Relics of the Past

[Lord Validrir]

Vertalin'thral, the Capital of Calgoa. A grand and beautiful city, with buildings of white stone, and statues of marble. Its great walls seemed to shine with silver and alabaster. the gates always remained open fot there was no need to lock them, the land was a safe one. This marvle of a city is placed right in the middle of Calgoa, on a great hill near the Hatalon Mountains. It is a thriving city, full of life and people of all kinds. Humans mostly, but there were also Elves, Dwarves, and all manner of others. The good lord Validrir can often be seen, walking about the city, laughing and talking with those he meets. The sun always seems to shine when he's out. This is one such day.

"Hello, there!" A man called out as Validrir walked by. He turned and smiled at the caller, and saw that he was a farmer in the city to sell his goods. Walking over he greeted the man and looked over his produce. There were watermelons, and cantalope, and apples, and pairs, along with several other kinds of fruit. Validrir picked up an apple and asked the man if he could try it, who of course replied that he could. Validrir bit into it and found the apple crisp and delicious. He looked at the other fruit and found it all to look fantastic.

"This is very good," He said with a smile. "What would you say if I were to offer you one-hundred gold coins for all of your produce?" The farmer looked dumbstruck.

"Why my lord, I could never ask that much for..." Validrir cut him off.

"And you haven't I am giving it to you." And with that he snapped his fingers and the fruit vanished. He then handed the farmer a large bag of gold and clapped him on the sholder. "Now I'm sure you have a family that would love to see you home early." The Farmer smiled and gave his thanks before heading away. Validrir Laughed alittle to himself as he turned to head down the street. He saw as he went, more and more people gathering outside the Arcane Library. Some were shouting to others.

"One of the wizards, he found an old demon relic!" Others shouted as well.

"Then they should just destroy it and be done!" Validrir did not like the sound of this. with a quickened step, he headed to the library.

[Lord Validrir]

He made his way through the crowd to the door of the library, this however was not terribly difficult as most simply moved out of his way. He entered the building and was greeted by a distraught looking, young mage. The young man had to be younger than 25, and he was still wearing his green apprentice robes. He bowed low to Validrir and began to speak very quickly about a venturing wizard who had found an artifact, so quickly in fact, that Validrir could only catch every fourth word or so. The young man continued to ramble as Validrir shook his head and placed a hand on mage's sholder. The mage's voice quieted and he simply looked at Validrir who wore an odd smile of amusment.

"Calm down, and speak clearly." He told the young man. He could feel the mage's pulse slow and his breathing even out. Validrir took that moment to examin the other's soul. He saw glimpses of the young man's past, he had a loving mother, and a devout father, they lived on a farm. Felthin was the young man's name, and he was a good person, but he lacked confidence in him self, even though he was intelligent and had great potential. This all took only a second before Validrir removed his hand and asked what had happened. The young mage spoke in a slower and more contolled voice to tell him that a wizard who had taken to exploring old ruins in the forests to the south. There in one, he had ound on old amulet, that appeared to be of demon make. Validrir nodded his head and thought.

"Very well, thank you Felthin." He walked past the boy, who was shocked that he knew his name, and headed to the meeting chambers where the artifact would have no doubt been taken. But before he left he turned and looked at the young man. "You have much talent, and great intelligence, I predict you will be a powerful wizard. Just have faith in yourself, Felthin." The young man nodded silently, as Validrir turned and left, a smile play about his lips.

[MirrorTornBeauty]

The day was perfect. Apollo was making his way around the world but currently his place was above her. She felt the warm sunlight caress her flesh. Head turned up to look at the sky, a gentle smile formed across pink lips. She was beauty, if ever a thing could exist. Long strawberry blonde hair caught the rays of delectable fire and together they waltzed, teasing the eyes of men and women of all ages. She wore a simple ivory dress that showed off her features, the cloth clung to her curves and the V-neck tried in vain to cover un-haltered breasts. There was something a miss with this beauty though... She wore no shoes, feet dirty from long travels. Her dress was being torn to rags at the bottom from being dragged along the earth, it was stained a dirty mud colour now. Her flesh was soiled a darker colour upon her hands, feet, arms (up to elbows) and legs (up to knees). Her hair was ratted and tangled. But one thing would stand out above the rest of her flaws, and that would be the black piece of cloth she had tied around her head, covering her eyes in a blindfold. She was new to this village, she was just following her feet.

