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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 25, 2021 20:38:33 GMT -5
When Ellie sat up swiftly Lyrei took in a quick breath, her crystal hues softened and a laugh came over her lips. “Hm. I thought so too...that place is terrifying...” She muttered and then grinned when Ellie smirked. Lyrei turned her gaze upon Amreil as Ellie spoke of seeing something in the hell that they had been banished to. The angel had a smirk upon her lips as she stepped forward and helped the princess to her feet. Lyrei adjusted herself and winced, her injuries that she had sustained in her fight against the demon.
Amreil placed a hand upon her shoulder and nodded to her. “You will heal.” She spoke in a reassuring tone.
The princess nodded slightly as her eyes looked to the man that spoke Ellie’s full name. Her own brows furrowed as the man hugged her like he’d been waiting to see her for years. Her hues softened as the scene played out...it was her father. Fenian cleared his throat slightly and chuckled to Ellie’s comment about the tricks of the temple. “This place is full of old spirits that have been trapped by Agoths over the years. He leads us to our own death.” He shook his head. “It is not the temple that has the riddles, it is the demon.” He looked to Lyrei and smirked. “You are a true Guardian of Amdir. I thought that I was, but you certainly are my granddaughter.” He pulled her into a tight embrace. “I never got to meet you, and yet here you are. As beautiful as your mother.”
Lyrei hugged Fenian and buried her face into his shoulder. She drew in a shaken breath, “We should get going...”
Amreil stood watching the reunions a smile upon her lips. “I unfortunately cannot leave this place.” She spoke as she looked to the group. “Another time perhaps?”
The princess stepped forward to the angel, a soft smile upon her lips. “Thank you, Amreil.” She nodded her head slightly. “I will return, when my kingdom is not in so much danger.”
“Perhaps one day it will be safe for me to leave this place, but until then. I am tasked with guarding it.” Amreil took a step back. Her form bled into the spirit fae form and a giggle came from her being before she rushed from the room.
Lyrei walked forward, “We should go.” She spoke as she led the group from the alter room. She made her way through the catacombs with ease this time. The hours that she spent trying to find her way through the temple when Ellie was but a husk...she had learned which direction went to where. Soon enough they emerged in the main hall of the temple. A distant sound caught Lyrei’s attention. An explosion? She rushed forward, the white glow came to her eyes as she stepped outside into the freshly fallen snow that was nearly waist deep. Their horses were nowhere to be found. The princess drew in a quick breath, smoke rose from the city. “No...” She breathed. How long had they been within the temple? How much time had passed? The sun was in the same position that it was in when they entered.
“Lyrei!” Fenian called as the princess rushed forward with speed. He glanced to Ellie and then to Elas. “It appears the humans have already made their way to the city.” He spoke as he started running as well.
The runes appeared upon Lyrei’s arms as she rushed down the mountainside. She slipped on the loose rocks a few times but it did not slow her down. Her bright wings appeared upon her back and she suddenly thrust forward. A white flash of magic would have blinded the trio behind her. When the light settled the princess was no where to be found.
**
Lyrei moved through the shadows of the spirit realm at a speed that was unimaginable on the normal plains. She rushed forward, her wings flapped as tears welled in her eyes. She burst from the spirit realm as she entered the edges of the city. The smell of smoke filled her nostrils. Had the humans brought a larger army than anticipated?
Oh look. You’ve failed because you were too slow. Agoths cackled in her mind.
Lyrei grit her teeth as she thrust her wings and she took flight. She flew through the air and pulled her sword. She landed before a platoon of humans. “You will leave!” She ordered them, her sword glowed with bright blue runes. She slashed forward at them, she did not want to harm them, but if it meant saving her kingdom she would do everything that she had to.
“Send the demons!” One of the men shouted. Lesser demons rushed through the city. This...this was how they were winning. The knight wore a gem around his neck that glowed red.
“No!” Lyrei rushed forward, she knocked several of the human knights over and slammed into the captain that wore the gem. She reached forward and ripped it from around his neck. “What are you doing?!” She cried. Red lightening shocked around the princess forcing her to release the gem.
The knight chuckled as he plucked it from the ground and stood before her, she was on her hands and knees before him. “Well, well.” He fastened the gem around his neck once again. Screeches of demons surrounded them. The cries of the elves as they fought. “It looks like I’ve found just what our queen is looking for.” The captain spoke as he chuckled. He reached down and lightening enveloped the princess once again, her body convulsed to it. “Don’t like that hm?” He snickered as her wings had disappeared, the light in her eyes dissipated.
“Princess!” A familiar voice. Enri was slicing through the lesser demons with her polearm. She leaped through the air and slammed her polearm against the back of the captain that was effectively torturing Lyrei.
