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Telpurion Archive #4 [Logged in view]
[RSS] 2009-10-30 01:00:57
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The next morning:
Nin awoke, opening her eyes to find Lomien close to her, and smiled, content to lie where she was until he too woke.
A messanger falcon lighted on Lomien's shoulder. Lomien's eyes fluttered open, picking the falcon up, who was a pet of his that he had given to seriph. He set the falcon bodily onto a desk, putting the letter down for later. Turning to see Nin "Well good morning beautiful...sl
eep well?" he asked softly, hoping he wasn't waking her.
"Yes." she murmured with a small yawn, wrapping her arms about his neck.
The falcon, a beautiful yet small perigrin, began dancing about and chirping. Lomien eyed the bird "Finarfin, quiet down boy it's to early for your fracus" he said, to which the bird bowed its head and alighted on a perch by the window. "Well then love what do you want to do?" he asked her kissing her forehead.
Nin smiled, "Well, you should probably read your letter," but then her eyes grew serious, "and I would like my memories back."
"You have them, i never took them from you...." he said lazily with a yawn. Reachin over for the letter, he read it "Well it would appear Seriph has secured Tervel, and it's people to our side. He has begun fortifying it, he has finished the north fort as well as beginning work on a naval yard...bout time we have a navy" he said with a grin.
Nin smiled at the news, "True," she noted, "But I would like them unblocked."
"Or i could block them and any memory of you evening haveing them or my blocking them" he said with a frown "Why do you want them back Nin?"
"For the same reason that I asked you to show me what happened in the Palace of Thorns," she said. "I want to know what hapened, why things are the way they are."
With a pained expression Lomien relented "I should have died instead of escaping then both Ullari and i would not have turned this world upside down" he mumbled
"Don't say that love." Nin said, placing her hand on his cheek and looking him in the eye.
Lomien nodded slightly in response "You alone have been through so much...and so many more have suffered as a result..." his voice trailed off.
Nin let her thumb trace over his lips, "But I never would have met you."
"You speak of that as if it is somthing to regret?" he said slightly amused..."how can you think that after knowing all that has made my coloured past?"
"Because I love you." was her soft reply as she brushed his hair from his eyes.
He smiled, enjoying the moment. Even in ecthelion the moments he had spent with her where not quite like this...he was always worried about the next fight, not now. Now he was only concered as to when Finarfin would begin pecking him for food...to which he made the bird fly off to avoid even that.
Nin smiled, and kissed him lightly on the cheek, "What are you thinking about love?"
"Nothing of consequence...though i suppose i could let you into my mind again if you'd like" he said lightly.
Nin smiled, "Whatever you wish, my love." she said, laying her head back down and looking up at him. She did like sharing his thoughts, it ws so much better than even listening to his voice as he told her what was on his mind. When their minds were linked she knew exactly what he was thinking, how he felt, there was a uneque closeness in the connection, something that only the two of them could share.
Lomien reached out, placing his hand on her forehead and opening the link between them. His mind was convulted, what stood out whas the early loss and grim tale of Anarvin, the destruction of his home....anything that came before he met her as a young whilely daughter of a rich family. He even opened his mind into letting her see what he was thinking the whole time. He found the process very relaxing.
Nin closed her eyes and took in all that was on his mind, when she had seen everything she opened her eyes, "You did love her..." Nin observed quietly, but she felt no jelousy
"I was afraid i was loseing you...unlike you Anarvin was niave beyound belief, she followed and trusted me to the end....i was fortunate enough to give her a peaceful death....she died in my arms in the ruins of the city" he said quietly, this time his mind venturing to after, the bitter survival in the wilderness and imprisonment by the Dark elves.
Nin's eyes watered a little at his memories of Anarvin's death, and his torments at the hands of the Dark Elves, "To be honest, I do not know how you managed to become my caretaker with such a past." she said with a sad smile.
"How do you mean?" he asked her, his mind wandering then to the double life he led, the questions she would ask him about the strange marks on his arms when he would show up late...and her asking him impertenatly why he was so late. Then came the death of his secound fiance because she insisted on sailing, and left before lomien could reach the dock.
"My parents must have checked into your background. I know that, had they known all this, they would not have alowed you near me. How did you manage it?" Nin asked.
"I had no record, nothing to check or trace....as far as they where concerned i was an orphan. Though at the time my mother was living there so i guess they checked in whith her. When Ullari was born, and my mother and step father where killed in the raid i was already house keeper of your father's estate....he always thought of me as a shadowy individual, but never doubted that you would be safe. He had no problem with me raising Ullari at the same time as i was whaching you...i told him that my parents where dead so he let me live there" he said casually, he was very relaxed.
"I am glad that he did." Nin murmured with a small smile.
"The rest of your family didn't like me, by that i mean your extended family....then again alot of them had ties to the Dark elves and my destroying a Coven probably didn't sit well with them....but your dad let me in, i proved to him that i was worth keeping around when he came home to find a half dozen Vampires strewn all over the house and you locked in a closet with me asleep in front of the door with Gurthang in my hand" he said with a slight laugh.
"I think I remember that, vaguly." Nin smiled, "How could anyone not like you, my love?" she asked playfuly.
"Oh i don't know...the idea of a gladiator playing guarding to a wealthy and prominent Noble family's only daughter just doesn't strike me as appealing...besides back then i was also a ring leader in a rather notorious gang..." he said lightly "You tell me"
She smiled, "My, my, you were a rather colourful young elf, weren't you?"
"Yes i was....to think that your parents entrusted me to you, you were only perhaps 5 or 10 years old at the time to....and very lively. I remember having to dodge you constantly when i got home just to avoid your myriad of questions....though you always did manage to find me...you always had a fascination for weapons...somthing that drove your parents crazy"
Nin smiled at the memory, "Yes it did...Yet they were always very proud of my ability that I now use as a weapon. They could be so very pasifistic, my parents, I do not believe they would aprove of my current station." her smile faded, but only a little at these thoughts.
"Oh? and what do you mean by that?" he asked absentmindedly. This was the first time he had been so at ease since....memory desserted him as to when he had been like this the last time...he supposed it was with Anarvin, before they so foolishly decided to try out what the Dark elves wanted them to....what his older brother also named Ullari wanted him to try out....and the devastation that followed.
Nin smiled back up at him, "I now lead an army at the side of one who used to be nought but a caretaker, that is how they would see it. But as for the way I see it, I help to lead an army against a force of evil, at the side of the who I love."
"Your father warned me actually of my step brother Ullari...he said that the dark energy that i had repelled had found a host in him, and that it would lead to untold destruction and war....sufice to say....he would not have been at all surprised. And your mother....she distrusted Ullari, and i think the only reason why she allowed me to stay around was so that the two of us could keep an eye on him....especially after his murdering the little servant girl..." his voice trailed off...yet another thing he had not told her, no matter such things where many...as could be expected with one so old.
Nin looked at him with mild surprise, "I did not know that Ullari's darkness went back so far..."
"At first we thought it was simply a twisted steak....somthing small boys are generally thought of as having.....the wake up call came on the eve of his 20th birthday. I walked into the kitchen late at night, as i hadn't eaten all day....and the little girl Ryaki was lying in pool of blood...Upon asking him...he killed her for her refusing herself to him...after that he dissapeared for awile...and it was then that i realised that he was dabling in the dark arts" he said quietly.
Nin sat back up and leaned lightly against Lomien, she let out a small sigh, "I long for the day when we will not have to worry about this war, when we may look back on these days as we now look back on the events leading up to the fall of Telpurion, as distant memories..."
"Well with any luck, now with their leader missing...Ullari's army will fall apart and this war will come to an end....there is one thing though that has been weighing on my mind...when this war is over, i will have the only stable army left....and yet i do not want to be made emperor....though at the same time i do not trust anyone else" he said wearly.
Ryoni's eyes fluttered open as she slowly woke up. She swung her legs off the bed and stood up, going into the bathroom and changing into a black and gold dress. She yawns slightly and exited her room, walking slowly down the hallways until she was outside to enjoy the new day. She shielded her eyes from the glaring sun as she used her other hand to run her fingers through her hair. She looked around and grimiced slightly, being able to see the spirits of the fallen. This ability of mine....its nothing more than a curse...I have never found a way to put it to good use... She slowly walked towards the river that Ullari had fallen into, not knowing about the fight from last night. Why do I have a bad feeling when I am here?
"I do hope so." Nin said, resting her head against Lomien, "Do not worry love, it will work out...One way or the other."
"Ever thought of that Nin? the winner of this war will have the largest and most experianced force at their disposal....even this Empire would now no longer be able to stand against even a legion of our recruits...as it is now fragmented into a hundred different warring city states" he said amusededly.
"I admit I have thought of that." Nin smiled, "What about the current emporer? You could settle the little civil squabbles, turn the empire back over to him, and then we could retreat to somewhere quiet."
"Nin...the reason why the Dark elves attacked was because the current emperor is dead, the warring factions now..while all are willing to ally with us, are at war with eachother....so the sooner we can get as many soldiers out of here and to Tervel the better" he said. "Yes i wouldn't bother with the wood elves after the war...they can settle their own disputes....as for a quiet place...well that is already in the making.." he said softly, almost dreamily.
"Why did I not know of this? Has he no heir?" Nin asked.
"He does have an heir...whiney spoiled little brat that he is" Lomien said with a growl, involentarily reaching for a spot on the back of his head "He is leader a collective calling themselves the shore state confederation...it comprises of seven of the near one hundred city state factions. However, he has a navy...and a large one at that...least until the Dark elves attacked...i don't know what state it's in now"
"Hm, and you do not believe him fit to inherit the throne?" Nin asked, "But you know that he will fight for his birthright."
"Correct...to be honest the only reason why i did not assasinate the impertinant little brat! is because his little navy has proved quite useful in keeping the pirates down an hung" he said, flinching at the spot on his head "The Wood elven factions are ever changing though....most only last a few days before being absorbed by the stronger factions...but enough of this. What is it that has been wieghing on you so much as of late?"
Nin smiled, "Only the fate of the whole land of Arda." But here she grew serious, "I dearly wish that we could retreat to a quiet place to live our lives. I truly hope that Ullari is gone for good, and that his Dark Army becomes mearly another chapter of history."
