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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 12, 2021 15:49:38 GMT -5
Cianani – High Elf Kingdom of the southern mountains
Cersei Reysalor – High Elf Arcanist of the Amra Temple of Dusk.
Amaranthae (Amara) Reysalor – Youngest daughter of house Reysalor, Cersei seems to be quite content with keeping her daughter out of sight of the common folk of Cianani.
Arbane Reysalor – Captain of city guard and head of house Reysalor.
Jassin Reysalor – Older brother to Amara
This time of year it was much colder in Cianani than the other months. Winter was harsh in the south. It held its grasp upon the city that was nestled high within the mountains within the icy mountain valley. The steep peaks pushed up toward the skies and held thick coverings of snow and ice that never seemed to melt away. Not even grass poked through during the summer months, though the sun seemed to be warmer in those months. It had been three years since the anomaly scattered powers of both light and dark throughout the world of Drabraxus. The gifted were few and far between. Though the city of Cianani was lucky enough to have a few of the gifted among their people. Among those that were gifted was a high elf that was part of a noble house that was well known and well respected within the community. Amaranthae Reysalor. She was a beautiful elf that gained locks of deep red when the anomaly struck, her once crystal blue hues turned into a golden yellow color that almost matched that of flickering flames. Amaranthae was learning the defenses of the city, set upon a militant path up until this point. Her entire world came to a grinding halt.
“This is exactly what our family needs.” Her mother, Cersei, had spoken upon the discovery that her daughter was gifted. Lucky enough for their house Amaranthae was gifted with powers that were favorable to their gods. Powers of darkness that even Amaranthae feared. Her mother spent the next several years experimenting upon the girl, trying to draw the power from her. To understand it. Amaranthae was gifted, but her power did not seem to want to be shared. This left the young elf with scars upon her body, bruises…she was even left incredibly weak several times. Her brother and father did not extend a hand to save her. No. To act out against one of the High Arcanists was mad, even if it were family. Quickly Amaranthae’s life turned from that of a child of the captain of the guard of the city to that of a lab rat. She wasn’t allowed to attend functions anymore, her mother did not want to share her gift with the city of Cianani. Her mother wanted the gift for herself. Amaranthae could see it in the woman’s eyes.
There was one night in particular that Amaranthae would never forget. It was several years ago, near the beginning of her mother’s experiments. She still fought against her mother back then. Now, she knew not to fight. She would rather submit than go through what her mother would do when she decided to rebel. Amaranthae was strapped down to a chair by thick leather straps. She fought against the bindings and grit her teeth. “Mother stop this. Please.” She begged as she looked to the body upon the table near her. “You shouldn’t be doing this.” She thrashed against the bindings.
Cersei walked over to her daughter with a dark smile upon her lips. “Child, this could be the breakthrough that I’ve been looking for. To harness your power…to gift it to another.” She glanced to the sleeping body upon the table. “Surely no one will miss this acolyte if she does not survive, and if she does.” A chuckle came over her lips. “Then I can study the effects of your magic upon her body. It is a perfect situation.”
“No mother…her power…it is not like my own…” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Please…light does not blend well with darkness.”
The high arcanist chuckled darkly in that moment and ignored her daughter. She began to gather materials. Soon enough she had hooked up for a transfusion into the acolyte that lay unconscious upon the table. “If it does not blend, we shall find out.” She grinned as she unclipped the tubing.
Amaranthae sucked in a breath as she watched her blood leak down the line and push into the unconscious elf. It didn’t take long before her eyes began to flutter. Her head bobbed as she fought against it. Soon enough her head hung forward as her eyes slipped shut.
**
Years later…
“Ah Amara darling.” Cersei spoke as she stepped to the young elf. “You look lovely as ever.” She looked her daughter up and down as she stepped forward and cupped her cheek. Amaranthae gave her mother a soft well practiced smile. She stood in a beautiful outfit that was fitting for the militant house that she belonged to. She wore beautiful red tunic with matching red and gold gauntlets that lined her forearms, her shoulders were adorned in golden shoulder pieces that held the art of wolves artfully placed within the metal. She wore black leather pants and her boots were leather with red and golden plate armor that covered her lower legs. It was all for show, and anyone that was a fighter would clearly see that this was dress armor. It would protect her in battle, but that wasn’t what it was meant for. It was meant to be flashy and cause eyes of lower houses to turn in Amaranthae’s direction. Upon her hip a beautiful artfully crafted sword hung from a thick black leather belt. It was adorned in the same ways of her show armor. “Come, come.” Her mother led her into the great stone temple. The halls held high vaulted ceilings with beautiful statues and artwork.
“Thank you mother.” Amaranthae spoke as she followed behind. “The duels went well this morning.” She spoke, “Brother did quite well, he has developed his technique in the past year. The flourishes are quite smooth.” Her voice was well practiced and careful.
Cersei looked to her daughter with a smile, “Well, this is much more important than the duels, dear.” She spoke as she ascended the stairs toward her office. Once they had entered she walked over to the large balcony that overlooked the healing halls of the temple. Her hands clasped before her. “Just think of the good it would do, Amara, if you would simply share your power with me.” She glanced to her daughter. “I do not understand why you fight with it so much.”
Amaranthae bowed her head slightly, “Mother, I…” She sucked in a breath. “I do not wish to fight against…” Her words were cut off by a hard slap across her face.
“No need to lie girl.” Cersei spoke as she watched her daughter stumble back and fall against the cold stone wall. A dark look came over the woman’s expression. “Now, sit.” She spoke as she stepped over to the same chair that she placed Amaranthae in for each experiment. Amaranthae wiped blood from her lip as she stepped from the wall that she leaned against. She could taste iron in her mouth as she adverted her golden hues from her mother. She sat down in the chair and leaned back as she let out a long breath. She watched as her mother moved about her desk, carefully mixing liquids together. The young elf closed her eyes as she waited, her muscles relaxed and she nearly slipped into a slumber until she felt the cold stare of her mother. Cersei had drawn up a dark purple liquid into a syringe, a grin upon her lips. She stepped forward and grasped her daughter’s arm. She removed the armor from her forearm and pushed the sleeve of her tunic up. “This has to be it dear.” She spoke as she injected the liquid.
For a moment, nothing happened. Amaranthae gazed to her arm as blood leaked from it slowly, her golden hues then lifted to gaze to her mother as her brows furrowed slightly. As she took in each breath a fire built within her body, a look of discomfort overcame her. “Mother…” She let out a painful whimper. Though this was just the beginning. Amaranthae’s eyes rolled back and her body tensed. The High Arcanist quickly moved to secure the straps of the chair to prevent her daughter from falling. The once golden hues turned black as night as Amaranthae gasped for air. The shadows within the room swelled as her body convulsed. Fire formed upon her fingertips and crawled up her arms as she trembled. The cries of Amaranthae echoed from the High Arcanist’s office. Cersei stood, unbothered by the reaction. She even crossed her arms, as if bored of waiting. She drew in a breath as she watched blood leak from her daughter’s nose. Eventually Amaranthae fell limp within the chair. Cersei tilted her head slightly as she felt for a pulse upon her daughter’s arm. She replaced the armor upon her forearms and untied the straps. She gazed to Amaranthae whom had a deep bruise upon her right jawline from the spiteful strike from anger that the elf had received.
The High Arcanist moved to her desk and lifted her feathered pen, the dipped it into ink and began scribbling down notes of the reaction. Eventually she stood and she sliced across Amaranthae’s palm and drew a small amount of blood into a vial. She gazed to it a long moment before she lifted it to her lips and drank from the vial. Cersei wrinkled her nose as she stepped across the room and sat back at her desk. After nearly another hour nothing had happened. No changes. She lifted her eyes as her daughter began to stir. “You’ve failed me again, girl. Get out.” She snapped harshly.
Amaranthae in a haze blinked her eyes a few times, “I’m sorry mother…I…” She stopped speaking as she caught the hateful gaze of the woman. She bit at her lip as she sat up and slipped from the chair. Amaranthae stumbled and grasped the door handle with her bloodied hand. She’d never felt quite this dizzy before. She wasn’t certain what her mother had done to her this time, but she’d felt the demons on the other side of the darkness. Amaranthae gripped onto the railing as she descended the stairs, bloody prints were left behind in a few places from her hand that held a slit in it. She grit her teeth as she tried to focus. Though her vision began to cave in around her.
“Lady Reysalor.” She heard a male voice speak. “My lady?” He questioned. Her vision had gone black, she felt weightless. She could feel a warmth encircle around her. The sound of her breathing seemed to amplify within her ears. “Help! Someone!” The voice again. Had she fallen? What was happening? Eventually silence overtook her.
