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Post by Raven on Oct 21, 2017 19:47:17 GMT -5
The crystal dropped into Nadine’s hand and the entire room burst in a white flash. Nadine gasped loudly, her eyes wide. Her fingers gripped the large crystal and she sat upward. In a flash she remembered all that had happened. Thorn… She glanced down to see her clothes still ripped. She then turned – looking to all the blood on the ground. She shot upward, pulling at her clothes to keep them on. “Move aside!” she cried out.
Kore quickly tied a make shift skirt onto her waist as she leaned over Aldora. “No… no, this can’t…” she shook her head and then waved to Locke. “Back up..” she spoke confidently. She then held her hands over Aldora’s chest and she took in a deep breath. Just in time – the Matriarchs dashed into the tent, to see for themselves.
Nadine’s hands glowed bright white. Aldora’s body became completely engulfed in the light. Until she nothing but a bright beacon. “Great Spirit… forgive my tragedy. Lend my your strength to heal this warrior of Kanzu. In return I vow to extinguish your corruption and render you free from the demonic grasps that seek your light. Great Spirit – “ Suddenly the light grew brighter, and then a beam of light shot from Aldora. Nadine stumbled backward from the sudden power. Aldora had been healed. The hole in her leg was sealed, the wound to her chest – completely healed up
Nadine stumbled back into Kore’s arms, who grasped her. “The Great Spirit still watches you, Lady Nadine” Locke spoke. He stepped over and hugged her tightly. “I am… sorry that that happened to you…” he whispered. Locke then turned his head to the Matriarchs, who lowered their gaze slightly. “Don’t do this to her…” he spoke softly. The 3 women then stepped away… to discuss.
Nadine gripped onto Locke’s chest piece and sobbed softly. “They won’t do this to you Nadine… The Great Spirit forgives. You were the victim…” he whispered and held her tighter. Nadine sniffed up her tears and shook her head.
Nadine slipped from his grip and looked over Aldora. “Even if it is so… I have vowed myself to The Great Spirit. I must find a way to heal him too.” She looked over. “I no longer belong to the Kanzu. I belong to the Great Spirit. Exiled or not.. I will do this. I will not fail” she spoke and then moved from the crowd. “I… I need a minute..” she spoke and slipped into one of the back rooms – to fix her wardrobe.
The Matriarchs entered the room once more and then nodded. “The Great Spirit still shines in her. It seems he sees this unfortunate event as an unpleasant act against her… She will remain amongst us. Perhaps her pilgrimage is best, to ensure the Great Spirit guides her, despite the circumstances here.” Luna spoke. The other two looked away. Clearly they argued but in the end it was clear. This was not a voluntary action… To punish their only hope is to strip the tribe from the beacon of light that guides them.
“We are never to speak of the action Thorn has commit against Lady Nadine. The tribe needs not know this…” Luna spoke and then nodded.
Nadine stood in the back room… listening. She held the crystal in her hand and then tucked it away into a pocket. Soon she entered the room once more… they discussed the events aloud and then everyone slipped away. Thorn had been removed, and the area had been cleaned up.
“Aldora..” Nadine spoke, waving her over… “I want to ask you… Where did you get the Crystal.. is it the same place you got that trinket on your head?” she questioned, leading her outside to get a breath of fresh air. “Is it from the metal ruins?” she questioned, looking up to her briefly. “I.. will not judge you if so. You saved my life… again” she chuckled and then stopped her.
“I am to go on my pilgramidge soon… to travel to the other 5 temples and receive the blessing of the Great Spirit, to emerge a Mystic. I choose one Brave to assist me, who will become Guardian of the Mystic, a title that holds much respect… I want to choose you, if you would allow me. I feel you are the only one with the abilities to help me cleanse this world of its corruption… We would… go places that are forbidden, but with the grace of The Great Spirit. Ancient Runes, Temples… possibly even away from the Promise Lands…” she looked to her with serious eyes. “All of this death… it needs to end.” She whispered and waiting for Aldora’s response….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 21, 2017 20:37:29 GMT -5
Aldora gasped as the light faded away from her body, she sat up coughing, her eyes wide. She glanced around but Nadine had already left to the back room. Nano grinned as he wrapped his arms around her. “You’re alright!!!” He exclaimed. He chuckled and held her there for a moment before he backed away. “My apologies…I just…”
Aldora let out a soft laugh as she looked over her body. She looked over where the wounds were, she felt energized. She’d never felt so great in her life. “It’s okay, Nano….” She whispered and raised her eyes as the Patriarch’s returned. They looked to her for a long moment before the discussion commenced. She was silent as she listened to them speak of the events. She watched as Thorn’s body was removed and the room was cleaned. Nano gave her a gentle hug before he left, his eyes worried. Her mind was racing. She looked to Nadine as she came back to the room, a soft smile curved her lips.
Aldora followed Nadine as asked to the overlook outside. She took in a breath as she mentioned the crystal and yet again the Focus. “The ancient ruins, the forbidden ruins, yes.” She spoke softly. “I found both in the same ruin…” She looked to Nadine, searching her eyes for a moment.
Aldora watched Nadine as she spoke of the pilgrimage and then she bowed her head slightly as she was asked to accompany her. She took in a slow breath, “It would be an honor to serve the Great Spirit by protecting you, Lady Nadine.” She gave a nod, “I never would have imagined that I would find myself in this position.” She gave a slight smile. “Thank you, for saving my life, I…” She looked once more over her body and chuckled. “I feel amazing, I’ve never felt like this before.” She shook her head. She then lowered her eyes and bit her lip slightly. “I’m…I’m sorry I couldn’t stop it…I didn’t wake until after it had happened…I…” She looked away. Aldora took in a slow breath, “I will travel into any ruin, or temple, even outside of the sacred lands. Wherever you ask of me to go, I will be at your side and I promise to keep you safe.” Aldora then turned as she heard footsteps approaching.
“Come, young guardian.” Patriarch Luna spoke. She bowed her head to Lady Nadine. “We must perform the guardian blessing so that you may be on your way.”
Aldora looked to Nadine for a moment as she was pulled away by the Patriarch. She turned finally and followed her. “The blessing?” She asked and looked to Luna curiously.
“Yes, your soul must be cleansed before you may accompany Lady Nadine.” Luna looked to her before she continued up the mountain.
“What does that….?”
Luna turned and stopped. “Aldora, you must be cleansed by the Great Spirit. Do not ask what it means.” She led her inside of the mountain. Candles were lit upon the walkways lighting up the pathway. Luna led her to a circular pool within the temple. The other two Patriarchs already stood at the edge of the pool.
Luna stepped forward and gave a nod to Aldora, “Enter the water, your soul needs to be cleansed.” She spoke.
Aldora took in a breath and stepped into the pool. It was deep, up to her chin. She looked up to Luna as the women began to chant in the native tongue. She furrowed her brows as Luna reached forward and suddenly she was shoved beneath the water. She couldn’t feel the bottom. She thrashed and cried out, bubbles escaped from her mouth. She could hear them chanting though it was dampened by the water, she couldn’t make anything out. Aldora fought to breathe, to get above the water. The world slowly faded out…
**
Aldora woke to the smell of incense. She gasped and sat up, her eyes wide. She grabbed her things from a nearby pile and looked around the room, her breathing quick. She looked to her arm, a small cut was upon it. Blood for the cleansing. She’d heard stories of soul cleansing from Allister, but he didn’t tell her much. Just that it was in a sense dangerous and could often end in death, depending on the ritual that was performed. If the body could not withstand it.
“Guardian Aldora.” Luna spoke as she came into the room, a smile on her lips. “It is good to see you wake.”
“How long have I been here?” She asked, as she stepped forward.
“Only two days, that is such a short amount of time.” Luna spoke, “You didn’t need much cleansing at all. The Great Spirit is one with you. We have one final task for you. Pray to the Great Spirit before him.”
Aldora furrowed her brows slightly as she was led through the mountain. She stepped into a room. The Mystic Aerwyn the Patriarchs, Lady Nadine. All were present as she was led up to an alter where Luna pushed her to her knees. Aldora looked up to the metal wall before her, the focus began to scan the environment. It was some form of ancient door, like in the temples.
“Pray to the Great Spirit to protect you.” Luna spoke as she stepped back.
Aldora bowed her head down and closed her eyes. “Great Spirit I pray to thee, to offer me a shield and protect me as I travel out of the embrace, as I make my way forth with Lady Nadine as she is to become a Mystic and cleanse the corruption from you. As we aim to make peace in the land.”
A blue light emitted from the door and scanned Aldora then as she stood. It ran along her entire body. “Analysis applied. Access granted. Encryption Detected. File process unavailable at this time. Corruption within the file process.” A metalized male voice spoke.
The Patriarchs jumped back, their eyes wide. “The Great Spirit speaks!” They exclaimed and bowed down.
Aldora stood with confusion on her face as she stared to the door. She turned and was led outside with Luna and the others. “Go now, you have been blessed by the Great Spirit to cleanse the corruption.”
