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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 6, 2020 16:25:09 GMT -5
Rania Aerin FaelynThe age old war of human against elven kind. The hatred for all that is magic. There once was a time that magic roamed the lands of Alister. Dragons flew freely through the skies amongst the white puffy clouds above the mountains. Elves were not feared, nor hated. Magic was a gift and those whom carried it were seen to have great power. Though as with many things of the past, time changed the hearts of the humans. A king came into power over the kingdom of Runite. King Fredrick Penn took reign shortly after the demise of his father whom was killed in an accident involving magic...it was an experiment, but one that Fredrick would never forget. The pain in his father’s eyes. The elf was beheaded for the accident. Thus began King Penn’s war on magic. He hunted down the elves within his kingdom first, Runite was purged of the pointy eared demons. Word began to spread. Other kingdoms joined in against the elves until finally the war came upon the doorstep of Alister. The great elven city within the mountains. It was the most beautiful city, with glorious ancient architecture. The buildings had been build centuries ago, the sculptures were carefully carved… The elves were taken by surprise in the night. The city of Alister as a whole was lit aflame. Elves screamed as they were tied to posts and burned before the knights of the Runite army. Children were ripped from their mother’s and murdered with the cold steel of a dagger. No remorse showed in the eyes of the knights as they swept through the city. Alister held the artifacts of the high born. The most powerful artifacts known to elven kind. A source of magic even. King Penn used the strength of one of the elves to steal magic from the lands...starving it of life itself. The lands that surround Alister are barren. The trees no longer bloom. Grass does not grow. The faeries that once lived within the forests no longer fly amongst the flowers and trees. All life seemed to cease. The elves were gone...destroyed by King Penn’s hatred. The last known living elf was locked away in the dungeons of the castle in Runite, destined for the most certain fate of death. Yet death never came to him. He was forced to hear how the lands starved...how his people were no more. This was the great elf Tovar. 30 years. 30 years without magic. Without dragons or faeries. 30 years and the world had all but forgotten the existence of elves...it was more of a bedtime story now than that of fact. Many children read of the elves as if they were demons that caused pain and suffering. When in fact, King Penn caused such suffering...death and destruction… ** Deep within the Muier forest the sound of music pushed passed the thick lush trees. Laughter could be heard on some nights, if one was listening closely. Within the forest the trees grew large, the trunks of the trees were large enough to bore a small home into. The fauna of the forest lit with the life of magic. The faeries flew about, dashing between the flowers and foliage. It was a mystical sight only thought to exist in a storybook. Footsteps rushed through the forest swiftly as a hooded figure leaped about, easily clearing a downed tree. Her hand pressed against the cool moss as she slipped around the trunk of another tree. Her figure was slim, yet fit. She wore brown leathers and a green cloak. Long brown hair filtered from beneath the cloak as she ducked beneath a branch. Then suddenly she was tackled from the side by another figure dressed in similar leather armor. The two rolled to a stop and laughter emerged from the woman’s mouth as she gazed down to the man that had tackled her. She held a blade to his throat, a smirk upon her lips. “You’re going to have to try harder than that, Ruvur.” She sat back and slipped her dagger back into its sheath upon her thigh. Her emerald green eyes played over him a moment before she stood and offered him her hand. Ruvur stood as he lowered his hood to reveal long pointed ears that peeked from beneath his long blonde hair. “Perhaps Rania, there is no way to defeat you. Have you ever thought of that?” He spoke with a handsome smile. He searched her eyes a moment before he reached forward and lowered her hood before he cupped her cheek. He stood like this for a long moment before his hand fell away. Rania stood her long chestnut hair was pulled back behind her own pointed ears. A soft laugh came over her lips, “Let’s just hope you’re right about that Ruvur. Otherwise...our people could be in quite a bit of trouble.” Her voice took on a serious tone with that statement. “We should head back, Malrose will be expecting me.” She bowed her head slightly. Rania had a bow strapped to her back that was carefully crafted from the finest of elven wood and enchanted by the ancients. It was one of the few relics of their past that had survived the siege on Alister 30 years ago. Rania was merely a child when everything happened...the daughter of the queen no less...princess of Alister. Her mother and father were to grow her into a fine queen...but that storyline was not allowed to play out...her mother was slaughtered before her eyes….her father taken captive by King Penn himself. Malrose saved her that fateful night. She led her and many of the elves to safety within the Muier forest. It was an escape that the humans could not prevent. For...to the humans that forest appears to be nothing more than just that. Any human that dared venture into the forest left with nightmares of hellish creatures. Many avoided even the direct vicinity of the forest. Those that ventured near were called insane, or said to have a deathwish… Rania walked through the forest with Ruvur at her side, she let her fingertips trail along the leaves of a flower, the leaves lit with a white light that glowed as they continued on. She was focused on one thing, the quest that was set before her. Malrose had been training her the past 30 years to complete this task and now...finally the day had come. As they approached the city Rania smiled as she watched the young elves running about, shooting arrows and playing with dull daggers. She chuckled as a young elf tripped and she caught him with ease. “Do be careful hm?” She gave him a gentle hug before he returned to his play. The young elf walked through the city that was alive with magic, lanterns burned with no true source of flame...the water of the well in the center of town swirled with life of an enchantment. What magic was left was used for survival. Only a few of the ancients made it into the forest in time to save bits and pieces of their magic. But most...were without magic. Much like the rest of their people that King Penn trapped and ruthlessly killed. Without a single defense. They begged for their lives...for mercy...and were shown nothing. Rania stepped into the home of Malrose. Books lined the walls of her home. Some old, some that she had written in the past 30 years so as to keep history. She would write out everything she knew. For she feared the past repeating itself. Malrose sat before her fireplace with a mug of tea in hand. She was an old elf, much older than Rania, grey wisps intertwined with her fiery red hair. “Rania my dear.” She spoke as she stood from her chair. “It is time. Are you prepared?” She searched Rania’s eyes carefully as she set down the mug on the coffee table. She stepped to the young elf and pulled her into a tight hug. “If anyone can do this...you are the only one. You are Tovar’s daughter after all.” She smiled as she stepped back. “One of the few with any magic left in their bones.” She gave a light chuckle. “If we had been only a moment later, you and I both would be void of magic, yet I would still believe you to be capable, child.” Rania gave a soft smile, she barely remembered her parents. It seemed like such a long time ago that her mother held her in her loving embrace as the knights stormed Alister. “I will bring magic back to our people...Penn must pay for what he has done...” Her voice was very noble, she had been taught well by Malrose. “Our