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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 26, 2018 23:08:49 GMT -5
Fire rained down on the city. Explosions sounded in the distance. Chaos ensued. Screams sounded from those who tried to run….and those who fought against the soldiers that marched on the small city.
“Take her.” A man spoke, he had blood smeared on his arm as he pushed a young child forward. “Take her and run.”
“I can’t leave you.” A woman hugged the young girl to her body, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Go.” He shoved her through the door and the sound of the deadbolt slipping into place seemed to echo though the cellar.
The woman looked down to her child, her breaths shook. “It’s okay.” She spoke to the young child that cried into her dress. “It’s okay.” She winced slightly as she heard a door kicked open. A commotion ensued the sound of yelling and the shuffle of feet above them as they descended into the cellar. It was damp and dark, with a musty smell. The wine bottles clattered upon the racks from the battle upstairs. The distinct sound of a revolver firing echoed through the floorboards. The woman looked up, to the ceiling as blood dripped through the floorboards. A drop landed on her cheek as she pushed through the cellar. She brushed it away and let out a shuddering breath as she pulled her daughter to the back of the cellar. The sound of the door being kicked in sounded. The woman knelt down and stuck her hand in a dark shelf passed a few wine bottles, she pulled on a lever then and a small crawlspace opened.
“Adrian.” The woman looked into the child’s eyes. She pulled her necklace from around her neck and slipped it over the girl’s head. “Look at mommy.” She cupped her cheek. “I’ll be okay sweetheart. I need you to go into the saferoom. Wait until it’s silent. Can you do that?” She glanced as she heard footsteps coming down the stairs into the cellar.
The little girl trembled, she moved forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her mother, crying into her neck, tears rushed down her cheeks. “Where’s daddy?” Adrian asked in a whimper.
“We’ve no time, go on.” Her mother pushed her into the crawlspace and the door slid quietly shut behind her. The safe room was dark. Quiet. It was built to withstand anything. If they’d had enough notice all three of them could be hidden away in here. Though, that wasn’t how fate wrote their stories. Adrian sat with her back against the door, tears streamed down her cheeks. She was young, but she knew. She knew her mother and father would be dead by time she left the safe room. She knew the soldiers would have burned nearly everything to the ground. That is what they did. The stories were sweeping across the world of the havoc that these monsters had reeked and yet the noble king did nothing but hide behind his walls in his city. Or at least it seemed to be that way.
Adrian waited 5 days, the rations of food would have lasted her months. But 5 days seemed long enough for the soldiers to be gone. When she’d left the saferoom it was to a scene of charred remains. The home torched. The entire city in ruins. She walked up the old brick stairs into the sticks that were once her home. Her father’s body lay in the middle of the room, charred and nearly unrecognizable, he held another body in his arms, her mother. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she fled the home. Rain cascaded down from the sky putting out what fires were still burning. She sprinted through the city in her beautifully crafted dress. Mud splashed up on her as she ran. Her heel caught in a crack of the cobblestone and she fell forward harshly. Her breaths shook and her body trembled. She looked just before her skinned hands to see a pair of boots on the ground before her.
Adrian lifted her eyes to look up to a man that looked down to her with curious eyes. He wore a nice suit with a top had upon his head, his face was clean shaved. A pocket watch chain hung from the pocket of his vest. He held an umbrella over his head that was black as the night. As he knelt Adrian shifted and scrambled back. “Don’t be alarmed.” He spoke, his voice gentle. He searched her eyes. “You see, I’m not here to harm you, you’re exactly who I’m looking for.” His eyes swirled with a yellow glow. “I never thought that the energy I felt would be from such a young child.” He smiled and looked around. He then held out his hand. “Come on then.”
Adrian shook her head. “G-get away.” Her voice was small, frightened.
The man smiled a bit wider then. “Come on now, would you rather me leave you for those brutes? Those soldiers?” He asked. “I’m sure they will be back, hm?” He took in a breath and stood. He towered over her as he looked down to her. “There’s no one around to protect you.” He glanced around. “A young lady like yourself.” He raised a brow. “Where I’m offering you to go, you won’t have to worry about these brutes or….anything else for that matter.” He smirked slightly. “Very few get this opportunity.” He then paused. “So what will it be?” He held his hand out to her once again.
Adrian sat for a moment, she was soaking wet, covered in mud and ash. She shivered slightly from the cool rain. She slowly stood and grasped his hand. She looked up to him.
“Very good.” He smiled and took a step forward. He gave a whistle and suddenly a wave of air brushed over them. Adrian screamed and jerked back. The man held her hand though and pulled her in against him. “It’s alright.” He spoke his voice calm. He looked up to a huge dragon that landed before them. “This is my friend.” He smiled and looked down to Adrian. The dragon was black with a yellow tint to the scales on its abdomen. It’s eyes glowed a bright teal color. It had metal about its body, almost machine like. Though it was an armor to protect the beast. “See?” He stepped forward, pulling her with him. The dragon lowered its head and looked into Adrian’s eyes. “Go on, give him a pet.” The man chuckled.
Adrian took in a shaken breath as she reached forward and touched her hand to the scales of the dragon. Her jaw loose.
“Come then, let’s go.” The man released her hand and climbed up onto the dragon’s back. “Let’s go, we have an agenda to attend to.” He smiled.
Adrian looked up to the man on the back of the dragon, she was so small she wasn’t quite sure how to get onto the back of the beast. The dragon then suddenly moved and latched onto the back of her dress. It lifted her and tossed her onto its back. Adrian screamed as she was lifted into the air. Her eyes wide. She landed and clutched her arms around the man just as they took off into the sky.
**
The night was calm, snow fell from the skies outside. It had been a wet winter this year. Glasses clinked together and the voices of patrons at the bar carried through the tavern. Behind the tall counter of the bar stood a young woman, she had short brown hair that swooped down over her left eye slightly. She wore goggles upon her head that were tinted red and blue. She wore a black blouse with a leather bustier that had straps about it. She even had leather wrist guards upon her forearms. A tattoo swirled up her left arm, ancient inscriptions that threw most into a state of awe. She wore black tight pants that fit perfectly beneath her boots that reached up to her knees. The boots were made of leather and had armor plating on the front. She even wore a red sash about her waist and upon her left thigh a pistol was strapped in.
“Hey sweet cheeks, how about a brew huh?” A man leaned against the bar.
The woman looked to him with emerald eyes. She smirked and stepped to him. “A brew hm?” She asked as she dried out a glass. “What kind?”
“Whatever you like, beautiful.” He grinned.
The woman rolled her eyes to him. “Whatever I like, hm?” She asked as she flipped the glass over on the counter. She tossed in a few cubes of ice and then poured in a few different dark liquors before she topped it off with a clear soda. She then slid it down the bar to him. “Good luck.” She spoke as she stepped down to the other end of the bar.
The man looked to the drink and raised it, he smelled it and took a sip. “Oh….yuck…this is…” His face contorted.
The woman chuckled from the other end of the bar as she poured a beer for another man. The man came down and slammed the glass on the bar harshly sloshing the liquor across the counter. “Now that’s not very nice.” The woman looked to him. “What’s the matter?”
“Get me a brew, I said.” His face was red, he was angry.
The woman smirked then. “I thought you said to get you what I liked?” She chuckled as she poured him a beer.
“This is disgusting.” He shoved the glass toward her, spilling it more.
“Adrian, is this man giving you trouble?” A tall built man stepped forward. He cracked his knuckles.
Adrian chuckled, “It’s all in good fun, Mark. No need to worry.” She flashed a smile to him.
The man lifted his glass up and retreated to his end of the bar counter as Adrian began to clean up the mess he’d made. “You really shouldn’t push them like that, you know? A little lady like you.” Mark chuckled.
“Ah but I have you to protect me, don’t I?” She smirked, “I can handle myself.” She rinsed the glass out and set it on the drying rack.
A few hours passed and the last of the patrons filtered out of the bar. Adrian picked up the glasses with the help of the bouncer and soon enough they clicked the lights off. Adrian grabbed a nice navy blue petticoat from the rack and buttoned it down. “Have a good night.” She smiled as she stepped into the cold and locked up the doors.
