Markofkri

Prithv

lissa Thenton

"How did it come to this?" She sighed with a long exhale. rising from her bed she slowly lowered her toes to the cold stone floor. A shiver raced up her legs but she held her ground. Putting the rest of her weight on her feet she stretched and was about to walk to the dresser when there was a knock at the door. "Come in."

The door creeked open and the sister averted her eyes to the nude priestess. "My lady please get dressed you're late enough as it is." The nun closed the door behind her and faced it.

"We're both woman of the cloth there is no need for such modesty." Lissa walked to the dresser and washed her face and arms in the suns light. Her pale skin shone in the morning light almost as a challenge to see which was brighter. She took up the dress and put one leg in then another and hiked it up to her hips. A soft cough signaled to the nun aid was requested.

She walked to Lissa thinking how did it come to this and how the gods were truly mysterious in there dealings of destiny. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed as she laced up the back of the dress while Lissa held it in place. How daring this new priestess was it wasn't right but it was the will of the gods. Finishing the lace with a large bow at the top she took a step back and reflected on how if she didn't know Lissa's story then she would consider her regal in every sense of the word.

Truth was she did know the story of Lissa and just how she came to the temple. It was almost sixteen years ago when Lissa was left on the steps like so many children in the city. She was small and wrapped up in a silken bundle the morning light shined down upon her and the head priest saw the mark on her stomach. The same mark as was written in the book of prophecy. They cared for her and treated her differently from then on. The word spread throughout the kingdom that the voice of Ra had come to Ciaro.

Lissa was tested time and again from when she was in her eight cycle she was asked every question a skeptic could think of and each answer was correct with out training or teaching she knew every answer. Even the high priest could find no fault in her. When a new head priest came in the first thing he would do is retest her. It was no use she knew the answer to each question put to her. Lissa never faltered. No one taught her to read and yet she did. Not just the common tongue but the ancient ones as well. It was impossible yet she excelled at it as naturally as breathing came to a baby she was allowed access to the library where she spent her days. She read everything, like a fish Lissa swam in the old tomes and their contents. From sun up to sun down she had a face in a book or scroll. At times forgetting to eat.

When the original head priest that found her was replaced it was a dark day for Lissa. He questioned her relentlessly. It became apparent she would succeed him he was grateful for her reluctance to step into the light and her choice to remain in the library hidden away. It let him run everything and control more of the temples daily dealings. Just having Lissa was enough to bolster the offerings and the populace to Ra's teachings. He was on occasion forced by the ruling monarchy to pull Lissa out into the light and show that she was the one who would one day bring the might of Ra to every corner of Prithv. This was detestable to the head priest.

How could a orphan carry such favor with a god? Why was it not him? his teeth on edge and his mind a blade aimed at her throat. The high preist set in motion a plan to remove the heretic from his sight! Of course he could tell them any story to cover his trail. He was the head of the church. Who would dare question him? On Lissa's fourteenth cycle he set the trap. Hiring some mercenaries they took her in the night.

Lissa remembers the High priest giving her a tea that night. She awoke it was on the alter she was covered in ash and unaware of what happened. The evidence found by the guards told the story of how a building in the slums exploded in a pillar of flame. Eye witnesses reported, as the suns rays touched the roof the building she was held was consumed instantly in flame! The kidnappers burned with it. While the buildings next to it remained untouched. A single figure emerged, a girl wrapped in fire, eyes burning blue, each step she took melted the streets cobble stone. The people gathered and followed her to the temple. On the steps they stood in awe of the sight the crowd witnessed. They told how as her foot touched the temple steps, the flames around her body turned to pure light! A scream from the church was heard. Later to be found only a pile of ash in the high priests chambers.

The rumors grew into a frenzy. Soon the king himself had to issue an order, she was to have a force in ready placed at her disposal. The death of the high priest forced the inauguration to immediately follow. Lissa remained safe with in the temples walls. Only occasionally was she requested to come out and meet the people. On one of such ceremonies is where she met him.