"I hope so to my love, settle down finally....and maybe..just maybe if i live through this...take you on that honeymoon i promised you all those years ago" he said distantly.
Nin smiled, she had forgotten about that, "That is not what is important to me though. What is important is not having to constantly worry where we will be attacked next, and being able to take time for ourselves, without worrying about how our army fares."
"As do i...that would be a nice thing...no worries at all...yeah..that'll be the day...again..providing that i'm alive to see it come" he said. As of late Lomien had been troubled by a vision...one of him dying alone...and this greatly disturbed him.
"What do you mean?" Nin asked, turning to look up at him.
Instead of answering, Lomien simply placed his hand on her forehead. The vision began during his imprisonment and escape with his older brother Ullari. At the gates, a woman in tattered robes and marred features appeared...and showed Lomien and Ullari what the future held for them. Ullari's part had already come to past...his...his, you could see fire, a burning city and screams and fighting in the back ground. Lomien shook slightly as images of a war won only to end in his death, and his slow demise over the course of years to some unknown alement...ending in a fiery death.
Nin stiffened as she took in all that he showed her. When she looked back up at him, tears shown in her eyes. "If there is anything that I can do, this will not happen." she told him.
Lomien starred off into the distance, returning to plant a kiss softly on her lips "You think i'd actually leave you?...not at all" he said with a smile as he gently wiped the tears off her face.
Nin returned his kiss and smiled a little, "I don't think I could bear to live for eternity without you." she whispered.
He smiled at her "Nor i you" he said to her, his mind wandering. Indeed even if Lomien did die...he would still remain with her. He had a necklace created...one that when he died his soul, mind, energy, and abilities would be contained within it....a necklace that she would only find in the event that he died...and then only after a wraith created for that purpose brought it to her.
Nin looked up at him, silently wondering where his mind was.
Ear faded into view from out of the shadows, placing the limp body from over his shoulder against the trunk of a tree, leaning a bit to kneel beside him. Ear looked the man over to check on his wounds, once satisfied he sat back against the tree next to him.
Lomien stretched yawning "You are a persitant one Nin" he spoke absent mindedly and i have half a mind just to give you the necklace....though that would mean revealing that which i do not whant revealed unless the war is eneded or i am dead....or possibly both he thought to himself.
Nin cocked her head, smiling, "Oh? How so?" She asked.
Raising an eye brow "What do you mean how so?....oi...just like old times though i suppose...the only differance being that you know how to wield a blade...somwhat.." he said teasingly
"Somewhat?" She asked, teasingly, "I will have you know that I had a very good teacher."
Stiffling a laugh "Well then either i am a very bad teacher or you are all to eager to dig yourself into holes that you can't get out of" Lomien teased "Really Nin it's like this sort of thing follows you!"
"I am married to the leader of one of the two largest armies in the land, the other army being our adversaries, of course things like this are going to follow me." Nin was still smiling, but her eyes were no longer playful. "Do you think we should get moving? Earoluim and Eldur should be here sometime today."
"What bad luck...for you any ways" he muttered casting a look at her arms an where he knew the mark on her stomach lay "Yeah i suppose" he said getting up. With an inward groan Lomien donned the all to familiar black chain mail under black armour plate, sheathing Gurthang at his side, and afixing his armoured gauntlets.
Nin shifted a little uncomfortably as she felt Lomien's eyes rest on her stomach, she could still feel the dark energies within her. She stood, entered the dressing room and changed into a black dress, then came back into the room to donn her own armor. The silver of her armor and hair stood in stark contrast to the black dress as she turned back to Lomien.
Lomien walked silently and swiftly, vanishing into thin air as he used both a tecnique he had prefected and a passage created to make good his escape. I need to make sure he is dead he thought to himself, slipping well away from the castle, any signature, even visual was concealed as he and a cohort rode to the river mouth. Lomien was determined to see to his brother's end. He made sure to place a deceptive signature of himself on the opposite end of the castle to lead Nin and any who might follow to it instead of him.
Nin sighed, seing Lomien gone. Knowing that he would be back, she left the room, going in search of the others.
Sensing her ease Lomien continued down the river i can sense your signature Ullari...now where are you! he growled. The cavalry cohort was by now at full gallop, raging down the side of the river.
A very battered, and very weary Ullari gathered with him the men that he needed very well brother, if you wish to attack so strongly and quickly, then you leave me no other choice but to finish this with overwhelming force he thought to himself and at the very least your little wife....my prize is now one more weapon i have to weild against you
As she walked, Nin could feel vague emotions of anger and frustration from Lomien, but she couldn't tell where he was. She caught sight of Ryoni by the river and started toward her.
Lomien and his cohort arrived in a medow. Spying somthing that looked vaugly familiar, Lomien walked over to an upturned wagon cart, recoiling in horror at what he found. A young elven girl was peirced and hung to the side of the wagon...in much the same manner as he had found Nin in the old house. Turning just in time to see a scout at the edge fall with an arrow to his head. Lomien ordered the cohort to form up around the wagon glad we have sheilds he said raising his own as he sank to his knees, making the most of the cover. Moments later a hail of arrows decended, followed by shouts of advancing soldiers.
Nin approched Ryoni, then heard shouts up the river a ways. She reached out with her mond, trying to find Lomien Lomien, what is going on?
Celeste had been wandering around for a while. Suddenly, she heard shouts in the distance and saw Nin and Ryoni. Approaching them, she asked, "whats going on?"
Ullari whached as Dark Elf pikemen surrounded the Cohort's sheild wall with spears justting out, and a defiant Lomien standing "Well brother what will it be then? I have a near three to one advantage over your onhundred knights, and though Knights they may be....i doubt they will live long, as will you" he said letting his hand fall.
Lomien felt the lines collide. His men where well trained and heavily armed and armoured....but he knew they would not hold out long, as undoubtedly more would come. Lomien made sure to conceal his signature from Nin.
"I do not know, Lomien is concealing himself from me." Her blue eyes had a silver cast as she searched for him, "We should go investigate." She said looking at the young elven girl.
Lomien waded through the mire of dead that had been foolish enough to get in his way, stopping short as five arrows crashed into his side, chest and back. Staggering alittle as he whached the young archers burst into fire Ullari...you're mine!!! his psychic scream could be heard by all who where listening...including Ullari.
Ullari, raising high his taloned gauntlet, which was now adohorned with an eight pointed star lashed out at Nin my servant you shall be until the bond is broken again he thought evily, meating blades with Gurthang once more.
Nin heard Lomien's scream, "Oh no," she murmered, "Ullari..." Then she stiffened, she suddenly felt...strange, like she was not quite fully herself.
Sensing her reaction even in the heat of battle well then lets us make you as miserable as possible...every wound that is inflicted upon me...so to will it be upon you he said in her mind. The eight pointed star burned on her, as she felt Lomien lash out at Ullari oh and to be cruel...even those that miss to he laughed maniacly inside her head.
Nin stiffened more as she suddenly felt a searing pain, but she refused to react further, Release me, and get out of my head, fiend. She snapped at Ullari. She called out to Lomien, I have some sort of bond with Ullari, I do not know what it is. Somehow he is making me feel all his pain. She winced again as more pain went searing through her body.
Celeste was ready to go and assist Lomien. However, before she took even three steps, she turned to see Nin struggleing. "NIn, whats wrong? whats happening?" Here eyes turning to a worrisome purple.
Lomien stood at a loss of what to do "So...you want to play unfair? Well if that is the case Ullari i could just harvest your soul right here...all it would take is a slice through any part of your skin...yes it would hurt Nin but she'll live, you on the other hand will become a puppet" he said with a grin.
Ullari diminished his hold on her so that she would no longer feel his wounds, swatting Gurthang from Lomiens grasp "Let's see you fight without that sword!" he cried bringing his guantlet crashing onto Lomien's shoulder.
Lomien pulled out a a double headed battle ax "As you wish" he said weilding the massive ax as if it weighed all of nothing.
"Ullari is here, he has some sort of bond over me..." suddenly the pain vanished, Lomien, attack him Now, he's released his hold on me...for now
"Ullari?! Where?!" Celeste grabbed Nin's shoulders, trying to steady her. Oh gosh, what's happened now? "Come on Nin, are you alright? We need to go help..."
Ullari gave a start parying one blow with a cry as his arm broke. Ullari aimed a stroke from Lomiens neck, only to have it deflected up the side of his face.
Feeling the graze of metal on skin, Lomien ramed the ax but into Ullari, sending a very dazed Ullari catapulting into the tree line. Swearing profusly Lomien continued to fight on as the attack wained. The Dark elves retreated and with them taking Lomien's chance of killing Ullari.
"I'm alright," Nin said, "I think he's realesed me...For now. We should go help." As she spoke she drew her sword and ran toward the commotion.
Ear jumps to his feet in the sudden commotion off in the distance, he quickly takes a stances with his right foo behind his left holding both of his palms slightly away from his mand pointed at the ground around his feet. He stared ahead for a long moment and closed his eyes.
A weary Lomien walked in through the gates, blood coming from three long slash wounds on his face, though if anything his pride had been hurt and his hopes dashed to pieces.
Celeste too drew her sword, though she wished she could use fire or water instead...I sure hope we aren't in for too much of a suprise...
Ullari was born out of Telpurion to dark army mess hall
Lomien, mounting his armour on a nearby rack, sheething Gurthang. Mounting the sword and ax he turned to Celeste "I do believe i promised you a training session....shall we?" he said casting off his mail shirt.
Nin stopped short, completely stunned, "Wh...What happened? Where's Ullari and his army?"
Also slightly shocked, Celeste stuttered, "O-okay. Wait...kind of confused, what DID happen to Ullari?"
"He's alive..still, which is more than what i can say for alot of the cohort guard" he said glumly. "Very well Celeste we'll start with a few low level moves...parry and counter at will, and unleash as much as you can" he said. Lomien took off in a jogg at Celeste, fire springing from the ground, inturn flying forward at her.
Nin stood by to watch, still a little stunned from the suddenness of the close of the battle.
Celeste, still in slight shock, noticed Lomien coming at her, and without thinking created a small wall of water before her. "Woah! What the..."
"Celeste..i'm going to block your water ability so that you can focus on fire" he said mentally blocking her ability to use water. "Now deflect this" he said sending a basketball size blast of fire at Celeste.
