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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 6, 2018 19:15:54 GMT -5
Rhys took in a breath, “Yes…a lot of differences.” She let out a soft chuckle. She stood and poured herself a glass of water from the pitcher and sat back next to Sir Henly as she listened to the two speak. Rhys looked to the delicious pie and smiled as she lifted the fork and began eating. She closed her eyes slightly. In the past few days she’d had such delicious meals, something she’d never really had…
Rhys was mid bite when Sir Henly asked how training was going. She looked to Lenna whom spoke up as she continued to chew the food. She washed it down with a bit of water just as he looked to her. “I…” She thought for a moment and set down her fork. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.” She looked to him, “All of my life I’ve spent my days trying to make sure my father had what he needed. I fetched ale from a young age from the tavern…I would run for charcoal or steel…I’d heat up porridge…or lentils…” She took in a breath. “I’ve never had to….impress someone….in the way that a Lady does.” She thought another moment. “The acting is something that I am not used to. Though, I am used to giving my father credit for my foraging…otherwise the king would have his head years ago. I’m not to touch the hammer, yet…I still do.” She let out a chuckle. “Just as I am not to raise a sword.”
“Ah but you fight well.” Sir Henly grinned and took a swig of his cider as he sat back at the table with his second piece of pie. “I cannot wait to spar again, I can learn much from you.”
Rhys bowed her head to him, “Thank you, Sir Henly, it is a kind gesture.” She spoke and took another bite of pie.
Sir Henly grinned, “Spoken like a Lady.” He winked before he took another bite himself.
Rhys looked to Lady Lenna then, “What should I wear tomorrow then?” She asked. “I am not sure on what to wear for what occasion.” She chuckled and shook her head. “I’ve always worn a tunic and tights…though when my father sends me on errands I’ve always worn a dress, best not to upset anyone…that’s what he would say.”
Sir Henly looked to her, “You’ve already been acting and playing the game, Rhys, you just don’t realize it.”
Rhys looked to him, she pondered for a moment and then nodded. “I suppose I have, haven’t I?” She set her fork down, she was full. She yawned slightly. She looked back to Lady Lenna, “I look forward to the picnic tomorrow.” She spoke and nodded. She moved and cleaned off her dishes with the pail of water. “Thank you…both of you.” She bowed her head. “I am going to turn in for the evening.” She spoke and started toward the stairs.
“Good night.” Sir Henly spoke with a smile on his lips.
Rhys climbed the stairs and slipped into her room. She slipped her belts off that held her sword to her hip and set it carefully on the trunk at the end of her bed. She then sat down on the edge of the bed and slipped her boots from her feet. Rhys sat and thought for a moment. Her mind was still racing. She couldn’t stop thinking about all of it. Everything that happened. She thought back to Dorian getting stabbed. Surely he should have died from an injury like that…Rhys furrowed her brows, did Lenna save him? She stood and stepped out onto the balcony and looked up to the stars, she smiled as she watched the stars twinkle back at her. She curled her fingertips over the railing of the balcony and sighed softly. Her perspective on everything was going to change, she knew it. She could feel a tinge of fear in her gut. Everything was changing so quickly she didn’t know how to keep up…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 6, 2018 20:06:55 GMT -5
Lenna smiled as Rhys spoke, nodding her head as well. “I agree…” she concurred with his statement – Rhys had already been playing the game. “It’s honestly quite simple, once you realize it.” She looked to Sir Henly – who nodded his head. “You just create a character and play it. Like, you would think Sir Henly is well composed, smart, and very knightly. But the reality he is just a walking sack of bricks with pretty blue eyes” she laughed then.
“She’s right though” he finished his cider and chuckled. “Just like you are so wise and knowing, but yet – just a child” he winked.
“Again – true” she laughed and then stood. “Very well. Wear whatever is comfortable for you. Let us enjoy your last week of comfortable clothing” she winked and cleaned off her plate. “I will be down here, much to read.. to write..” she smiled and made her way to the couch.
“Do you mind?” She waved to Sir Henly. He stepped over and untied her corset, the laces fell and she was released. “Thank you” she spoke and then bounded upstairs. She slipped from her dress and folded it up neatly. She then slipped into a tunic and loose slacks..
Soon she was back on the couch, sitting before the fire. She had papers about her – her ink well sitting on the arm rest of the couch, a piece of paper to catch her drippings. She scribbled away in her book, while another rest on her knee – she flipped a page and continued.
Sir Henly sat in the reclining chair.. he had undressed from his armor and into his leathers. He held a book infront of his face, reading quietly. In the past year – Lenna had taught him, simply because he wanted something to do in his free time. Often he sat… waiting. So he would come to her and ask for a good book to read, usually something romantic.
Soon Lenna fell asleep mid sentence – a blob of ink covered her spot. Sir Henly saved his page and stepped over – taking her quill and setting it in the small box, closing her ink. He set her books on the coffee table, to let the ink blob dry. “Sleep tight” he whispered as he helped her lay down, while she was asleep.
Morning came to the sizzle of bacon and eggs on the stove. Sir Henly stood with a spatula in hand. Lenna rolled over, her nose pushed into the couch. “Wakey wakey” he called out.
“No…” she grumbled and pulled the blanket in tighter around her. Though she didn’t even know where it came from.
“Ah but I am making coffee…” He smiled, the kettle was beginning to whistle.
“Coffee” Lenna sat up. “I haven’t had coffee in quite some time” she spoke.
“Ah yes, I snagged a bag of fresh beans at the trade center the other day, specifically for you” He spoke and poured some into a tea cup.
“Oh, you truly are the best… How late was I up?” she questioned.
“Late” he laughed and pushed the cup forward.
Lenna then moved around – packing her leather bag with her books and what not. She put together a picnic basket for their time later. She hurried up stairs and changed into a loose blue dress, one that perhaps a servant might wear. No corset, just comfort. She came back down stairs, her hands were moving her hair – pinning it into a bun.
“Ready?” She questioned Sir Henly.
“Yes, m’lady” he served up breakfast.
“Good morning Rhys” Sir Henly made her a plate too. “A spar before dinner again today?” he questioned.
“Only after you catch 3 cat fish” Lenna reminded him.
“Oh, right – m’lady” he laughed and set down 3 cups of coffee. “Dark coffee, do you need milk?” he questioned.
“Oh no, I prefer it to punch me in the face, thank you” she lifted the tea cup and took a sip. “Oh, this is the best…” she sighed and leaned into her seat.
Soon breakfast was over, Lenna stood at the door – waiting for Rhys. “Come on, we will walk there, not too far” she spoke and waved her over. “You can carry the picnic basket?” she questioned – handing it to her.
They made their way toward the lake, following the shore – until they passed a small forest area, and then it opened up into a gorgeous plains. There were patches of yellow and pink flowers, blooming happily in the sun.
“So, we’ll have a bit of discussion about being a Lady. But we’ll likely spend much of our time talking about magic. Perhaps even teaching you your first spell. What do you say to that?” she questioned, looking to her. “And of course, I will answer all the questions I can. I certainly wish that you ask” she spoke and soon they picked a spot.
Lenna pulled a blanket from the picnic basket and laid it down, tacking it down easily with long nails. She sat down, her legs to the side.