She was greeting the people on the market when her ears caught the melody. It was slow and seductive awakening her primal side. Lissa's eyes found the source of the soft melody a dark elf sitting on a crate and playing in the sun. What a contrast she thought never having seen a Drow till this moment she was floating on the notes drawing her closer to him. Until she was standing in front of him swaying to the tempo. Her eyes closed and a smile on her pale face.

When the song ended he sat silently more wary of the guards then the girl before him. When she spoke it was in a different tongue. He didn't recognize it and tried something more natural. In elfin, "My what an honor to be blessed today by the priestess of Ra. You humble me." He stood and bowed deeply. He was taller the she was by a foot at least. Lean and dark but inviting with a smile that could stop most tears. The dark elf wore soft leather and a chain under shirt. On his side was a cross bow.

In elfin "Pleased to meet the people of this city. You do it honor by your trade." Her pale skin gave a deep blush as she spoke. A hand rose to her hair as she curled a lock around a finger. Her body language told more of her intent then the conversation between them. she wanted him. It was that simple.

They talked until a guard coughed obviously not enjoying standing in the heat of the day. She gave him a look that hid the dagger under a soft smile. She waved to the elf Johnathan and continued to walk. Smiling and waving to the people often crouching down to talk to the children and offer them coins from the temple offerings. No matter what she did she couldn't think of anything else but the bard. Lissa would look back over her shoulder to see if he had followed and felt her heart sink as she saw he was not there.

Now dressed she stood before the over sized mirror and saw him her heart raced. Hiding her excitement she thanked the nu for the help and waved as she left the room. As the door shut she turned to see Johnathan standing in front of the window. "Hello again." He bowed again deeply.

"The pleasure is mine." He walked toward her and she in turn walked to him. Standing face to face her heart beating fast till Lissa thought it could be seen. He saw her corset was displaying her pale skin like a tray of fruit but it was not quite ripe. He held back from using his full skill on a youth. his arms went out and embraced the priestess.

She was against his chest the smell of leather and metal was intoxicating to her and she stood pressed against him her eyes closed. She wrapped her arms around him.

"I need you priestess. You have to help me. There is danger that looms near and only your blessing will protect me." Johnathan's lips brushed against her ear as he spoke. His hold on her was complete.

Unable to speak for fear of waking from this beautiful dream she nodded. She softly bit her lower lip not knowing what to do. He was here in her chamber, in her very arms, and she was lost.

"Meet me outside the walls in front of the main gate the day after tomorrow. I will wait for you." His soft words melted into her ear. Johnathan took a step back to see she was still standing eyes closed and her face a deep pink. He smiled and left the way he came.

Lissa opened her eyes and looked around the room. He was gone but she put her hands to her face and could still smell the lingering scent of leather. A small flame danced on the tip of her finger. She would be there. For him she would cross the death fields alone. She preformed the monthly rites and blessings in the center of the temple before the alter. Just as she had done for the last two years. During the midday sun as the rays were at their strongest and Ra shined down on everything.

At the end of the ceremony Lissa had all the temple gather for the news. Before the guards and the priestesses she stood and in a shy voice said the words, "I'm leaving." The clergy looked in disbelief at her. The guards were whispering among themselves. "I will return, the world has places in need of Ra's light. It needs me and I must go." She walked off as the whispers grew into a clamor.

Prithv

Cassidy

Breaking off from the res of the group she made her way to the coast. Amid the merchants and ships she rolled out the rug and set her bowel on the ground in front. Beginning with a few simple maneuvers and poses with her body that few could duplicate. Her eyes were dull and distant as she was no longer on the docks but back at the monastery as a kit doing odd choirs for the monks.

High above the clouds in the ancient temples of stone she started as an orphan. no memory of her parents or where she was found she was given shelter with food and the protection until the age when she was able to begin her training to protect herself and those she cared for. They had her sweeping floors and fetching water for the cooks. Then moved to the acrobatics and strength training that lasted at times for days. She couldn't even sleep her body ached but it was weakness. It was her body striving to be stronger not for the monks as they said it was for her. For the time when she was to leave the monastery and the safety it gave her. When she would be on her own she would need the strength to make her own choices and fight for her life if need be. They taught Cassidy how to do everything the better way for her body and mind. Even breathing to focus her chi into a weapon when her hands were empty and her foes out numbered her. They were the family that would always be there. The calm amid the tempest. The fellows of the temple of Chi.