"A-alright..." Eyes beginning to glow a dark red, Celeste lets out a blast of flame at the fire.
"Good, now focus sooly on fire. Do not under an circumstances overexhert yourself...thats how you get burnt" Lomien said calmly sending a larger gout at her, batting aside hers with ease.
Trying too hard, Celeste let go only a small jet of flame, off target...
"Focus on the attack when you attack Celeste, and the defense when you are being attacked" Lomien said calmly shooting four fire bolts at her.
Relaxing, a bright red welling up in her eyes, Celeste blocked the four bolts and shot a stream right down the middle of the fireballs, hitting Lomien square in the chest. "Oh! I'm so sorry!"
Lomien stood lazily, taking a step back, he had put a tremendous number of control locks on his abilities "Oh no nead to worry at all" he said lightly. Lomien spun on one foot, sending a crescent arc of fire at her, followed by three sucsessive bolts "I can absorb your attacks Celeste so you need not worry about me...however i would not try to do the same....at this stage you'll only end up with nasty burns"
Celeste leaped back as the fire came toward her. "Okay then.." Then, centering her energies on the fire, she sent three larger blasts back at Lomien, ducking out of range of his fire just in time, singing her hair only slightly. EEK! Is he trying to KILL me! I just need to remember to stay light on my feet.
"No i am not trying to kill you, and yes you do need to stay light on your feet" Lomien said, using her own fire blast against her "Scatter!" as he said this, the single blast turned into dozens of fiery darts "This is also a teqnique that you can learn....rather easily to"
Oh! I keep forgetting you are reading my thoughts.. At the word scatter, Celeste watched as her fiery blast shot back at her. She dodged, but was hit when the blast separated. "Shoot!" Then attempted to deflect the others.
"You focus to much on deflecting the blows and not at all on the attack" he chided "Reform! scatter!" he called out, the fire coalesced into a single current then burst into dozens of feiry darts "I am using voice command because this is the ability at it's most weakest, you can deflect fire with fire....be carefull though cause at your stage you may well burn yourself"
"Yea...I've noticed" Celeste said chancing a glance at where the fire burned her. Then, she dodged the blasts, once again, and instead of blocking herself, she directly attacked Lomien, sending several short, yet suprisingly powerful, blasts straight at his chest and the area around him, setting a circle of flame to surround him.
"Disperse" he said almost inaudably. The fire vanished around him "Very good, your beggining to tap your abilities...now shall we try somthing alittle stronger?" he said almost coyly. Multiple cresents of fire shot from him, with each spin or kick fire shot from him "These are basic attacks...i just happen to be very nimble and lythe...trust me you won't ever find somone of this level with this kind of agility"
Slightly out of breath, Celeste hid her exhaustion. What the... She looked at her hands, trying to figure out how exactly she was going to match him. "But wait, how-" then she ducked away from the spouts of flame, "how do I do THAT?!"
"You first need to learn to absorb an attack" he said. Lomien opened his palms, hundreds of fire shards sprang from his palm "These are very weak, try to absorb them and launch a counter with them..there is enough combined energy in this attack to wound me if you use it right" Lomien said casually
"Let it hit me?! Intentionally?!?!" Going by instinct, Celeste dodged the attack, resulting in a grazed knee and slightly seared clothing.
"Absorb them, draw the energy into you then unleash it in your counter attack" Lomien said lightly "This time try it" he said repeating the attack.
Nin leaned against a nearby wall, smiling as she watched Lomien instruct Celeste.
Trusting Lomien, Celeste stood her ground this time, holding her hands out and allowed the fire shards to hit her. Instead of the impact she expected, she felt a sharp yet distant sting, then, just as it became too hot for her, she released the pent up energy back at him. "Did I do it?"
"You didn't burn me but you did manage a start. You focus now over much on the heat and pain, draw it into you....the pain will pass, if it does hurt then you are absorbing more than you can handle...try deflecting and absorbing" he said firing off a low intensety gout.
Trying to ignore the slight heat this time, Celeste was able to successfully absorb the fire, then released an even stronger gout at him....the strongest she had ever gone.
"Hmm, good" He said as the fire dissapated in front of him "Now to teach you how to create weapons out of your element" as he said this, one of his arms seemned to turn into a large blade comprised of fire, the other a whip "These weapons are at their utmost lowest in intensity, so that you will only feel a slight burn, and no permanant damage at all...indeed you will only feel a sting" he said letting fly his whip at her.
"Hey!" She automatically reached for her sword, but halted at the last moment, as the whip struck her forearm. Her eyes suddenly turned a dark black as she attempted to create weapons as he did. All instinct took over and she was no longer capable of keeping control over her body. The fire overwhelmed her. W-whats happening? I-i cant move as a flaming sword sprouted from her arm.
"Hmmm, interesting...an inate instinct for such things" he murmered to himself "It would appear that you have learned to tap your ability" he called out to her, the fire blade on his arm intensifying. In his other hand the whip lashed out at her.
So not liking this... Suddenly, she lashed out at Lomien, bearing down on him at an almost uncontrollable speed, catching him almost off guard.
Lomien vanished, then reappeared right behind her "Surprise" he said disabling her arm with the sword with well placed nerve attacks that blocked her ability "Now, i'm sure that hurts like all get out right now, try using your weaker arm to fight...oh and did you like my little dissapearing act?" he said teasingly. Lomien was having fun now and it was quite obvious that he reguarded her as little more than a training subject that posed no threat to him....this was not disrespectful, just his casual take on it "You see, i never show an oponent all of my abilities, and i would advise you to do the same....it makes you exponentialy more deadly in battle...and as you can see...i am rather injured while fighting" he said gesturing to numerous arrows and weapon furrows in his armour.
Celeste screamed out in pain as she felt Lomien's attack. Quickly biting her lip to stop the involuntary scream, she thought Yea...I-I saw that...Yes, suprise is always good...but I don't even know how i am doing this! Owowowowow! OUt of instinct, she struck out at Lomien, trying to get him to release his grasp on her, not even thinking about the training session.
Lomien again vanished and reappeared this time at her side "Right now you are acting on instinct....you are tapping latent power, and i don't have any hold on you...that attack is purely nerve, meaning in a sense your arm is figurativly destroyed....don't worry though...none of it is permanent"
Suddenly hearing Lomien to her side, Celeste whirled around to face him. Breathing hard, she regained control over herself, her eyes going a dull grey from exhaustion. "Believe me, I did not even try to do that." then she brought up a wall of fire around her to back him off.
Eldur woke up and found himself lying at a forest bed. He was no longer connected with the spirit realm. He wondered what have happened while he was sleeping, and how long that was. He stood up and looked around. He saw Earoluim standing aside, he nodded. He felt the presence of some elves, one of them probably Ninquelótë, to the east."I feel our lady eastwards, probably with Lómien. I will go and find them, will you follow?" he whispered.
Earoluim nodded his head with his eyes closed, "I will be along shorlty, for I sense many others than just those with us." he told Eldur, reaching under his skirt and pulling out a series of lether strips.
Eldur nodded and headed eastwards. After an hour or so, he saw Lomien fighting with a female elf a bit far, then his eyes fell on Ninquelote who was leaning on a wall. He started to walk towards her, makig sure his barriers were down and she could feel him approaching.
Lomien swung his flat palm in a wide arc inside her fire wall dissapating it instantly "You are doing very well for a beginer, but you stress yourself out far to much to use your abilities at their full potential, now i want you to deflect and absorb these at the same time, they are again low intensity so they will only sting you" he said sending out multiple blasts.
Becoming almost too exhausted to even move, Celeste did what he asked, then staggered backward.
"I think we should take a break now, you look quite worn out, and your mind feels like it is taxed far beyound what it has ever been accustomned to. You have done well Celeste, at your level right now you will be able to fight the vast majority of fire elementals out there....just not the ancient one's" he said with a slight laugh.
Eldur reached the others as soon as Lomien and the elf stopped fighting. He sent a happy-to-see-you thought irstly to Ninquelótë and then to Lomien. He looked thoroughly at the elf, who seemed to be really exhausted.
"Ah Eldur, good to see you" Lomien said with a bow "Just finished the start of this here young one's training" he said slightly teasingly. "Now Celeste do you want to train with blades next? You may be very good at your elements in this stage, but believe me....weapon craft is always handy on the battle field. Elements can only block so much"
Celeste sent a fleeting glance at Eldur, too tired to really care who this may be, then turned back to Lomien. "Yes, blades, of course. May I take just a few minutes to sit?" She looked longingly at where Nin sat, then let her right and rest on her sword.
"Very well" Lomien replied casualy. Taking to a corner where he had put a long single edged katana, though it's blade was huge for even a broad sword "This is reki, his only ability is channal and enhance mine through him, though i won't be using it. He makes a good training sword" he said resting his hand on the ornate pomel "Nah, i think i'll use erancar....it's a fire blade" he said picking up a smaller and far thinner blade. Indeed it looked like the blade was invisible if it was turned flat "When you're ready, Celeste eldalain" he said removing his armour and shirt, revealing mulitple battle scars, some deep. The one that stood out most was a trio of long slash like marks across his chest.
Ninquelote looked up as she sensed Eldur's approach, and returned his mental greeting with a smile, How fare you Eldur, my friend? she asked him with her mind.
After looking Lomien up and down, officially freaked out, she headed over to sit with Nin.
"Aww you're no fun at all" he said teasingly "Are you going to make me toy around with a deamon prince?...oh fine very well sit back and enjoy the show" he said..again teasingly. Dawning a black kimmono over his black pants, an eight pointed star appeared on his hand see Nin...i to share what you have....though mine is far more ancient and deadly..i will explain later he telepathed to her "Prince Arantaliancar" his command was soft yet powerful. A deamon appeared out a swirl of dark energy. It was tall, appearing like a balrog, save it had no fire, just crimson black energy. The deamon wore a mask on its' face, like a skull. Drawing forth a sword from itself it prepared for Lomien "This will be fun" Lomien said with a laugh.
Nin forgot Eldur and stared, first at Lomien's hand, then at the deamon prince. She was completely stunned, she knew not what to do, or even what to think.
Lomien drew the long sword, and the ring of blades sounded throughout the court yard. The Deamon prince brought down his blade at Lomien's head. With a loud roar, dust enveloped everything around the two combatants, sheilding them from any veiw of each other or their audience.
