Fallenreaper

The Relics

There Sep, Aral's exited. My last scene until I can get Roan (or get to play Aral again, less likely as he's limited to only...2-3 players max and all currently unavailable) fixed so enjoy the fight guys. I savored my last post since it might be a while before I get more...

The Relics

Alessia and Aral

Alessia, having cleaned up from the morning chaotic events, had finally been able to step out of the Embassy and make her way to the Arena to see the tournament and meet the Prince, who was now in fact the King. Thanks to the many disruptions, she had not been able to arrive for the opening, but she was at least in time to witness something the Otheans called ‘Jousting.’ Since leaving, she had donned some traditional Kalesian clothing, not least of which was the thick cloak that was incredibly out of place in this climate. Lydia had also put on her armour, since the cities first impression had been one of such danger. It would give away her skill in combat, but that was the unfortunate side effect of added ability to protect her mistress. Alessia was also pleased with the fact that her bodyguard being a woman would demonstrate to the Otheans the Kalesian view on equality. Finally seated, in a spot with a good view, not far from the new Kings own seating, she had been just in time to watch the first Joust begin. It seemed that Jousting consisted of two heavily armoured men sitting atop horses more massive than any she had ever seen, who would charge at each other at full tilt. It was strange for her to see a horse so large, she had not realised they could even carry such a weight as a fully armored man. In Kalesia horses were food animals, only riden by those who could not handle or afford a Bargal. Here it seemed they were treated with the same reverence as Bargals were in Kalesia… After the first round though, she supposed it was probably a good thing these men were not mounted on Bargals. The force of a Bargal charge being concentrated into a lance would likely have caused considerably more damage. Though not cowed by the armoured men as many of the city folk seemed, Alessia nonetheless found the entire spectacle fairly impressive and thoroughly entertaining. Once the first set of jousts had ended and the winners gone to refresh for the next rounds, Alessia decided it was time to meet the King. Aral had arrived shortly before the Jousting had started. Currently his seat was over looking the best view of the contest while the knights readied themselves, their squires checking things from armour to the lances, ensuring their men looked their best for the event. Not that they would’ve stayed that way. They started off with a few misses as their lances merely grazed off their foe and hadn’t succeeded in knocking them from their horses, the animals sweating and nickering with annoyance at being turned about to run again. A few round occurred until finally one man nicked the other sending the rider into the sandy dirt below. His horse, a black, burly one continued to trample to the other end without noticing it’s lightened load. The crowds roared with their cheers, drowning out the horses’ beating charge and the clanking of armour. Aral had to resist in joining in their roars while his eyes spotted movement on the field. In moments, fellow knights in earlier Jousts had rushed to the fallen’s aid. Shortly afterwards doctors began checking the defeated man over for wounds. It was a rare event but possible in any of the evening’s many shows. Aral watched a bit longer as his eyes noted the medical tent, stationed near enough to the arenas, then felt a slight comfort when one of the doctors emerged with a gesture signalling the man was alive. The knowledge the knight was unharmed made him relax a bit and draw back into his cushioned seat, others rallying for the next event for the evening. It was a short trip to the Kings exclusive seating, the Kalesian box was conveniently close, being that the nation was so respected. The guards did not challenge her when they saw the emblem on her brooch and heard her accent, only requesting that Lydia leave her sword outside - a fair security measure that Lydia obeyed without question. Aral’s head lifted from his observation when the guards assigned to his sitting area had moved. His curiosity grew as he eyed the scene, his vision absorbing the women, the last one leaving her sword behind her. Vaguely he wondered if the girl actual knew how to wield such a weapon though he wouldn’t state his question out loud. He had heard that woman could have equal standings to a man within the culture yet to see it was rather different and caused him to be smart enough to keep his mouth closed against such carelessness. His interest, on the other hand, was nudging him fiercely. He tried to feign his attention back to the arena in hopes to hid the fact she had gotten his attention. Though by her heavy clothing and its simple purpose, he took a guess she was the Kalesian representative. It meant his desires to learn about the culture would be satisfied and the excitement caused him to shift slightly, his posture changed when the Kalesian ambassador arrived to his seat. Alessia’s first impression of the King was one of surprise. She had been expecting the king of mighty Othea to look… More manly. This man, barely more than a boy, at least by Kalesian standards, looked surprisingly effeminate. In his Kingly attire, she might even go so far as to say beautiful. Not handsome, but beautiful. It put her off a little, though she quickly recovered. “Your majesty.” She began, using the title the ambassador had told she had to when addressing this man. “I am Lady Alessia Rezalla-Rhidian, of Kalesia.” She nodded her head in respect, though her eyes met his as soon as her head raised. Kalesia respected Othea, but would not bow to it. Such would guide Alessia’s conduct with Othean royalty. Aral hadn’t made an effort to raise though it was clear in his body he wanted to, merely out of desire and curiosity, yet he resisted. His position was merely not just his after all and he strove to remember that even now. Without the correct pause he returned the bow giving the same respect before he hesitated at seeing her eyes looking back at him. It surprised and caused a slight flare of pride to settle in his heart at the brazen action. Despite the clear disrespect from the woman, he bite his tongue and leaned slightly into his seat. “You may be seated.” He motioned for a chair to be brought forth. Alessia bristled at the implication that she had to wait on his whim, reminding herself that it was because he was the sovereign leader of this country, and not because in his mind she was probably ‘just another woman.’ She took the offered seat, noting with disappointment that no chair had been provided for Lydia. It was the little things that reinforced her resolve. What was coming was definitely necessary. “This is quite the spectacle, this tournament. We have nothing quite like it in the Empire, I am impressed. Your people do you honor.” At least, from the Othean point of view. Or so she had been told. To dedicate such an event to just one man seemed wasteful in her point of view. “I’m more proud of the people involved in the event. They do themselves proud by putting this event together with their heart, the effort is clearly worth praise.” Aral commented while his eyes returned to the scene playing out. Already the next event was underway. “I hope you and your staff have found Amaryth pleasant?” The Princes first comment brought the hint of a smile to Alessia’s lips. Perhaps at least he was not lost in the entrenched feudal beliefs of his country after all. But then it was a little early to truly judge him. “I admit, everything I have done in Amaryth so far has been rather rushed. I only arrived last night, and this morning my chance to explore a little was cut short by Inquisitors.” She turned to look directly at Aral then. “They acted as though they ran this City.” Turning back to the arena she said “Quite distressing. Aside from that, the City seems quite beautiful. If a little warm.” Aral’s mind recalled the last scene after his crowning. His lips tried to tug into a bitter, sarcastic smirk at her words to hear evidence uttered from someone who shared his distaste of the current state within the city. However it never fully revealed itself. Inside he looked over the arena, acknowledgement and pity over his people’s state ran in his mind. “Time has changed the city under each King’s reign, namely to better the people’s lives and as new King that is strictly my duty to fulfill. Some traditions have been ignored and neglected by those who represent the Dominion of Idris for far too long. The crown isn’t a position I will take lightly as it represents my people, not myself, and I can’t allow them to be insulted.” He tried not to chuckle at her comment of it being warm and merely added on his thoughts. “I believe Kalesia is much colder, isn’t it? So I can understand why.” Alessia was impressed by the Kings brief speech. The more he talked, the more he seemed to have the potential to be a real visionary for his people. “That is a very… Kalesian point of view.” She said sincerely. “And you are only partly right. Where I come from, it is much colder than here, the Kalesian capital in the north. A common misconception for westerners, as I understand, is the belief that all of Kalesia is a frigid wasteland. Much of my homeland is, in fact, much more like Amaryth in climate. We certainly have no shortage of rolling hills and pleasant meadows.” She said with a wry grin. Aral’s expression broke its contained demeanor, letting a gentle smirk play across his lips when he heard the representative's words. He couldn’t help the spark of pride fill where the void of worry gnawed at him, feeling the tension and worry start to fade away. “I wouldn’t know much of Kalesia other than its location and basics. Its culture, people and more is still a mystery to me even when many of the youth within Amaryth have started to mimic it’s more unique beliefs. This has cause conflict with those of the older generations and something I can’t ignore forever. Either way… my choices will end up unpopular with someone even with the best intentions in mind. Though it’s interesting to know I have slight taste of Kalesia here in my homeland.” “An unfortunate truth of ruling.” Alessia said. “It is good that you have come to such a realisation so early.” Alessia had come to understand this through a rather indirect method, but her quick mind had applied it to the field of rulership with ease. “Kalesia is only as it is today because the Empress, may she live forever, has shaped it according to her view over many generations