Aldora looked to Nadine and took in a breath, she walked down to the medical tent. “What did they do to me?” She asked as she looked to the back of her hand. A symbol had been tattooed into her flesh in dark blue ink. The mark of a guardian. It was a compass with feathers floating in each direction. The art was beautiful. It was an artwork by Luna. Toward the north a water paint style tint hid behind the compass red fading to black of the night sky with stars to guide their path. “How long was I there?” She asked and looked to Nadine. She then shook her head slightly. “Where do we go, my Lady?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 22, 2017 2:36:05 GMT -5
Nadine spent the 2 days, of which Aldora was resting, packing and preparing. Aerywn approached Nadine and lead her to a bench on the overlook of the village. “This day came too swiftly…” she glanced to Nadine and then smiled. “You are like a daughter to me. I am proud of you – to venture this far, to soon become a Mystic… But I won’t lie.. I am a little worried. I raised you as my own, trained you… You have become incredibly smart, and wise beyond your years. I know when you finally become a Mystic – you will lead this glorious village into a new age…” she spoke softly and then looked out the village.
“I have something for you. It was passed to me, from my mentor, and now to you.” She lead Nadine back into the tent. She slipped into her room and came back out with a staff in hand. It had two large bone spikes on the bottom, the top was a twisting root that curved into 3 individual thick spikes, the middle was longest. At the main curve point of the top – there were several white metal plates, like the armor the tribes often wore. Hanging from several points were thin twisted leather, with feathers hanging from them…
Nadine slowly reached for the staff and took it in her hands. “The center…” she spoke. In the middle of the twisting roots was a small blue crystal. “It will draw power naturally from the earth… you should be able to tap into it. It should help you communicate to The Great Spirit, and guide you…” she then stood and nodded. “When you return – I will be leaving. The Arms need a new Mystic. There cannot be more than 1 Mystic in each village, it would interfere with the balance…” she then pulled Nadine into a hug. “I have left you my book.. if you ever need to look up more herbalism. And I have left you all of my knowledge…” she bowed her head and then smiled. “You will do well” Aerywn then stepped back and nodded. “Off you go”
Nadine pulled her pack onto her back and nodded, the staff in her hands. She moved the staff and it rest on her back, assisted by her pack. She made her way to the Heart of the Mountain, to attend the Prayer. Once Aldora finished – she stepped forward and moved to her knees, bowing her head. She did not pray outloud.. just to herself. When she finished she stood up and followed the crowd outside.
“Lady Nadine” Luna spoke and approached her. “You leave a Lady, and return a Mystic…” she placed both hands on her shoulders and then smiled. “It could take some time… months, Aerwyn took an entire year… Do not rush it…” she kissed her cheek and then stepped back. “May the Great Spirit watch over you”
“And you as well, Mother” Nadine bowed her head. The town had gathered then – to watch Nadine go. They all cheered. Just before the exit – the Braves all stood together. A mass of 45 men or so, give or take. They all were lined up in rows. As they walked forward – in a wave they each bowed. Kore and Locke stood at the gate doors.
“You will be pleased that I have accepted Kore as my successor..” Locke spoke and stepped to Nadine. “Don’t forget about your horn… blow it and any Brave near will come running. We are trained to hear that pitch, yours is special..” he smiled then and stepped back. “Aldora… you have proven yourself to be a great ally, a powerful huntress… We hardly deserve you, but we are lucky that you are one of the family now… I do not need to wish you the best, for you are the best… But may you be strong like an ox, fast like a panther, and honorable like a Brave” he bowed his head.
Kore smiled to Nadine and Aldora and nodded. “You saved us all, and you will again. Aldora… protect our only Lady. Bring her back a Mystic” he bowed deeply then.
Nadine turned and looked to the village – they stood quietly … watching. Nadine lifted her staff into the air with one hand. From the glowing blue crystal – a giant burst of white light came from the staff. It shot like a single wave through the entire city. Every color was enhanced, the sun grew bright, warmth flooded them all. A feeling of peace and comfort, a gentle fuzz in the stomach – would come across everyone. A reminder… The Great Spirit is here, a Blessing – to the entire city.
With that.. the doors opened and the two walked out of the village. Soon.. standing alone, in a forest that cared not of the festivities, of honor, of respect. It was cruel, and harsh – and now they had to face it. Nadine turned to Aldora and nodded “We head to the Red Mesa Ridge, to the South, where we will circle around..” she pulled out a map. On the map were 5 circles.. each a temple.
“Before we leave… You are a Seeker now. We can go where we wish, and speak to whom we want. Would you like to see Allistar? We have.. plenty of time to spare. This journey will be long. No need to hurry. I want to make sure we have finished up what we need, before heading out” she spoke, looking to Aldora then…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 22, 2017 3:17:12 GMT -5
Aldora smiled sweetly as she listened to Locke at the gate. She bowed her head. “Thank you Locke. May you keep the Kanzu people strong until our return.” She then looked to Nano a smile split her lips. “I shall protect Lady Nadine with my life.” She paused a moment, “Congratulations, my friend.” She then followed Nadine from the city.
Aldora looked to the map that Nadine pulled from her pack. She looked to the circles, all around the map, stretched far from each other. She then looked to Nadine when she mentioned Allister. “I would give anything to see him before we go.” She spoke, her voice soft. “He told me I would never see him again, it was the most painful thing of attending the proving for me…but…” She then paused and pulled the necklace from around her neck, the tooth of the bear. She gave a soft smile as she thought of her history with him. “It’s a trek to get to the home.” She gave a nod. “I’ll keep you safe.” She nodded as she then headed toward the home. She lifted her hand to her Focus and scanned the area as they walked along. Keeping track of their surroundings, making sure to keep Lady Nadine safe.
“Get down, low. Stay quiet.” She crouched, over the hill was a Snap Tooth grinding on a dead watcher carcass. She moved swiftly up the hill and drew her bow she released an arrow into the back of the creature and then she rushed forward and pulled her staff. Just as the creature turned Aldora leaped into the air and slammed the staff into the creature killing it swiftly. “Okay.” She gave a nod and a gentle smile as she held her hand up and looked around again. She then moved forward. They came to the climb and Aldora pulled a rope from her pack. She carefully tied it around Nadine’s waist. “Just in case.” She gave a smile, “There are a few points you may have to leap to get your next grip. I just want to keep you safe. I will go ahead of you, follow my grips.” She then started up the cliff face slowly, not even half the speed she normally climbed. She was careful to choose good footing and hand holds. Once she reached the top she reached down and pulled Nadine up. “Good job.” She chuckled, “You’ll get good at that, I can guarantee you. If we need a vantage point, we will have to climb.” She removed the rope and placed it back in her pack neatly.
Aldora made her way up the pathway toward the log cabin. She paused for a moment, the front door was wide open. “Allister…” She spoke softly. She rushed forward an Ice Glider came down upon her and slammed her to the ground, corrupted juice seeped from the bird burning into her skin. “Hide!” She cried as she rolled to her back and stabbed into the beast. She pulled her arrow and shot several times until it didn’t move anymore. Aldora rushed into her home and ran around the log cabin, her breathing quick, her eyes wide. She remembered back to their conversation, he said she wouldn’t find him. She had to.
Aldora came from the cabin and held her hand up to her focus, she glanced around as panic began to set in. She found his tracks. “Nadine, this way.” She spoke as she moved forward. They moved along the ridge of the mountain on a small pathway that she’d used as a child. It was safe…except for the Ice Gliders, but they’d never bother you if you bothered them…at least…before it was that way. Aldora followed this trail all the way to the forest to the south. “He went this way.” She gave a nod. After a good hour’s worth of trekking along Aldora paused, and crouched behind a tree. She could smell burning wood. She looked up along the ridge to find a small cabin hidden within the rocks, it was Allister’s hunting cabin. Out of reach of machines. “Come on.” Aldora spoke as she scaled up another cliff face with Nadine in tow on a rope once more. She pulled her up over the ledge and then they walked up the trail to the cabin. She paused as she saw Allister relaxing on the deck. She glanced around the area and smiled to Nadine. “Found him.” She chuckled slightly as they headed up to the cabin. “I told you I would find you.”
Allister looked to her, he then looked to Nadine. “What’s happened?” He asked, worry in his tone.
“I have been made a guardian to Lady Nadine as she embarks on her pilgrimage to become the mystic.” Aldora spoke with a smile.
Allister stood and wrapped his arms around her, “I told you, you belonged. You have been given the highest of jobs, child.” He grinned and chuckled before he looked to Nadine. “Thank you.” He bowed his head to her.
Aldora pulled the talisman from the trials from around her neck and then handed it to Allister. “For you to remember me by, until we return.” She grinned.
“May the Great Spirit keep the both of you safe.” Allister spoke. “Here.” He stood and headed into the cabin. He returned after a moment. “Jerky, dried fruit, for the journey.” He pulled Aldora into another hug, he closed his eyes as he held her for a long moment. “You’ve done so well. You make the Great Spirit proud, I knew you were made for this Aldora.” He grinned.
Aldora released from the hug and grinned. “I’ve missed you too.” She spoke and gave a smile before she looked to Nadine after she packed her bag. “Alright…to the mesa huh?” She asked.
