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Post by Marli on Aug 5, 2013 20:33:41 GMT -5
Sor
"Even though you claim not to be a god, you are my brother Sor. You should be welcome to all of our counsels because you share our father. I will convince my siblings and Fate itself to allow your people to fight. You will have my full undivided effort in this matter," she promised him. Sor nodded, grateful to the girl. "Thank you Toci..." Sor looked over at the girl, but saw that her attention was focused elsewhere. Her eyes trained on a small boat a few hundred yards off shore.
"Fishing," whispered Toci in a shocked, sad voice. "I knew that Tezoc allowed them to eat flesh, I... I hadn't actually believed they'd try it." Toci had forgotten all about the conversation she was having with Sor. "I didn't think they could murder their cousins."
The sadness in the god's voice spoke of her despair. For his people, the eating of flesh was not forbidden. But for the Chalco to go against this teaching of Toci's.... "A darkness has fallen on your people as well I see..." He turned to her, "Is there anything I can do? I am, after all, in your dept."
Alani
Just as Alani had led the tiger-horse into the stables, the rain began to fall in earnest. The animal twitched his ears in agitation and Alani spoke in a soothing voice. "Don't worry Tiber, soon you'll be warm and dry." The creature huffed and Alani looked ahead twoards the stable boy. Though she'd only spent a little time around humans, she suspected that this boy was a Rovani, possibly a son or nephew of the inkeeper. He was about her age with mousy brown hair and striking blue eyes. He was also pressed tight against the farthest corner of the stable, quaking with fear.
"He won't hurt you." Alani said gently. This wasn't entirely true. The horse, after all, was a war animal but for now at least the creature was calm. "I'm actually rather surprised you've never seen one before..." She led the horse into a loose stall on the far end of the stable then and removed the rope from it's halter. "Now, I need you to fetch me two dead chickens, preferably ones that have not been bled out and to bring them..."
The pattering of feet and sound of a falling bucket alerted Alani to the boys flight. She patted Tiber. "I'll be right back." She drew the traveling cloak close around her neck and headed out into the rain.
Though it had only been raining a few minutes, the street was already thick with mud and Alani found herself struggling to stay upright. The little stands which had been open earlier were now being hurridly shut down or brought inside as the rain picked up. "Excuse me..." Alani said politely to an elderly woman. "Would you know where I could find a couple of chickens?" The woman shook her head and muttered something about 'wortheless meians' before continuing on her way. Continuing down the street was no more useful and soon Alani was wondering if she should have just talked to the innkeeper. She had just turned around when a glimmer of silver caught her eye.
"Oh! Oliver!" The creature was standing on the awning of a small building, his white fur now slick with rain and mud. Standing on his hind legs and clothed in a tiny blue tunic, the creature looked for all the world like a curious toddler looking for it's mother in the crowd. The difference, of course, was that this creature was a brownie. The glimmer of silver Alani had seen appeared to be some sort of watch or other device suspended on a chain which Olliver was now tinkering with. A man, likely the shop and trinkets owner, stood below the brownie shouting profanities. "He won't break it!" Alani called to the man, now fearing for her pet. Though brownies were not intelligent in the way that humans or nephilium were, they could follow basic commands and had an innate knowledge of mechanics and machinery.
"Little rat must have stolen it from a nobleman." The man spat, obviously annoyed at being interrupted. "See the markings? That's no simple Rovani trinket."
Alani squinted. Indeed, the item was strange looking. It was not unlike a brownie to steal a trinket, but usually the item was returned once any mechanical flaw was fixed. The fact that Olliver still had the trinket meant he hadn't succeeded. "Olly!" She called to the creature. "Olly come down!" The brownie turned to her and sniffed the air. It's ears twitched rapidly back and forth. Slowly, it began to descend, climbing down the awnings support pole. "That's it Olly... We have to bring the shiny back now."
She reached out her arms to catch the brownie but before she could the shop-owner pushed her out of the way. Alani fell sidelong into the mud as the man made a grab at the item. Olly let out a high pitched scream and ran down the street. Several heads turned towards them at the sound. The shopkeep swore. "Blast! I almost had him!" The man turned to Alani to help her up, then stopped cold. "A Nephilim!"
Alani scrambled to get up and cover her exposed wings. "I'm sorry sir... I'll just catch him and..."
"Do you know what your kind did to me?" The man grabbed her arm forcefully. His eyes grew sharp. "Attacked my ship they did! I lost ten men, including my brother!"
Alani cried out as his grip tightened. "Sir please..."
Now a new voice was heard. "It's an avian, Sloan. Plain as the wings on her back. They'll rob you blind as soon as look at you."