people will suffer no longer at his hand. By the time I am finished, we will have our artifact back...I will restore Alister...we can make him see. Magic is not the enemy...” Malrose smiled as she looked to the young elf. “Spoken like a true queen.” She chuckled lightly. “I’ve had your horse packed for your journey. I have an informant by the name of Dregger that is to help you. He is in the small village of Sunai, it is just a few hours of Runite...so please Rania...be careful. You must wear your hood. No one can know that you are an elf. If the knights of Runite were to discover you I fear of what they may do. It will be much worse than a simple death...I can guarantee that.” Rania bowed her head slightly and nodded, “Yes. Of course.” She then gave a smile. “But I’ve nothing to worry about, I had the best teacher to guide me.” She gave a squeeze to Malrose’s shoulder. “I will return. It will only be a few weeks time. Promise.” She leaned forward and placed a kiss upon the woman’s cheek. “Thank you Malrose, for everything. I am certain my mother watches over us and she smiles at the guardian that you have been to me.” She stepped back. “Ah yes.” Malrose chuckled lightly. “And your father would be most proud of the woman you have become.” She moved and sat back before the fire. “Soon we will see each other again.” She spoke as she lifted her tea once more and took a sip of it. Rania nodded before she turned and left from the home. She made her way to the stables and she stepped to her horse. A beautiful pure white steed with a lovely black saddle and bridle that was well accented with gorgeous leatherwork. Rania ran her fingertips along the horse and then pressed her palm against the forehead of the horse as it bobbed its head slightly. “Ready?” She smiled lightly before she moved to climb upon the horse. As she rode through the city many elves stopped and bowed their heads to her, they all knew that the task that Rania had been given was nearly impossible. The artifact was locked away within the vaults of the castle...no elf in their right mind would attempt such a task. But, Rania was determined to set the world back. To restore her city. To bring peace back to her people. To show the world that Penn was wrong. ** Rania rode for nearly two weeks. She rode from the moment the sun had begun to light the sky until the moment that she was forced to make camp. She stuck off the main roads. She kept her cloak lifted over her ears. She ran into a few travelers, but no trouble came over her luckily. As the sun began to set she could see it the castle of Runite in the distance, against the beautiful southern mountains. It was a sight to see. Glorious works of stone, even from such a distance she could tell that the city was well defended by the walls. Before her the torches of Sunai could be seen just a short distance ahead. As she rode she pulled out a note that Malrose had given her, a description of the man that was to be her informant. Dregger. An odd name, but Rania hoped that he would be as helpful with information as Malrose said he would be. Malrose said he knew a way into the vaults of the castle. An entrance that would get her in and out without being noticed. Rania dismounted her horse and payed a few gold coins to the stable boy to brush and feed her steed for the evening. She walked through the town and found the tavern. As she walked inside she glanced about as a stool went flying across the tavern. A brawl had broken loose. She ducked and scrambled forward as the men wrestled with each other and threw punches. The tavern was loud. It was difficult to make sense of her surroundings. “My lady.” A young woman from behind the bar spoke. “Certainly you did not intend on entering the tavern. Do you seek a room? Dinner perhaps?” Rania peered to the woman from beneath her cloak. “Dinner. Yes.” She gave a warm smile. She reached into her pouch and set a few coins upon the bar. “Of course, come, come it is much quieter in the back room, my lady.” The woman led her into another room, the yells of the brawl were left behind closed doors. “Please, sit.” The young woman smiled before she walked away quickly. She returned swiftly with a bowl of chili and a piece of bread, with a mug of ale. “What brings you to Sunai?” The woman asked curiously. Rania lifted her eyes and seemed to think a moment before she offered a sweet smile. “Just traveling through. I thought I could make it to Runite before dark, I was just a few hours shy.” She lifted her wooden spoon and pushed around her food in the bowl slightly. “Thank you.” She spoke before she began to eat. The woman nodded, “If you need anything, please let me know.” She spoke before she walked away. Rania spooned the chili into her mouth and let out a soft sigh. It was the first real food she’d had in the past two weeks. She took a drink from the ale and nodded her head slightly before she tore off a piece of bread and nibbled at it. “They have awfully good food don’t they, then?” A man with a thick accent spoke as he sat next to her at the table. He was a gristly man with a thick beard and tattered clothing. He tilted his head as he looked to her, “You wouldn’t be Rania would you?” He spoke, his voice a bit hushed. He watched her a moment as she stared to him, a smirk curved up his lips. “Don’t act so surprised lovely.” He gave a deep chuckle as he nodded his head. “I was told you’d arrive tonight, that garb of yours is much too nice for a Sunai citizen.” He pointed out. “I’m Dregger.” He smirked and set a coin upon the table. “Come see me out back when you’ve finished, hm?” He winked to her before he stood from the table. His voice was hushed enough that anyone else in the room would not have heard him. Rania looked to the coin. She reached forward and lifted it into her fingertips. It was light, much lighter than a true coin but it had all the appearances. She flipped it around in her fingertips and shook her head slightly before she slipped it into her pouch and finished her meal. Once she finished she stood and followed Dregger’s path out the back door of the tavern. She followed the path toward the edge of the woods where only the light of the moon seemed to touch. Rania glanced about as she made her way to the edge of the forest where Dregger stood leaned against the tree. “You want your coin back?” She smirked as she handed it to him. Dregger chuckled deeply as he grasped it from her hand. “Had to keep up appearances lovely. Eh?” He chuckled deeply. “So you want to know how to get into the vaults? Is that it? You’ve paid pretty well for such information. What’s in it for you, beautiful?” Rania crossed her arms over her chest as she watched him. “Does it matter?” She questioned as she tilted her head. “I’ve paid you, so...pull through on your end of the deal, hm?” Dregger snickered as he stepped forward and gazed into her eyes. “You’re no fun at all, are you?” He pat her cheek. He waited for her to smile, but to no avail. Dregger sighed and leaned back against the tree. “You can’t fault me for trying to have a little fun.” He winked to her and the frowned slightly as Rania stood with crossed arms awaiting his answer. “Alright, I’ll tell you how to get in.” Rania watched him intently, this was the information that would unlock the past and lead her people to their future. It would restore magic to the elves...and give her the ability to hopefully bring back Alister as it once was. Or at least...rebuild it... |
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Post by Nyte on Oct 10, 2020 13:18:11 GMT -5
 Dustin Caldwell(formerly Prince Leo Rowan Penn)"Here's the latest bit of trash, Edmond." A gruff voice stated as another, shackled, man was tossed down from the back of a horse to the feet of a rather irritated looking guardsman.
"Another one already Caldwell? No rest for the wicked?" The guardsman asked as he hauled the rather angry prisoner up onto his feet to be carried inside of the prison hold. "What is that? Four this month alone?" The guard dusted his hands off, as if afraid touching the dirty prisoner has somehow soiled his fingers, and straightened out his leather cloak that hung over his shoulders.