and with a singular dedication, despite all adversity.” She was not going to give the young king any outright tips on ruling, not only was she not a practiced ruler but a strong King of Othea, sadly, did not suit the Empires purposes right now. “It may surprise you to learn, but we are not a secretive people by nature. It is the mountainous borders of our land that have kept our culture so isolated.” “Perhaps I can help you better understand the ways of the Empire? If your youth have truly taken on values like ours, it might be beneficial. I have studied extensively in the Imperial Library, the single greatest collection of knowledge east of the Karak Claw mountains. I would be willing to…” The thought of the great library and the idea of teaching some of its knowledge brought on a sudden desire to read the little book that was the source of her power. It was so sudden and powerful that she faltered in her speech noticeably, her hand moving to rest on the surface of the to me, while the other went to her temple. “-share some of that knowledge with you…” She completed the sentence before pausing for a brief moment to recover her composure. “In the interest of furthering cultural relations between our two peoples.” Aral looked at her, catching the subtle hint and resulted in the more free views he had seen from his peers. He wasn’t sure what to think at first. Merely since his father’s actions had forced him into isolation from such influences other than learning and his uncle’s teaching more selective, it didn’t help his naivety showed. Her stammer concerned him slightly and reflexively spoke. “Are you alright?” His hand gestured to an attendant to bring them some water as he waited her answer, ensuring she was fine before he replied. “It must be the heat.” She said quickly. “I will be fine… but a glass of water would not hurt.” While the attendant poured, he nodded sympathetically and made his comment. “I admit knowledge is a great asset in the role of a King and could better my understanding of the less traditional roles our youth has adopted. Namely so not to alienate them. Though I suggest lighter fabrics so you don’t faint and more suitable to the climate. Delicate flowers shouldn’t risk wilting under the sun but rather flourish.” “I intend to. It was protocol to wear traditional Kalesian garb to our first meeting… And while these clothes may be very comfortable where I come from it takes no great intellect to realise they are not suited to this climate.” She did not react openly to his flattery, merely sipping the water as quickly as she could while remaining polite. She was nonetheless happy to receive it, wishing for a somewhat less formal environment. “Obviously it is no time to teach while you watch the tournament your people have put so much effort into putting on for you.” She cast her eyes once again to the arena floor below, still very much interested in watching it herself. “Yes, they expect so much of me and I only hope to make them proud. Even now an important decision requires me to be objective, namely on the topic of Relics. Which brings to my attention at how little I really know about them. I believe Kalesia’s views on evokers are much different than Idris’, aren’t they?” Aral of course knew the answer, at least a bit, but he wanted to hear it from her. “They would have trouble being more different.” She began. “In the Empire there is no negative stigma for being an Evoker. There are a few laws to help prevent criminal Evokers, but it is our view that every person should be allowed to contribute to society in whatever way they can. When an Evoker is discovered, their abilities are tested and a selection of fitting jobs that allow them to make full use of their relic are found somewhere in the Empire. And so we do not seek to destroy Evokers, or to collar them, but to allow them to use their power for the good of all Kalesians. Of course criminal Evokers are hunted, but so are all criminals. The punishment fits the crime in such cases, as it always does.” She did not tell him of her own nature, it was much too soon for that. She had to have an inkling of how he might react before telling him that. Still, this topic was one that vitally needed a change in Othea. The stain of Idris corruption had had a long time to take root here, and it would take a great deal of persistence to burn it out and bring enlightenment to Othea. “How do you deal with these criminals? I’ve heard some Evokers have some heavy and frightful abilities that would overshadow normal people. Sometimes lethal enough to slaughter a great number in a short time.” Naturally Aral realized he was starting to quote some of his teachers, trying to keep his expression from showing his distaste in repeating rumors. His mind failed to twist his thoughts into the right words that didn’t sound foreign or disgusted within his own head. Alessia sighed at that. Of course he would latch onto that part. “It is remarkable how few Evokers turn to crime when they know that they have a guaranteed place in society and a place to use their abilities. But for those that do, an Evoker is not such a terrifying target when they are but one and you have Evokers of your own to defend against their powers. Once caught, they are sentenced as any criminal would be, the only difference is that their sentences are enforced by people capable of keeping Evokers confined to prisons or other such things.” “That gives some insight on at least one issue that will be brought up in the future,” Aral commented then turned to a the other side of the conversation. “All the information I’ve ever been able to collect is how Relics are used in conflict and turmoil, mostly suffering. It makes it hard to just accept these facts as the only truth when some nations have made it possible to co-exist with Relics in one manner or another. As a King, I have the responsibility to know the full truth and be ready for most common issues to defend my verdict in the end. A fact I learned when I was groomed for this role since the age of eight. So, is it true Relics are only used in the instance of war and conflict?” “If we only used our relics for war, we would need constant warfare to keep all the Evokers busy. The Empire has not been at war, not truly, for centuries. There are so many more things you can do with a relic than use it to hurt people. An Evoker who could control fire, for example, would, at first glance, seem an excellent weapon of war. But fire is a tool, used to forge metal into a great many things. Such an Evoker might find an excellent job as a smith, able to heat one or more forges with nothing but her force of will. I think you will find that with a little thought, all but the most destructive Relics can be put to peaceful use. They are simply tools.” Alessia did not show her impatience at such a limited viewpoint, she was too careful for that, but it did disappoint her somewhat. Aral digested the information in silence, his eyes still on the scene playing out below. More fighters in the arena below had thinned out their numbers now and the event seemed to come to a close. His mind toying with questions he wanted to ask yet knowing their appearance in public. Spending time chewing over his words quietly he was soon spared from any farther conversation when a sound began. The bell cracked the air and vibrated, rippling through not just the land but the skies as well. For several moments everyone was left breathless until the sound receded. However the newly crowned king was far too distracted to notice the oddness as from the corner of his eyes, Aral spotted his uncle’s figure collapse to the royal’s box’ floor. Repulsively he jerked from his seat. His attention ignoring his guests and tried to draw closer to his uncle. It wasn’t until his form was immediately held back by one of the guards that had approached to protect his king. Aral’s fingers tightened about the strong arm that separated him, his demeanor forgotten in the shock of seeing his beloved uncle down, while he struggled a moment to reach Kheris’s side. For some heart stopping moments, the newly crowned king felt something die inside. The scene around him seemed to be smothered in water. Shouts from the surrounding guards to gasps from the nobles within the box were all nothing more than background noise, his breath held in his panic. It wasn’t until his Uncle rouse that Aral felt himself breath again. His mouth let a hiss of air pass and escape his soured lungs, feeling the relief that came with it. Aral knew he likely looked more like a scared child as he relaxed his struggle and allowed himself to be sat back into his seat. Inside he had been rattled far too much for his liking, his display insult to his people and his mind racing around in circles in a dog chasing its tail fashion. Too much had happened this day for his inexperienced mind to absorb yet more was still to come. It was then he noticed the arena unravel its horrible scene. A section collapsed, crumbling and taking a few combatants with its fall, while a large, scaly creature crawled out. It started to snap and claw at whoever came within its range. In moments it started to edge into the crowd causing blood curling screams. Aral starred in morid horror. His uncle’s words snapped him from his trance state causing him to finally see the chaos ensuring below. A beast, scaled and savage, had sprung forth from where part of the flooring had crumbled. It slashed and clawed causing those caught in its path to scream in their panicked fleeing, some falling prey while others managed to get clear. He was convinced the thing in the arena below had to be an evoker, for relics were the only known source of magic, making him glare at the creature hurting his people. “Do what you feel it necessary uncle.” Aral stated coldly, giving his uncle authority, as he lingered there to bore down a king’s anger on the thing’s destructive path. The guards knew better than to touch him when he added final words to his uncle Kheris,” However if it comes down to my people’s safety and that thing’s life, kill it.” It was rare to see the prince anger or filled with such rather that likely even Kheris would’ve been surprised to see it surface. As if...someone else was peering back. Without a further word, Aral turned on heel and followed the other nobles in their exit wake. His steps steady and unhurried as he left the current course of events in Kheris, not willing to risk his people’s only hope for a better future by engaging the beast himself. Even if his honor and loyalty had demanded otherwise.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Hey everyone its me. Sorry for not being here I was so stressed out that I ended up spiraling into depression.

