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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 4, 2020 1:00:03 GMT -5
“I remember the princess as if it were yesterday.” An old man sat before a crackling fire. His wrinkled skin showed the years that he’d spent traveling the world. His eyes were weathered and cloudy, his sight nearly gone. His hair was long and silvery, no longer the beautiful black locks that it had once been in his youth. The man leaned forward heavily upon a hand carved staff that held worn down intricate designs, in places the oils of his hands had rubbed away the notches so carefully made by a simple knife years ago. His clouded eyes looked about the group that sat around the fire with him.
“It’s tragic.” A voice spoke, a tall slender man stepped forward toward the group. “Not only did our kingdom have to fall, we had to lose our leaders as well as the young princess.” The man sat on an open piece of a log as he looked to the old man. He scoffed slightly. “What stories are you telling the youth old man? We will never regain our kingdom, not so long as the devil’s hounds of Zuhn hold their grasp on the land.” He eyed the man curiously.
The old man looked to him with his wise eyes, slowly a smirk began to unfold across his face until the whites of his teeth showed. “You’ve given up your hope dear boy?” He asked with a chuckle as he leaned forward slightly. His hand held toward the fire and the flames began to flicker and swirl. The crackling of the fire became more intense which caused those that sat around it to turn their attention to the burning logs. Within the flicker of flames a figure seemed to run, a cloak trailing behind it. “Your princess, lives. She is the only force that can contend with that of Zuhn.” He gazed to the man.
“She died.” The man argued, unwilling to accept the words of the old man before him. “Just like the king and queen, she was slain like the others of our kingdom. The devil has offered his hand to the soldiers of Zuhn.” He drew is brows together. “Besides, old man.” He eyed the man a long moment. “If she were alive, wouldn’t someone have found her? It’s been 8 years since the fall of Reisguard. She would have been found...she would have come out from hiding.” He pressed his lips together in a flat line. “Stop filling their heads with hope. There is not a speck of hope for the people of Reisguard, we are only to keep moving and hope that the next city that we take refuge in does not fall to Zuhn like so many of the others.”
The old man leaned back, the smile stayed upon his lips. Those that sat around the circle seemed entranced by the man. “If you believe that the princess would so eagerly step from the shadows dear boy, then you are more of a fool than I believed.” He smiled before he gazed to the others. “I lifted her upon the horse myself, I watched her ride from the kingdom through the escape. It was I whom the queen entrusted with her life. She is alive.” His eyes glanced back to the young man whom crossed his arms over his chest now, his brows tucked together. “If you give up hope, dear boy, what do you have?” The man stood his eyes searched the boy’s a long moment before he turned and stepped away to walk into a tent that was quickly erected just hours before.
**
The fall of Reisguard to the Zuhn army was the beginning of the fall of so many. Reisguard stood as a protector of many of cities upon the continent of Weissen. The battle lasted for nearly a month before Zuhn overtook the city. Their soldiers rained flaming arrowed down upon the city lighting it aflame in the night. Mages blasted the gates of the city open with ease leaving the frightened citizens to cower within their homes. It was the dawn of a new era. Magic, though practiced was not widly known. It was something of a new discovery in Weissen. Only few practiced it. The king and queen had a mage at their side to protect them, though their mage was nothing against the forces of Zuhn. The city deemed devils by those of the continent grew an army of those that could wield magic. They focused on the more aggressive ventures of black magic that became explosive in the war. It was almost as if it was a ruse that Reisguard held Zuhn back for nearly a month. As if the Zuhn commanders wanted Reisguard to believe they had a chance at winning. Ultimately it cost the king and queen their lives. That was the final straw before the push forward and into the city of Reisguard. Only a handful survived and had moved from camp to camp. They made refuge where they could but never stayed long for fear of the Zuhn army attacking their place of home once again. It was cold existence filled with constant fear that the army would arrive within the cloak of the shadows of night just as they had in Reisguard.
**
Quick footsteps stuck the icy ground. A cloak flowed freely behind a shadowy figure as it raced through the thick of the forest. Heavy hoofbeats echoed across the earth close behind. Icy eyes gazed behind fearfully.
“Get back here!” A voice echoed across the snow. “Catch her damnit!” A man in blackened armor called his face hidden behind the thick grate of his helmet.
Horses with soldiers upon them rushed after the cloaked figure and just as they drew closer she was grabbed from within the shadows of a dark cave. A scream came over her lips as she struggled. “Shh.” A hand clasped tightly over her mouth. She gazed up into the eyes of an elf with long tipped ears, his eyes were the same shade as hers. An elven trait. Though his eyes began to glow as he held her against the cave wall. The soldiers rode close to the cave. One even entered the cavern and seemed to look right at them. Though the reaction was not what one would expect. It was as if they were invisible. They stayed like this for what felt like hours until the last of the soldiers were gone and the world was silent once again. The man finally released the young girl and she scrambled back, her eyes glued to him. “I am Rydel.” He spoke as he watched her carefully. “You are from Reisguard?” He asked then.
The girl took in a breath as she glanced to the icy forest. It had been nearly a week. She was tired. Hungry. She hadn’t had much rest with the soldiers chasing after her nearly every moment. She gave a slight nod, her eyes still watched his every movement.
The elf stepped forward and his hand reached to the clasp upon the cloak around her neck. A soft smile curved up his lips. “Princess Ariwyn.” He drew in a breath. “You’re alive.” He dropped his hand from the clasp. “Come.” He nodded. “I can keep you safe from them.”
“They’ve been chasing me...” She breathed as tears welled up in her eyes. The first friendly face she’d seen. Her body trembled. “I don’t know what they want...”
“I do.” He spoke with a knowing gaze. “Come with me, Ariwyn.” He held his hand out.
**
Eight years passed. The princess lived in a hidden grove within the forest. Rydel was an elf that lived among other elves within the forest. The magic that they held hid the village from even that of the Nuhn soldiers. It was an incredible place, the plants glowed at night like that of the moon. Even the water that ran through the center of the village seemed to glow in the long nights. The homes were carved into the huge trees that stretched into the skies. They were an elder species of elves, that of which the royal bloodline originated. These elves were ancestors of the princess and of Reisguard. A forgotten group that walked among those of Reisguard unnoticed before the war.
“Princess.” A voice spoke. Rydel. He didn’t look much older than the day he’d found the young princess, afraid in the woods...hunted by the soldiers.
Though, the princess had become a young woman. The eight years had brought her from a young child to a beautiful woman. Her eyes were just as piercing as when she was young. Her long black locked hung in tassels down to the leather black armor that held silver edges. She wore upon her shoulders a black cloak that held the clasp of the cloak she’d fled Reisguard in eight years ago. “Lily.” She spoke as she looked to Rydel. “I’m not the princess anymore. Remember?”
Rydel drew in a breath and nodded. The leader of their people, their queen so to speak had given the princess a new name when she’d arrived. They performed a ritual to welcome her into their arms, into their city and protection and with that...the old persona of the princess had to be laid to rest. “Right.” Rydel spoke with a soft smile. “So...I hear you’re leaving?” He asked curiously.
“Yes.” She nodded as she looked to him. “If the prophecy is correct I am the only one whom can stop the devil’s army.” She had her hand upon the hilt of a beautiful silver sword.
“You aim to reclaim Reisguard?” He questioned, he’d heard her speak of it nearly every day since she’d arrived in their city. She was focused on defeating the Nuhn. They had taken everything from her. From everyone of Reisguard. Though, he never imagined she would leave such a safe place. “No one can come with you...you understand?” He shifted slightly, his arms crossed loosely across his chest.