Adrian trudged through the snow, she shivered slightly as she glanced around. “I can hear you, you know?” She spoke and turned around.
“And I thought I was being quiet.” A man stood in a top hat and nice suit. “When are you planning on returning, Adrian?” He asked a smile upon his lips.
“Julius I’ve told you once, but I can tell you again. I’m not coming back.” Adrian turned and began walking away from him.
“You’re making a mistake leaving the circle.” He spoke and stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
“I want to stop the murderers.” Adrian spoke, “The circle couldn’t care less. I want to stop those soldiers from flattening cities like they did, from taking parents from children.” Her voice was agitated her eyes swirled with a white glow.
“Ah, ah.” He tapped his head. “That trick doesn’t work on me Adrian.” He chuckled. “The grand master is very displeased with you, you know it took me 5 years to even hunt you down, you’ve hidden yourself away good here.” He then chuckled. “Oh and a bartender of all things?” Julius shook his head. “We had great plans for you, Adrian.”
“I’m thankful that you saved me, but I want nothing to do with the circle.” Adrian grit her teeth. “Now get out of my way.” She raised her hand and shoved him, it glowed with a white power.
“You’re making a mistake Adrian…” Julius spoke and followed her. “The master will have you killed for leaving…you have to listen to me. You can’t just leave the circle.”
Adrian glanced to him as she continued walking. “So have him send his dogs after me for all I care. What do I have to lose?” She threw her arms up. “Nothing, that’s the answer Julius.” She turned and continued walking through the dark streets then, leaving Julius standing in the middle of the street with a dumbfounded expression.
Adrian shoved her hands into her pockets and shivered slightly, she was fuming with anger. She wanted nothing to do with the circle. What good did they do if they didn’t want to try to stop the raids? To stop the tyrant that led the soldiers? She let out a long sigh. “I thought I told you to stop following me.” She turned, her brows tucked together.
Suddenly she was rushed by the drunkard from the tavern. They toppled into the snow. Adrian winced as she was crushed by his weight. He chuckled as he looked to her. “You’re coming with me.” He spoke and licked his lips.
Adrian fought against his grip as he lifted her up to her feet, he held her wrists. “No, I’m not.” She stared to him, her eyes glowed slightly. “You should go home friend, you’ll feel much better once you’ve had some sleep.”
The man looked to her his expression melted to a blank look. His grip then loosened and he nodded. “Yeah, sleep does sound good, doesn’t it?” He spoke as he turned and began walking away.
Adrian brushed the snow from her body and continued down the street. She stepped into an old warehouse and hung her coat up on the rack before she got onto an old rickety elevator and pushed the up button. It clattered as it lifted her up a few stories to a room that held cheers from a crowd. Adrian stepped from the elevator and let out a sigh as she heard the sweet sound of fist against flesh. She smiled.
“Adrian!” A voice full of excitement approached her. “Where have you been?”
“Working.” She replied with a smirk. “How’s it been?” She looked eagerly to the ring where two men threw punches at each other.
“Oh it’s been excellent. You’re up soon, I put you in, like you said.” The man grinned.
“Thanks Jed.” She pat his shoulder. “Did you bring my bag by chance?”
The man chuckled. “What am I your trainer?” He rolled his eyes, “Of course I did.”
Adrian smirked to him, “You’re the best.” She kissed his cheek and then slipped into a back room where she changed into a pair of black shorts and a sports bra. She had a few bruises on her ribs from the night before. But nothing that would hold her back. She stepped out just as her name was called by the ringleader. She pushed through the crowd and climbed over the makeshift ropes. Adrian stood before a brute of a man. He looked down to her and smirked.
“Alright ladies and gents. We have for us tonight, a new fighter. He calls himself Mad Max. For his contender, we’ve chosen a good one for you, we all have grown to love this spit fire, Adrian Riggs.”
The crowd exploded with cheers for the fight. Adrian tapped her fists with the man just before the bell rang and the fight commenced. She sidestepped a few of his punches and she easily caught him in the chest with a harsh front kick. Adrian ducked just beneath his hook and brought in a flurry of hooks to his body. She was working him over and the crowd loved it. He caught her then in the side. She stumbled back and took in a shaken breath, she winced slightly before she rushed forward and caught him in the jaw with a full roundhouse kick. Blood splattered from his mouth. Adrian followed him to the ground, pinning him and throwing punches to his face. The man gripped her ribcage and shoved her off of him. They both moved back to standing and the dance continued. He caught her in the jaw and staggered her back into the ropes. Adrian waited a moment, letting him rushed forward before she rolled from his path. He slammed into the rope and then fell back onto his back again. Adrian smirked as she waited for him to stand. With a swift motion she brought her heel into his chin. The man toppled like a tower falling flat onto his back, unconscious.
The crowd erupted with cheers. The ringmaster stepped forward and chuckled. “You never cease to amaze.” He grinned as he lifted her hand up. “Our winner!” He called out. “See you next week.” He pat her back.
Adrian packed up her things and slipped a wad of cash into her bag before she pulled on her clothing from before. She stepped back into the storm. She loved showing up to fight night in the last hour or so like that. Get in get out, go home. She brushed a bit of blood from her nose as she walked down the street. Her mind began to wander. Was the threat from Julius real? Would she be in danger if she didn’t return to the circle?
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 27, 2018 0:22:03 GMT -5
“We have located the one proper for the transformation, my King” A mage stood before a plump man. The mage was in brown leathers, his hair was frazzled and held down by a pair of goggles.
The King reached for his goblet and brought it to his lips, he took a long drawn sip and then nodded. “Who is the one to be my new weapon?” he questioned.
“I ran a very sophisticated test – I tested many people, my king- “
“Get on with it” He spat and leaned back in his seat.
“Your daughter is the only one who I calculated would even stand a chan-“
“Do it, take her, run your tests and perform your dark voodoo. I want her returned to me as the goddess you promised to provide me…” He spoke and then stood up. “I’ve got Kingdoms surrounding me, my own people who are beginning to rise – we must strike fear into their hearts. It is pleasing to know that it will be my daughter to do so…” he waved his hand. “Fetch her”
***
There was a knock on the door. “Princess, we are entering your chambers” A Knight spoke. He opened the door to lay his eyes upon a young woman, who stood before a mirror. She wore a red dress, with a black corset that was synched tightly. “Princess, the King requests your presence..”
“Very well…” She turned and followed the guards down into the throne room. However… the King was gone. The mage stood, with several guards around him.
“My Princess, Sylvia… you must come with me. It is the King’s wish” He held his hand out.
“Excuse me? Where is my father? You said he requested me. I will not come with you unless it comes from his mouth” she stepped back. The knights approached and reached their hands to her. She jerked back, slapping one away.
“Don’t make us do this…” The Knight spoke. “Come peacefully.”
“Absolutely not, unhand me!” She shouted.
Suddenly a Knight stepped forward and slammed his fist into her forehead - knocking her clean out. “that settles it…”
The mage stood and nodded. “Very well. Take her to my warehouse… we will begin immediately…” he spoke and then disappeared into smoke.
***
Sylvia’s eyes blinked slowly – she looked around…. The room was dimly lit… She could see thing windows high in the walls, easily 18 feet above her head. She was in a basement like warehouse, but it did not hold…things.
It was mostly empty. It had several desks around her – and she stood in some kind of contraption. Both of her arms were clasped in metal cuffs, lifted above her. She was dangling by her wrists, her ankles were strapped too. Her dress was tattered, her boots lay on the ground next to her…
“Ah, what a beautiful Princess…” The mage spoke as he stepped forward, her grinned. He reached forward and brushed a black lock from Sylvia’s eyes. She had very long black hair, it fell in large rings and curls…
“Pity…” He stepped back and then flipped a switch. Sylvia glanced before her - there was a machine. It was large, and had a point at the end. It began to glow brightly, and then suddenly – it shot a beam of blue light into her.
Sylvia’s arms pulled against the chains - the beam hit her chest. Instantly her dress began to smolder, a hole burning into the center of her chest, until it pierced her skin. She shouted then, screaming as the beam seared her. The energy shot through her and shook her body. She writhed against the chains and her head tossed back and forth.
He shut it off momentarily…. “Phase 1… 20 more to go for this first wave…” he spoke and then waited. He moved the beam slightly lower… and hit the switch again.