@Luna

It's alright Luna, the fun part of Blood we can easily shift PCs to the side and more so never worry you're holding up anyone. Nice to hear from you though and you might want to move Colette's CS to the thread if you want to continue and if not, that's alright too. Time changes tastes and what might've seem fun once can no have the same enjoyment when you come back.

The Aesteria Chronicles

"Erm, excuse me Ma'am," the man said in what was apparently supposed to be a pleasant voice, "You wouldn't have happened to have seen a pair of younglings come in here, have you? Blonde hair, just below the shoulder in height?"

Somebody Who Is Obviously a Charity-Run Orphanage Headmaster

"Yes, they just came in a few moments ago and hid behind that counter. Discipline them better, young'ns have no business being in a bar!"

Helen

Thus began the sordid tale of the twins Oliver and Achalasia, whose hereditary alcoholism and pyromania resulted in the Meduzart Fire, leading to the inevitable victory of the Varisie empire over the Western City States. It was widely agreed by all: Society was to blame.

@Terminal

Unlikely, but nice try Terminal. :p Helen's more of the instinctive motherly type and rather observant. If anything she would likely send Ignis over there and play two way radio, playing time until she could figure out what's going on before making rash decisions. But, you can keep dreaming by all means. XD

Essence of the World: The New Age [CLOSED]

*is tackled by fallen* right that's more like it

@Themerlinhawk

Better be! :p

Essence of the World: The New Age [CLOSED]

So, I realized as I was going to write the introduction post: I can't. Because there's another collab that has to be undertaken first before I'll know what kind of mindset Aeris is in for this one. :<

@Celaira

*hugs* Currently chatting in the chatzy if you're anyone need a distraction, Syn's there too.

Essence of the World: The New Age [CLOSED]

I'm Baaaaaaack! Did ja miss me??? and yay more classes.

@Themerlinhawk

*pounces or tries to*

The Relics

Working on a collab with Echo, who's having Net problems, and the going is slow.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Althalus and Mar