"I will not!"
"A danger to the peace she is, probably a spy for the Sirens."
"No!" Now Alani struggled to get free. Her heart beating rapidly in her chest. "I'm not a spy." A crowd had gathered now and Alani was beginning to panic. Another man, older but also larger grabbed her now.
"Bad enough we have so many Sabir running around... I won't have of these darned birds."
An Armazdinan spoke up now. "She's only a youngling. Just let her go."
The man holding her arm spat, "Their kind don't learn. I think it's high time we dealt with them more firmly."
A round of cheers was heard on in the crowd, but the Armazdinan rose above it. "Not on Armazd land you won't!"
Finally, Alani managed to break free from the man that held her and dove into the crowd. Another hand grabbed her and, seeing no other option, Alani drew her knife. The man dropped her immediately and screeched. "It's got a weapon!"
This, Alani knew, would be a problem. Even hired Sabirs were usually not permitted to have blades. For the time, however, Alani could think of no way to be diplomatic. In Chalco and Meia her identity had never been revealed, but she still hadn't expected this kind of reaction. She backed up slowly, her knife still pointed at the crowd, then turned and broke into a run.
"After her!"
Alani slipped on the wet ground, but stood up quickly. Ahead she could see Oliver jumping between rooftops up the street. Soon the creature jumped down, weaving between carts and robed Armazd. Without thinking, Alani followed the creature towards the center of the city. The mob still close on her heels.
OT - I don't know what this object Olly has is (or if its appropriate being our tech level in game) or how he got it. It could just be a watch, or it could be something more interesting. *shrugs* Olly is the creature on Alani's bio pic. He's not a full character but more like an intelligent pet.... I know its a bit out of place but I just kinda wanted to write something like this. I'm hoping for a run-in with those still in town.
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Post by purplemunster94 on Aug 6, 2013 3:26:54 GMT -5
Elias
After the two guardians left, Elias made his way to the back of the library to collect the books he was going to look through. He was determined that he would figure out exactly what the sigil they found was, and why it was in his library. He had promised himself that he would not leave go home until he figured it out.
He sat at the front table opening book, after book, reading about these dark creatures. The more he read the more terrified he became. He wanted to believe that these creatures were mere myths, but all of the proof lead to them being real. After reading more than he could take in one sitting, he closed the book, and forced himself from the chair. He needed a break from all of this darkness.
Elias decided to get some fresh air, and even though it had started to pour, at least there would be a little bit of light to brighten his spirits. However, when he walked out he was shocked to see a mob of people coming toward the center of town, chasing a young girl. This was not acceptable, he would never condone violence, but this close to the temple of Nilo was something he could not and would not allow. Elias pulled his hood over his head and stepped out into the rain in order to better get the girls attention, without drawing unnecessary attention to himself.
When she came close enough Elias reached out and grabbed her wrist, as gently as he could, trying not to frighten her anymore than she already was. . "If you would, quickly and quietly climb those big stairs to that building," he pointed toward the Library, "and enter. I will be there shortly, they will not harm you there."
Then he released her, and walked out toward the oncoming mob. "You will not harm that girl on Aramazdi land. I do not care what she has done, she will answer to whatever crime on her own with fair judgement. Not rash judgement given by people who can not control their anger. Pleas, return to wherever you have come from, this is a place of peace."
A man from somewhere in the crowd shouted, "This is not your battle, this has nothing to do with you, Wernholm! She is a nephilim, a child of evil. She does not belong, she will steal from you, murder anyone close to you!"
Elias was startled when the man called her a nephilim, but he would not surrender he to this crowd, "Sir, no matter who, or what she is. It is not your job to decide her fate. Besides, I have nothing for her to steal, or no one for her to kill. She is no threat to me, or any of you. Please, take your anger elsewhere."
At that Elias turned away and headed toward the Library, hearing the shouts behind him. When he entered the building dripping, he pushed his hood off and turned to the girl. "I can promise you they will not harm you here. This Library is almost considered sacred ground, however, I cannot promise that if you leave they will not be waiting." He looked her over, she was so small, and she looked very lost and scared. "I am Elias Wernholm, I mean you no harm. There is a washroom behind the front desk if you want to try and clean yourself. Do not be afraid, those men will find something to gain their attention in no time." He hoped his words did not frighten her more, compassion was something he did not know how to show, except through words, but this girl, whether she was human did not deserve what that mob had in mind.
