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In the Shadows of the Soul IC
The small town of Stoneglen lay spread below. The houses, made from wood or hewn stone, lay along a single narrow, muddy track that led north and east, skirting the borders of the wood that lay to the north and west. The forest itself, vast, dark, and foreboding pressed close to the wooden palisade that surrounded the town, a barrier against the encroachment of the wilds. Why the villagers had not cleared a wider space in that direction was unclear. Perhaps they had tried, but some feeling from the primordial forest had halted their encroachment. To the south and to the east, the village's fields and pastures ran. Corn and wheat grew in long, straight rows, though only the empty stalks and stems remained now, the harvest having passed but recently. The animals cropped at the grass in their pens, mostly goats, sheep, and cattle. Here, on the edge of what the Empire considered civilization, it seemed as if the domestic creatures man had brought with him were skittish. The animals looked up often from their grazing, and perhaps it was merely a trick of the mind, but it seemed that even their dumb gazes traveled towards the forest more than mere random chance would dictate.
Inside the palisade itself stood enough homes for perhaps two hundred folk, all told. A single inn was the second largest structure in the village, with the modest chapel being the greatest. This latter was one of the few building crafted entirely out of stone, with only the inn and one or two of the houses bearing that same distinction. It appeared that the most prosperous and well-appointed houses were set close to the part of the road that ran through the town, furthest from the wall. The Inn stood southernmost along the road, a pair of green glass lanterns burning in front, while the chapel stood northernmost of all the town's buildings.
Inside the inn was where the travelers had been directed to meet their contact. Inside was an eclectic mix of travelers and villagers. Most of the former were merchants, and they occupied a few tables along one wall, all pulled together and swapping news from different corners of the vast empire. One of them was even a man from the Caliph states, and he listened silently, only occasionally grunting or spouting a few monosyllabic phrases in broken Imperial. Scattered throughout the rest of the bar were a few groups of locals. Men of ages ranging from young teenagers just sprouting beards to a trio of grizzled graybeards sat drinking, speaking of various topics of local interest. Most of them were either farmers, or else somehow made their living from the forest, be it as hunters, trappers, woodcutters or the like. The barkeep, a tall, heavily muscled woman with raven hair and a handsome but fierce face, poured drinks to those at the bar. A trio of younger girls moved through the bar, serving drinks to those seated at the tables. A fire burned in the hearth, over which a large stag roasted slowly, dripping sizzling fat into the fire. She seemed to have been given prior instructions by the informant, for each person who arrived to see him was directed to a small, curtained-off section in the back. She gave the same short instructions to each of them, accompanied by a curt gesture.
"Aye, I was told you'd be coming. Your employer said you were to meet one another, and you'll be served food and drink. He'll fill you in on the rest of the details after you've had a bit of comfort. Some of you've traveled long, I expect."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
He waved his hand, his fingers fluttered from out of his cloak, but quickly drifted back into the cloth. Lou stood at the not-so-impressive height of five-seven,but he was still fairly attractive. His blond hair lay lazily in front of his bright violet eyes, but did not hinder their beauty. In fact, the seemed to only emphasize their brilliant color.
He said not a single word while he traveled to his seat. His violet eyes scanned the scenery. It was worn in, that was the nice way to put it. Homey, if you were in a good mood. He was the first, then? Well, that much was expecting seeing as how he lived only a few miles away. Hopefully the others would come soon...
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon Novala
Several minutes pass and the door opens again, this time to admit a waifish looking woman. Her blonde hair is limp and damp, plastered against her head. Her eyes are sunken, and surrounded by dark circles, as if she's neither eaten nor slept well in months. The ice blue irises stare out of her face with a haunted look, and she never seems to look someone in the eye for long. He face is thin and pinched, although it's hard to tell precisely how thin she is, due to the polished and well-kept armor of an acolyte of the Church of Light and Flame that encases her body. Apparently in her early twenties, she seems a bit old to be ranked so lowly. The emblem of her service as an acolyte of the Blessed Flame hangs prominently around her neck, the enameled silver polished to within an inch of its life. A longsword rides at one hip, looking well-used, if the hilt is to be any indication. She enters the room, looking about with a sigh, and settles herself in a corner, looking to the only other occupant. "The others are not here yet, then?" she asks. "Or is it to be simply two?"
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Azathul
The third to arrive is a rarity in the Empire's lands, or indeed almost anywhere: a dwarf. He (presumably) is clad in thick plates of armor, heavier than anything most humans would wear. The armor is clearly of fine make, coated in bronze and engraved with simple, runic patterns. The helm covers most of his face, leaving only the eyes and mouth really visible. And the beard, which hangs down the armor in front of a bronzed pattern that seems to resemble a long, ornate beard, every line straight as dwarven carving usually is. On his back is slung a large hammer, too big to easily wield in one hand, and several more hammers hang from his belt.