Althalus gave a small sigh of relief as everyone left the building, taking the mad child with them. One challenge down, one to go. A small knowing smile crossed his face. "This is gonna be fun." He muttered sarcastically under his breath before setting about making the room ready for treating Mar's injuries and trying to make her open up. He rearranged the barricade to give them a measure of privacy before turning to Mar. He produced a small bandage wrap and and even smaller jar of salve from somewhere within his armor. "I stopped by Sam before we left, knowing that at least one of us would get injured." He spoke casually, approaching Mar with both items, kicking corpses and bits of corpses out of his way. He kept as much of his worry out of his body language and tone as possible, but knew it wouldn't be enough. Not if she was paying attention at least. When he was within arms reach, he spoke again. "Alright, show me where you've been injured." Luckily Mar had been so centered on her own emotion struggle, she hadn't heard Grey's comment. Strictly the mention of leaving the pair alone or the hint of it being something slightly more then merely getting her wounds attended to, making her consider ignoring it. If a Naga couldn't tend to her own wounds and ensure she was taken care for, best die from infection. Rarely a wound was terrible enough to break this key rule and if so, the Naga involved would've never spoken of it. A key reason she had discarded Althalus' aid in the day that led up to Lyn's conception. It was only when she noted the barricade being erected and rearranged for the second time did she look upward. Her eyes were no longer their usual steady, sharp glare. They looked lost, confused and worried enough she felt its betrayal, jerking her face away. This wasn't how a Naga was supposed to have think. And that was what she was after all. She eyed him holding the salve and bandage, his feet kicking the corpse bits away to clear a space. His voice was casual but she had learned to expect more from it. More then concern or worry and watched him approach, allowing him near without a fight. When he was near enough, his flimsy attempt to keep his emotion from his body shouted so loudly, she answered his question. "Just a shallow, flesh wound here." She grazed her finger across the child's strike of earlier, now crusted with dark, brownish blood. Mar couldn't stop her flinch while she let out a soft hiss instead. Quickly adding more to her earlier words. "It's nothing. It will heal." Althalus's gut twisted as he saw the confusion and worry in Mar's eyes, before they were abruptly. Something was wrong, badly wrong. This was the first time he had seen this in Mar and it scared him. Regardless, he didn't approach her about it yet, instead focusing on her wound. He raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Yes, a cut from a likely rusty and gore, and gods know what else, encrusted farm tool is nothing and will heal just fine. I have this crazy idea though, lets be on the safe side and get it cleaned, covered with salve, and wrapped up shall we? Stay here while I see if this cess pit has a clean bowl and clean water. Don't argue, you know what happened the last time we argued over a cut and I don't think Lyn needs a sibling. Stay here." Without waiting for her response he turned and went into a nearby room that looked vaguely like a kitchen. There was rattling sounds and several exclamations of disgust, followed by a ripping sound, but he quickly returned with a clean bowl and water. Cold water, but water none the less. A piece of his sleeve was in his hand. "There were no clean rags. Believe me, you don't want to know what they were covered with. He knelt down so that he was level with her cut. After dipping his makeshift rag in the water he slowly reached towards her with it, glancing up at her as he did so. "This might sting." Mar didn't fight. After his mention of another sibling, she raised her eyebrow and gave him a look dark enough it could've blotted out the sun. Her eyes watched him travel to the back as sounds of something clinked and rattled in his search. She sighed with annoyance. Why did males have to make it so difficult and work themselves over the little things, she thought bitterly. After a few disgruntled sounds, ripping and many other noises, Althalus walked back out into the room with a bowl in hand and his sleeve. "Obvious or you've never torn your sleeve off your shirt." She stated, her tone edging slightly back to her original state. It still held the bland tone which betrayed she had only suppressed her conflict...for now. She held still while he leaned down, her body now at its more human height, to wash away dried and rotten blood. She fought the winch in her body, keeping it from rippling throughout her figure and jawline tightly closed. It was clear it hurt. With each dab and touch, she tried to keep any foolish emotions, positive or negative, from flooding her head. This action's display was foreign to her. Why did he bother? She thought inside. If she couldn't mend herself, than what good was she in the end? No point in caring for someone who couldn't take care of themselves, a strict reason most Naga didn't take risks, as it lead to unwanted emotions and attachment. It made it harder both to kill should the Malice ever hit or if worse, it hit while treating. Many were lost in the past because of that. "I've got bigger problems then pain, Althalus." Mar stated bluntly. Althalus glanced up, to check if the way he was cleaning the wound hurt to much, and for once he could read Mar like a book. Despite the turmoil he knew she must have been going through, he couldn't help the surge of relief that it was something understandable. Emotions, emotions, emotions.. He thought with a small sigh. At least it was something he could help her with, and not some strange Naga thing he knew nothing about. He continued in silence, getting much of the wound clean before she spoke to him again. He gave a small smile, shaking his head. "You do. Like understanding that the emotions your feeling, while confusing, aren't a weakness. You can't repress them. I've tried, and it only leads to them bursting out in an uncontrollable wave." He glanced up at her, pausing momentarily. "Don't try to deny it. For once, I'm the one who can understand what your trying to hide. Is this what's suddenly caused your shut out? Your attempted withdrawl?" The wound was clean, so he put down his makeshift rag and unscrewed the cap, gently rubbing it across the wound. Despite his relaxed demeanor he was ready to fight through all of Mar's denials and stubborness. After months of it, she could do nothing that would really surprise him. "Althalus, this isn't normal for Naga. We can't feel emotions or let them rule us, it's no better then Malice. I can't lose myself and I've never known these...feelings so strongly." Mar said, feeling the sting worse at admiting than when Althalus was finishing up. She had managed not to lash out, at least, but her body still wanted to curl inside itself and die. "I couldn't even defend myself properly." Bitterment crept more willingly in her voice this time causing her clamp her mouth down, trying to rein it in. It just kept pushing past her control like smoke past her fingers. Her arms tightened about herself, coming from their fallen position, as if to shield herself from her surroundings leaving her mind to torment her. Again, she spoke softly. "This isn't suppose to happen..." Quickly, while