The captain released his grip upon the princess and staggered as his helmet rolled to the ground. “You little pointy eared witch!” He snarled as he flipped around. “I’ll cut that head right from your shoulders!”
Enri chuckled as she looked to the captain, “Oh, you may try.” She replied swiftly. The battle commenced. The lieutenant moved swiftly about, keeping just out of reach of the captain. She contacted her polearm against him several times and jabbed with its blade. All the while she kept her eyes on the princess whom lay on her back in the middle of the street. She smacked the captain harshly across the face then, her blade dug into his cheek. As he retracted from the wound Enri rushed forward and scooped the princess up under her arm. She sprinted away as she heard the yells from the captain behind her. “Where is Ellie…?” She questioned as she looked around for the Rauka. Enri rushed to the castle and slipped through the gates with the princess dangling under her arm. She stopped once she was within the gates and she turned to gaze back to the city. Flames rose from several homes from the lesser demons.
A cackling filled the darkness. “You’re weak.” Agoths snickered. “You may as well just allow them to continue their assault. Your kingdom will crumble to the ground. You could have taken my help, Lyrei!” He snarled. He stood before her in the darkness.
The princess was knelt on her knees, she couldn’t move. Each breath that she took felt impossible. She shuddered slightly. “I will die before I allow you to taint my kingdom with your lies.” She lifted her crystal hues to meet the ember hues of the demon.
“Very well. I’ll see to it. I’ll be sure to enjoy your death, princess. I’ll make it last a lifetime.” He leaned in close as he said this. “You’ll beg for it to end by the time I am finished with you.” He snickered as he disappeared to leave her in the abyss alone.
“Gather the troops! We must push back!” Enri called out. She knelt over the princess. “Come on, Lyrei.” She shook her gently. “Come on, open your eyes.” She splashed water upon her face. The lieutenant grimaced slightly as the woman did not respond to her poking and prodding.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 25, 2021 21:03:19 GMT -5
Ellie followed the Princess through the catacombs, until soon they came out. Her hues looked to the sky – she sucked in a breath of fresh cool mountain air. Though there was a taste to it – smoke. She grit her teeth as she glanced outward to the city below, which fire plunged into the sky. She grit her teeth – her steps leading her forward onto the snow.
There was a bright flash – The Princess had ran forward and was already long gone. She looked to the two that followed her. “You go, we will catch up” Elas spoke and nodded. Ellie grit her teeth and rushed forward. She gripped her hands together and her bones began to crack again. She cried out as blood trickled once more – her transformation was not nearly as graceful as the Princess. Great ivory horns grew, her smokey wings lifted her high.
She jumped and spread her arms outward as she dove downward. The mountainscape blurred past her as her smokey wings caught air and she flew upward, she went so swiftly a trail of fire followed her skin, like a comet in the sky.
It took her a few minutes to traverse to the city but she arrived swiftly. She landed where a band of humans were slaughtering innocents. Ellie landed – a crack of red upon the ground of her booted feet. She held a hand forward and bolts of fire rushed forward, the fire ate through their bodies and burned them alive…
She turned quickly as she heard the cries of others. She rushed forward, her wings lifting her into the air – she landed down once more. Her eyes stared to Enri who fought a captain – she quickly turned and she lunged her hand forward – she gripped the mans spine and pulled it forward, killing him in an instant.
She glanced about – Demons were pouring in from every angle… She crouched and then burst into the sky, her wings suspending her. Her hands held outward and the black tendrils appeared once more – until there were hundreds of tendrils from her palm – reaching forward and warping the minds of the demons. The demons turned then and began attacking the humans…
It was then that a spear flew into the sky – piercing her shoulder. She fell from the sky – spinning several times until she crashed upon the ground. She laid on her back – fighting for breath. The ivory horns retreated, her body returning to normal. She slowly stood to her hands and knees – her hands gripped the spear and she pulled it from her chest, groaning in pain as she did.
Ellie stood and then made her through the crowds until she came upon Enri and the Princess. “Is she okay?” she called out over the clashing of weapons. She turned and drew her blades swiftly – she sliced forward – the man before her cut directly into two.
She held a hand forward and grit her teeth – the demons began to push now, pushing back the humans further and further. “Lyrei!” She called out to her. She kneeled down and put a hand on her chest. She leaned her head back suddenly as she pulled at the darkness that had entered Lyrei – she held her hand upward and an orb of black appeared, like liquid drawing from her skin. She grit her teeth “Something tainted her?” she pulled more at it “I may – I may have gotten it all” she grit her teeth. “Come on Lyrei”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 25, 2021 21:43:43 GMT -5
Enri stood from the princess’ side as they were rushed by the humans. “Protect the princess!” She cried to her men that stood around the princess. She quickly pushed forward fighting the humans that tried to reach the princess, seemingly their only goal outside of the destruction of the city.