This was where she was as Cassidy moved her body as her muscle memory told her to. Each pose a strike and her muscles flexed under her skin giving her the signal the move was done correctly. So instinctual it was that she could focus on her memories with perfect clarity while she continued to move through the motions. It was a peaceful trance like some would get as they slept or rested on a grass field looking up at the warm sun. This was her zen as the masters called it. A brief pause before her legs sunk into a crouch and then to the crowd she leaped into the air in a back flip, landing on her feet. The move was to use her entire weight into a kick that could break stone.

The crowd claps and the coins drop into her bowl. She holds her stance until the memory fades and her eyes shine back to life. Blinking and looking around Cassidy exhales, rolling her shoulders and squatting to collect her things. The sun was starting its descent. She had made two silver and a hand full of copper. It was just enough.
tying the rug to her back and the bowl to her side Cassidy left the port and headed to the inn.

"Hey luv, you have some skill. You should join my harem I'll even cut you in for ten percent of your earnings and protection." The man was skinny but toned, an a smell only a rat could tolerate. his short hair was greasy and his eyes sunken and dark. he was taller the Cassidy which might of given him the nerve to approach her now. Hey luv you hearing me?"

Cassidy's ears began checking for more and sure enough there were three more in the shadows. Her feet spread shoulder width apart and she dropped her body weight. All of which went unnoticed. Keeping silent unnerved most opponents. She only shook her head and took a step when he laughed.

"Not tonight hun. You're going to be mine one way or the other." He pulled out a dagger and advanced trying to block her path. Her moves wee like water after a hard rain. The way she twirled around him with one hand holding his arm and with the other her fist punched the soft arm pit dislocating his shoulder. The dagger dropping from his hand. Still in motion Cassidy pulled him close as the cross bow bolts flew striking him in the head and chest. He never had time to scream.

Cassidy's ears pick up on their movements. They were trying to get a clear shot. Pivoting on her foot she put the dead guy on her back and started to run. There was a few more whistles of bolt strikes as she moved through the alley. Approaching the main street she crouched and let the body slide off her back as she used her legs to leap to the opposite side of the street, roll under the french doors, and into the the tavern.

Standing she looked only ant the inn keeper. "One room please." Cassidy laid the money on the counter and took the key from the husky mans hand. Walking up the stairs she sniffed the air. His room was on the left. She sighed and entered her room. resting her back against the adjoining wall she slid to the floor and sat in the lotus position. Closing her eyes and imagining her being held in his arms she found it hard to meditate at first.

What Is Left -- The Walking Dead

Shawn had gone through his half of the supplies while he hid and rested. His side now a pink scar was what remained of the lesson he nearly didn't live through. He wore the police vest over a tank top with his hoodie over the vest. He had a back pack with water bottles and a radio charger if he ever found power. He kept a paper map of the city in his back pocket. The knife taped to his arm, one folder in his boot, and his gun in a new leg holster. In his hands was the 3 foot crow bar. The radio was off and by his side clipped onto Shawn's belt. He took a deep breath and looked out at the city as the sun came up. If she was there she would head to the boat. By now the only option is that Shawn would find her. He had to.

The walk into the city was eerily silent. The wind was still and the smell was of the rotters locked in the rooms in the many buildings now death traps. "This pace should be burned." Shawn thought. If he had a battalion of army grunts they could clear the city and cut the bridges making this a starting point for the new world. The issue would be the subway that was undoubtedly packed full of 'em. They always seemed to gravitate to the lower sections for what ever reason. May be run a train through and clear it? No this place had just too many exits. No living person would be mad enough to go there so he would keep his search above ground. He had a map and would go block by block. Working his way out from the docks in a semi circle.