"Got to put food on the table somehow." Dustin replied with a slight dejected sigh. It had been a hard lesson to learn on earning a living. A decade ago he hardly knew the value of a coin and he was quickly given a crash course when he decided to leave a much more.. comfortable lifestyle behind. He knew he would have to work he just didn't realize just how hard he would have to work. The bounty sums were a good amount but Dustin constantly needed to repair armor, feed his horse and himself, along with the occasional inn stay and hot meal when he wasn't out hunting down the latest outlaw. "You got my pay, Edmond?" Dustin asked and pushed his hair out of his face with one hand, he needed a haircut, while holding onto the reigns of his horse with the other hand.
"Yeah, yeah. Let me go grab it." The guardsman stated with a wave of his hand and went inside the prison to collect the promised bounty for turning in the criminal. It wasn't long that Dustin had to wait before Edmond emerged with a small sack of coins and tossed it up to Dustin. "Also, another bounty. If you're interested. Made some enemies it seems with merchant guilds and you know how that lot can be."
"Oh yeah.. don't mess with their money." Dustin commented as he tucked away the money and opened the rolled up parchment Edmond had handed him. He read the name, brief details and description of his crimes. Theft, typical, from a broker who paid the royal guards no less. Well, this man was as good as dead. Usually Dustin brought people back alive. He preferred it that way, but it may be a bit merciful to end this man's life before the guilds got ahold of him. "Thanks Edmond." Dustin told him without a smile but gave an appreciative nod. This was a bounty that was actually worth a good bit of coin and Dustin knew that Edmond had just told him about it before posting it up for others to see. Giving him a solid head start on some good bounties allowed Dustin a bit more comfort at the inns or brothels.
Before going on his next hunt Dustin began his usual footwork. He grabbed a bite to eat, a stiff drink and then began asking questions. Gave details on the man he was looking for and determined if he had been in the area at all. Luckily for Dustin an innkeeper recognized him because the man had left the bill unpaid after a rather luxurious night. He had even managed to slip out on a couple of wenches without giving them a single silver piece and apparently the mistress of the brothel was rather upset with the man as well. "Making friends where ever he goes." Dustin commented to himself as he scoffed and pulled himself back up into the saddle of his horse. "Alright Baron, let's go find us a greedy bastard."
******
Two weeks later Dustin rode into a small village laying just outside of the capital city. Whenever Dustin got this close to the towering palace he always got a bit uneasy. He stuck to the shadows, avoided the market district, and limited his conversations to only those that were absolutely necessary and made sure to end the ones that were quickly. Darkness was starting to fall and the first stars of the night sky were gently twinkling despite the lingering sunlight. It was the perfect time to find those he was looking for. Despite the fact that these individuals were literally running to not be caught by guards and bounty hunters. They always seemed to be drawn to taverns, wenches and ale at the end of the day. It was just a task of searching through the bars and taverns and seeing them before they saw you and slipped out a back door. So, Dustin pulled up his cowl and hid his face from sight before walking into taverns and taking a small glance around as he made his way to a table.
The first inn Dustin sat and ordered a meal, he still needed to eat after all, and even drank a tankard of ale. The second and third inns he ordered a single drink but didn't even finish it before leaving the coin on the table and moving on to the next place. It was the fourth inn, and the smallest of the bunch in this village, that he sat down and noticed his target walking across the floor and through a door to what appeared a more private dinning space. This was problematic, but not near enough to deter Dustin from his query. So he ordered his drink and sat back in his chair while keeping a loose eye on the door and simply watching and listening to the others around him. This seemed like a pleasant town, but they also had the added benefit of the protection of the capital city as well as the trade and commerce that came through while heading to larger markets. Whoever had founded the town knew exactly what they were doing.
After a few minutes Dustin placed a coin on the table next to his barely touched drink and then got up to head to the door which his target had entered only a few minutes ago. He stopped and listened briefly to the sounds within but to his surprise he heard none. Pushing the door open he found the room empty, save for an empty bowl and cup sitting on the table. He had entered, ate and ran? Strange but perhaps the man had caught wind that Dustin was after him.
So, with a sigh Dustin followed after the man. He left through the same back door and saw a figure walking along the tree line a short ways up the path from him. They were shrouded in a cloak which his target had not been wearing. Perhaps he could catch two in one fell swoop. These types did tend to run together after all. Following the figure, staying in the shadows off the road, Dustin was pleased to see that this person had indeed been going to meet up with Dregger. They seemed to be talking about something but Dustin was still out of earshot and it was dark enough he couldn't read their lips. So he slipped into the tree line and made his way around through the thick brush where he could get closer without being detected. Dregger was the priority, this other individual was not known at the moment and so Dustin would focus on who he had originally come for.
It wasn't long before Dustin had managed to get to the other side of a tree trunk from where Dregger was standing and talking. He was close enough now that he could hear the conversation between the two. Dustin listened for a moment and quickly figured out he was telling the person details about the capital city and the palace itself. Crimes against the crown were taken pretty seriously and it might earn Dustin a few more coins if he told Edmond about the information exchange. Pulling a whip from his hip Dustin silently climbed up in to the tree and perched himself upon a thick branch. Once he was sure he had a good angle he flicked his whip down at Dregger's feet and the whip wrapped around the man's ankles. Dustin pulled it taught and then jumped back from the tree branch which pulled the whip and yanked Dregger off of his feet. Then the man found himself hanging upside down from the tree and flailing around as a stream of profanities spilled from his lips.
Dustin chuckled. and tied the whip to another low lying branch to keep Dregger in place for a moment as he chuckled and walked around the front. "Selling capital secrets, eh? Just had to the list of crimes." Dustin said before looking to Dregger's companion. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 10, 2020 15:07:41 GMT -5
Rania stood with her arms crossed around her body, her eyes gazed from beneath the cloak to this scum of a man. She half wished she hadn’t met up with him, but then again. How would she get into the castle? In any case...she needed this man more than he realized she needed him. “I’m not here for fun. We’ve paid you quite well for the exchange, so I expect you to follow through on your end.” Her voice was noble.
Dregger huffed slightly, “It isn’t often that such a pretty lady comes to me for help.” He leaned against the trunk of the tree. “Are you certain that you want to get into the castle? What’s so important in there? Hm?”
Rania was beginning to lose her patience for this man. She grit her teeth slightly, her eyes were trained in on him. “I’ve told you, what I seek does not concern you. You’ve been paid. Either you have the information or you do not. If you do not have information on how to get into the vaults then someone else surely will and I’m certain that they would be keen on the money that has been paid.”
“Who says you get a refund?” Dregger stepped forward, a chuckle came over his lips. He reached forward toward the hood of her cloak.
Rania stepped back out of his reach. “Now.” She spoke, her eyes glowed slightly as the magic bubbled up within her being. “You need to tell me now.” She had an uneasy feeling. A feeling as if she was being watched. Her eyes moved about, yet she didn’t see anything. It was quiet enough. Though the yelling in the tavern nearby could have blotted out some of the soft sounds of the forest. “I do not have time to waste.” She searched his eyes.