When Ellie approached. “Thank gods you’re alive.” She smiled from beneath her helmet. She glanced to the princess whom was laying as still as can be, her chest heaved as she fought against the darkness that had imprisoned her. “I’m not certain...” She turned and slammed her polearm against one of the attackers. Enri watched as the demons turned on the humans, her jaw dropped slightly. “Ellie are you doing this?” She questioned. “We’ve been fighting with them for nearly 5 days...they pushed our lines back each day until this morning...they finally reached the city….” Enri turned and watched as Ellie pulled the orb of black liquid from the princess. “Tainted?” She questioned. The lieutenant knelt next to the two. “I...the captain...he used some type of magic that I have never seen….it was like a red lightening...” Enri sighed softly. “I...stopped him as soon as I could...but the princess...she just...she...” She looked to Lyrei. “She came out of nowhere...I...and she had these wings...”
Lyrei fought against the darkness. “Let me go!” She screamed. Her voice echoed back to her. The princess grit her teeth as she tried to move even in the slightest.
Agoths appeared once again a sinister snicker came over his lips. “You know? I might just stay here awhile. This is quite entertaining.” He smirked to her. “Try and try as much as you may, you can’t move little angel.” He grinned and pat her cheek. “Thanks to that foolish human, you’re too weak to fight back against me.”
Lyrei drew in a breath, her eyes began to glow as she stared to him, her breathing deepened. “Oh. Am I?” She pulled her blade and sliced forward suddenly.
Agoths snarled as the blade sliced across his chest. A growl came from him. “I should have killed her when I had the chance!” He lunged forward and pinned Lyrei. “I’ll kill you.”
Lyrei gripped onto him, where her hands touched his arms he began to burn like the fires of hell. “Not yet.” She slammed against him and he burst into ashes. She fell to the floor and the darkness began to dissipate around her.
Lyrei sucked in a quick breath, she sat up swiftly. Her eyes quickly found Ellie. She held her hand to her chest as she looked about. War surrounded them. Enri was fighting off another human, the other soldiers around her were fighting as well. The world was silent, almost as if she was shell shocked. Her breaths echoed in her mind as she looked to Ellie. She tried to speak but her breath caught in her chest. Her crystal hues fell upon the bloodied wound that Ellie had upon her chest. She reached forward and her eyes began to glow as she healed the wound. “Ellie...” She finally spoke after a moment. “We have to stop him...the demon...” She pushed herself to her feet and staggered slightly. The glow in her eyes diminished.
The humans were being pushed back. Only a few stragglers remained within the city walls. “That one is a demon!” One of the knights turned and held his sword in Ellie’s direction. His sword shook. “I saw it….she….she’s one of them!” He exclaimed.
Lyrei turned to this knight. She stepped between him and Ellie, his sword was just inches from her chest. “You will drop your sword. She is a Rauka and you will respect her.” Her voice held her noble tone, her crystal hues were locked on the knight. “She has graciously offered her blade to assist our kingdom in this war.”
“P-princess….” The knight had wide eyes. He immediately put his sword away. “A-apologies. Your majesty.” He bowed deeply.
“They’re retreating!” A knight ran forward. “They’ve all but run off!” He had a gleeful smile upon his lips.
Enri slipped her polearm to her back. “Double the defenses. See what the citizens need. They won’t be gone long.” She turned to the princess and then to Ellie. She gave a bit of a smile as she looked to Ellie. She then looked back to the princess. “Come on princess, we must get you to safety within the castle.” She walked forward toward the castle then.
Lyrei looked to Ellie a moment, “Thank you.” She spoke her voice tired. “We...must regroup...how long were we gone?” She wondered out loud.
“Nearly a week...I sent troops after you, but they were cut off by the humans. We weren’t able to come and check in on you. About a day after you left your horses returned with injuries. But, just as we were about to search for you we were attacked. They had so many demons…” Enri spoke as she let them toward the castle.
As they walked into the castle a gasp was heard from down the hallway. “Lyrei! Ellie!” Bellaluna rushed forward. “Thank the gods!” She wrapped the two both in a tight embrace pulling them together before her. She kissed Lyrei’s cheek and then grinned to Ellie. “Thank the gods. Thank the gods.” She spoke as she released the two. “Lyrei...you’re injured...” She looked to the cuts upon her daughter, the bruises.
“I will heal.” Lyrei spoke, her voice full of exhaustion.