Nin stood, a quiet cry escaping involuntarily from her lips as Lomien dissapeared from view. She stood there, watching intently, wanting to help him, but knowing better than to interupt.
The dust settled, and the Deamon looked on in shock an horror "H-h-how did you?" it called out quietly. Lomien stood, his sword off to the side in his hand, the Deamons weapon that should have cut him in to had dissapated "Now i will end you, for your foul thoughts and cruel intentions to her" he said, cutting off the deamon's arms, then legs "Would you like the killing blow my love?" he offered her gently.
Nin took a small step back and shook her head, she had qualms about killing a being, except for in defence and in the heat of battle.
Eldur looked at Lomien examining his weird behaviour. How could he have asked Ninquelótë to do such a thing?
"Very well" Lomien replied softly, raising his sword high he drove it through the Dark prince's head. In it's death cry the Deamon called out to Nin you are chosen to be fed to us. You are a pathetic useless shadow to him an naught else....suffer well with that the dark energy began to surge in her again, a sickening feeling coursed through out her.
Eldur now looked at Ninquelótë. What was that lurking inside her that caused her so much sickness? Her aura was darker than usual. *He interfused into her mind only to find her fighting that thing inside her. He enlaced her mind with his own, giving her feelings of peace and happiness*, trying to calm her down and make the Ninquelótë he knew feel stronger than the darkness inside her.
Nin took a deep breath and sent her feelings of gratitude to Eldur, she was slowly growing used to the darkness that now dwelled in her, but she appreciated his desire to help her. She looked to Lomien, "Finish him." she said hoarsely.
The Deamon made one final attempt to kill Lomien, it's blade seeming to go right through him. The blade vanished, and the Deamon perished engulfed in Lomien's counter attack here my love, give me the energy.....such a thing is already a part of me and i do not want it to hurt you more than what it has he spoke softly, trapping the energy within her, settling the storm inside.
When you may, tell me what has happened, my queen. It is long since we last parted, and it seems that a lot has changed said Eldur to Ninquelótë with his mind. He was more worried than afraid of her, and he made that clear with his feelings that followed his message.
With wide eyes, Celeste stayed seated, unable to move, throughout the entire ordeal. She didnt understand anything happening. Whats goin on here? Whats wrong with Nin? She stared up at Nin in horror as she seemed she was fighting that thing inside of her...
indeed young friend alot has happened since your last meeting...for the most part she is fine...though due to her stubborness her mind is quite streched and frayed...she always has been the stubborn one Lomien said to Eldur, then turning to Celeste "Ninquelote is fighting no deamon...only the energy of one combined with the dark energy she had already been infected with" Lomien whispered to her almost inaudably.
Over hearing the comotion Duncan signaled to his faithful companion to stay quiet as they crept closer, concealing themselves in the shadows. Wearing dark garments, to aid in stealth, and a silver funny shaped locket about his neck. Duncan skillfully crept within 30 yards of the combatants.
Eldur looked first at Lómien and then to Celeste. "And who might you be, my lady? He whispered to her.
Earoluim appeared out of the woods behin Lomien and the new individual, he cautiously moved forward His reforged sword at his side. His tail swaying back and forth, against eh back of his skirt, his ears up and alert.
Lomien, laughing inwardly at Duncan's attempts to conceal himself "Well now my friend, will you show yourself or no?" he asked over his shoulder. He was not mad at him for sneaking around, only his ever rampant curiousity was getting the better of him.
Somewhat startled, Celeste looked back up into Eldur's eyes. "My name is Celeste. And what may I call you?"
Earoluim looked at the being Celeste, and to Duncan... he moved to Lomiens side slowly.
I am no queen, friend. Nin said kindly to Eldur, When we have time, I shall tell you. Whith that, she moved to Lomien's side, and turned in Duncan's direction.
Duncan slowly stood up and came out from his hiding place. Walking to everyone that was gathered he put the strange looking locket to his lips and shortly there after his faithful companion was by his side. "Very clever of you to find me." said Duncan as he stood amongst the group. "My name is Duncan Shadowsliver and this is Torgaby." He said motioning to his wolf companion, which his top of his head reached Duncan's mid thigh.
Lomien turned cautiously to him "It does not take much to trake a spirit in a living body" he replied absentmindedly "So what brings you about to these parts? and oh forgive me what is your name traveler?" he asked slightly embarassed at himself.
Ninquelote watched the stranger closely, she showed no emotion, but could not help but feel suspicious. She erectected her mental barriers, but kept her mind linked with Lomien and Eldur.
"I am Eldur Enyalon" said Eldur to Celeste. You are my queen concerning the powers over the spirits, lady Ninquelótë he added mentally to her.
He then turned to face the newcomers, being more interested in the wolf than the man.
Nin allowed Eldur to feel her mild disapproval, though she was not being unkind.
Lomien laughed slightly at the exchange Eldur she is not queen yet young one....not yet he reminded him softly.
Allow me, my lord, but my connection with the spirits is very strong at times, and I know that they consider her as a queen conserning her powers, respecting her and maybe fearing her for her very abilities said Eldur passing them along the feeling he has for Ninquelótë when connected to the spirit realm, a mass feeling of her being above them.
In that sense you are right, though the vast majority of her power is still untapped. She has along way to go he said smiling at the young elf. He was glad Nin had him for a friend.
Nin listened to the exchange and smiled a little, Eldur my friend, Lomien my love, let us not forget our guest. She reminded them looking again at Duncan.
"My name is Duncan." he reminded Lomien. "What has gone on here? I heard a comotion. By the sounds of it, someone was having a tussle." Duncan said with a little smirk.
"No, it was a mere Deamon. That and i was training this one as well" he said gesturing to Celeste.
"And what brings you to this fortress within these woods master Duncan?" Ninquelote's voice was soft, but clear, "You are certainly no Wood Elf." She smiled a little, but she was still very suspicious of the newcomer.
Smiling up to Eldur, Celeste stood with the others, though her legs resisted. She still was not fully rested. She then looked at the newcomers with curious golden eyes.
"I see. I hope the training went well. And you are right I am no Wood Elf," he said smiling. "As for why I am here, Ol Torgaby and I were just strollin' bout. The woods give us peace, as does the seas. But the seas are much further away." Duncan said as he gave a slight chuckle.
Lomien sheathed his sword, resting it against the wall, he did not trust him "You are not from these parts, your accent and your dress give you away" Lomien said casually "I doubt you came here just to strool through the woods to the sea's.....why where you sneeking around?" he asked, most all of his curiousity had vanished....replaced with cold suspiscion.
"You are right, I'm not from around here. I am from the mountains, in a tiny secluded village." Duncan paused for a moment. Then he took a deep breath and continued "I was sneaking around to try and not get myself into a tussle. I don't care to fight, but I am able if need be. Why do you distrust me so? I have yet to do any harm to you or anyone you care for." He said starting to get defensive and a little aggitated.
Lomien tensed well well...a mind reader...hmm this could be interesting he thought tensing alittle "If you want a tussle then i suppose you have found the right person. And as for my distrust....don't take offense to it, it is only natural for one to distrust a stranger who has been sneaking up on you"
Nin placed her hand lightly on Lomien's arm, useing her mind to warn him against starting a fight just yet. "You have Dark Elven blood in you." It was not a question, more an observance, "Where do your loyalties lye, sir?" She asked him, her voice was not unkind, but he would be able to tell that she would not accept lies.
Eldur examined Duncan and Torgaby in detail. Torgaby didn't seems to be odd, except from the fact that he was following Duncan. The elf was dressed in a way not to be seen inside the woods, yet he was still wearing a silver funny-shaped locket which could be easily seen. That was strange, like it was something very precious to him. *Eldur send the image focused on the locket to both Ninquelótë and Lomien along with his concernes of it being magical*.
Thank you, I noticed it, bu did not think muc of it...we shall see. She said softly in her mind, and continued to watch Duncan, waiting for his responce.
"I suppose you are right. I tend to get angry rather quickly, I appologize. I would have done the same if I were in your shoes." Duncan said as he drew up a long cylindrical piece of earth. "I guess I'll be on my way then, lest you have any more questions or concerns?"
"Not at the moment, well Nin shall we resume?" he stopped himself at mentioning her name probably of no consiquence....i hope..though a fight would be nice he thought to himself. Lomien eyed the piece of earth "What is it that has brought you here?" he asked casualy but with an air that demanded an answer.
Nin kept her gaze steady, she wanted to know the answer to her question.
"Peace of mind and to learn my surroundings. For if you haven't noticed the scar on my face, it has caused me to go mostly blind. If you didn't notice I'll take it as a compliment." Duncan said with a little smirk.
"I did notice your scar but i am hardly one to talk...as i have one down an entire half of my face..." Lomien said with a chuckle "Don't be ashamed of your scar...there is nothing to be ashamed of"
Duncan smiled and asked on a whim "So, where is everybody from?"
"That depends....i grew up in Ecthelion, a series of events forced me to leave for Arda....i guess you can say that i have no permanent home...i am a wanderer of sorts..." he replied casually.
"I suppose that would make me a wanderer as well." Nin smiled up at her husband, "And where are you from?" she wanted to add, 'most recently', but thought better of it. She felt a little uneasy, she didn't like that he seemed to be avoiding her origanal question about his loyalties. Is it just me, or is he avoiding my question? I don't like it. she said to Lomien and Eldur through their mental link.
Deciding to stay out of the way, Celeste tore her gaze from the newcomer and turned to leave for a bit. Maybe take a short walk.
"You don't need to go, stay with us an whach if you want to" Lomien whispered kindly to Celeste before turning to face Duncan "I don't suppose you would mind answering the lady's question?"
"Not at all, like I said before I am from a small town in the mountains. But like yourselves a series of unfortunate events lead me to wandering. I wandered for awhile before joining a faction of my choosing." Said Duncan looking at the base of his earthen staff as he grinds it into the ground thinking of his former "home".
"It would appear that there are bitter memories of your home...so i will not press any further...my name...since i have not told you...is Lomien" he replied casually.
Though Lomien said she could stay, Celeste figured there would be no more traing for the day, so she noded her head and walked away. Now maybe I'll be able to find a nice tree to fall asleep under.
