Omni5876

Jewel of the Skies

The master Mage quickly pushed the bombardment out of his mind. Being a veteran campaigner, the booms were nothing more than background music. They stirred in him a sort of visceral desire to join in the fray. As studious and logical as he was, he would be a fool and a liar to deny the thrill and adrenaline rush that battle provided.

However, one look at the lovely face, tattoos and all, of Eilis quickly shut all the ideas of guts and glory in the farthest recess of his mind. Here was a battle that was more daring and with more at stake than any he had ever ben a part of. Indeed, even the battle that was most likely occurring right now between the Belesian Kingdom and the dreaded empire, paled in comparison to the campaign to free Eilis from her prison.

Arn looked down with his almost full black eyes at his protegee and a warm smile appeared. He held her in his strong arms. He held her, not only to provide support but also because each interaction, every time they were close the need to be near her increased. His logical side of his mind filed this away for future research and analysis. The mage brushed back her golden hair. If any of the Venray family, namely the queenly Lady Venray, there would be no questioning the ruse of their betrothal.

“I want to be rid of this…”

The words sent a shiver through is body. It was a combination of fear and pride. The Master Mage looked down upon her lovely face. His eyes searching and his face more serious than it had ever been. He was not displeased with her, instead, he wanted to make sure that he did not have any influence on her decision other than the knowledge that she could count on him being there.

He would never forgive himself if he felt he had pushed her to a decision that was not hers. Yet, as she continued, the firm conviction and almost challenge in her tone, he could not help but offer her a wide smile. This smile was different than those he had given her before. There was tenderness in it but more than anything, there was pride and joy in watching her grow from an scare shadow to a glimmering beam of moonlight.

"I am scared."

Arn gave a slight chuckle in this baritone voice. He lifte a hand to the side of her face. “Eilis, you are braver than mounted knights heading into battle. They rush headlong into an enemy the know, a danger they see, and do so because they have been trained for that very moment. You have chosen an unknown path with no certain outcome”

He shook his head at her declaration of him being the source of light and hope but knew better than to argue her view of things. “If I am the sun, then you my lady are my Ith. For what use is a sun if not to warm the face of a beautiful world. You have given me purpose, a reason to exist. I would argue that you found me but I will be content in agreeing that we both gravitated towards each other.”

Their interaction was cut short but an increase in the barrage near them. His brows furrowed. The speed of the battle was concerning. No matter how powerful the Empire was, they were fighting in the Belisian home turf. The Heartguard may not be as individually powerful as mages or skilled as knights but they were a professional army. That they were being so hard pressed was alarming indeed.

The Battle Mage overheard the man servant and Tyrhallan speaking. He motioned for Eilis to wait and walked over to the two men. He frowned just as Knight Captain did at the action of the Elder Venray but knew that Tyrhallan, despite his disapproval of the ex knight’s actions, would have done the same. Duty ran more purely in their veins than blood, the master mage observed.

With efficiency born of years of battle experience, the silver haired lord made preparations for their departure. While Danesh may be a civilian, Arn had no doubt that he would be more versed in provisioning that a newly appointed sergeant would. After all, the man had generations of outfitting Venray men under his belt.

The Master Mage nodded at Tyrhallan’s request at the same time that Eilis approached. “We will be ready.” Was all that was needed to be said. Arn’s own equipment was already packed and ready thanks to Toby and those rascals of the Shooting Stars. The thought made him look towards the closing sounds battle. He hoped that the young fool would remember his lessons and stay alive. Mage’s did not have the same “honorable dead” mentally as the knights. Their primary mission was to survive.

He gently but firmly led Eilis through the garded back towards the house. “I am sorry that you must quickly turn into a campaigner. Lesson one, campaigners do not wear pretty dresses when on mission.” He told her giving her a sideways smile trying to ease the tension of the fast approaching sounds of battle.

As they entered, the house was in a sort of very controlled chaos not unlike the headquarters of any forward deployed base. Despite the immediate threat, Arn could not help but be impressed by the efficiency the household staff moved about making preparations. He managed to qickly catch a glimpse of Tyrhallan saying his goodbyes to his mother. A slight sadness spread inside the Master Mage. Perhaps it was better that his own mother was dead. He would hate to leave her side each time he went on mission. The poor woman not knowing if they would ever return.