Not if I have any say in it. Agoths snickered in her mind.
Lyrei held her hand to her head and stumbled slightly. Bellaluna stepped forward and grasped her daughter. “What became of the temple?” She questioned. “Did you two gather anything? The artifact?” She gazed to Ellie as Lyrei grit her teeth. The demon had tainted her soul just enough so that he could easily access her mind. Fighting against him was going to be a battle that Lyrei dealt with until she was able to defeat him.
“Perhaps my queen...if I may...” Enri interjected. “It seems that the two have had quite the miss adventure...Lyrei has already lost consciousness on me once as I attempted to get her back to the castle...” Enri looked to Ellie a moment. “May I take them to their quarters for rest while we are not currently being attacked?”
The queen gazed to Enri and drew in a breath. “Yes….you two both look exhausted...” She gazed to Ellie. “Thank you for keeping her safe, Ellie.” She gripped the Rauka’s shoulder a moment.
Enri then wrapped her arm around the princess’ waist and led her forward. She was quiet as she led the two to the princess’ chambers. Though once there she helped the princess to sit on the edge of her bed. Enri turned and looked to Ellie. “I...saw...a demon floating above the city...but it did not attack any of our men...was that you? Was that what my soldier was speaking of….?” She questioned then.
“Ellie….” Lyrei held her hand to her head. “We have to get him out of my head...I can’t...focus...” She groaned.
“Get who out of your head?” Enri questioned and then looked to Ellie confused.
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2021 10:32:14 GMT -5
Ellie stood as Lyrei came to. She sucked in a breath and glanced around - she felt a tug on her mind, something whispering to her. Her hues fell upon the bloodied captain - a glowing pendant fallen to the ground about a silver chain. She held a hand forward and the glowing gem broke from the necklace and shot to her palm. She turned it over in her hand and then pocketed the jewel. Her hues watched the Elves push back the humans, the demons working in tow at her command...
The demons created a thick barrier at the gates of the city - keeping the humans from pushing back forward. She turned her gaze to the man who rushed them - accusing Ellie of being a demon. She held her blade in hand - ready to fight... but he was stopped by the Princess. She bowed her head slightly to the Princess and then nodded. "Let's go, quickly" she ushered them to the castle. By now the fires had been doused - a smokey pile rushed the skies from the recently put out fires... the Kingdom had suffered a blow but would recover, no doubt...
The Queen rushed forward in an instant - she winced as the woman hugged her. She had blood crusted over her shoulder - where the spear had stabbed her. "We are well enough, I am glad you are also safe" Ellie spoke to the queen. She stepped back and was relieved when Enri helped them escape the excitement.
Ellie followed behind the two, a hand upon her shoulder as they walked up the winding stairs... Ellie stepped into the room and sat at the reading chair. She slumped her swords to the ground and sat comfortably. Her hands pulled at her tunic, revealing her shoulder which had a deep stab in it. "Yeesh" she touched it slightly and winced.
"It was me - yes" she pressed her brows together. "A lot happened in that temple.. it was like they were waiting for us. Who knows for how long..." she shook her head. "An Arch-demon awaited us. Agoths..., and an Angel too. Much was found out of Lyrei... her lineage is rooted deep - the Temple, I believe, was once devoted to her ancestors and their calling. The Guardians of Hope..." she leaned her head back.
"The Demon could have killed us.. but he did not" she shook her head. "I think he wants to manipulate Lyrei, so that she will join him after some time of torture... he is in her mind, whispering to her. He tried to do the same to me, but because of my nature - I was able to surpress him.." she shifted forward and grit her teeth. "We found help though..." she looked to Lyrei. "Two people we thought to be lost..." she pressed her lips together in a thin line.
"We were thrown to the Spirit Realm, Agoth apparently traps his victims there. However, while there - I found myself closer to the source of my becoming. The demon form came to me with ease... and - Lyrei found help. She pulled us out there.. she" she shook her head "has tremendous power. The thing is... her family knew, her mother had to have known. Why would they keep such a thing a secret? Eventually it would come to be - and the demons would come pouring to her. The light she emits is so bright, I can feel it from thousands of miles away. This means demons can too..." she grunted then and fell back as her shoulder throbbed.