The burnished bronze armor gleams in the firelight as the dwarf moves to the bar, evoking feelings and thoughts of feast-halls under the mountains, lit by great fires. He gives his purpose in a few grunted words, as if reluctant to speak more than he has to, and enters the curtained area. He surveys the other two, mouth shaped in a dour frown, then gives an ambiguous grunt and seats himself, dark eyes impossible to read behind the helmet.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven Kronish
Seven opens the door gently and closes it equally gently behind herself. No point in using unnecessary force on inanimate objects. She runs a hand through unruly brown hair that hangs just past her shoulders to get it out of her face. Her 5 foot, eight inch frame is covered with a shimmery suit of breastplate armor that has either never seen action or been meticulously cared for. The skin of her face has a light cast to it, but is tanned, probably from spending a great deal of time outdoors. Over the armor, she wears a cloak lined with some kind of brown-grey-mottled white fur, probably pieced together from several different animals. The outside of the cloak is just a plain brown cloth.
The more pertinent detail is probably the rather large sword she is carrying. She has it in a completely plain scabbard and is about as long as she is tall. The hilt is not terribly exceptional - just a plain, leather wrapped grip large enough for two hands - but has clearly seen use if the stains on the leather are to be trusted. The end of a longbow sticks out under the cloak.
She scans the room with skeptical brown eyes as the barkeep directs her. With a wordless nod, she completes her scan before moving with a purposeful stride to the indicated table and taking the closest available seat. I wonder if Master Lytton knew there would be others. He certainly didn't tell me if he did. She leans her sword against the table, fully aware that it will probably get in the way and not caring one iota. She puts her right hand, covered in a studded leather gauntlet that matches the one on her left, on the table and stifles the urge to drum her fingers. Then she leans back into the chair a little, relaxing into what is probably a deceptively lazy pose.
Wearing a short-sleeved shirt under her armor means that the flesh of her elbows show, and her right elbow has curving black line tattoos across it. "Hello," she nods her head to the rest of the people at the table politely. No point in starting off on the wrong foot with anyone. Who knows who they'll turn out to be?
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
"Apparently not, eh?" He says to Novala, his hair falling to the side of his face with a quick snap of his neck. It was now that one could see his whole face, and in this moment any teeny-booper would probably die knowing their life was fulfilled. Lou looked like any teen aged girl's fantasy. Well, if it wasn't for his small stature. You know the look. The one where the guy looks more like a woman than a man? Lou was almost the epitome of that look.
"But really, I've got to say, I didn't expect this much. I mean, they already got me." he says, his brilliant teeth flashing through with a smirk. "I kid, I kid. So... Let's not have this be awkward. Maybe we should go around the room saying our name and describe ourselves in one word." He says, grinning even more while balancing his chair on the two back pegs.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Silien
"Silien. Superior."
The rather dry an heartless voice had come from the doorway as the next person to receive this job offer arrived to meet with her fellow workers. Already she was in a foul mood just from having to come to this man-ape infested building, most likely to meet with more men-apes. If Silien listened carefully, she was sure she could still hear the dark comments and questions coming from the common room and it almost made her growl in disgust.
It didn't take much for someone to notice why the xenophobic humans had taken to muttering behind her back. The lithe figure and gently tapering ears all but screamed that she was one of the fair elves but even then, something just screamed that she was...different. A slender longsword was belted at her waist seemed of similar design to her rich blue cloak and the circlet atop the crown of her head. Plain brown hair had been woven into multiple braids before being pulled back into one large ponytail that went through the circlet. Silien was dressed only in a plain leather jerkin with the sleeves and most of the bottom part tastefully removed from it. A bracer on her right arm seemed oddly out of place when compared to the two golden bracelets on the other side. Other then that she had on a pair of matching leather pants. What most drew the eye...were her tattoos. The elven woman's body seemed to be covered with them. Graceful and flowing designs of diagrams and objects, almost arcane in their perplexity. Up along her arms, bottom of her neck and all the way down if the presence of more at her navel were any indication. Those weren't all the things she had done either, at least four earrings had been place in her ear, two in her right eyebrow, a stud through the right side of her nose, another ring through her bottom lip, and the last one actually in her navel.
With a groan, she dropped her pack by the door and took one of the empty seats furthest away from the others. Silien was smaller then most of the others, fragile looking almost, but something smoldered in her amber eyes. Indignity almost, but also a healthy sense of caution as she saw the various people associated with the church...and also a dwarf.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
Of a height with Lou, although it's hard to be certain when they're both seated, the acolyte replies politely enough to the other woman's greeting, "Hello to you." One eyebrow arches at the presence of the dwarf, unsure what to make of the silent and surly appearing non-human.
When Lou finishes his speech, she looks at him briefly before her eyes return to study the table. "Are you not going to start, since it was your suggestion?" She starts at the comment from the doorway, and gives the elf woman an appraising glance before again returning her attention to the table before her.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
"Heh." Seven snorts at the elf's response, but it comes out as more of a chuckle. "I'm not the kind to look for a one-word answer to a question as complex as that. I'm Seven, and well met to you all."