“So, a few things about lady-hood. It is not as hard as it seems. What you do is as I said… create a character. You know how they talk, how they walk, I could spend hours tweaking how you do it… but I don’t need to. Pick a lady you know, perhaps me, perhaps someone else. And just mimic them, create a character, and embody their actions. You already know what they look like – just be aware of how people are perceiving you. That is all it is… a constant battle with how people view you. All you have to do is… essentially play the part. Is it lying? No. It’s a silly game that keeps the royals busy…” she laughed.
She sighed “I’m not much of a teacher, because to be honest… I hate being a Lady. I think the foolery is all a game of misguided intentions and cruelty. I want to change it, but… well, who I am I to do that?” she chuckled and shook her head. “Ladies and Lords come and go, they die with nothing to follow their life. But you – you have swords and stories, the woman who bested the man in the art of swordsmanship, the woman who crafted the most balanced of blades. I wish to leave my studies, that in the future I might be recognized as a guide to the future.” She laughed then “but tis all dreams…” she looked off into the distance.
The flowers moved gently with the breeze that wafted from the lake. She could see Sir Henly setting up on the dock, his hands fiddling with the fishing pole. She smiled and then looked back to Rhys. “We must recognize what makes us happy, and fight the pressure of this world – to ensure we get it. What really makes me happy? Magic, of course. I practice even though it could get me killed… but the greatness I have done, even in secret, makes my life worth living…”
“Right… so, any questions?” she laughed slightly then. “I know it’s a lot to take in. And it can be really… scary, I suppose… but believe it or not – all of the great people who changed the world.. were usually of magic” she winked. “It’s a gift, truthfully…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 6, 2018 20:35:44 GMT -5
Rhys woke to the smell of the bacon cooking over the stove. Her eyes fluttered open. She’d gazed up at the stars late into the night. She pulled off her long sleep gown and slipped into a pair of comfortable pants that she’d tailored herself. She pulled on a red tunic over her head that had flowing sleeves. It had feminine features to it, it fit her well. It was much like the top of a few of the dresses that she’d seen in the tailor’s shop. She then pulled on a small leather bustier. It fit snuggly and accented her features. She then stepped down the stairs and smiled. “Good morning.” She spoke and sat down. She looked to the black mug of coffee and grinned. “Coffee?” She asked with wide eyes. “I love coffee.” She sipped it and hummed happily. “I…I can’t remember the last time I’ve had coffee.” She chuckled before digging into breakfast.
Rhys stood and followed Lady Lenna, “Of course.” She spoke and took the basket. She followed along her side, listening to everything. “My first spell?” Rhys asked as she set the basket down and helped Lenna nail down the blanket. “That sounds frighteningly exciting.” She chuckled. “I’m terrified…to be honest…” Her voice grew softer as she spoke this.
Rhys thought then as Lenna spoke about becoming a lady, mimicking behavior. She gave a nod. “Lady Morena seems to be a fine Lady.” She smiled. “She was kind to my father when we lost mother…” She spoke softly. “She came to our home nearly every day when I was too young to cook and would make food for father, especially when we couldn’t afford it. When we first lost the income of the shop father didn’t know what to do. He has to sell nails and horseshoes now…before he mainly created swords and armor…”
Rhys listened to the rest of what Lenna had to say and pondered a moment. “Did magic start the war?” She asked softly. “Did it destroy Asgarde so many years ago? My mother was from Asgarde, she was merely a refugee when she met my father, she first started with a small tent for her apothecary shop, and soon she had a building.” Rhys paused then. “How does one get magic? If it is a gift?” She searched Lenna’s eyes. “What you did…” She touched her chest, thinking of how Lenna healed her. “How was that possible? My bones would have never mended properly without your aid…” She then paused. “Did you save Dorian as well? That stab wound…I saw Sir Roderick do it…he twisted the blade, surely Dorian wouldn’t have survived if you hadn’t save him…”
Rhys paused again, thinking, “Is my father magic? How do you feel it? How did you know I held magic? Was my mother a magic bearer?” She stopped speaking then. “I’m asking too many questions…” She muttered. “My apologies Lady Lenna.” She bowed her head. She had so many questions. There was so much that she needed to know the answer to.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 6, 2018 20:48:36 GMT -5
Lenna chuckled when Rhys apologized. “No need, you should have many questions, and even more.” She smiled and then she pulled out a block of cheese, and the small cutting board. She cut a few slices and laid them out. “I have a thing for sharp cheddar” she spoke and plucked a slice up.
“Magic has started and ended many wars. I can say that with every war there is certainly magic. It is one of the most powerful weapons a Kingdom can have. Even one that denies magic – always had someone in reserve for when the moment matters. The reality is only magic can defeat magic. The moment it comes into play – all parties must retaliate with something alike, or defeat is imminent...” she plucked another piece of cheese.
“Magic is a birthright, only in rare cases is it barren of lineage… it comes from the mother. Meaning.. your mother likely had magic. Seeing as she practiced apothecary… it is a field which is easiest to hide magic. You can enchant anything, weapons, armor, and even brews – how easy is it to claim nature healed someone, rather than a person” she paused – trying to remember the next question.
“Asking me how it is possible is the exact nature of magic it self. There is no explanation on how any of it is possible, it is only possible because I willed it to be so… I did heal Dorian – just a little, he was bleeding internally at a massive rate…” she held her hand out then. Slowly a slice of cheese began to rise into the air, it wavered slightly… and then moved forward. The cheese approached Rhys…
“I knew you held magic because I can sense it. It is almost like a radiance, a warmth, it is apart of you, and it is quite strong” she spoke and then tilted her head. “Asgard has been known to be a home of some very powerful blood lines, I would not be surprised if you were one of them…” she paused “Go on, take the cheese” she smiled, as it continued to float.
“Can you recall.. a moment of high stress, high intensity – that something just happened? Something you couldn’t explain, likely in your favor?” she questioned, watching as the cheese was plucked from the air.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 7, 2018 20:12:24 GMT -5
Rhys gave a soft smile, “My mother always had the best herbal mixtures and potions for ailments. She was a miracle worker really…” She thought a moment and fell silent. “Even the queen bought from her…and when she was accused of being a witch the whole town stood behind her and protected her…I remember it, even though it was such a long time ago.” She then furrowed her brows, “Do you think my father knows that she had magic?”
Rhys watched as Lady Lenna lifted the cheese into the air, her eyes widened slightly, a grin split her lips. Her pulse raced. Being around the magic was incredible. She then looked to Lenna as she spoke of healing Dorian. “Thank you….thank you for saving him, he’s a sweet soul.” She spoke as she plucked the cheese from the air carefully. “I’ve always wanted to see Asgard…” She spoke softly before she munched on the cheese.
Rhys then paused a moment as she thought back to her childhood. A moment where something happened that she couldn’t explain. She took another bite and took in a deep breath. “There was one instance that I can remember.” She looked up, “I was about 8 or so I believe, still just a child I remember I was helping father in the forage and---…”
“Well what do we have here?” A male voice asked.
“Looks like a couple of beautiful ladies.” Another spoke.
“All alone out here?” A third spoke and then glanced across the lake. “Well, alone enough, that one knight can’t stop us, now can he boys?” The man paused and the other two chuckled and shook their heads.