The battle mage turned his head. A lady servant approached them. “Is there anything that the lady requires for this trip?” Arn nodded. “Yes miss. If at all possible she will need sturdy clothes and a traveler’s pack. I believe Mr. Danesh is seeing as to provisions so if you could help her pack for the road it would be of great help.” The servant nodded understanding. “I am sure there are some old pantaloons and shirts when Master Tyrhallan was young that would fit her and Lady Venray has many boots to choose from I assure you.” The servant lady nearly pulled Eilis away from the Master Mage. “I shall deliver her to the stables when we are done.”

The battle mage could do little else but offer Eilis a departing encouraging smile as he increased his stride and made his way to his original room. With efficiency born of training and practice, he was dressed in travel cloak with his flak armor beneath. His own travel pack already on his shoulders he made his way towards the stables. The booming of the cannons now close enough to feel the reverberations in your chest. The sound of small arms fire, always a bad sign, could be heard as well. He was not a religious person but he still asked for the All Mother to protect them.

An isekai roleplay

Soooo this thread escalated quickly. lol. That being said, If you don't mind me being truly active only on like Tuesdays, Wednesdays and like Sundays. I would like to continue my interest. that being said, I have like 9 pages of info to go through lol.

Dragonier (Medieval Fantasy, Dragon Riders, Magic, War)

Will the dragons be smart cognitive individuals with personality etc. How will they communicate, telepathically or verbally? Also, will they have magic breath attack?

Jewel of the Skies

Sorry sorry, I have not forgotten to post. I just have been busy and not been in the right mind set to reply appropriately. I will try to craft something up soon but I want to make sure that its worth the wait lol.

Also, I dont know if you saw but The Merlin posted up a new RP. Its about Dragon riders and stuff.

Dragonier (Medieval Fantasy, Dragon Riders, Magic, War)

@TheMerlin would you have a place for me?

An isekai roleplay

So basically the player would be world building with you? Also, at rebirth will they be teen agers, Babies, full adults? What kinda base world did you have in mind? Most Isekai I believe are based on a Fantasy medieval setting.

Hoseforn’s Academy for Gifted Adventurers

Arn’s eyes were trained on his current adversary. He had managed, through many different trial and error moves and plenty of painful reminders on what not to do, to defeat one mannequin. Many places in his body throbbed and ached from the hits received. His armor had served him well. Thousands of years in engineering and a war like culture that demanded the best protection possible enabled him to keep his limbs. Pain meant you were still alive.

Even if the weapons would not have been blunt, the scales in his armor were designed to absorb the slash or the stab by compressing into a solid sheet and the padding underneath with a small layer of strong hide minimized the damage even more. Hence, most dwarves used maces, hammers, or powerful armor piercing projectiles fired from crossbows or Scorpios to overcome these defenses. Mobility was not compromised and a dwarf’s inherent strength allowed for easy movements. This still did not fully take away the damage that blunt weapons could cause. Broken bones were common battlefield injuries between dwarven clan's fights.

Another reason he was learning his lesson’s so painfully was because all dwarves are trained from a very young age to fight as a unit. The strength that comes from having a person to your left and to your right trained like you and almost the same skill level as you is reassuring. It is not difficult to know why they call themselves shield brothers or sisters. Breaking through a shield formation of veteran dwarves is like trying to carve a mountain with a spoon.

Dwarves were bred for fighting. They have processes and procedures that are literally beaten into their psyche. Even if a dwarf was blinded, they would still be able to fight in the shield line thanks to cadences and war songs that synchronized each strike, each block. A true proud warrior culture. They have a saying “my family is my strength”.

Each warrior is tasked with being the strongest they can be, not so they can fight alone, but so that they are not the weakest link. So for Arn, fighting in the open with no back up, no shield brethren, and against a faster opponent, stretches the limit of his skill.

Add that to the fact that combat doctors are kept in the middle lines to provide support and quick combat care, and you have a dwarf who is cautiously watching the movements the mannequin armed with a sword and a dagger. An experienced fighter such as the lovely Drown lady would have made mince meet of him, armor or not, in a matter of seconds.