Actually, she was hungry. She followed her nose. The smell of the baked goods had caught her attention. She was tired of eating nuts and berries... fish on a good day. She couldn't recall the last time she had been in an actual town, but she knew it had been a long time. Hands searched for her coin purse, she had a bit left in it; perhaps enough to buy a room for the night and a good meal. She caught the scent of a woman walking nearby, her jasmine scent was easily detected by Katrina. She turned to the woman and spoke, "Excuse me... Ma'am. Could you lead me to the near..." her voice was of angels delicately kissing the air, but she was cut off by a brash feminine voice, "Go away!" Katrina sighed as she finished her sentence "...est inn."

She knew she wouldn't be welcomed in a town with open arms, not anymore at least. She recalled when she was the envy of all that breathed in the land. She also recalled how cruel she was. She didn't expect to be treated with the kindness she held these days. She continued to walk down the path through the town. The older men and women watched her, she could feel their stares on her body as she sauntered on towards the baked smell. Curses were whispered at her, "God has forsaken thee..." "The Devil breathes on you..."

Not a word was spoken from her. She stopped before running into a group of people standing outside a building. They seem excited about some relic. She didn't care, the bakery was across the way. She placed a hand on a young man, she could feel the soft robes he wore, "Excuse me..." Her voice cut through the haste and worry felt through the air. young man answered her, "Of course... of course..." Older man turned to look at her, "First we find this! And now a stranger that hides her eyes!"

Katrina turned and looked at the older man, she could feel his fear running through his body... She had half a mind to yell at the brash behavior from the arrogant folks here, sans the young man. She took in a deep breath and into the crowd she disappeared to outside of the bakery. She opened the door and walked in slowly. The aroma engulfed her. She began to count the pieces of gold, trying to pick out what treat she would like to try first.

[Lord Validrir]

Lord Validrir enterd the room and found several of the area's greatest wizards all examining what was likely the amulet he'd been told of. He walked forward and the others made room for him. The oldest and wisest of the wizards there was named Gallbrook, and he had headed the University of Magic for near to one hundred years.

"It is definately not human made my lord." He said in a soft voice. "We have schollars looking up every book we have on demonic objects, and I have sent for the highest ranking elf, dwarf, and troll mages in the city, so they may look at it." Validrir patted the old man on the sholder.

"You did well, Gallbrook." The old man had been a good friend of Validrir for many, many years. He looked as a classic wizard should, with long purple robes, a big white beard, and leaning against an oaken staff. Validrir turned his thoughts back to the amulet and peered at it closely. It was round, about the size of a child's hand. The metal it was made of was black and shiney. And in the middle was a blood red stone. It was unlike anything Validrir had ever seen, and he had fought the demons. After a moment he reached down and touched it with his pointer finger. Immediatly the red stone glowed like fire and Validrir yanked his hand back. "It burned me!" He stated as the amulet quieted down again. "Gallbrook, let the other mages see it when they get here, but that amulet is to moved to my tower. All research will be done in the safety of the keep." He said as he headed for the door.

"It shall be done my lord." Gallbrook said as Validrir left. He headed out of the door and back to the crowed outside. Raising his hands in the air, all became silent and listened.

"It is of the opinion of the wizards that it is not human make, but they have elf, dwarf, and troll mages coming to look at it. I do not know what it is, but it is dangerous. As such it will be moved to my tower until further notice. We will tell you as soon as anything is found out." And with that he made his way through the crowed and made toward his tower. He was stopped short however by a conversation he heard about a woman who "hid her eyes". She was in the bakery. He stopped and felt the need to investigate, so he went over to the bakery near by. Inside he found the woman, she was very beautiful, but some what ragged. This did not matter, he had always seen inner beauty any way. He sat down and decided to watch her for a moment, before he spoke to her.

[MirrorTornBeauty]

Standing in the bakery, she allowed herself to catch her breath. She could hear the bakers rolling their dough, opening ovens and carrying on conversations among themselves. She took small steps towards the counter, "Excuse me..." she waited for the woman to take note that there was a customer in the store. A gasp echoed through the front area as she was noticed by the woman behind the counter. "I would like to purchase a strawberry fruit tart... a croissant and a sourdough roll..." The woman watched Katrina closely, waved her hand in front of her, trying to see whether or not it was noticed. Katrina made no movement. "Miss... we have no..." Katrina cut her off abruptly, "I can smell it. I have money. Please, let me purchase it and I will be on my way..."