Sylvia shook her head “Why?!!” she cried out. The beam burned her dress again, then her skin – channeling this odd energy into her, forcefully. She cried out in pain again. The veins in her forehead popped, straining as she was wracked with pain. The mage stood, grinning as he watched. He turned it off and nodded…. “Phase 3.. commencing…” he flipped the switch….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 27, 2018 1:36:07 GMT -5
Adrian took in a breath and shuddered from the cold. It was a long walk home, she’d have to travel through the business district. The city was sleeping at this hour. A stay cat here or there would sprint across the snowy street in front of her. It was then that she saw a flash of blue light from one of the abandoned warehouses. She tucked her brows together as she looked to the old dirty filmed windows of the warehouse. “At this hour…” She spoke softly, “What is going on?” Her eyes swirled with the yellow glow again. She could sense something. Then the light went away and the presence seemed to dim.
Adrian stepped toward the warehouse. She heard the clicks of a machine as it wound up and the blue light returned. She climbed up on the cinderblock next to the building and rubbed her hand against the dirty glass. Adrian peered inside then. The scene that her eyes fell upon shocked her. A woman hung from chains, limp. A beam of light shot into her body. It turned off again at the hands of a man that stood in brown leathers. Adrian shook her head and watched as he turned it on again.
“Hey, get down from there!” A guard called.
Adrian glanced down to the man as he approached her. She jumped down and smiled to him, her eyes glowed white as she placed her hand on his chest. “I’m not harming anything. Could you tell me what’s happening inside? It looks awfully peculiar.” She spoke, never breaking contact with his eyes.
The guard loosened slightly to her touch. He took in a stiff breath of air. “The king has ordered us to guard his scientist as he performs his experiment.”
Adrian furrowed her brows. “Experiment?” She huffed slightly, “On…on…some poor innocent woman?”
The guard shook his head, “Oh no, on the princess, my lady.” He responded.
Adrian’s eyes widened, “P-princess?” She gasped slightly. “How could he do such horrible things to his own daughter?” She then regained her composure, “Why don’t you take a stroll hm?” She waved him off. The guard stepped off down the street.
Adrian watched him a moment before she circled around behind the building. The alley was dark. She glanced around as she slipped her hand around the door knob. She carefully slipped into the building. Her eyes glowed slightly swirling with her magic. She watched as the man stood at the machine.
“Phase 72.” He spoke and flipped the switch. The machine began to wind up. Then suddenly the gears within the machine slowed. “What…” He flipped the switch several times.
Adrian grit her teeth slightly, from the shadows she held her hand out, she’d altered the matter of the machine, bending the gears within the chamber to prevent it from spooling up. She looked around the room, analyzing the situation. She had the mad scientist and three more guards. She took in a breath and nodded to herself. She slipped around in the shadows, she slipped up behind a guard and spun him, staring into his eyes. “Go tell your buddies that you lost the other guard, you need their help.” She spoke quietly, her eyes glowed. Her hand remained on his shoulder. She slipped back into the shadows as he turned.
“Hey guys, Ralph went outside and hasn’t come back, we should check it out.” He waved the other two guards over.
Adrian pulled her sash from her waist and wrapped it around her face, concealing her identity. She then circled around and pulled her pistol. “Stop fiddling with the machine.” She spoke, her aim on the head of the scientist.
The man stared to her. “And who are you to tell me what to do?” He remarked.
Adrian furrowed her brows. “Release the princess.” She spoke, her eyes glowed.
The man began to chuckle. “Oh, that’s what’s happened to the guards.” He snickered. “I may not be a strong mage, but I know how to put up wards against mages like you.” He flipped the switch again and grumbled slightly. “Is this your doing mage?” He asked.
“Yes.” Adrian responded.
“You’re making a grave mistake.” He spoke and glared to her.
“So everyone tells me.” Adrian rolled her eyes. She cocked the revolver. “Either step aside or let the princess free.” Her voice was commanding.
“She’s my experiment, the king gave her to me, he allowed it. I’m not doing anything wrong.” He sneered. “You however are pushing your boundaries girl. You’ll have yourself dead by the end of the night if you keep it up.”
Adrian smirked then, “I’ve got nothing to lose, so what’s the trouble in that?” She rose a brow slightly, “I don’t want to kill you, so kindly, step aside.”
The man reached to the desk that was near the machine and pulled a gun from the drawer. Just as he lifted it the sound of her gun firing echoed through the air. His gun was blasted from his hand. He took a few steps back and let out a whimper, “God damnit!” He cursed and grit his teeth. “You’ll pay for that girl.” He growled. The guards that she hadn’t controlled came running back into the warehouse. “Seize her! I can use her to! Take her alive!” He barked orders.
Adrian looked to the guards as they pulled their tasers from their hips. “Oh this should be fun.” She sighed slightly. She glanced to the scientist and smirked. “I’ll be back.” She spoke and rushed toward the guards. They fired the rounds at her, she dodged the shot from one guard and slammed her elbow into his neck knocking him forward. The other guard took advantage of this and let his round off. It landed on Adrian’s thigh. She let out a whimper as he pulled the trigger and she fell to the ground as the electricity began to course through her body.
“That’s enough.” The other guard spoke. “Don’t kill her remember?” He knelt next to her and gripped her wrist, preparing to slap cuffs onto her.
“He hurt me.” Adrian whispered, her eyes glowed. “You have to stop him.”
The guard stood up. “How dare you injure a lady in such a way, you barbarian!”
The second guard stepped back, his expression confused. “Wh…I…” He shook his head. “What do you mean captain?” In the next moment a fist fight commenced between the two.
Adrian stood up and chuckled slightly. She picked up the taser gun from the floor and reloaded it before she shot it, landing a hit on the guards. She pulled the trigger, sending both to the ground. She then walked back toward the scientist. “Are you going to leave me without a choice?” She asked and stared to him.
The man had a shotgun that he’d pulled from the desk. “You’re not taking my experiment away.” He spoke, his finger over the trigger.
Adrian pulled her pistol and let three shots out, one to his thigh, the next to the barrel of the shotgun and a third to his shoulder. He crumpled to the ground and she kicked the gun from his grip. “You should have listened when I asked nicely.” She kicked him over. She moved to the panel of switches and looked them over a minute. “Ah here we are.” She flipped a switch and then moved over to the princess as she was lowered to the ground. The cuffs clicked open and Adrian pulled her over her shoulder. She grit her teeth slightly. “Alright, good night.” She kicked the scientist harshly in his head, knocking him out.
Adrian then walked out of the warehouse. She moved through the back alleys of the city and to the outskirts of town. She walked up to her small home. It was big enough for her and a guest or two. She took in a breath and fumbled in her pocket for her keys. She unlocked the door and stepped inside. She shivered from the cold. “Alright…princess…” She spoke and set the woman down on her couch. “If the circle doesn’t already want to kill me…now I have kidnapped the princess…” She shook her head. “You just want to die don’t you Adrian?” She let out a soft laugh as she returned to the front door and locked it. She moved to the fireplace and snapped her fingers. A spark came from the wood and then flames curled up around the logs. The crackle and pop of the wood sounded through the living room.
Adrian moved back to the princess and pulled a blanket from the back of the couch. She carefully tucked it in around her. She glanced to the burn from the beam and winced slightly. She stood up and went to a cabinet and shuffled around in the supplies before she moved into the kitchen and began throwing a few things together. Adrian came back with a paste and bandaging. She carefully spread the paste onto her burned skin and then placed the bandage over it. As she pressed down the edges of the bandage her fingertips glowed. The wound would heal quickly.
Adrian then stepped back into her kitchen. She pulled out a bagel and put it on a plate and then she took it and set it on the coffee table in front of the couch. She wasn’t sure how long the princess had been there….enduring that machine, but she felt as though she would at least be hungry….she didn’t expect her to welcome this unknown place either.
Adrian brewed two cups of tea and set one next to the bagel for the princess before she curled up on her recliner. She pulled a book from the shelf and sipped on her tea. Before long Adrian set the empty mug down on the side table, her eyes became heavy. Her head began to bob and eventually her head slumped to the side as sleep stole her consciousness from her and she slipped away into the land of dream.