He is answering neutrally replied Eldur to Ninquelótë and Lomien as he watched Celeste leaving. He also sent to images in Lomien's mind, one of him following Celeste and one staying with them. What do you want me to do, my lord? he asked.
"I am Eldur, I come from Ecthelion, too but I have passed many years in Arda, I left before the events took place. I call no place home, but my home is everywhere this world is" whispered as a reply to Duncan.
"Well I best be going. Please excuse me for interrupting your training session. I will let you continue." Duncan said shortly, for he had been thinking too much about his former home.
"Very well" Lomien replied, glad that Duncan thought no more of his name means he is probably nothing to worry about he thought to himself, his thoughts where shielded though so no one could read them I know he is answering in the neautral Eldur...which is why i'm rather on my guard...you may go with Celeste or stay here...do as you please
Eldur wasn't sure what to do better, he could meet more Celeste later, so he decided to stay with Lomien and Ninquelótë, trying to learn more about Duncan. Still, he felt something was wrong with him.
Should we really let him go? Nin asked Lomien, He will not tell him what his loyalties are, which makes me believe that he is one of Ullari's men. But what could Ullari gain by sending him here?
besides one more dead soldier? i have no idea....he is powerful i can sense that much, however i could honestly care less about it he said as a messanger hawk alighted. Lomien read the message, a look of utter disbelief came over him, he walked over to Nin "You will never believe what i have just recieved....Ullari has gotten himself married...to a certain Rayne, which if i'm not mistaken is the same Rayne Ullari took in and was denounced infront of the council by her father...." he whispered to her in complete surprise "Gurthar sent me this letter" he said near inaudably.
Nin's jaw literally dropped, "He.....Ullari and Rayne?" she looked at him in disbelief, "This has to be some sort of trick." she said, "...But what would be the point?" she shook her head, clearly bewildered.
Lomien kept Duncan in his periforal vision....he didn't trust one who was so willingly to dodge simple questions "I think it is legitimate" he whispered so she could only hear "It would appear the pet found a way to his heart...he always did have a likeing for her though" he mused.
Finally, Celeste came to a large tree near a calm lake. Deciding it would do nicely, she sat at the base of the tree and leaned against its rough trunk, expecting to only rest a while. Listening to the distant sounds of the forest, she closed her deep blue eyes and quikly fell asleep, forgetting to erect any barriers and exhausted enough to stay out in the open.
"H...But how?" Nin wondered in disbelief, "I have always heard that after his betrayal, he showed no emotion...save for anger and bitterness."
"Apparently not" Lomien said teasing her nose with the letter.
Seriph having recently returned ventured into the forest chanced upon Celeste "And who might you be?" he asked, his entire air sombre even mournful...though this was usual for him. Even his voice...deep, rich, yet almost mournful.
"How could she have managed that?" Nin wondered, "She was always so childish, so rash."
"You really think i know the answer to that? He always did have a fancy to her ever since she joined him an even before that.....not to mention she shadowed him every where he went" Lomien said with a semi exasperated sighe.
Startled out of her sleep, Celeste looked toward the stranger with the deep booming voice. "I shall ask you the same. What do you want of me?" Normally, she wouldnt have been so curt, but he had woken her and she had realized how vulnerable she was, having left her weapons back by the others. Her eyes turning a midnight black, red flecks dancing in them, Celest wondered to herself, How could I be such an idiot? Why did I not think to protect myself?
"You have no need to fear me....less you try to attack me" Seriph said sitting down in front of her "My name is Seriphim" he said gently realizing over late that he had scared her out of her sleep, thinking that his jet black armour that seemned to absorb the light around it probably didn't help either....that and the sword hanging off his back.
Pressing her back against the great tree, wishing to sink into it, Celeste looked him up and down, wondering where he came from and if she could truely trust him. Still quite wary, she responded, "My name is Celeste. And Im not so quick to attack. Just please tell me why you have come to me." Without meaning to, her emotions always showing in her face and eyes like an open book, she showed a slight fear in her now deep purple eyes to this stranger garbed for battle.
"True," Nin mused, "but I still wonder what could have happened to cause that."
"He always like her...however obnoxious the little brat was" Lomien said with a grunt "I think he was just trying to push her away....which aparently had the adverse affect...want to go see them?" Lomien said with a laugh no longer whispering.
Seriph took pitty on the girl "You need not fear me little one" he said softly. Seriph set his sword down to the side, he had no helmet on "There is that better? You look like a frightened rabbit, here...this might calm your nerves" he said handing her a flask, drinking out of it first to show her he meant no harm.
Nin's eyes grew far away, a barely noticable look of longing and regret in them, "I would very much like that...I only wish that we could."
"I know love" he said softly to her "I don't like that look in those pretty eyes of yours...what's bothering you?" he said comign up behind her.
Celeste watched cautiously as Seriph laid his blade down. "I am no frightened rabbit!" OI....I just sounded like such a child. She then regained her composure and took the flask, taking a quick gulp to prove that she was not afraid of him...though she really was. Then, looking him up and downonce more, she stood to rise above him and said, "I must get going. I didn't realize i had been out here for so long. So, good bye." Then she turned to leave, slowly making her way back to where she hoped Nin and Lomien were...Lomien especially, as she thought of his strength against this strangers.
"I wish that we could go to congradulate our brother." she whispered so only he could hear her, though her mental link with Eldur was still open, he would be able to hear, should he care to listen, "I wish that this war had not ruined all of our lives, all for greed and power." she turned around and wrapped her arms aroung him, resting her head on his chest, not caring that Duncan and the others were there.
"As do i" he said softly, placing one arm around her "This war may soon be over and then you can live happily" he played with her hair.
Seriph, deciding he would show off vanished out of thin air. Reappearing next to Ninquelote and Eldur "M'lady" he said with a slight bow, catching himself when he realised the stranger "And who might you be?" he asked even toned.
Nin nodded into Lonien's chest, then jumpped when Seriph appeared beside her, "You know better than to do that Seriphim Darkheart!" she exclaimed, then laughed a little as her heart calmed.
Finally breaking through the barrier of trees, Celeste saw the group where she left them. Getting closer, however, she saw Seriphim standing next to Nin, the group totally at ease. She continued to walk over, hoping to retrieve her weapons and her cloak without notice.
Seriph bowed slightly, smiling alittle.
Lomien eyed Seriph well well well it would appear she got a smile out of you he teased you're one to talk came the response. Lomien turned to Duncan, deciding he would have a bit of fun "It would seem your master Ullari...my brother has gotten himself married....we think that this is a joke, is it? or not?" he asked. Lomien knew that his response would determine his motives, and allegiance...not that he cared.
Celeste quickly crossed the field and retrieved her things as quietly as possible, wondering who exactly this Seriphim was. She had expected to get back to Lomien and Nin for thier protection in the large group. Never did she expect for him to be conversing with them when she returned. Also,how had he gotten there so quickly? He was still sitting by the tree when she had left.
Seriph, reading her mind decided to play around. Vanishing he appeared right behind her "Were you wondering how i did this? I can sense now that you are friends with my lord an lady, so you need not fear anything from me" he spoke softly to her reappearing in front of her.
Scared out of her mind, Celeste stifled a scream as her hand fluttered to her heart, which was pounding vigorously. With wide eyes, she looked up at him when he appeared in front of her, a tall muscular man in midnight armor. She caught her breath and didnt know what to say. She had just embarassed herself in front of an allie and was simply entirely suprised to find that he was one.
"Do not be surprised or embarassed" he bowed politely. His armour seemned to absorb any an all light around him, dimming everything "Is there anything i can do for you m'lady?" he said, his voice soft if still quite gutteral and deep.
Sill quite wary, she glanced at him then back at the group, now not too far off. "N-no. Nothing, thankyou?" She was still slightly confused in her tired state, though she fooled herself into thinking she was ready for another practiced session, she was nowhere near that point and wobbled slightly on her feet. She did not usually take kindly to strangers who woke her up in the middle of nowhere, even if it was her fault in the first place that he even had an opportunity.
Lomien seeing Seriph and sensing he was having fun walked over "Ahh Seriphim, i see you have met our new friend here...and from what i hear scared her half to death aswell" he added with a raised eyebrow.
Seriph smiled alittle "I walked up on her as she was asleep" he said simply.
Celeste groggily looked up at the two tall, broad men. Trying, then to get through the akwardness of meeting this Seriph, she asked "Would you like to continue our lessons now?" As she wobbled slightly and almost lost her balance.
Nin turned to watch Lomien walk over to Sereph and Celeste, but turned back to Duncan, awaiting his responce.
Lomien raised an eyebrow "Yes but first i want you to wake up more so you don't injure yourself" he said gently.
"I am awake enough, though!" She went to prove this by sending a fireball at him, but it backfired and burned her hand instead. Blushing furiously at her own recklessness, she turned quickly to hide these things and mumbled "okay, maybe not fully awake yet..." She thought to herself:Oh my goodness...today has gone quite well, hasn't it Celeste?
Instead of chiding her, Lomien took her hand into his two large palms, drawing water from a well he began to heal her burn "We all make mistakes, you'rs so happen to be the result of you finding yourself in situations that you don't react well with...it's not your fault" he said softly.
Turning back slightly to reluctantly allow him to take her small hand between his massive ones, she held her eyes downcast, shamed by her actions that day. Today, she proved that she was still very much a child. She hated this and wished she could just leean how not act so carelessly. Thinking this, she then mumbled a small "Thank you" to Lomien....as Seriph continued to watch on. Still, though he had proven to be a friend,she was wary of him. Most likely only because of the way they met and overall, how her day had been so far. She hoped to show him her true personality soon. She never could deal with being quiet toward someone for too long.
"You are not a child Celeste for being scared half silly out of your sleep, nor for anything else that you have done. You are young, do not compare yourself against one such as i who have lived for almost ten thousand years" he agains spoke softly and kindly to her as he bandaged her hand up.
"Alright" Cleleste bowed her head with glowing purple eyes now hidden behind the hair falling into her face. She peered up at Seriph again, with her child-like wondering eyes, now questioning why he was there.
Seriph smiled at her wonderings "It is because i live here for the most part, and am feild commander of the military movements" he said with slight nod.
"Oh..." she said embarassed slightly at the almost obvious answer. Swaying again, she caught herself, removed her hand from Lomien's gentle grasp, then took it upon herself to almost collapse onto the ground. Oi...why am I so tired? I ave neve experienced this amount of exhastion before....whats wrong with me?