She looks over each person critically, avoiding staring at any of them while assessing their likely skills based upon their appearances. It's almost like a game on one level. Because she knows that appearances can be deceiving, and it's always entertaining to learn that someone is something completely different from what their appearance presents. Still, accouterments are often revealing enough to get an impression. Mages don't wear armor, and sellswords don't carry spellbooks, after all. Well, most of them don't, anyway.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
"Seven?" she asks with surprise, looking to the armored woman briefly. "Is that your birth name or some sort of alias? I'm Rhiannon, incidentally."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
How many damn times will I have to answer that kind of question? Is that your real name? Is it some kind of codename? Are there One through Six? Is there an Eight? She suppresses memories of some of the more unpleasant ways in which people had queried about her name and just nods.
"It's my birth name. Very normal type of name where I come from. Yours'd be out of place there."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
"Not from the Empire then?" she asks. Her question holds no malice or the usual arrogance members of the church hierarchy take when addressing those from outside the fold, just simple curiosity.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Azathul
The dwarf glances up briefly at each new arrival, his helm making it difficult to see what he thinks of them. His frown is not quite so sour, and he seems almost to be inspecting each person's possessions; judging their make and how well they are maintained. What he thinks of the people is difficult to tell. Except, perhaps predictably, for the elf; his frown deepens noticeably at her entrance. And at her claim to superiority.
"Azathul," he says in deep tones as names are given, offering nothing further than that. He does not sound terribly interested in giving more about himself. Having given each of the others as much inspection as he cares to, he begins studying the table and other innocuous objects.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Seven shrugs. "Not originally, no. Of late, yes." Her left hand moves up to rub the back of her neck lightly for a moment. It is possible that the movement may be subconscious, as she stops rather abruptly after a few seconds and drops the hand back into her lap. Then she grins a bit. "Are transplants acceptable in the eyes of the Church?"
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
The acolyte nods, "Of course, all who wish to embrace the Radiant Light and Blessed Flame are welcome, if their hearts are pure. Even dwarves and elves." She gestures briefly at the two in the room, although she sounds almost bitter as she speaks of pure hearts.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Azathul
The dwarf snorts at those last words, breaking his silence. "We would not, human. The World-Maker made us, and he made the world, and our reverence goes to him," he rumbles, the slight scorn of his first words replaced with a reverent dignity for the spacr of a sentence. "No dwarf would forsake that." Apparently done with speech, he examines Seven for a moment, particularly her fur cloak.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Seven begins by grinning broadly. By the time Azathul is finished speaking, though, she is unable to continue containing a throaty laugh. "I don't think anyone has ever entertained the notion I might be 'pure' in any sense of the word ever before, miss." She returns to the grin, obviously finding the subject very amusing. If she picks up on the bitterness in Rhiannon's words, it isn't apparent. "You can keep your lights and fires all to yourself. I will refrain from sullying them."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
The words of the others fly over Lou's pointed, but hidden ears without him even realizing that he was still in the conversation. At the moment he seemed quite more interested in balancing perfectly on the back two pegs of his chair, and for the most part he was quite successful. As the words drone on, he looks up, his hair falling back into his face.
"Interesting, really it is. So yeah, you can call me Lou, and I'd say that to best describe me in one word is difficult, but if I had to choose just one? I'd go with "useful". Whaddya think?" he says, to no one in particular. In fact, he hadn't even caught the names of the others. He simply asked for them.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
"As you wish," she says quietly, not looking at either dwarf or human woman. Instead she turns her attention to Lou. "I would say that whether or not useful is an apt description remains to be seen."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
It is, in the midst of these conversations, that a jaunty tune begins to arise as the last of the party makes an approach towards the tavern. A pair of sapphire eyes happily shift and contort amidst a wonderfully featured face, as long, black hair dances with it. Under this head is, unsurprisingly, a body that follows it elegantly and gracefully. Were one to look at this creature for long enough, the proper word might be impish, especially considering its character. His character. Iacchus's character. "Early one morning before the sun did rise, and the birds sang their sweat song, the mountain troll proposed to the fair squire, and she had a false, deceitful tongue. Sir Maaannelig, Sir Mannelig, won't you marry me, for that I'll gladly give yo-Oh!" A drunkard, who had stumbled outside to pour his well-paid for drinks on the ground as to taste them twice, caused the strange little man to pause, his words audible to those outside.
"Well well... What have we here... Old lout, binged his drink. Can't handle it, eh? Can't say I blame you. Liquids. Foul stuff. Never know what they're going to do. Personally, I think they're out to get us all." And with a wicked smirk, he kicks over a bucket nearby that had sat out and collected rainwater a few days earlier, letting it clang on the man's head as it emptied its contents. "Oh my, my! That nasty, cruel bucket of water attacked you! Quick! Hide your face!" And swiftly, before the man can respond, Iacchus jumps and pushes his meager body weight down on the bucket, pushing the man face-first into a mixture of mud, grass, and his own vomit. The devious little creature just laughs excessively and loudly, before walking towards the door, reaching up to click the handle and step inside, still hooting by the time he gets in.