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Post by Raven on Mar 27, 2018 19:27:47 GMT -5
Hours passed and he continually beamed her. Each time it was like being squeezed by the fist of a titan, thrown down, and then ran over. She gasped with air once it was over, just briefly, before the next began.
“Once we get to 100... all of the Azeralite Energy will be absorbed by your body” he grinned then and stepped over to the back of the machine. “This little beauty...” he plucked the blue crystal from the machine. It was a small gem, undefined and rugged – but it was beautiful and blue, shining brightly and glowing with power. “This was cultivated from the energy of the earth” he put the gem back into it’s case, the beam powered up again. “The Soul of Earth it self...” he stepped over to her. He watched as she writhed in pain.
Her eyes had bits of blue electricity that shot over the orb, her skin seem to have some kind of energy crawling below it. The scientist grinned and stepped back, shutting it off. “That is beam 70...” he spoke and then looked to her with obsessive eyes. Like a hound to a sack of meat. “The worlds are created by the Gods, really – Titans, gifted by the gods. Each world has a soul, energy, it is what brings them all together – it is why there is power in the constellations...” he spoke and then rushed over to his computer. He flipped a few switches and raised the power level just slightly.
“This should help move this along” he grinned and hit power. The beam grew larger, and drilled at an even bigger rate. The burnt grew larger... and her pain increased. She screamed out and fought against the chains.
“Stop this!” She was able to cry out.
“Oh, your first words in a while...” He spoke and approached her. The machine had shut off briefly..
“What... do you want from me?” she spat out.
“Your mother died giving birth to you...” He spoke and bit his lip. “She cascaded her energy, her soul, her magic into you.... and this is the only reason you can withstand this great power that I am giving you... Once we are completed – you will emerge one of the most powerful to walk. A walking...breathing.. goddes...” he spoke and then stepped back. “You will fight in your fathers name...” he spoke and then turned the beam on again.
“Never” she cried out. “No..” she thrashed heavily now, trying to break free.
The scientist reached over and increased the power. The beam grew larger and then he cackled - watching as her entire body began to glow blue. “I’m done waiting!” he shouted.
Finally it whirred down, shutting off. Sylvia passed out from the pain, her body smoking slightly from the effect of the beam... It was then suddenly her rescuer came...
***
Sylvia slowly opened her eyes. She very much expected to be hoisted in her shackles, staring to the dark musky warehouse... but she was not. She was warm... cozy. She slowly sat up and glanced around. “Where am I?” she questioned softly.
She slowly stood from the couch, she set the blanket on the back of the couch. She looked down and touched her chest – where a hole was burned into her dress... and she had a bandage. “By the gods..” she whispered and then sat back down.
It was then that she heard stirring – she realized someone was here. She stumbled and fell back to the couch – her eyes looking to her. “Please tell me you’re not here to hurt me” she whispered, her heart rate suddenly escalated and her fingers grew cold. The memories of the beam suddenly flashed before her eyes, and her chest began to heave swiftly...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 27, 2018 20:16:00 GMT -5
Where am I?
Adrian’s eyes cracked open. The light was dim, just the flicker of what flames were left in the fireplace. Adrian closed her book and set her feet on the floor, her brows drew together as she heard the fear in the princess’ voice. “I’m not going to hurt you.” She stood slowly and set her book down on the end table. She walked over to a lantern and suddenly a flame lit within it. She turned and looked to the princess, her eyes glowed slightly, though her magic was useless against her. “It’s okay, calm down.” She moved and lifted the tea cup from the table. Her hands held around the mug for a moment, she set it back down and it was steaming once more, as if she’d just made it.
“I saved you.” Adrian spoke, “I saw what that scientist did to you.” Her voice was softer then as she moved and sat back in her recliner. “I saw the flash of light through the windows, I was on my way home.” She adjusted her goggles on her head, they’d been pushed down slightly. “What on earth were they doing to you? He kept calling you his experiment.” She tucked her brows together. “He said that the king allowed this. How could he allow his own daughter to such torture?” She shook her head and grit her teeth slightly. “My apologies.” She paused a moment, calming herself. “I am Adrian, I’m the barkeep at the Lost Road Tavern here in town…you’re in Visby…quite a few clicks away from your castle and the kingdom…” She paused a moment then. “I would suggest eating something, I do hope you like bagels, it’s about all I have to offer. Oh and it’s just a breakfast tea, should sit well with your empty stomach.” Adrian thought again, “I’m sorry that this has happened Princess.” She searched her eyes a moment before she stood and poked at the fire. She added a log and flames curled up around it instantly. She used her magic for nearly everything. She was quite the mage.
A knock came from the door then. Adrian grumbled something under her breath. “Just a moment.” She gave a soft smile. She stepped to the door and peered through the peephole. She cracked the door open. “Mr. Styles, a pleasure.” She looked down to the short old scruffy man.
“You’re two days late again Miss Riggs!” The man snapped, he held a clipboard in his hands. “Two days! Why can’t you get on schedule? Huh?” He tapped the clipboard with his pen at each punctuation. “You’re going to have to pay a late fee this time Miss Riggs!”
Adrian took in a breath, “Oh Mr. Styles, time must have gotten away from me.” She offer a shy smile. “I have the money, just one moment.” She shut the door in his face and turned into the home. Adrian walked across the room and lifted up her bag of fighting gear which she’d shoved the wad of cash into. She counted out the money carefully and stepped back over to the door.
“And another thing!” The little man pipped up.
“Mr. Styles, is this all necessary? I’m truly sorry.” She held the money out, her eyes began to glow as his hands touched her. “Truly. I didn’t mean to alarm you, honest.” She stared into his eyes.
“Oh…um…well…” Mr. Styles gave a soft smile to her. “It’s okay dear.” He pat her shoulder. “I see you’ve paid more?” He grinned as he counted the money.
“Of course.” She smiled to him. “It won’t happen again. Good day, Mr. Styles.” She spoke and closed the door. Adrian walked back over to her recliner. “Sorry about that.” She grinned slightly. “Life doesn’t stop, for anything, even saving a princess.” She chuckled slightly. “Is there anything I can get you, princess? How does your chest feel?” She looked to her with concerned eyes.
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Post by Raven on Mar 29, 2018 17:49:48 GMT -5
“What do you mean Kidnapped ?!” The King shouted. He stood from his throne and grit his teeth. He stared to the scientist who cowered before him, two guards stood next to him. “Did you at least finish the experiment?” he questioned, his arms crossed as his eyes stared down to the fragile man. The king’s hairy brows pulled together with anger and he grit his teeth...
“Um... no, not quite...” The Scientist replied softly.
The King let out a loud growl and he stepped down the few steps and lifted the scientist into the air by his throat. “You’ll fucking find her. Or I’ll kill you, and your blasted family. Do you hear me?!” He shook the man.
The Scientist huffed and choked, and thrashed – trying to say yes. The King suddenly threw him down and stepped back to his throne. “Find her. In one fucking piece. But kill anyone who gets in the way. I will put out a notice that the Princess has been Kidnapped, anyone found helping her will be killed. 10,000 dollars to the first person to bring her back to me...” he gripped the chair and then looked to his right hand. “Go on, get it done!” he waved his hands. “Get the hell out of my face...” he leaned back into his seat and steamed.
***
Sylvia looked to Adrian for a long moment... and then slowly accepted her tea. “I... My father was never very kind to me. He blames me for my mothers death, and many other things... I know that I’ve always been just a gem for him to trade..” she sipped the tea and turned her head as there as a knocking.
Sylvia tried not to eaves drop, but it was hard not to. It seemed out of no where that the land owner changed his mind... peculiar... She took a bite of the bagel – it was seemingly satisfying. “I’m not sure how long I was there for...” she spoke as Adrian came back around. “It was in and out... it was all like being underwater, each minute felt like an hour. Every blast of that... thing – he said something about... Azeralite? Do you know what that is?” she questioned. “He was... going on about it but... I... I don’t remember much...” she shook her head.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 29, 2018 18:45:25 GMT -5
Adrian watched the princess curiously for a moment, her brows tucked together. She couldn’t imagine. To the king this woman was nothing more than I piece of property, nothing more than something for trade to get a leg up. When the princess mentioned Azeralite her brows rose. “Azeralite…” She bit her lip slightly. She reached her hand up to the silver necklace that hung around her neck, the jewel tucked into her blouse. She pulled the beautiful blue gem from her blouse and looked down to it. It was the necklace her mother gave to her the day she died. “That’s a very rare gem.” She spoke, “It is said to contain quite a bit of magic.” She looked to Sylvia then, “I’ve heard stories.” She nodded and stood she rummaged through a few books that were on the bookcase next to the recliner. She thumbed through and then pulled one with an old tattered leatherback down. She’d stolen it from the library of the tower, it belonged to the circle.