“Young acolyte.” A male elf rushed forward with Amaranthae in his arms. Her skin was pale as a ghost, blood leaked from her nose, her eyes fluttered as she tried to regain consciousness. “The Lady Reysalor…High Arcanist Reysalor’s daughter…” He swallowed. “She was headed up to her mother’s office…” A lie. But most lied in this city. Most were afraid of the high arcanist. “I will alert the High Arcanist.”
“No…” Amaranthae whispered, her eyes fluttered as she reached out and grasped onto his arm. “I’m…fine…” Her voice was weak as her eyes threatened to slip shut once more. Her skin was ice cold. “Do not bother my mother with this…” She spoke once again. The male elf furrowed his brows in worry as he drew in a breath. It was clear that he was conflicted in this moment. Amaranthae pushed herself up to a seated position and she then pressed up from the cot that the elf had set her in. As she stood she fell to her knees weakly. Whatever her mother had done to her was acting almost like a poison in her body. This wasn’t the first time and Amaranthae knew it would not be the last…
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Post by Raven on Jun 12, 2021 16:36:29 GMT -5
Emvira Faylenne
The day of the anomaly was the day that changed the world. For the better, and for the worse. Emvira had hiked several miles to the highest peak of the mountain. Her mother - the High Priestess - Jasalyn Faylenne had traversed with her. They stood on a large cliff, sticking out from the edge of the mountain. There was a statue of a woman - the Goddess of Light, who had her hands held forward to the sun.
"It is time, my daughter" Jasalyn spoke with a soft tune. She lead her daughter over to the the edge to peer outward. "The day you accept the Goddess, to serve the Temple, as I have" she turned and smiled. She had beautiful long ringlet white hair, soft blue eyes that peered forward. Emvira approached the edge, she had black hair and equally dark eyes. She looked outward to the great valley below. It was very steep - a small town nestled in the center of it. It was a beautiful day at the time. Emvira took in a deep breath as the cool brisk wind touched her flesh. She let it slowly and nodded, her hues peering to her mother.
Jasalyn reached her hands forward and grasped her daughters as they made their way back to the statue. "Speak the words with me" Jasalyn nodded.
"The Father - the guardian of the sun. The Mother - the breath of the moon. The Daughter - to pave the way to the future. The Son - to recall the history. I shall rise, a beacon for the family, the light to shed upon thee, the shield of the Goddess, in her name I shall be" They spoke in harmony. There was a sudden bright light as the Sun hit mid-day, a burst of light came upon her. In moments her hair turned bright white. She drew in a sudden breath - her eyes flashing blue in seconds. A spitting image of her mother before her, blessed by the Goddess of Light. A second passed and suddenly there was rumbling. The earth shook intensely, the cliff-side rumbling horribly.
Emvira stumbled as the earth broke apart - her mother sought to reach her, but she fell as well. The cliff broke apart from the mountain. The Statue cracked in half, the head and arm of the Goddess peeled apart and seem to float in the air as the earth began to fall from the sky. Emvira cried out as her mother tumbled forward, her body falling downward to the abyss. Emvira suddenly found herself falling - another flash of light emerged. She cried out as a pain seared her body. Huge wings of white light emerge from her back - she was caught in the air. She saw her mother reaching forward, until she was out of sight - the valley below swallowing her whole.
Emvira cried out - the wings beat naturally on her back. She found herself diving downward to the now settling Earth and ruins. She landed on the ground - her hands scrambling forward to the body of her mother, who lay atop a broken stone. The statue now shattered in pieces next to her... She held her mother in her hand - scrambling for her pulse, for her heaving chest. Nothing. Blood trailed from her nose and mouth.. but she was gone. Emvira's wings curved around her mother and she cried heavily. She sat back as a there was a stirring life - she watched a glowing orb slip from the chest of her mother and hover for a moment, as if to look at Emvira. She sucked back a tear and watched the Orb float upward into the sky "No" she shook her head and leapt into the air. Her wings flapped wildly as she caught up to it - she reached and gripped the orb. "No!" she screamed now. The orb fought her strength as she tried to bring it back down.
Suddenly she was slammed downward. You cannot change the balance of nature. She lived. She died. Disturbing this truth will bring chaos A voice spoke to her, but it was not one she knew. One day you will understand this...
The next Emvira knew she woke - strapped down on a table. Her wings had since disappeared. Her vision went in and out - a needle, a poke, a prod. A slight chuckle from a woman. It was a washed out memory.
"You wake" A voice spoke. She winced. "We thought you to be a demon..." a gentle voice spoke. "Don't worry, we're just making sure you are okay..." the voice spoke. The straps were removed. Emvira peered to a woman - one she recognized now. "Let's get you back to the temple, hm?"
Emvira spent the next few weeks resting, her body and soul had been through much. The Arcanist came back several times to draw more blood, though Emvira did not know why. She was told that something had happened, people all around had changed. And she had - the most. They wanted to make sure everyone was safe.. she was told to relax, and soon she pretended to understand. It was for the better. She could feel a swarming of power within her, power that would give her nightmares, and power that ate her insides like fire. Often the Arcanist could relieve her pain, and that was enough to believe it was true. Just for a moment - that pain would go away...
Time passed and the Arcanist was able to teach her how to make the pain stop, the Priestesses taught her how to control it. A blinding light, equally powerful in destroying as it was in healing. Though the time passed and she couldn't remember much of it. Her memories would replaying the falling over and over and over. Holding her mother's broken body in her arms...
"I have found the cure to your pain" The Arcanist spoke to her. "But... much pain will come with it.. come" she pat the seat. Emvira was strapped down. A dark liquid was drawn into a vial. "Balance is the way, isn't it? That is what they teach... Balance is here" she wagged the needle. "Deep breaths" she spoke as she delivered the dose.
Emvira gripped the leather stuffed in her hands. Her veins had become extremely dark - her eyes suddenly shooting black. She cried out as a beam of light emerge from her mouth with her scream - it shot forward in the ceiling and cut through the building, until she could see the sun peering back at her. Her wings emerged - but they were darkness and shadow like. She thrashed wildly and screamed out. The Arcanist watched with a grin - Emvira fought this pain until her body gave...
The morning she woke in the temple - her inner fire had calmed. But there was something there. Something she couldnt understand. A cold presence. A churning of swift deep waters.. she felt like she was always falling...
She was cured though, the Arcanist was right. A moment of extreme pain to relieve eternity of constant pain... It was worth it. She found herself back at the healing halls within days, curing - healing. She would cure the most unexplainable diseases, mend the mentally deranged, perform miracles on the daily. People flocked from around the world to be before her, laying in her cot...
"Emvira - one more for you, before you end your night..." A woman spoke and waved her over. Emvira grasped her white dress, which had blood on the lap of it. She had held the suffering in her lap as she healed them - their blood spilling over her as she tended to them...
"Okay" Emvira smiled weakly and approached a cot. A woman was laying before it - bruises and cuts across her body. She pulled her eyebrows together and she knelt before the woman. "Hello" she whispered softly. "I am Emvira" she spoke softly as she removed pieces of the woman's clothes, to get a full picture of her wounds. "What... happened to you, dear?" she spoke softly. She observed the bruises on her cheek, a cut on her shoulder, bruising all down her body. "Don't worry... I'll take care of you" her voice was silk and sweet, she held a hand over the woman. A soothing warmth emit from her hand and started at her chest, and soon covered her entire body. The cuts healed - the bruises slowly dissipating to nothing. "There is something familiar about you" she chuckled softly. She watched as the eyes of the wounded woman would open, she lingered over her, waiting for her hues to open...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 12, 2021 17:20:36 GMT -5
The male elf grasped Amaranthae’s shoulders as the woman stumbled forward. “Just relax, Lady Reysalor.” He spoke as she weakly tried to push around him. Though it was a fight that she would not win. Her eyes fluttered and she fell limply into his arms once again. The young elf sighed heavily as he lay her upon the cot. “Get Emvira…please.” He spoke to the young acolyte.
Darkness. Pain. A weightless feeling. It all took over Amaranthae’s mind. Her breaths shuddered as her chest rose and fell quickly. Though soon the cold of the darkness, the terrors of her dreams began to dissipate. She was filled with warmth. She heard a voice that was silky smooth and gentle as it spoke to her. Amaranthae’s eyes fluttered as she fought for her consciousness. Her eyes rolled into her head, her muscles tensed, her jaw tightened in pain as she fought against the concoction that her mother had given her. As the magic swarmed her body her muscles slowly began to loosen, her breathing began to slow. Her eyes slowly opened and her golden hues gazed up to the silvery haired woman, the crystal hues. A breath shuddered through her chest as she pushed herself up. Amaranthae lay there a long moment, there was no pain. For the first time in a long time she did not suffer from a broken rib, or a deep bruise that she was forced to hide beneath makeup or clothing.
