingly reached out to him. She willingly put her life out there for him through the bond. It was not something she had to do for a master. No it was something she wanted to do. It is also the reason why she shifted and pulled the corner of the sheet out from under her to show him the smeared substance brought back from her nightmare. It covered the corner in wrinkles where she drove her fist into the material to wipe it clean. It was thick and blacker than any blood could be. Anna pulled the corner out more showing him. A somber and frightened voice echoed through to his mind as she also stared at it,
~This is the first time it has come with me from my dream.~
-
Eduardo noticed the sludge, it was strange, he reached out as if to touch it, but then second thought that. He sat down on the bed near Anna, how long had it been since he felt like this. It was almost as if things could change, as if things could be normal. Eduardo looked to Anna saying, " I'll follow you no matter where you go, if I have to go into your dreams. If I have to go into your dreams then I'll find away. I'll protect you no matter what I have to do or where I have to go. The only thing I know how to do is fight or protect, without either of those I have no idea what I'd do. Life doesn't always work out the way we want it to. But sometimes thats just it, we have to work harder for them. I want to see what it'd be like to be normal like everyone else, to be...happy."
Eduardo took up a cup and poured her some water, he offered it to her. Why was she suffering like this, what was causing this? Eduardo would find a way to make all this go away. He had a mission in life now, one that might be his greatest ever. Freeing Anna and seeing her happy, and safe, a task worthy of a weapon like him. All he'd known for so long was how to kill, even in protecting people he killed others. His hands were stained with so much blood that he could smell it on them. How many had he killed, a thousand or more, he had lost count. With as many of himself as he could create, the number of deaths only grew. Eduardo would drop his clan's name, become merely Eduardo and perhaps find a new home. His clan had died out long ago, but he was alive.
It was up to him to live his own life, doing what he wanted to do, he wanted to be with Anna. Thinking back on it, he was happy he came here now, happy he came to Demise.
" Is there anything I can do for you?"
-
Shamus looked to Zorin and nodded, " go back home knights of Zalentra, we thank you for your assistance." Shamus looked up to see many had gathered around the area in which he'd been fighting. But one caught his eye out of all of them, the woman who led the Whitethornes. She was like a tigeress proud and fierce, but as beautiful as a painting, or jewel. Shamus was fixated on her for a moment, before he turned to see Reinne. Walking sluggishly he made his way over to Reinne.
" Reinne, I'm so confused on just what happened, but I take it the war is over...hmm so we finally did it. Theres peace between our clans, who would have thought that this day would have come. Uhhh.."
Shamus slumped down, putting his swords into the ground, as leaned on them. He was weary, going into that bererker state had drained him greatly. He lacked the strength to fight anymore, he was lucky the battle was over, or he'd be in trouble.
" So now what, as king I never planned for this day to come, I guess we should meet and discuss things. All of us, as leaders of the four Thorne clans should meet. Form a united council, not just of our clans, but of the lands we protect as well. It'll take some time to prepare such a thing, but until then, we'll all be set in our vows."
The scepter, Shamus would have to find it and upon it, they would give an oath that could never be broken. The oath of the new era, where the clan wars were finally over for good.
-
Prasutagus's arm was about Merlindria, his wound was bandage by some of his own soldiers. The king of the Darkthornes had come full circle in his life, and now it was time to begin again. Listening to Shamus's words, Prasutagus nodded and agreed.
" We will return after we've buried our dead, rebuilt our home, and set up our borders. When we return we'll send word so that you can prepare this meeting you speak of. The war has been long, and more then enough blood and souls have paid for this peace. Know however, we will not submit to the light for even light needs the dark to exist. We will handle things our way when it comes to it, and those enemies that fall in our shadow. Hehehe they will be offered no mercy and the most painful torture possible."
Prasutagus turned to Merlindria, " My beloved wife, I swore to you that together we would rule. And so we shall, now that Belgada has been freed of it's curse a new world awaits us. Don't think that because we no longer have the Blackthornes as enemies that our life will become boring. I think that many great battles and adventures await us down this path. A path that will truly be the Darkthorne's glory, a test worthy of completing. But maybe now is a good time to start working on a family of our own."
Prasutagus gave Merlindria a devlish grin, one that hid nothing of his intentions, after all they had a honeymoon to enjoy. As they began to walk off towards the hills in the distance, Prasutagus turned towards Reinne and Einar.
" Next time we fight Einar, I won't be holding back, you were fun, I'm sure it'll be great next fight. And Reinne my dear sister, you've granted me a new chance as our father has. When you have his funernal, let me know will ya, I want to say my farewells to the old man. That stubborn old fool just wouldn't give up, I'm glad he didn't."