Rhys looked to them, three men, clearly bandits. The leader was the last one that spoke, he looked down to the two with a smirk on his lips. Rhys reached to her hip where she usually wore her sword, or at least her dagger….she’d forgotten it this morning. She took in a breath and glanced to Lady Lenna.
“Come on then, up with you.” The leader stepped forward and gripped Rhys by her wrist. He jerked her up quickly and licked his lips as he looked her over. “It isn’t often that we get two beautiful ladies, as well as such valuable horses.” He chuckled.
Rhys shoved against him and broke from his arms. “Get your filthy hands off of me.” She snapped as she stepped back.
The leader chuckled as another one of the bandits stood behind her. He wrapped his arms around her. “Or what?” The man whispered into her ear, he reeked of rum. “What could you manage to do?” He snickered. “I like this one boss.” He grinned. “Can we keep her?”
The leader chuckled, he stepped forward and gripped Rhys’ chin, looking into her eyes. “She has a lot of fight in her.” He smirked, “Should be fun boys.” He looked to his other bandit that had a hold of Lady Lenna. “This one should be fun too.” He smiled, his teeth were yellowed, he reeked of stale beer that he’d spilled on himself.
Rhys brought her elbow into the ribcage of the man behind her, she then stomped on his foot. This caught him off guard and he released her with a yelp. Rhys spun around and in a swift motion she balled her fist and clocked him in the center of his face, his nose began to gush blood.
“Ahh!” The bandit cried as he stumbled back. “Boss!”
The leader turned around. “Girl, I’d stop where you are.” The leader pulled his sword. It was rusty and looked as though it had dried blood left on it from others he’d killed.
Rhys glanced to Lady Lenna, she had to save her. If anything she had to stop this. Her breathing quickened, there was a bit of light in her icy blue eyes. She rushed forward toward the leader and dodged his attack. She kicked him in the back of the leg as she passed. She snagged his dagger from his belt and then moved to the bandit that held Lady Lenna. She sliced at his shoulder and he instantly released her. Rhys looked to Lenna, her eyes still had a bit of a glow. “Go to Sir Henly.” She spoke quickly and pushed Lady Lenna forward just as the third bandit wrapped his arms around her. He lifted her easily up off of the ground. She let out a cry as she kicked against him. She’d be no match for the three alone, without armor or a sword to protect herself.
Rhys managed to keep a hold of the dagger. She shifted it in her arms that were pinned to her side and stabbed back into the abdomen of the bandit. He groaned and his grip loosened. Rhys spun around just in time for the leader to hold his sword to her throat.
“You’ll stop, if you want to live.” He spoke, his voice full of anger. He glanced to Lady Lenna and then to Sir Henly. “I’ll settle for taking just the one. Grab her.” He spoke to the third bandit.
Rhys spun and sliced across the chest of the bandit that came toward her, her eyes were glowing more now. She moved with speed and precision. Though she spun and suddenly pain racked her body. Rhys felt the sword slice through her abdomen. She looked down as the dagger fell from her hands. The hilt of the bandits sword was pushed up against her abdomen. Her hands moved and rested on his. The leader snickered as he looked to her. Rhys’ breaths trembled, she could taste blood in her mouth. The leader leaned forward then. “I warned you love.” He spoke and then he ripped the blade from her abdomen.
Rhys fell to her knees, crumpling to the ground as the bandits took off. Suddenly a light came from Rhys the world around her spun. Rhys gasped for air as she was lifted back up, she watched as the blade punctured through her abdomen again and then pulled back out. In that instant time resumed. Rhys dodged to the side and slammed the old dagger into the back of the bandit leader. He crumpled forward to the ground dropping his blade. She’d gotten him right along his shoulder blade, he wouldn’t be able to lift his sword. The other two bandits looked to her in shock.
“R-run!” One called and took off in a sprint. “That knight is coming! Let’s get out of here!” He called to the other bandit.
The other bandit stared to Rhys for a moment before he took to his heels as well racing off into the forest with the other man.
Rhys breathed quickly, she’d fallen to her knees, the glow from her eyes had disappeared. Her breaths shuddered as she replayed what just happened. She’d altered time…she would have died…but she prevented it somehow…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 7, 2018 20:36:50 GMT -5
Lenna smiled as Rhys began to speak of her past, though they were rudely interrupted. Lenna glanced up and then scoffed “We don’t offer coin to beggars” Lenna spoke and then she slowly stood. Then it all happened in a flash. Her hands were snagged, and they bound her with twine. Though, Lenna paid attention to Rhys. She could feel her power surging…
“Go on Rhys” Lenna spoke, watching it all play out. It was then that there was something in the air. She watched as Rhys was stabbed – but then it got foggy. Lenna’s eyes glowed slightly as she could sense the wrinkle. The wrinkle in time. Time changed. It wound back and Rhys dodged the attack. “Incredible…” Lenna whispered.
In that moment the two bandits began to run away. “Let’s not bother Sir Henly” She spoke and then stepped forward. With her hands still bound – she held up her fingers. She brought her index and thumb upward, and then she squeezed them together. In an instant their necks were sliced – blood poured from their throats. They collapsed into the field of flowers, their blood staining the petals of the white wild flowers.
Lenna tugged the ropes twice and they suddenly let go. She slowly approached the two bodies and she snapped her fingers. In an instant a blue blaze covered their body, burning them swiftly. Before she knew it… they were just ashes mixed with the dirt…
Lenna looked back to Rhys and smiled. “I saw that… you know” she spoke and walked back towards Rhys. She looked to the bandit leader, who was on his knees… begging now.
“You damn witch!” he shouted, spitting bloody globs as he spoke. Lenna kneeled down and looked to him.
“You shouldn’t have came after us.. thinking we were some vulnerable little women…” she cupped his chin then and sighed. “Pity” she whispered. She flicked her wrist and his neck broke easily.
“As you can see… Magic can be quite dangerous too…” she spoke and then sighed. The captain lit aflame too, and turned to ashes. “I haven’t used battle magic in quite some time…” she sat back down on the picnic blanket and opened the picnic basket. “I made some sandwiches, care for one?” she questioned as she pulled them both out.
“So I suppose I don’t have to ask about your history…” she smiled and unwrapped hers. “The point I was going to make was that… initially magic is controlled by emotion. In that moment – you were struck with… a series of emotions. Panic, fear, devotion, courage… You had nothing.. and your inner nature responded.” She paused and then looked to the lake, watching as Sir Henly cast his rod.
“I am surprised to see that you have the capability to bend time.. that is a very powerful ability, one that someone doesn’t learn. You are born with that… it is quite … god like” she spoke and then looked to her with serious eyes “it is something you’ll have to be very careful with... it can be like a flaming sword. Useful, unless you burn yourself” she chuckled and took a bite of her sandwich.
“Well… that was a pretty eventful scenario…” she pulled out a small vine of grapes. She plucked a grape from the vine and set it down on the blanket. “Now that I know what you are capable of… we must teach you control. Hypothetically… if you go over board… well, let’s just say that there are negative consequences for that. Especially with the likes of your natural ability…” she pointed to the grape.