“I understand, Rydel.” She spoke with a soft smile. “I have to try. I know my people are out there...we must rise up against Nuhn.” She turned to the pure white horse that stood with a saddle and fully packed saddle bags upon its back. She climbed upon it and the horse bobbed its head, eager to get on the road.
Rydel gave a nod as he looked up to her. “I wish you luck, princess.” He bowed his head as she turned to ride from the city.
**
The hooves of the horse plodded across the land as Lily rode through the open plains of a world that she’d nearly forgotten. She gazed up into the sky to a plume of smoke that rose from the thick of the forest ahead of her. The princess rode forward following the trail of smoke. She knew she was in Nuhn territory from what she’d been told by many of the elves that ventured out as scouts from the hidden city. She glanced around as she came closer, she could hear the sound of men clamoring drunkenly.
“Hey!” A man called then suddenly. “What do you think you’re doing?” The soldier clad in black armor walked up to Lily he gripped upon the bridle of her horse. “Did you get lost?” He snickered. “An elf even?” He noted her tipped ears. “I thought nearly all of your species had been killed off 8 years ago.” He chuckled, others came forward and soon enough she was surrounded by the soldiers.
“Only a fool would think that they’ve kill off an entire species so easily.” She responded her eyes glared to him.
“Grab her.” The soldier ordered.
Lily didn’t fight as the soldiers ripped her from her horse and she was pulled away into the camp. She put up little struggle as the soldiers tied her into a chair. Then one stared to her, his eyes caught the clasp upon her cloak. “Would you look at this?” He reached forward. “I haven’t seen that seal in nearly 8 years. You are from Reisguard.” He grinned as he leaned forward. “Do tell me girl. How long would you like to live?” His face was just inches from hers, to which her response was to spit in his face. The soldier snarled as he stepped back. “Oh.” He laughed. “Perfect.” He wiped away the spit before he backhanded her harshly. “You’ll regret that.” He gripped her jaw.
The princess smirked to him. “Will I though?” She questioned. Her hands slipped easily from the ropes and her hand came forward with a small dagger that ejected from her gauntlet. It sliced into his neck and blood splattered across the floor. She moved forward as if it was a dance, her feet moved as nimble as a ballerina upon the stage. She reached to the table and grasped her sword as she spun and caught one of the soldiers in his gut with the blade. Her eyes glowed as she moved with ease. Magic fueled her. Time seemed to slow around her as she picked the men off one by one. She came to the last man whom knelt before her, trembling.
“I beg of you.” He held his hands forward. “Please have mercy.”
“Did you have mercy when you took Reisguard?” She questioned her voice dark, blood dripped from the blade as she held it forward, it pressed against his throat. “Did you show any ounce of mercy to my people?” The soldier merely shook his head as he took in a shaken breath. The princess smirked as she looked to him. “Lucky for you.” She ran the blade along the cloth of his tunic, wiping the blood from it. “You’re the last one standing.” She sheathed the blade. “I’ll need someone to tell the tale.” She watched him. “I’ll kill every last Nuhn soldier if I have to.” She gripped the front of his tunic. “Reisguard does not belong to you, nor do any of the other cities that you’ve destroyed.” She shoved him back before she turned and clicked her tongue. Her horse plodded forward to her. “So tell your king.” She turned to him a smirk on her lips. “That he will soon face the same fate that the king and queen of Reisguard suffered.” She climbed upon the horse and clicked her tongue once again before she rode off into the night.
**
“Did you hear?” A man came running into a camp of Reisguard refugees. “An entire camp of Nuhn soldiers was slaughtered.” He glanced around to the curious eyes. “It was a woman...some are saying it is Princess Ariwyn.”
The man from before stood his eyes looking to the man, “It’s impossible. She died eight years ago. We found her cloak with blood stained upon it. Her horse slaughtered by the Nuhn soldiers.”
A chuckle came from a tent as the wise old man stepped out, he hobbled forward. “I’d listen to that man boy.” He grinned. “Our princess is alive.”
**
The princess rode into a small farm town as the sun set over the horizon. She tossed a few coins to a stable boy as he took her horse and she stepped inside the inn. Her icy eyes gazed around a moment before she approached the counter. “One night.” She spoke as she tossed the coins forward. “A meal if you have it.” She spoke then as she leaned on the counter.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 4, 2020 12:51:16 GMT -5
In the skies above the Rolling Plains rest a great floating city. So high in the sky that it lingers with the clouds, casting a great shadow across the plains, acting like a sundial in the sky. Holding the city in the sky is a thick earth matter, with mountainous points, stretching far below the city. Though atop the matter rest a bustling world, buildings crammed together, tall towers jutting between the streets. In the northern center rest the largest, castle like tower, with glowing purple crystals circling around the highest point. From these crystals emit a powerful magic – the magic that keeps the city floating. A thin purple bubble surrounded the entirety of the mass, circling from the highest apex to the lowest – where a similar purple crystal rest. Though from the naked eye one might only catch glimpses of the magic surrounding the city, if the sun was just right….
Atop the cobbled streets is a corral of people. Many shops to linger, of all things magic and knowledge. Several buildings dedicated to magically growing food, between crops to cattle. Then lingering to blacksmiths, tailors, enchanters, everything enhanced with magic. Should a King wish for the greatest weapon – he would send his men to Dalaran to fetch it, though he would pay a pretty penny. There were elves, dwarves, humans, gnomes, and everything in between, who lived here.
It was a city of legend, lead by the Circle. The mages themselves were a neutral party, and should a Kingdom wish for their aid – they would come with their purpose, and of course – their gold. The Circle had the greatest School of Magic, of which the final mages who rose to the highest tiers would become one with the Circle. When the Kingdoms come forth – they send their best Mage to represent, and assist. This had two purposes… Fueling the floating city of Dalaran was no cheap thing, and it would eternally keep the Circle’s hands controlling everything. Throughout the history of time – it was their influence that would sway the centries. Though while many believe it was the most powerful Kingdom that ruled… it was truly – whatever Kingdom the Circle chose..who ruled. In reality it was a corrupt business, most often than not – though – the Circle maintained a necessary Balance.
Leading the Circle and Dalaran was a single man, a man who was as old as time, it seemed. Though despite being hundreds of years old – he appeared no older than 40 years. A bit of gray in his hair, a slightly older face, he was still mobile and powerful. Arden was his name, and he was the last of the Original Circle. It was him and the other 4 that combined their powers to lift Dalaran into the sky, creating a Haven for the mages, as they were hunted and hated. They began the age of Magic, where finally they could be themselves.
“Are you prepared?” Arden spoke, looking down to the teenager before him. Arden was a tall man, wearing long black and white robes, decorated with sigils and arcane lines. He had long hair which had several braids that were pulled back, his beard thick and full, though neatly trimmed.
The girl turned her gaze to him, she had a single bag in hand. “Yes, Master Arden” she bowed her head. She had beautiful blonde hair that fell like a waterfall about her head, gentle waves and layers. Her eyes were a crystal blue, though held no iris, it was just pure magic that infused them. Her skin was porcelain.
“This is the beginning to your Destiny...” Arden spoke wisely and circled around her. “Everything you have been trained for...You will make me proud” he smiled and placed a hand upon her shoulder. “Here – he comes” Arden lifted a robed hand.
Stepping forward a glorious man, wearing black and golden armor that glistened in the high sun. He came upon them and bowed his head. “I have been waiting for this moment for quite some time...” the man spoke, his voice deep and grumbling. “Jenna...” he bowed his head once more. “I have been told of your Prophecy, the great Mage that shall change the world. With you by my side, I will ensure that you do… your magic and your hand will touch everything, you shall mold it into the world of your dreams...” his voice was silky.
Jenna smiled and bowed her head. Since before she could remember – she knew this day would come. The King of Zuhn, King Arthas Wrykor. It seemed this transaction was planned long ago, perhaps before she was born, or maybe some kind of deal after. She never knew the true inners of it, only that this was to be her future.
