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Post by Da Pwny on Jul 26, 2009 13:06:41 GMT -5
*I know, I know >.<*
Almi pushed down a lump in her throat - that kind of knotted feeling she got when things were going bad - and nodded in agreement. With everything that had happened, suspense and constant issues were wearing on her. Still... this seemed important. And there was no reason not to comply.
Ignnis opened his eyes, shaking off the stiffness in several joints as he stood. He’d become accustomed to long periods of sitting in such a position, but it still hurt after so long. Scanning the group before him, he bit his lip before starting, mumbling something about getting this over with under his breath. "As I'm sure all of you are busy in your own respects, I do thank you for allowing me a few minutes of your time, and thus promise to be brief. In your absence, Largos has come under attack. Theodoric, along with a group of rebellious demons and some half-kin, has set siege, seeing this new awakening as sign, a threat perhaps. His motives are unknown, but his goal is fairly certain; I believe you will easily guess what that would be, mi’lord.
“The biggest problem we are having is that, since the last scrimmages within the city limits, on top of another rebellion previous the current one, the guards and militant forces in Largos have been stretched thin, displaced. Our losses, even now, stand at nearly twenty-five percent. If… if Largos were to falter…”
Wincing, Ignnis turned, as if pained to even state as such. “I know your feelings for the Mistress, Reinos, but that must be placed aside for now. Whether you like to admit it or not – and I know you hate to – both of you are needed for what is to come. Trust me, where she is concerned, I’d rather not even discuss what I feel right now. ‘Loyalty’ is a difficult quantity to put into words.”
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Post by Saturn on Jul 29, 2009 17:04:09 GMT -5
The guard went through the opening, expecting the two girls to follow. However, for some unknown reason Waldon starting sniffing excitedly. Grunting like the boar he was and followed after.
"Loyalty," Reinos said the word almost as a curse, and laughed harshly,"My sister created a mess in Largos and she tried to kill...KILL my friends. She has hurt so many people and now she wants help from me!"
Reinos was actually starting to snarl now,"Whatever binds you to her I don't know and don't care....but where Theodoric is concerned...I'll help. But not for her sake. I'll go to Largos to see what is happening, and I'll give my conditions for my help then."
Reinos wasn't one for scheming, but in this case there was no alternative. Largos was in the state it was because of him, and he wasn't about to make the same mistake Theodoric did centuries ago. He never fought alone.
"Roxy, Zyphan. I once asked you to help me stop the war between half-breeds and humans. I'm not going to give up so easily. Will you help me stop this needless fight?"
Reinos knew that Almi and Mierca had not yet returned. This was going to be a fight unlike any other and he had another thing in mind for them. He didn't want either of them to see him send his own brother to the Underworld....
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Post by zyphan on Aug 2, 2009 23:26:07 GMT -5
Everything was confusing to Zyphan, with all this about someone named Theodoric and problems in Largos, but she knew that wherever her friends went, she would follow. Which is why she nodded in response to Reinos' question. "I'll fight any battle with you, Reinos, no matter what." She smiled, knowing that since she was so far from home and wrapped up in so much more important matters, she'd always be with Reinos and the group as long as need be.
As for Ignnis and all this other stuff, Zyphan had no idea what was going on, but wondered if Almi and Meirca were supposed to be present as well, or if perhaps they were running off on a little excursion.
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Post by Novalyyn on Aug 12, 2009 4:16:53 GMT -5
(('Kay, lets see if we can move a little better...))
Mierca's eyes wandered over the various things in the streets and they followed the strange man, still confused about things, but trying to enjoy their time there. She'd grabbed onto Almi's hand almost by instinct, still used to it from times she went out with her "parents." Along the way, she took Waldon's hand as well, to keep him from wandering away when they passed by food. He seemed more surprised than irritated by it, but gave no real resistance when she smiled up at him.
The child hadn't the faintest idea why the pig-man had focused on them - or rather, her pancakes. Not the real reason he'd even been around, at least. But, even having met in the manner they did, the girl had already gained an attachment to him, as she had to all these people she'd met by chance. She held nothing against the humans who'd adopted her, but this was the first time she'd ever been able to really have friends, the first time she didn't have to worry about hiding what she was: not human.