"There is more at stake here than just a human war" she pulled the pendant out from her pocket and turned it in her hand. "The demons are manipulating the humans to cause chaos" she held the gem up and looked through it. She could see the flames of hell, a panning of the same crack she had peered down into - the lava moving like thick chocolate. "This is what allowed them to command the Demons... but no match for me... but if they have this.. then what else?" she pocketed the gem once more.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2021 11:02:04 GMT -5
Enri stood with worried eyes as she looked to the princess who leaned her head forward slightly, a hand held to her head. She gazed to Ellie, the wound upon her shoulder. The lieutenant grit her teeth slightly as Ellie had exposed the wound to inspect it. “For you to have been gone for nearly a week…I can only imagine the troubles that you fought thought.” Enri gazed back to the princess a moment as she listened to Ellie speak of their time within the Temple. “I’ve always known that the temple was a sanctuary long ago…but there isn’t much information about it. It has been so long since anyone had stepped foot within the temple that perhaps such history has been forgotten?” Her brows furrowed as she stepped forward to the princess who lulled in and out of sleep. “Come on, princess.” She helped the woman to her feet. Enri pulled her helmet from her head and set it upon the bedside table. She drew in a breath as she walked the princess across her room.
“A demon awaited you within the temple…interesting…” Enri spoke as she helped the princess from her bloodied clothing. The lieutenant turned her eyes from the princess as she quietly changed into a new blue tunic and black pants. “You’ve a lot of injuries…between you two.” Enri spoke with a sigh. Lyrei gripped her head again and let out a whimper. “Hey.” Enri spoke as she gripped onto the princess to keep her on her feet. “Rei.” She spoke as she gazed into the princess’ eyes. “Focus on my voice. That demon can’t hurt you.” She gave a small smile to the woman. “He’s just playing games, you’re safe.” She gave another smile. “Come on.” She helped the princess back to her bed. Enri carefully tucked the princess in and sighed softly. She was helpless in aiding the princess with a demon that she could not see.
Enri reached to her pouch upon her hip and pulled out a small burlap roll. She came to Ellie’s side and unrolled it to reveal several small jars of healing salve, a needle and thread. “I would normally ask the princess for assistance…but…” She glanced to Lyrei whom had already passed out. “Perhaps after she has rested?” She cut at Ellie’s tunic to expose her shoulder. “I imagine that the queen must have known about Lyrei’s power, she has kept her quite close to her since she was a child. The princess was not taught the art of war…she was not taught defense in the least…which I always thought to be odd. Even Bellaluna knows how to wield a sword….the queen is quite skilled with a sword to be honest.” Enri poured a clear liquid over the wound to clean it. She dabbed it with a clean cloth. “Sorry, Ellie.” She spoke and winced slightly, she knew that the wound must have hurt quite a bit.
“I’ve always felt…at peace around the princess. Is that her light?” She questioned as she opened a jar of salve to pack the wound. She pressed her lips into a flat line and fell silent as she did this. Once she was finished she began to thread the needle. “Perhaps the queen had hoped that the days of demons running amuck were over? Perhaps she hoped that Lyrei’s power would never truly come to fruition…but I cannot speak for the queen, only she may answer that question truly.”
Enri glanced to the gem that Ellie pulled from her pocket, “That…that is what the captain used against the princess. I saw her grab the jewel from him and it sent red lightening across her body…and when the captain lifted it he held that toward her and shocked her more…” Enri shook her head and grit her teeth. “We are lucky that you came back at the time that you did, Ellie…those demons…just kept coming…if you were not here…I am nearly certain that Azuresta would have fallen…we are lucky to have suffered as few of casualties that we did. Luckily we were able to fortify our defenses before the attack…if Lyrei had not made it home when she did and warned us of the impending attack…” Enri shook her head as she finished sewing the wound shut. She then lathered another salve over it before she pulled out a wrap. The lieutenant gazed to Ellie a moment, searching her eyes before she gave a soft smile. “I never thought I would be the one patching you up.” She gave a laugh before she started wrapping the wound with care. "The king has sent word to the other elven kingdoms, warning them of the treat that Reinhold has shown..." She spoke then and shook her head as she began packing her first aid items away. She gazed to the princess once again with worried eyes. "Why...do you think the demons wants Lyrei?" She questioned. "If her magic is...light...are the demons not darkness? What would he want with her power?" She gazed to Ellie. "Does...your shoulder feel any better?" She questioned curiously then. "I could get a tonic from the apothecary for pain...if you would like..."
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2021 22:28:39 GMT -5
Ellie shifted in her seat as Enri came over to her. She glanced down to her tunic as the cold metal touched her skin and cut into the bloodied cloth. She leaned her head back as Enri dabbed the wound - flinched slightly. "The Queen has kept many secrets.." she muttered softly. She gazed down to the gentle hands of the woman. "She told me... of my parents.. she knew both of them - closely, even..." she muttered and sighed softly. "I grew up wanting to know more, and each passing day - I started to forget about them. Almost to a point where I hated the idea of them..." she shook her head. "I thought I had been abandoned.. turns out - they were heroes..." she chuckled. "The Queen told me just the other night" she winced and groaned as Enri packed the wound.