Shawn moved to the first building. First going to the back door, locked, a good sign. He wouldn't bother with the front. Reaching up with the crowbar to pull down the fire escape ladder he climbed to the roof. From his military days he learned to start at the top and work down as to not have to fight the enemy from both sides. No rotters on the top. Shawn moved to the door and pried it open with the bar waiting. The smell told the story of things gone bad. He tapped on the door frame loudly. Waiting a few minutes he tapped again louder.

Groans and growls as they shuffled out of the dark. not sure how many he moved to the corner of the building using a lead move then hooking them with the bar and forcing them over the edge. It was loud and messy but they wouldn't survive the drop. One after the other lunged at Shawn only to be forced over the edge and fall with a wet splat. Nine in all. With the end of that Shawn went to the door and listened, nothing.

He moved in slowly, noting no smell of fire inside or able to see and burn marks outside he was sure the stairs would hold. The top floor the door was closed but not locked. He pushed on the bar and the door opened inward. Light streamed in from the end of the hall and gave the area a horror movie look. The smell was no better. He would go room to room. first right the door was locked and he knocked in a pattern so not to panic any survivors. Shave-and-a-hair-cut, waited for a moment and then put the bar to the door. The first room would help him layout what the others would be like so making sweeps easier and more muscle memory.

The door gave way to a living room that had a kitchen directly off to the left the right was a short hall way with more doors obvious bed rooms. The air was stale and everything had dust over it. Shawn shut the door behind him just as a marker. Who ever had lived here didn't bother coming back. The room had pictures of the family that lived there. A couple with a young boy. He moved to the hall and tapped on the door to his left. Not hearing a sound Shawn opened it to a kids room toys on the floor and a twin bed in the far corner. He kept the door open and moved to the last door on the left to a small master bed room. Empty, The room had a TV and a queen bed in the middle pictures of the family were on the dresser and a few more on the walls. Flipping the mattress, checking the closet, and dresser turned up nothing. Moving back to the living room Shawn slowly opened the door to the hall. Still empty let him sigh in relief.

He tapped on the door on the left side of the hall. He tried the door it was locked, so he put the bar to it and entered to the sight he never got use to. The smell was just as bad. A family took the quick way out and stabbed themselves to death. The last one with only a single tell. The knife still in his head via the eye. He saw them coming to life and he went after each with the bar in his hands. taking a minute to catch his breath he whispered, "Rest in peace." as he shut the door. He did this for the first floor and found nothing in the way of supplies but even less in the spirit of his hope.

By the third floor he was spent and the smell was making his empty stomach turn. He went to the last room on the right and shut the door it being stale but free of corpses he slid the couch against the door and went to the master bedroom. Again sliding the dresser to the door and then the bed to the dresser ensuring the shove would wake him. Shawn took of his boots and socks he took the bottle water out and drank the last of its contents. "Not munch of a night cap, but you'll do for now." He keyed the radio. " I'm not even done with the first building but I'll find ya. This might not be the best move on my sanity, I just cant believe it wasn't real darlin. Don't give up and neither will I. I will find ya." Laying down on the bed he held onto the bar and shut his eyes.

The sun woke him and again he went door to door and scene to scene. It was on the third floor from the bottom when he heard it. After the knock on the door, down the hall a whimper and some whispered voices. He took the safety off and pulled the hammer back on his gun for the time leaving it holstered but ready. Maybe it was in his head, maybe not. either way getting shot once was more then enough and he wasn't going to stop looking for Olivia just because of some whispers. He put the bar to the door and pushed it in. The frame split and he walked in shutting the door behind him. A weed poster gave him home and sure enough there was a gun in the dresser. two boxes of ammo and a cell phone. The closet had some dead bushes and a set up for growing. He took the gun and ammo and looking in the kitchen for food. He could hear more whispering. "Jackpot!" These stoners knew munchies. they had a few cans of the good stuff and a can opener. Shawn took the moment to eat standing in the kitchen behind the counter. They were cold but it was food. "Good god chef you are the man!" food raised his spirits. Sticking the other cans in his backpack he tested the water to find nothing. Letting out a sigh returned him to search for more in the apartment. Shawn turned up a few pron mags and some bags of dried weed he kept for barter. No first aid kit, nothing else of interest he took the can opener and left.