***
Ten years had passed, and what was once a young girl – had rose in a beautiful woman. The rise of Zuhn had been from her hand – though over time she discovered it was not in the fashion that she once dreamed it to be. She drew upon the dark magics, commanded by the King who ruled her. Enhancing the Knights, summoning and creating beasts, then in the art of war she would slaughter thousands with a flick of her wrist. Her ultimate power was simple, as was her nature.
Though it was one day that she was in the Office of Wrykor, searching for a document that he had asked her to retrieve that she came upon a locked small drawer… her eyebrows pulled together and she waved her hand, the lock turning easily. She opened the drawer to come upon a set of documents, she flipped through them and she leaned back. It was a file on her, who she was, where she came from, the agreement the Circle made…. She grit her teeth and waved her hand once more. The papers organized themselves exactly as they were, and the drawer closed and locked – as if she never entered it.
Once she retrieved the documents she was sent for – she lifted a powerful hand and summoned a portal. It was a twisting vortex in the air, colored in purple and blues… she stepped through it and appeared before the King. She handed the documents and stepped back, listening.
Wrykor wrote up a treaty with another Kingdom, for their lives – he would take control. The King of Waycrest would continue to rule, but their profits and military belonged to him. She knew before the night was over – she would stand over a swarm of men – channeling her power into them. It enhanced their bodies, but also their minds. They would become mindless soldiers, fighting for their cause no matter their case.
When she finished she stepped away, her steps guiding her away as her thoughts swarmed her. The papers… the truth. She lowered her gaze. He had brainwashed her for so long, and she knew it – she was smart. But, her duty was here, she had no choice. If she abandoned him, she would be removed from the Circle… then hunted and killed by Mage Hunters, she had seen it before… This is where she was, and would stay.
“Jenna” the King walked up. “Excellent work today...” he smiled, he held a cloth to his face – wiping the blood off of it, as he had slaughtered someone in their defiance, no doubt. “I have troubling news...” he spoke and lead her to step away, his gaze looking over her attire. Jenna wore a corset that hugged her, it was a beautiful white with golden accents. She wore a single shoulder piece, which was intricate and beautiful, she wore a kind of skirt over a set of leggings, boots that were pulled high. She appeared of royal nature, but yet still powerful, if her aura of magic didnt sway you already.
“A scout has returned to me, telling me that his entire crew was murdered, by a woman you described to me so long ago….” he spoke clearly, his arms crossing before him. “The Prophecy is coming to air. The one that shall bring me down….” he grit his teeth. “She shall not make it to the Fourth Blue Moon, you will kill her before she becomes empowered...” he spoke. “Find her” he waved Jenna off.
She lifted her gaze and turned… her steps leading her to where this man was – the one who survived. As she stepped forward to him, who sat in a chair, breathing heavily, she pressed a finger to his forehead, drawing out the memory of this. She leaned her head back and sucked in a breath – she saw it all. This woman – killing the others with ease… it was her, from the dream she had so long ago. The woman who held a blade to Wrykor’s throat, and then slicing with pleasure in her eyes…
Jenna stepped back, shook by the visual. “Where did you see her?” she questioned, her voice gentle and soothing.
“Roughly 60 miles to the east, not far from Camden” he spoke. “She is likely there now” he groaned.
Jenna lifted her hand and a portal formed once more, she stepped into it easily and emerged on the outskirts of Camden. She sucked in a breath, that was two portals so swiftly back to back, a bit of her energy was drained… The woman pushed forward, until she came upon a tavern… This was always the best place to get information first… She stepped inside and approached the bar. “One Ale” she spoke and set a coin down… the man poured it and she took the drink away, to sip on it idly.
Though as she knew her mission, she felt something within her stir. The file…. She took a sip and leaned back...sighing heavily. She could see it then – the papers. Jenna Wrykor, daughter of a crippled King. He had went to the Circle for help, and they healed him, for return of his daughter to be… Though she would be concieved in the Well of Eternity… She wanted to more, what happened, how did it happen? Is that why she was what she was? She was not human, nor elf… When she bled – it was a thick blue, that barely seeped. Her eyes were marbled over, glowing brightly. Her power – was of no match, and often explosive. She spent years perfecting her control over it, as it threatened to rip her entire essence with each use. She was no human, but rather some creation, she always knew she was different. Told she was special. But she was not that, she was a experiment, and now was used for the upper hand of the King, and Circle both… her destruction of the world was planned.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 4, 2020 16:27:21 GMT -5
“A meal?” The man from behind the counter looked to the princess curiously. “Hm and elf huh?” He eyed her a moment before he pushed the coins forward toward her. “I’m not sure what rock you’ve been hiding under but here in Camden we don’t house elf refugees.” His voice turned almost aggressive. “So take your coin and leave.” He went back to polishing up a glass.
Lily raised her brows slightly. Camden had been an ally to Reisguard when she was a child. She’d thought this would be a safe haven for her outside of the city within the forest. Just under a week out of the city and she was already running into trouble. Rydel tried to warn her that since the war began those that were tied to Reisguard had changed their tune about elves. It was a sad thing to see, once such a noble species now the elves of Reisguard were tossed to the side like unwanted meat. “Of course, I must have forgotten. I’ve been off the continent for a few years now.” Her eyes watched him as she reached forward to grab her coins.
The barkeep eyed her, his bushy brows tucked together his hand shot forward and gripped onto hers as he leaned forward across the counter toward her. “On second thought.” His face was inches from hers. “I think I’ll keep this coin for having to deal with your presence.” His voice was a growl. “You shouldn’t have spoken girl.”
“Leave her alone, she’s clearly not from here. Don’t treat her as if she’s from Reisguard.” A patron spoke up from a few chairs away. “Give her, her coin back Charles.”
Lily glanced to the man, he held a thick beard upon his jaw, a mug in hand. She felt the grip upon her hand loosen as she brought her eyes back to the innkeeper. “He’s right, you know?” She smirked as she took her coin. “I won’t bother you again.” She turned to the man and gave a nod before she left the inn. Perhaps somewhere in the town would house her for the evening. She stood outside of the inn for a moment her lips pressed together in a straight line. She had to give her horse a rest, there was no other choice but to stay here, even if she ended up sleeping within the stables like a peasant. A soft sigh came over her lips before her eyes fell upon a building that had plenty of patrons moving about.
She walked forward her eyes glanced to the burly men that entered and exited the building. As she drew closer the scent of mead wafted to her nostrils and she wrinkled her nose slightly. Taverns had rooms usually. Not the cleanest of rooms, but a pillow to lay her head upon. The scent of food hit her then and her stomach growled. She held her hand over the leather attire that she wore that was form fitted to her body like a corset. “An elf hm?” A woman smiled as she looked the princess up and down. “It’s been quite awhile since an elf has stepped foot in Camden, after what happened 8 years ago.” She gave a weak smile then. “You look tired.” The woman spoke as she crossed her arms over her chest slightly. “Old Charlie wouldn’t let you stay in his inn, would he, girl?” She asked and Lily in response shook her head. She glanced into the tavern through the windows and then back to the woman. “I’m the owner of this tavern.” The woman smiled. “I had plenty of friends in Reisguard when it fell. Those who hate the elves, well...it wasn’t their fault. The damn mage that Nuhn has caused all the destruction.” The woman sighed and shook her head. “Now...why don’t you come in. I’ll get you a meal. Hm? What’s your name?”