Iacchus, having missed the introductions, ignores the others and walks up to the barkeep. An odd mix of finery and jesting, he is clad in a few pieces of jewelery and a bright golden vest, but under which is a red fool's shirt, with purple sleeves that extend to his hands, which are covered in black leather gloves. His pants are of a like color, and his feet are wrapped in canvas with thick wooden soles on them. "I-Innkeeper! Ha ha ha! A pint and some cinnamon! And a cloth for my friend out there! Bwahahah!" Soon, the strange sprite is nearly falling off his chair with laughter at his own wicked humor.
((This song is one of the inspirations for his behaviour. And just so you know, the song he was singing was Herr Mannelig))
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
Ignoring the newcomer, except for the small twitch in his left eye, he spun on the two back legs of chair so that he was facing Rhiannon. The twitch was either gone, or very well hidden because his face was smooth and attractive just as it had been when he walked in.
He wasn't quite sure which way he turned, but he new that he was, in fact, facing her. With a playful smile and a wink, "Okay, well my next one would've been "pretty". That's a safe bet, am I right? Or am I right?"
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In the Shadows of the Soul IC
The elf's lip twitched with disgust at the mention of possibly subverting the worship of a being who gave her life, to that of the idealistic dribble of the humans was revolting. "I have to agree with Master Azathul in this manner, no true pure-blooded elf would forsake Valena or Valorus for the...corrupted shambles of religion that you humans have set up."
At the word human her lip began to curl again but this time she supressed her feelings on the subject and resolved to simply...relax until this other had joined them and spoke his peace. "I have to wonder why a clergywoman such as yourself is traveling the country though, I would think you'd be hidden away until such a time that the 'darkness' could no longer sway your heart."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
The last bit made Lou's ears perk up. Just a bit, anyways. He had changed from not caring about the situation in the slightest to just not caring. If you could call that a change. They were talking about Valena and Valorus? And it was in that moment that Lou realized their were non-humans at the table. It had been awhile since he had actually dealt with them, and Silien's soft features brought back kind memories. Memories back when his life was different. A kind smile washed over his face and he interjected.
"Let's put away the claws, but really, you just met these people. Save the converting for when we're drunk and vulnerable."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
"My reasons for traveling are my own," she replies to the arrogant elf, inwardly relieved at a chance to avoid answering the question of attractiveness. "Suffice to say, I find it unlikely that any darkness greater than that which I already carry will afflict me." Addressing Lou again, she offers a wry, weak, smile. "I'm no good at converting anyone, I'm afraid. I simply answered a question."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
"Great! We shouldn't have a problem them. I told that Rainard to only bring people that would get along, you know inner conflict is bad for business. That's what I tells him, but what does he do? Bring a church offical, of all people, to work with a couple of elves and dwarf? Not that I got anything against the church, let that be known that I'm all for tolerance. But really, this is just gonna stew, and it's a darn good start ain't it?" he rambles, not sure whether people are listening or not.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
She seems surprised at Lou's commentary. "I assure you, I shall cause no problems. And I'm not an 'official'. I'm only an acolyte and not a very good one at that."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Silien
"You are very gregarious, aren't you? Is it the love of the sound of your voice or some deeper compulsion that drives you to make noise?" Silien asked calmly, closing her eyes and tilting her head back to stare up at the ceiling. The elf hadn't caught the look that Lou had given her or seem very interested in the response she had gotten from the priestess...but then again she was extraordinarily gifted at looking un-caring these days.
Nor was she trying to be rude to Lou with her comment, it had come with a sort of...latent curiousty to it. Like someone who had discovered a curious plant and wanted to know one of it's many secrets.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Still incredibly amused by the situation, Seven sits back and laces her fingers together, putting her hands behind her head and watching as the personalities show. There is some talk about this being a 'group', which perks her interest, for sure. She didn't know she was coming here to work with a group of people. But as the man of the hour hadn't made his presence known yet, there is hardly any reason to rush with the gathering of mission parameters here. Especially as it's all likely to be second hand or hearsay until this mysterious Rainard spills his beans all over them.
She just keeps grinning. This group of people are likely to be an endless source of entertainment. And not a one of them seems like anything she'd call a 'threat'. Which just makes it all the better. If she's actually going to be guarding at least some of these people (which is the only possible arrangement that seems likely to her), then her employer had chosen a pretty darn good assignment for her, or so it seems.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
"Ahhh, cheer up girl. This world was made for people to work. And for those of us smart enough to slip by undetected. So religion isn't you're thing. Don't worry, don't tell nobody, but if you ask me, religion should be the last thing anyone is worried about. Causes too much trouble. Let me be burned like a martyr if you disagree, but it's the truth. Remember it." And as the last word left his lips, he pushed off the ground, and leaned back into the two legs in perfect balance. What a weird character.