Adrian moved swiftly and sat down on the couch next to Sylvia, though not too close. She glanced to her a moment before she cracked open the book. “Magic is something that runs through our world, there are those that use magic for good and those that will use it to destroy the world around them. Even if they are not aware of the destruction that they are causing, it is something that consumes them whole. Azeralite was a highly sought gem a century ago, most of it has been mined up…” She tucked her brows together. “To power that machine it would have to be a large stone…I’ve never seen anything much larger than what I have.”
Adrian flipped through the pages a bit and stopped on a page with a beautiful illustration of a man that was surrounded in blue energy as he stood on top of a hill. His eyes seemed to be filled with lightning. “This is Murdoc, maybe you’ve heard of him? His history has been wiped away from most of the world, only the circle really speaks of him anymore….” She paused after she mentioned the circle. “At one time he was the grand master in The Circle of Magi…though he grew consumed with his want for power, his lust for more and more…”
Adrian flipped the page again, it was filled with writing, this book was entirely hand written, something that showed the age of the book. “Murdoc figured out a way to consume the power of the Azeralite, to fuel him to be stronger…he concocted a spell that drew the power from the gem, he found a gem that was about the size of my fist.” She held her fist out, “The circle still has the drained gem locked away in the tower, as a reminder of the dangers…” She paused again, “Once he consumed this raw energy Murdoc became one of the most powerful mages in history…though slowly the power from the Azeralite began to consume him, his skin grew pale, his eyes filled with electricity…his body wasn’t meant for this raw power….Azeralite is an aid…not something that should be converted into someone for the sheer purpose of power…” She took in a breath and drew her brows together. “It consumes and destroys…it isn’t safe to be used in such a way…Murdoc became a shell of a man, his soul was lost to the magic as it took over his body. Do you know of the crater of Taliha?” She looked to the princess a moment. “When his body couldn’t withstand the power any longer that is where he stood, in the center of where that crater now rests. The sheer amount of energy that pushed from his body created that crater…”
Adrian thought a moment, “Do you feel alright, princess?” She asked softly. “I can only imagine the amount of energy that has been forced into your body…” She shook her head.
Adrian’s eyes moved to the door then. She held her finger up to her lips and stood. She moved swiftly across the floor, she didn’t make even the slightest of sound. Adrian peered through her curtains to the world outside, the sun was rising. The orange rays pushed over the city bringing warmth after the snow storm. Adrian grit her teeth. “Royal guard…” She muttered. She heard a scream from outside. They were going home to home. “Damnit.” Adrian looked to Sylvia a moment. “Princess, come with me.” She spoke and led her to a door that led down into the basement. “My parents had something like this when I was young, and I’ve never had the need to use it, but now…” She nodded. “Now I am glad that I have it.” She reached behind a shelf and pulled a lever which released part of the shelving to push back into a dark room. Adrian stepped inside and held her hand up to a lantern which a flame lit within. “Just….no matter what you hear, don’t make a sound, they won’t find you.”
There was a loud knock from the door then. Adrian’s pulse rose slightly. “I will be back before you know it.” Adrian nodded and slipped from the safe room.
Within the safe room were more books from the tower, books on magic, elves, dwarfs, dragons. She even had a snow globe that held a dragon within it. The eyes of the dragon glowed a fiery ember color. This room was where she stored everything that was worth hiding.
Adrian rushed up the stairs as another knock came from the door. “Just a minute.” She glanced around, making sure that there was no sign of a second person. She took in a breath and opened the door.
Suddenly guards rushed into the home. “By order of King Lucas we are searching this home.” One shoved her harshly aside. This was the right hand to the king. He looked to her briefly as he held her against the wall. “Any objections?”
Adrian shook her head. “No…no objections….but what’s going on?” She asked. “Should I be alarmed?”
The man looked her over and chuckled. “Maybe. Maybe not. Princess Sylvia has been kidnapped. Do you know anything about that?”
There was a crash from the kitchen as the guards tossed her things around. Arian looked to the kitchen as she heard a plate shatter on the floor. “The princess?” She asked. “No…kidnapped? By who?”
“That’s what we are searching for.” The man grumbled. “All we have is it was a woman.” He shoved her back against the wall again, holding her there, “You wouldn’t happen to know something would you girl?” He gripped her jaw tightly.
Adrian grit her teeth, she stared into his eyes. “I honestly didn’t even know the princess’ name…how would I know where she was?”
The guard stared into her eyes, he didn’t loosen his grip as more banging around came from the home. “I see.” He spoke and released her.
Adrian held her hand to her jaw and stumbled slightly, she watched as her home was turned upside down by the guards. Soon enough they returned and shook their heads.
The guard looked to her another moment. “If you see anything, anything at all. The king is offering a $10,000 reward for the person that returns his daughter safely.” He shoved a flyer into her hands. “Anyone who is caught helping this kidnapper will be dealt with accordingly.” He smirked. “That’s death, if you’re wondering.” He then turned. “We will be back for questioning later, if we cannot find her we will question each member of this city until we do.” They left then.
Adrian stood she grit her teeth and looked around her trashed home. “That was a perfectly good plate…” She muttered as she looked in the kitchen. Her eyes swirled with silver then and her hands glowed as she moved about. Within a minute or two she restored everything. It was as if the guard hadn’t been there at all. She slipped down the stairs and pulled the lever. “Princess…” She stepped into the safe room. “We are going to have to get you somewhere safer than here.” She held the flyer out. “If you remember anything…please tell me, it may help.” She took in a breath and stepped over to a trunk. “I have some clothing in here, if you want to change from that dress…there was a storm last night, it’s rather cold outside…” She lifted the snow globe into her hands. “Time for a visit my good friend.” She spoke to the globe, her eyes glowed slightly. The snow swirled around within the globe blocking the view of the dragon.
Adrian set the globe back down, as the snow settled it revealed an empty globe. “I should tell you….” She spoke and looked to the princess, the silver glow still swirling within her eyes. “The only place I think can help will be the mage tower, The Circle of Magi…Master Xavier will be one of the few that knows what to do…as well as the Archmage Julius. They are very smart…” She took in a breath, she didn’t want to return to the tower. Though she also didn’t want to allow the magic to consume the princess. She couldn’t willingly let anyone go through that. “They will know what to do.” Adrian looked to the princess a moment. “When you’re ready…head upstairs…I do hope there is something in that trunk that will be to your liking…I can answer your questions then.” Adrian gave a nod and left for her living room. She stood at the window, watching as the guard went from home to home, throwing the residents of the city out into the cold as they flipped the homes inside out, tossing things into the streets even.
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Post by Raven on Mar 29, 2018 19:13:36 GMT -5
Syvlia looked to Adrian as she sat down next to her, book in hand. She leaned over and glanced at the writing - thought it was like scribble... she could understand it but the handwriting was messy. She was surprised that Adrian was so used to it. Her eyes glanced over the few drawings, but she listened. "I... see... so it is a host for pure magic?" she questioned and then shut her eyes briefly. "My mother was a mage, Sylvanas Matron. I.. don't know anything of her, she died when she gave birth to me. I have a feeling.. that she was just a tool of my fathers as well..." she sighed softly. She glanced up suddenly when there was a knocking.
Sylvia shot upward and followed Adrian, slipping behind the book case. She turned as the doorway was closed.. and her eyes fell upon a stocked room. It had a desk that was covered in papers, books... She glanced to the snow globe and lifted it into her hands. She glanced to the dragon within, its eyes glowed in a pulsing manner. She squeezed her brows together and then cringed suddenly when there was a crashing sound. Sylvia set the globe down and then turned swiftly.