She should have just walked out of the store, but her stomach was empty and her pallet craved something wonderful. Foot steps made their way around the bakery, gathering what Katrina had ordered. It was wrapped quite sloppy, bag handed to her. A small nod, forced out lippy smirk, "Thank you..." She placed 2 gold on the counter top. She turned almost too elegantly as she went to exit. She stopped short of the door, heard a man yell out about their great find. She took a few steps back. "A find?" her voice was very low... talking to only herself, "Well... I have found wonderful baked goods. People take the small things for granted."

The door opened, footsteps made as the being entered. Heavy steps, low and slow breathing, scent a bit musky... even if he was well bathed... Male. He had taken a seat and clearly was watching her movements. Her head turned and looked directly at him, well if she had eyes that is, head turned back to the door. Voices heard outside of it, the crowd was becoming anxious. She decided to wait until the commotion quieted a bit more. But this man inside the shop, he made no order for food... and still watched her, she could feel his presence.

Dirty digits reached into the bag and pulled off a small piece of croissant. She placed the piece in her mouth, her nose scrunched as she forgotten how dirty her hand were, but the bread was amazing. The fresh flavour dancing upon her tongue. She was indulging herself.... still being watched. She turned once again to look at the man, decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Pink tongue slowly parted dry lips, moistening them before speaking gently to the man. "Are you hiding from the crowd as well?"

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir chuckled at the question. "No, I am not." He stood and walked over to the woman. "It is a pity that people treat you as they do. Even with the peace and wealth this land has, they still distrust that which is different." He looked at her dirty clothes, hands, and bare feet. He arched an eyebrow and thought for a seconed. "Miss, how would you like a place to stay?" His eyes traveled to the cloth over her eyes, She was obviously blind, and therefore knew not who he was, but all the better. It was easier to get an idea of people if they didn't know you were the god of the realm.

[MirrorTornBeauty]

She watched the man, strong aura coming from him. She listened to his words. She heard his voice more clearly then other beings would, she tried to find fault in his tone, find a hint of evil within him. His words were sincere. She nodded slowly. People's actions towards her didn't bother any more.  She used to treat people the same way, people without any faults, men with all the riches in the world, men that were wanted throughout the lands; everyone of them, she turned down... everyone of them, not good enough for her presence. "Their comments don't bother me. I deserve them."

He continued on, asking if she would like a place to stay. Her whole body turned towards him, head hanging low. A soft gentle sigh escaped slightly parted lips. She picked up her head, and nodded. And for the first time in what seemed like forever came a genuine smile from her. Perfect teeth filled her mouth, plump lips framed her mouth... it was as if God Himself had carved her smile Himself. "That would be lovely... I will follow you to the Inn. A little guidance in this new place is most welcomed."

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir laughed again. "My lady, I know of a place far more hospitable than the inn, though it is a nice inn. Come, I will show you the way." Validrir took her hand and led her out of the bakery. Together they went up the road, toward the center of the city. People watched them, some wore expressions of benevolence, happy that their lord was so gracious. Others had looks of shame, for the had scorned the woman, or others like her, and they now knew themselves to be wrong. Validrir walked at an easy pace, so that the blind woman could keep up. Soon a great wall came into view, and with it, a large silver gate. Validrir waved his free hand, causing the gate to open. Through the gate they went, across marble walk ways and up a large flight of steps. They were at Angelis Tower. This monolithic structure, lifting high into the air. It's alabaster face shined as the sun reflected off its smooth surface. Countless statues dotted it's expanse, each one some saint or fantastic creature. Its top was crowned with five points, each reaching toward the heavens. The great double doors were of the finest oak, and the door handles and fastenings were of silver. On either side there was a large knight, each with shining armor and a set of large pearl white wings. Angels. The doors were opened and the angel gaurds smiled at the blind woman.

"Welcome to Angelis Tower, miss."