Taking a big chance Shawn spoke up. "I'm looking for my daughter. I'm going now. I don't want trouble so I'm going to leave and not come back. The top floors are clear if you need fresh clothes." not hearing anything he moved down the stair well to the second floor. Growls and moans came from some of the rooms. Glad he ate he moved from right to left down the hall. tapping on doors and some times hearing the dead scratching on the other side. He needed supplies and to know she wasn't there. Each door he worked was an exercise in futility.

One dead in particular was a fat girl. She lunged at him as the door was opened. Pinning Shawn to the wall behind him making them too close to use the bar. Snarling and biting at him she had him pinned against the wall. His forearm against her neck and his other hand holding hers away from his face. Shawn put his foot on the wall behind him and pushed off rocking her back off her feet. Shawn's weight made the rotting guts burst out the sides as he fell on her. Quickly he took the knife from his arm and stuck her in the temple. The smell was just ungodly. He tried to stand only to have his foot slide in the sludge. Shawn's second attempt was better, and he retrieved the knife only to slip and land on his ass in the sludge. "Shit." Shaking his head he got up a third time.

Falling Down

I use to watch the shows as a boy where there was a young guy in his late teens watches his village destroyed by raiders. Then homeless and alone he runs across a great warrior who takes the youth into his home and feeds him for some light choirs. The boy learns of the warriors skill and demands to be taught by the master. The master lonely gives in and teaches the youth. When it is discovered the youth wants to go and fight the bandits that killed his village the master would get sullen and sad. He would tell the boy war is a never ending cycle as the violence begets violence no matter what justification you cloth it in. The only true way to stop the cycle is to not participate in it. (imagine that a war where only the two with cause to fight do so instead of listing the aid of the nations youth.)

This at the time made no sense to me. The war needed a hero to see that it never happened again to right the wrong and to fight the evil in the world to keep people safe. Simply standing by when you have the power to fight was cowardly and unjust. A good person had a moral obligation to fight for the rights of the weak. Time changes all things.

Now older and wiser I have seen what the master was saying with my own eyes. There really is a difference between looking at a map and walking the path. The warrior is right. The strong will prey on the weak and will always do so. If someone stronger challenges them and wins then a space will open for someone else to take its place. It will never end. The real strength is to ensure your survival and that the ones that challenge you directly fall. Otherwise the cycle never ends. If you are strong there will be no reason for other to fight for you. A coward has many deaths a brave man only one. When you removed off everyone to stop the game then you have become the very thing you fought to destroy. King of the hill. Fight for yourself and you will never regret it.

Next week (Aug 22) will be the beginning of a week long exercise with the US and South Korean army. Time will tell if North Korea really intends to take these drills as an actual threat to its national security. Of course by doing so would plunge the world into a WW3. The US has bombers ready and missiles that can be used offensively even if labeled defense only. Since every one is allied to a super power in some way it will be interesting to see just who shows up and who calls out sick. Already a few nations are currying favor with larger nations and rumor spreads of those trying to divide the pie to ensure they have a slice. Will apple pie fall into red hands? How many will die in a war for population control and resources? When will it end? How munch radiation can this fragile environment take? Will mad Max save us or will it be the vault dweller? The only thing for certain is this. War.. war never changes.

"In every war the first casualty is the truth." -unknown

<Bump>

What Is Left -- The Walking Dead

Shawn had a bigger issue as his blood brought walkers to him even as they were stiff from the cold and trodded through the snow drifts to get to him. The bright side was that any one following him would have to contend with the walkers first. leaving a blood trail that dripped from underneath his jacket Shawn continued toward the boat. If he could reach it, he could sail off the coast to heal with Olivia. Safe from the land locked walkers. His steps started to falter as he lost blood. The walkers of the city began to follow him. First there were seven then from the alley ways and crashed vehicles they came. Shuffling in a large herd making it almost impossible to keep unnoticed. The herd now more then twenty shuffled in his footsteps. Reaching for him with outstretched arms. He forced his feet to move. The loss of blood made his temperature drop making every step a fight to live. The heard gaining ground with every step. The gap became shorter to soon he had no choice but to lock himself in an abandoned car.