EDIT:
"Oh, you're a clever one. Really, that hurt me to the core." He says, his eyes darting to Silien. He noted to not assume that because you're the same race people would be any nicer to you. Lord knows they should, but they won't. This damn world needs more kindness.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
The evening tavern noises continue as the group gets acquainted. Perhaps an hour passes. Outside, night falls fully. After the plates have been cleared away, the barkeep slips behind the curtain. She nods at all of you, her face still set in a tough, no-nonsense expression. She speaks in a gruff voice, low enough that those in the rest of the tavern can't hear. You notice that she carries a short, heavy club at her belt, made of polished oak, an item many call the barkeep's best friend. She's dressed in long, tight-fitting trousers, a rough wool shirt, and a leather vest, all in brown, save for the vest, which is black.
"All right. The fella who told you to meet here... well, he isn't here right now, per se. Seems he's real concerned about privacy. I don't ask questions. That's not good for business around here. But I was paid well to see to you and see that you got a certain message. He wanted me to tell you that you're to meet him in the forest. He said that there's a certain cave a few miles inside the woods. He wants you to slip out the north gate, nice and quiet-like, and meet him there. If you follow the edge of the forest, you'll find a small trail. Hard to see, but it's there. You follow that, it will take you right to the cave. He'll be waiting for you there.
You'd best be careful. That Rainard fellow looked like he could handle himself, but there's a reason the wall's there, and there's a reason most folk's don't leave the forest after nightfall. Strange things turn up every now and then from out of the wood. and most of them aren't friendly. Be wary when you go in."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Huh. Interesting. Seven stands up and nods to the woman. No sense waiting here when the meet had been changed to out there someplace. She picks up her sword and puts her chair back as she found it. "I'll take point. Azathul, you seem like a rearguard kinda guy. The rest of you best arrange yourselves in some fashion in the middle. I have a horse, and she can carry two if need be. Does anyone else have one?"
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
"Ahh, best news I heard all day. I would love to ride with a lady as beautiful as yourself." He winks, his violet eyes beaming as he stands up and stretches his arms out.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Azathul
Azathul grunts slightly as the woman mentioned the danger. He'd come from the north, and knew very well what it was like. If these folk thought the woods on the borders of their empire perilous... bah. Still, a small mistake in the forging could ruin a work as completely as a large one. He clears his throat. "Can you see in the dark under the trees, Seven? A vanguard must be able to see her foe."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
"I can provide light," the acolyte says timidly. "And I have a horse."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
The woman grins at Azathul. If he thinks to ask a question like that, then he probably knows what the heck he's talking about, which is good. Nothing puts a damper on the day like working with rookies. "Nope. But I know how to be point. If you do, too, well, you want the job, then go for it. I'll take the rear. And," she looks to Rhiannon, "you save your lights for a fight. If we actually come across something, we'll want to see it. Until then, if we have light, then they can see us. Perfect if you like being archery targets."
She turns to go, waving Lou with her as she heads for the door. And she is still grinning. "C'mon, Lou. I'll introduce you to my horse. Her name is Gingersnap."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
She nods understanding to the warrior woman, who appears eager and capable of taking control of the situation. An expression of relief crosses her face as she stands, and follows the others outside, to where a dapple grey horse is tethered. A crossbow hangs from the saddle-horn and the saddlebags appear well supplied. She pats the animal's neck briefly before mounting. "Windstorm can carry another," she offers, "if any wish to ride."
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In the Shadows of the Soul
Silien
"Hmph...Rhiannon perhaps I can ride with you on the way to our meeting." Silien said softly raising from her chair and shouldering her pack. After checking to make sure that her sword was belted on securely, the elf woman rolled her eyes at Lou. Humans were so touchy...
But then again she had to admit that her own attitude towards the slave-races was less then forgiving. Without too much warning she approached the dappled horse and delicately clambered up behind the acolyte on the beast. Just how she sat in the saddle was a clear indicator that she didn't have a good idea of how to ride.
Spoiler
Show
I thought Lou was hiding his ears and other signs of elfness...
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
"I know you guys can't see it, but at the moment, I'm really excited for this. Like actually..." He says, looking for Gingersnap and retrieving his bow and saber. He didn't like to drink with them around. However judgmental the people around here were, his weapons were twice that. And they had actually seen the atrocities of Lou's past.
"And really, it's a cute name. Much better than some others I can think of off the top of my head." He glances over to Rhiannon with a sly grin. I mean really, Windstorm? For a pet? How serious can you get?
Spoiler
Show
I read that spoiler just after I PMed you, sorry CdT
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
The acolyte shrugs. "I didn't name her, I only paid for her. Didn't seem a point in changing the name she came with." She is mildly surprised that the elf will choose to ride with her after the discussion in the tavern, but accepts gracefully enough. "If you shift a bit more to your right, you might feel a little more secure, Silien."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Silien
Figures that she would have gotten into the saddle wrong. Following the gracefully offered help she shifted a bit to the right and glance to the one 'driving' the horse.