Dregger’s brows rose slightly when he saw the glow in her eyes. “Alright.” He held both of his hands up. “The south side of the castle, the bit that lines the sea. When the tide is low a series of tunnels run beneath the castle…..” As he stated this the whip wrapped around his ankles. The gristly man let out a yelp as he was slung upside-down in the tree. Coins fell from his pockets and jingled as they clattered to the ground. Rania had been clocked by his feet as he was flipped around. The elf stumbled back, the hood of her cloak fell back from her head, revealing her tipped ears. “What’s this?!” He groaned as he reached for his dagger and slashed about with it. “I’ll kill you girl!!”
Rania regained her bearings as she jumped back, her eyes alert, she pulled her dagger from her thigh as she took a defensive stance. Her breath caught in her chest as the man rounded the tree, he seemed only interested in Dregger. Already running into trouble. She hadn’t gotten all of the information from the man. She grit her teeth as she reached and pulled her hood back up over her head. She had to make a decision. What little information she’d gotten from Dregger gave her a direction to go. Now was not the time to get into a spat, when clearly this man that had strung up Dregger was here for him alone. The elf made a quick decision then, she turned and she fled from the edge of the forest. Her foot strikes carried her forward quickly, she had an advantage to most humans, she was nimble and quick thanks to her elven roots. She skidded into town and rushed to the stables, she had to get away. She couldn’t be caught by some bounty hunter or brute now. She’d spend her life training for this moment. She could not fail her people.
Rania rounded the corner in the stables and slammed into the stableboy. They toppled to the ground and the boy landed over her. “Apologies my lady.” The boy quickly stood and offered his hand down to her. His eyes stared then. “M...my lady...your ears...” His jaw was loose as he stared to her.
Rania drew in a breath as she looked to him she stood and gave a sweet smile. She stepped forward and cupped his cheek. “Ilya fumme.” She spoke as her eyes glowed. It was a simple spell that could send most into a deep slumber. She lowered the stable hand to the ground on a pile of hay before she lifted her hood once again. She turned and rushed forward to her horse. She opened the gate and climbed on rather quickly. “Let’s go Valcor.” She clicked her tongue and the horse took off with such speed. Townspeople stepped from her path drunkenly as she raced through the town. Valcor leaped over a pile of crates easily as he carried Rania through the small city. The sound of his hooves against the ground was thunderous, it seemed to echo against the walls of the village like that of a great storm.
The elf glanced over her shoulder as she rode from the village, she could only hope that the bounty hunter would not put a mark on her head. He’d clearly overheard Dregger speaking of the castle. It would place a hefty price upon her if the man had gotten a good look at her when her hood fell. Rania rode into the thick of the forests, back tracking away from the capital city. She zig and zagged through the forest. “Aule kuile ummea.” She spoke as she held her hand out, her eyes glowed as another set of tracks forged into the ground. If she was followed he would have to choose a direction. Eventually she found a clearing in the forest. Rania slowed Valcor and pat his shoulder as she climbed from him. She leaned her forehead against the huge horse and let out a heavy breath. “I cannot let this stop me. I cannot fail.” She whispered to herself. She gathered a bit of tender and a few pieces of wood to form a fire to keep her warm. A shiver ran down her spine, winter would soon be upon them. The leaves were beginning to change and fall from the nearby trees. The colors were beautiful during the day. At night, everything was of black and grey. Rania stacked the wood neatly into a triangle shape before she held her fingertips forward. “Ilfirin.” She spoke, her eyes swirled with fire then and a flame came to life. A small bit of smoke rose from the fire. She stepped over to her horse and grasped her bedroll from behind the saddle. She’d hoped to spend the night in a bed, but, it wasn’t like the past two weeks had been any different. She slung the bed upon the ground and lay down. The crackling of the fire eventually began to lull her to sleep, soon enough her body fell limp and her mind was filled with the darkness of sleep.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 10, 2020 21:13:38 GMT -5
When Dustin saw the pointed ears of the woman as her hood had fallen back he furrowed his brows and felt his entire body tense in anticipation. He hadn't seen an elf since he was a very young boy and he was even sure if any were still surviving. The shock of his newest discovery was enough to cause him to hesitated enough that the woman was able to flee from him and quickly disappeared among the buildings of the town. Part of him wanted to chase after her, see what she was up to away from the forest and within human civilization. Especially since she had been asking for details about the palace, but another more spiteful part of himself wanted to see what sort of havoc this woman could cause to the royal family.
Eventually his more petty self won out and he decided it was none of his concern and decided to return his attention back to the hanging, and still cursing, Dregger. "Alright, your complaints have been noted. Now time to sleep." Dustin said and punched the man once which instantly knocked him out cold.
*****
Packing up his latest hunt Dustin had the man bound the man's hands to a lead on the horn of his horse's saddle and shackled his feet a well. Dustin waited just long enough for the man to come to his senses and gain enough balance to begin heading back to Edmond and his reward. Luckily it was only the next town over and a rather short trip. Dregger complained and muttered curses the entire way back, which went largely ignored by Dustin as his mind simply could not let the image of the elven woman leave his mind. He kept wondering who she was and why she would risk coming to human society, but he had absolutely no answers and that bothered him more than anything.
By the time the morning sun had started to light the night sky Dustin had already gotten his prisoner to Edmond and gotten his payment. There were no new bounties currently so that left Dustin without a new source for his focus. "Don't do it, Dustin." The hunter told himself as he sat on the back of his horse staring down the road that lead back towards the palace. "It's not worth the trouble." He grumbled and grit his teeth together. "Damn it all.." He finally relented and pressed his heels into his horse's flanks to send the beast down the road and back towards the area Dregger had directed the elf woman.
*****
Traveling alone, without the added baggage of a bounty, Dustin made very good time. His horse was of good breeding and though Dustin rode him hard he was able to keep up with the demand quite easily. It wasn't until Dustin had reached the lower cliffs on the southern side of the capital city that he finally gave his horse a break and tied him loosely to a nearby tree so he could graze while Dustin did some searching off on his own. It was much easier to track on foot after all and he could get around much more quietly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 10, 2020 21:39:20 GMT -5
Rania woke in the early hours of the morning. Her small fire had snuffed itself out hours ago and not a coal remained. She shivered as she sat up from the ground and stood slowly. The young elf pulled her hood up and hugged her cloak around her body. Valcor pressed his snout against her, as if he understood the chill that ran through her body. “Right...right we can not stop now.” She whispered as her teeth chattered. The elf pulled dried berries and grain from her pack and munched on it as she rolled her bedroll up for the day. Her fingertips had taken on a bit of a purplish hue from the chill of the morning air. Her breath was like the smoke of a chimney against the cold frost that sat within the air. Frost had even settled in on the horn of her elven saddle. She clipped her bedroll into place carefully and then climbed upon Valcor before she took off toward the palace. She rode easy on Valcor as she moved toward the southern cliffs of the city. Her eyes gazed up the jagged cliffs to the castle above.