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Post by Marli on Aug 6, 2013 22:28:54 GMT -5
Alani
Buildings passed in a blur of grey and brown, citizens dodged her approach and the voices of the mob echoed behind her. They're going to kill me. Alani thought. Kill me right here in the streets, like an animal. The girl breathed fast, though she was fit and able runner panic and fear had worn on her. She had slipped several times into the mud and she could feel trickles of warm blood on her knees and forehead. She felt dizzy and vaguely faint. Her steps slowed and grew less even.
"Gods above... here me!" She cried desperately between heavy breaths. Alani was not one taken to prayer, as she never knew exactly which god to claim, but now the situation seemed desperate. "Mighty Sor, strengthen my limbs!" Her legs, grew only weaker. Who was the god of Armazd? Ara? No... Lottani? She slipped again, striking her shoulder against the wall of a cloud-white building. Suddenly a name came to her. "Nilo! Please... see my plight!"
She rose and ran again along the edge of a the building, tears now thick in her eyes. Suddenly a cloaked armazdian stepped out from an ornate door. The man reached out, but as Alani tried to dodge the man grabbed her wrist. Alani almost screamed, but found she couldn't find the breath, instead she looked down at the ground and shielded her face with her other arm. The man spoke to her. "If you would, quickly and quietly climb those big stairs to that building." Alani blinked in surprise and turned to face her captor, a man with steely blue eyes and wild black hair. He pointed toward the Library, "and enter. I will be there shortly, they will not harm you there."
Unable to speak, Alani merely nodded. The man released her and moved towards the oncoming crowd, Alani quickly crossed the street and climbed the aforementioned steps. She stopped short at the ornate doors and eyed them carefully before reaching for the handle.
Alani had never before heard the word 'Library' but as she entered she discovered that it was a place where books lived. Many, many books. For a moment Alani stood on the threshold, breathless and completely aghast. The ceilings here were unimaginably tall and painted with stars and even the shelves were lined with intricate carvings. Cloaked armazdians moved slowly through the stacks and across the ailse but none looked at her. The room felt entirely 'other' than any place she had ever been before and Alani found herself almost afraid to enter. With her hand still carefully perched on the handle, Alani turned her gaze back to the street.
The Rovani man who had grabbed her arm so tightly earlier had stepped out in front of the crowd, a long knife glimmering at his side. "This is not your battle, this has nothing to do with you, Wernholm! She is a nephilim, a child of evil. She does not belong, she will steal from you, murder anyone close to you!"
Alani wanted to scream. I'm not evil! I've done no harm! She drew the door tighter as if it was a shield. I'm not even a full blooded nephilim! Her eyes stung with tears now but she refused to let them fall. If I were, I could have gotten away...
The blue eyed armazdian was speaking now, but Alani didn't here him. She stepped into the library and shut the door quietly, honoring the request of the man who had saved her. Though protected from the crowd, the building felt unwelcoming as if the walls themselves knew the abomination that was trying to find sanctuary inside them. Unwilling to go further into the building, Alani sank to the ground close to the door. Hugging her knees to her chest and anxiously awaiting her fate.
The door opened a minute later and her savior removed his hood. She stood hurriedly to meet the man but kept her eyes trained on the ground in an effort to show submission. He spoke to her softly, with the slight awkwardness of one forced into an uncomfortable situation. "I can promise you they will not harm you here. This Library is almost considered sacred ground, however, I cannot promise that if you leave they will not be waiting." Alani nodded and raised her eyes cautiously. The man towered over her but he was not overly threatening. "I am Elias Wernholm, I mean you no harm. There is a washroom behind the front desk if you want to try and clean yourself. Do not be afraid, those men will find something to gain their attention in no time."
"Th... Thank you...Sir..." She stuttered. She bowed slightly, as she would have done serving a minotaur warlord, then moved towards the indicated door. A thought crossed her mind. "I didn't steal anything... at least... not intentionally." She shook her head and cast her gaze down again, drawing the cloak around her shoulders. It was a useless gesture as feathers were clearly visible through gaping holes but she felt ashamed and wanted to cover herself. She dared not turn towards him. "... But I am of Nephilim blood." She said softly, "I... I think you should know that since you've allowed me into your temple... erm... library."
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Post by Bhunivelze on Aug 8, 2013 13:48:05 GMT -5
Ylla
“A Council of the Gods? Sounds important... I wonder if Lotanni will be there. Well, of course he will be, he is a god after all. But, he’ll just shrug everything off. It’s not like he cares about us.” She didn’t mean to say that last bit, it just slipped out. She wasn’t even sure if she felt that way.
She walked in silence back to the ship with Markas in lead.
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Post by purplemunster94 on Aug 8, 2013 14:12:44 GMT -5
Elias
"Th... Thank you...Sir..." She stuttered. "I didn't steal anything... at least... not intentionally."