There were no keys and the herd quickly surrounded it. Again Shawn smirked at the thought of being safe from the living. The car rocked side to side and the slapping of hands against the glass was the last thing Shawn heard as his eyes closed. He dreamed.. Of the days before the out break, where he had bought his home after his tour of duty. The cutting of the grass and getting the right flowers for his garden. The random emptiness of the home becoming a concern and how he heard noises from under the ground. Shawn knelt close to the soil, closer still unable to make out the words. Then bursting through the ground the dead hand and a half decomposed face of an old boot camp buddy. Shawn's eyes shot open to the reassuring sight of the dead still encircling the car one of them had managed to put a hole through the back passenger window and its arm desperately trying to reach Shawn. Most of the skin was cut from the glass. Shawn pushed in the lighter and while he waited searched the car for a miracle. Nothing but a map, some pens, fast food receipts and a lighter. Grabbing the cars cigarette lighter he started to heat the metal with the hand lighter getting the metal red hot. Lifting the jacket and shirt Shawn hovered the lighter over the wound before gritting his teeth and pressing down. "Oooooww! Son of a bitch! Damn!!" A few punches to the door panel and he lifted the metal only to have a little of the skin melted to the metal tear. "Damn!!" Shawn's mind screamed louder, telling Shawn how stupid it was to try some shit he saw in a movie.

Shawn sat there now more awake then he was previously and pissed. The thought came to him, He rolled a window down a crack and lite the map on fire. Shawn held it to the side of one of the walkers face lighting the hair watching as the embers fell to their clothes. Spreading the the pact together walkers until most of them were burning. Now heated from the fire outside Shawn looked at his watch 215 pm. "Damn I'm late." Trying the radio he found the battery was dead from leaving it on and the volume turned up. "Damn..Well..." He sighed trying to think Shawn rolled up the window to cut the smoke and looked around. Taking the knife that was taped from his arm he cut the cover off the passenger seat. Holding it in front of him Shawn opened the door to the fire pushing his way out he tried to hurry across the mob now to burned to give chase. The flames growled and snarled as he left them.

"Shot, burned, nearly eaten by a pack of damn roamers and now, now to top it all off, its going to be dark soon!" Shawn limped down the side walk hopeful the move would seem like a walker and not worth anyone's time. A few time a walker trapped inside one of the streets store would try to lung at him either cracking the glass or reaching out from the security metal fence to keep looters out. He fought to beat the night. Stopping to take a drink of water from his pack or stab a roamer that came from an adjoining alley he could see the docks and sighed in relief at the boat still being there. Stumbling over his own feet hunched over and exhausted he walked closer to home.

Shawn leaned against the ladders rapping his arms around like a lost friend found and appreciated. Taking a deep breath Shawn let his wall down and let the tears fall. Letting the fear creep in that she wasn't there, that something happened to her, that she was wandering the streets just another face in the shuffling swarm of death in the city. He climbed up slowly and each step was a fight to stay the course. As his eyes reached the deck Shawn's chest grew tighter. It was quiet on the new boat. The lights were off on the main deck, only the moon showed the silent scene. No blood trails or holes, the dock was quiet except for the night winds and the lapping of water against the hull. His hand reached out to the latch handle and pulled it open as he shut his eyes.

Shawn heard Nothing. His heart sank. Opening his eyes he looked about to see nothing. The boat was empty and he was alone. Grabbing his head he screamed and started to kick anything near by. After a moment of this Shawn slumped against the wall. Silently still letting the tears run down and disappear into his beard. He looked around and shook his head. She was real the clothes and things they shared were real. he would wait on the dock the next couple of days as his side scabbed over. Still stiff from the pain he sat in the same clothes watching for her. Telling himself it was real it was real.