Her expression flattened slightly as she thought of King Penn and what he had done to her people years ago. He was a monster. Hateful. His declaration of war upon magic had killed nearly all of her kind. She hated him, though hate was such a harsh word...she could think of no better word to use for such a man. Rania approached the southern cliffs and she rode along in the loose sand until she reached a point where the sand looked to become wet. She climbed from Valcor and pat his shoulder. “Return to the forest, I’ll find you.” Her eyes glowed as she spoke to him. The horse turned and trotted off toward the forest from which she came. By this time the sun had peaked up over the ocean casting orange rays of light upon the kingdom. It was truly beautiful. A sight of power, yet all Rania could think of was King Penn’s hate for her people.
The young elf turned and began walking along the shore she gazed up the cliffs looking for the entrance that the thief had spoken of. The tide was too high to continue on though. She looked ahead as the waves crashed against the cliff as it jutted up toward the castle. She would need to wait for the tide to pull away from the shore. Rania sat behind a large boulder that had seemingly fallen from the cliffs years ago, she watched as the waves lapped against the shoreline. It was soothing. So much so that the warmth of the rising sun eased her into a light rest. The young elf was awakened by the beat of hooves upon the sandy soil. As her eyes open she did not move, she gazed to the shoreline that had extended out away from the cliffs.
Rania listened as she heard someone jump from the horse, the sound of the rider dismounting the horse sent a chill down her spine. She waited and peered around the edge of the boulder to see the man from the previous evening fastening his horse to a tree. She grit her teeth slightly as she realized that she shouldn’t have run. As much as she did not want to...she should have put an end to him…
The young elf waited behind the boulder, her breath held in her chest as she listened to the man move about the sandy soil. The crash of the waves did well to covered his footsteps, but not well enough. In an instant Rania spun from behind the boulder, her dagger held within her hand, she gripped upon the man and slammed him against the boulder. The blade pressed against his throat as she peered up to him, she was a bit shorter than him, she’d always been a bit small in stature for an elf, but it made her quick and nimble. She gazed up to him as her eyes glowed slightly, her cloak remained over her head. “Why are you following me?” She questioned, her voice threatening. “I have no ties with Dregger.” She stated, her voice thick with her elvish accent, it was quite noble. “I do not wish to spill your blood.” She stated as she searched his eyes. “But if I must, I will.” She pressed a bit more firmly against the dagger then.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 11, 2020 12:13:26 GMT -5
Dustin had only just begun to search the area when he felt himself being pulled and then the sharp pain of a ragged rock digging into his back as he was shoved. When he felt the cool steel of a blade against his throat however his eyes immediately focused on the woman in front of him. It was definitely the same elf from the previous day. A part of Dustin had doubted she would actually attempt the path laid out by Dregger, but obviously there was something this elf wanted badly enough to come even after her plan had been heard by another.
Dustin quickly measured up this woman. She was slight, as the stories of elves depicted them, and he could almost feel the magical aura radiating from her body. "Well, it's not every day you find out an elf is trying to sneak in through the back passages of the palace." Dustin replied to her question. "I came out of curiosity to see what you might be up to. Though I honestly didn't think you'd actually be here after Dregger's little mishap yesterday."
As Dustin spoke he slowly leaned forward into the woman but in a way that pushed her entire form back so that the knife didn't press any harder against his neck. When he had gained himself a couple of inches he quickly leaned back and then grabbed her wrist and twisted the knife from her hand as he pulled her to him, spun and slammed her body face first against the rock she had pinned him against. "Also, if I had wanted to capture or harm you I would have at least given a good chase last night."
After a few seconds Dustin released his hold on her, stepped back and held up her knife which he had taken to inspect the craftsmanship of the blade. It was a delicate blade but he could feel the strength of the metal and it was sharper than almost any other he had handled. "Elves have really mastered metal working, but I suppose that makes sense." He commented and turned the blade in his hand. "But as I said I don't have any intention of harming you, or even stopping you, I just want to know what you're after exactly. It's kind of suicidal to enter the palace for an elf."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2020 13:25:30 GMT -5
Rania leaned against the man, her brows tugged together tightly. She was so focused on trying to keep her footing against him that when he’d gained enough traction there was nothing she could do. As her dagger fell from her grip a whimper came over her lips. The elf was unable to defend herself against this brute of a man as he slammed her harshly against the rock. She groaned and fidgeted against his weight. “You’ll regret it if you don’t release me.” She warned, her eyes swirled with fire. That was her main source of power, the ancient art of the dragon’s breath lie within her. Not many elves could make a claim to such magic. When he released her suddenly the elf spun around, her cheek bone was already beginning to bruise from the harsh contact with the jagged rock face. She brushed her fingertips along her cheekbone as she gazed to him. Her hood had fallen in the scuffle.
Rania stepped forward and grasped the dagger back from him as he made the comment. She looked to him cautiously, “I assure you that knowing my reasoning for entering the castle will make it no less of a suicide attempt.” She slipped her dagger back into its sheath upon her thigh. “You’re a mercenary so what does it matter to you. Perhaps I will be yet another bounty with a red X painted upon my back? Hm?” She pulled her hood back up over her head, hiding her ears once again. The elf stared to him a long moment. She seemed to be thinking. Formulating a plan in her mind. Her eyes glanced to the cliffs that had been revealed and then she gazed back to him. “Were you even alive before Penn destroyed everything?” She questioned then. “Humans live such a short life, I would hardly believe you to be old enough to remember the sight of an elf when you were young.”
The young elf stepped forward, “I remember. Every breath that I took that day stung with the ashes of Alister. Every scream of my people replays in my mind’s eye each night that I rest.” Her words were well polished. “My mother’s gaze as I was ripped from her arms…that’s the last time I saw her.” Rania shifted slightly, “In all honesty I am merely here for something that my ancestors believe to have been taken here. It may or may not be the case…but it is the life and death of my people. If I fail, I have failed my own kind.” She cleared her throat then slightly as she crossed her arms over her chest. The breeze off of the ocean pushed against her hair and threatened to lift the hood from her head once again. “You didn’t kill me though.” She spoke, her voice curious. “It’s a curious thing, most mercenaries kill elves upon sight. Or so I’ve been told. Just the price of an ear would get you a large sum of money. Capturing me and turning me into King Penn…well…that might be the last thing that you must do for the rest of your life. Hm?”
Rania reached into one of her pouches and pulled an elven coin. She lifted her eyes to look to the bounty hunter. “I’ll offer you a deal then.” She held the coin forward, “This is worth much more than any of the gold coin that this kingdom runs off of. I’ve plenty more of it. This is a suicidal mission…but, you seem to side with the elves a bit. Otherwise you should have already killed me.” She drew in a long breath, “I’ll offer you more when we have completed this, but I cannot tell you what it is that I seek. I cannot risk such things.” She spoke as she turned. “If you’re coming, we only have a short while of low tide before the water comes back in. I imagine the tunnels will flood if we do not move swiftly.”