Lily took in a breath as she looked to the woman. She wasn’t sure if she should trust her or if this was a trap to kill her for being an elf. She nodded and gave a smile, “Lily.” She responded. “I come from the continent of Yule, it is to the east across the oceans. I only know of the fall of Reisguard from what our shamans spoke. My people in Yule are treated no different than other species...” She drew her brows together slightly. This story was one that Rydel had helped her form. She couldn’t tell everyone that she was the princess. No. Not yet. Not until she was in a position to take the throne back. Which, she knew she couldn’t do alone.
“Ah wonderful. Come inside, Lily.” The woman led her in and to the bar. “Give her a drink, a key and a meal.” She placed her hand upon the barkeep’s shoulder before she came back to Lily. “If you have any trouble dear, just knock on that door.” She pointed to a door that was labeled ‘office’.
Lily gave a nod and a smile. “Thank you...” She paused and pressed her lips together.
“Vivian.” The woman spoke back with a smile. “Rest well.” She spoke and then disappeared into her office.
Lily looked to the barkeep whom slid a key across the counter to her. “It’s upstairs, second door on the left. The only room we have left tonight.” He pulled a mug and filled it before he pushed it over the countertop to her. “Mead.” He nodded and then he disappeared into the back and returned with a steaming bowl. “Venison stew, fresh today. Vivian shot it herself.” He chuckled before he set the bowl down. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
Lily looked down to the stew and nodded, “Thank you.” She lifted the spoon and her eyes glanced about the room. She was at the corner of the bar so she could see nearly everything. To her surprise a few dwarves mingled in the corner, arm wrestling of all things. It seemed to be a healthy mixture of patrons in the tavern. Vivian seemed to welcome all walks of life within the walls. Something that the princess was truly thankful for. She took a sip of her mead and then began to eat her stew. Halfway through the bowl the barkeep refilled her mead, she gave a nod and a smile to him before she continued. Something warm. She hadn’t had much since she’d left the city. Only what she could gather within the forest, or cold bread and jerky. This meal was exquisite. She hadn’t quite had a stew that was so flavorful.
Though she paused as the doors opened and a woman walked into the bar. Her eyes. That was the first thing that caught Lily’s attention, besides her beautiful complexion and fine clothing. She did not fit in at this tavern at all. No matter how many walks of life stood within the tavern this woman did not fit. She was like a jewel laying upon a pile of stone. Once Lily realized she was staring at the woman she adverted her eyes to the bowl of stew. Why would this woman come to the tavern for an ale? Of all things...in a lazy farm town. She looked as though she belonged in a royal court. Her eyes though, they glowed in a way that she’d never seen. It was mystical, entrancing. Lily lifted her eyes again to glance to the woman before she took a drink of her ale. She could feel her muscles loosening from the drinks, she wasn’t normally one to drink but a good night of rest was something she needed dearly.
“Another stew?” The barkeep stood before her. Her bowl was empty with the exception of a few drops of broth.
Lily looked down to it. “Yes, that would be lovely.” She spoke as she gazed up to him.
The barkeep stepped into the back and soon returned with a steaming bowl. He stood before her. “Your accent.” He spoke as he searched her eyes. “You’re not from Weissen are you?” He asked a smile about his lips. “Especially to be in Camden of all places.” He chuckled softly. “There are many other cities that would be much safer for an elf.” He nodded.
Lily drew in a breath as she looked up to him, her mind briefly taken from the mystical woman. “Oh no, no I’m not from Weissen.” She gave a warm smile to him. “I’m from Yule.”
“That explains the strange accent.” He nodded as he filled her mug again, he wasn’t allowing the mug to fall short of half full. “Where is Yule?” He asked.
In truth, the accent that she held was that of the elder elves deep within the forest. Though, that wasn’t something she could speak of. She merely smiled to him. “It is east of the great ocean.” She spoke and took a sip of her mead. “Several weeks of travel.” She set her mug down.
The barkeep grinned and nodded. “Wow, and you’re in Camden?” He chuckled and shook his head. “Plenty of better places to go in Weissen.” He then turned his attention to another patron. “Enjoy your stew.” He nodded before he left her to fill another patron’s ale.
“Thank you.” Lily took in a breath, she had to focus to keep herself from looking up to the woman. She’s never seen anything like the woman. Even in the ancient texts she didn’t read of such eyes. Such beauty. The princess spooned a bit of the stew, though her eyes drifted up to the woman once again as she reached for her mead. Her eyes were full of curiosity as she lifted the mug to her lips and took another drink.
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Post by Raven on Jan 4, 2020 21:17:49 GMT -5
There was always a banter about the Tavern, though a certain sound seem to pierce through the wave of sounds. She lifted her gaze, her thoughts mustering away to the back of her head. A woman at the bar, with the bar tender. She had passed this woman making her way in, and yet paid no mind. It was clear how distracted, and distraught she was - normally she was one of high alert. She leaned back slightly then, holding the mead close to her lips and taking a long sip.
Normally she would have a wine, or maybe even a fine bourbon, but a fine Mage Sorceress would never indulge in mead, or ale...though this was her favorite drink. In her initial rising at Zuhn - she would sneak away and drink with the men in the taverns, and when she was caught - she found other ways to sneak in the sweet ale. She knew the persona of her position, and as she grew - she had to give it up little by little, becoming a person that she hardly recognized. Over time... she started to do things, say things, that made her less the person she saw herself to be, and more what the world wanted her to be.
Jen lifted her gaze, listening to the conversation of this woman. She was not a local, though she could tell that herself. When Jen finished her drink she stood - her clothing rustling to their position as she did so. As she walked by - a few sitting near glanced to her, and then swiftly away. She was like a radiant beam in the darkness of the Tavern, and stuck out even more so. She came to the bar and set her empty wooden mug down and nodded. "Another" she spoke with a clear voice.
The barkeep cleared his voice "Are you sure... you don't want wine, my lady?" he questioned, holding a damp cloth in his hand - from wiping the bar down.
Jen chuckled and pushed the mug further. "Mead please" she spoke and then turned her gaze. "You know" Jen's glowing orbs peered to the woman and she glanced her up and down - very obviously. "You should buy someone their drink if you are going to eyeball them so much..." she raised a brow and then smirked. She moved herself so that she sat on the barstool next to her.
"Interesting accent, hungry as can be, thirsty... and from... Yule, you said?" she chuckled. "I would expect maybe a darker tone of skin for Yule, but perhaps you are a traveler, I can see it. So what is it you do? Moving from city to city...looking for jobs? The bit of blood on your elbow here tells me you fight, maybe a bounty hunter, maybe you just take strange beasts out..." she took a sip of the mead as it was filled. "Your odd nature intrigues me, as much as mine likely intrigues you..."
She nodded her head then and set her mug down. "I am Jenna of Lindonburge, Magister of the Circle, and appointed to house of Zuhn..." she lifted her brow. "Yourself?" she questioned curiously, her eyes no doubt studying her closely. The woman held a kind of confidence that could not be matched, that someone from the distance could easily tell that she was of power, in an almost threatening way....
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 4, 2020 23:59:00 GMT -5
Lily was busy eating her stew when she heard the barkeep speak to the woman. Her eyes lifted once again, and once again she found herself staring in awe, struck by the woman. She’d never had such a problem before. The barkeep addressed this woman as if she was royal blood. Much like how the nobility of the castle were addressed when she was a child. Though, it was in that moment of thought that Lily realized that this strange woman now had her eyes upon her, locked on her like a predator on prey. Her breath caught in her chest slightly as she heard the voice of the woman directed toward her and she quickly adverted her eyes to her mug as she bit at her lower lip. Lily’s cheeks had flushed red. She’d noticed the woman sizing her up as she spoke the line. If the woman was aiming to make the elf uncomfortable she’d succeeded at that. She took in a breath and let it out slowly. “I’ve never seen eyes quite like yours...” She managed to speak before she tossed a few coins upon the counter, “I’ll buy you more than one drink for the trouble.” She turned her gaze back to the woman as she sat next to her.