As the two opponents circled each other, the young cadet’s eyes fell on his roommate and the young man who had been pushed down by the bully. They seemed to be talking very comfortably. Did they know each other? Maybe, they were together? The distraction was enough that he lost momentary sight of the dummy. It was almost too late when he brought up his shield to protect from a downward cut that would have sliced his shield shoulder at the neck. His block was exactly what the mannequin wanted. The dagger tried finding the exposed underarm. Thanks to the painful lesson’s he had been learning, Arn was fast enough to use the shaft of his hammer to push the deadly blade just enough that it missed and made the dummy follow the momentum

However, this was also expected by the dummy and using the momentum, delivered a round house kick to the young cleric’s head. The heel connected solidly with the back of the head with enough force to make the helmet fly clean off. The force of the impact sent the young dwarf falling forward into the arena’s sand with a very audible huff.

Rage and shame rushed through the cadet. He had been defeated because he had lost concentration over his roommate’s interaction with another boy. What did he care? It was not like they even spoke really. So what if she was talking to other people. Why did it make him feel so strange? All these questions and no answer fueled the sudden rush of adrenalin that surged through him.

He quickly got into a kneeling position and regarded his opponent. The glowing eyes and expressionless face made him feel even more enraged. The young dwarf was sure the dummy was judging and laughing at him.

With a growl, the cadet lunged forward utilizing the shield to bash. The nimble opponent easily dodged to the dwarf’s left trying to take advantage of the exposed flank. However, this was predicted and the dwarf followed through with a back hand strike powered by the head of his war hammer. Again the move was easily dodged by the mannequin who ducked beneath blow. This time however, Arn was nimble himself and maintaining the spin momentum, he flattened his shield and used it as an edged weapon against the dummy aiming just below the knees.

Unable to doge quickly enough, the shield connected with an audible crack as both shin’s of the mannequin broke. Using brute force and the power of his torso and abs, Arn stopped the spinning motion, hefted the hammer above his head allowing the shaft to slide through his hand to the very end and then with a grunt, he brought the hammer down one handed on the back of the dummy’s head.

The head exploded into a thousand wooden splinters. Arn’s breath came in gasps. He turned to see another mannequin approaching but he must much too unstable to continue. The young cadet held up a hand and stated breathlessly. “I request quarter…” The emotionless dummy simply stopped. “Break has been requested. Please inform me when you are ready to continue.” With that it lowered the two headed battle axe it was holding and stayed perfectly still.

The dwarf grunted as he stood up and looked around. He had forgotten to bring a canteen or water skin. Would the school provide liquid relief?

Jewel of the Skies

Arn held the lovingly worn book in his hands. He could tell by the usage that Uilles had been truthful regarding spending countless hours looking at its contents. The mage looked at the leather but did not dare to open it. He knew or felt that once the journal was o pened that it would start a new chapter in their lives that would not be easily closed.

His steps took him through the house. He was so lost in thought that he did not question how his body just headed in the direction that Eilis was. Almost as if he was following the proverbial string out of the maze. Ironically, the master mage was actually pondering the value that Eilis possed to the ones trying to retriever her.

She had revealed she was a force mage. The same attribute that the infamous Sorceror King had possessed. As far as he knew, the similarities ended there. However, perhaps this journey, cursed as it may be, would reveal more. It was dangerous thing digging for information. One could very well be entombed in the hole.

Still, it made his logical and studious mind wonder. Could his immediate connection and pull towards her have anything to do with her attribute? His heart saddened a little at this theory. Perhaps it had been her strong connection to the Weave that had so readily connected them. Perhaps there was nothing truly special about Arn other than his own strong connection to the Weave due to his magical ability and aptitude. Or was there?

There is a romantic and spiritual notion about soul mates. Could it be possible that the dark being interwoven with Eilis’s thread exploited the probability of Threads intertwining? What would happen to the first if a second threat was trying to weave itself together?