[MirrorTornBeauty]

She took the man's arm and together they walked, other hand gripping the treats she had just bought. He couldn't hear the whispers, they were almost too quiet for even an elf to hear. They were gawking at them. She turned her head up to the man as they walked. He was walking extremely cautiously down the path to wherever he was taking her. It didn't seem like a far walk, although she was still weary about a kind stranger. Maybe he was awful looking like her... but he smelt too fresh. Either way, she could protect herself. It had seemed they reached their destination.

She could hear gates open, massive ones at that. Together they walked through the gates. Cold smooth stone under her feet, countless stairs. They must have reached the top, because there were no more stairs.  The sun was warmer here for some reason, she relished being in the rays. "It feels magical up here..." Soon she could hear doors being opened. He lead her inside the building. And immediately she was greeted by two male beings.

She was startled by the warm greeting, she immediately cowered into the kind stranger, arm tightening around his. She loosened the grip as she realized it was just a greeting. She turned her head up to the two beings. The rustling of feathers could be heard, but no scent of a bird was nearby. She saw them, blurry but could notice their auras and temperature... and they had wings. She noticed that right away. She gasped slightly and then turned to the kind stranger, then back to the winged beings. "Do they work?" she was talking about the wings.

[Lord Validrir]

One of the angels smiled and stepped forward. "Yes, they work." Validrir shook the angels hand and greeted him.

"How are things, Markiel." He asked.

"Oh, quiet as usual." Markiel replied.

"I wish I could say the same, there's some old relic at the arcane library, they think it's demon make. Any how, you have a good day." He looked over at the other angel and greeted him as well, calling him Kelthan,  before walking into the keep. He looked around at the girl and asked her, "Hw did you know thay had wings?"

[MirrorTornBeauty]

She stood still, listening to the kind stranger and the winged being before her. Timid hand reached out to touch the massive things. Tender digits felt the soft feathers against her flesh. She smiled and hand went back to her side. A slight bow to her head to both of the angels. "Please to meet you, Markiel... and to you as well, Kelthan." She looked up at them again, she had never met beings with wings before, she felt honored. "I am known as Silver..." She dared not to speak her real name, not in the stae she looked right now. She chuckled to herself, realizing this was the first she spoke of her name, even to the stranger who showed such kindness.

The man had stepped inside. She twirled, dress flowing about her as she stepped in. Doors closed behind her. She ended the spin and landed in an indian style seat upon the floor, opening the bag slowly and removing the rest of the cresant shaped bread to end it. He asked her a question. And to her shock, she shoved in a piece of bread. She didn't know if she should give up such secrets right away... she didn't want to lie, but she would tell him when she trusted him more. "I heard the feathers... and smelt no bird. The rustling was too close to not be on them. I've always heard stories..." Another small piece of bread into her mouth. She was starving. "Is this your home?" It must have been massive, she could hear her voice echo slightly off the walls and down the hallways.

Her mind went to what he had said about a relic of demonic orgin. She knew a great deal of the evil enchantments that the world had. She was cursed, and tried to learn about them. Although, it was hard because not a lot of the mages books were written in brail.

[Lord Validrir]

"Yes, this is my home." He answered her question as he looked around the cavernous entry hall. He knew that she had not answered his question truthfully, she did not trust him, he could sence it. But then again he had only met her that morning, and she still did not know who he was, so it was to be expected that she did not trust him.  He looked down at her sitting on the floor and arched an eyebrow. "You may sit in a chair, if you like." He said as he snapped his fingers. soon a middle aged man with a rather stern but pleasant looking face, appeared. He wore a white buttoned shirt, with a black vest, and matching pants. His shoes were leather and made a slight click when his feet struck the floor. His hair was brown but was greying on the sides and his eyes where green. "This is Pensworth, the butler. He will show you to your room." Validrir lifted the young lady to her feat and led her to Pensworth. "Give her one of our nicest rooms." He told the butler before walking off toward another part of the tower. He stooped and turned just before he left the hall. "I would like you to join me for dinner. Pensworth will show you to the dinning room when it is time." And with that he left.

Pensworth took the girl's arm with a tender grasp and led her toward the stairs. "This way m'lady." He said in a very proper tone. After a while the stairs ended and they turned on to a hall way. "So you are the newest guest to Angelis tower, hmm?" He asked after a moment. "We have many guests, but what can I say, Lord Validrir is quite the host. How did you come about meeting him?" It was obvious that the butler had no idea the young woman was unaware that the 'kind stranger' was actually Lord Validrir.