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Post by Raven on Oct 22, 2017 12:31:15 GMT -5
Nadine followed Aldora’s motions. She noticed that Aldora moved swiftly, and some how was so strong. She made even the largest Brave Men look silly in these woods. Nadine watched her move her hand to her trinket, and then responded to it. She knew not what it was.. was it aiding her? A focus…. Was this something the ancients used as well? Did it help them commune with the wilderness? She was curious to how it worked. How the moment Aldora used it – she strike the machine at its weakest point – every single time. Her precision and consistency was something worth noting…
Nadine tightened the rope about her and tried to follow Aldora’s footsteps. If there was anything Nadine enjoyed watching – it was a Brave Trial. To climb and jump like a panther, to own the mountains and let no boundary stopped them. She reached up to a foot hold and gripped on to it. As she pulled herself, with the aid of Aldora, she lost her gripped and her hand went flying down. She heaved loudly as she looked to the ground, now 30 odd feet away. She reached back up swiftly and grasped the hold, squeezing her eyes slightly. Aldora seemed to respond – she pulled Nadine up easily.
“S-sorry. I’ve never done this before” she muttered softly and then followed Nadine up the mountain pass. She gathered herself before they approached the campsite that Allister rest in. She allowed the two to see each other. They exchanged hugs, goods, and small chatter. Allister’s eyes came to Nadine, they had a gentle twinkle to them – of kindness.
Nadine approached Allister and bowed her head to him. “I need to tell you” she spoke and then smiled. “You… have raised Aldora as your own. Your daughter… she is beyond all words. Being an Outcast… might be difficult, and hard, and as future Mystic I dare not to send anyone out here like so. But… Had she not been here, raised by such a great warrior, she wouldn’t have saved all of the braves the other day. She wouldn’t have saved me – now 3 times. She is a hero to our Tribe. Only to the thanks of your efforts. Being a father is no easy task. Even those within the Tribe struggle.” She raised her hand and touched his cheek.
A small gentle glow came from her palm. Allistar took in a breath - a gasp – as he felt the overwhelming sensation flow through his body. As she lowered her hand she smiled “You may be far from The Great Spirit, but the Great Spirit is not far from you. Know that when my Pilgrimage is complete – I will find a way to help you atone. The Village could use a man of strength and honor as yourself.” She then plucked a white feather from her side and handed it to him. “Thank you… Aldora may be the only one who can help me cure this corruption. Aldora may be the hero, but you are one too” she smiled then and stepped back.
With a bow she spoke once more “May the Great Spirit watch over you”
“And may you be strong like an ox, fast like a panther, and honorable like a Brave” Allister responded, his smile beaming.
With his response they both turned and made their way back to the small home. Nadine’s eyes looked over it. It was rather cute, very functional, clean and tidy. She imagined a young Aldora running about it, rummaging in the bushes nearby – plucking the berries off of it. “You and I are much alike you know. I was Blessed at 6 years old.” She looked to Aldora then. “I am actually from the Arms… my mother and father brought me to be blessed in the waters of the Great Spirit. They placed the adolescent crown upon my head, which is lined with ancient relics, and that is when I was chosen. It was then that the Patriarchs took me in, and I was assigned to Aerwyn to begin my training. My mother and father… they were forbidden to see me again.” She spoke softly and then looked to the house once more.
“I was free from all distractions, I was to let go of my emotions and devote myself to the Great Spirit. I had no friends, I had no family. I never played games, or took part in festivals or feasts. They ensure that I cleanse my heart and mind from all that is pleasure, and sin, until I knew how to balance them… much later in life. So.. I spent every waking day training and learning. I was taught all of the history of our Clan, our practices, everything.” She looked up to Aldora then. “You and I … we never got to play games, goof around, get into trouble. We trained every day of our lives” she then sighed. “But I suppose that is why it is us two who are going out to save the Blessed Lands” she smiled then.
They approached the line that was taught, to slide down to the bottom of the mountain. She pulled out her staff and followed suit, gripping each side and sliding down. Going down was much easier than going up. Though Nadine did not slide down with such style and grace as Aldora did. When she landed on the ground – she tumbled to her knees, her staff flying off into the bush. She grunted and slowly stood up, wiping off the dirt. She then fetched her staff and chuckled. “I have much to learn, huh?” she laughed then.
“It is a long journey to the Mesa. There are several small villages along the way that should welcome us. If there are any struggling on the way, I would like to lend a hand. Like I said… no need to be in a hurry. We should help the Kanzu villages that linger inbetween” she nodded and they bound forward. Every so often Nadine would lean down and pluck a flower, placing it into her bag after. She tried to travel with as little as possible, but she would need to continue to create any medicine as she went. Being stocked was valuable.
“So… what is Allistar like? He seems such a wonderful man. Growing up and learning the way of the forest…could you tell me of it?” she questioned as they traveled. She tried to be alert like Aldora, but it was Aldora who would lower her arm and they both would crouch, hiding in a bush. And it was Aldora who would stab the beast in the chest, leaving the machine to wither away in the wilderness…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 22, 2017 14:28:22 GMT -5
Aldora watched as Nadine spoke with Allister, she watched as Nadine touched him and his face beamed with happiness. Here she was, standing before the man that took her in as her father and raised her as his own. A man that wanted nothing more than for Aldora to run in the proving, to become a brave. He’d trained her since she was able to hold a staff, since she was able to understand the dangers of the wilds. Aldora was pulled into one last embrace from Allister, he kissed her forehead. “Be strong my child.” He spoke softly before he released her.
Aldora smiled to him and bowed her head, “I will see you when we return.” She spoke and turned to leave. She glanced to Nadine, the promise she’d made. To bring him back, to remove him from being cast out. Her eyes had watered slightly. Allister was a very devout man, he taught Aldora of all of the Great Spirit, each and every day. He taught her of the rules of the tribe. He made Aldora understand and respect the wishing of the tribe. Aldora was quiet as they made the trek back, she listened to Nadine speak of her past. She brought her brows together, how could they take her from her family? Was her mother among the tribe? Was she taken from her family as well? But why outcast? Why was she forced to live her life away from her mother and father. She took in a slow breath as they approached the slip rope. “Even so…though I am thankful that you and I have been set on the path to cure the sacred lands…” She spoke and looked to Nadine, “It is a harsh way to rip a child from the chance to be a child. To deny that…it’s…just as horrible as Allister being an outcast…as me being made an outcast from birth…I…I’m sorry, Nadine…” She shook her head and looked to the rope. “Just put your staff like this, and hold on really tight, okay?” She spoke before she slid down the rope.
Aldora had her hands out, ready to keep Nadine from tumbling any more than she had. She helped her up carefully. “You will learn.” She smiled, “But I will be here to protect you.”
They made their way toward the gate to the embrace. Outside of the great walls the sacred land continued, but eventually if they traveled far enough, they would be away from the sacred land of the Great Spirit. Aldora watched as the gates opened for them, she’d only been outside of the safety of the embrace a handful of times. She glanced out to the huge valley that they were entering. “Nadine, we must be very alert out here. The embrace, it is safe in comparison to outside of the gate…” She spoke as she led along. She would hide them in tall grass from huge machines and lead Nadine to safety, her focus tracked the creatures, it told her of their moves what direction they would continue and how long. She used it frequently until they made it to a trail away from the larger creatures. She looked to Nadine as she asked of her childhood.
Aldora took in a breath and gave a nod, a soft smile curved up her lips. “Allister was the perfect father for me, though I yearn to know my mother, know who she was, to know my father even…” She shook her head. “I would be lost without Allister. From a young age he taught me of the Great Spirit, he taught me of the rules of the tribe. He would build dummies for me to fight from cloth and sticks. As soon as I could hold onto a spear, and draw a bow. He made me one. He made me a bow that still hangs at our home. It is smaller than any bow I am sure you have ever seen.” She chuckled slightly, remembering. “I remember at a young age he began teaching me of the proving, what it was, why I would do it. I grew to have my own reasons for participating but he always told me the same thing. He told me that even if I do not need the tribe, the tribe one day would be in need of me.” She paused for a moment, she drew her brows together and held her hand up to her focus. “Get down.” She pushed Nadine quickly into tall grass. They crouched and looked to the pathway, she’d never seen this beast before. It was glowing red, it moved like a spider along the path. She watched as it attacked another machine and suddenly that machine took on the glowing red. “Stay…here…” She spoke slowly, concentrated. She loaded a special arrow into her bow, her heart was pounding within her chest. Her eyes were wide. She was visibly afraid. She’d never seen something like this machine before. She pushed forward and pulled back the string of her bow she shot at a round piece on the side of the head of the machine. She winced as the machine let out a mechanical growl. This machine wasn’t like the machines she’d seen, it wasn’t an animal. She moved swiftly and shot another arrow. The creature turned toward her and rushed her then. With its spider like arms it knocked her to the side harshly. Aldora ran then, she ran in a circle around the machine. She’d roll when it struck at her. She pulled a small ball from her pouch that hung from her waist. She spun it and tossed it at the creature. It stuck to the metal like a magnet and began beeping. The beeping quickened and then suddenly an explosion came from the small ball. The creature was close to Aldora when the explosion happened and it threw her onto her stomach. She gasped for air as she rolled her back and scattered back quickly, her eyes wide. She pulled her staff and rushed forward another unit on the creature lit up by her focus now. She stabbed into it and twisted.