The sudden movement brought upon a large dose of pain. She gripped her forehead and squeezed her eyes... though while her eyes were shut she could see flickers of lightning jump across her blackened vision. She let out a muffled groan and then fell to a chair. It was moments later that it passed... She let out a long sigh and then glanced to the door, which opened back up.
"It sounds like there will be plenty of people hunting me..." Sylvia spoke and then stood. She stepped to the chest and opened it. The wooden lid creaked open and the scent of leathers and cloth filled the air. She sifted through the clothes and plucked a set of armor out. "You are... a very interesting person..." she spoke and laid it out. It was a pair of baggy mechanic pants, that tucked into a pair of military style boots... and a tunic that had a comfortable corset style top which was held together by 3 large belts in the front, and several smaller belts... She pulled the clothing on.. She reached down and situated the large belt that rest on her hips, two pouches were attached to it. Surely for ammo...
"Well, not quite what im used to but... rather comfortable..." she stepped out into the living room and spread her arms out. She had pulled her black locks back into a bun, strands of her hair fell out of it, and her bangs fell across her face in a flattering manner. She looked to Adrian and then took in a breath... "Um.. I didn't thank you, and I should. I didn't really... introduce myself either. I am Sylvia... I am grateful, I could have died or .. worse, earlier.. and it just so happens some very mysterious person rescued me... I uh... well... You said we were going so, we are headed to the Circle? I've never been there.." she spoke and followed Adrian. "Are we taking an air ship?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 30, 2018 8:20:56 GMT -5
Adrian watched Sylvia a moment and then chuckled when she stated that she was an interesting person. “I’m sure most things will be quite interesting for you outside of the castle walls.” She smirked before she turned, “I’ll meet you upstairs, I’m going to get a few things together. The circle isn’t close to here, it will be a bit of a journey.” Adrian then jogged up the stairs and moved about she slipped into her room and pulled a leather side pack from her closet and began putting items in it. Things they would need. She rummaged through the kitchen and then grabbed the rest of her money from her bag that held her fighting gear. It was then that Sylvia came upstairs. Adrian looked to her and rose her brows, she chuckled slightly. “Not what you are used to.” She repeated and smirked. “Commoner clothing is a lot more comfortable.” She winked slightly, “You’ll fit in much better, I’m not sure if I should say this to you princess, but it suits you well.” She smiled and turned as she pulled her bag over her shoulder, it hung across her chest and rested on her right hip. Adrian paused as Sylvia spoke up again.
Adrian glanced to her, a soft smile curved up her lips, she chuckled softly. “I’m honestly on a mission to get myself killed, or at least it seems it.” She smirked, “I’m glad to save you, princess.” She bowed and then grinned. “From now on that we are properly introduced I’ll call you Sylvia, I don’t need to draw attention by calling you princess all the time.” She laughed, she was quite the playful personality. It was then that Sylvia asked about the airship. Adrian grinned from ear to ear, “Oh, an airship? Hm…” She looked to the princess a long moment. “No, I can’t afford an airship, but what I have is much quicker.” She pondered a moment. “Oh I almost forgot.” She rushed into her bedroom and soon returned with a set of aviator goggles. “You’ll need these.” She pointed to the goggles on her own head. “Believe me, the wind gets harsh, you will thank me later.” Adrian turned to the door and stepped outside. She glanced to the guards that milled around in the streets, the right hand man was still on his search for the princess.
“There!” A voice called. “There’s the princess!”
Adrian grit her teeth as she looked to a guard, he stood alone. “Don’t panic.” She spoke to Sylvia. She glanced around, the others hadn’t heard him shout. She rushed forward to him and placed her hand on his chest, causing him to look down to her. “That’s not the princess.” She spoke, her eyes glowing with the silvery magic. “She’s pretty though, isn’t she?” She smiled, “Just another pretty commoner lost in the slums, no need to worry sir.”
The guard staggered slightly, his chest heaved a bit as he stared to her. He looked to Sylvia then, a blank expression on his face. He looked back to Adrian as she took a step back from him. “Such a pitty…you two girls stuck here…in a place like this…” He spoke softly.
“Isn’t it though?” Adrian replied to him and grinned. She looked to Syliva, her eyes still danced with magic. “Come on then, let’s get a move on before someone else sees us hm?” She stepped off into an alley and zig zagged through the city using back routes. She knew the city like the back of her hand. “Almost there, just have to get out of town a bit.” She glanced to Sylvia. “Your mother…” She began, her expression serious then. “Sylvanas Matron, I remember the grand master speaking that name when I was younger. I believe she disappeared…if my memory serves me correct she was a part of the Circle of Magi.” They left the city and walked down a snowy road until they came to a large oak tree that stood alone in the huge valley. Adrian thought a moment and looked to Sylvia. “Alright, don’t be alarmed.” She spoke, “I was the first time I saw this.” She lifted her fingers to her mouth and let out a whistle, her eyes swirled with the red of fire then, the same color as the eyes of the dragon in the snow globe.
It was just a few seconds later that a gust of wind pushed harshly against them. Adrian grinned as a huge dragon landed nimbly before them. It was the dragon from the snow globe. It had ember red eyes as it lowered its head and pushed its huge snout into Adrian’s chest. She grinned and hugged onto the icy scales. The dragon had red scales upon his chest and just above his huge claws as well as a few other accents along his body. Adrian looked to the princess a moment. “This is Ullr.” She spoke, “The first time I saw a dragon I was terrified.” She looked up to him. “Though, with the right bond, those that are deserving get to share a life with their dragon.” She smiled.
Ullr bumped her playfully with his snout then. Adrian nearly fell over just as she was grabbed by the beast and tossed up onto his back. The dragon then looked to Sylvia and came in close to her, examining her. He grumbled somewhat playfully before he tossed her up onto his back as well. Adrian chuckled as she pulled her goggles down. “Get ready. Make sure you hang on.” She grabbed the princess’ hands and pulled them around her waist. She gripped onto the scales of the dragon as they shot up into the sky. “Wooo!” Adrian called out and chuckled. It had been awhile since she’d flown with Ullr.
The air cut around them as they sliced through the sky with speed. The huge wings of Ullr propelled them forward quickly. Adrian smiled as she leaned into the wind, she took most of the icy wind, her body guarded Sylvia from the cold. Ice crystals began to form along the tops of her thighs and the front of her chest. Ullr flew quickly, he would dip down from the clouds as necessary to warm Adrian back up before he would soar high in the sky once again, hidden by the clouds. A few hours passed and Ullr landed in an open field. He lowered himself to help them get off and then he bumped his snout against Adrian again as she lifted her goggles up from her eyes. Adrian chuckled and smiled to him. “Thank you my friend, we will fly further tomorrow. Hm?” She placed her hand on his snout and stared into his eyes.
The dragon groaned slightly before he took off and disappeared into a flurry of snow flakes. Adrian turned and looked to Sylvia. “Hungry?” She asked with a smile. “There is an inn in the town just ahead, I want to get you medicine for that burn.” She searched her eyes. “Rest would be good for you as well.” She turned and began walking toward the small town that was in the distance. “So first flight on a dragon, eh?” She chuckled. “How did you like it?” She asked as she walked along, she smirked to the princess then. “My first ride on a dragon was when I was about 6….it was very scary, I’d never been up in the sky before.” She laughed at herself. “I didn’t even know dragons were truly real, I thought it was a fairy tale.” She smirked a moment before she looked to the princess. “How does the burn feel, Sylvia? Are you feeling different at all? Any pain?” She had a look of concern in her expression.
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Post by Raven on Mar 30, 2018 18:04:43 GMT -5
Sylvia followed Adrian as they left the home, she suddenly shifted away as a guard recognized her. She grit her teeth but then watched Adrian work her magic, literally. The darkness in her stomach sunk away and she felt comfortable again… “I am so grateful for that… ability” she spoke and then followed.
Sylvia’s blue hues looked to Adrian as she whistled. The tone carried into the air… then with sudden power – a huge dragon came from the skies. His wings bat down and he landed with grace, though the wind pushed Sylvia back slightly. She shifted her stance and held an arm before her eyes, protecting her eyes from the dust and dirt.