The elf walked ahead and rounded the corner of the jagged rocks, her boots sank into the sand slightly as she gazed about. There was a small opening in the rocks, it was nearly hidden by moss that had grown over it. “Here.” She spoke as she moved and slipped inside. The elf muttered elvish beneath her breath as she entered the dark passage, a flame lit within her palm as she walked forward. “Why…didn’t you kill me?” She asked then as she glanced to the man. Her eyes locked on him curiously. She’d had a run in with a mercenary a few towns over, he’d ripped her hood from her head. Lucikly Rania was well versed in magic, otherwise…she may have died that night
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Post by Nyte on Oct 11, 2020 13:45:42 GMT -5
At the mention of the price Dustin could obtain by taking her in or even just an ear only caused him to shrug. "I catch criminals. Those that have hurt others, stolen, or another listed crime. As far as I know you haven't done such things. Simply existing isn't enough for me to take someone in to gain the bounty." He listened to her harsh words about the fall of Alister and lifted an eyebrow with interest. It was a mixture of emotions listening to her sweet, pleasant tone and accent spill such harsh words from her lips. Then she did something he really hadn't expected. Offered him coin for his assistance. It was probably a strategic move. He was the only one who knew what she was up to.. somewhat, and if she kept him nearby she didn't have to worry about him raising the alarm in the palace.
Taking the silver coin he quickly pocketed it and followed after the elf to the hidden passage between the rocks. He kept one hand against the smooth, wave worn wall to help guide him in the dark but when he saw the flame flicker to life in her palm his expression showed he was impressed.
"Why would I kill you? Despite what you might think not all humans are murderous bastards. I may be a mercenary but I still have my morals. Also, I have seen an elf other than you.. once." His tone became a bit more solemn with his last statement. As if the memory of the elf wasn't a pleasant one. "It was a long time ago though." His voice changed once more and became the cool and confident tone it had been before.
When they came around a bend in the tunnel they were met with a set of stairs. Narrow and slick with moss they looked as if they hadn't been used in many years. "Whatever it is you're after must be very valuable for you to risk your life like this. You said you didn't even know if what you sought was here or not and yet you're still willing to come look for it." He shook his head as if disappointed.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2020 14:09:27 GMT -5
Rania looked to her counterpart, her eyes searched over him. A chuckle came over her lips, it was almost a surprised sound. “Ah, very noble of you to actually care of other creatures, unlike that of the rest of your kind.” Her heart was cold. She had little if any trust for humans. Though, who could blame her, in that moment of time? She’d lost everything that she’d ever had. She raised a brow slightly as he spoke of the elf that he saw, once, his tone had changed, and not for the better. Her brows drew together slightly, “Hm perhaps you have a sense of what humans have brought to my kind? I can hear it in your voice. Even if you do not wish to speak of it. I know what the king and his men had done to the elves that ventured from the forest, the ones that they captured over the years that led to what King Penn thought was the extinction of the race.
Rania paused to his comment as she stood before the mossy stairs. She drew in a breath and looked to him a long moment. “It is not my job to judge the elders. I am not to question what the dragons have spoken as true.” Her voice was full of her elvish accent as she spoke, it was so fluid. It was a wonder that she could speak his language so well. “Our elders have not led us astray in the past. The fall of Alister was foretold. Yet, King Penn wore a mask.” She sighed softly. “He tricked my people, we allowed him and his knights into Alister. We welcomed him. We called him an ally. The elder dragon warned of this. Our fall is our own to blame.” Her eyes fell away from him. “But that is not the point. We do not have time for idle banter, hm?” She moved up the stairs swiftly. Her steps were silent, the fire snuffed from her palm as she came to the top of the stairs. She looked both directions and then bit her lip slightly. Curse Dregger… She thought in her head as she tried to decide which direction to go. “You wouldn’t have happened to ask Dregger where the vault was…would you?” She glanced to the mercenary.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 11, 2020 14:34:43 GMT -5
Dustin gave a chuckle of his own when she commented on his old memory of the elf. She was right in assuming he didn't want to talk about it, especially with another elf, but it was amusing she had caught his change of tone. When they reached the top of the stairs and the fire was snuffed out Dustin had to pause a moment as his eyes adjusted to the change in light. He could just barely make out the woman's form in front of him and changed to rely heavily on his ears to stay alert to others who might be approaching.
"Going to trust my word on directions?" He asked with a soft chuckle. Dregger hadn't told Dustin anything other than some very colorful curses, but Dustin did know how to get to the vault. Did he want to take her there? It was always guarded and he honestly didn't know what was inside it's locked doors. "He did try to tell me a little." Dustin told her. "Take a right and then up another set of stairs." He gestured for her to lead the way, wanting to see what she would do.
The memories of these old passages were rather fresh on Dustin's mind despite the long years that had passed. They were the last sight of the palace he had seen before leaving his comfortable life behind. His parents hadn't even known that he was aware of the tunnels so it made it easier for him to slip out without being seen. By the time they had realized he was gone he had already made it half a day's ride away. The thought of his family being so close actually made Dustin rather uncomfortable and he was taking quite a risk himself venturing so far in for a simple curiosity.
They had almost reached the steps Dustin had mentioned when he caught the sound of footsteps coming down a corridor towards them. He reached forward and grabbed the elf's arm and pulled her back and into a small crevice just big enough for both of them to fit in. He reached into a pouch on his hip and pulled a bottle out and poured the inky black contents out on the ground. A thick darkness swept up their bodies and completely hid them from view just as a knight carrying a torch walked by on a routine patrol. The magical essence in the bottle concealed their presence from the man even though they were only couple of feet away. Only when the knight had gone and his light had faded did Dustin finally release his gentle hold on the woman's arm. "We'll have to remember he's down here when we leave." He whispered to her.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2020 15:42:46 GMT -5
Rania glanced to him with her emerald hues, a smirk curved up her lips slightly. “The gods will guide me if need be. I will know if you lie, you see?” She raised a brow slightly before she listened to his story. “Perfect, shall we go on then?” She spoke as she turned, her eyes darted about. As an elf she could see quite well in the darkness, another added trait that elves had over humans. Her movements were quick and nimble, silent. She slowed as they came toward the end of the corridor, just as she was about to turn to Dustin he’d grabbed a hold of her. She pushed against him slightly, though not a sound came over her lips. Rania sucked in a breath as the darkness coated over them, she’d not seen such magic. A simple liquid acted as a cover. She watched as the knight drew near, she wanted to flee. She wanted to lash out, yet Dustin held her and for some reason she did not fight against him.
When the knight was gone Rania stepped forward, her eyes looked to the mercenary. “Now is not the time, but I want to know why you’ve agreed to such a suicidal task. You could die much more easily than I.” She paused then. Her eyes blinked a few times, her breath caught in her chest. She stared to the side, almost as if she’d heard something.