Recharging the radio on the following day he would leave it on waiting wanting to hear her voice. So soft in its southern kindness. A week went by, nothing. No sign of Olivia and he had already started fishing again to keep from going into their supplies. Each day the numbness grew. His love still their within Shawn just sinking deeper within him each night. Stowing the gear on the boat and put the clothes he had in his pack away safe in one of the storage spaces. Shawn had a few batteries as back up and a few 5 gallon gas tanks filled. The river froze him in place and ice fishing became the new challenge of the day. No matter what he did he kept the radio on and the volume turned up carrying it like the hope for Olivia's safe return.

After a month had past the ice thawed and Shawn keyed the radio. "Olivia ...I love you. I made the choice to find you. I'm not going north. My side healed and is tender. I took the bullet out after it became infected. I made some sewing stuff from the fishing equipment. I used all the alcohol to clean it out and help numb me up some. You would of had a good laugh. First time got too drunk and passed out on the floor. I know you were real and I'll find you darlin. One way or the other I'll find ya."

Prithv

ORSON

As the group arrived at the cities gates one of the figures stood out more then the rest and that figure was Orson. The guards were unnerved as the man stood before them silent without armor and only a single sword twice the thickness of regular crafted weapons slung across his back. They whispered to each other as the group passed them to enter the city. Orson had moved with the group like a dream state shuffling along the dry dirt roads to cross the now cobble stone streets. Orson's eyes dull and with the far off look about them. Elissia called him the perpetual dreamer. A man lost in his own dark slumber, only to awaken as the god Huri would let him.

Huri the god of rage and madness. Even barbarians who prayed to Huri rarely received his blessing. Legends are told of those that the mad god had blessed destroying legions single handedly. How they would keep fighting even after receiving death blows from their enemies. These mad warriors were destroyers of kingdoms. Able to cleave through stone and shatter the strongest forged blades of any opponent. They fought to the death once battle began and very few lived to tell the tale of encounters with a cursed beserker.

Orson was one of these warriors. He had received the mark as his entire tribe was cut down by a neighboring clan. There is no record of the battle but the devastation left behind gave rumor that the gods had cursed the area and punished the inhabitants. Orson was found wandering the woods by Elissia. She was one who could see the mark the god Huri had placed on him. Ellissia with her druid ability to sooth creatures is able to control the warriors rage. Orson follows the group not out of loyalty or protection, but more to keep others safe from him. He has the uncanny ability to read any opponent and gives tactical advice to the party. He is always left behind with the gear and horses. This is from the general fear of his curse and how those touched fail to recognize friend from foe. In combat they assault anyone with their fury at full force.

The group was on edge bringing him into the city but he was apart of the group and as such had a right to a bed and a nights rest. Johnathan was aware that Elissia was unable to enter the city because of the pact of her faith so she was left at the farm with Max. As they entered the city Orson was covered in a hood to reduce what he saw. They made a strait line to the tavern and put him in his room with a double payment to ensure he not be disturbed. Locking the door from the outside they left him in the room to relax.

With the door keeping the rest of the city safe Orsone took off his sword and clothes and sank into the hot tub closing his eyes and falling into a deep sleep. He dreamed the same dream he always had the one the god Huri placed upon him ever since the fateful day so long ago. The fear and feeling of powerlessness over the sight he witnessed of his village being destroyed. The lives that were butchered in front of him as he hid. The coward, what a mockery to be given the curse of a warrior. Orson eyes opened slowly he felt his heart beating fast letting out a sigh he rose from the water and toweled off. Laying on the bed he thought of his comrades and the risk they willingly put themselves in by having him so close to the constant battles. Grateful for the day he met Elissia and her powers over the rage inside him. If there were a thing as a celestial, then surely she was his.

Prithv

The harlot
Name: lissa Thenton Race: 1/2celestial Class: 12 cleric of cupid Alignment: CG

glyph on back

"Hello there, cutie. Te-he.."