Lily looked surprised that the woman took a chair next to her. Her brows furrowed slightly as the woman began to speak again. Confident in her accusations. When the woman pointed out the blood upon her elbow she nearly cringed but the princess held her composure. “I had a run in with the wolves of the forest.” She drew her brows together. “Not every being from Yule is of darker skin. You’ve clearly not traveled to the Northern Bend. Henlay. Most haven’t heard of it. I look nothing different from the elves that originate from my home there.” At least, that was what Rydel told her. She’d never been to the continent of Yule. She’d never stepped foot in Henlay. But the elf that was her guide over the past eight years seemed to have been there a time or two. Perhaps he traveled from there as a child.
She turned her attention to the stew that sat before her then, her fingertips curled around the spoon as the woman began to speak once again. Unwarranted. The interest that Lily had in the woman had become that of something in the back of her mind after the woman seemed to accuse her of lying. Though, it was a lie. The words that the woman spoke caused the elf to perk up slightly. “You’re the great mage from Zuhn?” Her brows raised slightly, all attention on anything else had ceased. It was as if fate had intended this meeting. “Of all places to be. Just as the barkeep spoke to me, why Camden?” She smirked then. It was clear that she was interested in the woman that sat next to her. She took a sip from her mug of mead.
“I’m nothing more than a refugee from Yule.” She spoke as she looked to the woman. “In the shadow of such a noble figure that is.” A grin split her lips. “I’m Lily Truis.” She watched the woman, Jenna. She didn’t know much of the mage of Zuhn. All she knew was that the mage of Zuhn had caused all of the terrible things to happen. The mage had empowered the king to destroy everything that lay in his path including her home of Reisguard and her family. “You’re right you know.” She spoke as she looked to her stew. “I am a blade for hire.” She smirked again. “A farmer just a few towns over asked me to take care of a few beasts of the forest for him. I must have missed a few drops.” She looked to her elbow before she shrugged. “Wolves. Have you seen them? Lycans? Devilish beasts.” She finished her stew then before she turned her attention back to Jenna.
“So great magister.” A smile split her lips. “What draws you from the side of your king? It can’t be for you to sit in a tavern and speak to a foreigner about their travels.” She’d turned on her barstool to face Jenna more now, her eyes locked on the woman. “Surly you have better things to do.”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 0:48:23 GMT -5
Jen sat back slightly, the mug lifted to her lips as she listened to the woman speak. It was a coaster of thoughts as the woman tangled through her own, she could tell. Between curiosity, confusion, and then some sort of forward motion. She couldn't pin it down - what Lily was intending in her last words. The questions to the Mage, as if this Meer.... blade for hire would have the audacity to ask. Though the courage to do so, and even banter back to her was interesting. Jen knew very well that those not of Nuhn following hated her, it was almost an expectation. The ballsy act of this woman made her even that more interesting to Jen.
She set the mug down and smiled, her glowing orbs looking directly to the sword for hire. "You seem well versed, to fight a Worgan and live - is quite the feat..." she tilted her head and thought for a moment. "What brings me to Camden is Nuhn business, though... Perhaps I can inquire your assistance, for a pretty penny. The Blades of the North are known for very intuitive tracking capabilities..." she smirked then. "A few of my scouts were out on the border, before the Forests of Tyvar, were assassinated. Though tactically - one was sent back to tell the tale. He was very struck by the moment of it, not much detail to offer. A masked person, slender, about five foot eight, and wielding a silver blade" she sipped once more and then glanced to the Barkeep.
"Say, Barkeep, have you seen anyone by that description?" she questioned. "Probably would have been stumbling in within the past 2-4 hours..." she questioned. "I don't think the person would have gotten far, Camden was the closest establishment..." she glanced back to the woman. "So, what do you say, do you fancy a hunt, for a good penny?" she questioned and lifted a sack of coins to the table. "I doubt any blade would resist good gold." she lifted a brow. Her hues glanced to the woman sword about her waist, and then back up. "I wouldn't know much about... Wolfs... Lycans and Worgans, skilled help is far and few in between" she spoke with a devilish grin, almost poking at the woman. Of course she knew of these...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 12:26:02 GMT -5
Lily watched the woman closely. She wasn’t sure if she’d offended the mage or impressed her. Though she didn’t falter in her position, she remained facing Jenna as she reached to her mug and took a sip of the mead. The next words that came from the woman’s mouth. A Worgan. She kept her expression as stong as can be. Of course she’d never fought a Worgan, the elves of the forest wouldn’t allow it. They didn’t want the young princess to befall the fate that the Nuhn king wanted to badly. Though the next words from the mage’s mouth...she wanted to hire Lily to track someone. A knot formed in her stomach as the woman spoke of the scouts that were slaughtered, the scouts that Lily had killed herself.
She watched curiously as the mage spoke of the build of the attacker. It matched her rather well. Lily began to think that this mage wasn’t hiring her, more that she was drawing her from the presence of witnesses so that she could kill Lily. She turned slightly as the woman called out to the barkeep. He stood before them cleaning a glass. His brows raised slightly. “Well, my lady.” He spoke his eyes moved about the room before coming back to her and then to Lily. “There are all walks of life in our tavern here.” He gave a smile. “I could point out a few that match such a description. Though, I see no one in a mask.” He seemed almost happy to hear that some of the Nuhn soldiers had been killed.
Lily smirked slightly and shook her head as she looked to the large sack of coin that was set upon the table before her. She then looked to the mage as she prodded at her. “Well, magister.” She stood with a grin upon her own lips. “If there is something that you do not know about.” She gazed into Jenna’s eyes a moment. “It is clear that you do not know about those of Yule, especially those of Henlay.” She raised a brow. “If you did, you’d know better than to ask me to hunt some human down for attacking your soldiers.” She lifted the key from the bar and jingled it slightly as she pushed it into her pocket. “As much as gold is an alluring item to me. I do not, nor will I ever, hunt down a human. That is not in my contract no matter how much gold you throw at me.” She smiled, it was almost a sweet smile, as if she was laughing at the mage without performing the action.
The princess watched her a long moment. “Now, perhaps your soldier.” She leaned against the counter her hip pushed against the wood, her cloak pushed to the side revealing her beautiful silver sword. “Perhaps he’s made up a story? Hm?” She smiled playfully almost. “He was too tormented by the thought of telling your king that the whole group of scouts was lost to a beast.” She shrugged. “Now that.” She smirked. “That I could get behind. I’d track your beast for you, Magister Jenna. Be it a beast of any sort.” She searched the woman’s glowing eyes then.
“Besides.” She moved a bit closer, almost as if she was challenging the woman. “Why would a magister such as yourself need the help of me? A foreigner? A blade for hire?” Her voice was a whisper. “You could wipe out an entire city with the flick of your wrist and yet you ask me for help to find a human?” She giggled then, “Have you lost your touch, Jenna?” She raised a brow as she stayed where she was not budging. “You very well know of the beasts of the forests. I would be willing to bet you trained and honed your skills fighting them. Such is the trait of those from the Circle.” Lily seemed to know much more about Weissen than she’d originally put on. Much more than a foreigner would know. She finally leaned back, her arms crossed over her chest as she stared at Jenna. “You’d better move swiftly if you want to catch that masked assassin, I’m sure he...or she...” She smirked after the last word. “Has begun to move far away from the forest of Tyvar.” She watched the mage the entire while, gauging her reactions to things. She seemed to be studying her. Yet in the back of her mind she knew that if she could get the mage alone, if she could kill this mage she would have an even greater shot at killing the king. There would be no defenses left at the castle, no magic. Not until the Circle sent another mage. Though, this mage was one of the more chaotic mages. Lily could feel the magic coming from her being. It was strange. An odd whirlwind of power that seemed to be bottled up. Lily had never felt such a thing before and it caused her to want to ask questions. But to question her enemy. That wasn’t something that was going to happen.