Prasutagus waved at them, leaning on his wife, as they headed home. The war was over, now it was time to heal and become stronger so that the next war would be interesting. After all they no longer had their old enemy, they'd have to search for new ones.
-
Most ladies probably woul dhave gone white when he dropped the sheet. But she had seen few of the men she healed naked, other had been dead. Calesta's eyes went to him wondering what other power resided within his body. Her eyes went to his face as he walked closer to her, eyes going to the wall as his mouth came near her ear. ?Next time perhaps I?ll have you on your knees for a different reason.?
He let a small smirk play itself back upon his lips as he leaned in to bite at her neck, canine teeth seeming dangerously sharp as they pierced her neck and let her own blood flow. He sucked on her neck a bit, taking the sweet nectar of her blood, just one of a few things he wanted the sweet taste of. His back straightened itself out, as he then proceeded to walk out of the room before the woman, going in search now of the dining hall where he could find some food.
Gasp left her lips feeling the nip of his teeth on her neck. Calesta followed his form as her hand went where he nipped her. There was a wetness to the spot, pullingher hand back to get a look at her fingers. Redness covered them some, bringing more wonder about him.
Taking a deep breath she helped clear her head some. Seeing there was nothing more to do here she headed back to where Cordy was. There was lot to do before she even thought of hunting him down to ask him a question.
Calesta walked into the room seeing all those that needed healing of their wounds. Quickly she found a man and knelt beside him an dlooked after his wounds. As she got done with one she moved to another doing what she knew best.
-
Raven smiled down upon him as he spoke to her. Slowly and softly moved her hand through Longinus' hair.
" Lady Raven...if I die at least let me say this to you now, before it's too late. From the moment I saw you, the moment our eyes met, I began to see a world like no other. A world warm and colorful, reflected in your eyes, it was like waking from a long sleep. When you came to Belgada to save me, you showed me a kindness I hope to repay someday. A kindness that will forever burn in my heart and guide me wherever I go. I understand things better since I've met you, I know that I do not have to struggle alone in this world. There are those like you that are willing to lay their lives on the line for their fellow human beings. Those willing to show kindness in the midst of cruelty, willing to go great distances to save a tortured soul like me. For that I am in your debt, but also for being that way I also..love you."
All emotion left her face as he spoke words not heard by her in years. The hand that was moving through his hair came to rest above his right temple. It brought great ease to know that they felt the same for each other. Raven leaned down and placed a kiss upon his cheek as he closed his eyes.
Raven stood up and grabbed the first person to pass her by. Looking the person in the eyes so they took her serious. "You will find a healer right this second for this man needs immedate attention. If he dies it will be on your head, thus you will pay for it happening." She lowered the person to the floor and let them go, eyes watched the person run off. Turning back around she knelt back down along side of Longinus.
Her heart told her to tell him her feeling in hopes that it helped keep him there. Leaning over closer to him, eyes upon his face "I love you too."
-
Meredith watched her mother go help the man into the manor. Only stopping long enough to ask them to look after their sister. Her eyes went to Belle.
"Great she goes off with a man and we get the dirty work. I say that we just let the birds have her and get something to eat. After all she is only going to end up back with the earth either way she goes."
With caring eyes Belle watched her mother disappear with the man after asking them to tend to Tempest's body. Swinging a leg over she slide down the dragon and landed on the ground. hearing her sister's words she turned glarig at her.
"Tempest may not have been around to be the aunt she should have been. That does not bring cause for her to be eaten in the place of a warrior's funeral. Now get down here and help me see to her body."
Slowly Meredith got down off her dragon, feet landing back on the ground. Taking a deep breath she followed Belle over to Rycore to tend to Tempest. She gently grabbed Tempest's feet and pulled bringing her body down.
Belle grabbed hold of Tempest's body as it came down. Slowly she headed to the door of the manor. It seemed that Meredith and Tempest had things in common, but she would never say that out loud.
(combined post of meredith and isabelle)
-
As his blade went through a Darkthorne he noticed that that they were thinning out some. Out the corner of his eye he saw a man fall to his knees. Pulling the dagger from his waste he tossed it at the heart of the Darkthorne attacking him. Nikko made his way to the man and helped him back to his feet. As quick as he could he made his way looking for a place to get the man help.
His eyes fell upon a people that were heading to a manor little ways from them. Seeing his horse feeding little ways away, gave a whistling getting its attention. It trotted over to him. carefully he got the man upon its back. Once the man could hold himself there he led the horse to the manor. His eyes looked over the dragons that rested before the manor. Nikko left his horse where they were and carried the man the rest of the way. He was not up to having his horse be a meal to one of them.
Carefully he opened the door and took him in looking for where the injured. After looking for a bit he laid the man on the floor so to be looked after. Nikko wandered the room looking to those that were hurt his eyes go feral as the scent of blood came stronger.