He looked toward her, "There is no need for thanks, I did what was right, no question about it. Who are they to cast judgement?" He nodded at her last statement, "You have given me no reason not to believe you. I believe whatever happened out there was a terrible misunderstanding."
She dared not turn towards him. "... But I am of Nephilim blood." She said softly, "I... I think you should know that since you've allowed me into your temple... erm... library."
Watching the girl try to cover her wings was saddening. Elias knew he would never understand what it felt like to try and hide who you were, and where you came from. He was disliked by a lot of the Aramazd, and a lot of other races that lived within Aramazd, but he knew he would never know what someone like her had to go through. "It is hard not to know what you are, but you should not be ashamed. I will not judge you based on what we 'think' we know of your kind. You should only be judged on your own actions, and as far as I can see, you have done nothing wrong, except to bare the mark of a kind not trusted." With this he turned back to the table he had been working at to give her some space and time to get cleaned up, and calm down from her even.
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Post by Marli on Aug 8, 2013 18:24:13 GMT -5
Alani
"It is hard not to know what you are, but you should not be ashamed. I will not judge you based on what we 'think' we know of your kind. You should only be judged on your own actions, and as far as I can see, you have done nothing wrong, except to bare the mark of a kind not trusted."
A kind not trusted.
Alani's eyes followed the man as he returned to his table, taking refuge amongst stacks of books. His words, though not overly empathetic on surface level, were comforting. She had heard, of course, that Armazdians were fair above all things and this man, Elias, was showing this beautifully.
In the washroom, Alani washed the blood and dirt from her person, careful not to make a mess. Her wounds, it seemed, were only slight and Alani felt thankful that the mob of people had not caused more damage. She splashed water on her face, forcing herself out of the daze she'd been in since entering the library. She returned to the main library a few minutes later, still a bit disheveled in appearance, but much more calm.
A quick glance out the window revealed several of the men still standing outside, and while they were quiet, their weapons were still visible at their sides. Alani turned and padded quietly along the library shelves. Kieda and Garroc will be looking for me. She thought suddenly. Though she didn't want her friends to worry, Alani worried about them searching for her. If anti-nephilim sentiments were so high here, Garroc might attract negative attention and Kieda... well, Kieda wasn't one for subtlety. Hopefully the men would leave soon, and even if they didn't, Alani felt sure that she could get back to the inn under cover of dark.
Elias was still at the table, paging through large and dusty volumes. Alani didn't want to disturb him but at the same time felt uncomfortable going deeper into the library. In the end the slightely awkward compromise was her settling down at the table next to him where two smaller books had been abandoned. Minding the brittle pages, Alani paged through the book absently, letting her eyes gloss over the meaningless runes.
OT - Will post for Garroc and Kieda later. I'm just kinda going until Amanda calls the council. :-)
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Post by atlantis on Aug 8, 2013 19:21:07 GMT -5
Matka
He had called upon all the gods to meet at Olethea, the home of his eldest brother, believing that with Nilo as a host, the council might be more balanced. Matka chose a place in the back of the room; while he had assembled this meeting, he had never felt like much of a leader among his family. He would speak his mind and provide suggestions when they were needed but by no means did he want to be the center of attention.
Ara had entered, along with others; he guessed she attended less because she believed in the seriousness of the attacks and more out of a self-important need for control. Regardless, she said nothing to him and for that he was grateful. The pain and anger of her recent accusation still stung and he didn't want to discuss it any further. He sat down and waited for everyone to arrive before he began.
Tizoc/Soren--JP
“Brother,” replied Tizoc, her heart going out to this poor boy. She really had nothing to say to the man that would give him answers. She was as lost in all this has he was. She sat down, softly on the corner of Soren’s bed and took his hand gently in her’s.
“Brother,” she repeated. “Sometimes, horrible, awful things happen. Things that we have no control over and don’t make any sense.” She was thinking about her own banishment from Chalco now and what Panyl had told her in comfort. “They make us either lost in despair or burn in anger, but these emotions... they are not a healthy way to react because they only make the darkness stronger. The daemons, who have lurked in the shadows ever since the first wars feed off our sadness, confusion, and hatred. They would do anything to have us consumed by those. I know it is hard, and I know it is confusing, but we need to cling on to the good out there. The good of nature and friends and life. These are the only way to combat the darkness and to have a chance of finding your sister again.”
"Thanks. I needed that." He laughed a little. "I'm usually the one giving the advice around here. Markas decides on our goal and I chart the course. But this time, he's the only one of the crew who seems to have any idea what we're dealing with. Most of us are completely baffled. And Raum just pretends it never happened."