“You made time stop because you willed it to. In a way… you asked for it, you envisioned it happening. So… Take a deep breath, let yourself relax. Try to keep your emotions at a balance… Remember that feeling you just had earlier. That sort of essence within you that was alive in that second… call upon it. Channel it. And envision this grape… floating.” She smiled then. “Levitation, the most basic of magic, but also the best tutor in control and balance. You might only get it to move a little, float for a second, but that is the beginning. So… go ahead and try…” Lenna plucked a grape off the vine and ate it.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 7, 2018 20:59:26 GMT -5
Rhys watched with a loose jaw as blood splattered from the necks of the two bandits as they rushed away. Her eyes moved to the bandit leader as he begged and cursed at them. Then suddenly he too was a pile of ashes that mixed into the ground. She stared at Lady Lenna as she sat back down and began to enjoy her sandwich. Rhys sat next to her, she could feel the magic now. Sense it. Just like Lenna said, it had a warmth to it. She glanced to the grape. “What happens if I go overboard?” She asked softly. “What if something like that happens and I lose control? What then?” She asked. She furrowed her brows slightly. “That…that’s what happened when I was a child….I tripped.” She looked to Lady Lenna, “I fell onto a blade that had just been foraged, it sliced through my throat, I remember the feeling of the blood as it poured down my chest…” She paused a moment. “But…then suddenly, I was fine, I was standing just before I’d tripped, the plate of snacks still in my hands. Father was working…” She sighed softly. “How much have I done this over the years without realizing it? I thought it was all a dream…”
Rhys stared to the grape. She took in a breath and calmed herself, she shut her eyes for a moment, collecting her thoughts. She then looked back to the grape. It began to shake slightly, as though an earthquake was happening just below it. Rhys tucked her brows together, her breathing quickened slightly, the slight glow appeared into her eyes. The grape moved upward then slowly. It lifted off of the picnic blanket and then suddenly it shot upward high into the sky. Rhys looked up, her eyes wide. She looked back to Lenna then. “I…” She looked back up again. “What did I do?” She asked as she lifted her sandwich and bit into it. She smiled to the taste, “This is delicious.” She spoke she then looked back up for the grape, it still hadn’t come down.
Rhys took in a breath, “How do I learn to control this ability?” She asked and looked to Lenna. “You do it with such precision, it seems you could do it in your sleep.” She let out a soft chuckle. “Though, you were allowed magic where you came from….and you knew of it…” She took another bite and pondered. “So…you saw time change?” She asked curiously. “Does everyone else see it too? Or did you only see it because you have magic?” She questioned. She wasn’t as afraid anymore. Somehow using the magic brought a new curiosity about it. Suddenly something bounced off the top of her head and landed on the picnic blanket. Rhys let out a laugh and reached forward, she looked over the grape and grinned. “This little guy went for quite the trip.” She chuckled then before she popped it into her mouth. “Can you do anything with magic? Could you bend time too?” She asked and looked to Lenna, “Can I be capable of the same things as you? Or is it dependent on lineage? Would my mother have been able to bend time? Or just me?” She asked so many questions, so quickly. Rhys then took in a breath. “Sorry…” She whispered and shook her head. “This is just…so insane…I feel like I’ve gone mad…I should have died…just then, I would have been dead…” She looked back to Lenna.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 9, 2018 20:21:01 GMT -5
“It is a real feat to avoid death in the way that you have, to re-write the command of the Fates…” Lenna spoke as she listened to Rhys explain her memory… how she manipulated time unknowingly. “I am sure your memories of your death often haunted you…” she tilted her head and then.
“I don’t think you are acquainted enough to lose control, but if you were to take on a spell or activity that took more power than you had to offer – you could risk becoming what is called… a Niffin.” She paused and then gave a sigh “I don’t think you be doing anything that powerful for quite some time, but a Niffin is essentially when you become consumed by your magic, and the magic within us casts out the human soul. You can picture it like…. You are sharing your body with your magic, and in a way you must agree with it – in order to control it” she leaned back then Rhys focused in on the grape.
“As for your bending of time… I think I will need study more on the possible consequences of time bending. I think small portions of time is safer, for now… until I learn more? I would suggest not using it unless you absolutely have to. I’ve heard theories, Bending Time is the will of a god, and well…” she sighed. “I just don’t know enough to answer your question” she then watched as the grape suddenly shot into the air.
Lenna chuckled and looked upward. “There are certain magic that are consider neutral. Such as this, levitating smaller objects is a neutral spell… though it takes a certain person to be able to do more. We are each born with what we call ‘lean’, meaning you can perform certain magic more naturally. It seems that you lean towards Astro-Magic, which is the rarest variety that is known. It sort of dabbles in the unknown, teleportation…time…who knows, truthfully…I am curious if it is a type of Psychic magic, but I do not have much access to a library of that sort…” she chuckled then when the grape landed on her head and then Rhys ate it.
“Magic is basically broken up into 6 disciplines, or leans… Natural, Illusion, Knowledge, Physical, Psychic and Healing. I know bits and pieces from each Discipline, but my focus is on Physical. I can do minor healing spells, a few Natural spells – like making a seedling grow, my Psychic is pretty weak… but I can cast some common wards. A good mage is one who has a well rounded comfort with them all. The discipline that levitation falls under is Physical. You are changing the status of the object… but also – Physical dives even deeper. Changing the structure of an object, or element.. creating fire out of air, water into ice, even anatomically re-constructing… it is a very broad subject. But it also the most common, surely. So, unfortunately I’m not quite as special as you” she winked.
She held her hand out and a grape levitated into the air – then it began to flatten, and suddenly turn into liquid. “Grape juice?” she smiled and then the water turned into several drops, and then combined back together – holding a square shape. Then it froze over, creating a perfect ice cube. “It doesn’t seem like much at first but… I could turn this into a lethal weapon. For example – I killed that man earlier by drawing water out of the air, and making it move so fast that it sliced his throat…” she squeezed her eyes slightly and the ice cube turned back into a grape. “While this is fine and dandy… A Psychic as you could learn to simply read my thoughts, or control my body, make my brain stop if you wanted…” she looked up “While mine is fun, Psychic is way more rare, and way more deadly. However, we will have to do a lot to protect you, it is also the most dangerous for the user, but no worry. There are a lot of protections out there…” she held out another grape. “Try making it levitate again” she spoke, the grape in her palm.
“We might have to take a little trip, Do you know the ancient tales of the first mage.. Merlin? Who protected High King Arthur? Well his story is true, and he is actually alive today. He is a Master Mage, of all six Disciplines. Though… maybe not the Astro-Magic, but he would be able to help us, surely…” she looked to her. “Though, I know that Merlin doesn’t appear for just anyone… but… I think he would for you…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 10, 2018 20:51:50 GMT -5
Rhys nodded as she thought back to that moment in her childhood. She’d have nightmares about it, she’d wake in the night terrified and her father would have to soothe her back to sleep as she cried in his arms. Though, he always told her it was just dreams. That she was just creative, nothing like that ever happened. But, it wasn’t a dream, she’d truly altered her fate…
Bending time, something that a god could do. Lenna’s words bounced around in Rhys’ mind as she listened to Lady Lenna. Rhys pondered the thought, Astro-Magic. “What library would have access to such knowledge?” She asked curiously. “Is it somewhere that we would be able to gain access to?” She then fell silent again as she watched Lynn manipulate the grape. Rhys’ expression filled with curiosity as she watched it turn to liquid and then take the shape of a square. “To be able to do such things.” She grinned and shook her head. “You may not think that you are special Lynn, but you are.” She searched her eyes a moment.