What Is Left -- The Walking Dead

Tears streamed from his eyes. In a choked whisper he spoke, "I know your safe I'll be there darlin just you wait for me." Shawn took a hard swallow and stood up. He looked at the map and folded it slowly. Taking the magazine he took off the scout he emptied the ammo and loaded the magazine a total of eight rounds of solid lead. It would do. He stepped off and made his way to the department store.

From the outside Shawn tapped on the doors and waited a moment. Nothing. Taking his gun tucked into his pants as he mad his way in. By now the emergency lights had run out of power. Only the dim light from the outside was streaming inside. Shawn's nerves told him it was a bad idea to venture to far in. He agreed. Thanks to marketing the store had placed all the woman's apparel in the front of the store. Shawn unintentionally took a moment to appreciate what new clothes looked like. Never stained in blood or brains. Undonning his pack to carefully place some of the clothes inside. He knew her size and taste in apparel. Darting around the store taking one item then moving to another. The display case was locked, taking a second to look around he wrapped the gun in a sweater top and smashed the glass. He took a his and her perfume set and decided it was enough. "Time to go." Was the thought he had but some one else said it.

Turning around he saw two guys with guns. They were dirty and had the look of being out too long. Shawn's mind raced for options as they talked. He was grateful for small favors. There were none, he was careless. "Hey fellas. Look I'm just getting some clothes for my little girl." Maybe they would let him lead them to a fake location buy him a chance.

The guys chuckled. "Little girl eh? Just love that. Rick, search him."

Shawn looked at the leader. Thin like eating was hard and his belt was holing his clothes on. Matted blonde hair and scraggly beard. About five foot ten and machinest thin. The guy coming up was dark hair about six foot even and just as thin. Now that shawn had stopped focusing on clothes both of them smelled like a gym locker with something dead inside. Shawn was going to use his army training. the dark haired guy approached Shawn who had his hands in the air.

"Wait Rick. You turn the fuck around." Shawn complied.

As Shawn felt the cuff on his wrist he spun around at the same time turning on his heel twisting Ricks arm behind his own back. Now Shawn stood behind the guy with Ricks arm pinned between them. Shawn took out his gun and put it to Ricks side. Shawn only had time to smile as the shot rang out. The bullet struck Rick and went through. Shawn felt the pain and took a step back. The blonde ran off as Rick fell. Shawn was left standing there bleeding.

He knelt down bleeding taking off his pack and jacket to look at the wound. "Shit." Shawn put a sirt offf the rack and wound it up like a towel. Putting it in his mouth he took a deep breath before putting his finger in the hole. The round hit one of the ribs it was slow enough from Rick that the rib caught it. Didn't make it hurt any less. Removing his finger from the wound he whimpered and groaned from the pain. There really wasn't munch to make a bandage worth a damn. Shawn searched Rick for anything useful. A knife, a section of metal pipe, a single poker chip, was all he had. Shawn spit on him for not having a handcuff key. Shaw cuffed the other side onto the first loop of the cuffs. Re donning his jacket and pack he got to his feet. "Time to get back. Can't keep her waiting."

Shawn looked at his watch, almost noon. By the time he made it back she would be there, ready for dinner.

Falling Down

After using an online nuclear war game simulator, I used 5 megaton warheads. (Currently there isn't a simulator to offer multi warhead devices I've been able to find as yet.) After detonating 42 individual devices at an altitude of a half a mile over the intended 42 cities. Before the results I did a check. The US has a population of 316 million. The total loss of life by impact of 42, 5 megaton devices over populated areas only incurred a total of 50 million and change. With a slow kill from radiation sickness and fall out of 60 million and change. world population is 7.4 billion according to wiki. So the total while large from a country stand point is only drop in the ocean.

The simulator did not include earth after shocks from being struck with 42, 5 megatons over the surface of the planet or the after effects of the heat released into the atmosphere would cause to current weather patterns. I tried to launch a nuke to the antarctic but the simulator had no information since it only tallied fatalities, in given area of effect. The program was too simplistic to offer more detail in scenario like what would a 5 megaton detonation do to an volcanic island. The interesting part was detonation over military complexes to see just how close to where I lived the rings of destruction got.

<bump>

Long road

David

((TBC))