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Post by Raven on Jan 5, 2020 12:59:55 GMT -5
Jenna looked to the woman, a grin split across her lips. Lily had much courage, to spit at the Mage. Though, she couldn't fault her much - there was a lot of rage buried under the caress of her voice. She tilted her head and then took a sip of her mead, finishing it off then. Her eyes glazed to the Bartender who was of no help. She could see it in his eyes - his wish for Lily to reach out her blade and cut Jenna down. It was a casual vibe. Jenna tilted her head back, glowing orbs shifting slightly. "Oh my dearest..." she whispered. "You are brave, I give you that" she spoke softly. "I admire it" she dared to speak. "Yule has been destroyed for roughly 12 years, the Black Dragon of the North burnt it to the ground - no doubt he was being controlled by Levanthe the King Slayer..." she leaned back and pressed her lips together.
Jenna stood then, her clothing situating themselves along her sides. Her braided hair shifted slightly, the piercing white hair - that had lost its golden color long ago - seem to even glow in the darkness of the Tavern. "Tell me, Blade" she stepped towards the door. "Just how has Leilani been, hm?" she questioned and then grinned, her hand upon the door. "I think I shall go see her....m'lady" she bowed her head, almost playfully - an indication that she knew. Sitting before her was true Royalty. Jenna turned then and stepped outside of the Tavern. She made it several feet before creating a portal and easily stepping through it. It vanished in an instant.
Jenna stood before the huge forest... she drew her hands upward and sucked in a breath. Within seconds the entire Forest lit aflame, smoke billowing to the sky in thick. She then turned and gripped her hand into a tight fist and pushed them upwards, as if drawing something from the earth. And she did - the earth began to buckle in two spots, emerging from the ground came wolf like beasts - made of roots and earth like flesh, they snarled and snapped - several formed, protecting the entrance of the forest. A test for Lily...
Jenna stepped forward several feet, the heat of the fire licked at her. Then as she emerged further into the forest she turned and her hands moved - a barrier was created and suddenly, to her visuals, the fire was gone. An image, pure illusionary act. She turned then and a woman stood before her, hands upon her hips.
"Jenna, what in the Gods name are you doing here?" She spoke. She was a beautiful elf, she wore leather armor with a decorated bow on her back, her eyes staring to the mage.
"Oh Leliana..." she chuckled and stepped forward. It was then that the Elf broke and then laughed herself, she moved forward and gave the mage a hug. "How have you been?" she questioned.
"You have quite the guts coming here, you know" The Elf spoke and then lead her forward into the forest, following the path to their small home.
"The time is now..." Jenna spoke and looked to the elf with serious eyes. "Everything that has come to be, has lead to this moment..."
"I didn't think it would be so soon..." she spoke softly. They moved to the bon fire that rest in the middle of the city, it was lit throughout night and say - magic fueling it. They both sat on two logs, in direct view of the path that came into the village.
"I can tell you have done as asked, and then some. She has your spite, and your bite" she chuckled. "I didn't expect to find her so easily, but Camden is a small town..." she spoke quietly.
"How did you know she was there?" Leliana asked, accepting a cup of tea from one of her men who offered it.
"She told me" Jenna turned her head and then grinned. "She killed a few of my scouts, and sent one running back to us to tell the tale. It was quite the move... reminded me of you when you were young..." she glanced back to the path, waiting for the woman to burst through the illusion, confused and bothered.
"Hmm..." Leliana then smiled "Do you think she has what it takes?" she spoke softly. "We trained her..."
Jenna stood then and looked to the Elven leader and then bowed her head. "We shall find out" she spoke and stepped away, waiting at the end of the pathway for the woman to come...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 13:56:20 GMT -5
Lily felt a strange almost troubled feeling wash over her as she watched the mage. As Jenna spoke of admiration of her courage. Her heart beat a bit more quickly within her chest. Then when she spoke of Yule the princess furrowed her brows, she grit her teeth slightly. Why would Rydel give her such false knowledge if the continent had been destroyed? Lily shifted slightly as the mage stood. Was this the moment? Would she strike? Could Lily stop her? Then the words came over the mage’s lips. She asked of Leliana. The queen of the hidden city within the Tyvar forest. Her gut sank. Her brows raised slightly, she couldn’t hide the fear in her expression. Then the mage bowed her head calling her m’lady. Lily rushed forward toward the mage, she knocked over the barstool causing a commotion, all eyes turned toward her as she flung the doors of the tavern open. She sprinted forward toward Jenna. “Wait!” She cried as the woman created the portal. She drew her sword and sliced forward just as Jenna entered the portal and vanished before her eyes. Lily was left with her blade buried deep into the dirt of the street of Camden.
“Leliana...” She breathed, fear gripped her being. How did Jenna know of the hidden forest? No one knew of the elves within the forest. Not even the king and queen of Reisguard. Lily quickly sheathed her blade, her eyes wide. She’d never seen someone use such magic. She’d never seen a portal before. The princess sprinted through the streets and ran into the stables, she nearly knocked over the stable boy as she rushed to her horse. She climbed upon him and gave a swift kick and her horse reared before bolting forward. The stable boy called out as he was nearly trampled by the steed. Though Lily didn’t offer an apology, nor did she look back. No. She couldn’t think of anything else besides the forest, the elves. The elves that had become her family.
It was then that she caught the smell. The scent of burning bark. What looked to be a cloud in the distance was not a cloud...it was a plume of smoke rising from Tyvar forest. Tears began to well in the princess’ eyes. It was happening again. She was going to lose everything again. Just as she had when Reisguard was attacked. She’d lost everything, everyone she knew...Lily gave another swift kick and called out as she pushed the horse into a canter. As they drew closer to the forest the smoke began to fill the air, the princess coughed as it slipped into her lungs and choked her. She’d slowed her horse by then as she looked to the roaring flames that encapsulated the forest. “No...” She breathed.
The princess was caught off guard then as a low snarl came from the flames near her. Her horse was already on edge and as the beast flew from the flames and tackled the princess from her horse, her steed cantered into the forest toward the city a deep gash in its side from the creatures that Jenna had created. Lily was on her back pinned by the beast. She let out a cry as it ripped into her shoulder. What were these things? The red eyes glowed like the embers of a fire as it snarled at her. Lily’s eyes began to glow in that moment. She gripped onto the creature as she took in quick breaths. The wolf snarled, its jaws snapped toward her just inches from her face as mud like saliva dripped onto her face.
Her hands pressed into the root like flesh of the creature as a white glow came from her hands. She let out a cry as the beast dug its claws into her, the tips of the claws pressing through her leather armor. Her magic surged then causing a swirl of white glowing magic to engulf the creature. Then suddenly the creature disintegrated and she rolled from beneath it quickly. Lily gripped her shoulder as blood ran down her arm freely. She gazed to the forest, the flames that licked up the trees. The heat of the fire was disorienting in a way, Lily could barely draw in a breath. “Rydel!” She screamed. “Leliana!” Her voice echoed off of the trees.
Snarls came from behind the trees as several more of the wolf like creatures emerged, jaws snapping. Lily drew her blade then, though she held her shoulder and winced as she held up the weight of her sword. “Come on.” She coaxed, her eyes glowed a bright white. “I’ll kill you all.” She spat. The wolves rushed her all at once. The princess rolled forward causing two of the wolves to collide, one crunched down on the neck of another. Her sword sliced through the torso of another of the wolves, the blade glowed with her white magic. She staggered to her feet and rushed forward toward the wolves again, lobbing the head off of one. She was slammed to the side by another which she placed her hand against its forehead and it was ripped to pieces by her magic that coursed through her. She let out a cry as she fought. Flames licked at her armor, singeing it and melting it in other places. Her cloak lit aflame as she fought. “Leliana!!!” She screamed as she killed the last wolf.