“Emvira.” Amaranthae spoke, her notable noble accent was thick and well practiced. “Quite the well renowned healer it seems.” She pushed herself to her feet and she adjusted her tunic and armor, putting it back into place as she worked the clasps carefully. She brushed her fingertips through her red locks as her eyes fell upon the woman once again. “Thank you…” She spoke after a long moment of staring at Emvira. “I feel quite refreshed.” She gave a practiced smile then. “The duels must have gotten the best of me.” She grinned then. “I’m not nearly as skilled as my older brother. Perhaps one day I shall be able to uphold my house name in the duels.” This was a lie of course. Amaranthae was actually well versed in the use of her sword, she’d even won one of the tournaments in recent years, her mother had been furious that she’d placed herself in such a position. Amaranthae had taken a beating for entering the competition.
“I am Amaranthae of house Reysalor. I’ve heard much of your great feats from my mother.” She smiled, another practiced smile that she’d been taught. She had yet to show any true emotion. In fact, it was quite rare that the young elf would show any emotion. “Please. Allow me to thank you for your efforts. I will pay you…” She turned and reached into a pouch upon her hip. She pulled out several golden coins and handed them to Emvira, “There you are.” She spoke as she cupped the bottom of Emvira’s hand to bring it up to accept the coin. She curled Emvira’s fingertips around the coins.
“Amaranthae.” The well known voice of her mother the high arcanist filled her ears.
Amaranthae was facing away from the woman, Emvira may have seen fear run across the young elf’s features before she turned around. “Mother.” She spoke with the same forced smile.
“What is it that you are doing? You were to return home.” Her hues narrowed slightly. “Do not inconvenience the priestesses and acolytes. Your brother is outside, do be sure to not keep him waiting.” She looked to Emvira and smiled then, “How is your condition child?” She questioned, switching the conversation swiftly.
Amaranthae nodded, “Of course mother, apologies.” She didn’t turn her hues back to Emvira as she slipped from the hall. The young elf made her way outside to which her father and brother stood awaiting her. “Brother, father.” She bowed her head slightly.
A sneer came from her father, “I heard from your mother that you are still being defiant.” He spoke as he gripped her chin. “Do what you know to be best girl. Stop fighting this.” His voice was a growl.
Amaranthae sucked in a breath, “I…I’m not father…” She flinched as the back of his hand contacted the side of her face. She stumbled only to be caught by her brother whom chuckled and held her up. “I apologize father…please…” She flinched again, her father only laughed at this point.
“You will truly be sorry one day, child.” He spoke as he pulled a slip from his pocket. “A job for you. Now.” He nodded, “Be sure to finish the job before you return home. Hm?”
Amaranthae clenched her teeth slightly, “Of course father.” She spoke and gave a nod. She gazed up to the sky, the sun was beginning to set over the horizon. A deep purple bruise was beginning to set in on her jawline once more. She could only imagine the beating she would receive from her mother once the High Arcanist returned home…she was not to seek treatment from the healing halls. It would draw too much attention her mother stated. Amaranthae also could not absorb some of the treatments if she was healed by the acolytes. She opened the slip and read it then, a name she didn’t know in a place she knew all too well. Amaranthae walked through the city her eyes moved about the shadows as they slipped in closer the more the sun settled over the horizon. She walked into a bar and ordered a mug of ale. Soon the man would arrive, and soon she would end his life. That was her job. That is what she had been tasked with. She leaned heavily upon the bar as she stared to the old wood. Her jaw ached. The brief moment of no pain…it had been blissful. She couldn’t remember a time that she was without injury…
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Post by Raven on Jun 12, 2021 17:41:23 GMT -5
Emvira looked to the woman who stirred, she smiled to the woman. Though she was different - a sort of cold voice, an unbent personality. She pulled her brows together slightly as she studied the woman. Most came to - full of emotion and energy. Though this woman was about as rigid as a frozen carving...
"It is a pleasure, my lady.." she bowed her head. She was forced to take the womans coin - a few golden coins that would have a family fed for quite sometime... she glanced downward. She was to never take coin, that was against the rules. She dared not refuse though, she slipped the coins into her pocket and she smiled weakly. "Do your duels often include open handed combat?" she questioned curiously. "The bruising on your cheek..." she quickly silenced herself as they were interrupted.
The Arcanist, the woman who saved her pain. She bowed her head deeply before the woman and watched Amaranthae get wisked away... she glanced to the Priestess in charge of the night - to which she waved to briefly, she stepped out in to the hall, her side leaning against the door frame of the healing halls - her hues pinned on the family...
She slipped away - but her hand was caught. The Priestess shook her head - no -. Emvira pulled her hand back and stepped away anyways, despite her warning. She lifted a black cloak over her shoulders as she made her way out, tying it over her bloodied dress. She stepped outside - she saw the family making their way down the long steps of the temple. She held a hand forward a small ball of light - like a speck in the air - wafted quickly forward. It hovered in the air above them, hardly visible...
She eavesdropped in on the family - the anger the Arcanist had, her father equally so... She pulled her brows together - she shut her eyes and she could see through the wisp. She read the letter as Amaranthae opened it. The family walked away... She lowered her gaze as the wisp disappeared. She watched the woman step away brisky...
***
It was many minutes later - Emvira had trailed a distance behind the woman. To be injured like so, and to get up and immediately take on a 'job'... She pulled her cloak over her head and she stepped into the bar.
The room was loud with chorus of men drinkin and laughing, a bit of yelling too. She walked over to the bar where she saw Amaranthae... she set a golden coin down on the bar and she looked up to the woman - who was a few inches taller than her. Her hand moved from the coin and she smirked "You have bought me this drink.. let me buy your next" she looked up to the woman. "You caught me right at the end of my shift" she looked to the bartender.
"Oh Emvira, it is so nice to see you again. Been a few days - you been busy?" He reached forward and grasped her hand. "Your usual, hm?" he nodded and poured a red drink. It was not ale, but rather a berry drink, one she enjoyed after work. She would come and tend to the bar - many were hurt here in the chaos of it all. But most of all - it reminded her of her father, the Bar was a place he enjoyed going. He'd bring her and they would sit off in the corner and observe the people...
"Play a game with me?" Emvira turned with her drink and looked out to the crowd. "My father and I used to sit here in the evenings. We'd make up stories about each of the men. What their day was like, what their wife would say when they get home" she giggled slightly. "That one" she pointed to a man briefly. "He just finished a long day at the trades, he stopped a pick pocketer that stole an entire chicken from Barney's stall, he is here bragging of how he raced through the district for this kid and tackled him, but in all the commotion he broke the chicken's neck on accident and had to pay Barney. The kid got away... and when he gets home, his wife will probably be asleep after tending the house. His child - probably will get up and offer him a glass of milk to sober him up. He works hard, but has no money because his dad left him an absurd amount of debt to clean up..." she sipped on her drink and smacked her lips together.
"You go" she nodded. "How about him?" she pointed to a man briefly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 13, 2021 7:52:27 GMT -5
Amaranthae was nearly finished with her ale by the time that someone sat on the stool next to her at the bar. She heard the sound of the coin upon the bar and her golden hues turned to see the woman whom had healed her. The smirk on the woman’s lips caused a bit of confusion in the young elf’s eyes. Her lips parted to speak, to tell the woman that she was quite alright, that she didn’t need another drink. But before she knew it another ale was placed upon the counter before her. “You know, you’re not supposed to turn around and spend the money I have you on buying something for me.” Amaranthae commented, her expression still slightly confused. She watched the two speak back and forth with one another, the barkeep seemed to know her well. Unlike Amaranthae whom was more of a shadow among the tavern people. She existed, only when her family deemed it suitable for her to exist outside of her home.
“A game?” The elf looked to Emvira as her brows furrowed slightly. “I…” She turned and gazed about the crowd just like the woman next to her. Confusion once more. As Emvira made up her story about the man a bit of a smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. It was a true smile, not the focused well rehearsed smile that she had held earlier so carefully. She sipped upon her second ale now, she could feel the alcohol starting to take it’s hold upon her empty stomach. “Him?” She questioned as she looked to a man. She tilted her head slightly, it was the man that was on the hit her father had given her. “He’s lived in the shadows most of his life.” She began her eyes didn’t move from the man. “When he was a child, he was fatherless, motherless…an orphan…he’s done everything that he can to make a name for himself, yet he has failed.” She sipped from her mug as she drew in a breath. “He made a mistake a few days ago and stole from the arcanists of the city. He thought he was being sly, and he thought that he was well hidden. But there are eyes everywhere within this city. The right people noticed…or the wrong people if you were to ask him.”