Rhys took the grape and held it in the palm of her hand and focused on it. Her brows drew together, the grape trembled slightly and then finally lifted. She held it in position for a moment before it waivered and fell back into her palm. “To think that fairytales are real…what of the dragons?” She asked and looked to Lenna. “If magic is real, were dragons once real as well? I’ve always had a strange fascination with them.” Rhys thought for a moment. “How did you first learn to use magic?” She glanced to Lenna. “Was it an accident? Or where you are from was it something that was taught?”
Rhys then thought another moment, “How long would it take to get to this place where Merlin is? How could we go? Will the queen allow it?” She then asked and paused a moment. “If my mother had magic…like this…like what you could do…” She shook her head. “How did she die Lenna? If she had magic like me, if I got my magic from her…how could she die in a raid?” She fell silent then, she rolled a grape around in her fingertips. After seeing what Lenna could do, striking down two men within seconds of each other…how had her mother managed to get caught? To die…like that….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 10, 2018 21:27:51 GMT -5
Lenna chuckled as Rhys spat out questions… “You have a lot of questions… I will do my best to answer” she paused and watched as the grape levitated with a quivering motion.
“Where I come from – magic is frowned upon, but we are not murdered for it. You must have a magic license, in order to have that – you have to go to magic school. There are recruiters about all the time, but of course it costs money. If you are caught using magic without the license, then you are banished from the city. So… not too much better for the poor class, which is where I resided…” she shifted and then thought for a second.
“My mother could use magic, in the smallest of forms. We were often referred to as Penny Mages, on the streets. We, along others, would use our magic for work… Levitating objects, cleaning, all the sorts. My mother was actually a maid – she could scrub pots and pans, sweep, and fold laundry all at once” she chuckled and shook her head. “She taught me to do the same, and on the weekends I would work with her.” She sighed uncomfortably. “I do not care to think of those times again…” she then began to put everything back into the basket.
“I would have to do some manipulation to get the Queen to allow me to go…” she lifted her hand. The picnic blanket lifted into the air and began to fold – some how on it’s own. It slid into the basket and she smiled. “Years after King Arthur passed – Merlin became a hermit, crawling away to a little home in the mountains” she pointed. “Today that home appears to be burnt down… but the reality is it is just a bit of Illusionary work. All we have to do is show up – and I should be able to crack his wards…” she looked to her.
“I think our best bet is to go now, and get back before we must return. Thankfully… I have a book stashed away… A little spell and I can create a doorway that will lead us to him…” she walked back up to the cabin. “Just a second…” she walked over to Sir Henly. They talked briefly, and then Sir Henly nodded.
Lenna came back to Rhys and nodded. “There is a small town not far from Merlin’s home, about a mile – I can portal us in there, and we will have to travel on foot to his home. So, I will change to something more suitable for that kind of travel.. and we will be on our way.” Lenna then made her way into the log cabin.
She changed swiftly into skin tight black leather pants and tall riding boots… she wore jacket which buttoned in the front, and transitioned to a cloak. Lenna stepped outside of the room and nodded. “I don’t know much of the city are going to…” she spoke as she opened up the book. She flipped through the pages and then looked down to it. “Alright….” She spoke and approached the door that went to be her room.
“I am going to change the composition of this doorway. Right now it leads from this room… and then into my bedroom. But rather, I am going to technically split the door in half. One part of it remains here, and the other half is that of this bar” she pointed to the book. “So, we will walk through this, and emerge in this bar, in the town of… Isenburg” she held her hand up and then traced the door way. A magical line followed her finger. She muttered under her breath and then snapped. “Grab your gear, we will likely need it…”
Lenna reached forward and opened the door. She could see right through it – into a dimly lit bar. Folks sat at the bar with ales in their hand, it seemed to be a quiet day. Lenna looked to Rhys and nodded, she easily stepped through the doorway. As if it was any other doorway. Once they were in – Lenna shut the door, and the portal was gone.
“Right then. All I know is that Merlin’s home is east, in the forest, from here….” She spoke and looked to Rhys. “But be prepared for anything… I doubt finding Merlin will be so easy…but no worry, you are quite a swords man…” she grinned then. “A quick drink though?” she questioned and then laughed – pointing to the bar.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 10, 2018 22:19:32 GMT -5
Rhys bowed her head slightly. “I’m sorry to bring that up, Lenna.” She spoke and looked away. Memories, especially bad memories weren’t something she liked to bring up. She shifted slightly when Lenna spoke of the queen. She stood and watched the picnic blanket fold and enter the basket. She took it into her hands and followed Lenna back to the cabin. Rhys set the basket on the table and glanced to Lenna as she spoke to Sir Henly. She walked up the stairs and strapped her belt on before attaching her sword, she then attached her dagger to her thigh. When she came back out into the hallway she glanced to Lenna whom held the book in her hands. She looked over the clothing she’d changed into. She didn’t look like a Lady anymore. Rhys searched over the doorway, looking over Lenna’s movements. She listened to a few of the words she could hear, though most of it was so quiet she didn’t catch it all.
Rhys stared with a loose jaw at the doorway, to have two places at once. It was incredible. She stepped through the cool of the tavern swirled around her, the smell of ale in the air. “That is an incredible gift.” She spoke and looked to Lenna a grin on her lips. She then searched Lenna’s eyes as she spoke, she gave a nod. “Anything worth having isn’t easy.” She spoke. She then looked to the bar and gave a nod. “Before we head out, that wouldn’t be a bad idea.” She stepped up to the bar.
The bar keep glanced over, a sly smile on his lips. “Ladies.” He spoke and chuckled. “And what might you be having?” He leaned forward, a towel tossed over his shoulder.
“I’d like a dark ale.” Rhys spoke.
“A dark one, hm.” He thought for a moment. “We have a porter. Have you ever had one?” He asked.
“I haven’t.” Rhys shook her head.
“Good, you’ll like it I’m sure.” He then looked to Lenna. “And you, doll?” Once he gathered the order he turned and filled up the glasses. He slid the pints across the bar and leaned forward again. “Where are you two from?” He questioned. “I’ve never seen you before.” He looked to Rhys.
Rhys took a drink out of her glass. She grinned then. “Oh this is excellent.” She smiled. She then looked to him and tilted her head slightly. “Up north of here.” She replied, a sly smile on her lips. She knew how to speak to men in a bar.
The barkeep chuckled. “Oh? Is that so?” He searched her eyes a moment. “Well angel, if you stick around long, don’t forget to come visit.” He stepped away as another patron called to him.
Rhys rolled her eyes and drank her beer. “Burned cabin, in the forest.” She spoke and looked to Lenna. “Ready?” She asked. Rhys stepped out of the bar then and walked out into the dirt streets. This city was small compared to her home of Strathmore. She was so accustomed to the cobbled streets. The sounds. She paused a moment and glanced up to the sun, gauging their position, her father taught her how to read directions using the sun and the stars. “East…” She spoke and started off down the street.