Soren shifted the subject. Tizoc was right; it didn't help to dwell on what had happened. Instead he focused on the memory of his sister. "Y'know you're actually a lot like her. Svana was gentle and kind like you. She was cheerful almost all the time and she liked to make everyone feel comfortable and at home, even when we were someplace we'd never been."
“I’m sure she is a lovely lady,” said Tizoc with a gracious smile. She took her hand away from Soren’s, but still sat on the side of the bed. “I’ll be happy when I can meet her. What is your favorite story about her?”
Soren thought on this a moment until he remembered a story from when he was much younger. "Well, when we still lived in the dagis, some of the Masukaat brats used to give us trouble. Markas and I found out they were messing with her one day and decided to put a stop to it. It wasn't our greatest idea ever; I think one of them had Forsvarin blood or something. In the end, a shopkeeper put a stop to the fight and sent us all home."
He shifted his feet, making himself more comfortable. "When we got back, the dagarne spent at least an hour griping at us and we weren't aloud to go anywhere for the next week. So, Markas and I, we were completely miserable. Then Svana came to our room, with bandages, and candies she'd snuck out of the kitchen, and the stuffed rabbit she'd gotten for her birthday. She sat there and played doctor while we devoured the sweets." He smiled slightly. "I'm supposed to take care of her and yet there she was, mending my wounds."
Tizoc let out a little laugh when he started talking about bandages and candies. “That’s so precious. I wish I had a sibling like that.”
"You have no brothers or sisters?" Soren asked, feeling up to the spirit of conversation for the first time since the attack.
“Ah... “ said Tizoc not really sure how to respond to that question. “Of course, all Kryos’ children are my brothers and sisters, and in Chalco we’re raised communally, so it is often hard to tell direct relations between people.” She paused for a moment, trying to think of how to explain this.
“But I was born specially. I was born with another me... a twin, I believe you call it. Her name is Tezoc, and...” Tizoc paused for a second time, but this one was much longer than the first. She was not quite sure how to describe her sister. “She... she was always too busy training, focusing, learning, bettering herself. She never had much time for playing or talking.”
Soren nodded. "Speaking as one who works too long and plays too little, it sounds like your twin forgot the best thing you can do for yourself is to stop and have fun once in a while. Especially with your family and friends."
Tizoc giggled a little at Soren’s remarks. “I hope she’s changed over the time we’ve been apart,” she said offhandedly. “I can’t wait until I can go back to Chalco and talk about everything I have seen and done in the last ten years.” She sighed and looked away from Soren now at the surrounding room. “If I could see that sandy shore tomorrow, it would not be soon enough.”
He placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Markas and I will get you there soon," he promised. He could see why the captain had insisted on bringing her along now; Soren became dedicated to taking Tizoc to Chalco, almost as much as Markas was.
“Thanks,” replied Tizoc with a smile cupping his hand in her own. After a few seconds sitting like that, she got up. “Well, you need your rest, so I’ll leave you alone until Markas gets back.”
No sooner had she said it than a knock came from the doorway. Kaspar peeked inside, a shade paler after his confrontation with the monsters, and said, “Th’ captain’s back. He wants us to meet on the main deck.” Soren exchanged glances with Tizoc before heading out the door and out of the quarterdeck.
Markas
He only barely heard Ylla's comment about Lotanni over the din of the Rovani streets. Though it was troubling, he let it slip to the back of his mind as they found the harbor at last. He climbed the ramp into the boat and the crew was gathered again to hear the information he and Ylla brought.
Markas let out a heavy sigh, turning to Soren first. "We were guided in by Reijo, who told us similar disappearances and attacks have been happening for half a month. The goddess Ara was visiting Matka to discuss the matter. She said the people that've been taken...." He hesitated, unsure of how to break the news.
Soren made a quick nod. "Go on; I can handle whatever it is."
Nevertheless, Markas looked away as he said it. "Svana no longer exists. The draugr-- the monsters, whatever they are, somehow they erased her from existence."
"Is that even possible?" Kaspar whispered from beside Ildri.
Markas shrugged. "That's what I was told. Reijo believes there's still hope of recovering her, but no one knows for sure. Matka will convene with the other gods soon and will deliver more information as he receives it. Until then, we're to stay here and wait."
He turned to Soren once again, to offer comfort or reassurance or whatever was needed. But the expression his friend bore was no longer one of sadness or grief but one of hard determination. Ildri put a hand on his shoulder in quiet apology; he grasped it warmly and closed his eyes for a moment. "We'll find her, then," he said quietly. "And even if we can't, I'm going to make sure no one else has to suffer as she has."