"Is this the proper technique? The last thing I wish is to plummet off a horse because I can't secure myself in a saddle...And I apologize for my rudeness towards your religion...you most likely didn't chose it, much like you didn't chose to be human." The words offered where...kindly enough even though a bit off-seating, but one could tell that Silien meant well with it. With a glance towards Lou she began to reassess her opinion of the elf...at first she had merely considered him a half-elf at best but he seemed to be the real deal...but what court did he fall under? It could be a dangerous topic...
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Gingersnap turns out to be a very large, very tall horse. No wonder Seven said she could carry two. The beast could probably carry three or four. Obviously built for strength and endurance, the sorrel warhorse stamps and snorts as a greeting. "Gingersnap, this is Lou." Seven puts hand on the horse's nose and rubs it a couple of times. "Sorry, no time for treats now. We're on a mission." She nods to Lou, a gesture to indicate he should approach.
"She's a sweetheart, really. Just because she's crushed the skulls of more men than I can count, that's no reason to be afraid of her." Seven grins impishly at Lou and moves around to swing herself up into the saddle. She offers Lou a hand to help him up if he wants. "'Course, can't say how much that really means. I can only count so high. There's one, two, three, a bunch, and a whole lot." As she's still grinning, it's possible that she's joking.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
His attention snaps to the monstrosity before him and he stares in wonder up at the beast. It was definitely larger than him, and he had a strong urge to ride a different horse... or even walk. Yet he resisted, and thankfully grabbed Seven's hand and hoisted himself up.
His elbows cracked as he lifted his body weight, obviously a sign that he was "useful" for other reasons than physical brawn, but it probably went unnoticed. Climbing aboard, he wiped his hand across his forehead pretending to be tired and strained. After the act, he looked up with a sheepish grin and said, "You know, under normal circumstances, I'd think you were jokin', but I got a good look at that sword back at the tavern. Not too sure anymore." His grin was large and friendly, emphasized by his massive twinkling eyes. Damn, why was this guy so friendly? Definitely had some kinda problem.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
Shrugging again she replies to the elf at her back, "You should be fine now, just hold on to me and you won't fall. And it's all right. I didn't take offense. And as to whether or not I chose my religion-- that's complicated. Maybe I'll tell you sometime. You're bound to find out eventually. Just-- not right now. Although that reminds me-- I know this will sound very strange, but if I tell you to let go, you'll want to let go of me. I wouldn't want you to get hurt."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Iacchus, who, in the meantime, had been drinking down a mixture of ale and cinnamon at first but then switch to cider after his first pint, is curious as to what's going on. He isn't certain the declaration earlier was directed at him, but his curiousity would never be satisfied if he didn't find out. Spinning rapidly on his bar stool for a moment, he eventually jumps off and throws a silver piece to the bartender for his services. On silent toes, he follows the others outside, and watches the horses with a curious glint in his amethyst eyes. Unable to resist getting the group's attention, he directs a glance towards the next horse in the stable and frowns at it momentarily, as if it were a painting and he was trying to divine from it some fine detail that others so commonly missed. With this done, he then picks up a small stone, takes aim, and whips it accurately so that it skips off the horse's backside.
Spoiler
Show
Using Inspire Fear on the horse next to them to make it go nuts. All a part of being a professional pain-in-the-butt
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
As the group rides northward, you can hear the horse behind you begin to kick at the walls of its stalls, neighing in panic. The sound of wood splintering is accompanied by shouts from the tavern as a knot of several merchants scrambles out to look at the trouble, and you can hear their cries of consternation as you travel out of the north gate, heading to the northwest, towards the eaves of the forest.
A deep, thick mist swirls about the feet of your horses, the eddying as they walk through it. Your beasts seem skittish as you approach the eaves of the forest. Before you is a wall of darkness. The shadows pool thickly beneath the branches, and the forest is oddly silent of the usual night-noises. The trees here are mostly tall, towering oaks, though ashes and other species also rise here and there. No moonlight penetrates more than a few feet into the forest, and the interior is completely black. Or perhaps more than that. The darkness is not simple, normal absence of light... it seems to be the opposite, a darkness which swallows light, which gnaws hungrily at the edges of illumination. Even those of you with the ability to see in pitch darkness can only see half as far, and even then the darkness seems to be attempting to encroach on your vision, to swathe you in blackness. You can hear the occasional rustle of the underbrush as some small, furtive creature moves through the thick growth, and now and again a small shape will dart across the path. The flitting shadows suggest nothing out of the ordinary, but something in the proportions, or perhaps the movements of the creatures strikes you as unwholesome. Every now and then, a heavier crashing comes from within the deeper parts of the forest, as some unseen creature moves heavily through the thick woods.