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Post by Saturn on Aug 13, 2009 0:02:29 GMT -5
Sonta looked on from behind the Tuaros' throne, oddly quiet watching the preceding events. Something had come over her since this Ignnis had come to the City of Thieves. Almost as if something was building up within her. Zyphan's words sparked the energy within her, clutching the throne for a moment as her head fell and a strange noise came from within her. Tuaros looked to her concern written on his face, but when her head came up again, the old woman's eyes were milky white staring at Ignnis.
A cacophany of voices seemed to come out of her throat as she spoke, three voices at once,"Last of a fallen house, seeking to protect it's last treasure. Your mistress seeks a fallen power if only to save her blood. Within here now, you have chosen your course, within the claws of silver moon beast. Do not seek foolish gain to protect what you honor, or else you shall lose the treasure to the shadows of old."
Her head snapped almost as if struck to view Roxy and Zyphan, looking over each in turn slowly before looking over to Reinos.
"Heir to thrones obsidian and shadow, your future now is yet untold. Within these two your life was spared and within them again thus shall it be saved. Though your flame of friendship has lost one ember, it now grows brighter and stronger within these two and the one who holds a soul of shadow. Trust them well, and guide them as need, for though they shall save you again, one shall end with your fall should you lose your heart."
Her head slumped and she would have collapsed to the ground had Tuaros not caught her. Reinos looked at her, a chill in his spine from the way she had looked at him and the others.
"What was that," he managed to croak out, though not expecting an answer....
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Post by Da Pwny on Aug 13, 2009 7:10:01 GMT -5
*not sure what you want with that, but I think I have an opening >.> <.<*
Ignnis bit his tongue - and his lip. He was about to speak when this had to happen. d**n! An Oracle, here?! Just what I need... He'd heard about them in the past, back before his brother had gotten himself mixed up with that broad and gotten her pregnant, before he'd run from her like the coward he was. Before he'd caught whiff of the Underworld's plans. Before Ignnis was banished from his clan for murdering that insolent bastard, solely to protect the child's identity, and to prevent her from being found. Before Almara-
He stopped thinking about it; the emotions those thoughts brought him, they were simply too painful. What 'foolish gain' was there to be had from the perfect betrayal, the perfect revenge? d**n... he swore everything he'd done till now was right, just, and- and... d**n her! He'd loved that Siren, but she did not return that love, at least not publicly.
Most that claimed to see the future were, in truth, fakes. They always spoke in the vaguest generalizations, giving nothing more than what was necessary to churn a profit. Some claimed to speak to the dead - and with a little smoke and mirrors, they seemingly could to those simple enough to pay for such things. An Oracle, however, was similar to these phonies as fool's gold was to the genuine article.
Most demon kings kept at least one near their side whenever one could be found; the service was always forced. Most never even knew they were until it happened, if they remembered their awakening. Many were pivotal in the course of history, and never recalled afterwords a thing that was said. Those that did usually never sold their services, nor truly wished to use them again; apparently, the loss of control was the biggest issue they had with it.
But the results were always amazing, and always in the form of riddles or vague terms - something still not understood even to this day. What was understood was that their words were absolute truth; not only could they predict the future, but they could see the past as well. That terrifies most people into alienating said being, which was why most that awaken early on grow up lonely, perhaps even orphaned, if the parents do not want said child. Having a triple-toned voice, however, was something rarely heard of, and denoted a greater connection to the flow of time than most.
As it was now, Ignnis felt exposed, naked. Along with the fact that he would be seeing the child for only the second time in over a decade, these others had heard something they maybe shouldn't have. It was too late now, though - soon after she collapsed, he'd come to her side as well, quickly making sure it was simply a fainting and not a case that would require immediate care in better facilities. In another life, he'd been hired to heal people, and even when he'd trained himself in half as many ways to kill them, that had never been forgotten.
Ignoring any distractions that might have retracted from his examination, he quickly checked the woman's pulse - crap, what was her name again?! he'd heard it before - checked her eyes and lips for signs of blood or hemorrhaging, felt around the front and back of her neck, and finally her breathing, by mere (and very light) touch, all in quick order. Her eyes were rolled back, and a slight amount of blood came from a bitten lip, but beyond that she seemed to be perfectly fine - perhaps mistaken for a simple fainting, if her previous production hadn't come about. Sighing lightly in relief, Ignnis retreated, turning just as the soft pitter-patter of small feet stopped a short distance behind him...