Rania
The voice was a harsh cold whisper, pained and frail. A chill ran down her spine, her eyes filled with a sort of fear as she stared down the hallway then. “We must move swiftly, otherwise the tides will rise and we will be stuck without a way to escape.” She glanced to the mercenary. The elf turned then and rushed up the stairs. She moved quickly along as they came to the top of the stairs, sunlight cut in through the open windows, the sounds of the waves crashing below echoed into the stony chamber. Rania grasped a hold of Dustin to the sound of knights boots plodding along the stone floor. She slipped him behind a pillar just in time as a knight came to the end of the hall. Her breath held still in her chest as she listened.
Rania
The elf winced slightly to the sound of the frail voice. She swallowed, now was not the time to lose track of the quest that she was given by Malrose. It was the answer to giving magic back, bringing the lands back…saving everything. Rania slipped along the hallway and quietly came up behind a guard that stood watch in front of a door. She moved before him, a bold move that she knew the mercenary would not understand. “Who are you? What are you doing here?” The guard began.
“No need to worry.” Her thick elvish accent came over her lips. She cupped his cheek and stepped close to him. “Ilya fumme.” She spoke the spell that caused the knight to fall unconscious before her. Rania quickly grasped him and lowered him to the ground as she searched his belt for a key. Rania, please. The voice again. Begging her for attention. The elf froze for a moment before she pulled the keyring from the knights belt. She looked to the mercenary and smirked slightly as she grasped the guard and pulled him into the adjacent room into the shadows, hidden from his comrades. She brushed off her hands slightly and then stepped back out into the hallway. Rania paused a moment, she could feel it. She could feel the power of the artifact. “It’s this way.” She breathed as she stepped through the hall. She stepped to a barred door that had a few locks upon it. Rania… The voice was sobbing. The elf shook her head and sucked in a breath. The keys fell from her grasp and clattered upon the cold stony floor.
“What was that?” A voice came from down the hall.
Rania grit her teeth as she pushed the key into the lock and then she pushed the door open. She grasped Dustin and tugged him into the room just as the guards rounded the corner. She leaned against the door as she listened to their voices outside. Her eyes closed as she listened, her breath held in her chest once again. After a few minutes the voices trailed away along with the sound of their footsteps. The elf let out a long breath as she opened her eyes to view the room that they were in. The vault. Artifacts lay about the room, chests, book cases. Everything. Her jaw loosened and a chuckle came over her lips. “I never thought…I would see this day.” She stepped forward and ran her fingertips along the top of a chest. The elf then paused as the hum of magic met her from across the room. She turned and walked to a small box that was set neatly upon a shelf. The elf clicked open the box and gazed inside to a crystal. She reached forward and grasped it into her hand and it took on a lovely blue glow. Her eyes fluttered slightly as the power that it held surged through her body. “This…is what I came for.” She whispered softly. Her eyes found the mercenary. “That is all. Nothing more.” She looked to the crystal then as an image appeared within it.
An elf sat on his knees bound by chains, his breath panted from his mouth, his figure was gaunt, scars lined his exposed flesh. “Rania…my sweet girl…” The voice was tired and filled with pain. “You’ve finally come…to save us all.”
A pit settled within her stomach as she gazed to him. The elf that she saw within the crystal was her father. The man she had presumed dead so many years ago. “Father…” She breathed, tears welled within her eyes. Her breath shook. Though there was no time as the clatter of bells began to toll. The guards had found the unconscious body. Rania glanced to the mercenary. “My father…the king has kept him alive…tortured him…” Her voice trembled. “We…we must save him…” Tears rolled over her cheeks. She took the crystal and slipped it into her hip pouch. “I’ll pay you…anything you wish…I must not leave him behind…”
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Post by Nyte on Oct 11, 2020 16:28:25 GMT -5
There were more guards down here than Dustin remembered, but perhaps his flight from the palace had caused that. Or perhaps they had had caught wind of an elf in the area. The latter seemed less likely though not entirely impossible. The King did have eyes and ears nearly everywhere he wished. As they dodged guards and hid in the shadows Dustin watched his new companion carefully. She was deliberate and steady in her movements. She was the type that didn't scare easy, which was necessary in order to perform this crazy mission. Though she was sure this was a suicidal mission for them both.. he possibly had a lot more personally at stake. She had her people and he.. well he had a lot to answer for if he were caught.
As they approached the standing guard before the relic door Dustin prepared himself to help subdue the man, but the elf had moved in front of him before Dustin could stop her. The soft words she spoke and the way the man crumpled in her arms was worrisome, but it was evident by the soft sounds of his snores that the man was simply asleep. One the guard was tucked out of sight Dustin watched as she tried to find the key to open the door. Then... she dropped them.
Dustin muttered a curse of his own as he heard the sound echo down the stone corridor. The elf hardly needed to pull him inside as he quickly got out of view as well. When he heard the guards footsteps fade he gave a small sigh of relief before looking around the room packed with priceless artifacts. He had never been in this room but he knew that for them to be buried beneath the castle in such a way, and guarded that the King wanted them forgotten.
The sound of warning bells caused his attention to snap to the door, but when he heard the pleading tone in his companions voice he looked to her as if she had just lost her mind. "Your father?" He asked. "If you wanted to go on a rescue mission you should have done that first. That is now out of the question." He told her and walked to the door and cracked it open to peer out into the hallway. "Unless you want to end up in chains as well then I suggest you come with me." Seeing the coast was clear, for the moment, he slipped out the door and headed back down the hall.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2020 16:55:41 GMT -5
Rania’s breaths trembled within her chest. “I thought he was dead, all hope of his life was lost…” She spoke and then shook her head. He was right though, the time for saving her father was long gone. Now that the alarm bell had been struck the guards would surely be headed their way in the masses. The elf grit her teeth as she raced after the mercenary. Rania…you cannot leave me behind. The voice nearly brought her to her knees. She gripped the wall and winced. She spoke a curse in Elvish. As she rounded the corner and rushed down the stairs the elf heard the sound of armored footsteps echoing down the halls behind her. Rania glanced over her shoulder just as a group of knights came into view.
“There! Up ahead!” One yelled, his voice echoed against the cold stone walls.
Rania rushed forward swiftly. The knight that they had avoided earlier stood in the hallway. “Stop!” He called as he gripped onto her. Rania let out a cry as she was slammed against the wall. “An elf?” He chirped his eyes filled with wonder as he looked to her. The man had never seen an elf, except for in drawings within a book.