Seriph caught her an sat her down "You need not push yourself" he said gently.
Mhmm...she still didnt understand how she could be so tired. And she was that exhausted enough to allow this man, whom she still did not fully trust, to help her.
Lomien turned to Nin "So then where to go from here" he had hidden the darker half of the letter, he did not wish her or any one to see it.
Just barely hearing Lomien speak to Nin, Celeste, though she did her best not to, fell into another deep sleep full of nothing but nightmares.
Seriph hearing her nightmares, reached out without touching her and blocked them, giving her a dreamless deep sleep "The least i can do for scaring you so badly" he whispered.
Still deep in sleep, a shadow of a smile crept over Celeste's face.
Nin turned to her husband, "I do not know, is that all that Gurthar said in the letter?" she asked.
Eldur looked at Lomien awaiting his reply, he was sure that he would have very good reasons to hide the rest of the letter, which he saw since he watches everything around him, yet he thought that Ninquelótë was no child and she should know. It had nothing to do with him in order to interfere, so he keps silent, physically and mentally.
Looking to Celeste he thought that Lomien's practice lacked in something, the theoritical knowledge. Celeste might never reach the great levels of magic, but still, she has to know what someone can do. He mentally noted that to discuss it with him later.
Lomien smiled at Eldur's thoughts. He knew he would have to tell her I'm not sure she could handle it Eldur...an you know as well as i how much she will hone in an focus on such a thing if she is made known to it...all in do time old friend, i am not treating her like a child, just protecting her from somthing that could snap her mind in the state that it is in he made sure to guard this from Nin and any one else save Eldur.
Nin sensed that Lomien was guarding something from her, she looked over curiously at him, but decided to ask him about it later.
Eldur nodded mentally to Lomien, not making the same mistake to attract Ninquelótë's attention by hiding them from her. It was something he had learned to do pretty well since he used to speak mentally more than others, especially during battles. I trust you my lord, even though I not know what the rest of the letter hides. Only be sure that if you need any assistance I am at your service. And you would better answer Ninquelótë's question so that she is not so suspicious.
While the others were talking, Duncan turned and left silently for the Dark Army camp and Duncan's tent.
Ninquelote watched Duncan leave from the corner of her eye. She kept a watch on his spirit until he was away from the fortress.
Lomien, seeing Duncan leave relaxed "Well then shall we move on? There is a port near hear and if i'm not mistaken my brother has been up to scheming...though he has prevented the worst of what is yet to come" he finished almost inaudably.
Seriphim raised an eyebrow at Lomien you really think she didn't catch that? he teased.
Abarhi seeing Lomien from afar had forgotten about who he had brought with him. He approached Nin, seriph and Lomien silently as usual.
Nin saw Abarhi, but failed in her usual greeting of her old friend, "Lomien, might I have a word with you?" she asked her husband gently, but there was something resembling worry in her voice.
"Of course" he replied gently, sensing the worry in her voice Abarhi can wait...and..why does the tall one with him look vaguely familiar?" he thought, recognizing the form of Gurthar. He had never seen the Crusnik in broad daylight.
Nin led him a little ways away from the group and concealed her mind from all but him, "What did the rest of that letter say Lomien?" she asked him gently, "I can sense that something is weighing heavy on your mind, something that you are guarding from me."
"I have no right to keep it from you so i will tell you now" he said quietly "Rayne's father set in motion what the war between the Sentinel council ensured would happen...we thought we had avoided it but his actions have set it in stone....This summer there will be a deamonic insurrection the likes of which this world has not seen, and there are few who have seen one" he said softly "It will take place there is nothing we can do now to stop it...we can only hope to fight it"
Celeste stirred at the bit of confused commotion around her, sensing the concern and slight fear in the air. She did not fully awake, though. She stayed whhere she was on the ground, wanting to awake, but unable to.
Nin's eyes widened, "Of course," she murmured, "why did I not realize it before? I sensed something...But Rayne's father? I thought he was dead." she shook her head, "What can we do to increase our chances of fighting this insurrection?"
"Increase our chances of fighting it?" he asked teasingly "We could bring it out right now by drawing a pentagram in blood of a thousand souls on the Dagorlad" he then turned serious "Fight it?...fight it we will, but i am thinking that it will decimate Ullari's army first...he doesn't know it yet but the fact that he kept Rayne's father imprisoned underneath his headquarters for so long as well as all who he does means that it will happen there first...he will either fall back or fight it...in which case the war will soon be over"
Nin took in a sharp breath. Why did the thought of Ullari's probable death in this upset her so? He was her enemy, he had been for over two-thousand years. Why did she still fear for him, after all that he had done?
"Nin?" he asked seeing the shadow cross her face "What is it?" he asked gazing off down the road we have to pass through so many places...and yet i think we will only face war when we return he thought to himself.
Nin shook her head, "I should not think as I do." she murmured, she did not want to voice what was going through her mind, but her thoughts were open to Lomien, "What should be our next move?"
"our next move will be to go to the a neighboring kingdom not far from here. They have a standing army of at least ten thousand with auxillary of potentially four times that with enough boats and stores to transport it all to Tervel....so we will return with them"
"Will the ruler be willing to part with his army though? Especially with the unrest throughout the world." Nin observed.
"The ruler is evacuating all his people to Arda, and in exchange for me letting him dwell there...i get his army as well as conscription rights to the people"
Nin nodded, "So we offer his people sanctuary in return for his army. Where will they go?" she asked.
"We will use them to inhabit the old border cities...there are alot of them...that way they will provide us with soldiers whilst sheilding us from the Human empire at our door step" he said calously "And the ruler i will put him as well as the other two rulers coming in the city most likely to be attacked"
"You would use people who are not our own as a sheild?" Nin looked at him in surprise, "Why do we not move our own forces to our boarders, and allow the other kingdoms' inocents to dwell inwithin the inner cities?"
"Because in elimenating the presiding kings and nobles you get rid of the politics....besides the kings are eager to serve...and i shall give them somthing to do..they will attack the Human capital close to the border fortress of Negev...thus eliminating the Human heirarchy and plunging them into war again...not to mention their capitol would make a nice summer dwelling" he said with a laugh "I'll let the human's attack first..which they will as they will see my repopulating border forts i had sworn not to as a threat"
Nin nodded, she understood, and agreed, "But send the civilions to the inner cities love. I do not want a massacre of innocent lives."
"Oddly enough this would be repayment for their witholding promised aid to Telpurion" he said, bitterness edging his tone "No i will keep them all along the borders, taking those that can fight when i need them, otherwise i could care less what they do...oh but i will make sure that the heirs stay with us....so that if they do rebel...then we have leverage over them"
Nin nodded, she was not fond of the more underhanded aspects of politics, but they were often necessary, "Shall we return to the others my love?" she asked.
"As you wish" he said leading her back. Seriph had fallen asleep in a tree above Celeste "That's funney...never knew him to sleep in a tree before" Lomien laughed sofly.
Ninquelote looked up at Seriph, amused, then turned to Abarhi, "My apologies for my lack of consideration for courtesy earlier. How have you been, old friend?"
Abarhi had aswell fallen asleep at the foot of the tree next to Celeste.
Nin saw Abarhi there and smiled, then stiffened. A change had come over the world, things that were meant to be constant had shifted, the insurrection had been sped by something, "Ullari, what have you done?" she breathed.
One of Lomien's eyes turned bright blue, then faded back to normal "He may soon attempt to build the gate"
In one swift step, Nin was kneeling at Abarhi's side, "Wake, old friend." she murmured, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Ullari has sped the impending darkness."
Abarhi woke with a start "Well then this should make things more interesting" he said with a sigh.
Nin nodded standing, "What must we do Abarhi?" she asked.
"We do not influence the events of this world." Pert said coming up behind Ninquelote.
Nin started at the new voice behind her, she turned to see one who looked no more than a child, but there was something different about her, "Who are you?" she asked Pert.
"Pert. I am Abarhi's twin sister." she said offhandedly, but she was waiting for Nin's reaction.
Nin looked at the girl who looked no more than twelve years of age, "How?"
Abarhi smiled well sis i'll let you back into your true form but only for alittle while...the damage done to you would cause irreparable damage if i alowed it any longer he whispered softly into Pert's mind. Soon after what was once a child now became a fully grown elven maiden with long blond flowing hair and the same eyes and features of her brother "Does that answer your question child?" Abarhi asked Nin softly.
Nin gaped as Pert was transformed from a human child, to a beautiful elf with the wisdom of ages in her eyes.
Per smiled amusedly at Nin's reaction, "Don't judge a book by its cover. Eh, milady?" she grinned.
"There will be a Deamonic incursion Nin" Abarhi said slowly, coming up behind pert and resting a hand on her "There is nothing really you can do now save for await it and fight it"
"Then help us." Nin peaded, "We need you Abarhi."
"We do not influnce the events of this world." Pert repeted herself.
Abarhi eyed Pert sternly "You forget though that i am Judge and guardian, one of the last one's in this world" he said to Pert "There is not much i can do on my own, if i had twelve others we could prevent the insurrection altogether...but alas that number does not exist anymore" he sighed.
"Then what can we do?" Nin asked him.
"The sooner you can predict where it will happen the quicker you can counter it...if it is indeed in the Dark army camp then we should strike them while the incursion is in progress" Abarhi sighed...this brought up to many memories that he didn't want to deal with.
Finally, Celest's eyes slowly fluttered open. As she lay there, she peered ep, seeing Seriph asleep in the branches above her. She then sat up, maybe a bit too quickly, for she caused herself dizziness. As she overcame her dizzy head, she noticed that the strange man had left, but also that there were two new elves there, speaking to Lomien and Nin. Deciding not to become dizzy again, she stayed sitting, but moved so she was leaning against the tree Seriph was dozing in.
"What shall we do?" Nin asked both Abarhi and Lomien.
Abarhi.......I've heard that name before.... Now slightly interested in the conversation, the troubled voice Nin was using, Celeste's ears perked up.
Lomien looked up into the tree "First i think somone need to wake up!" he said jumping up and kicking the tree hard enough to knock Seriph out.