Almi had been led down the quickest path back to the palace, Mierca and pig-man in tow. She'd wanted to see more, but there was obviously some urgency to what was going on, or a guard wouldn't have been sent for them. Almi didn't care much for Waldon, but the elf kid seemed inclined to keep him along, even when he got distracted; she herself probably would have just left him behind. Mierca was too trusting of everyone, it seemed, not just those in the group.
They didn't even stop at the gate; it was immediately opened. The guard announced them, and all pairs of eyes within fell upon the trio entering, except two. One were closed, the other were looking in the other direction, just now standing to return to his place. At first, Almi was confused, but then something in her head clicked; that body, stance, the way the hair flowed down, his ears, those gingerly movements... Her eyes widened as her feet suddenly halted, frozen somewhere between wanting to rush forward hug him, and wanting to rush forward and kick him... His head turned, and finally all the pieces clicked for her. Her mouth opened, and but one word was uttered, something that would probably cast this man in a completely different light...
"Uncle?"
*hope that gives you something to work on XP and for some reason, I've had trouble with 'somethign' >.> the word, I mean. see?
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Post by Ze on Aug 13, 2009 9:55:46 GMT -5
Roxy was silent for a bit as she stood there, "why do I never know what's going on here... Reinos you lead us into some pretty confusing stuff..." she sighed, "oh well, tis the life I lead."
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Post by zyphan on Aug 17, 2009 15:38:25 GMT -5
Zyphan was confused about what was going on. Sonta just began talking in some weird voice, somehow referring to her and Roxy, talking about something that didn't sound good, before collapsing. The phoenix was bothered by the speech, but didn't know what to make of it. "Man, this stuff is getting weirder by the day..." She mumbled, fingering her broadsword.
When the girls walked in, she was really worried they would ask about Scoltun, but when the pig-man came in behind Mierca, and then Almi called Ignnis uncle, she just stared, brows furrowed in confusion, her hand still lightly on her sword.
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Post by Saturn on Aug 18, 2009 1:42:14 GMT -5
Reinos looked around the room, confused as well. What in the blue heavens had Sonta been talking about? Since he had met the woman seven years ago, he hardly knew her, but thinking about it now it had almost seemed like she knew when he was o return from the Underworld and where. The thought sent a shiver up his spine.
The Tuaros allowed Ignnis to check Sonta, though he was fairly certain she was just exhausted. She was an oracle, connected to the Three Fates after all. Something she obviously failed to mention to her little cub Reinos. When the two girls walked in, the Tuaros left the uncoscious Sonta in Igniss hands as he moved quicker than even Reinos.
Reinos had moved too fast to have even known what he was about to do, but his boneblade was mere inches from Igniss throat after Almi mention the word uncle. Reinos was livid.
"If you think you came here to talk Almi back to my sister, it'll be OVER MY LIFELESS BODY YOU HEAR ME!" he screamed out, his eyes glowing blue as Tuaros held him back and pulled his arm back so as to prevent anything unnecessary. Thoug he was certain that Ignnis had sufficient wards up to stop even Reinos.
"Pup! Calm yourself,"Tuaros shouted,"If he is the little one's uncle, you need to stop before you take the last family she know she has." Reinos stopped growling and looked to Tuaros and then back to Almi withdrawing his boneblade and taking Sonta from Ignnis.
Reinos didn't even look at him as he left the room with Sonta and gave her to the guards to have her taken to the infirmary. He barely glanced at Waldon as he passed by, a look of pure terror on the demon's face, cowering behind Mierca.
"I'm sorry," he whispered as he passed by Almi, not looking at her. He placed his hand on Roxy's shoulder as he passed by, "Watch Ignnis," he whispered again as he went to Zyphan and sat on the floor....
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Post by zyphan on Aug 18, 2009 2:35:02 GMT -5
When Reinos went after Ignnis, Zyphan pulled out her broadsword; everything going on was making her agitated, and she was really confused with Sonta, Ignnis, and now the actions of Reinos and Tauros as well.
She watched Reinos walk over to her, obviously upset. "What's going on, Reinos? Everything is really confusing..."