"Why would you hold back that sort of information, from me, from Lyrei?" she whispered. Her hues searched Enri's as she glanced up. She finally sighed and let it go. "I suppose - there is nothing we can do about it now, but.. I hate to question the motives" she winced once more.
As Enri pulled out the needle and thredded it - Ellie held a hand forward and a small flame appeared in her palm. She watched as Enri turned the needle into the blade. "The peaceful feeling?" She smirked "Yes, the light. It radiates from her..." she leaned her head back and held her breath as the needle pierced her skin. She let out a steady breath and her gaze lightened as Enri looked to her briefly.
"Light can be turned into darkness" she spoke - watching as the stitching ended. She leaned forward as Enri began to wrap the wound. "Demons do not grow in power naturally over time. They have a set amount of power and the only way to increase it - is to consume power. Light... light grows, it gets stronger and stronger and never stops - it goes as far as the sun's rays can" she smiled then and placed a hand on her chest briefly. "They seek her magic, but also seek to stop her. She is the only one truly capable of destroying a demon... as their souls are tethered to the Spirit World, to Hell itself - those of light can fully destroy the darkness of their soul - keep them from coming back to this world. She.. and Demons - are mortal enemies.." she chuckled then. "Which makes it quite the ironic tale that we fight side by side..." she slowly stood then and groaned.
"I'll be alright, been through worse... but - you can tend a wound nicely. It feels much better" she smirked. "Thank you.. for being the one to patch me up... could of used a gentle touch like that when I was younger" she smirked - a one sided grin. "Do you think we could get a pint?" she glanced to the Princess with a concerned face, unsure if they should leave or not...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2021 22:55:18 GMT -5
Enri gazed to Ellie with curious emerald hues as she spoke that the queen had kept many secrets. Her brows furrowed slightly to the words. Her expression fell slightly as she listened to Ellie speak of her want for knowledge about her parents. “Heroes huh?” She had a smirk upon her lips. “Sounds like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree hm?” She winked slightly. Though Enri sighed and shook her head to Ellie’s question. “I am not certain why the queen would keep such things secret. I can only imagine it to be that she thought she was protecting you...and Lyrei...” She glanced to the princess. “I do not see our queen doing something out of ill intent. I couldn’t fathom her doing something malicious at all in fact...”
Enri gave a smile as she listened to Ellie speak upon light and darkness. She glanced to the princess once again as she stood after she had packed away her things. “It sounds like perhaps there is much more to the princess than most of us know. You seem to be the best fit to help guide her, hm?” She grinned as she packed the small roll back into the pouch at her hip. “I’m not too bad huh? I’ve had some practice in the field a time or two.” She smirked to Ellie. “Oh, you wouldn’t have wanted me to tend to your wounds when we were younger Ellie, believe me.” She laughed then, a grin upon her lips. “I’m certain a few of the knights would have wished me to leave their wounds alone rather than attempt to use that kit on them.” She shook her head.
When Ellie posed the question about the pint Enri sucked in a breath as she gazed to the princess. She then grinned as she looked back to Ellie. “I don’t think we will be of much help to the princess right now...she’s sleeping...soundly it seems.” She stepped over to the side of the bed and tucked the blankets up around the princess whom turned and curled on her side in her sleep. “We’ve plenty of knights around the castle...the royal guard has been bolstered more than ever before.” Enri nodded. “You, deserve a drink after what you’ve been through.” She gave a playful smile as she grabbed her helmet and placed it back over her head.
Enri pushed the door open and looked to a knight that was marching down the hallway. “I want three guards here at the princess’ chambers. Even the slightest change and I am to be alerted. Got it?” She told the man whom nodded and bowed his head to her. Enri grinned to Ellie as they began to walk off. “I’m still not used to being an officer.” She laughed lightly after they were several paces away. “I’ve been a soldier for so long...” She shook her head. “I do wish my father was around to see me though. I think he would be proud, you know?” She spoke as they walked down the winding staircase. Enri sighed softly, as she seemed to think of her past.