The elf drew in a breath as she gripped onto him, once again she spoke the sweet enchantment. The words rolled over her tongue as if she’d spoken it a thousand times. The knight had a smile upon his lips as he fell limply against her. Rania lowered him to the ground as the guards came clattering down the stairs. Rania rushed after the mercenary her eyes glowed, it was a sign of fear in an elf, or even anger. Rania! The voice again, she stumbled as a whimper came over her lips. They rounded the corner to the mossy staircase. “Ilce ila arewe.” She spoke as her hand pressed against the wall. Ice shards shot out from the wall at the top of the stairs as she nearly slipped down them. “Go.” She breathed. Rania you will be lost without me. The voice spoke quickly. Rania fell this time to her knees, her teeth grit. Her breaths shook. She pushed herself to her feet and ran forward. The tide had already begun to come in. The hall that was once dry was up to her chest in water. Waves pushed against her, threatening to go over her head. Rania coughed as the salty water buried her for a moment. Though soon enough they made it to the small opening in the rocks. The elf slipped through the opening and made her way to the dry shore. “We have to keep moving.” She spoke, her breaths quick. She gazed up to the castle. Rania…they will kill me. the voice was filled with sadness. Rania closed her eyes a moment, tears rolled over her cheeks. “I will pay you the other half that I owe. But we must go.” Rania spoke as she ran forward. Her horse however was in the forest, as she’d instructed it to be.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 11, 2020 21:14:53 GMT -5
For whatever reason the elf was lagging behind. She should have been right on Dustin's heels but something was holding her back. As Dustin made his way towards the exit he ended up running to a guard himself. The man was startled as he rounded the corner and the two nearly bumped into each other. Dustin on the other hand was alert and his muscles already coiled in anticipation and almost as soon as Dustin realized the man was there he jabbed his fist out and knocked the guy out in one hit. Dustin leaped over his body and then continued running down the narrow corridor.
When he reached the hidden passage he groaned as his body hit the cold water that now filled the hall. The ocean water was like wading through an icy river and the waves from the rising tide threatened to knock him off his feet, even if it did only come up to his waist. His feet slipped on the smooth rocks and he nearly went under a couple of times. Luckily the passage was relatively short and he emerged and made his way to the beach quickly.
His heart was pounding in his chest. That had been close.. far too close. He wasn't going to go back, ever, and he had risked everything just to see what some elf woman was up to. Damn his curiosity. It wasn't until she came out from the passage as well that he realized he had actually stopped moving to catch his breath. He ran into the tree line. "This way!" He called to her and made his way to his own horse still tied just around the other side of a large boulder.
Pulling the reigns from the tree he quickly made his way up into the saddle and pressed his heels into the flanks of the beast. He reached out and grabbed the woman by the cloth of her shirt and hauled her up in one swift motion to sit behind him in the saddle. It was a good thing she was small and light. She wouldn't slow his horse down in their flight away from the palace.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 12, 2020 8:16:45 GMT -5
Rania rushed after the man as he called her forward. “They will be after us...we’ve no time.” She spoke as he untied his horse. Then suddenly he’d lifted her up to side behind him. Rania let out a cry and her eyes widened as she was slung onto the horse behind him. She did not have time to argue, and she didn’t have much of an argument to make. If she stayed behind on foot surely the guards upon horseback would catch up to her. The elf wrapped her arms around the mercenary’s waist and held on as the horse took off with speed.
Rania...please...all these years, I’ve waited...I’ve fought for my life...
Rania gripped a bit tighter as a whimper came over her lips, tears rolled down her cheeks. His voice was so weak, it was nothing like she remembered. She remembered the strong noble voice of her father as they would play within the streets of Alister.
Rania ran through the streets, a young elf. She held a wooden sword within her hands that was delicately carved. A tiara rest upon her head, a beautiful red ruby glistened within the silvery twists of leaves and vines that were designed into the piece. The young elf giggled as she rounded a corner.
“Ah young princess!” A man stood before her, his sword drawn as well. He had short chestnut hair and golden eyes. A half moon tattoo rest between his eyes just above his brow line. He playfully swung his wooden sword forward.
Rania countered his attack and pushed forward. “Foe of Alister!” She called out as she slipped the blade along his side.
The man acted as if he’d been stabbed. “Oh...no...I’ve lost...to the lovely princess...” He crumpled to his side. “Alister...is saved...” He playfully fell limp.
The young elf stepped forward and giggled. Though when the man did not move her expression fell slightly. “Father?” She asked she moved forward and leaned over him, her hands upon his chest. “Father?” She asked as she shook him slightly.
Suddenly he came to life and grasped her, Rania let out a cry and then giggles. “I tricked you!” He chuckled as he lay on the ground still.
“Tovar.” A beautiful elven woman stepped to their side. She picked up the two wooden swords. She had the same facial features as Rania.
“Mother!” Rania jumped up from her father’s arms and rushed forward.
She was lifted up into a hug and held upon her mother’s hip. “We have a feast to attend. Hm?” The queen offered a hand to the king.
Those were the last few moments that Rania could remember. The feast...that was when it all happened. Rania took in a gasp of air as she came from the memory, they had reached the forest just outside of the capital city. The thundering of hooves came from within the forest and suddenly Valcor rushed up next to them. Rania gave a slight smile as her grip released from the mercenary. She skillfully slipped onto her horse and glanced over her shoulder. Guards were in their wake. Rania looked to the mercenary, “Follow me.” She nodded as she pulled at the reins. She once again spoke an enchantment and a fake path was forged into the ground, their horses steps became lighter, leaving almost no trace.
Rania rode forward quickly in silence as the memories of her past flooded her. Thankfully she could no longer hear the voice within her head. They rode deep into the forest until they came upon an old cave. The elf dismounted and looked to the mercenary. “Come on.” She spoke as she led her horse into the cavern. Once again she summoned a flame into her palm, it was more for him than it was for her. She took in a breath as they moved deeper into the caves. She was told about this old elven cave system. As they drew deeper inscriptions could be seen upon the walls. Old elvish writing. Eventually the room opened up, a stream ran through the cave the water took on a light blue glow. Magic. Rania allowed the flames to snuff from her palm and she released Valcor whom stopped where she released him. She turned to the horse and searched through the bags. “I imagine you want your payment.” She spoke as she pulled another elvish coin.
The young elf turned to the mercenary. Her brows furrowed slightly as she seemed deep in thought. “I never caught your name. Though perhaps I should have asked.” She turned back to her horse and pulled her bedroll from behind the saddle and rolled it upon the ground. “I am Rania...thank you for helping me.” She looked to him and gave a soft smile. She then stood and pulled the crystal from her pouch. It glowed to her touch. “This is the crystal that was used by King Penn to steal the magic of Alister. It will allow me to restore the magic to my people, and to hopefully restore the lands of Alister. Bring back the dragons and pixies.” A soft smile curved up her lips. It almost felt unreal to be holding the artifact at last. “You’ve done more than you realize, helping me.” She had a sweet smile upon her lips now. She lowered her hood finally as she stowed the crystal away in her pouch once again. “I apologize for any hostility, I’ve never been met by kindness by a human...much less a mercenary....” She spoke then and gave a soft nod.
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