The path is here, and as you approach, you notice that a small arrow has been carved into one of the trees. The mark looks fresh, no more than a few hours old. It points down the path. You enter the forest warily, but all seems well, aside from the deep shadows that obscure your sight. You travel further and further into the shadowy forest, and you can almost feel the woods watching you. The heavy rustlings in the underbrush grow more and more pronounced. In the distance, you hear a wolf howl, and then another, and another, all taking up the hunting call of the pack. It would be almost cliche, if the sound weren't so chilling. However, nothing more waylays you, and you continue your travels without any other problems, though your horses still seem nervous. The track is rough and uneven, and red eyes watch you from the undergrowth, only to disappear suddenly, to be replaced by others. Soft chittering speaks of small rodents moving. The canopy above you continues to blot out all light of the moon and stars, and the blackness is oppressive. At last, as it seems you can take no more, you see a light up ahead. A cave entrance, illuminated from within by firelight. You cannot see in very far, as the tunnel makes a sharp turn, but the light of the flame seems welcoming after the darkness of the wood.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Azathul
The dwarf mutters something in his own tongue as they enter the woods, sitting uncomfortable on his newly purchased horse, a black beast that looks as though it could have served as a draft horse. Clearly, the dwarf is not used to riding, and the horse is not used to having such a concentrated weight on its back. But it is the dark that seems to disturb the dwarf most; as the light fades under the trees, he mutters back to the others, "Beware. The shadows are too thick. I do not trust the dark tonight." He keeps a watchful eye out, wondering if the light-eyed folk could even see the trees; elves had better night-eyes than humans, but still not as good as dwarven eyes in dark places.
As they reach the outside of the cave, he halts. He was more comfortable with stone over his head than trees or the open sky, but that did not mean that all underground places could be trusted. Odd things made their homes in holes under the earth. Still, the cave is where they were told to meet the human who had called them here, and there was no sense delaying. Dismounting, he moves for the cave entrance.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Riding at the back, Seven spends much of the journey with one hand on her horse's neck, patting it gently and making soothing noises. She didn't usually ride in the dark, and the attempts at calming the horse have a mildly beneficial effect on her own nerves. She grips her sword despite the scabbard being lashed securely to the saddle, but does not unsheathe the blade itself, anyway. Were they merely walking, the blade would be free and she might well be jumping at every sound. I do not trust the dark any night.
Darkness is the bastion of things that enjoy eating humans, of creatures with an advantage. It is rarely a friend, and even when it is, treachery is rampant. Her people built great fires on the darkest nights to ward off the creatures and spirits of the night. Which is why the sight of the fire has an instant effect on her: she relaxes visibly and lets go of her sword. Briefly, anyway. She waits until last to dismount, offering Lou a hand down if he needs it. After untying her sword, she follows behind the rest warily, maintaining her rearguard position.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
Even good ol' Lou had some jitters... and he lived here for awhile. Bad part of his life, and he never again would make the assumption that just because you're an elf, all forests will be you're home. You know, like with bambi and Mrs. White? Dwarves and little forest critters dancing and singing around you? No. That's a myth. Get over it.
When the light glinted in the distance, Lou let out a sigh of relief that seemed to be caught in his throat the entire trip. He was definitely shaking for a good part of the ride, and for some reason he had his bow out. Now, you'd think bow equals good? Well... yeah, normally, except when you can't see right in front of you and you're surrounded by allies. But when he saw the light, he relaxed, though he still kept his weapon secure.
"Well let's get goin'. Cave equals good, no?"
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
Rhiannon rides through the dark lost in her own thoughts, worried about possible danger and what may happen to the others. When the reach the cave, she dismounts easily, helping her elf rider down as well then says, "I'll go first. If anything's going to happen I'd rather it happen to me than the rest of you." She does take her crossbow with her this time, instead of leaving it slung on the saddle. Although she inspects it as she holds it in her hands, she doesn't load it.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Silien
Silien would have very much have asked just why she'd have to let go and quickly when told, but the horse started moving and it seemed far more prudent and wise to keep a grip on the one directing the horse. For one who had been around for a long time, Silien didn't exactly seem comfortable with horses and clung tightly to Rhiannon but unlike Lou she felt much more at home once they entered into the forest's dark depths.
Instead one hand dropped to the sword on her belt before they came to the halt before the cave. Graciously taking the offered hand, Silien almost fell to the ground climbing down...yet somehow managed to make it look as if she had done it on purpose. "You sure it is wise to just...rush inside? Perhaps we should call from the entrance..." Was all she said as the sheathed weapon at the elf's side was pulled from it's sheath.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
"If this Rainard wants to hire us, I'm sure he won't cause us harm. If he's in there of course. If he's not in there, do you really wish to announce our presence to whatever may be?" She seems mostly willing to take the situation at face value for now.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
With a chuckle, the small fey behind the group makes himself known, finally speaking up after having followed in the shadow of the horses for so long and having kept his distance. He laughs a little, and plants his hands on his hips, adopting a dismissive, ready-to-move pose typical to a holier-than-thou faerie.