When it all settled she looked to the huge thing. She had heard legends, stories, but did not think that such a thing truly existed. They must have been a rare and coveted creature, such beast in the hands of her father would mean endless war with his counterparts… She gasped suddenly was pulled ontop, and then within seconds they were off. Sylvia struggled to get her goggles on – but when she did she was thankful. The wind was lashing her face, which was making her eyes water.
They burst through the sky, the dragon turned and played in the air. She yelped when she felt her body lift from her seat. Her arms squeezed tighter around Adrian and she buried her head into her back. “God’s save me!” she shouted, but with a touch of laughter in her voice. Over time she became used to it. The dragon settled out and she was able to lean back slightly and take in the view.
“Wow…” she whispered. Her eyes looked to the clouds below them, then out into the vast emptiness of the world. Soon they came to an opening the clouds and she stared down to the greenery below. They were flying over a large forest, there were occasional lakes spotted about in it. “I had no idea this is what the world looked like from up here…” she called out over the wind. “I always wondered what the birds see” she could hear the chortle of the dragon then.. he understood her?
Sylvia was in awe the entire ride, and soon they came to the ground. As the dragon dipped downward – she squeezed Adrian again… until they touched down with grace… Sylvia slipped from the dragon and looked to him for a long moment. “Thank you” she bowed her head. The dragon looked to her with his eyes, and then slowly blinked at her… In that second she felt a rush of a sensation that started in her stomach and flowed through her body. Surely the dragon…
Soon he was gone – only bits of snow in his place. “Wow…” she whispered. “Your first ride at 6? Holy… Who the heck are you?!” she laughed then and then smiled. “It was very cool, scary for sure…” she chuckled once more and then she touched her chest as Adrian mentioned it. “It doesn’t sting as much… but I do feel this.. unstable feeling. Like…” she held her fingers up and electricity zapped from one finger to the other. She winced, but then realized it didn’t hurt… “It feels like it is slowly becoming more and more? I .. I don’t know…” she shook her head. “Surely you know someone?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 30, 2018 18:46:22 GMT -5
Adrian watched as the electricity flowed from the tips of Sylvia’s fingers. She bit her lip slightly and then gave a nod. “Yes, of course.” She continued through the open valley and soon they were walking on a dirt path. “I need you to stay as calm as possible, with the magic surging within you I don’t want anything to happen….alright?” She glanced to her. “The Grand Master will know what to do.” She nodded, “But we have to make it to him first.” She gave a slight chuckle then.
They soon came upon a small town, farm fields stretched out full of crops from the city, surrounding it. Adrian smiled as she looked to the strawberry and blueberry fields. It smelled delicious. She then turned her attention back ahead. “The woman I know here is an old mage, she was never a part of the circle, though she has a knack for healing.” Adrian thought a moment. “I healed you the best I could, though, what I can do is nothing compared to her. The different disciplines in magic. Most don’t realize that mages have a focus. That is especially true of those from the circle.” She took in a breath, each time she spoke of the circle she felt a pit in her stomach. How angry would the Grand Master be with her? She left 5 years ago, without a trace, because he wouldn’t allow her to leave. Not with her gifts as he would call her power. Not many mages could bend minds like Adrian. It would be at least a century before another came along, sure some mages can persuade, but nothing like Adrian.
Adrian stopped at a door step and glanced to Sylvia just before she knocked on the door to an old cabin home. There was a shuffling from inside, then a silence, and more shuffling. The door popped open to reveal an old woman, her face was wrinkled her hair was a silvery white. “Adrian? Is that you?” She asked and a smile curved up her lips. “By the gods I thought you were dead!” The woman stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Adrian. She wore a simple set of robes that were a faded black. “Good heavens child.” She chuckled, “Come in, come in.” She then glanced to Sylvia, her eyes traced her face for a moment. “Come dear.” She turned and walked into the home. “Adrian what are you doing with a princess in tow?” She asked as she shut the door.
“It’s an interesting story actually.” Adrian spoke and scratched her head slightly. She looked around the living room that they stood in. Books were stacked within the bookcases that lined the walls. There was a bowl where the old woman had been grinding up herbs before she knocked on the door.
“Interesting, do tell.” The woman watched her. “Because a messenger from the king told our city otherwise.” She glanced to Sylvia.
“I didn’t kidnap her, does she look kidnapped Rose?” Aiden motioned toward Sylvia. “I saved her from the king’s mad scientist.” She huffed, “He built a machine that was draining the power of a Azeralite crystal and converting it into her. Like Murdoc. But…” She shook her head.
“And Azeralite crystal?” Rose spoke, her expression shocked. “I thought most had been mined up years ago….that king…” She shook her head. “He is always up to something, attacking something, murdering something…our kingdom is in constant shambles because of him.” She looked to Syliva. “Sorry dear.” She then looked back to Adrian. “Adrian tell me, did you flee the circle like they say?” Her expression grew serious.
Adrian bit her lip slightly and looked away. “You could call it that, if you wish.” She spoke, her voice soft.
“I could call it that?” Rose moved in front of her. “You know the grand master has had Julius looking for you for 5 years?” She asked, “I know you have your own agenda….but…don’t just run away…” She spoke softer at the end. She then turned her attention to Syliva. “So child, show me where it hurts, let’s see what I can do.” She gave a sweet smile then.
Adrian crossed her arms slightly. “I’m going to go to the tavern…I’ll come back to check on you soon Sylvia.” She spoke and slipped from the room without another word. Rose struck a chord with her, sure the grand master meant well, but he didn’t want what she wanted. So why stick around? She pushed into the tavern and sat at the bar.
“Hey little lady, what can I get ya?” The barkeep asked as he cleaned a glass.
Adrian smirked to him, “Mix me up some rum, absinthe, and falernum, and add in a dash of cherry. Would you?”
The barkeep looked to her, “Are you sure you want that strong of a….”
“I’m sure.” Adrian spoke, “Just pour it and don’t hold back, I’ll know.” She watched him and then sighed. “A bit more rum would you?” She asked as she watched him. “Perfect.” She grinned as he set the glass in front of her. “Just how I like it.” She set a few coins on the bar and took a drink.
It was about halfway through her glass that she felt a presence behind her. “I can tell you’re there.” She spoke and glanced to her right just as Julius sat at the counter next to her.
“An ale please.” He spoke and then looked to her. “Adrian are you returning?” He asked, curious. “I saw Ullr.”
Adrian took in a breath, “I have a bit of a situation.” She downed the rest of her drink. “But I’ve no time to talk.” She stood and walked off.
“Adrian.” Julius grit his teeth and tossed coins on the counter and chased after her. “I can talk to the grand master for you, to clear this up.” He caught up with her outside. “Adrian wait.” He moved in front of her.
Adrian stepped back from him. “Julius, I need to get to Rose’s. Look, I’m coming back, but I’m not coming back by choice.”
He furrowed his brows and followed her as she walked off again. “You’re always running, Adrian.” He spoke and reached forward, he grasped her wrist.
Adrian spun and in the blink of an eye she had her dagger pull and pressed against his neck. “Let go, Julius.” She stared into his eyes.
“You wouldn’t ever do it.” He grinned. “Go ahead.” He leaned into the blade. He then chuckled. “What is so important at Rose’s?”
Adrian shifted her weight and put her dagger away as she pulled her wrist from his grip. “The princess.” She spoke, her voice soft. “The king was infusing a Azeralite crystal into her, I stopped it before the process was complete…but I need the grand master’s help.”
“She’ll become unstable.” Julius spoke, he searched her eyes. “Let me help you Adrian.”
Adrian took in a breath, “I was bringing her to get help from you. You were there with Murdoc…” She shifted again, “Come on Julius.” She gripped his hand and pulled him through the city. She pushed into Rose’s home and glanced around. “Rose must have her in the back room.” She spoke as they moved through the home.
“How unstable is she?” Julius asked.
“I’m not sure.” Adrian spoke and bit her lip. “A little, maybe.” She pushed the door open then.
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Post by Raven on Mar 31, 2018 1:33:59 GMT -5
Sylvia followed the old mage into her home. Her eyes looked to the dangling plants and roots, some where drying out – others were growing, held from the ceiling by a string. It was interesting for sure, and different… She moved over to a chair and sat down. She began to undo her buckles until she removed her tunic, leaving her in her under garmets and a wrapped chest.