The princess rushed forward with her blade still drawn she burst through the barrier that Jenna had created. As she felt the heat of the fire disappear she sucked in quick breaths. She turned with wide eyes to peer to the forest, the fire...was gone? She looked to her burned armor that was covered in soot. The mud like blood of the creatures covered her gauntlets. “Leliana!” She cried as she ran forward. “Rydel!” She sprinted, blood leaked from her nose. Though, nothing could stop her. She would push until the very essence of her being was destroyed. Lily ran along the pathway that entered the city and she skidded to a stop. Her brows tucked together. “You.” She nearly snarled. “You murderous wretch.” She charged forward with such speed that it almost seemed that she phased through the space that was between them. A skill that she’d not been taught by those of the Tyvar forest city. “I’ll kill you! You took everything! You think you can take more?!” Her blade came down and just inches from Jenna’s face the princess became locked in place.
“Princess.” Leliana stood with her hand raised. She’d frozen her. She looked to the white glowing eyes of Lily for a moment before she glanced to Jenna. She slipped forward and touched the cheek of the princess. “Sleep.” She spoke. “Just relax.” Leliana released her hold on the princess and she watched as she crumpled forward, her sword clattered to the ground. Leliana stood with her arms wrapped around the princess, she took in a deep breath. “You didn’t have to try to kill her, Jenna.” She spoke, though she smiled after. It was a rather good test of the princess’ skills. She was much stronger and Leliana had even imagined. “Lily.” She spoke as she brushed her fingertips against the princess’ face. “Wake up.”
It took a few moments but Lily’s eyes fluttered open. Though when she saw Jenna she grit her teeth. She reached for the hilt of her sword but it was on the ground before her. She struggled against the hold of Leliana. “Let me kill her, Leliana!” She groaned, her eyes began to glow again. The rage that was burrowed deep within her seemed to only make her power stronger. This could create a very destructive display of her magic.
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Post by Raven on Jan 5, 2020 18:41:28 GMT -5
Jen stood quietly, taking the air and the forest around her. She had forgotten this place. In her trials of becoming a mage she was sent to these forests, to fight beasts and learn to survive on her own. She had come across Leliana who taught her very much. In many ways Leliana was like an older sister, or maybe even a mother. She had found the village - wounded after a battle with a Wrymraven, a mystical kind of dragon bird, which had cut her pretty badly. She remembered how Leliana observed her thick blue blood - curiously, and how she tended to her. Jen fought a terrible sickness that she received from the weakness, and recovered with the aid of the village. It was the only thing she ever remembered from her youth that had a spit of joy, and loving care. She looked forward as a clopping sound filled the air - a wounded steed came bursting through the barrier. Jen stepped to the side slightly and the horse was ushered in by the village...
It wasn't long after she felt a swell of power. Lily was coming. Jen lifted her head and watched as the woman came bursting forward, teleporting in her fit of rage. Jen simply put a single step back, eyes still and forward - the blade of the woman came inches before her face, as Lily was frozen in place. Jenna turned her gaze to Leliana and then smirked. The tender care of the woman was never ended, Lily was lowered downward. "I didn't try anything" Jen spoke in response and then chuckled. "But I need to know... if she is the one" Jenna whispered and watched as Lily rose once more.
"Let her go, Leliana" Jenna held her hand upward and a blade appeared out of thin air. It was a beautiful short sword - an Elven Blade with inscriptions on the flat of it, glowing as brightly as her own eyes. "Show me what you can do... Lily" she spoke and then moved herself into a battle stance. "Kill me like I killed your parents, your family, your people - now is your time to seek revenge!" she nearly shouted, her voice echo'd through the forest. Jenna gripped her blade - prepared to parry.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 19:32:06 GMT -5
Leliana held onto the princess her eyes filled with worry. She didn’t want to see either of these two get injured. “Jen...” She took in a breath she could feel the power swelling within the girl. Though it wasn’t until Jenna prodded at her bringing up the violent past that Lily broke free of Leliana. She scooped down with such speed that Leliana couldn’t grasp her again. “You’ll wish you were dead before I’m done with you!” She snapped as she lunged and her blade collided with Jenna’s. She pushed forward her face close to the mage. Her eyes glowed bright. She grit her teeth then as her blade began to glow as it had when she fought against the creature’s in the forest.
“You want to see what I can do?” She snapped. She burst back, wind kicked up around them. Leliana watched with wide eyes. The princess rushed forward then, her body phased forward quickly teleporting again with ease. She’d moved around to flank Jenna. Her blade came down at her back but it hit some form of invisible barrier. Lily disappeared then appearing just a few feet from the mage. She drew her brows together before she rushed forward once again. As her blade came down toward Jenna and their swords clashed there was a bright flash of light, a wave of energy emit from the princess.
Lily stumbled back as a cold rush of air hugged her body. Her shoulder was bleeding more now, the blood ran freely down her arm and dripped into the pure white snow that she now stood upon. In her fit of rage she’d teleported and her connection with Jenna’s sword had caused her to bring the mage with her. She took in quick breaths as she stared to the mage. “You ruined so many lives.” She spoke, her voice wavered slightly. “And then….you throw it in my face? Like you merely took a toy?” She slammed forward again, the barrier held up as her blade made to slice into Jenna’s torso. Lily let out a yell of frustration as she leaped back. She was highly skilled with her blade and her show of magic was incredible for such a young elf. Leliana had truly outdone herself in preparing Lily to fight the king and his army.
The princess rushed forward again, several clatters of her sword as she moved swiftly. She jumped back as blood began to drip from her nose. Her breaths shook. “How can you even bare to live?” She asked as she held her sword strong. Her shoulder was nearly numb now from the loss of blood. Even with such a weakness she remained incredibly powerful. To imagine what she was capable of without such an injury was almost frightening. “I’ll deliver your head to the king.” She spoke, her sword still pointed at Jenna. She was waiting for the mage to make a move. “Then I’ll slit his fucking throat, it is the least that he deserves after what he has done to the entire continent of Weissen. With you at his side you have empowered him to destroy everything!” She brushed blood from her upper lip, the droplets splattered onto the ground. “You’re just a puppet.” She snapped. “A dog that follows the orders of a man that is unfit to sit upon the throne. A greedy bastard that doesn’t deserve to draw breath.” Her eyes were bright like the rays of the sun now. Her rage was drawing more magic to her body. It wouldn’t be long before the explosive chaos was finally released, she would lose control.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 20:13:27 GMT -5
Jenna held her blade upward and parried as the woman came her way. She had quite the display of power, and strength. She could feel the strength against the barrier that she had about her body. With the upcoming collision - she felt a wave of power, and they were easily teleported. It seemed to be an accident, and an impressive feat none the less. Jen grinned and stepped back, her boots crunching in the fresh snow. She lifted her blade once more and the woman came towards her with a barrage of attacks. The power within in Lily was swelling with each urge to press forward, and then with the calls of hate it bubbled beneath her. Jenna did not reply, she listened to the words - and nearly stood unaffected by the words, and even the attacks upon her.