Aldora had only a second before the other creature a watcher rushed her. It was seeping with corruption. She shot one single arrow into its eye with perfect precision before she turned back to the creature. It corrupted the other machine. She shook her head as she ran up and gathered Nadine. “Come on, stay close, stay alert.” She nodded and headed back to the machine that corrupted the others. She drew her brows together and dug around in its components using her dagger to remove things. She pulled a small disc from the components and inspected it she held her hand up to her focus as she looked to the device. “I think this is how it does it…” She spoke softly. She pulled leather from her pouch and attached it to her dagger, it was small enough that it was hardly noticeable.
Aldora glanced to Nadine, “It…was spreading the corruption, causing the machines to grow restless, to attack…the red goop that seeps from them…” She paused a moment. She had cuts and scrapes on her body from the fight with the corruptor. She held her hand up to her focus and gave a nod. “Hold here for a moment.” She spoke as she crouched and snuck down over the hill to the back of a creature they called a sprinter. It was a docile creature and when spooked would normally run away. Aldora held the hilt of her dagger up to the creature and suddenly a bright blue light emitted from her hilt. She watched in awe as blue veiny lines moved over the creature and then she stood and walked to its side, her hand on the metal. She’d never been this close to a living machine without it attacking her. It was incredible. She took in a slow breath and then nodded. “Alright…” She carefully grabbed onto the back of the machine and pulled herself on. She held onto the ropes that had extended from her taking over the creature. She then gave a gentle tap to its side and rode it up over the hill.
Aldora jumped down off of the machine and grinned. “I can…” She looked at the sprinter. “I can speak with them…I don’t know if I can speak with all of them…this….disc…” She held up her dagger and looked to it for a moment. “This is what that machine used to corrupt them, I can use it to speak with them, to calm them.” Aldora bit her lip slightly. “I should…tell you something…” She raised her hand to her Focus. “This…” She thought for a moment. “My focus, it helps me to see things, things that I cannot see without it.” She searched Nadine’s eyes. “I can see the weak points in machines, how and where I need to strike. I can see their pathway…” She took in a breath and bit her lip slightly. “I know the Kanzu forbid the ruins…Allister was angry with me for happening into one. I went into a cave and it collapsed, the cave turned out to be a ruin of the ancients. I was terrified. I knew it was forbidden but I had no choice. I began looking around, I found the focus. I was just a child, it all turned into a game for me.” She paused for a moment, “It showed me to the crystal. I listened to recordings of the ancients, before their end…Allister nearly shunned me for it…he wanted to take it away. But I showed him. I showed him what it made me capable of.”
Aldora looked back to Nadine. “I…hope you don’t look down upon me…I…” She let out a long breath. “For some reason, I feel driven to discover this…there is something about the ancients that has always drawn me to them…to understand them. What were they like? Why are they all gone? What happened to them?” She looked to the sprinter and then back to Nadine. She was silent now, she’d never told anyone but Allister what the focus could do. She feared being shunned. She touched the horse like creature and it made a few noises and bobbed its head happily.
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Post by Raven on Oct 22, 2017 18:50:26 GMT -5
Nadine ducked into the bushes and held her staff in hand. As if she knew what to do with it. When Aldora skillfully destroyed the demon - Nadine stepped from the bush. She observed the dead machine, how it sparked slightly until the energy was gone. The red seeping thick mush pooled in the grass. She looked to Aldora and sighed softly…
Nadine listened to Adora speak of the Focus. What it could do, what it allowed her to do… she thought for a long moment and then let her breath out slowly. “I do not look down upon you… No.. not at all” she continued walking forward. “In the position that I am in.. I learn much of the truth. What is really The Great Spirit, and what is not. This world has been tethered together by the Great Spirit, yes, but many of what we worship as a tribe is manmade” she spoke softly.
“The ruins are forbidden because they reveal the truth. Within these ruins is knowledge of how this all came to be. The machines, the Focus, the corruption, the past and how we got there. Allowing anyone access to these ruins would take the hope from the tribe. You see… installing our beliefs into these foreign instances fuels our belief, and brings us closer as a tribe. Are these machines natural? No…. animals with blood in their veins – those are creations of the Great Spirit” she spoke softly and then looked to Aldora.
“It is my job to understand what the truth is, and then choose to harvest the potential in the lands as a beacon of hope. Not quite a lie, but without it – we become victims to this cruel world, become weak. We must have something that ties us together. So, in the efforts to do so, in the hundreds of years… the tribe has come up with some silly thoughts, rules, and beliefs. Half of them are even true. Should we outcast someone for seeking knowledge? No… the truth is.. we blind ourselves as much as we help ourselves. We should be seeking the knowledge of the ancients, trying to understand how and why things are the way they are. Saying The Great Spirit made it - is not good enough” she shook her head then.
“I will give an example. I pluck the leaves of flowers, crafted by the Great Spirit. I have done much studying… I know what these flowers can do, where they grow, why they grow – what they need to grow, how to harvest them, everything I can. Why? What makes the knowledge of the past any different than the flower?” she questioned, looking up. “The worst that could happen? I don’t know… but at this point.. I fear we are at the worst. Our ignorance to the history before us has led us to this point.” She spoke bluntly then. “these words I wouldn’t ever speak to a Patriarch, but Aerwyn and I have discussed it – as we both have discovered much. I will tell you now, something no one knows…”
“In the Heart of the Mountain… behind that doors is an ancient rune as well. The entire while we have been shunning those in the ruins – we have been worshipping one” she chuckled. “It is natural for humans to worship what they do not understand. But what makes us a young tribe is the ignorance to not dive further.” She glanced to Aldora and then continued more. “Mystics enter that room, we learn more than we should. Over the years this thought process has been developed over the hundreds of years. We know there is something more, we know more than we should, but we must refrain. The entire tribe must be ready to make that leap. To release ourselves from our beliefs and find a new purpose. Aerywn said it would have to be a terrible event to cause this, we both agree we are on the brink of that change. This corruption that has locked us from the Great Spirit… “ she sighed softly.
“So on that note… we will be diving into Ancient Ruins, old temples, whatever we can. We are on a search for answers. So the fact you are already acclimated to this makes it that much easier for me.” She chuckled then. When she finished her sentence is when Aldora
“Help!” A voice shouted. Nadine looked to Aldora – and they both ran forward. Two people were on the ground, one kneeling and the other holding his chest.
“Thank the Great Spirit. We were caravanning, some goods for our village… I was attacked – I told my son to go with the caravan.. our village was nearly destroyed a few weeks ago by some Storm Talons… without the goods they are going to starve, but the raptors went after him. Please, that caravan has to get back” he cried out.
Nadine rushed to his side and looked to Aldora. “Aldora – you go, I will stay with him. I will patch him up and we will be on your tail.” The other man who kneeled next to the hurt man gripped his bow. “I’ll hold off any enemies that come our way…”
“I have my horn, if I need you” she nodded and then pulled at the mans vest. She held a few cloths and blotted his wound, with salve she stuffed his wound and quickly wrapped it tightly. “Come on” they both helped the man up. They walked, a little slower than she wanted, down the trail…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 22, 2017 19:34:45 GMT -5
Aldora stood quietly, listening. After a few moments they began to continue forward toward the Great Mesa. She gave a smile as Nadine spoke, it was good to her such words. To hear that she wasn’t looked down upon. To hear that it was actually a good thing that Aldora thought the way that she did of the ancients and their ruins. “The tribe would crumble, even if I told them what I found at such a young age in the ruin that hides in the embrace…” Aldora spoke softly. By the end of Nadine’s speech they heard the call for help. Aldora rushed forward with Nadine and glanced around, using her focus to look for enemies. She looked to Nadine for a long moment, she worried to leave her, especially in the hands of a stranger.
“Anything changes blow the horn.” She stared directly into Nadine’s eyes. “I’ll be here before anything happens. I promise.” She then turned and took off in a sprint after the others. She ran for a good while before she heard screaming. She pushed harder and held her hand up, scanning ahead of her, over the hill. Watchers, five of them circled around the caravan of 4 people. One had a staff he held it defensively.
“Get back!” He yelled to the creatures.
Just as a watched lunged forward an arrow lodged into its heart, causing it to fall to its side. The other machines turned and honed in on Aldora. She took in a deep breath and pulled her staff. With great precision she rolled and tucked from the path of their attacks. The Watchers were quick. She’d strike and then roll. At one point she struck one to the ground and leaped into the air, she brought her blade of her staff down into it harshly. In the next moment she rolled from the creature just in time to miss an attack from the other. She jumped back. The three circled her, snarling and snapping. Aldora stood still, she couldn’t move. One false move and they’d be on top of her. She held her staff, her breaths heavy. The world seemed to slow as her movements went into action. Her first strike was a lunge forward with a stab of the staff in an upward motion into the machine. The other two converged on her. She spun and knocked one down as the other snapped onto her arm and ripped her to the ground. Aldora let out a cry. In that moment she held her staff up and stabbed the machine as it came down upon her. She threw it to the side and rushed forward, she stabbed into the final machine. She held her left arm tucked up against her body as it dripped blood from the attack. The machine had shredded her skin very well with its mechanical teeth that were razor sharp.
“Thank the Great Spirit!” An older woman spoke she came running up to Aldora. “My dear!” She looked to her arm. “Jonas get her some water to rinse this.” She called.
“No, no I’m okay.” Aldora spoke as the young man came rushing up. She’d saved the caravan. “I spoke with a man not too far up the pathway, he was injured he told me of you.” She gave a smile.