At this point the man had noticed Amaranthae gazing in his direction. A drunken smile came from the man as he walked over toward the two girls. “Two beautiful women, both looking at me?” He asked as he moved between them and turned before he draped his arms over their shoulders. He smelled of alcohol and cigars. He smelled as though he had not bathed in several days. “What pleasure do I owe the attention?” He questioned as he gave a cheeky smile to Amaranthae. “You’re both beautiful ladies.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
Amaranthae winced as his lips pressed against the deep bruise that had formed along her jawline. “Oh, well.” She turned toward him and took a drink from her mug. “We couldn’t help but notice you from across the room.” She smirked up to him. “You’re one of a kind in this crowd. In this city even. Wouldn’t you say Emvira?” Her whole attitude had changed. Before she was more quiet, almost shy. Now Amaranthae had a grin upon her lips, she leaned against the man almost in a playful way. She finished off her mug and set it upon the counter.
“Oh? Really?” The man beamed as he snaked his arm around her waist turning his attention more to the young elf. He looked as though he had won a jackpot, or had been given his dreams. “Allow me to buy you a drink, m’lady.” He tossed a coin upon the counter. “Both of you get drinks, on me.” He grinned to the barkeep whom prepared three drinks.
“Oh what’s this one?” Amaranthae reached forward to his drink, if one watched closely a small amount of liquid had come from the palm of her hand, she held a vial that was now empty. Her eyes moved to Emvira for a moment, she seemed to watch her closely before she lifted the glass and held it to him. “I can’t say I’m much for the mixed drinks.” She spoke with a smile.
The man chuckled as he drank from the glass. “Oh? This one is incredible.” He had soon downed the drink. He hiccupped slightly as he turned to the two. “Just like you ladies.” He grinned drunkenly.
Amaranthae smiled, her mug held to her lips. She seemed to be watching him carefully. She tilted her head, “Oh.” She exclaimed her eyes widened slightly. “You’re bleeding.” She grasped a napkin from the bar and held it up to his nose. Bright red blood stained into the dirty rag. The man grasped the rag and looked down to it, his eyes widened slightly. He coughed as more blood dripped from his nose. A look of shock in his eyes. Amaranthae looked to Emvira a moment before she wrapped an arm around the middle of the man. “Come outside, perhaps you just need fresh air.” She spoke as she slipped him away. “We’ll be right back.” She glanced back to Emvira and offered a practiced smile. No one paid any mind to them. By the time he was outside blood leaked from his eyes, his ears. He gasped for air. Amaranthae bit her lip slightly. Usually the poison did not take effect so quickly. Usually she had time enough to get away from her hit before all of this. But, no one would suspect her. He clawed at his throat as he fell to his knees, blood dripped upon the cobblestone street. “It won’t be long.” Amaranthae whispered as she cupped his cheek. Something came from her fingertips then, a shadowy like wisp. It snaked in through his ear like smoke, Amaranthae closed her eyes a moment and in the next the man keeled over, his heart had stopped. She stepped back from him and shook her head as she stepped back into the tavern. She sat down upon the stood and clicked her tongue. “Another.” She spoke to the barkeep. Her cheeks were quite rosy by this time. It was a messy kill. Her mother and father would beat her to a pulp for how messy it was. “It’s your turn.” She spoke as her eyes turned to Emvira. “The game.” She gave a soft forced smile. “If you still want to play that is…”
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Post by Raven on Jun 13, 2021 8:37:40 GMT -5
Emvira smirked as Amaranthae took another drink. She turned and listened to her story about the man she picked out of the crowd. Though her smile turned into a tight frown - the story she made up was quite depressing. "Ehm... It's supposed to be a fun story" she chuckled awkwardly. To her savior - the man had noticed them.
Emvira smiled weakly as he approached. The stench of the lowly and crude was normal to her, but it didn't change her reaction. It made her nose crinckle every time. She coughed slightly and smiled to him "Hello" she managed to speak. She turned her head slightly to Amaranthae who seemed to entertain this man. She pushed the man's hand off her shoulder.
Her hues glanced to his drink - a sort of splashing sound came from it. She pulled her brows together - Amaranthae slipped something away to her pocket... Within in seconds the man began his downfall. She gasped as blood leaked from his nose. She set her drink down and grasped the rag from the counter, that was used to wipe the bar down by the bartender. She followed behind Amaranthae swiftly. She watched as Amaranthae seemingly took the life from him.
Before the man could fall over completely - she dove inward, her knees scraping against the floor as she did. She caught the man's head into her lap and she looked up to Amaranthae. "Who - who are you?!" she cried out. She placed a hand on his chest and she closed her eyes briefly. The man's lips parted and a ball of black liquid began to form above his lips, hovering as her magic demanded it. She shook her head - her eyes opened. They were glowing bright white. The man's soul emerged from his chest before her. Emvira grit her teeth and she placed a hand above the soul.
A giant flash of light appeared from her as she shoved the soul back into his chest. The power of it was so powerful that the earth rumbled slightly from it. She breathed heavily and the man came to. He gasped loudly as he was brought back. He looked up to Emvira - but then to Amaranthae. He swiftly stood and ran away with a heaving breath.
Emvira stood and looked to Amaranthae. "Just another murderer" she spat towards the woman. "Another low life horror, sulking the shadows in the skin of beauty. You - you disgust me" she shook her head. "I hate this city, I hate that there are so many of - you. You..." she shook her head. Her eyes were full of tears, she cried openly. With her tears - the sky seemed to reply and it began to rain. "I hope to forget the name Amaranthae Reysalor" she spoke and swiftly turned to rush away.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 13, 2021 9:12:39 GMT -5
Amaranthae stepped back, shock in her eyes. She stared to Emvira as the woman took the man into her lap. Her brows pulled together slightly, her breathing quickened. She watched a miracle happen before her eyes. The darkness, the poison that she’d slipped into his drink, the shadows she’d snaked into his body. She watched as Emvira pulled it from him. Then, when the soul began to float above the body her eyes widened. She’d never seen a soul before. She shielded her eyes as the flash happened, and she stumbled and fell against the wall of the tavern as the world shook. She watched as the man came back to life. The fear in his eyes as he looked to her, it pierced into her soul. Her brows pulled together as her breaths began to shake.
The words that poured from Emvira were like daggers. “Murderer…?” She breathed her golden hues looked to Emvria as she rushed away. She couldn’t move. A pit formed in her stomach. This was all she knew. This was her life. She must follow the orders of the High Arcanist. She must do as she was told to keep her family in good fortune. She stared down the street where the man had run. She heard a thud in the distance. Then she watched as someone stepped from the shadows, a whistle came from their lips. The shadow walked toward her, spinning an umbrella in their hand. The rain fell down upon Amaranthae, it dripped over her skin and made metallic sounds as it hit her armor.
“Mother won’t be pleased little sister.” A familiar voice, her brother Jassin stepped to her so that his large umbrella shielded her from the rain. “What were you thinking? You allowed him to see you and then you allowed the cleric to heal him? Quite the power.” He chuckled and held a smirk upon his lips. “Don’t you think? Mother has been watching her closely. I think mother is more interested in her than in you.” He shrugged slightly. “You’re full of disappointment today I’m afraid.” He drew in a breath. “Shall I get you home?” Amaranthae was silent, tears had welled in her eyes as she stared to her brother whom had a confident triumphant smile upon his lips. Her muscles began to quake as her brother wrapped his arm around her and he led her through the city streets. He let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re so boring when you sulk.” He nearly giggled. “Lighten up, perhaps one day you will be able to give to this family what I do. To gain the favor of the gods by both of our hands? Wouldn’t that be glorious?” He twirled about the umbrella as the rain pitter pattered upon it.
Amaranthae brushed away her tears as her brother led her home. She lowered her eyes to the cobblestone as she mentally prepared herself. She bit at her lip. Stupid. She had been stupid and careless. She deserved this. If she had remained as she normally did none of this would have happened. She was led into their home where her brother called out to her mother and father. The night…was a blur…
Amaranthae woke the next day, or was it the next day? Pain coursed through her. She whimpered as she rolled from her bed. “Oh finally up?” Jassen spoke, he sat at a desk in her room, he was scribbling upon the pages. “Good.” He said in a chipper tone. “Mother would like to see you at the temple. Get dressed. Make yourself presentable. You wouldn’t want to disappoint again, now would you?” He smirked before he stood and stepped from the room.