The lieutenant walked Ellie through the castle and to the lounge in the barracks. It was quiet today, a few sat at tables and drank. But most were out guarding or sleeping to prepare for their shift. Enri walked over to a keg and poured two dark stouts with just the right amount of foam at the top. She stepped over to the table and sat down in the comfy lounge chair across from Ellie. She pulled her helmet from her head and set it upon the table. She then gazed to Ellie a long moment. “I truly did miss that smile of yours Ellie.” She spoke and then chuckled lightly as she lifted her pint to her lips to take a long drink. “You must be starving...” She exclaimed then as she stood quickly and left the room. Enri wasn’t gone for long before she returned with a platter of meats and cheeses, breads, vegetables and fruits. She set it down before Ellie on the table and then grinned. “So...what was it like traveling with the princess? Did she loosen up a bit once you left the castle? She’s always so...” Enri paused to think of the word. “Particular.” She laughed lightly and then took a sip of her pint.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2021 23:13:56 GMT -5
Ellie followed Enri out of the room, her hands clasped her swords and swung the back to her chest and buckled them down. Her hues glanced to the guards she commanded - who saluted to her words. "You seem to make a great officer" she smirked. "I am not surprised - you have followed your fathers footsteps well, if not even better. He was a very... kind..." she smiled as she thought of him. "There was... one time you kicked my butt good. He walked over and spent a while with me - fixing my stance, giving me tips. It felt like.. for a moment... it felt like what it would have been. To have a father..." she paused briefly. "He was a very warm person, I remember. I often sought his attention, I was like - a fan girl" she laughed then. "The world may have lost a legend, but his blood continues strong, he lives eternally" she spoke and placed a slight hand on Enri's back as they came to the Barracks door.
She opened it for Enri and followed in behind her. Her hues glanced to the men - who paid them no mind other than a slight nod. She made way to the comfortable chairs and she slipped her blades off and set them down. Her hand reached forward to the pints and she lifted hers. Though she paused when Enri complimented her smile, she blushed slightly and then took a long sip of the ale. "Ah... thats a great pint" she changed the subject, the flush still over her cheeks yet. She sat down and nodded to Enri - only to see her come back moments later with a platter of food.
"Oh nice" she leaned forward. "Neat trick, you can conjure food too?" she smirked and took a piece of bread and dipped it in the mustard. She washed it down with ale and then sighed contently. "It's been a while - since I've sat around and drank with company. Many nights finding the bottom of my glass alone" she lifted a piece of cheese and bit the edge of it, nodding to the flavor.
"The Princess?" she leaned back. "Hmm..." she thought for a moment. "I think she's curious about me - being a Rauka, so she has been rather... relaxed, asks a lot of questions" she chuckled. "But yeah, when we left the castle - she seem to open up. I guess.. I never knew her well enough to compare what she is like beyond our adventure. I would say she is... An adventurous soul, she wants to understand and grasp, she wants to contribute and make a difference..." she shrugged softly. "What do you mean then, by particular?" she questioned. "Perhaps you are the particular one around her, hm? I saw you - when she entered. Flustered even" she laughed. "Enri... flustered" she bit into a carrot, it popped loudly to the snap of the crunch. "Watching you in an uncomfortable scenario is almost like a sweet revenge for me" she grinned.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2021 23:29:35 GMT -5
Enri had given a slight smile as Ellie spoke of her father. “I would like to think I’ve followed in his footsteps...I’ve wanted nothing more than to become something even half as great as my father once was.” She spoke as she’d glanced to Ellie. She chuckled lightly and nodded. “Hm, I seem to remember him giving you tips quite often. I always thought he was trying to find someone who could best me.” She chuckled and shook her head. “If anyone can, it would be you.” She glanced to Ellie as her hand had touched her back, a bit of a smile curved up her lips.
When she’d made the comment about Ellie’s smile she smirked to the flushing of the woman’s cheeks. She hadn’t seen Ellie flustered in a long while. When she’d returned with the platter she laughed and shook her head. “Oh yes, it is one of the greatest of magical gifts.” She waved her hand. “Voila.” She chuckled lightly.
Enri sipped upon her pint as Ellie spoke of the princess. Her emerald hues focused in on the woman, a soft smile upon her lips. “Me being particular? Why...I don’t believe I’ve ever been particular.” She grinned, she knew very well that she could be quite picky about certain things. “I….I wasn’t flustered!” Enri leaned forward, “I just...uh….” The same flustered expression came back to her face, her cheeks flushed. “I’m just not...um around her...much...and uh...” She stumbled through her words.