The old woman looked to the mark that was on her left hand. “By the Great Spirit.” She bowed her head. “Seeker. Guardian.” She looked to her in awe. “You, saved us. The Kanzu are lucky to have such a brave. Where is your Lady?” She questioned.
Aldora looked back down the path, she took in a breath, “Coming, Lady Nadine stopped to tend to…”
“My son.” The old woman smiled. “He saved us from the creatures, fended them off. But they do not give in these machines.” She shook her head. “There used to be a time that we lived in peace with the machines.”
“Grandmother.” The young man spoke and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Yes, yes. My apologies young seeker.” She gave a smile. “Thank you. The Great Spirit guided you to us.” She looked her over. “Come let me tend to you.” She pulled Aldora to the caravan and then woman began to clean her wound.
Aldora grimaced. It was a deep cut. Her skin hung loose in one section of the cut. A watcher had never gotten a hold of her like that before. But, then again she didn’t have to fight such restless beasts within the embrace before either. “These corrupted machines…”
“They just keep getting worse…” The woman spoke, “It seems each day more and more come for us. They attack without being provoked.” She shook her head.
“The machines attacked Big Tree not long ago.” The young man spoke, Jonas. “Nearly destroyed the village. We are trying to rebuild, but it isn’t easy…we lost a lot of Braves…” The boy spoke, her was young maybe 16.
Aldora gave a nod, “I see.” She watched as the woman wrapped a cloth around her arm tightly to stop the bleeding. Her blood began to blot through the white cloth as the woman added layers until the red was no longer seeping through. “We saw a spider like machine, that changed another. Made it corrupt…”
“Yes, the demons.” The old woman spoke. “I fear for our lands child. Something like this, what is happening.” She stared at Aldora, “The Great Spirit is angered….something is wrong.”
“Something indeed is off. Lady Nadine and I have set off to cure the corruption…we will find a way.”
“I pray that you do, child.” The old woman spoke.
“Papa!” The boy ran up the hill and threw her arms around his father.
Aldora looked up the hill a smile on her lips as Nadine came into view. It was good to see her safe. The old woman shifted slightly, “Where are you headed child?” She asked curiously. “The sun is setting, you do not want to be out here in the dark.”
Aldora looked to her, “The Mesa.” She responded.
The old woman rose her brows. “That is dangerous territory, young seeker.” She warned. “Come with us, keep our caravan safe the rest of the way to Big Tree, we will house you.” She spoke.
Aldora looked to Nadine and then gave a nod. She was quiet as they walked along, she would rush ahead and kill machines that lie in their path, she kept the caravan safe. The old woman watched in awe to the precision that Aldora had. Just after the sun set they arrived at Big Tree. It was a small settlement with a huge tree in the center, thus the name. Within the tree the inhabitants had bored it out. The tree was a good 20 feet wide, and several hundred feet tall. It could be seen from miles away.
The old woman led Nadine and Aldora into a bedroom and brought them dinner plates. “Thank you again, for saving my family.” She spoke.
Aldora yawned and looked to the plate of delicious food. She scarfed it down happily before she looked to Nadine. “We made some distance today, huh?” She gave a smile and sat on her bed. She was exhausted. She looked to her arm, blood had begun to splotch through. “Nadine…” She spoke softly. “Would you mind…looking at this? The Watcher got ahold of my arm…” She winced slightly. “It was corrupted…it burns…” She pulled the cloth from her arm. Her skin near the cut was hot and red. It looked much like a chemical burn. She grit her teeth. “I’ve never been bitten like this…” She spoke softly.
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Post by Raven on Oct 22, 2017 20:23:42 GMT -5
As they crested the hill – Nadine laid eyes on the caravan, and Aldora. She helped load the injured man onto the rolling caravan, and then walked along side. She looked to the Elder who seemed enlightened to have her there. They spoke of the pilgrimage and how Nadine is to cure the corruption. “I am hoping to find answers within the temples.” She spoke softly. As they arrived to the village they were welcomed by their leader.
A woman in all leather and feathers stepped up and bowed her head. “The Blessed Lady Nadine, it is an honor to welcome you to our village.” She smiled then and looked to the caravan crew. “You and your Guardian rescued our caravan I see… we are in your debt. Thank you…”
“It is my duty to aid whenever I can” Aldora smiled and then crossed her hands infront of her. “I would like to Bless your Spirit Well, before I leave tomorrow.” Aldora spoke softly.
The leader nodded. “We would be in your debt if you did so. Corrupted machines are growing in number, your blessing may ensure our waters do not become corrupted too” she bowed her head and then nodded. “come on, you should get some rest. In the morning we will guide you to the edge of our village. There a several villages on the way to the Mesa… I can mark them on your map – they will welcome you, as is our duty Lady Nadine” she bowed her head and then lead them to the large tree.
Nadine nodded and walked up to Aldora, observing her arm. “Why is this happening?” she shook her head and grit her teeth. “Sit… this is going to be painful. I have to remove the corrupted flesh… it is already in the process of dying, It can spread and then there goes your whole arm..” she spoke and lowered them both to the bed, to sit down.
She opened her satchel – she pulled out a small vial which had some liquid in it. She poured it over the wound, which would seep into her arm and numb the pain. More than just a little numbness. “You might not feel your arm at all, just for a little while. I am going to have to get nasty with this. I cannot risk leaving any corruption” she then pulled out a small knife – it was incredibly sharp. “I don’t think you’ll want to watch so… perhaps we should fill the void. So.. tell me about… the first time you came across one of those raptor guys” she glanced up, and then back down. Moving the blade – cutting off tiny bits of skin and wiping the area away with a cloth.
She worked for about 15 minutes before she was confident. It was just her flesh, not muscle though. She held her hand over the wound and cleansed it with her powers. Then she sewed It up and packed the wound, wrapping it tightly. This time it didn’t bleed. It was an art… truly.
“That should do it. You’ll get feeling back in an hour or two. If you feel a burning.. let me know, I’ll have to go back and make sure more corruption didn’t pop up” she spoke and then moved to her plate, which was now cold. Though it did not bother her. She cleaned her bloodied hands in a bowl of water, and wiped them off…
After eating she climbed into her bed and easily fell asleep. When morning came there was chatter in the village. They were standing outside of the tree, waiting for Nadine. When she rose and fixed herself up… she slowly stepped outside. They all bowed as she did. There was a line formed where each person came to her… requesting healing, a blessing.
Nadine had an obligation to aid any Kanzu tribe member. She did not approach this with any anger or annoyance. She tended to each person, steadily and kindly, never rushing the scenario. She asked about their family, about their passions and joy, all while tending to the wounds. She wrapped several burns, cleaned cuts, packed wounds, she gave blessings and hope to the entire village. Three hours had passed when she finally finished.
Nadine sat down on a log bench and relaxed for a moment. She then got to eat… “Ah.. Aldora… this… this will be a normal occurrence. But some may have died without my aid…” she spoke and then pointed to the well that was to the north of the village. “Their well, it drives deep in the lands. I shall give it my blessing and then we will be on our way… stock up on some supplies if you could.” She nodded and then stepped away, her staff in hand, to the well.
Nadine stood over the well and held her hands over it. A few villagers came to watch, their leader amongst them. A white glowing power glowed from her palms. Several gasped, watching in awe. The beam of light blast downward into the well. “The Guardian Spirit shall linger in these waters, protecting this village from the corruption of the forests. He shall protect you and bless this water” she spoke and then stepped back. The glowing ended.
“And so it is true… The Blessed Lady, one with the Great Spirit… thank you.. for everything you’ve done” the leader spoke.
“It is my duty…” she bowed her head and then smiled. “And now I shall continue my journey, with my Guardian by my side. May the Great Spirit watch over you..”
“And you” they all chanted.
Nadine smiled and waited for Aldora to watch up – a group of Brave lead them out of the village, and a few miles out. The group stopped and bowed. “Thank you” Nadine spoke – and then they left the group of men, to venture forward to the next village.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 22, 2017 23:48:17 GMT -5
Aldora took in a stiff breath and looked away as she poured the medicine over her wound. It stung. It felt like shards of metal grinding into her body. She took in quick breaths focusing herself. She kept her eyes away and gave a nod as she heard Nadine slicing on her flesh. “The first time.” She spoke slowly. Trying not to think about the fact that pieces of her skin were being cut off, bit by bit, like a roast beef. “I was four I believe. Allister and I were picking berries. I remember it very clearly. I was picking wild berries about twenty or so yards from him. Just far enough to get me into trouble, he’d say. I heard a rustle and I looked up, but I didn’t see anything at all. I looked over to Allister and that was the moment the Watcher attacked. I remember I was on my back. I remember the claws digging into my thighs. I pulled my dagger and I stabbed at it.” She paused a moment. “I somehow managed to stab in just the right spot. It was my first kill.” She chuckled.
“Allister was in fear and in shock. By the time he made it to me the machine was sparking. I’d stabbed it half a dozen times or more. I remember he pulled the creature off of me, I had a cut on my forehead….” She pulled her hair away from her forehead to reveal the cut. “When it fell on me when I killed it the blades within its mouth sliced right here.” She ran her finger along the faint ridge of a scar. “It cut all the way to the bone…” She smiled as she thought back to it. “I watched Allister kill machines before, he showed me. But he hadn’t had me hunt yet, he had me on his training dummies back at the cabin. After that day, he began training with me, pushing me. I was lucky to live. The Great Spirit watched over me, he said. He couldn’t believe that I was alive. The watcher had the perfect attack on me, he wasn’t as close as he should have been, but that was my fault. I was picking berries and not really paying too much attention. I should have listened to him, in all honesty.” She paused and sighed. Her arm felt as though it was being compressed tightly. She looked to the bandaging and then smiled. “Thank you, Nadine.”