The young elf held back tears as she stood slowly. She cleaned herself up, she washed away the dried blood. Soon enough she stood in a beautiful red and black dress. The corset caused her ribs to ache. She winced as she tightened it. She pulled on a cloak and soon enough she was walking across town. She gazed up to the sky, it was nearly evening. She began to hurry as she walked through the busy streets of the market. She bumped into a few people as she made her way to the temple. “Apologies…” She’d muttered each time she ran into someone. Soon enough Amaranthae climbed the stairs of the temple, each step her heels seemed to click louder in her mind. She was shaking like a leaf by the time she made it to the top stair that led into her mother’s office. She lifted her hand to knock. She could hear words from the other side of the door. She bit at her lip slightly and rapped upon the door a few times.
The door opened swiftly, her mother stood with slightly narrowed eyes. “Ah yes.” She glanced over her shoulder. “High Priestess, you’ll have to excuse me. I’ve work to do.” Cersei spoke as she bowed her head to the high priestess. She led her daughter into the room. “Sit.” She pointed to the chair. “You’ve kept me waiting three days girl.” She snapped. “You’re nothing more than a failure.” She rushed about. “Making me wait, failing the job your father gave you.” She spat the words out harshly. Amaranthae did not speak. She simply slipped into the chair and sucked in a breath. The High Arcanist moved about the clinking of glass carried over the stone of the room. “I’ve a very good concoction today, dear girl.” She spoke as she mixed different vials. Amaranthae closed her eyes as she felt her mother secure her to the chair. Tears rolled over her cheeks. She felt the prick of the needle in her arm. That was the moment that the pain began. She felt as though her body was on fire. She cried out in pain. Her mother stepped back and quickly drew up another syringe. Cersei grinned as she continued the experiment. Soon enough the room was silent as Amaranthe lay unconscious in the chair. She scoffed as she drew blood from her daughter and examined it. Nothing. Amaranthe’s chest heaved as her breaths moved in and out swiftly. The High Arcanist frowned as she shook her head and stepped from the room, leaving her daughter strapped into the chair.
“High Arcanist Reysalor.” A young acolyte bowed and gave a gentle smile. “Have a lovely evening.” She spoke as the woman walked passed her.
Amaranthe lay unconscious for hours. Though as she woke her body was full of pain. A soft cry came over her lips as she tried to move but she found that she was still locked into the chair. “I’m sorry…” She breathed as tears began to roll over her cheeks. “I’m sorry…I…please…please let me go…” She assumed her mother was behind her, she did not realize that her mother had left her in the temple. “I’ll do anything mother…I do not wish to defy you…please…” Her voice was barely above a whisper. Her arm where the injection was had deep bruising all along her forearm and bicep. Amaranthe closed her eyes as hot tears rolled over her cheeks. “Please…” She whispered.
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Post by Raven on Jun 13, 2021 10:01:49 GMT -5
Emvira had hurried to the temple, she flung open the doors of the temple's main hall and fell to her knees before a statue. She quickly brought her hands together and whispered a prayer. The whispering happened for several minutes - finally she looked up to the statue, the Goddess of Light. She grit her teeth as she felt her body surging with her power. Some darkness stirred in her - like a battle within her own chest. She cried out slightly as pain overwhelmed her stomach.
It happened almost every other day, give or take. A surge of pain would stir out of no where. It would leave her on the ground, whimpering softly. It was like her innards were being twisted. The light within her would surge, and the odd darkness would surge back. She took a deep breath as her brows were pulled together in pain.
"Dear girl" High Priestess Melorn crouched next to her. "Pain again?" she questioned and placed a gentle hand on her back. "Come on dear, some calming tea" she helped Emvira up. She staggered but the Priestess held her to her chest. "This way" she lead her up a set of grand stairs. They made it to the next floor and into a room.
Melorn set her down on a couch and quickly brewed up tea. "I felt a rumbling today, not an earthquake I suspect?" she questioned and handed a tea over.
"I - " she gripped her chest again. She slowly reached forward for the tea. She took a sip - it had medicinal herbs in it, a wash of null came over her, briefly. "Thank you..." she took a big sip. "I saw something today... I dare not speak it.." she shook her head.
"This office is confidental, you know this dear. Speak" she nodded.
"The daughter of High Arcanist Reysalor... she... she..." she shook her head swiftly. Droplets of water flung off her hair. "She.. she murdered man..." she sniffed back a muffled cry. "I drew a poison from his lips, a darkness from his blood.. he came back.." she looked up. "I saw her father handing her a slip of paper, a hit. But why, why would they?"
"Oh my dear..." The High Priestess placed a hand upon her back. "This city has inner workings that I will never understand... but the God's have deemed it, and this is the way it is.. hm?" she smiled weakly. She rubbed gently. "Do not speak of this to anyone, okay? If you need to talk, come to me..."
"But - "
"Shh darling. Go get some rest for now, hm? I will see to this" she nodded and watched Emvira stand with the tea. "Take the cup, bring it back for a fill up some time, hm?" she smiled and watched her leave.
Emvira made her way back to the Alcolye Barracks. She climbed into her bed and curled up into a ball. When she shut her eyes - she saw something she had never seen before.
For a moment she saw through the eyes of someone else. She saw High Arcanist Reysalor - pulling a needle from a woman. The woman was familiar. The words from the High Arcanist speaking her name - Amaranthe. She felt the pain that Amaranthe felt, but she did not wake. She heard the lost words 'I'm sorry, I ... please.. please let me go'
Emvira shot up from her sleep. She placed a hand upon her forehead. She slowly made her way up, it was before dawn. She felt the darkness in her pulling at her - guiding her steps. She climbed a set of stairs to a high tower in the temple. She stood outside a room - she could hear crying from the otherside. She touched the door - a warmth of her hand pressed over the door. Forming on the other side was a white orb.
The orb floated around Amaranthe - doing circles. Should could see through the orb. This orb was bigger - big enough that Amaranthe would be able to see Emvira's face from the other side. She felt a moment of sorrow - that darkness seemed to almost cry within her. A pit in her stomach. She sucked in a breath and the orb landed in Amaranthe's lap. A white light flushed into her skin, warmth would flow into Amaranthe, a calmness - and healing light. Her immediate pain would subside, for a little.
There was a hand on her back. "Are you feeling ill again, Emvira?" The High Arcanist spoke. She smiled to the Acolyte. "Don't you have your studies in a bit, hm?" she questioned with a smile.
"High Arcanist.." she bowed her head. "I apologize, I did not mean to disturb you. Sometimes... I feel a pull to this room. I apologize"
"A pull, hm?" She questioned. "Like what?"
"Like I cannot control my feet, usually I can fight it. But today, I could not.. forgive me.." she bowed her head.
"All is Forgiven young one" The High Arcanist placed a hand upon her shoulder and nodded.
Emvira quickly rushed away... she would return to her room and get dressed for her studies in the morning. Should would attend her classes and then later tend to the Healing Halls..
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 13, 2021 10:35:32 GMT -5
Amaranthae struggled to keep conscious as the pain in her body swelled. Breathing hurt. Everything hurt. Existing hurt. She felt a strange warmth enter the room then, her brows furrowed as she saw the white orb floating around. “Emvira…” She’d choked out, her voice stifled by a sob. As the orb landed within her lab the elf drew in a shaken breath. Her contorted expression of pain and despair softened. The tears stopped flowing from her hues. She relaxed her head back and closed her eyes. “Thank you…” She breathed as she was given a brief moment of rest from the pain. Though the brief moment of calm passed as the orb suddenly disappeared. She heard the lock upon the door slide out of place and the door was pushed open.
Cersei walked into the room, her black robes were like that of the shadows that resided within Amaranthae. “Good you’re awake.” The High Priestess spoke. She walked up to her daughter and looked her over. “This looks like it hurts.” She frowned as she touched the bruising upon her daughter’s arm. “Shame…an unexpected side effect I’m afraid. However…” She stopped to grin. “Now we shall see if it worked. Hm?” She chuckled as she turned to the door and opened it. “Come in child.” She spoke to a young acolyte. The young girl stepped into the room and glanced to Amaranthae with nervous hues. “No need to worry child. Just precautions.” The High Arcanist spoke as she moved about the room. “Have a seat here.” She spoke as she pointed to another chair. She grasped a needle from her workspace and stepped to her daughter. A dark grin curved up her lips. “Now we will see if you shall share your gift dear.” She spoke as she drew up blood from Amaranthae. Cersei looked to the blood with curious hues for a long moment. She then turned and stepped over to the young acolyte. “Your arm.” She spoke her eyes narrowed slightly. The young acolyte offered her arm forward shakily. She feared the High Arcanist, as she should.