Seriphim awoke with a start feeling himself falling did i fall asleep on the griffons again? he wondered before hitting the groud realizing who had put him there "Now what was that for?" he asked exsasperated.
Celeste screamed at the unexpected movement. Seeing as how she was leaning against the tree and sitting directly beneath Seriph, no one could dare to blame her when Seriph landed almost right on top of her.
Nin couldn't help but smile a little at the comotion, but her face sobered sooner than it usually would have.
Celeste jumped up quickly yelling "OW!" only to stumble and fall to the ground once again due to her dizziness. She then glared at Nin's laugh with dark brown eyes.
Abarhi cast an annoyed glance at the three of them for causing so much racket "Must you all carry on so much? And Celeste dear...please remember next time when you are so close to somone's ear...you have a high pitched scream" he sighed.
Lomien laughed alittle "Well then now that the two of you are awake...where did we leave off?"
Seriph growled in pain "Remind me never to do that again...especially when you want to wake me...yipe!!!...up.." he groaned, removing a branch that was sure to leave a nasty welt on him.
oi..I did scream didnt I... "Sorry, I didnt mean to Seriph." Celeste the threw an amazingly annoyed ~for her at least~ glance at Lomien, before she unexpectedly let loose a fireball at his chest....she didnt expect it either...oops...
Nin reacted subconsciously, subduing Celeste's consciousness in an instant, rendering her temporarily unable to use any of her powers.
Celeste gasped at the sudden feeling of helplessness. "Hey!...Erm...I mean sorry, I didn't mean to."
Sensing no ill intentions, Nin withdrew from her, "My apologies young one, I have no reason to suspect you of treachery, I reacted out of instinct."
Lomien stepped aside on the balls of his feet "Missed" he teased her.
Seriph and Abarhi eyed Lomien "Must you always play around?" the growled in unision, then looking at each other in amusement.
Celeste glared at Lomien with red eyes now. Becoming overly angered. She really didn't know what was going on, she felt as though she were still asleep and when she fired at Lomien, she saw herself move, but felt nothing, almost as if she were looking in from the outside...
Nin diabled Celeste's powers again, this time fully intending to do so, "You must learn to control yourself Celest." she said
Lomien smiled "Aww what;s the point of alittle anger if you can't let it out once in awile?" he said coyly to Nin casting off her hold of Celeste easily "Let it out young one...you won't hurt me" he said softly, not at all mockingly.
Celeste was scared. She really couldn't control her body. Her eyes were still flaming as se turned on Nin.
Nin side-steped, dodging Celeste's volleys nearly as easily as Lomien had.
Celeste finally gave in and totally gave up control to whatever this was. She did not really feel anger toward Nin or Lomien. So, she did not know what this was from. All she felt was as if she were being controlled by puppet strings. She let go and followed the puppet master's movements, lashing out at Lomien and Nin. Whats going on here? she asked herself in a strange far off voice.
I sense no intentions from her, what is going on? Nin asked Lomien as she dodged another volley from Celeste.
"Now we can begin training again" Lomien said to Celeste "Study closely" he said as lightning coalesced on his hands. He freed her completely from any control that had been placed on her.
She had been building up for an attack when Lomien released her. Because of this, the fire being released from her became sporadic and did not take its intended path, but burnt her and hit Seriph square in the chest.
An already sleepy Seriphim felt a dull thudd on his armour, sending him flying back into a tree "Ooooh what was that for?!?!?" he growled...a rather large branch resting on his head.
Lomien raised an eyebrow "Not bad" he said sending a series of fire bursts from his hands at her.
Now in full control, Celeste didnt know exactly what was going on. She heard Seriph mumbleing somewhere ff to the side, then saw the jets of flame coming toward her. When she was sure they would hit her, they did, but she felt nothing, then they almost reflected off of her and back at Lomien. Whater just happened to her, she felt much, much stronger than she had before. Following the reflection, she shot two jets at Lomiens legs, to knowck him off his feet and two more at his head and chest.
Abarhi raised an eyebrow, now clearly interested in what was going on....a rare thing to interest him it was.
Lomien smiled "Dissperse" he said, and as if on command the fire vanised "You use up alot of energy in that attack...energy that one of your calibre can ill afford to expend so quickly" as he said this lightning arched from his hand at her, the bolts where deceptive. They appeared to be very weak, when in reality they where strong enough to knock holes in the side of a war boat.
Celeste, breathing heavily, just barely managed to escape the lightening bolts, though she felt it's electricity flow through her, which caused a slight numbing throughout her body. She landed fairly hard near Seriph's feet, and was obviously still confused as to what exactly had happened only minutes earlier. She then rolled quickly out of the way as two of the bolts struck by her. She got up and counter attacked with a jeat of ice at his feet to cube them as well as his hands. The sudden switch of elements was new and unexpected, but she went with it and made to escape the onslaught of attack while Lomien burned his was through the thick ice.
"Well, well, well...What do we have here?" Walking into the forest clearing where the rest are gathered, emereges a fairly tall, elven like being. Built quite a bit more solidly, as he struts in like he owns the place. Kaiden looks about at all the group. "So, is this your idea of fun? Pffft, haha...all of you alliance members are the same. Fighting to see whos got betters skills...common...seriously?" A smugish, cocky grin breaks across kaidens face.
Celeste, startled, sent a blast of flame at the newcommer, quickly followed by a jet of har dice.
Lomien eyed the newcomer "If you would mock training than i would scarce think more than two words about you...no i do not do this for fun...you think i like getting my feet frozen off for fun??" Lomien replied with an arrogant air "Careful in your assumptions" he said breaking free of the ice "Celeste...i thought i was teaching you to use fire...no matter..." he said letting fly multiple blasts, landing to face Kaiden "Though i suppose it can be fun...." he said with a shrug.
Nin turned to eye the stranger, her long silver-white hair about her slender shoulders. She reached out subtly to him, attempting to read his intentions without alerting him, though her blue eyes grew silvery when she reached out through the spirit realm.
Tilting his head one way and doing a slight twirl like dance, evading the elemental attack. Taking a bow, then standing with legs shoulder width apart, crossing his arms, blowing some of his hair out of his face. "Hmph, a tad too slow there lady." Chuckling devilishly, then stating, "I'm not here to fight anyone, just admiring the waste of time you put into training." Being said sarcasticly and arrogantly. "Looks over at the silent one, feeling a weird vibe, slides with out effort, let alone making it look like he moved. stopping face to face with Nin. "Well, find anything interesting in my head? Or is invading personal privacy just a thing you enjoy doing?" His eyes fire up glaring deep into Nin's, anger starting a bit, then subsiding.
"One cannot live if one cannot learn, all the more true when one wishes to train to use untapped elemental potential on a battle level" Lomien said, looking not to kindly on his exchange with Nin careful what you tread on Dragonian...you may be powerful but you are far from immortal, i wish no fight, and despite my appearances i tend to avoide such things...rather bothersome if you ask me...however if you persist in what your mind and body suggest...beware he cautioned him mentally "Celeste learn to control your reactions....before you burn the forest down young one" he chided gently readying for another attack.
"I have not invaded the privacy of your mind, I am merely determining your intentions." Nin replied cooly, looking him up and down, "We cannot afford to be careless."
"Sorry, I really didnt mean to! And I didn't mean to go for ice either..." Seeing him prepare for another attack, she leapt toward him, firing upon him, ignoring the new commer's speech, and really slightly annoyed by it. So, she "accdently" sent a stream of ice at the newcommer's chest.
"Lazy" Lomien replied vanishing, reappearing behind her dealing a blow to her back "You must be aware at all times of your surroundings" he whispered into her ear.
Backing off from Nin, shrugging his shoulders, snorting a bit, blowing out a load of steam, literally. "Whatever, being careless sometimes can be the most fun part in life, living when you really have not lived to know what it is like to not have a care or kind thought for another being. I've learned, and naturally know alot more then most of you combined, but like that matters. I'm just here to suggest that I may possibly join your.."Ranks" if you will." Still smiling, Kaiden proudly steps around everyone, leaning against a tree watching them bored like. Suddenly being pinned to the tree from a blast of ice. "HEY! What the hell..cool off! or do you really want me to get hot headed!!" from this occurance, raising his internal core temperature, the ice melts at a rapid astonishing rate. "Don't EVER, do that again lady, and I'm not threatening, its a promise." Kaidens nose twitching, flaring up blasts of smoke shooting out, as his body steams from where the ice made contact.
Lomien let out an exasperated sigh "You should consider your own advice...i may not be as old as you but i have a friend here who i can guarentee is far older than any other being here, and i do know how to tame a Dragonian. You are more than welcome to join us should you chose to" he said casually.
Abarhi sighed "Leave me out of this" he said getting up, Kaiden's impacting on the tree having cured him of wanting to nap for the time being, glaring at them he turned to Kaiden "I don't believe we have been properly introduced....save by age" he said casting a wry grin at Lomien.
"Tame a Dragonian? Theres no such thing! But anyway." Rolling his eyes, Kaiden showing little enthusiasm towards Lomien. Kaiden merely looking at Abarhi, replying with such bitterness, "I dont care about pleseantries, just get to your damn point."
Celeste stumbled forward at the sharp blow to her back, suprised yet agan to see Lomien vanish and reappear behind her. She cringed and shivered at his whisper, then heard Kaiden's voice booming to the side. Maybe it's time I stop now...I don't want to lose myself again...
Lomien rolled his eyes "So taming is the wrong word...surpressing then?" he said giving kaiden's soul a slight tug, though it would feel like a white hot blade had sprung up inside him "Abarhi is an old coot, don't mind him" he said teasingly turning back to Kaiden "My point and his, is that you are welcomed to join if you wish"
Abarhi sighed "Kids" he grumbled searching for a new place to rest untill they where ready to leave.
"GET your stinking spirit grip out of me you ungrateful elvan!" Kaiden scolded not very impressed with this odd pain inside. " I dont care how you have hold of my soul, but let go of it before you really regret even doing such." Getting angrier, and more pissed with these antics, kaiden breaks from the spirit grip of lomien and turns to walk off. "This is exactly why I dont side with anyone, they have to try and make a damn point about nothing." Flaring his wings up, ignoring abarhi's comment, he jumps into a tree over looking everyone.