Aldora lay back on her bed. She stared up at the ceiling as Nadine ate. “My life has been one crazy occurrence after another. I still can’t believe that I am your guardian.” She smiled. Soon she slipped off into slumber it was a heavy sleep. The best she’d slept in a long time. She felt safe, protected just being in the presence of Nadine. Maybe the Great Spirit was real? She’d spent her entire life listening to Allister and going along with what he said. Though, she never really believed in the Great Spirit. As she would always say to him, ‘Why would the Great Spirit allow an infant to be cast out?’ Her argument was solid. It didn’t make any sense. Though, now she could see why they believed in such a god.
The next morning came swiftly and Aldora watched as Nadine tended to several people of the tribe that lined up for her. She stood watch over her, looking about the village, watching for any threat possible.
“Seeker?” A voice asked. It was Jonas.
Aldora turned her head to look to him. “Yes, Jonas?” She asked with a warm smile.
“Could you train with me? While Lady Nadine is busy? I…I want to fight like you, I want to be as good as you are for my Proving when I am of age.”
Aldora looked to the long line. She moved to Nadine’s side and leaned down, placing her hand on Nadine’s shoulder. “I am going to be down in that clearing, training with the boy, if you need me, I am an ear shot away.” She then stood and walked off with the boy.
“How do you do it?” He asked, he held a staff in his hands. He spun it around and tried to imitate some of the movements she made.
Aldora pulled her staff and pointed to the training dummy. “You have to focus.” She spoke, “Breathe slow, imagine your each step, think of the next movement that your enemy can make. Be ready to dodge. Fast on your feet.” Aldora helped him through the motions. She moved about with him. They were fluid and dancing about with their staffs in no time. Aldora grinned as she taught him. Before long a small crowd of young and old surrounded her and the boy. Aldora would lay down a new scenario and as him to solve it. When he couldn’t she would give him hints and help him to understand the answer. She spent three hours training with him, until he had blisters on his hands. She sat with him, on her knees, they faced each other. Aldora had her hands on her lap as she spoke to him, her voice encouraging. “If you focus, and you believe in yourself, the Great Spirit will guide you.” She spoke with a soft smile. She knew how to speak to the Kanzu, even if she wasn’t fully sure if she believed or not.
Aldora ruffled his hair and helped him up before she headed over to Nadine. She sat down on the bench to eat as well and let out a long sigh. “I imagine, I may be busy too, as word travels quick. Hm?” She let out a chuckle. She then gave a nod, “I will stock up on plenty of supplies for our journey.” She stood and stepped to the market. Only one vender remained as everyone else gathered at the blessing. Aldora gathered supplies and went up to pay the man he gave her a gentle smile and held his hand up.
“No need, Seeker. You saved my wife, my son, and my grandson, as well as a few others yesterday on that caravan. We are in debt to you. The least I can do is offer you some supplies for you and Lady Nadine.” He gave a warm smile. “I saw you with Jonas. He’s a fine fighter. One of the best.”
Aldora nodded, “Thank you.” She bowed her head to him she then grinned. “He is indeed an excellent fighter. He will do well as a Brave.”
“I hope for him to become our war chief one day.” The old man spoke.
“Ah, that he could. He has a good heart. The Great Spirit no doubt is with him.” She smiled. “Thank you.” She held up the bag before she placed it in her pack.
“May the Great Spirit bless you, Seeker.”
“And you.” Aldora nodded before she left to find Nadine. Aldora gave a smile as she met up with the Lady and was silent as they were led out of the city. She scanned the open valley around them looking for threats. When the Braves left she took in a breath. “The next village is very far.” She spoke and looked to Nadine. “The farther we get from the Spirit’s Heart the more spread out the villages are going to become. Allister spoke of his days before he was tasked with raising me. He spent a lot of his time outside of the embrace, tracking down bandits and killing machines for villagers.” Aldora walked along silently for awhile before she looked to Nadine. “So, tell me about your first moment of using your power. How did it happen? With the crystals, how did you discover it?” She gave a soft smile, curious.
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Post by Raven on Oct 23, 2017 21:54:02 GMT -5
As they stepped into the wilderness – Nadine looked to Aldora and then smiled. “I just wanted to say something…” she spoke softly, her voice was gentle and smooth. It was fitting that Nadine was to be a Mystic, a healer. Many often commented, waking from their aches and pains, the voice of a sweet goddess would welcome them back to this world. She had a very faint and soft voice, that was sweet from her lips. Though, she knew how to project and demand respect when necessary.
“You fit in your role so perfectly, it is hard to believe” she chuckled and then looked out to the great trees that filled the expanse. “It is an expectation that I hold myself the way I do, to talk the way I do, to do the things I must. No one asked you to do this, no one prompted you or taught you. My thoughts and actions have been bred into my blood… You… you just do it, without being asked, for the sake of doing it because it is good. No one had to tell you it was the correct thing to do.” She reached her hand out and touched Aldora’s bicep, her fingers grazing over the white metal shoulder piece.
“I saw you training that young warrior… I saw the look in the Brave’s eyes, the chieftan nodding in approval from afar. Your actions have much impact… you weren’t just training their young, you were installing peace and hope in their eyes. These villages have been through much, something like that… I have no more words about it, other than… sometimes it can be exhausting to be the only one offering so much – I never asked you to help, but yet you did…Thank you… and… don’t say it is your duty or however… because it isn’t..”
“You don’t owe us anything” she whispered under her breath and then continued forward. She smiled when Aldora asked about the first time she used her powers. “The first real time I actually used them…” she smiled and then thought for a second. “I was 7… Our Elder – Jakal, he was like a Grandfather to me. I spent many evenings on his porch where he taught me of Kanzu history, spoke his stories of the Great Spirit. In the times when my faith wavers – I recall his stories, his teachings… he is the one that gave me purpose. He got really sick, Aerywyn could not figure out why he was dying… I sat by his bedside the entire while. Any time I left – he would ask for me. I even crawled into his bed and slept with him. I remember him crying softly as he held me… but it was not tears of sorrow. A gentle happiness that his last days were with me. We had a bond that I’ve never had with anyone else in the village. It was love. Like a Grandfather might love his own blood. You might remember… they stripped me of that feeling when I was very young. But Jakal believed Love was a vital and important mixture to the proper raising” she the climbed over a down tree.
“On the day of his last breath – he spoke to me of my future, how I was to be great, the Great Spirit was with me, so on so on. When he was slipping away… I pleaded to the Great Spirit to keep him with me. He touched my hand and told me it was okay. He asked me to give him my Blessing, so he could pass in peace. And when I did – I cried so hard at the end and woke the power within me. My hands were glowing as I held his hand… his entire body became swarmed with that white light. His eyes fluttered and he looked to me. And in that moment he was at the ultimate peace. He was amazed, in awe, and thankful. He smiled and mouthed thank you to me, and when my power finished – he was gone. But I was not upset. I knew… it was the best way for him to go… consumed and taken by the Great Spirit, he would linger with him for Eternity” she glanced to Aldora and then blushed slightly.
“Other than those who had witnessed this.. I never actually told anyone that… it is a very a soft topic for me… Like I said – I am supposed to be void from love. But I believe love is part of being human. Love is what drives us. Instead of loving a single person, I love The Great Spirit, and all of the Kanzu tribe who belong to him. I suppose that is the intent of stripping me from family, that I would direct that natural necessity to exactly that..” she gave a sigh.
“Wh-Whoa!” Nadine pointed forward. Poking over the trees was a giant head, as the machine walked in between the trees she saw the entire body. It had a large body with an extremely slender neck, with a flat round head. “What the, what is that?! Is it going to attack us?!” she exclaimed and looked to Aldora. “What do we do?!”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 23, 2017 22:49:27 GMT -5
Aldora looked to Nadine as she spoke of how she’d trained the young brave. She looked ahead, keeping an eye out for anything hostile. She took in a breath when Nadine said it wasn’t her duty. She shook her head and gave a smile. “It may or may not be my duty, but, if I am to travel with you, why would I not assist where I can? I may not be a healer but I do know my way around a battlefield, I know my way with the machines. Focus or no focus. I have trained for so long that it is second nature in me to defend, to protect. Allister trained it into me to protect others, he trained me to be a brave, in all honesty, without even knowing I would become a guardian to a lady…he trained me for this.” She then fell silent as she listened to Nadine’s story of her first use of magic.
Aldora’s eyes watched Nadine, she could see the love in her eyes as she spoke of the old man. It was truly an incredible story. To see Nadine’s eyes light up. It was different to see this in her. Aldora hadn’t seen this in Nadine before. She went to respond just as Nadine spotted the tall machine. Aldora looked to it as it walked slowly, the pounding of its hooves into the ground rumbled slightly, vibrating the earth. She gave a smile and looked to Nadine. This was her second Tallneck that she’d witnessed. Allister told her stories of them when she was a child. She saw one about two years ago when they were training outside of the embrace. “That is a Tallneck.” She spoke as she stared up to the huge dish upon its head. “It is a completely docile creature, it will never attack. In fact, it circles in the same general area. It is a surveyor so to speak. It has a way of using that huge dish to take in the surroundings. It is a balance to the land. Or at least that is what Allister told me.”