There was a man that came flying through the city on a horse. He slapped the reins and kicked at the horse that whinnied and galloped along. Rhys paused, her brows pulled together. “He’s in quite a hurry…” She spoke as she looked to the small fort that the horse ran toward. The stone walls were much smaller than that of the Strathmore castle. A horn then sounded, bellowing in the distance. Rhys turned her eyes back to where the horse had come from. She took a few steps forward, “Lenna…” She spoke, her eyes widened. Banners flapped in the sunlight. Upon a hill that led into town a huge army stood. The commander at the ready upon his armored horse. Others were on horses or foot, they held shields and spears, swords…bows…
The soldiers wore silver and red, the helmets upon the head of the commanders held feathered plums. “Lenna this isn’t good.” She spoke as she backed up. The horn was blown again.
“Get to the fort!!!” A voice called. “Everyone get inside now!” It was a knight of the city. His armor was old and rusty. Nothing like the knights of Strathmore.
Women and children rushed by. It was then that the commander of the army rose his sword high in the sky, the sun glinted off of it. He lowered his sword in a harsh movement, aiming it toward the city. The soldiers rushed forward then, yelling. As they plowed with force into the city the screams began as the citizens tried to fight back. Rhys stared to the banners for a long moment. The soldiers getting closer and closer. She then suddenly turned. Her heart pounded against her chest. She pulled her sword as a horsemen came charging toward them. She rose the red blade up and blocked the attack from the man, keeping his blade from slicing into Lenna. She grit her teeth as she stumbled back. She then spun and found herself faced with a soldier. He was larger than her by about a head. He chuckled as he looked to her. Rhys took in a breath and lunged forward. She danced around easily, her sword locked with his and she quickly grabbed her dagger and sliced it into the side of his neck. The only place where she could see his skin.
“Lenna!” She spun and shoved a soldier away. She gripped onto Lenna and pulled her then. Suddenly, something happened. The world around them seemed to change. Rhys rushed forward, the time around them slowed to a stop. Her breaths echoed as if they were standing in the middle of an empty hallway. Rhys rushed along, she didn’t let go of Lenna’s hand as they ran. She ran up a trail towing Lenna with her the world around her began to tunnel. She ran for nearly a quarter mile up the mountain into the forest before she collapsed to her hands and knees. Her hand dropped from Lenna’s. A bit of blood dripped from her nose as the world around them came alive again.
The screams from the city could be heard as the army slaughtered the people of the city. Rhys took in trembling breaths. The memories of the raid rushed through her mind. She pushed up shakily. “The cabin.” She whispered as she sheathed her blade. She didn’t look back to the city. Blood was splattered across her cheek from killing the soldier. She reached up and brushed it away quickly. “That army…” She glanced to Lenna. “Do you recognize the banners?” She questioned, her voice soft. Flashes of her memories rushed through her mind, tears had welled in her eyes. She pressed onward into the forest. The canopy began to thicken blotting out more of the light.
Rhys was quiet as they continued on, though eventually they came to a clearing. It was a large pasture with beautiful wildflowers growing. Rhys paused as they came up to the ruined cabin. She reached forward and touched the old charred wood. “Are you certain this is an illusion?” She asked as she examined the cabin. Her body ached from her use of magic. She’d willed time to stop…it was their only chance of escape…of survival…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 10, 2018 22:53:21 GMT -5
Lenna smiled as she came to the bar “A pale ale, something refreshing” she accepted the pint. “I have a secret” she spoke to Rhys, smiling as she held the ale to her lips. “I prefer a good beer over wine” she then took a long sip “Mmm. It just has more flavor…it is more exciting. I suppose – wine comes with a package of bull dung that I have to deal with” she laughed then and continued drinking.
Soon enough they were finished, she left a tip on the bar and followed Rhys out. She stumbled back slightly when the horse came barreling through the city. Lenna’s eyes stared to the banner, though it was a blur of colors as It passed by.
Lenna grit her teeth – she looked past this man – to see an entire crowd of soldiers. “Oh no..” she whispered. She gasped suddenly when Rhys grabbed her hand they ran forward. Her eyes glanced to the frozen figures. She looked to a mounted knight – who’s sword stabbed into a man on the side of the street. Droplets of blood hung in the air, suspended…
Then as time resumed – the blood landed on the ground, the dirt on the ground turned into droplets of red mud. The man fell to the ground and the soldiers horse trampled over the limp body. Lenna squeezed her fist, her body swarming with magic as her anger boiled. “We can’t..” she shook her head. She turned her head to Rhys – and then back to the village. There was too many of them…
Lenna followed after Rhys. “It looked like the banners of Kingdom Tarlen – to the west a good way… but why are they here?” she spoke as she glanced back to the now burning village. “It is surely not a good sign…” she spoke and continued onward with Rhys.
They came upon the burnt home. The roof was missing – only parts of the walls remained. A flourish of grass, bushes and flowers made their home inside of the house… She held her hand up and waved it slightly. All around the entire home – floating in the air – seemed to be white lines, like a sort of webbing. “A ward, you see?”
“There are wards out there for just about everything.. they all do different things. This one…. “ she thought for a second. “It is complex…” she spoke. “It protects him – keeps people from sensing him. If someone can crack this – then the illusion will disappear… The best we can do is – I can try to crack it, he will be alerted that someone is trying to break in. Then we will have a few minutes to make our plea” she spoke and looked to her.
“I wont stop, so, when I say go ahead – just speak as if you are calling to him. You just discovered your powers, you have the ability to manipulate time and space… and we need knowledge to help protect you from well… you have the ability to destroy our dimension…” she held both hands up now. “If he cares about this world, he will come to you.” She then moved her fingers about slowly.
The glowing lines began to shift and move, scriptures appeared in the air – another language it seemed. “Make your plea” Lenna spoke as she continued. It was like a complex code, one that she would easily fail….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 10, 2018 23:52:25 GMT -5
Tarlen. Rhys had heard her father speak of that kingdom. Though, nothing that he spoke of it was kind. Their king was a tyrant, hellbent on power. Rhys glanced back toward the plume of smoke and sighed softly. She lowered her eyes. “We were outnumbered…” She whispered softly. “I can only fend so many off before…” She thought of what would happen, a mounted soldier would have no doubt slashed her in two, and without armor she didn’t stand a chance.
Rhys looked to the words at appeared in the air, she drew her brows together and watched as Lenna began to try to crack the complex code. She gave a nod and looked to the charred home. “Merlin.” She began, she looked to where the door would have been before the cabin was destroyed. “We come to you in hope of knowledge…Lenna has helped me discover my magic and…” She paused a moment, thinking, “I can alter time, I’ve done so without realizing it in the past…it’s something that could destroy this world…” She stopped again, “I need your protection of knowledge…I…”
A hand reached forward from the words and pulled her toward the cabin. Rhys yelped just as she disappeared behind the illusion. “Speak up girl.” A man stood before her, the iris of his eyes glowed yellow with magic. He had a hood pulled up over his short greying hair. His short trimmed beard upon his face had grey mixed in with brown hair. His robes hung down about his body. He stared to her a moment, his brows drawn together. “Speak up.” He spoke again.