"Boy, you are as brash and arrogant as a Human youth" Lomien said, voice dripping in scorn "Think twice before you challenge an opponent...and for your sake i would gauge his abilities before you entice him to do somthing" he said sheathing Gurthang. Turning to Nin and the others "I shall be down at the ports making ready the fleet for sail. Till we meet again, Seriph lets go, Abarhi you coming or hanging around?" he asked walking off.
"You kidding me...yes i'm coming with" he said, pissed off that he hadn't been able to sleep hardly at all in the last week or so. Sheathing his ancient broad sword over his back he continued, the crest on his forehead glowing a faint sky blue. It was the crest of the Sentinel.
Nin sighed, "I will be along in a moment." she called after Lomien. "Do not mind him," she said, approaching Kaiden's tree, "he can be...difficult for some to get along with. Know that you are welcome to join the army of the Alliance."
Celeste just stood there at a loss. She did not really want to go down to the ports, yet she didnt find it too pleasurable to stay with Kaiden, whom she had just "attacked". Nevertheless, she stuck around and took a seat against the tree and made to examine her hands and arms, for the had been slightly burned during the training session.
"Hmph, I may be that, but I do know how to pick a fight, and I really wasnt aiming to pick one here, just to let you know, I may be "joining" your ranks...But I doubt that for now, I've got bigger fish to fry unlike you smolts." Snorts again, slinging Setsu-bodan to his back again, jumping down from the tree and puts his hand out to Lomienfor a gestured hand shake. "Hey, maybe next time old man, we could settle our little differences in a drinking game."
Lomien's ears perked alittle, glancing over to Nin "Now you're talking my language" he said with a smile, accepting the handshake "I am sorry for my temper....haven't exactly been in the best of moods being chased by Dark elf hordes and Ullari himself lately" he said casting a distainful glance at what remained of a Dark elf.
Nin gave Lomien a reproachful look, though she was smiling, then turned to Kaiden, "And what 'fish', my I ask, could be bigger than Ullari? He conquered nearly half of Arda in mere months, and he is a constant threat to what free lands remain. Who or what could you possibly be after than poses a more immediate threat?" Nin was not usually like this, but she was mildly irritated that Kaiden seemed to be making light of the situation.
"There are larger threats Nin" Lomien corrected "Much larger.....i hope you like fighting Deamons Kaiden...because the world is about to be submerged up to its ears in them" he said with a disgruntled sigh.
"Hey, all is forgiven, I know for one..that I can be head strong and ignorrant towards others and situations, but its my nature." Finishing the hand shake, with a grin. "Well, I do speak truth towards there being bigger fish to fry then Ullari, being of Deamon kind..try thinking big, and green, with horns all over...which so happened to have dominated my entire realm ansiel~em ra..." Kaiden looks away, quite angry at the tought, cleanghing his fist hard enough, that near by pebbles and rocks burst into dust. "Sorry, but keep in touch..here old man, take this. Its a dragonian hearth stone. Used back in the days for sending distant telepathic messages to those far away." *kaiden leaves ubruptly raising his arm and waving two fingers in the air with a salute.
Nin gazed at the place where Kaiden had stood moments before, "ansel~em ra..." she mused to herelf, "Who exactly is he, I wonder?"
Lomien returned the salute "ansiel em ra...hmm..long time since i heard that name" he thought to himself "It is forgive young one...you are entitled to be headstrong...just be careful with how you use it" he whispered quietly. Lomien kept the heartstone....he had in mind to reforge Gurthang as a more powerful blade...the psychic link that the heart stone provided meant he would be able to communicate in thought even on the battle feild....he decided he would replicate it first prefering to destroy a replica than gift from a new friend.
Nin sighed, "I understand that the impending incursion is of more immediate danger. It irked me that he seemed to make light of the threat that Ullari posed." she said softly.
" I make light of nothing, especially when involving such powerful foes." Kaiden winks at Nin, showing remorse. Turning as he walks backward facing Lomien. "Indeed my new friend. All of you take care. Catch you in a few days!" Kaiden quickly turns running out and jumps up as high as possible, breaking the tree canopy height spreading his wings out and soaring away.
Nin smile after him ever so slightly, "Until next time then." she murmured quietly.
Lomien smiled after Kaiden "Till we meet again young one" he said turning down the road to the sea.
Eldur looked up as Kaiden was leaving and his focus came back to the rest. He had not interfered for a while, yet he was watching everything. He liked the fach that Celeste was learning more about her powers that quickly, yet he was more fascinated by the twins. He sent to Abarhi an feeling of interest to attrack his attention, along with the image of him saying "Judge and Guardian" and also the question if his sister is something like that, too. He kept that conversation private only to the twins.
Abarhi smiled at the young elf yes young one, my sister and i are both what you know to be Judges, i am a Guardian...one of the few left he replyed to Eldur's question what are you interested in? now it was his turn to be inquisitive....thus was his nature though.
Pert looked over at Eldur, looking him up and down, "listening: to the mental exchange, still in her true form.
Abarhi walked over gently to Pert "How do you feel?" he asked her, reffering to her capacity to remain in her full form "I'm thinking that you won't be able to maintain this form for much longer without damage...but i will alow you to till you tell me otherwise"
Celeste still sat there, having some trouble with her burns, as she observed the events taking place around her.
Pert looked up at Abarhi, "I feel well, but if you think it best brother, you may change me back now." She had grown un acustomed to her true form, not uncomfortable, but unacustomed.
"Like i said...say when" he said softly to Pert walking over to Celeste "Trouble child?"
She looked up at the tall elf. "Umm..." She shook herself from her daze. "no, I'm fine. Just having a bit of an issue with these burns" She kinda arched back. "And I can feel one on my back as well...But Im alright, I'll get them eventually" She threw a bg smile at him, unable to keep her true self locked up any longer, going back into her trusting and gregarious self...though she knew it better to trust no one, that was just too hard for her...
Abarhi with a wave of his hand healed her burn wounds "Better?" he said half laughing and smiling at the same time.
Still amazed by things such as this, Celeste stared down at her hands and saw that even the slight scars from last time were gone. "Yes! Much better! Thanks!!" She threw on another ridiculously childish smile, but caught herself and straightened up giving a polite smile. "I mean, thank you very much sir."
Abarhi smiled "You are welcomed....and no need to chide yourself for childishness little one" he said tassling her hair.
Hating being treated as such a child, she stood up to her full height and looked him in the eye...though she had to crane her head back quite a bit to do so. She meant to say something ride, but was too intimidated, so turned on her heel and began to stalk off to work with her sword instead.
Pert smirked amusedly, "Quite a temper that young one has on her. She reminds me a little of Rayne." she said to her brother.
Celeste pulled out her sword and began taking her always pent up anger out on the air around her. I really need to learn to not bottle myself up...I say that grgarious easy going girl is really me...but its only a mask I wear... she thought.
Abarhi smiled at her amused at her reaction
Eldur watched Celeste and then answered Abarhi's question, keeping the conversation between the same people. "I am highly interested in magic in all its forms, ang more in the field of the spiritual realm. I feel something different about you both, though neither good nor bad, but maybe you could help me explain something about myself. There are times, which I cannot control, that I am highly connected with the spiritual realm, I dare say almost be the realm myself. At those times, my powers become extremely more than usually, yet I do not know the reason of that. do you happen to know something about that, elder ones?". Eldur passed this message along with pictures, feelings, events and anything that had happened to him so far referring to that.
Abarhi nodded the element that grants you the use of the spirit realm is by nature unpredictable...your power fluctuates with time, concetration and will with the occasional influence from a spirit entity itself even, feel free to ask anything of me young one...that is what i do and is inpart why i exist
Pert looked over at Abarhi, a familiar feeling creeping over her, "I believe it is time that you changed me back brother." she said softly, placing a long fingered hand on his shoulder.
"Very well" he said. With a wave of his hand pert was restored to her child form...though she looked now more like a youing elf maiden than the vagabond wolf girl from Ullari's tent.
"Not the wolf-child, brother?" Pert asked Abarhi, looking down at her new form.
"If you want to look like a wolf child then i will change you into the desired form....i thought you wanted to look like an elf for once...and not quite a child either" he smiled looking down at her.
Pert smiled, "No brother, this is just fine. I just thought Ullari would be surprised is all."
Finally, Celeste sheathed her sword and rejoined the others.
Seriphim smiled over at Pert "You always where the strange one....then again your brother is also strange as well...peculiar.." he said pretending to ignore Abarhi...somthing he knew irked him. He took such liberty only because he had known Abarhi since birth.
Abarhi raised an eyebrow at the two "You know i don't like that" he sighed turning to Celeste "Satisfied with your practice session young one?" he asked looking around for Lomien and Nin, remembering the former was probably half way done with loading up the wood elves onto their respective boats.
"Yes, somewhat." As she flicked a strand of hair away from her face and straigtened her clothes.
"Of course we are strange." Pert laughed putting an arm around Abarhi's waist, a musical laugh, like the ringing of many small bells, "Ninquelote followed Lomien." she told her brother, just a little while ago, down to the boats.
"And i told Lomien i'd accompany him on the boats....i hate boats" Abarhi groaned, his distain visible "Seriph whatever happened to that little mission of yours you where putting together?"
Seriph shot a glare at Abarhi "It is in the works motor mouth now pipe down!" he hissed, smacking him over the back of the head "The last thing i need is curious eyes following me around!" he growled.
Celeste shot a wondering glance at Seriph.
"Oh, now, names are not nice boys." Pert joked with another bell-like laugh.
Seriph smiled at Celeste "No worries little one....this one just forgot how to keep his big yap shut" he said walking over to a horse and saddling it, making sure that a particular leather bag was securely fastened to the front of the saddle.
"Hmm." Celeste eyed him somewhat suspiciously as he secured his bags.
Nin smiled a little, amused by Abarhi and Pert, they were an odd pair. "We should all go." She said to the group, then turned to follow Lomien down to the docks.
Abarhi and Pert turned to follow, and Seriph took the rear, leading his horse.
Still wondering about that bag, Celeste realized the rest of the group had started down to the docks. She hurried to catch up to them. When she did, she stayed behind everyone and subconciously flicked fire on and off in her hand.
Seriph siddling up beside Celeste "Careful, a forest fire is no fun putting out" he teased riding on.
Suprised, Celeste stopped and crossed her arms, kind of glaring at Seriphs joking.
Return to Telpurion
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