listening to Mar and damning whatever God thought it a good idea to make the Naga clamp down on their emotions, he bandaged the wound. I swear if I ever meet the bastard I'll kill them for what they're doing to her... He thought as he heard her continue. As she curled in on herself, he stood and gathered her into his arms, hugging her. Mar stiffened for a moment. Her body warmed by Althalus' touch and his arms curling about her, embracing her into a tight hug. Normally, she would've glared. Reacting with a limp body and done nothing to return the affection displayed. However she felt like the emotions were choking her. Slowly killing her from the inside until nothing of her Naga comfort and beliefs were anchored within herself. Gingerly and total hesitation she lifted her arms to wrap about the man clinging on her. Feeling them reach behind, she pulled him close while sinking into the flood of emotions that overwhelmed her. Her head twisted about just when dampness started to leak from her eyes and buried into his neck, hiding the terrible truth from the world. Her voice was stuck fast in her throat but the tears spoke clearly of her fears, worries, and frustration. "Why is this happening?"She couldn't help the question, unsure why it crept through her mind and her lips gave it life. Althalus didn't say anything, simply held her tighter as she cried into his shoulder. He felt terrible that he was partially responsible for causing this to happen to her, but knew it would be for the best in the end. He hoped so, at least. For a few moments, there was silence, and then Mar asked her question. Althalus spoke gently as he replied, "Because it's not easy suddenly love someone when you've gone through centuries of keeping your distance. Your love of Lyn, while inconvenient in this instance granted, but it will get only better as time goes on, I promise you. And it's natural to feel that murdering a child is wrong, and you should never change that. I don't have a problem with it because I'm already dead inside, and Grey's sense of the greater good allows him to justify it." He held on for a few more moments before withdrawing slightly and tilting her chin up to make her look at him, brushing away her tears. "I promise you Mar, by all the Gods and all the love I have for you, this will get better. We'll work through this." "Naga aren't allow or should Althalus. We're taught that at an early age but I don't know why. The Matriarch was to teach me something before I was banished. Now I feel...strange and the Naga within me wants to coil up and lash out. This isn't right...I can't..."Mar started but found her argument failing as she merely let the sentence drift off, her arms loosen. Her eyes had already started to dry up while she knew they were redden by the crying, leaving signs of her weakness. Thankfully her bandage held despite their bodies pressed tightly together. It was a foolish action cause now the wound flared with fresh pain and made her flinch against her mental tolerance. "So many fears are racing through my head. Lyn, that sensation a few months ago, this, and the future all seem to wheel within my focus before they hid away. Returning when they aren't wanted." "Mar, this isn't the Naga lands anymore. This is as close to right as anything can be. Of course you feel strange, you've never experienced these emotions before. But it will get better, I swear it." He noted her flinch immediately, and released his hold on her, generating some space between the wound and his body. "Sorry." He gave an apologetic shrug before chuckling at her words. "That's called being a parent. I have those same fears, all the time. More so than you, considering that I nearly lost the both of you, twice. Why do you think I was so angry when you risked your life instead of going through the damn door? It's because I love you and the thought of you dying was terrifying." "Althalus..." Mar began only to be interrupted by Althalus' smile caught in her eyes. He smiled, looking at her. "I'll still keep my word about Uicle if you ever do something like that again." "I don't know how I'm supposed to act. There's no purpose for these emotions!" Mar stated bluntly, her confusion more dominate."I don't know why it's seen as something worth having..." Her emotions seemed to have flooded then fallen back, her mind still stinging from the mixture of pain and weakness. However it was slightly faded. "Why do you care? Althalus, what happened was a one time thing. Not that I regret Lyn, but that doesn't mean you need to worry or care about me. You're Lyn's father and can teach her much more since you two share legs especially since she will never be accepted within my world." Mar slouched back a bit, her body propped up by her bones as she absorbed Althalus' words. She seemed to be trying to make sense of them. It seemed like the world had changed but her mind knew better, it was her who was changing. A fact she wasn't sure was a good thing. "The others shouldn't be kept waiting long." "People rarely know how they're supposed to act when being driven by emotions. They just act. Fighting and trying to repress them never works. They always win, in the end. Your emotions will always get the better of you eventually." Althalus raised his eyebrow at Mar's insistence, again, that because they shared legs he could teach Lyn more than she could. He chose to answer the final comment before that, however. "Our companions know how stubborn you can be. Unless we take several hours, I doubt they'll be knocking the barricade aside to get us moving. Coco is barely able to stand, Leith and our guide were nearly mauled apart by a zombie horde, and Grey has a prisoner to watch over. Even if we do leave as soon as possible, we won't be going anywhere anytime soon. If anything, we might end up heading back to the College, even though we only found one mage." He gestured vaguely towards the woods outside. "And who knows where the ones he spoke of are." "Anyways, why do I care? Well, at first, I didn't. You were just like every other Naga. Hostile, proud, and easily annoyed. I only stayed with you out of a sense of loyalty to Lyn. I couldn't just leave her with no father, despite your frequent and borderline violent insistence that I do so." He smirked, remembering the frequent arguments. "However, as the months wore on, I began to find that I could put up your few flaws and see past your harsh outer shell into the good. The way you obviously cared for Lyn, not even knowing if she was going to be Naga, human, or hybrid. Your loyalty to Tyrael despite him being...well, Tyrael. And yes, even your ruthless realism." Althalus shrugged. "What can I say? I said I'd stick around and I have. I taught Lyn to walk, but anyone could have. That's the only advantage I have and as we both know, she's learned to climb and walk now." "In short, I want you to remember one very important thing; I love you, and I'm never going to stop loving you or let you go into danger alone." He grinned. "So get used to my presence and my many faults." "It doesn't serve a purpose. For survival or anything... there's no reason to be emotional."Mar mumbled, her voice quieter and struggling with what Althalus' words. Finally her body relaxed and her shoulders slumped, letting her skeleton prop her upright. "I can't lose the part of myself I have left. If I'm not a Naga, then what am I?" Her eyes narrowed their fix on Althalus. She felt so lost and confused, her mask flimsy and gone for the moment. "I