Then another thought crossed his mind. Was his need to be close to Eilis also driven by this theory he was formulating? This could explain why the dark sisters wanted her back. Perhaps, the connection would weaken the longer those woven together were apart. The dark haired witch had revealed that her master used the life force of those they had woven with. Perhaps being apart would weaken his hold on her.

The mage gritted his teeth. If this was the case then why not just take his protegee as far from Viem and Sensaridh as possible? But what if his gamble was wrong? Sometimes trying to avoid danger would often put you in more dangerous situations. He sighed exasperated. There needed to be a concrete plan he could present to Eilis. After all, he was asking her to return to the place that had damaged her so. Not only her but her family. Indeed, if she was captured again, it could be possible that countless other lives would be at stake.

Uilles’s warning played in his head. It had been two people already who had asked him to end her life. He was not a fool. His logical mind knew how dangerous returning such an asset to the enemy would be. However, he was not an idiot in thinking that ending her life was the only way. His eyes steeled and even an air of frosty conviction encircled him. No, the other option was to end any other life who would use her. A weapon is harmless if you cut off the hand which would use it.

He entered the gardens just as the first cannon boom was heard. He looked at Eilis and Tyrhallan. The scene gave off the appearance of two nobles enjoying the garden. Arn knew that he could never offer her such a life. But if they were able to succeed in their impossible mission, what then? Despite Tyrhallan’s offer, the master mage would feel hard pressed to just live his life living off the Knight Captain. However, he knew that the lovely lass would need a life that would make up for all the harshness she had felt. He sighed. He would cross the bridge when he came to it.

Arn walked up to the pair. He nodded his greeting to their benefactor and then turned to Eilis. “I want to put your mind at ease. Uilles did not discuss anything secretive that I would not be able to discuss with you. He offered me this book which should help us navigate. But first thing is first. As I told you. Nobody, not even I, will force you to do something you do not wish. There are always options, some harder than others. One of those options is following the plan that Lord Venray suggested. Please know that whatever path you choose, I will always be there by your side. I will be your arrow and you will be my bow. All you need to do is point me in the direction you wish and I shall carve a path for you.” He smiled at her. There was tenderness in that smile. Encouragement too but in the mix, there was a bit of fear. He was uncertain of the future but he would face it with her.

More booms could be heard. His face showed some irritation. "As fates would have it, there is not much time to deliberate."

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

<Snipped quote by vancexentan>

I'm cool with whatever. She could come and help in the fight against Rayla if you want that :D

@Whoami

You could get some info out of Marcino...on how to beat his girl friend.....JS lol

Jewel of the Skies

Arn’s face was relaxed as he listened to the plan laid out by the ex Knight. There was truth and logic in the course of action that was suggested. There would be definitely be answers to the questions. They may not be hard to find but history and heritage are not so easily erased in a few hundred years. People tend to hold on to what makes them unique. Culture is something that can’t truly be removed from the hearts and minds of people. Indeed, empires do best when they harness and incorporate such differences instead of trying to rip them from those conquered. There will always be secret part that cannot be truly quelled.

The challenge would be more in getting these secrets to be told rather than finding the secret holder. Arn was sure that any who held such knowledge would guard it zealously. He hoped that disclosing he lineage and the suffering that Eilis had to endure, would win some favor and support of any remaining Rhevendahli.

The master mage relayed his own assurances via a comforting squeeze on Eilis’s tender shoulders. Uilles made too much damn sense and was much too prepared for this plan. Almost as if he had years to plan rather than hours. While the mage hated to be bound by something like destiny or fate, it was hard for him to logically explain how his meeting with Captain Venray, Eilis and now the famous Uilles could be otherwise explained. One thing about fate however, is that it pushed you towards your prescribed end regardless of how you felt and there was nothing you could do to stop it.

Arn almost smiled at the request/command. The man before him had lost none of his authority and gravitas. He pitied the man who would assume that the cane in his hand made Uilles defenseless. Still, even if it had not been a disguised command, the mage knew Tyrhallan would have still obeyed and aquiesed his uncle’s request. The trust that the nephew had for the ex Knight in itself fostered trust and respect from those who knew Tyrhallan.