When Lily paused to catch herself, Jenna took a singular step forward and then vanished. There was nothing. Silence. The wind whistled slightly, and that was it. Seconds later - surrounding Lily was nearly 30 figures, in a perfect circle, Lily in the center. The figures were all Jenna, their swords pointed forward - pointed at Lily. Then all at once - a chorus of voices spoke in unison. "Such big words.... If only you were strong enough to save them"
There was a figure then - with her palm held downward. Appearing below her was a man - the King. A young version of Jenna glared to him. Her hair was blonde and long, her eyes glowing brighty. In a moment there was a flash of power and from the palm - the King's head was blown to bits, blood flowing over the snow. Jenna glanced up to see a small version of the Princess - who then was blasted by another blow of power, and collapsed on the ground.
"Weak, just like your father, and your Kingdom. They were doomed to fall" the voices spoke. "It's too late now" the words proved onward, the chorus of Jenna's stood their ground, a single arm up pointing the blade horizontally. Then a glare of light began to form at the tip, gathering power as Lily stood in the middle...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 20:39:43 GMT -5
Lily took in quick breaths as she glared to Jenna. She didn’t respond to anything. None of her words seemed to affect the woman. As Jenna took a step forward Lily prepared herself to fight back, but the woman vanished. The princess let out a scoff. “Just run away then.” She threw her arms up slightly. “You’re a coward!” She screamed into the silence. Though after her words came the wind and then the figures of Jenna that surrounded her. She held her sword up, though her arm was becoming heavy. “Go ahead and hide behind your illusions!” She snapped as she spun around, looking for a figure that seemed to appear different than the others. She watched the eyes, the way that they moved and stood.
It was then that she saw the figure that caused the vision like figures to appear. Her eyes softened, sadness seemed to fill her as she watched her father murdered. Easily killed as if his life didn’t mean anything. She grit her teeth as her breaths began to shake, tears welled in her eyes. She was trembling, though it was not from fear. No. It was far from fear. “Stop hiding!” She cried out, she threw her arm and suddenly a whirlwind of power sucked in around her. “You’re nothing more than a tool to the king! You’re a murderer! You don’t even know why you do what you do! You’re weak!” She spun then. “Coward!” A blast of energy erupted from her then. It was a wave of heat, like an explosion. A nuclear bomb even. The white light would have been blinding for anyone around. The heat unbearable. It was as if the surface of the sun was brought into a 300 yard radius of the princess. The fake figures disintegrated, just as the summoned wolves had disintegrated.
Lily cried out as she lost control, it was painful. It felt as though her body was going to rip apart. As if she would become dust. The princess fell to her knees as the light faded from her body. The bright glow faded from her eyes. Her breaths were like gasps. Blood flowed from her nose, her ears...her skin was gravely pale. Her icy eyes stared forward. All around her within the radius of 300 yards in a huge circle within the icy plains the snow had been melted away down to the soil. The vegetation was burned away. Where Lily sat was an indentation, the heat from her power had seemingly melted away at the soil and rock that lay beneath her, she was dipped into the ground nearly 4 feet. The princess’ icy eyes fluttered slightly as her jagged breathing seemed to carry over the landscape. Then her body finally gave out, she crumpled to her side on the warm soil. Places of rock still glowed from the heat that she’d put off. Blood continued to leak from her nose and as the blood touched the soil vegetation began to form beneath her. Lush green grass formed around the princess as if she’d brought life to the land. The grass began to crawl outward from her, flowers popped up sporadically within the blades as it etched toward the edges and ultimately stopped when it reached the snow that remained.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 21:17:39 GMT -5
Jenna stood amongst the circle of her copies, as still as the others. Her eyes studied the woman - watching as she did not engage with Jen, but rather with herself. That magic was pooling higher and higher, her rage to burst. To unlock the last gate of Magic, the final barrier within. In just as Jen thought it - an explosion of sheer unimaginable power released. In an instant all 29 other copies vanished, ripped apart by the blast. Though, Jen stood - bracing it all. Around her form a bubble of protection. The power shift around her like a rock in rapids, causing a ripple of power in the passing flow. She watched the colors of heat stream by, yellow, red, orange, blue, green - flickering past her. She could feel the heat pierce her shell, threatening to shred her apart. Even in fighting the sheer force, and power - Jen struggled slightly - her hand lifted upward and held the barrier, her teeth gritting now. This was not what she expected at all.
Finally it ended, with the collapse of the woman. Jen's bubble faded, and she took in a swift breath, as if she was holding it. She regained herself and stepped forward, eyes looking to the collapsed body. Her orbs watched as life regained, stretching out to the damaged world that faced her wrath... Had Jenna used any of her power to fight Lily, she would have faultered in that blast, and would likely have been burnt to the atom. Her brows pulled together and she lifted her hand once more.
A orb appeared around Lily and her sword, slowly the magic lifted her into the air effortless. Jenna held another hand out and summoned a portal, to which she guided the floating woman into. Leliana stood from her spot, approaching swiftly. "How did she do?" Leliana swiftly questioned, looking to the body with sad eyes.
"She is beyond what the Prophets even said..." Jenna spoke and then nodded., she guide the body infant of her to the main building, to find a bed for her. Lily was placed upon Leliana's personal bed, to which the Elf quickly rushed to the side to look to her.
"She's barely alive" Leliana whispered in a hushed tone.
"I will help..." Jenna spoke and then stood on the other side of the bed. Leliana looked up and then nodded. She rushed around until she set two pots on either side of the bed, full of different plants, gems, and the like. Jenna lifted her hand and so did Leliana - streaming from their fingers came a lovely green color. From the two pots came another 2 streams of color. They syphoned their magic into the woman for a long while, until finally Leliana gave out - her arms falling, she stumbled back.
"I got it" Jenna spoke clearly and then she leaned her head back, eyes closing. A wave of even more power came, the green beam growing twice in size. She ushered her magic into the woman, finally the wound about her shoulder healed. Another hour and the color of her skin finally returned. Her body soaked up most of the magic, replacing what she had spent - which was nearly all of it...
Leliana approached Jenna after a while, the sun was rising now. "Relax..." she commanded. Jenna finally lowered her hand and she stepped back.
"She will rise when she is ready" Leliana spoke and lead Jenna away, to get food...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jan 5, 2020 21:32:37 GMT -5
Lily seemed to float in the darkness. She was bombarded with memories of the destruction of Reisguard. In her sleep tears rolled down over her cheekbones. Though her body remained limp, her breathing would quicken and then slow. Her mind was playing a number or two on her. She replayed so much of her pain. Nightmares. She had them since the attack on Reisguard. Frequently when she’d first come to the city Leliana had to comfort her in the night and use magic to get the poor girl to rest. It seemed an impossible feat.
**
Rydel sat at the feast table, his eyes looked to Jenna, his expression soft though worry could be seen behind his eyes. “She must be greatly injured for you to have spent all night syphoning your magic into her.” He spoke after nearly a minute of silently staring to the mage. “To think, you are the one whom asked us to save her.”
“Enough, Rydel.” Leliana hushed him, her expression cross. “It was unexpected. There was no way to know how Lily would react.”
“Princess Ariwyn.” Rydel spoke his eyes fell to the meal before them. “I do hope she is what the prophets have suggested.” He then took a drink from his mug.
**
It took just a day before Lily woke. She woke with the pangs of nausea, her world spun out of control. She could feel the magic within her now that the barrier had been broken. She took in a quick breath as she sat up. She grit her teeth and held her hand to her head. Glimpses of the green magic came to her mind as if she’d been awake through the healing process. She looked to her shoulder, she ran her fingertips over the perfectly soft skin, not a scar in sight. She looked to the pots that were on either side of the bed. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath as she calmed herself. It was uncomfortable, the amount of power that swelled within her. She heard the door push open and she opened her eyes. “Leliana, how did I get back here?” She questioned as her beautiful icy eyes looked to see who had entered the room. She couldn’t remember much. It all felt like a dream...or a terrible nightmare. The fight with Jenna. The fight with the wolves and the flames that seemed to only be an illusion...
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