feel...torn." "Do you love Lyn? Would you die for her? If there was even the slightest chance to save her, would you take it, no matter the risk? No matter the cost? Emotions, at least the good ones, typically aren't meant for our own survival. They serve a purpose, a mysterious, sometimes aggravating purpose, but a purpose none the less. What are you if you're not a Naga? You're the mother of Lyn. The love of my life. Mar, you're much more than a member of a race of beings that shut themselves off from their emotions. You're the friend of Tyrael, Aramir's hunting partner, and one of the few people Alaira won't get all that agressive with." He met her gaze without flinching, and spoke gently. "Torn between what?" Mar lingered there, her eyes sat and body still. She looked like a cobra ready to strike. Each look turned into something more akin to studying while she seemed to fit pieces of his words into a puzzle, her mind ticking quickly when they fell into place. Her body straightened up suddeningly causing her tail to wrap about behind his legs and preventing his escape when her next question came. "What did you mean when you spoke about killing mages?" Althalus became uneasy when Mar suddenly stilled. He could practically see the gears turning in her head and something falling into place. Too late he realized his danger, and had only time to brace as she straightened and suddenly her tail was wrapped about his legs, immobilizing him. In a reflex he tried to move his legs and only succeeded in unbalancing himself so badly that he needed to grab Mar's shoulders to not fall over. That's when she asked her question. He tried to hide his surprise and despair at her directness, doubtlessly failing. Avoiding her eyes, he offered a thin lie. "Oh, that? It's just a common idea....." He trailed off at both the look on Mar's face and the tightening of her tail around his legs. He heeded the warnings and slumped as much he was able to, while trapped by Mar's tail. Well. I've royally fucked things up now. He thought bitterly, utterly certain what he said next would make Mar despise him and keep him from Lyn for the rest of his days. With a sigh, he met her eyes again. The look in them was similar to someone signing their own death sentence. "I'm an assassin. I get paid money, and I kill anyone those who paid me want dead. Foreas, Naga, Orc,mages, nonmages, it makes no difference. If there's a race in Tiien that hasn't been hiding for centuries, I know how to kill them. That wanted poster Grey had? The one of the mask? That's me. Got sloppy one day when killing an artist's wife. He had exceedingly good memory, and soon that mask, the one in the Den, was everywhere in Port Slaughter. Made my job much more profitable, but also much more dangerous. Known assassins have much less stealth options." This was stated flatly, with no emotion. The bitterness only came with his final words. "So congratulations Mar, the father of your child is a murderer who is so dead inside he'll kill anything for money." Mar looked at him a little longer as her eyes lessened their harsh gaze and her tail removed itself, slithering back to settle beside her. She didn't remove his hands as they braced against her shoulders, her arm out to aid him enough until he gathered his balance, allowing him to pull away. Something she expected he to do with his flat tone. A sense of hurt filled the edges of her eyes before it disappeared beneath her dark irises. "You ask so what if I wasn't a Naga, wondering why it mattered. You expect me to trust these emotions, to trust you yet... You can't bear to trust me with the truth." She let her words settle on the air a moment, her coils pulled against herself and debating inwardly on the facts which spilt from his own mouth. It merely hurt but deep inside, she knew it didn't change her connection to him. Her love hadn't faded. It merely hurt her more. When he didn't remove himself, she added more."Unlike bipeds, at least Naga trust enough to survive. We have a daughter... how can we raise her if we can't trust each other? Consider that Althalus." Exhaling to rid herself of some conflicting feelings, feeling him still against her. Her head only slightly looked to the barrier. "Are you sure you rather not return to the other?" This was worse than what he had expected. Anger, disgust, even hate, he could have dealt with. This hurt, poorly covered up, cut him as surely and even more deeply than if she had shoved a dagger into his chest. He didn't remove his hands, afraid of what would happen if he let her go. For a long few moments, he was silent, considering her words. When he spoke, it was in complete disregard of her question, and spoken softly, hesitantly. "I've always trusted you. With my life and many other things. I didn't tell you about my past because...because I thought I could be something other than the Terror of Port Slaughter. The masked murderer with the blood of dozens on his hands. I thought that if I ignored my history, I could be a good man. At the very least a good father. I thought the past would go quietly into the night, and never become a problem again." He gave a small smirk, a twisted and bitter version of his usual one. "And now look. In my efforts to create a new life and protect it from the blood filled and dark old one I lead, I only managed to hurt one of the two people I care most about in this life. For what little it's worth, I'm sorry. For everthing." "Althalus," Mar's right hand reached out and pulled him to look at her, "You will always be a killer as I am. I killed in self-defense but I still killed, and his eyes, expression, and more stay there. What is done, is done. Ignoring it won't erase it." She paused, seeming to search for the right words. "I might not see myself as a Naga, one day, but others will. That is all they will see. Just like those from Port Slaughter will only see a killer, not a father or a man, despite your actions. The present is what matters most in my eyes and it is what you do now that will always show me why I seem to care about you." Her head touched his and gently applied pressure, a small comfort she had once shown her own family, while she waited for the influence of her words to spread. Had she helped herself? No, but that seemed to matter little when it came to him. A matter that still confused and rattled her to this very moment. Althalus turned to meet Mar's eyes hesitantly, expecting something worse to come from her insistence. When she started, he could tell it was different. The hurt was gone, along with the accusation. As she finished, he nodded returning the gentle pressure against his head a relieved, happy smile across his face. "Okay." He said softly. "No more secrets. We'll focus on the present, and damn what everyone else thinks. We're going to figure out how to help you through this floodgate of emotions, and we're going to figure out how to raise Lyn with people like Alaira around her. Though, that might not be as easy as we thought. But I promise. No more secrets." "Good, now the others have been waiting long enough. We still have some mages to hunt down and Athalus..."Mar started, seeming not finished just yet. Her body had started to remove itself and once more returned to its formal position, bring her eyes above his. The relax and intimidate nature of her closeness gone and was replaced by the serious tone, one he might've been relieved to find was normal. "We'll discuss more on this later after Lyn's been placed on a playdate with Tyrael."