-
Just as she stood up a lady ran buy with fear in her eyes. Calesta stopped her to see what bothered her. Hearing what had happened put some anget in her but understood what the lady had be going through. She grabbed things that she may need and headed over to man. Calesta looked down at the woman not happy with her.
She knelt down and looked that the deep wound on his leg. Getting a rag wet she started to clean it out so to keep infection from settling in. Taking a container from her pouch with salve in it. As she opened it she looked to the face of the Longinus. "Bear with me as I put healing salve upon your deep cut. There may be a slight sting to it but guarentee that it will help heal you." Carefully she rubbed the salve over the cut being gentle as possible.
Without taking her eyes from the wound she spoke to Raven. "You had no right to speak to the anyone as you did that woman. I do not care if he was dying you needed to keep your cool. For your information this man will live, right now he mostly needs plenty of rest."
Calesta gathered her things and stood looking about for another to help. Moving over to a chair she took a seat as she looked over those that were hurt.
-
She was in shock. "Leave Demise?!" The idea of Honor leaving her land was...unthinkable. Cordelia considered her the very heart of Demise. "Mlady you cannot! If you left the land think what might happen."
The noble lady walked down the staircase to the injured. "Cordelia..ultimately.." she reached down and picked up a long apron one of the physicians had put down while taking a break, covering her ebony locks with white kerchief and washed her hands. "..people are like snakes. You can feed them every day, raise them, nurture them but in the end...they will turn on you." Her voice carried a dark undertone.
Was her Majesty speaking of her brother or herself? Or was she speaking in generalities? Cordelia could only speculate. Honor may not be as blind about Vahn's true nature as she had once thought. Tears came to her eyes. Poor lady, many admirers and allies yet so alone. She sighed holding out a towel for her lady to wipe her hands.
The Demise Queen led the legion of physicians, mages, healers and priests, organizing them to formiable triage. Wounded were efficiently assessed and tended;while the dying were made comfortable or humanely put out of their misery. There was no time to dwell on intrigues as life hung in the balance for hundreds of her soldiers and their allies.
Cordelia ran back and forth fetch medical supplies for Honor and Calesta, helping where she could alerting able-bodied musketeers to bring in the her cousin's patient to a private parlor. She sat down beside Calesta handing her a roll of fresh bandages. "Need anything?"
((joint with Cordelia and Honor))
-
Vahn thought about his sister, how much had he sacrificed in silence for her? So much, yet when she brought him back, he thought she was happy now, that he could live his own life. But Reagan had to come back, now more then ever Vahn had to protect her. He'd give Reinne a chance and then Honor, before he left to the Domina islands. He would go there perhaps to hide, or perhaps to lead Reagan there. A place were the two of them could fight it out once and for all. Whoever died there would never come back at least, Vahn knew a secret about the islands. A secret of the Thorne's lost long ago, but found by accident on one of Vahn's travels. Vahn rose from the bed, making his way over to his tattered clothing. This wouldn't do, but did it matter anymore, did anything matter? Reagan would strike when he least expected it, which meant it could be any time.
Vahn was just wasting time standing here in Demise, did he want to lead Reagan here? No Honor was here and that just wouldn't do, he'd have to lead Reagan far away. Vahn couldn't kill Reagan all those years ago, and he doubted he could now. Reagan must have watched them from hell, watched and waited for freedom. Reagan wouldn't give up, Vahn knew that and wished it wasn't true. Vahn would have to let everything go and run, run not for his life, but for those he actually cared for. Now Vahn knew why he hated emotions, why he hated love, in the end it was the most painful thing one could bare. Having to let go of those you love so much, let go of what you want most. Life had never been kind or fair to Vahn, but that was how life was. He could only do what was in his power to do, Reagan was dead yet he walked this world. Someone whose life no longer could be taken would be hard to kill.
Vahn hoped Reagan didn't seek to gain anymore advantages, if Vahn couldn't kill him, he could at least trap him.
-
She put all her thought into looking after those before her. Always making sure to make the cleaning of any wound painless as possible. So to make things move faster she had made a container of healing salve. Calesta looked to the man's face hearing him grunt from the pain. Face cringed some as she continued to cover the wound with the salve. She wiped as much as what remained on her fingers so not to waste it.
Smile crossed her lips seeing her cousin come sit by her. It was good to have someone to talk with, leanig over some touching her cheek upon Cordy's shoulder.
"Need anything?"
"Another pair of hands would be nice if you can provide them. But really knowing that the wounded are slowly would be a nice thing. For I am not sure how much longer I am going to be able to last. Seems no more do I help one more come in."
Taking the fresh bandages from Cordy and laying them on the other side of her. Taking some of them and laying them over the salve, so to keep it clean.