Rhys took in a breath. “Merlin…I need your help, your knowledge will help protect me, from this world, from destroying the world.” She searched his eyes.
A smirk curved up the edge of his mouth. “Oh? Do you think you’re the first to come to me to ask of guidance?” He glanced to Lenna who was still on the other side of the ward. He could see everything, yet he was completely hidden from the world.
“I imagine I am one of many.” Rhys spoke.
Merlin searched her eyes a moment. “And how would I know that you will not turn around and destroy this world? Hm?” He asked, “I’ve made that mistake before, in my youth.”
Rhys bowed her head. “I give you my word.” She spoke.
“Word?” He asked and laughed, “Word means nothing in the eyes of magic, girl.” He then stepped forward and reached through the wall of magic and pulled Lenna inside. “You’re close.” He spoke and smirked, “You’re just missing a few lines.” He chuckled then. “Come.” He turned and walked into the cabin. He was intrigued by the pair.
Rhys looked to Lenna a moment and then stepped inside. She looked around the cozy cabin.
“So you can manipulate time?” Merlin asked and looked to Rhys. “It has been a very long time since I’ve even heard of a mage that is naturally gifted with such a talent.” He smiled as he sat down in a chair before his fireplace. “Have a seat.” He pointed to the couch across from him. “Where are you from?” He asked.
“Strathmore.” Rhys spoke.
Merlin thought a moment and then shook his head. “Where is your mother from?” He then asked, his eyes more interested.
“Asgard.” Rhys drew her brows together slightly.
“Ah yes.” He smiled, “That makes more sense then.” He stepped forward. “You shall perform a test for me, if you fail, I’ll be sure you forget I even exist.” He then pressed his hand to Rhys’ forehead. His hand lit with a yellow glow, almost instantly Rhys’ head slumped forward and her body fell limp. Merlin turned to Lenna then, “I will aid you only if you both can pass this test. But first, how did you discover this mage?” He asked curiously. He awaited the answer and then in a gentle motion he pressed his hand against her forehead.
**
Rhys stood in a dark corridor. “Lenna?” She asked and spun around. She stepped forward and drew her brows together. “What’s happened…?” She muttered softly.
Merlin appeared before her from a cloud of smoke. “Alright, Rhys, is it?” He asked.
“Yes…” She spoke, her brows tucked together. “Where am I?”
Merlin smiled, “No need to be alarmed, you’re safe. Lenna is as well. I must test you both.” He spoke and crossed his arms. “Tell me, if you father needed you, would you give up a thriving life to give him aid?” He stared into her eyes.
“Yes, of course…I’d do anything for him.” Rhys replied. “Why are you asking me this?” She asked confused.
“Would you betray a loved one to advance to a higher stature?” He asked.
“What does this have to do…”
“Answer the questions, please Rhys.” Merlin spoke. “I am trying to decide if I should aid you or not. Now what is your answer?”
Rhys took in a breath, “I’d never betray anyone, especially not my family.” She spoke and crossed her arms.
“If offered enough money, would you poison the king?” Merlin asked, his eyes never left hers.
“What?” Rhys exclaimed. “No…what are you getting at?”
“If you were guilty, would you confess?” He asked then. All the while he held a board in his hand with a quill. After each response he would write something.
Rhys stared to him a moment. “If I was guilty of a crime I would confess…but I haven’t…”
“When a beggar approaches you, what do you do?” Merlin searched her eyes once again.
“I’ve helped many that are in need in the past…even though my father and I don’t have the money…” She spoke softly.
“By the use of illusion, you could easily trick a merchant into thinking that small pieces of wood are coin. Would you do this?”
“No…” Rhys shook her head. “I’d never steal…the merchants work hard…just as my father and I have…”
“Would you ever kill for sport? The use of magic has been turned into a game in areas of the world…” Merlin wrote something on the page then.
“No…” Rhys replied. “I’ve seen those who do that…it’s a horrible thing…” She whispered, thinking of her mother.
“If magic could bring your mother back, would you do it?”
Rhys looked to him, her eyes locked on his. He was reading her thoughts. He had to be. “No, absolutely not. As much as I miss her, that should never be done.” Her voice was strong.
Merlin then smiled, “Very well.” He spoke and vanished into a flash of smoke.
Rhys spun around, staring to the dark walls. “Merlin?” She asked. “Lenna?” She called a bit louder. Rhys took in a breath then as the world began to transform around her. Buildings shot up from the ground. The heat of flames blanketed over the environment. Rhys began to cough from the fire, the smoke choking her. She rushed through the burning building, her arm up. She pushed out into the streets. It was the raid. She was caught by one of the bandits, he chuckled deeply and gripped onto her wrist. Rhys balled her fist and slammed it into his face harshly, breaking herself free. She stumbled back and reached for her sword. It wasn’t there.
“Free yourself.” Merlin’s voice spoke from the air.
Rhys scrambled back as the bandit brought his sword down. Her breathing quickened. She got to her feet and took off in a sprint. She only made it about five steps before she was captured by another bandit. She struggled against his hold. Her mind was racing. She grit her teeth. “Let go.” She cried. Though the world around her was filled with screams and cries for help. Tears welled in her eyes. She kicked and shoved against him. Then her eyes began to glow blue, she shoved again and a blast of power came from her hands, slamming him back against the house. Rhys spun around, suddenly with ease the world slowed as she dodged an attack. She moved forward and ripped the sword from the hands of the bandit before she elbowed him harshly in the back of the head, wielding him unconscious. “This isn’t a game!” She cried, tears rolling down her cheeks. Then suddenly the world was wiped clean.
**
Rhys awoke with a gasp. She was gripping onto the chair, her hands ached as she loosened her grip. She stared forward to see Merlin sitting in his chair enjoying a cup of tea. “I’ll teach you.” He spoke and gave a nod.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 11, 2018 20:15:18 GMT -5
Lenna was pulled through – mid thought. She gasped and stumbled, though she caught her balance swiftly. “By the gods, I didn’t think…” she paused and stared to Merlin for a long moment. “Fate brought me to her..” Lenna answered her question. With a shove – Merlin pushed her, and Lenna disappeared.
She suddenly stood in a very tall room. She glanced about – lines and lines of bookshelves. As far as her eye could see. “Where… am I?” she whispered. She stepped forward and a woman approached her.
“Hello” She said with a chipper voice. She wore a blue dress, and had curly blonde hair, her voice was high pitched and her smile was wide.
“Um, hello” Lenna nodded her head. “Where I am I?”
“The Library, of course. All of the knowledge in the world rests here…” she held her hands out and smiled. “I am the head Librarian, and you can call me just that” she smiled and then looked about. “Would you like a tour?”
“I uh… I… All of the Knowledge in the world?” She questioned. The Librarian led her forward and came up to a bookshelf. Lenna brought her hand up to the books – skimming the titles. They were names… of people. “Are these…?”
“Ah, yes. Everyone has a book, you see” she held her hand out and a small red leatherbound book came flying. “Even your own” The Librarian then slipped it away. “Though, it’s not very wise to read it, especially the end. No one ever likes the end” she then smiled. The librarian led her away, walking down the center of the room. “Everything is here though – anything you can think of…” she smiled.
“Is this… real? I was just with Merlin…” Lenna paused.