Markas smiled. It seemed Tizoc's efforts had paid off. Soren's spirits were lifted and it looked as though he would be able to move on with his life despite the loss of his sister. He would have to thank her for that later.
"Well," Raum said with a stretch of his back, "There's a barrel of Mokorahi in the cargo that's just begging to be opened. This seems an appropriate situation for just that occasion."
The captain gave a scathing look. "That barrel isn't for you, Landvik. You go near it and I'll personally see to the removal of your fingers. There're plenty of taverns on the island for you to choose from if you find yourself inclined, however. Just don't expect me to bail you out of any trouble."
As Raum moved to leave, Markas thrust a small candle into his face; he'd been carrying it in his pocket in case he found himself in the dark without light. "The practice remains. Everyone should have some form of light on them at all times."
Raum groaned. "I'm not afraid of the dark, Arensen."
Markas only forced the candle into the palm of his hand. "Take it," he insisted. "There's something evil here. Even in the city."
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Post by purplemunster94 on Aug 8, 2013 21:42:09 GMT -5
Nilo
When Matka had asked him if he could hold a council in Olethea, Nilo had been hesitant at first. He knew this had something to do with the attacks, but he wasn't sure how many of the others would believe what Matka had to say. Plus, having all of his siblings in one place, was never a great experience. However, for some reason he had agreed, knowing that Olethea was probably the best place for everyone to meet, without putting up a fight. It was the most neutral.
After his meditation he had learned that the news of the attack on the boy had spread quickly through Aramazd, making this council more than necessary. When Nilo walked through the door of the room where his Matka and Ara already in the room. He could feel the tension between the two. He knew they never got along, but something was in the air between them. Nilo looked between the two of them, "Welcome to Olethea, I hope the reason we have to meet like this does not lesson how you think of my beloved home."
Elias
It took Elias awhile to realize the girl was back, looking much better. He had been engulfed in the stories of the darkness that he had almost forgot that she was even there. He forced himself to close the book in front of him making sure to mark his place. He did not want to leave the poor girl to sit there awkwardly especially after the ordeal that she had just suffered, plus he was very curious about her. The nephilim were not creatures that were written of often, so no one knew much about them, but he knew enough about Avians to know that she wasn't what he had always thought of them.
Elias Cleared his throat to get her attention, "I couldn't help but notice that your wings look," He paused for a moment, trying to think of a way to ask without coming across as harsh, "broken. Is this why you did not fly away when you were being chased?"
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Post by Marli on Aug 8, 2013 23:13:59 GMT -5
Kieda/Garroc
The rest of the meal was silent, Kieda keeping her gaze on the plate in front of her and Garroc keeping a careful eye on the others. Minutes passed and Kieda sat back in her chair, balancing on the back to legs. Garroc broke the silence first.
"I wonder where the winged one has gotten off too." He said softly. "Surely she has finished with the beast by now?"
Kieda shook her head, "Knowing Alani she's still fawning over him, or perhaps looking for the little brownie we picked up in Meia... Regardless I wouldn't worry about it." She stated dismissively, "You can't expect us both to stay cooped up in this cage all day. She is a bird after all."
Garroc growled, "You should go check on her. She is your friend, after all."
"She'll be fine." Kieda rolled her eyes, "If she's not back by dark, maybe, but I don't see..."
"Fine." Garroc sighed and stood up. He took some coins from his pocket and laid them on the table. "I will go look for her."
"Now?! You'll cause a riot traveling alone."
"My kind are not so uncommon in port cities, besides, I'd like to get a feel for the attitudes of the city regarding our kind."
"In Chalco no one seemed very concerned about us."
"Yes but in Chalco Alani hid herself. And you..." He looked the girl up and down, "... At the end of the day you are still a human young one."
Kieda's mouth dropped with insult, but before she could react Garroc was already out the door. She moved quickly to the upper floor of the inn and found their room, a clean but sparsely furnished place. Outside rain had turned to a dull storm but her attention was drawn away from the window at a small squeaking sound. Oliver, the creature they had picked up in Meia, was crouched under one of the beds. Licking his fur and eyeing the room with a wary gaze.
"Nice time exploring?" She said to the creature, sitting down on the opposite bed. "I'm sure your afternoon's been more interesting than mine at least." A glimmer of silver caught her eye and Kieda stood to reach for the object. "Where'd you get this?" The creature blinked in response. "Nicked it off some Armazdian stiff I'd imagine." She turned the object over in her hand. It looked like a large locket of some sort, with intricate runes carved along the side. They wern't Armazdian, as far as Kieda could tell, but some sort of more ancient writing. Kieda turned towards Oliver and stroked the creatures head. "Garroc would be furious if he knew you'd taken this." She sat up again, then dropped the locket into the small bag on her hip. "Best not to tell him."