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Post by Novalyyn on Aug 18, 2009 5:38:29 GMT -5
The Elf child had half-turned try comforting Waldon in much the same way as her "parents" had often comforted her, though she obviously couldn't hold him as they'd held her; quiet assurances and soft touch would have to do. She was distracted by what was happening, though. It seemed wonderful that Almi's uncle had shown up, but only for the instant before Reinos had nearly killed him. The girl couldn't fathom what could get his so upset like that - nor why it seemed he had problems with his own family. Families were good things, weren't they?
The thought promptly brought that Kyra woman to mind, and now that she thought of it, it seemed somehow as if the spirit were still around. A quick, nervous glance brought no results. Mierca shook her head, pushing the thought out. What was happening now was different, she was sure. Her relation to Kyra, whatever exactly it was, didn't count in this.
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Post by Ze on Aug 18, 2009 10:34:22 GMT -5
Roxy didn't know why Reinos wanted her to watch Ignnis, but she just nodded and kept an eye on him.
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Post by Da Pwny on Aug 19, 2009 8:40:45 GMT -5
Almi almost screamed when Reinos went for Ignnis, but when it was all over she was left puzzled. Why had he done that? What was all this screaming about? She stood dumbstruck even as Reinos passed by her, apologizing - for what!? - and only came out of her shock when her uncle whisked the child into his arms.
At first, all Almi could do was cry. Then laughter found her, and she let go of herself, crying from both joy and sadness. Then the memories of the others she'd lost came to her, and she cried again... Gods, it felt so good to see him again. He comforted her, kneeling next to her as he set her down. "Not now, child," he said - Ignnis always called her 'child' for some reason - "Save your tears for later, alright? Forgive me, but I have other business to attend to. Not that I don't want you here, but time is critical right now. Do you understand?"
She nodded, he smiled, patted Almi on the back, then stood, clearing his throat. It obviously tore her apart being silenced again, but the promise was enough to keep her from crying even more. She'd waited fourteen long years, so what was a few more minutes, or even an hour more of siklence? All that mattered was that it was him, that he was here for her, finally...
Of course he'd put wards up; good for Reinos that he'd been stopped just inches from his neck, and not just for Almi's sake. Besides the layers of protection that he'd probably shred through, had he even so much as drawn a drop of blood, a silver flame would have incinerated him from Ignnis' body. Even if he'd pulled back at the last second and survived, the flames would leave him scarred for a long time to come.
As Ignnis stood silently, he pulled the transceiver from his ear and laid it on the ground, then crushed it with a single step. The small group before him might not understand what was being done, but to the Tuaros such an act would be clear; he was cutting himself off, taking away from himself the very item that allowed communication with the one he served. Even if its signals somehow bypassed the shields surrounding the city one-way, now it was unimportant, pointless. His only escape route was gone.
Clearing his throat, he looked to the others. So much was going to happen in such a short time, he didn't know if they'd be ready for it, but there was no time for preparations now, not with things already moving. "Reinos, I know you don't trust me, and frankly I don't care. I don't care that you're not doing this for her, or that you've hidden the worst from the others. The only thing - the only person I care about sits two and a half meters to your left. For you to even think that I would betray my family's jewel, my ex-brother's flesh-and-blood wounds me deeper than anything. I would rather burn in hell for my sins than turn her over to that conceited, self-serving wench you call a 'sister'. And I will, but I hope to prevent that from happening for as long as possible.
"The crimes I have committed, I cannot even fully recite here in good conscience. Theft, murder, family homicide, torture, arson, bribery, and those're just the better ones. And why? For what purpose? To keep this girl, my beloved niece Almara, from being found, and to find out who ordered the genocide of her family.
Was that a chuckle? Ignnis continued in a lowered tone, his pacing having brought him next to Reinos, "Truth is, I'm still not sure, but I'm this close to finding out. There's been a hundred times in the last seven years that I've wondered 'Is it worth it? Is it worth all of this to keep one girl I've barely known alive?' And you know what my answer is? 'It's not enough. Its worth that, and so much more.' There's only one thing I ask of you, and it is a simple enough request. There are things that I cannot tell her and she will believe, but things she must see for herself. It will burn and scar her, but it will bring her completion, closure. The wounds opened seven years ago will be closed.