“Oh yes, this place is very real. It is in the center of all worlds… You are.. from Earth, correct?” she smiled then and put a book away, which was on her cart that she was wheeling.
“I am..” Lenna looked to another shelf – her eyes scrolling over the titles. Everything.
“Oh, Earthlings are the most vulnerable. I would advise to be very careful” The Librarian paused. “That is, unless you are here to take up work? 1 Thousand years of Librarian service, but free access to all of the knowledge” she held her hands out, smiling wide. “What do you think?”
“I…” Lenna’s mind was over whelmed. This was a different world? She bit her lip. Merlin was testing her. This had to be. Here stood everything she could ever want… and now she had to choose.
“Master Librarian…” Lenna questioned. “I do not think now is the time to consider this option…. But…how do I return in the future?”
“Oh, I already knew that” The Librarian chuckled as she held Lenna’s book up. “There is a way… here” she pulled out a thick card. A library card. “This will get you back, but… only when you are ready…” she held it to her.
Lenna slowly reached forward and accepted the card. “Thank you… Um… I have another request.”
“Oh yes, of course. Librarians are here to serve all Mages..” The woman smiled brightly…
“Um.. yes. Could you send me back to where I came from?” Lenna questioned.
“Oh, hm. One second…” The woman opened Lenna’s book and flipped to what appeared to be around page 45 or so. Lenna stared to the book – it wasn’t even a quarter the way through. This was… a relieving thought.
“Ah, right here. Master Merlin, of course.” The woman smiled and snapped her fingers.
***
Lenna gasped, her fingers were clutching onto the Library Card. It was blank. She slipped it away and then looked to Merlin, who was grinning.
“Very well…” Merlin nodded. “I will help you…” he spoke and looked to Rhys who was sipping on her tea.
“Well…” Lenna sat down in a free chair. “I just… need a second” she whispered.
“Everything you thought you knew, hm?” Merlin chuckled “You have much to learn as well…” he poured her a glass of tea. “But you are limited on time, hm?” he dug in a small satchel and pulled out two round coins.
“These coins will bring you hear, to this apparition… Your training will be several years long, no one becomes a master mage over night…” he then lifted three large old text books. “These will help get you a start – the theory of Astro-magic is nothing alike the others… these are the only texts in this world that has anything…” Merlin looked to Lenna then and smiled.
“Hm..” Lenna lifted one of the books and brushed the cover off. It the stars etched into the leather, astronomy. She opened the first page, but it was blank. “I…Don’t understand?”
“Well, that knowledge is not for you, is it? Only the Astro-Mage can read it…” he laughed then. “There are things in this book that a Physical mage… well. Let’s just say that the theories don’t apply to your practice, if you were to accidentally perform them.. you could very well hurt yourself” he pushed them to Rhys.
“As much as I’d love to get started now… something tells me that little village to the west needs you… hm?”
Suddenly they sat in broken chairs, surrounded in burnt wood. On the table was the 3 books. The two coins…
Lenna picked up her coin and then sighed. “That was… crazy…not what I was expecting…” she put the coin in her pocket and looked to Rhys. “Are you okay?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 12, 2018 8:56:43 GMT -5
Rhys looked to Lenna whom was relaxed back into her chair, she looked to be asleep. “What have you done to Lady Lenna?” She asked and looked to the old mage.
Merlin gave a nod as he rummaged about and began setting old dusty books before her on the coffee table. “She is going through a trial, much as you did.” He spoke and sat back down.
Rhys sipped from her glass of tea, she pulled her knees up to her chest as she thought of the raid. The screams. It haunted her to this day. Rhys’ eyes moved to Lenna when she woke, she was quiet as she listened to the two exchange words. She glanced to the book as Lenna opened it, she could see beautiful cursive writing on the pages. She drew her brows together when Lenna spoke of the blank pages, her brows rose when Merlin explained that only she would be able to read it. It was then that the world around them morphed. The cool summer breeze pushed against Rhys’ hair, blowing it into her eyes slightly. She looked around, she still held the tea glass in her hands, the liquid steamed.
Rhys stared to the books that were on the coffee table before her. Her eyes snapped up to Lenna when she spoke. “Oh yes.” She gave a nod. “I’m…I’m okay.” She stood and then lifted her coin into her hands, it was cool to touch with several grooves along it depicting the image of a mage. She slipped it into her pocket and lifted the books into her arms. Suddenly the books shrank to the size of the coin. She held the books in her palm and looked to them a moment. “Did you….?” She asked and then shook her head as she shoved the books into her pocket. She turned her head then, she could hear yelling in the distance. Rhys took in a breath. “That poor village…” She whispered softly as she started toward it. “It is all too familiar…those banners…” She shook her head. “I swear those are the banners from the group that attacked Strathmore years ago….”
Rhys moved along through the forest and soon they came to a hill, smoke shot up in plumes into the sky. “We have to do something…” She looked to Lenna as she rushed forward. Soon enough they were in the thick of the city. Rhys rushed along, leaping over dead bodies of the townspeople. She drew her sword and rushed up behind one of the soldiers. She leaned into her strike as she sliced the sword through an opening in his armor, blood splashed to the ground and he fell forward, gagging on his own blood.
Rhys kicked another soldier in the stomach, knocking him back just enough to slice his neck. She was precise in her movements. Everything was calculated. It was then that a mounted soldier barreled toward her. He held his sword up and chuckled. “What’s this then?” He asked and looked over Rhys. “Do you even know what to do with that?” He slapped his sword against the tip of her blade.
Rhys reacted swiftly, she rushed forward, locking her sword with his. “I know more of it than you could dream.” She spoke as she looked up to him, her face close to his.
The man snickered and shoved her back easily. He was a brute. His strength would easily outweigh her. Though, her agility was something that he couldn’t match. The soldier pushed forward, slicing at her. Rhys blocked each move and slipped from his attacks easily. She jabbed forward at him, catching him in weak points of his armor. They danced about moving swiftly.
“Fall back!” A voice could be heard, the horn began to bellow again. “Fall back!” The voice yelled again.
The soldier chuckled from beneath his helmet. “We shall dance again soon.” He shoved her back and turned to leave.
Rhys rushed forward and slammed her shoulder into the soldier’s chest. “You’re not going anywhere!” Their swords clashed together again. The sound echoed across the city. Rhys hit him with a flourish of attacks. She caught him in the side of the thigh and then the calf of his other leg. Soon enough he was knelt before her, his sword tossed to the ground, his hands held up. She held her tip of her sword aimed toward him. “Who do you work for?” She asked. “Who sent you?” Her voice was low, full of anger.
“That will be enough. We will take it from here.” A familiar voice spoke. “Men, take him captive, be sure he stays alive for interrogation.”
Rhys turned her head to see the king himself upon an armored horse. Soldiers marched passed her and dragged the bandit soldier away. She slowly sheathed her sword as she looked to the king. She bowed, “My king.” She spoke.
He’d seen her fight. He’d watched her take down the soldier, he even held his men back as he watched her. “Lady Lenna.” He turned his eyes to her. “What in the maker’s name are you two doing here? You’re supposed to be at the cabin, safe with Sir Henly.” The king spoke, his voice had a hint of anger.
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