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Lyn

The little child found herself running. Her feet driven and thumping the earth in her rapid need to escape, failing to notice the demons had completely vanished. Her eyes held tears while her mind was racked with guilt over hurting Alaira. She didn’t mean to, the words of regret and pain swelled in her mind at the actions that had happened and the memory of her Aunt’s words. Lyn started to feel her lungs burn from the flat out run. She hadn’t controlled her pace or held back since she had started, feeling the effects washing over her after only a bit away. It wasn’t until Mei’s arms wrapped about, her arms jerked for a moment, and picked her up did she realize who had her. Lyn’s eyes blinked for a moment. Her sight absorbed and seemed to widen in surprise followed shortly by her reaction. Any fear, sorrow, and pain flooded out alongside the new tears seeping on her cheeks. Her mouth started to cry her emotions into the air while she clinged to Mei, using the woman’s touch and embrace for comfort. Her eyes pushed into the neck to muffle the crying while she was shaking with each sound. Her mind kept screaming the same thing over and over. I hurt Alaira. I hurt her. Gradually, Mei’s hushing words and soothing touch brought Lyn’s outburst to a meek hiccup. Her tears were still wet and running, but her wails had ceased into silence. Mostly silence as her body jerked with the hiccups. She was still clearly upset and scared, her face reflecting it when it edged to its end. Her grip however didn’t loosen up and remained fast on the woman, afraid to lose what comfort she had right now.