Alani
Alani startled at the man's question, having been lost in some daydream staring at the pages in front of her. She turned to look at him and nodded. "I've never been able to fly, my wings are smaller than a true avian's would be relative to my size and they lack some of the essential lift feathers for flight." In truth, Alani didn't understand exactly why her wings didn't work, but this was how Hezuri had explained it to her when she was very young. "I'm only half avian. My mother was a fisherman's daughter, a human." She looked away and shrugged, "I've never lived among avians except when I was very young."
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Post by Bhunivelze on Aug 9, 2013 14:42:23 GMT -5
Lotanni
Lotanni was reading through an old text from Forsvar’s past when he felt the call from Matka. “A meeting! How exciting!” He put the book back on its shelf and told Tamat of his departure.
“Don’t you want me there?” The Saint asked. He knew that Lotanni could easily take care of himself, however he could never stop worrying about him and how his siblings would react after his punishment.
“I’ll be fine Tamat. Don’t worry about me.” The god gave his good friend a reassuring nod and smile before teleporting in a flash of purple flame. When he opened his eyes he was in the doorway of the council room. Ara, Matka, and Nilo were already there. Ara and Matka were glaring at each other as they usually did. Nilo was being his normal formal self. It was a good feeling to see his older siblings again, but he could never tell if his siblings liked seeing him.
“Hey guys. You miss me?”
Ylla
Ylla went back onto the ship and kept quiet. She didn’t say anything and didn’t get in anyone’s way. She sat and waited on the deck with her feet hanging off the side. She waited there until she saw the big guy leave the ship. Raum, was it? She turned around and walked back to the cabin of the ship.
When she entered she saw Soren in happier spirits, which was nice after him acting broody and mopey for the last couple days. Tizoc seemed to be happy too. It was nice to see her friend in a good mood. Ylla grinned as she put her hand on Tizoc’s shoulder to alert her of her presence.
“So you and Soren seemed to have had a good time.”
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Post by Zabby on Aug 11, 2013 0:01:37 GMT -5
Toci "A darkness has fallen on your people as well I see..." He turned to her, "Is there anything I can do? I am, after all, in your dept."
Toci looked at her half-brother. Wondering if there was anything he could do to help her, she suddenly felt a call from Matka. She shook her head and said, "We don't have time. Our siblings need us. Panyal is looking over things here. I'll try to get both of us there."
Putting a hand on the lion's head, Toci concentrated and suddenly the pair vanished. They arrived shortly after Lotanni. She saw that the meeting already wasn't going well. Matka and Ara looked like they were about to meet. Nilo was being his normal self and Lotanni seemed nervous about something.
Clearing her throat a little, Toci said, "Hello brothers and sisters! I've brought a guest who I think is important in helping us solve the issues facing this land."
Tizoc Just watching the events, it saddened Tizoc that Markas seemed to have a hard time controlling his crew. She was beging to wonder if coming along had added some unnecessary stress. Then Ylla's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Huh?" she replied a little confused at first. "We just talked. He just needed someone to talk things out with."
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Post by atlantis on Aug 14, 2013 19:05:06 GMT -5
Matka
Matka shook his head as a small commotion began to form over the arrival of their half-brother, Sor. It seemed they could never meet in peace, but he was nevertheless glad to see each of them had come. Though he mistrusted Sor, whose conscience was bound to the hearts of his people, he was glad Toci had brought him; his input would be valuable if he could get the others to listen long enough to hear it.
He stood up, speaking loudly so everyone could hear him, and began the meeting before any arguing could begin. "A thank you to our gracious host, Nilo, who has allowed us to gather here today," he began. "I'm sure each of you are more than aware of the danger that's shrouded our world lately. Thanks to the Guardians, we know more about this darkness." He gestured to Ara and, despite his anger, graciously bestowed gratitude. "I believe this threat is somehow linked to the First War-- and to Kaos himself." He paused to let the statement sink in before continuing. "We must seek help from our Father to fight this off."
"Or," Ara posed, "we could all place our trust in the Guardians, who have kept us safe for centuries. This is serious, Matka, but it's nothing we can't take care of on our own. Unless... you know something we don't?" It was bad enough she had the nerve to accuse him at all, but to do it again, even in such ambiguity, in front of the others? Yet he was forced to endure it, or else lash out at her and seem all the more guilty.
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Post by Marli on Sept 5, 2013 21:42:23 GMT -5
Sor
Sor blinked in surprise as the world swirled around him, but regained all composure by the time the other's appeared in front of him. They were in Nilo's temple, a place he only had vague memories of. Matka spke first.