The injection was swift. Amaranthae watched with nervous eyes. She felt tired as the pain began to envelope her body once more. She watched as the young acolyte began to tremble from the darkness that coursed through her veins. Soon black lines scrawled over her skin, the young elf cried out in pain. “Mother…” Amaranthae struggled against the straps that held her. She watched as the young acolyte struggled as well, soon enough she was struggling to breathe as the darkness consumed her. “She’ll die…”
“So?” Cersei spoke, “She’s disposable.” She spoke as she looked to the acolyte and scoffed. She stepped from the office and soon returned with another elf. “Take her away. She’s sickly.” She waved her hand. The male elf gazed to Amaranthae a long moment before he lifted the young acolyte and bowed his head. “Perhaps the healing halls can mend her sickness.” The High Arcanist spoke. Without a word the elf nodded and slipped from the room. Amaranthae closed her eyes, she was alone again. The sound of her mother pouring wine into a glass filled her ears. “Your blood is poison child.” She spoke and shook her head. “The only acolyte to survive you is that girl…what is so special about her…” She swirled the wine in her glass as she pondered the thought. “Why is she so resilient? Besides the pain. She has no idea that your darkness moves within her veins.” A chuckle came over her lips. “It is my most successful experiment yet.” The High Preistess stood and stepped to her daughter. “Now then. Another?” She asked. “This time, I’ve a spell.” She sipped from her glass.
Amaranthae winced as her mother sliced into the back of her arm to draw blood. She watched as the High Arcanist began to draw a sigil upon the ground. Soon enough Cersei began to speak the words of the spell. Amaranthae grit her teeth as she felt as though her body was being crushed. She whimpered. Her head pressed against the chair as her eyes turned to shadow. Flames flickered to life upon her body and licked at the chair, melting through the straps that held her. The High Arcanist watched with excitement as she finished the spell. Her daughter was swarmed by the fires of the god of flame. “Yes, that’s it.” Cersei spoke with a grin and a chuckle. She began writing in her journal quickly as the flames swirled about. Though after several moments the flames dissipated and Amaranthae lay breathing heavily. Fire was not something she knew how to control, yet her mother seemed to draw it out of her several times over the years. “You grow stronger.” The High Arcanist spoke as she walked around the chair. “Now go. I’ve work to do.”
Amaranthae struggled to get to her feet. She gazed to her mother whom was sitting at her desk writing and sipping upon the wine now. She felt a tug upon her body, she was weaker than she could remember. Her mother truly placed her closer and closer to death. Amaranthae struggled as she made her way down the stairs from the tower. She had to pause several times as her legs were shaking. She pulled the cloak around her body to hide her injuries.
“Lady Reysalor.” The young male elf spoke with a smile upon his lips. He frowned slightly. “Are you alright? Can I help you to the healing halls?” He asked as he reached his hand forward.
Amaranthae flinched slightly. “No.” She whispered. “I’m quite alright. Never better.” She lied.
He frowned and gazed up the stairs toward the High Arcanist tower before he slipped away. Amaranthae was leaning heavily against the stone railing. She found herself wandering through the temple. Lost almost it felt. She leaned against a wall as she listened to the prayers of the acolytes. Her eyes closed and she slipped to the floor as her breath escaped her. Every muscle felt heavy. So heavy that she felt as though she couldn’t move.
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Post by Raven on Jun 13, 2021 11:03:04 GMT -5
Emvira tended to her studies - she sat in a class of many other Alcolytes. Though there was a empty seat directly to her left. Kierna... She never missed class, she was a very devout and kind Alcolyte. She pulled her brows together but thought nothing more. She wrote on her scroll with her feathered pen - copying a diagram from the chalk board. They were learning new runes to draw power from the Goddess. This was the typical way of healing and spells. Emvira was the only one that did not need to draw a rune, whisper words, or ask for aid. It came from within her.
When she first came to with her power - they said she drew it from her mother's dying breath. She was studied for some time but they came to the conclusion that she was Gifted, by the Goddess though. She never knew why. Some say it was because she was at the highest peak of the Mountain, closer to the Goddess. Some say she was the reason for the anomaly in the first place. No real conclusion had come of it, though, not yet.
She left the class an hour later and found herself in the Healing Halls. She had a corner that was always hers. Tidy and neat. She sat before a man and wrapped his wounds. She took her time sometimes for the more minor wounds, and refrained from using her powers everytime. Performing Miracles constantly always caused a stir, she would use the simple techniques and spells, a way of blending it. Though most of the city knew her name, often they forgot the power behind her, if she hid it..
She breathed slowly - her thoughts coming back to her dream. The stabbing of the needles, the pain. The worst part - was the feeling she felt when the Arcanist spoke of how horrible she was, how disappointed. But she knew it wasn't her. No it was Amaranthae... She pulled her brows together, why?
She leaned back and looked up as a woman was carried over to her cot. "Kierna --" she stood swiftly and hovered over her.
"We have not been able to cure whatever sickness has overcome her... She is stiff, writhing in pain. Some.. internal thing, perhaps a bleed?" A Priestess spoke and knelt over her. "Can you...fix her?" she questioned with a sniffle.
"I will do my best" Emvira looked over the woman and held a hand over her chest. She closed her eyes as a white light washed over her. She tried to find the wound, the bleed, that illness. There was nothing, not right away. She pulled her brows together. "I..." she shook her head. "There is... nothing" she muttered and then scurried to her head - she held her hands over her two ears. "Maybe something in the mind..." she searched for the injury. Nothing. She could feel something stirring in the woman's blood. The morphing of the woman's DNA - but not that she knew this entirely.
"I..." she shook her head. "Goddess, aid me" she whispered. "Help your daughter come to the light" she whispered again, trying harder. Her nose leaked a bit of blood as she washed the woman with her magic.
Kierna began to shake wildly, as if to reject the magic. "No - Kierna" she began to cry. "It's okay - it's okay" she grasped her and hugged her close as her body siezed wildly. ".. Kierna" she shook her head. Kierna cried out in a pain as her body continued. Emvira glanced over to her table - a small vial of blackness. It had a black magic swirling in it - the magic she drew from the man before...
Emvira lifted the vial and drew the blackness out, it float slightly. She allowed it to enter Kierna's ear. Within seconds Kierna stopped seizing. Her chest stopped moving. Her heart ended. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" she whispered.
The Balance was due... you will come to respect it... one day...
Emvira fell back into her chair and covered her face as she cried softly. She quickly stood and rushed out of the room. In moments several Priestesses stood over Kierna, covering her with a silk blanket. She stepped out of the Healing Halls and into the main hall. Her breathing was shallow and she fought back her tears. She clutched her chest and took in a deep breath - forcing herself to gather her composure.
She glanced up and saw Amaranthae on the ground. She glanced around swiftly and rushed forward, she hooked an arm under the woman's pit and lifted her off the ground. With the aid of her magic she was strong enough to lift the woman. "Come" she spoke through her broken voice. She pulled the woman towards a set of stairs.
Though it was stairs that only went up. She placed a hand on the brick and a door opened. A set of stairs that went downward. The door closed behind them and she brought the woman along. They went down a series of steps until they came into a dusky room. There was a pool of water with a statue before it - the White Goddess. She brought the woman to the water and gently placed her into the water. She knelt before the water and placed a hand upon it - a surge of white magic coursed through the water, shooting into Amaranthae....
They both were rushed with a sense of peace. Then suddenly a blast of white - Emvira was sent onto her back. Her vision black. Her eyes opened and she found herself in a room of darkness. She looked around frantically - and then she saw a beaming white light. Approaching her - a face appeared. Amaranthae... Her mouth dropped - "Amaranthae?" she questioned softly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 13, 2021 11:33:17 GMT -5
Amaranthae took in shaken breaths. Her eyes had slipped shut as she listened to the prayers of the halls. Though she was startled by something, a hand beneath her arm and she was lifted up. “Emvira…” She breathed, her golden hues were dull. “No…please…” She couldn’t fight against the woman as she was toted along. “I cannot be seen with you…please…” She nearly begged. Her expression was of awe and she fell silent as she secret corridor was exposed. All the while the young elf was fighting to stay awake. The pain wrapped around her body, blood dripped from the fresh cut that was made in her arm. “You’re putting yourself…in danger…” Amaranthae muttered as she was lowered into the water.
As the magic rushed forward into her body Amaranthae gasped. Her vision was clouded by the bright light. Her pain disappeared. She felt weightless almost as she stood within a room. All around her the shadows swarmed about, moving like dark creatures of the night. She felt a pull in this darkness, her brows furrowed slightly. Her feet carried her forward carefully. She heard the voice of Emvira then. She felt a sense of calm as she reached forward and took the woman’s hands into her own. “Emvira.” She spoke her golden hues searched hers. “This…place…” She looked about the darkness. She closed her eyes a moment and suddenly the world around them began to change. They stood atop the mountain that overlooked the city. Snow surrounded them, yet the warmth of the sun was all Amaranthae could feel. There was no cold. No pain. A soft smile curved up her lips. “What is this place?” She asked. She felt a tug on her mind and she stumbled then and gripped forward onto Emvira’s arm.