Khan

Khan struggled not to crumble while he fought his own weakness. Unable to retrieve his cane, he struggled to catch his breath, each time taking slow and steady pace while trying to overcome the pain. He had turned and been able to answer Rathel when he heard the elf speak. He jerked his head back to see her, noting the condition and feeling a wash of guilt surge within his core. Her question only burned him deeper when she asked his name. Yes...I’m Khan. The very bastard that caused this. Kekekaaa! Yes, the little Blower got dewskirtch created by you, didn’t she Khan? Shut up Upsah… Growled Khan, his eyes narrowed while he silenced the demon’s snide remarks in his head. A an attempt to pull more guilt and some sense of sick vengeance. He nodded his head in the elf’s direction to answer her question silently. At the sound of several feet, his head turned to see a crowd start to gather. Worse of all, it wasn’t just the student who had followed but on his heels was Lucilia, followed by Tyrael and Uicle. Lastly another student, or some rather disturbed individual, stumbled onto the scene as well. Khan was unable to focus much due to his eyesight flickering yet he noticed the student edge to Rathel. Thankfully, Lucilia reacted quickly. She stepped forward, guiding his hand to a stout, wooden cane and nudged it into his grasp. His fingers closed while he leaned to the side and took pressure off his leg. Further relief was placed when Lucilia managed to slip under to aid him for more support. "Khan... Mind explaining this mess?" Her words had sliced into him and his hand tightened, his breathing rather heavy. From the corner of his eye, Khan watched as Korgal stepped forward and made a beeline for the elf. The headmaster nearly jumped out of his scales when he heard Korgal exclaimed, his feet moving until the orc embraced the stranger into his normal, crushing hug before he released her. Then came his question, his eyes looking from her to Khan as if they both had some explanation to tell him. Khan sighed, knowing he had to explain this. "You there... Elf. You have parasites under your flesh. You need medical attention." Came Tyrael’s voice, his body moving as he tried to brush Korgal away. His hand had two of his fingers shifting as he reached over to slice her open, intending on taking out the vines by force. Rathel stiffened causing Khan to react, his body shifted surprisingly about Lucilia and aimed to clasp Tyrael’s reaching hand. “You’ll kill her if you cut them out.” Khan hissed quietly, warning Tyrael while his knee shook. Now he was leaning more on Tyrael and trying not to fall, his teeth gritted in restrain against the winning gravity. "Tyrael, perhaps we should give her over to Lidda or Sam. I know how you like to rip thing's apart, but students, I'm afraid, are off limits. Please, put away your claws." Uicle said, his current body now present on the scene. Khan inwardly groaned when he remembered who he had bumped into earlier. This was just too much at once, the headmaster thought, and heard Uicle address him. "Khan, I assume the reason you threw me into the nearby wall and fell over is because your watch plants have turned into attack plants and tried to murder the Elf Tyrael is trying to rip apart to save.” In the same breath eh then turned to the elf. “I do apologize miss, our headmaster usually has more sense than this, but appears to have misplaced and is currently unable to find where he put it. I'm Uicle, the Necromancy teacher at the school and currently one of the few people trying to prevent your evisceration." Like in the past, a ceiling chunk fell off and slammed into his helmet, cutting off his conversation. Something that all the teachers knew shouldn’t have happened since Lyn’s presence had negated the curse oddly enough. "Really? Really. I swear, I actually look forward to variety now. That was your plan all along, wasn't it? To make me hate it more because it happens all the godsdamned time." His speech paused long enough to wait for any further interruptions then turned his attention back to the head master and the rest. "Now, Khan if you're done introducing students to your newest security system, and Tyrael if you're done trying to murder them as they walk through the door, I'll take the elf to Sam or Lidda or both to get help, and you two can settle the huggy orc in to the college nicely. Without doing anything nasty to him. Good? Good. Let's go elf, before the parasites burst from your eyes." “Uicle, wait.” Khan said, his eyes drifted to Rathel. “Neither Sam or Lidda can get those vines out, they try then our young friend here will suffer for it. Rathel and I were trying to create a more passive offshoot for the Herbamancers to use and would bond with them similarly like demons did with their mages. Rathel, will you get those vines out?”

Rathel

Rathel watched while the man pause in his endless amusement and watched Khan with interest, finally stopping right beside Rathel. He edged to Rathel, chuckling audibly, placing his hand against the demon’s head. He started to pet him and spoke. "Today has been good day, funny to be specific.......though most days are. Demons seem to be the theme today though. Quite enjoyable, oh also I'm Baulder." Then he started to giggle again. We have an interesting one here. Rathel’s voice talked into Khan’s head with a bitter tone. Rathel was angry and upset, mainly as his past seemed to haunt him now. The vines stemmed from such research had once more proven their blood thirsty tendencies again. His eyes flickered between each speaking individual while the scene played out. It wasn’t until Tyrael reached for the elf did he tense up under Baulder’s touch and shot Khan a look, both knew the result of the rash action. Khan! He hissed only to see the headmaster intervene. Rathel felt his leaves relax a bit, knowing the headmaster wouldn’t allow any further damage on the female. Finally he turned to Rathel to mend the situation. The demon's eyes shifted to first Lucilia and then Tyrael before he spoke, as if warning them in secret against messing with the vines. “Yes, I can. I need to touch her though if she will permit it and I can force the vines out the way they came. Any other blood manipulation will result more damage and possibly death.” He moved forward to Myrn. “May I?” Once permission was given, he took her arm and would force the vines back through their wounds. They would slither and ripple, purging themselves into the nearest source of blood: Rathel.