Aldora looked to the ruins of buildings that they were coming upon. She wanted to know what it looked like before. More than anything she wanted to know what the world looked like before the ancients fell. She took in a breath, thinking about the village, thinking of Allister. “How is it that our people expect you to live without love?” She asked curiously. She was baffled by the thought that Nadine was not allowed to feel love. She looked to Nadine for a moment, the sun was lowering in the sky by then. “A healer, one that is closer to the Great Spirit than any other, and you must be void of all emotion, all feeling?” She shook her head. “Of all things, I thought that it was cruel to outcast me as an infant, but to void love from a child.” She sighed slightly. “Allister was proud, he loved though. He loved me as his own…” She paused for a moment thinking. “Allister had a family.” She glanced to Nadine. “Before I was given to him. He had a family before he was outcast, he never spoke much of them. But, they died in a raid…. he lived in one of these outlying villages. Bandits raided the village, killed nearly everyone. Those that they didn’t kill they left for dead or they took as slaves.”
Aldora paused a moment, she seemed to be in deep thought. “He always called me his blessing from the Great Spirit. A chance to have a child, a chance to raise a child….I was a gift from the Great Spirit to him. He never let me down.” She spoke before she fell silent.
As they moved forward Aldora saw something ahead of them in the road. A man lay on the ground. “Help!” He called. “Help me! My leg!” He cried.
Aldora scanned the area looking for any threats. She looked to Nadine, “Stay in cover until I give you the word.” She spoke, something didn’t quite feel right about this. She moved forward to his side and crouched down. “Where are you hurt?” She questioned.
“My leg!” He spoke his voice hoarse. “Look at it! Please!”
Aldora looked to him before she moved to his leg and lifted the pantleg. In that moment the man moved quickly. His arm wrapped around her and a cold sharp blade was held against her neck. Aldora let out a yelp unwillingly, her eyes wide. Others stepped from behind a boulder then running toward them. “Ahhh good catch this one.” A filthy man knelt down and gripped her chin. “She ought to be fun.” He chuckled.
Aldora studied them, she didn’t speak as she was lifted to her feet. A bit of blood trailed from a small cut from the blade upon her neck, nothing more than a scratch, the metal was just razor sharp. The man snickered, “Ah yes, an easy one too.” He whispered into her ear. He reeked of something she’d never smelled before. Aldora shut her eyes for a moment, she smell was nauseating. “What’s that girl huh?” He held her tightly, her arms pinned to her sides. “You want to have some fun later with us? Hm?”
The other man stepped forward inspecting her. “A Kanzu.” He spoke and snickered. “How perfect. Your people are so sheltered.” He gripped her chin as well. “Beauty this one though.” He smiled, his teeth were yellow and crooked. These men were bandits. He looked over her body for a moment and licked his lips. “Yes.” He spoke and nodded. He let out a whistle and a caravan began to approach. A closed cart carried by a few brute men moved in on her. She was shoved toward the back of the cart she could hear whimpering from within the cart. Aldora’s heart raced. She glanced to where she’d let Nadine. “What is it Kanzu?” The man gripped her chin roughly. He reached to her hands and began tying a rope around her wrist. It was in this moment that they underestimated her. Aldora had not fought with them the entire while. She’d stayed completely silent.
The man that held onto her that held the dagger to her throat released just as the other man tied her wrists together. Aldora waited for him to lean forward a bit more toward her wrists as he tightened down the knot. She brought her knee up into his face swiftly. The man cried out as he stumbled back, blood gushing from his nose. “She hit me!” He spat blood from his mouth as well. “That bloody Kanzu!” He rushed forward. Aldora dodged to the side she spun and lunged, she lifted her arms up over his head and pulled back harshly around his neck. He pulled at her hold as she backed up.
“Give it up girl!” The man with the yellow teeth ordered.
Aldora pulled tighter until the man she held fell limp. It was then that she was rushed by the others. With her hands tied she put up a fight. She kicked. She dodged. Aldora leaped into the air and kicked one man down just for another to attack her. One swung his sword at her and Aldora used this as an advantage. She held her wrists up, just in time. The sword sliced right through the rope that tied her. It left a small cut on her arm but nothing major. Within the blink of an eye Aldora had her staff. She rushed forward and nearly ran up the chest of a man. Her spear stabbed downward into his throat and blood splattered as she fell to the ground with him.
“Give it up girl! You’ll pay for that!” One of the men growled.
Aldora spun around and slammed the staff into the man’s side. She then kicked him to the ground and stabbed into him. She was silent all the while. She turned just in time to be caught by one of the other men. She toppled to the ground, her staff knocked from her grip. He pinned her to the ground, his eyes full of anger. Aldora struggled against him until she slipped her wrist from his grip. She reached forward to his belt and pulled his own dagger before she stabbed it into his chest. Aldora pushed him off of her and stumbled back to regain her balance as the last man stood, he held a strange device. She stared to the device, she’d never seen anything like it before. “You’ve killed all of my men.” He spoke, rage in his voice. “They were good men.” He pulled a trigger on the device and a rod came flying from it. It whizzed passed her as she dodged to the side. Aldora rushed forward and tackled him to the ground. Her knees on either side of his body. The man looked up to her as she pulled her dagger. “Kanzu girl, do you ever speak?” He asked with a snicker. He then shoved her and rolled her onto her back, he pinned her hand to the ground that held the dagger. “You’re awfully destructive for who silent you are.” He snickered.
Aldora writhed against him as he held her there, his body crushing hers. “Why should I speak to you?” She asked her eyes staring to him.
The man grinned and snickered. “So that I know what your voice sounds like. It’s smooth, sweet. Edgy even.” He chuckled as he leaned down close to her. “I’m going to make your Great Spirit weep for you, Kanzu girl.” He breathed. “I’ll make you pay for what you’ve done.” His grip was strong. He wasn’t letting up, he didn’t falter like the others. Aldora couldn’t get from his hold. She turned her head from him when he went to kiss her. His lips pressed against her cheek. “Don’t worry girl, you’ll come to listen. I promise you that.” He chuckled. “You’ll follow my every command by time I’m done with you.” He slammed her against the ground harshly, his body crushing her, the harsh movement knocked the air from her lungs. She could barely breathe. She gasped for air. He snickered then as he held her there, he wasn’t going to let up until she fell unconscious.
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Post by Raven on Oct 23, 2017 23:20:40 GMT -5
Nadine looked to Aldora and sighed softly and nodded “At first I thought so… but it has a purpose. It is impossible to truly be void of love, or emotion. But the concept is to limit it, so there are no distractions. That is why I am the way I am.. I am focused and devoted – I know no otherway. I cannot be attached to everyone because eventually everyone I know dies in my hands. How I would suffer if I loved each person. Jakar was a terrible loss for me, and even now I grieve. I learned later to love, yes, but the importance of dividing my work from those I loved. And when the time came… to let go of it, and allow them a peaceful way to the Spirit world” she spoke and then shrugged slightly. “I know it isn’t the right answer, but.. it works” she spoke and glanced to Aldora slightly.
They paused and Nadine followed Aldora’s orders – slipping into a bush and hiding against a tree. She crouched low and watched from afar. She muffled her whimpers as Aldora was grabbed and tied up. Why did she let them get ahold of her so easily? Nadine grit her teeth and shook her head, she couldn’t lose her guardian. This is not how it is to go, the Great Spirit would never will it this way.
And she was right. Aldora surprised them, taking them out easily. She understood swiftly why she waited. Catch them off guard. They made a judgement call about Aldora, and their defenses lowered. This gave her the opportunity to strike hard. It was a risky play, but it made sense. She was heavily out numbered… Nadine nodded in approval…
Though as the impressive battle continued – Aldora was held down in the end, her life teetering on the edge. “No” she whispered. She shut her eyes and then bit her lower lip…
“Times are changing” Aerwyn spoke to Nadine. “I fear our next war will not be against other tribes, but rather against the machines – against the great earth. The balance has been interrupted and now these machines rule the forests. Soon they will come for us… and you – you will have to make a decision then. Should we adapt, or should we falter in our old ways?” Aerwyn looked to Nadine with wise eyes. This had been maybe a year ago.
“You mean to say – go against the rules of the village?” Nadine questioned, puzzled as to why Aerywn was even putting this seed of thought in her head.
“If we remained stagnant – we would never progress, never advance. We would wither away while the world continues with the ages. Soon we would become ruins like the ancients before us…” Aerywn sipped on a glass of tea and leaned back in her rocking chair.
“And when these machines come… what do I do?” Nadine questioned.
“I can’t tell you the answer… but know that the Great Spirit watches over you. In times of dire need, of great danger… even the rules are just rules. You are the communicator, the Blessed… If taking a life means saving another – then it must be done”
“W-what?!” Nadine couldn’t believe what Aerwyn just spoke.