The master mage helped Eilis stand and willingly held her hand in reassurance and in a small part not wanting to be separated from her. He knew however, that there was a reason for the private audience and more or less could guess that it had to do with a warning or two regarding Eilis and her powers. He finally let go of her hand as he passed her on to the Knight Captain and he nodded his thanks to the silver haired man.

He owed much to the man and he would not be able to pay him back in a hundred lifetimes. The pair departed and Arn looked at the closed door a for a couple of seconds. He felt the need to prevent any further harm to come to them. He knew that Tyrhallan would fault him for thinking this way but the master mage could not help but want to atone for the injuries the man had sustained due to his lack of power.

His eyes returned to the elder Venray. In them was nothings sort of steely commitment. Arn approached the man with measured steps filled with purpose. It almost felt like going out on missions with his orders being delivered. Evander had hated that a low ranking member of the Shootings stars also be present for briefings. However, the squad members were glad because it meant that the orders would be carried out by someone who actually knew how to command.

As he took the book that was offered to him, Arn could feel the ex Captain study him. Only a fool or a blind man would miss how much attention and protection the mage gave the refugee girl. It seemed that Uilles had not desire to keep his thoughts and evaluation to himself and presented his misgivings to the Master Mage.

On the other hand, there was nothing that Arn intended to hide either. He nodded his acknowledgement of the warning and concern and provided his own response. “You are indeed correct in your assessment Lord Venray. Eilis has come to be a very important part of me. Your knowledge of a mage’s ability to Mind Meld is commendable. We have indeed experienced a mind meld and there are times when I am unsure if the feelings that course through me are mine or an echo of hers. I have committed myself to analyzing these feelings versus repressing them. For I believe that my connection to Lady Eilis would be a better guide and gauge of the situation that if I just dismissed or distrusted them. However, your warning is understood and appreciated. Please be assured that even if you are correct in your discerning that I would gladly lay down my life for hers, it will not be done recklessly. After all, my aim is to free her. At the same time, I am also aware of the potential benefit and damage she poses as a military asset. Let me dispel the notion that I will ever allow her to be used in such a manner. My aim is for her to be free of the bindings and be free of the control of whatever being that desires her power.”

Arn’s face did not change, nor his anger rose at the mention of the need to kill Eilis. This was an ever present thought in his mind. The struggle was always constant. Not because he could not bring himself to do it but because he did not know if he would know when the moment was right.

The master mage’s eyes opened slightly at the sudden charge of the elder man. His face was slightly confused but soon the other man’s words explained the sentiment. Arn’s face remained calm but his eyes softened and projected understanding. As the ex knight moved away, the mage explained in a professional but firm voice.

“You are right to deliver such warnings and concerns. Allow me to dispel any erroneous notion. My loyalty has never been to Belisio. I was not given a choice when I was drafted. I have no heritage of military service. Indeed, I have no stake in the survival or defeat of the kingdom. However, my loyalties lie with my squad mates, Captain Venray, Lady Eilis, and also to your family.” He took a deep breath and continued. “That being said, no, I would not sacrifice lives for my own selfish desires. My need of her does not trump the lives of others. If at any point myself or Eilis, the Eilis I know, is lost then my life will be the only one that shall be wagered and expended.”

He moved closer and his voice had an fraternal tone to it. “You are an honorable man, Lord Venray. Such quality reverberates through the entire family. I vow upon what little weight my word has that I will do all in my power to ensure the trust Captain Tyrhalllan, Eilis and yourself have placed upon me will not be in vain. I will see this through.”

Arn bowed to Uilles with great deference. “If you would excuse me Lord Venray. I believe there is much to prepare for the road ahead.” He turned around smartly and made his way to the door. His steps were strong and confident. He had searched for meaning his entire life. He had thrown himself into battles head long. Only in the proximity of death had he felt a small semblance of life. However, this was different. His entire life had led to this moment. He would see this mission through. He would see Eilis free and the Venray’s trust in him fulfilled.

The master mage left the room with the pensive ex knight at the window and made his way to the gardens. His resolve firm as he knew that he would have to reassure his lovely protégé that what needed to be done was necessary. She would trust him of course and he would repay that trust. His hand tightened on the lovingly worn diary in his hands. He would see this through or would die a thousand deaths trying.