Suddenly the scene changed.
Amaranthae stood her hand still held upon Emvira. She looked about her mother’s office. She saw herself locked in the chair fighting against the restraints. Begging for her mother to stop, begging for her not to do the experiment. Her eyes then moved to the table, the acolyte…it was Emvira. “It was you…” She whispered softly. “You…are the one that she infused with darkness…” Her voice broke as tears welled in her eyes. She watched as the scene played out and as she watched her past self fall unconscious the world around them changed once more.
She stood within the city streets. She stared to another vision of herself that stood upon the docks of the lake of the city. The sadness within her eyes. A man approached from behind her. He spoke her name. He knew her. Amaranthae watched as the scene played before her, her brows furrowed. This was one of her first kills. The man had threatened to destroy the High Arcanists. He’d lost a family member to the experiments of another acranist. His younger sister, whom was also gifted, but did not survive. Amaranthae turned then, her golden hues fell upon her brother, whom stood with a dagger in his hand, waiting to carry out the job if his sister did not pull through. She watched the wicked grin upon his lips as he watched her slit the throat of the man. Blood had splattered over her face. He praised her and kicked the body into the lake. The scene once again faded away.
The next scene was of the night that she’d returned home after Emvira had saved the man. Her father was furious. His balled fists that slammed into her body caused Amaranthae to flinch even though she couldn’t feel the pain in this dream. She looked away from the horrible scene as her brother and mother took part in the treatment for her failure. The world began to go hazy as she had lost her consciousness.
Amaranthae took in shaken breaths, tears rolled down her cheeks. “I…” She trembled. “I…” She grit her teeth. “I’m so sorry Emvira. I do not wish to do the things that I do. But I must…I…” She gazed into Emvira’s eyes. She was barely able to breathe.
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Post by Raven on Jun 13, 2021 12:07:55 GMT -5
Emvira gasped as a scene played before her. She rushed over to the bedside - where Emvira was laying. She shook her head - these memories, they were foggy to her. She remember bits and pieces. The more she watched the entirety of the scene play - the more it came back to her. She remembered the Arcanist casting a spell not long after this very scene. Suddenly the scene changed just as it came to her.
She stood on a dock - she turned her head. A breeze pushed against her hair, fluttering her robes. She gasped as a man was killed before her - she reached forward but her hand slipped through his body. He fell downward into the sea. A bit of blood lingered at the surface of the water, before it dissipated. She turned back to Amaranthae - she watched as the woman was beaten to a bloodied pulp. She grit her teeth and stumbled backwards.
She was caught by a glowing image - A woman slightly taller than her. She turned to look... the glowing woman was her mother, the details in her face was blurred by the glowing white emulating from her skin. "Mother-" she felt the woman step through her. The High Priestess approached Amaranthae and she embraced her closely, holding her in her arms. Her mother cood gently and then disappeared.
The scene changed one last time.
The Arcanist stood before them - they were on the broken platform high in the mountains. The one that Emvira had fallen from. She turned her gaze an image of Amaranthae stood next to an image of Emvira. They held hands together - a blast of magic appeared. Emvira's great white wings appeared, and on the back of Amaranthae were black wings of similiar like. They launched forward and grasped the Arcanist, plunging off the side of the mountain. They swirled around into the sky and then there was an explosion.
The orb of white light, swirling within was black, like a milky substance in a way. It exploded and the body of the Arcanist fell from the orb. The two bodies then shot upward into the sky....
Emvira fell backwards onto the hard stone of the hidden Temple room. She breathed heavily and then there was a rumbling. The water glowed brightly. All the water began to go upward - crawling over the statue of the Goddess before them. The Statue glowed brightly and suddenly a pair of eyes opened.
A voice came over the room.
The gifted will rise. Balance will return. Together. The evil you see is hardly the cusp of what remains beyond. Rise as Knights of the Gods, and serve for the Good that awaits.
The same voice she had heard before...
Emvira stood and then the glowing of the statue ended. The water suddenly splashed downward, slowly finding its way back into the pool.... Emvira reached forward and helped Amaranthae up...
"They call us Gifted" Emvira spoke softly. "I call us Chosen" she whispered and gripped Amaranthae's hand.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 13, 2021 13:06:34 GMT -5
The young elf saw Emvira grit her teeth in anger at the sights of the memories. Her body trembled as she gazed to the woman. Though a calm came over her as the glowing image of a woman appeared before them. Amaranthae felt the warmth of the woman’s arms surround her and all her fears seemed to disappear into the darkness that surrounded them. She closed her eyes as the woman cooed lightly, soothing her. Something she’d never experienced in her life. As the scene changed the elf gazed around the mountaintop. Her jaw loosened in awe as she saw the wings appear on the back of Emvira and then on the image of herself. The darkness that her wings held were a stark comparison to the beautiful white wings of Emvira. A pit formed in her stomach as she saw her mother, the woman was speaking a spell, darkness surrounded her. “no.” She breathed, worried that her mother would cause harm. She rushed forward as the two lunged at the arcanist, sending her hurling through the air. She watched as the scene played out and then suddenly she woke beneath the water. Her lungs burned, her head had slipped beneath the glowing liquid. As the water lifted from Amaranthae she sat up and gazed upon the glowing statue.
All of this felt like a dream. It couldn’t possibly be real. All of her injuries were healed once again, not even a scar remained upon her arm. She watched as the eyes of the statue opened. The voice that filled the room filled Amaranthae with an emotion she hadn’t felt before…hope. She sat still as the water lowered around her. As Emvira reached toward her she took her hand and allowed the woman to aid her. The sound of the water dripping from her body and dress filled the silent room now. “Chosen…” She repeated the word. Her eyes gazed to the statue once again. “I do not feel gifted at all.” Her voice was a whisper. “I am nothing more than a play thing to my mother, something to experiment on…” Her voice was sad. “I cannot tell you how many acolytes my mother has killed by injecting them with my blood…I am poison…” She shook her head then. “That vision…you…had wings…and I…” She pictured the wings in her mind. “I too had wings, but much different. Shadows. I am the darkness to your light...but how do we…” She stopped speaking in that moment. She knelt before the statue then and bowed her head. “I will not fail you Goddess of Light.” She spoke in a soft tone.
Amaranthae stood after a long moment, her brows furrowed together. She looked to Emvira. “You are so precious to my mother, because you are the only acolyte to have ever survived her experiment.” She spoke as she wrung her hair in her hands causing water to cascade over her shoulder. “She will never kill me. I am worth too much to her…but if she were to find out…” She bit her lip. “I fear for you…and I…both…” She lowered her hues. “I am truly sorry that my mother did this to you…” She whispered softly, sadness in her eyes.
She held her palm up and tilted her head slightly, an orb of shadows appeared within the palm of her hand. She gazed to Emvira, “I’ve always been able to control them…from the moment that I was gifted by the god of the shadows…” Her brows furrowed slightly. “My mother…she can force me to produce flames…she’s said it is a demonic type of magic, something she’s never seen. She’s been so hellbent on controlling it and gaining the power for herself…” Tears rolled down her cheeks now. She’d never told anyone. She wouldn’t dream of it. “I am not strong like you Emvira…” She shook her head, “I…lost the fire of my soul years ago…” Her eyes were full of sadness. “You…you’re much stronger than I am.” She furrowed her brows in thought as she stared to the shadowy orb that she still held in her hand. She closed her hand and dropped it to her side. “What do we do?” She asked, clearly afraid, she wrung her hands as her nervousness swelled within her chest.
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Post by Raven on Jun 13, 2021 14:03:27 GMT -5
Emvira lifted her eyes to the dark orb that appeared. She smiled slightly - she created her own white orb that circled around the dark orb. "She won't kill me either... don't worry" she smiled and she pulled her brows together slightly. "I'm not so strong, you know" she whispered softly. "You are strong - you endure much more than I. And you still turn back to it, doing what you think you must, what you've been taught is right" she stood. "If you were weak, you would have succumbed to it ages ago. There is a piece of you that reaches for more..." her orb disappeared. "I have something you do not... I get to use my power to help people. With every moment of pain, I can offer twice of peace to those suffering around me. I have dedicated what little life I've had to this" she smiled. "You can too, we'll find a way." she looked to the stairs that lead downward.
"There is only one thing we can do..." she looked back to Amaranthae. "We snuff the flame that seeks to scorch..." she grasped her hand and lead her back towards the stairs. "This city is full of one evil person after another. She is just a pawn in the scheme of the Devil. If we want to free ourselves, then we break the chains that holds us down" she looked back to her, her hand falling from hers. "If we have to level the city to do, so be it" she spoke softly and looked forward. "We'll find a way" she spoke and placed her hand upon the bricks.