"A thank you to our gracious host, Nilo, who has allowed us to gather here today," he began. "I'm sure each of you are more than aware of the danger that's shrouded our world lately. Thanks to the Guardians, we know more about this darkness." He gestured to Ara and, "I believe this threat is somehow linked to the First War-- and to Kaos himself." He paused to let the statement sink in before continuing. "We must seek help from our Father to fight this off."
"Or," Ara posed, "we could all place our trust in the Guardians, who have kept us safe for centuries. This is serious, Matka, but it's nothing we can't take care of on our own. Unless... you know something we don't?"
The tension was thick between these two, Sor spoke softly. "Respectfully, Ara, I think it is possible that you are underestimating our enemy." He paused for a moment, absorbing their stares and gathering his thoughts. "The guardians, doubtless, are able men and woman. Strong against the threats of this world..." Often enough, he thought, my people. "But this force... it is something more ancient. I have reason to believe that we stand before a breaking point... Stormy water's build behind an ancient dam... but we have yet to see it break."
OT: That's all I got. *shrugs* I feel like I haven't really said much...
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Post by atlantis on Sept 5, 2013 23:33:38 GMT -5
Ara
Ara stared incredulously at the ruler of the Nephilim as he spoke. "You have no right to even be here in this room, much less to address me," she said with haughty outrage. She rose from her seat, a hatred rising up within her. "You're not a god. You don't even govern your own will. You're no better than those monsters you call your people--"
"Yet he does have a people," Matka thundered over her, "and therefore as valid an opinion as the rest of us."
Ara turned on the god of Rovan with all the contempt she could bear. "Of course you would defend it. It agrees with you."
She could see the thoughts in Matka's head-- all the shouting he wanted to do, or maybe he was contemplating some more physical manifestation of his fury-- but instead he just exhaled loudly and said, "Tell us, then, what you would have your Guardians do to fight off Shadows that can steal away their very existence? What will they do when faced with the children of Kaos who can scarcely be caged within another dimension? Who tempted even us with their lies and trickery? How will you respond?"
The room had become very quiet and Ara was suddenly very aware of her surroundings. Her mind traced over his words several times before she found any sort of answer. "Alright, fine. We will ask for help," she submitted finally. "But that thing has to leave," she added, pointing directly at Sor.
Matka gave an subtle, yet arrogant smirk and she wanted badly to throttle him for it. "That's not your call to make, dearest sister. I, for one, would like to hear what Sor has to say on the subject. Is anyone else in agreement?"
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Post by purplemunster94 on Sept 6, 2013 1:44:59 GMT -5
Nilo
As usual Nilo watched from the sidelines as his siblings fought. It was a good argument on both sides, but Nilo had to agree with Matka, the guardians were strong, but they could not do the impossible. Sor stepped in at this moment. The god gave him an unsettling feeling, his actions were not always of justice and truth, but at this moment he had as much a right as any to be there. His people were being affected just as heavily as his own. After Sor spoke Ara became angry, both from the tension toward Matka and having Sor attend the meeting.
"That's not your call to make, dearest sister. I, for one, would like to hear what Sor has to say on the subject. Is anyone else in agreement?" At this statement Nilo realized that Ara was at her breaking point. His pushed himself to his full height and looked toward all of his siblings.
"As Matka has stated, it is not your place to say who stays and who goes, Ara." He stepped toward the three(Sor, Ara, Matka) "Sor shall stay, we may have had our differences, but his people are in as much danger as any of ours, plus he may know something that we do not, our guardians are strong, I know that, but this is more than that." He took a deep shaking breath, "I have seen with my own eyes what a beast like this is capable of. It ripped a child, no older than 16 from this world and any other. We need all the help that we can get."
Elias
She turned to look at him and nodded. "I've never been able to fly, my wings are smaller than a true avian's would be relative to my size and they lack some of the essential lift feathers for flight."
"I'm only half avian. My mother was a fisherman's daughter, a human." She looked away and shrugged, "I've never lived among avians except when I was very young."
Elias searched the girls face taking in all of the sadness and shame she had for what she was, or wasn't. He picked up his hand to place it on her shoulder in comfort than decided against it, thinking it would only make him seem emotional, and worsen her spirits. "I will not lie to you, the burden that has been put on your shoulders is something that will never be easy to deal with. It will make your life hard, but maybe you can find use of it. I know both humans and Avians probably look down on you for being neither of them. The way I see it, you are both."
He closed the book that was in front of him, and stood up to glance out the window. "You most likely will not know, but maybe growing up in so many places. I have a question." He moved his pile of books and uncovered the sigil. "Do you recognize this symbol?"
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