Leaning closer, he practically whispered to the Hellhound "I don't ask for you to trust me, because technically, I could take her right now, being her last surviving kin according to most laws in effect concerning family matters; no, I'm asking if she wants to know the truth, no matter how hard it will be for her to bear. If she doesn't want to and you still want to kill me, then fine; I've no other purpose, and she'll discover the truth on her own, whether she wants to or not. That will most likely bring her to harm, and that's something I couldn't live with."
Could that be what the woman oracle had spoken of? "Do not seek foolish gain to protect what you honor, or else you shall lose the treasure to the shadows of old." He remained stoic but quiet, contemplating the answers before him. Now it was just a matter of finding out what the questions were prior to them being asked. Ugh... this was why he hated Oracles... bloody things were always so mystical and vague, never giving a straight answer even when they were.
*hope i got this right >.<*
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Post by Saturn on Aug 21, 2009 1:57:03 GMT -5
(I applaud you Swytchblade. That was very good. You have good skills in terms of story writing. Now let us continue. Guys, I'm not letting things hit the fan yet, but we may be going back to Largos soon.)
Reinos stood as Ignnis came over to him, the boar behind Mierca having calmed down some and actually clinging to her. He was going to ask where he came from, he stunk of the Elven Forest.
As Ignnis spoke of seven years ago, memories flashed in his mind of the death and destruction he had reigned upon the land when he had gotten out of the Underworld. He couldn't remember how he had gotten separated from the Guardian, nor how he got to Largos. However, Ignnis seemed to know things, and perhaps he had some answers for him.
"If she wishes to know the truth, that is her right. Your life is not mine to take if you wish to protect someone of my pack," he said, his eyes glowing blue.
"Your Mistress will be displeased with your betrayal, but I sense that you already know that," Reinos said to his face then turned to Zyphan and spoke.
"I'm sorry, but I have kept much from you. A problem I will soon fix after this," he said to her and moved past Ignnis and to wear Almi stood.
"Almara," he said, a sad note in his voice,"At this moment you are at a point in your life that I was at three hundred years ago. To find out the truth about who you are or to hide from it and continue living. This is your choice. Look into the shadows of your own past and find out the secrets kept from you or live on ignoring your past..."
This was her choice, but Reinos knew what she would choose. She would make the same choice he did all those years ago and face her past as he had and is still doing to this day. He could see it in her eyes.
"Just remember Almi," he whispered lowering his head,"You have a family besides your uncle. We'll be with you no matter your choice...."
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Post by Da Pwny on Aug 23, 2009 3:46:02 GMT -5
*I think we all figured as much on that. and thank you very much :3 ya don't know how much that kind of praise means to me ^-^ *
Almi couldn't hold back the tears. So much had happened, had been said, that the young woman didn't know who or what to believe in. She had a family, even if they weren't her flesh and blood, and a past, even if she didn't remember all of it. A family build around trust, and a past that she had to face one way or another. And it was all here, whether she was prepared or not.
Water brimmed her eyes, and the only reaction she could instill came to her suddenly; thin arms wrapped around Reinos' waist, tears flowing freely as she cried in joy, in sorrow. "Th-thanks" she managed to mutter between the sobs as she hugged him, her eyes looking off to Mierca for some reason. Almi was terrified, but knowing that there were so many that wanted to protect her... it was almost too much.
After a few minutes, she stepped back, standing as tall as she could manage. Wiping several drops from her eyelids, she stated in a shaky voice as a pair of hands grasped her shoulders firmly "I'll... be back as soon.. as I can." Almi forced a smile, even though she wanted to keep crying; being strong was something she found difficult, but she had to. She wasn't going to be any more ready than this.
Ignnis nodded solemnly. The road ahead was going to be dangerous, and he had to report in soon. Reinos, he realized now, was born to his role, whether he wanted to be or not. Fate was a cruel mistress indeed, but She'd picked no one better to fill such a role. "We can leave whenever it seems fit, but the sooner, the better. I doubt things have cleared up any more than when I was informed of the situation. However, I believe a few day's rest would be best, or the lot of us might as well put our heads to the gun."
He refrained smartly from speaking of what had happened but not a few scant hours ago, guessing somewhat that, with them having not been there, Almi and Mierca might not know what had happened to Scoltun. It'd be best to find a more private time than to announce it here, and there would be time for that soon enough. Right now, thought they all needed time to recuperate, or the journey back to Largos would be pointless...
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