“When rival tribes come and ravage our village – will you sit idle and let them kill you, your people? No… you stand up, and even if you fall… you fall amongst your people. What I am saying is… do not let your fear of sacred rules cloud your judgement. In the end… you set the boundaries, you are the keystone of the village…”
“I don’t understand… you won’t let me learn anyways, I am confused..”
“Unfortunately I cannot allow you to learn the art of war, that would be very frowned upon. But that is not the point I am making… think long and hard about this lesson, one day you will call upon this memory. You will know what I mean, it ways more than one…”
Nadine looked to this man that hovered over Aldora. She pulled her beautiful staff and glanced to the bottom of it. Two large… long.. pointed spikes. Nadine slowly moved forward, coming out of the bushes. She was very quiet … soon she stood behind this man, his legs straddling on either side of Aldora.
“Great Spirit forgive me” she whispered. In a sudden and swift motion – she brought her staff down. The long bone pierced his back and then through his chest, slicing through his heart, and then pushing out the other side of his chest. Nadine stumbled back, her hands slipping from the staff. The man fell over, blood pooling from his lips and chest.
Nadine fell to the ground and gripped her chest. She was heaving loudly – gasping for air. Her entire body trembled as fear and terror overcame her. She had never taken a life. From anything. Now she had stolen the breath from a human. He may not be Kanzu… but she was a healer…
“Al-Aldora” she called out. Tears slipped from her eyes, she tried to regain her posture but couldn’t seem to. “Are you okay?” she called out. She crawled over, on her hands and knees and knelt next to her. She then glanced to the dead bandit, who’s eyes were still open… She huffed in a thick sob and stood up swiftly.
“I.. I need a moment” she spoke and walked over to a tree. She placed her hands on the thick bark, her fingers rolling over the texture. She then fell to her knees and placed her hands together… whispering a prayer under her breath…. She slowly opened her eyes and looked forward. In the grass and rocks was a glistening object. She slowly stood up and approached it… when she kneeled down and touched the metal bit, trying to scrape the dirt away.
It was a lever of some kind. Her hand instantly glowed – without her willing it – and it some how powered on. The lever moved and then the ground began to rumble. “Aldora!” she called out. She began to move backwards, but not by her own will. The ground was moving… a door lowered in and she tumbled to a set of stairs. “Ummm” she called out and caught herself on the dusty railing. “What…is this…?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 28, 2017 13:34:51 GMT -5
Everything happened so suddenly. The Bandit was crushing her one moment and in the next his grip loosened. He let out a painfilled groan, blood dripped from his nose and fell onto Aldora’s cheek. She pushed him to the side and stared to the two spikes from the staff that remained in his chest. She glanced over as Nadine came to her side, sobbing. “Nadine…” She breathed, her brows tucked in worry. She watched as she scrambled away to the tree, leaving Aldora no chance to make sure she was okay.
Aldora stood slowly, she brushed the blood from her face and stared to the bandit. She’d never felt so powerless in her life. She’d always had a handle on every situation, though, in that moment she needed Nadine to do what she did. She depended on it. Aldora stepped over the bandit and pressed her heel harshly into his back as she pulled the staff from his chest. She stared at the blood as it dripped from the staff. She never meant for Nadine to have to kill. The killing was her job, not Nadine. Just as Aldora was not a healer…Aldora was trained to take a life, not save it. She used the cloth of the bandit’s shirt to clean the blood from Nadine’s staff as she gathered her own staff. She glanced over to Nadine as she prayed. She felt horrible for putting her through something like this. She had no words. Aldora stood in the path, looking away from Nadine, giving her space. Letting her hash things out in her mind.
Aldora lifted her eyes as she felt the ground rumble slightly. She stared to Nadine whom called her name. “Nadine!” She called out as she rushed forward. She watched as Nadine tumbled down into the opening into the earth. She stumbled down the stairs and gasped as she looked around. “This…is a ruin…” She spoke as she looked to the metal that surrounded them. She stepped down into the hall and helped to steady Nadine carefully.
She looked to the lights that flickered down the hallway. She carefully handed Nadine her staff and took another step down into the ruin just as the doorway began to slide shut above them. Aldora ran toward the top of the stairs and stumbled just as the door shut. The click of the door locking into place seemed to echo within the ruin. She turned and sat on the stair for a moment. “This is our first adventure into the forbidden hm?” She spoke as she stood slowly.
Aldora walked up to Nadine and placed her hand on her shoulder. “I…” She looked down and away from Nadine a moment, she bit on her lip, her eyes were sad. “Nadine, I…I didn’t mean for you to have to do that, I’m sorry that I put you into that situation.” She spoke slowly, her voice was softer than normal. “You…you saved my life.” She gave a nod, “Thank you.” She then stepped forward down into the ruin.
The metal walls had small lights within them that flickered. Aldora looked to the dust that was built up on the railings as she came forward to a door. She stared to it as a circle appeared on the metal. Aldora reached forward, just as she had in the ruin as a child. She spun the circle until the doorway unlocked and opened into a barrack. She looked around to the skeletons that lay in their beds. Aldora placed her hand up to her focus and she began to scan the room. Her jaw loose as she was bombarded with information, with audio files.
“This…is where they lived.” She spoke softly. “The ancients spent their last moments here…cowering in fear…” She glanced around the room. “They knew that they were going to die…” She stepped into another room that held a circular table surrounded by chairs. She stepped forward to a device and placed her hand on it. Suddenly an image projected above the table.
“You have been chosen as the elites to help build this project.” A woman within the projection spoke. A smile on her lips. “Together we can save the future for humanity. This is not an extinction, we can stop this.”
“How is it that you plan to end this Dr. Henderson?” A man asked from his chair. All of the ‘Elites’ sat around the table, projected by this device.
“Within your packets I have detailed what your job will be to build a better future for those that come after us, long after the extinction has happened. We will rebuild mankind.” The doctor spoke a smile on her lips.
The projection skipped slightly then and froze for a second before it turned off. Aldora stood her jaw loose. The woman, the Doctor. She looked nearly identical to Aldora. Her eyes, her hair, nearly all of her features. She pressed her hand to the device again and watched through the projection again, she stared at the woman, listened to her voice. She was so familiar. Yet, a stranger. Aldora took a step back, her brows pulled together. She shook her head, shaking the thought from her mind. She couldn’t be connected to this woman. It was impossible. Wasn’t it?
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Post by Raven on Oct 28, 2017 16:11:56 GMT -5
Nadine looked to Aldora and then gave a soft smile “It’s… okay… Sometimes saving a life… means ending another. Aerwyn told me once that I would come across this decision some day, as many do. I just have to remind myself that it was in self defense. That man would kill us both. I could not heal another if I’m dead. Hm? “ she finished her sentence and then stepped down into the ruins.
The door closed behind them. At first the room was dark – but lights seemingly turned on, as If they knew it was dark… She looked up the walls where small round orbs rest, lighting a gentle blue aura that lit the hall dimly. Nadine followed behind Aldora as she opened the door. Her eyes looked over the cobwebs, the dust and dirt. Her eyes glazed over cabinets and tables that were old and dark. Sitting in a chair was dusty skeleton, the clothes were rotting off the thin bones. Nadine gasped softly and stepped over slowly.
“These dead… they are the ancients?” she spoke softly. Nadine jumped when a figure appeared above the table, and it spoke. Nadine walked closer to Aldora and watched the figure speak. Her eyes… her body frame, the face. It looked familiar. “Aldora” she whispered. “This woman…” she whispered. She turned and looked to Aldora for a long moment.
“I knew you were special… it seems my gut was right. A reincarnation perhaps? I have heard of it before… In our ancient stories. The most legendary of warriors, of the best Mystics - hundreds of years later… their soul was so strong that they projected themselves forward, and so a reincarnation is born. To save us again” she bowed her head and then looked to Aldora with adoring eyes. “I know… you aren’t too fond of our believes, but… perhaps this is some sort of sign. It would explain much…. And it would explain why you accept your position and help the Kanzu like you do, despite what we have done to you. An elderly spirit…” she then stepped back.
“I’m… going to look around, see what I can find out..” she spoke and then stepped away from Nadine. “I want to see if we can find anything on that woman… it might help explain who you once were” she wondered off towards another hallway. She stepped towards a table – a book was open and it had writing in it. It was different though – newer, not old and dusty. “Hm… it seems we are not the first to venture upon this ruins…” she looked over the book.
Hades.
To reset the lands to it’s natural balance.
“Hades?” she whispered and flipped the pages. Nothing. That is it? “Who would write this?” she question and set the book down. She turned and lifted an ancient book up – she couldn’t make of any of the writing. It was smudged and faded. “Aldora… how did you set off that image? I think that’s the only we are going to learn anything. These books are damaged…” she searched for Aldora.. to do so she stepped over a few bones on the ground… some of it was just random bones. Like some one had disturbed this place before.
She easily found Aldora and gave a sigh. “I’ve got nothing. All I Found was this..” she handed the notebook forward. “This is not the ancients. Someone else wrote this… recently” she spoke. “It has 2 sentences.. Hades – To reset the land to its natural balance” she spoke softly and then crossed her arms. “Hades? I’ve never heard of it before. Maybe this is what we need – this hades. Maybe hades will kill all of these corrupted machines.. to the natural balance? We should find out more about this…” she spoke and then her eyebrows squeezed together. “I have so many questions… but I can’t get any information. Did your focus allow you to activate that image?”
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