"And what if he's some malevolent monster or demon that has the local population under his sway? Some malevolent, marauding monster or grotesque ghoul that charms the town or threatens them to do its bidding, luring some adventurers under false pretenses so it can gobble them up? Certainly easier things to do, but if I said all monsters were smart, I'd be a liar. 'Course, this could be an especially SMART one. Waiting not with flashing fang but splendorous spell, wreaking its terrible designs on you, luring you into a trap. Wouldn't be the first of your kind to fall for such things. No sir, not at all."
Iacchus chuckles, and raises a brow to see how Rhiannon would respond to his jibes and mockery.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Seven stand, parsing all this. These people are wasting time and making their presence known, regardless of their intent. "Whatever," she hisses in response to the...little-man-person-thing. "Listen, girl, no one does a martyr act on my watch." She continues to speak quietly so her voice doesn't carry very far. "Point is not a position into which you put the person who thinks they are most expendable."
Unless Azathul walks into the cave right away, Seven does, taking the front to prevent some daft girl with self-esteem problems from doing it.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
The young woman shrugs at the fey. "Then it's a trap, and we'd deal with it when it happens, I expect." The acolyte sighs at Seven's diatribe. "I wouldn't expect you to understand, but expendability and martyrdom have nothing to do with it. It's about pain. There's less of it if I get hurt than if you do."
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Lou
"Yeah, well it's a bit chilly out here. So I say we come up with a plan. That would be the best option I can see. Just my opinion." Lou shrugs as if he was to say "Just throwing that out there".
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Azathul
"Either we enter," opines the dwarf sourly, "or we do not, and we have wasted this evening." It would be the act of a fool or a coward to come this far, then turn back on the off chance that there was something else in the cave they had been told to come to. His tone makes that perfectly clear, and he moves into the cave with Seven.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Seven
Holding up a hand in the face of Rhiannon's...whatever she's saying, Seven files the information away for later. As she steps into the cave with the dwarf, she mutters, "Still not taking point, kid." Her use of the word 'kid' doesn't sound derogatory. Then, to the dwarf she says, "Rookies," with a tone that clearly conveys a tinge of bemusement.
She could now consider what Rhiannon said and what it actually means, and various other things she's seen and heard from these people so far, but she doesn't. Instead, she focuses on the here and now. Feet move, eyes look, arms ready. And she's ready for one of her favorite maneuvers - bashing someone with the scabbarded blade before pulling off the sheath. Intelligent opponents always seem to find it a little unsettling. Which is funny as hell.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Rhiannon
Following along behind Seven a touch glumly, she simply shakes her head at the other woman's lack of understanding.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
Iacchus just smiles and rolls his eyes. Still, he cannot resist his curiousity, and trails behind the column, moving towards somewhere in the middle of what will eventually form a line.
"Well, bold bunch, you are. Bold indeed. That, or stupid. Then again, I AM following you, so I'm not in much of a position to talk, now am I?" And with a chuckle, a smirk, and a click of his heels, Iacchus follows.
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Re: In the Shadows of the Soul IC
The group of you proceed into the cave, leaving your horses outside, out of necessity. The beasts appear nervous, rolling their eyes, though this is not unusual. Horses, after all, are bred for the open plains, and traveling under the dark earth is not their way. You enter the cave, and as you turn the corner, you see that the firelight comes from a torch set into the wall. The tunnel twists and turns, sloping gently downward. The torches, however, do not seem to so much banish the shadows as cast them in relief, making the darkness deeper and the shadows stronger. The floor below is rough stone, but it is clear and the walk is easy enough.
Finally, you turn a final bend and enter a large, subterranean chamber. Torches have been set along the wall, providing more illumination, but the effect is no less sinister than in the tunnels above. The real shock, however, comes from the chamber's occupants.
On the wall to your right, three children, two boys and a girl, the girl being the eldest, are tied to the wall by means of what appears to be living vine. Each of them bear numerous bruises, scrapes, and cuts accross their body, but what's worst is their eyes. Each of them has a haunted, hunted look. They shrink into a huddle together, staring at you fearfully. They appear momentarily relieved when they see who you are, or perhaps who you are not, but terror appears so ingrained into their features that they are unsure what other emotion to show. They are dressed in rags, though they do not appear malnourished. They say nothing, only follow your movements with their eyes, holding each other for comfort or protection. Their bindings are wrapped around their necks, and they can only move perhaps ten feet in any direction. They lay on a small pile of leaves which seems to serve them as a bed.
Attached to the opposite wall by similar means is a man of middle years and a medium build. His hair and eyes are brown, and he is dressed in shades of green and brown. Unlike the children, his expression is one of defiance, and when he sees you he sighs with relief. You recognize him as Rainard, your contact. When he sees you, he begins to speak urgently, his voice low, and he beckons you over.
Took you bloody well long enough to get here. You've been set up. Not much time to explain, they'll be back at any moment. I was captured a few days ago... I think they'd been laying in wait for me... those three wretches have certainly been here long enough... Look, I get this damned thing off me and get us out of here, I'll tell you everything.
In one corner of the cave, there is a small pool, which seems to serve as a water source