She closed her eyes and an orb of light appeared on the other side - looking. A woman passed... the coast was clear. The bricks moved and the way was revealed. She lead her out and the door closed once more. "You go..." she spoke and nodded. Emvira turned and made her way up the stairs - which lead to the Housing for the Acolytes...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 13, 2021 15:27:17 GMT -5
Amaranthae had a smile that curved up her lips as she watched the white orb encase the shadows that she created. “No, she wouldn’t kill you.” She gave a sad smile then, her mother wouldn’t will Emvira because she was the only successful experiment. She lowered her eyes slightly and shook her head, “I do what I must so that I may survive.” She replied, her voice sad. Though the smile came to her lips again as Emvira spoke of helping others. She’d never helped anyone, she’d only taken lives. “I’m not so certain my magic is designed for helping.” She replied and gave another smile. “Though, I would much prefer it.”
When Emvira grasped her hand she felt the overwhelming calm come over her body once again, another smile crept upon her lips. Emvira had such a calming aura about her. Something that the young elf had never felt. Just like the soothing hug of the glowing woman. “I’m certain there is a way.” She nodded. “There are so many thorns within the city that drive the madness that we face…” She furrowed her brows. “The hatred between noble houses fighting for the attention of the High Arcanists and the High Priestesses.” She sighed softly. “My mother controls many things I am certain. My father is the captain of the guard. There is so much that my family controls…I’ve never…thought to disobey them…it would be madness to do such a thing…” She shook her head then, “But we must…we must stop this. We can.”
As they stepped into the hallway Amaranthae felt a pit settle in her stomach. She bit at her lower lip and gave a slight nod. “Yes…of course.” She spoke as she watched Emvira climb the stairs. Her heart began to beat more quickly within her chest. She pulled her hood up and wrapped her cloak around her. She moved through the temple swiftly and let out a long breath as she reached the outside. She gazed up to the warm sun as its rays kissed upon her skin.
“Amaranthae.” A voice called out to her. Fear struck her. Arbane her father stood at the base of the temple dressed in his guard armor. “About time.” He spoke with narrowed eyes. “There is a duel today, I want you to participate.” He grinned as he held a paper out to her. “This one needs to have an accident.” He chuckled as he clasped her shoulder. “You’ll take care of it?” He smirked then.
The young elf looked to the folded up piece of paper that she held in her hands. She unfolded it and looked over the paper, the name…she knew it…she knew it quite well. Her jaw loosened slightly. “Father…?” She questioned as she looked to the old man. “This must be wrong.”
“Are you questioning the shadow god? What the gods will?” Arbane questioned quickly. “Do not make me explain to you the importance of your tasks at hand. The gods have willed it to you to perform such tasks.” He glared at her. “Your brother cannot keep completing tasks for you when you question the judgement of the gods.”
Amaranthae bowed her head slightly, “Of course, father. Apologies.” She spoke before she slipped away from him. She walked quickly through the city and to her home. She quickly switched into her ceremonial armor that she wore to the duels a few days prior. She gazed to herself in the mirror as she drew in a long breath. The paper had stated the name of one of the officers on the guard council. It was surprising that a hit would be placed on such a person. But, she had no time to question it. She couldn’t. She stepped from her home and made her way back into the bustle of the city. The market smelled of fresh meat and baked goods, a welcomed smell to Amaranthae. She arrived to the dueling arena and she signed in as a competitor.
The young elf walked about, she watched the duels. None of the fights went to the death. This would make hers quite the show for the crowd. She’d need to challenge her opponent to a fight to the death. She sat upon a bench as she watched the fights. Each one she watched the blades clash and clang together. Soon enough however, her name was next on the list. She had requested to fight the man that her father had sent her after, but the duel judges had other ideas for the small rogue like woman. Amaranthae walked out into the arena to be confronted with a hulking figure that stood well above her height. She looked to the board again to find that the names had been switched. Her father stood with the judges, a grin upon his lips. “No…” She whispered to herself as she looked back to the beast of an elf that stood before her.
“I’m going to make this real clear little girl.” The elf growled. “I’ve been offered quite the sum of money if I can chop that pretty little head of yours off.” He grinned from beneath his helmet. “You’re making it even easier to do with that flashy armor.” He had an axe slung over his shoulder. He turned to the judges. “I declare a duel to the death.” He called out. The crowd came to a hush as they looked to the judges. Amaranthae looked as well and her expression fell as she watched the judges look to her father and he nodded. The man snickered as he turned back to her. “Any last words little girl?” He asked cheerfully.
Amaranthae sucked in a breath, her heart pounded within her chest. “My words will not be my last, so I will not waste them upon you sir.” She took a few paces back and drew her beautiful sword from her hip. Amaranthae bit her lip as she looked to the man, the odds were completely against her. If he so much as grazed her with his axe…it could kill her. She closed her eyes as she awaited the sounding of the trumpet.
“Suit yourself.” A chuckle came from the elf as he took a few steps back as well.
As the trumpet sounded Amaranthae opened her eyes. She did not move as the elf lunged forward toward her. He swung his axe up high over his head and brought it down with force. She rolled to the side at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a blow. The crowd was in a roar of excitement. They craved the sight of death. She swung her blade and sliced into the back of the man’s lower back. He groaned as he spun bringing his axe horizontally through the air. Amaranthae ducked beneath it and stabbed forward only for him to grab a hold of her sword, blood began to leak from his palm as the sharp blade cut into him. “You have no chance, little girl.” He snickered as he brought his elbow into the side of her head.
Amaranthae was knocked several feet to the side, she fell to the ground and her sword clattered from her grip. Her world spun. The sound of the cheers of the crowd left her ears, the only thing she could hear was the sound of her own heartbeat as she scrambled for her sword. She grasped it and rolled over the block and blow just as the elf brought his axe down into what would have been her back. It was a blow that would have been fatal. Shadows swirled about her blade, her golden hues had turned pitch black as her power surfaced. She shoved him back and quickly got to her feet before he lunged at her, swinging several times. Amaranthae moved light on her feet, she avoided each blow and she sliced a little bit more into him with each swing he made. The fight went on like this for several minutes. The young elf was caught off guard as the hulking elf brought his foot up and slammed it into her chest. She flew back, the wind knocked from her chest. Her sword once again clattered from her grip. Her vision blacked out and she lay limply upon the field. The large elf gloated a chuckle came over his lips. He raised his free hand into the air in victory as he looked away from Amaranthae. The crowed began to chant for him to finish her off. The elf chuckled as he turned and marched over to Amaranthae whom lay unconscious on the ground, she had a few cuts on her arms from his axe grazing against her, a slice on her cheek even. She’d fought better than any opponent he’d ever faced. He raised his axe above his head in that moment and he let out a yell as he brought the axe down.
The young elf rolled swiftly, she reached to her thigh and pulled her dagger as she rose to her feet. Her dagger lodged into his shoulder which caused him to drop his axe. “Submit.” Amaranthae spoke as she walked over and grasped her sword. She held it pointed to his throat. “Submit.” She spoke again, her brows pulled together. The elf growled as he gazed to her, he lifted his chin and leaned against her blade. “Submit and you keep your life.” She spoke, her voice softer now. Her golden hues gazed to him as he sneered at her and spat blood. Amaranthae shook her head and took a step back from him.
“Do it.” He growled as he gazed into her eyes, a grin on his face.
Amaranthae grit her teeth as she drew her blade up. As she swung he lunged forward and pulled the dagger from his shoulder. The dagger sank into Amaranthae and a cry came over her lips as she was tackled to the ground. The elf chuckled in delight as he stood from her, leaving the dagger buried to the hilt within her chest. He rose his hand up as he turned to retrieve his axe that was several paces away. “I’ll let you bleed a while.” He spoke as he lifted his axe into his hand. The crowd was cheering in excitement in this moment. Arbane stood in the stands with a loose jaw, his eyes wide. He had never anticipated that this would be the turn of events it seemed. The elf stood over Amaranthae now a grin on his lips. “How’s it feel?” He asked, gloating over his win. Blood leaked from Amaranthae’s lips, her body jolted. He lifted a hand to his ear. “I can’t hear you.” He laughed. Amaranthae reached her hand and placed it against his calf. It almost looked as though she was grasping for her life. Though it was far from that. Shadows snaked from her palm and slipped beneath his armor as her hand trembled. Just as the elf was about to raise his axe, he gripped at his throat. Blood began to pour from his mouth as he choked on his own blood. Seconds later he toppled to the ground. Amaranthae grit her teeth as she gazed up to the cloudy skies, her vision was fading out. The crowd was completely silent now as they watched the events play out.
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