“I’m not nobility.” Enri spoke in a quick manner. “She speaks a particular way….” She cleared her throat slightly. “Though...it doesn’t sound like she’s done that with you.” She laughed lightly. “It must be her curiosity. I have heard that she is quite the curious one.” Enri then drew in a breath as she ate a piece of bread. She tilted her head slightly as she looked to Ellie. “Our spar was quite fun.” She spoke, changing the subject quickly to get the attention off of herself. “The magic you have is quite incredible...” She fell quiet then as she thought of the scene of Ellie in her demonic form floating above the city. “Do you think...Ellie that we have a chance at winning this?” She questioned. “If the humans have a great demon on their side...I can’t imagine what they have up their sleeve.” She pondered the idea as she ate a few pieces of meat and cheese from the platter. “I truly began to think that we would be sitting within this castle this evening to the sounds of demons outside the castle walls...I thought to myself that this was going to be my last night….” Her voice grew soft as she took another drink from her pint.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2021 23:40:31 GMT -5
Ellie giggled when Enri became flustered once more, she held a bit of cheese between her teeth as she stared to the woman in amusement. She took the bite finally and took another long swig of her ale. "Uh-huh" she smirked. She leaned back briefly and crossed her legs, her fingers playing with a piece of broccoli and she listened. "Not noble huh? I suppose you have more of a way with a sword than you might with words" she chuckled and took another sip as she changed the subject.
"Well first... Demons never pick sides.. they are allies to none. They are the greatest tricksters and only use people for their own power and pleasure. They may tempt others with the concept of power, but it is only ever a play to the temptations.. they serve no one other than themselves." she smirked "Siding with demons may very well be their ultimate demise..." she took another long sip. "It is the Rauka that dabble closest to the demon's kin, we know them well, but never do we side with them. We use their own power against them, fire with an even bigger fire..." she shook her head. "To ally with demons is to show..." she thought for the word... "it is an act of self-destructive desperation.. but humans.. they are young, they have not witnessed the previous wars of Demons. The cannot learn from a history they do not have" she took another sip. She laughed suddenly. "I sound like my master" she shook her head. "I am lecturing you, I'm sorry" she took another long sip.
"Your last day will not be anytime soon, if I have anything to say about it" she finished her ale and set the empty mug down. "I only just got back, you can't die - not yet. I'd like to have a few more ales with you first" she smirked playfully and leaned back in her seat. "I didn't know the great Enri even felt fear..." she toyed.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2021 23:56:16 GMT -5
Enri’s blush had deepened as she felt Ellie watching her, the smirk upon the woman’s face. “I’ve always been better upon the battlefield than I would ever be at a dinner party.” She spoke quickly. The lieutenant leaned back in her own chair as Ellie began to speak upon demons and what they truly were. She furrowed her brows as she listened to the story. “They may not have the memory of the demon wars, but certainly they have it written in the history books somewhere collecting dust.” She scoffed slightly and then smirked.
When Ellie spoke that she was lecturing Enri she grinned, “Oh. Yes, you are lecturing me quite a bit. But don’t worry. I don’t mind...much.” She winked as she took another long drink, finishing off her own glass. She smiled to Ellie as she watched her finish her own pint. “Of course, I don’t plan on going anywhere then. Especially if the great Ellie wants to have a few drinks with me.” She chuckled lightly. When Ellie poked fun of Enri again the flustered look came over the lieutenant. “I...um...don’t usually...it was uh...just uh...you know an expression?” She drew in a breath. “Stop doing that.” She furrowed her brows. Enri lifted a finger as she leaned forward, “And don’t even try to say you don’t know what you’re doing. I know you well enough to know that you’re quite aware of it.” She smirked then. Enri took another piece of meat and cheese from the platter and seemed to glare at Ellie for a long moment. Though the playful smile upon her lips didn’t do her any good for intimidation.
The barracks door pushed open then and a knight walked in gazing about. His eyes fell upon Enri. “Lieutenant.” He stepped forward and gave a salute. He glanced to Ellie a moment and bowed his head to her. “Forgive my intrusion.” He then looked back to Enri. “The human troops have pushed back to the edges of the kingdom, Lieutenant. We just gained word that they seem to have retreated back toward Reinhold.”
Enri leaned back in her chair a moment, her playful smile was all but gone from her expression. “Well, that’s certainly surprising news.” She glanced to Ellie. “I don’t trust it.” She spoke then looked back to the knight. “Has anyone informed the king and queen?” She questioned then.
“Yes, Lieutenant. Another of our men went to tell the king at once.” He answered swiftly.
Enri nodded slightly and then reached to her helmet and pulled it into her lap. “Thank you for the information. I will be sure to ensure that the king is made privy to this information.” She spoke as she pulled her helmet over her head. “You are dismissed, thank you.”
“Of course, Lieutenant.” The knight bowed before he turned and left the room.
Enri drew in a breath, “Couldn’t you have come back a few weeks earlier?” She smiled to Ellie. “It was calm then. We could have had plenty of ale and reminisced.” She chuckled lightly as she stood. “We should inform the king and queen as to what was found in the temple as well. Or would you like to await the princess for that information?” She asked as she watched Ellie carefully.
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