“Ah… let us see then…” Rose leaned forward and began to unwrap her dressings. She winced slightly and then leaned back as Rose observed. “This is some severe tissue damage… not so much visible but…” she cleaned the wound slightly, once she cleaned off he dirt there was a rune that remained on her chest. It pulsed a bright blue.
“Okay… lay down..” Rose pointed to a table. She then began to mix together pastes, and herbs, and then enchanted it with her magic. She lathered it on thick over her rune, and then began to whisper a spell. Rose then channeled her magic into Sylvia.
It was then that suddenly Sylvia’s body shot into the air, floating above the table. Lightning sparked from her eyes and fingers, and soon it crossed her body in a hectic wave. It began to reach out – zapping plants, and objects. Sylvia then began to scream as the electricity grew stronger, faster and thicker. Soon it surrounded her entire body until she was a chaotic mess of blue energy.
“Sylvia!!” Rose shouted over the thunderous noise. “Breath!!” she called out, and then began to panic. It would be moments until it would consume her completely….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 31, 2018 12:23:58 GMT -5
As Adrian pushed the door open she was met with a zap of electricity. “Rose!” She called out as the old woman backed away from Sylvia as she lifted up into the air.
Julius rushed forward and grabbed Rose pulling her back. “Adrian do something!” He called to her as he held his arm up a red barrier formed, shielding them from the random bolts that rushed through the room. The lights of the home flickered. “Adrian!” He called again. “She will destroy this city!”
Adrian furrowed her brows, she took in a deep breath and grit her teeth. “This might hurt…” She muttered to herself as she rushed forward. She jumped up and pushed her palm of her hand against the rune on Sylvia’s chest and slammed her down to the bed. As soon as her hand made contact with Sylvia the energy and electricity shot up her arm. She let out a muffled cry, her eyes began to swirl with magic, her chest heaved. “Sylvia breathe.” She spoke and then suddenly everything went black.
**
Adrian opened her eyes she sat in a grassy field, the skies were blue, not a cloud in site. A gentle breeze pushed through the grass. Sylvia sat across from her. “You have to keep in control.” Adrian spoke, her voice calm. “Losing control will cause and explosion of magic. I know it hurts. Magic can be painful when we are not in control. You must learn to live with it. But for you to learn, we must make it to the circle.” Adrian’s eyes were completely silver in this world, they seemed to glisten with the glow of her magic. “The magic that is inside you will consume you if you allow it.” She searched Sylvia’s eyes. “You have potential to grow and be incredible.” She spoke her voice calm as can be. “One day, many years ago, the Grand Master spoke those same words to me, as I was frightened of my magic. Believe me, I know the pain, and I can only imagine how much worse it is for you right now, having the Azeralite forced into you like that.” Adrian then paused, “Just breathe.” She nodded, “Relax.” Her body began to become transparent. The breeze kicked up a bit and she disappeared from the world.
**
Julius rushed forward as Adrian fell. Her eyes rolled back into her head as she pulled Sylvia into the dream. He wrapped his arms around her and gently set her onto the floor. Adrian’s hand clasped around Sylvia’s arm. Her breaths trembled. It took a lot for her to force through the barriers on Sylvia’s mind. Any code can be cracked. That is something the grand master taught her. Adrian grit her teeth as she lay on the floor. Julius stepped back and looked to Rose. “Are you alright?” He asked, keeping a watchful eye on the princess and Adrian.
“Yes, yes, I’m alright. That girl…she has the same powers of Murdoc…” She muttered.
“Yes.” Julius spoke and looked back to Sylvia he crossed his arms slightly. “The only thing worse is the Azeralite was forced onto her, if we can’t keep it from consuming her…” He shook his head.
Rose took in a breath. “I’m going to go work on something, to help her keep calm.” She gave a nod and stepped into the other room where she began gathering herbs and crushing them before she stepped to the stove and began heating up the pot.
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Post by Raven on Mar 31, 2018 12:39:02 GMT -5
Sylvia let out a cry just as Adrian broke her wards. But instantly…
Sylvia was sitting in the grass, the wind whistled past her ears… it lifted flower pedals into the air and wafted them away into the distance. Far away were tall spiking mountains that stood before this unknown world. To her… it was a place of her personal dreams. A haven. A place that she had read before in an old book. Craisev. When she was younger she would picture herself there, as an escape from her life, from her father.
She looked to Adrian and took in a deep breath. “It hurts so much..” she whispered and shook her head. “I don’t know how…” she turned her head and looked to the great escape. She shut her eyes then and the world disappeared.
***
Sylvia gasped for air. The lightning was beginning to dwindle, then settle. She focused on pushing all of her thoughts, energy, back into that world of Craisev, into a corner of her mind. She had read books growing up, the concept of magic was not foreign to her, but she had never really witnessed it in this capacity…
She held her hand to her head and groaned. In an instant her eyes flashed blue… a vision came upon her…
“If you remain… he will use you as a weapon… you know that. Now you have her…” A man stood, looking down to a baby. “You must do something” he spoke.
“It doesn’t matter.. I am dying anyways…” she whispered. Sylvanas held the baby, her eyes looking down to the youngling.
“You are dying? From what?” he questioned, his eyes wide.
“It doesn’t matter… I will block her mind… she will never know of her powers, this way the King can never use her… not like he used me…” she whispered and then placed her hand upon the baby’s forehead.
***
Sylvia opened her eyes and then held her hand to her once more. “Now I really… don’t know anything” she muttered. “I need to rest…” she spoke and then collapsed onto the couch. She held her hand to head as it throbbed wildly. “Who is.. Sylvanas?” she spoke aloud…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 31, 2018 13:03:54 GMT -5
Julius rushed forward to Sylvia’s side as she gasped. “You’re alright. You’re safe.” He spoke as he scooped her up into his arms. He carried her from the now empty room. He walked through the small home and pushed a door open with his hip and tucked her into a bed. Julius took in a breath as he watched her. When she woke once more Julius placed his hand on her shoulder gently. “Sylvanas.” He spoke and tilted his head slightly. “She was an incredible woman.” He replied. “Why do you ask?” He questioned, there was a sound from behind him.
Adrian stood there, she looked as though she was hit by a train. Her skin was pale, her arm was burnt from touching Sylvia. “Sylvanas is her mother.” She whispered softly as she sat down on the other bed.
Julius rose his brows. “Ah.” He then smiled. “This explains a bit.” He looked back to Sylvia. “You want to know who Sylvanas was then?” He asked, he pulled up a chair and sat down. He glanced to Adrian whom had already passed out. He thought for a moment before he shifted slightly. “Oh…” He looked to Sylvia, “I’m Julius…I’m sure Adrian may have mentioned me.” He smirked, “I’m sure she didn’t speak much of me, I am the Archmage for the Circle of Magi. I took over when Sylvanas went missing.” He took in a breath, “Sylvanas was my mentor, I was a young mage of the circle and I aspired to be more, to one day be an Archmage, or even possibly the Grand Master. I wanted to change so many things. She taught me.” He grinned then. “She was incredibly powerful, her disappearance was something that shocked us all. We searched up and down for her, though, there was no sign. She disappeared not long after Murdoc left the circle…I can’t help but think it was connected.” He shrugged slightly. “She loved him.” He spoke and looked to Sylvia. “Though, we were in a time of war when all of this happened. Soldiers were attacking villages mindlessly it seemed.” He shook his head. “Slyvanas and I would go from town to town, helping the survivors.” He glanced to Adrian and a fond smile came over his lips then. “That’s how I found Adrian, actually.” He chuckled, “Though her story is for a different time.” He winked, “I’m sure she would skin me alive for even mentioning it.”
Julius leaned back in the chair, “The noble king came to our doorstep at the tower.” He spoke, “It was Sylvanas who spoke with him, who explained that we are not for hire…the king offered money, he even brought soldiers.” He shook his head. “He knew how powerful she was.” He crossed his arms. “It makes sense that she ended up with him, a tool of the trade I imagine. She must have made a deal with him, trying to keep him from destroying any more cities…” He paused, “Did you know it was the king?” He asked and looked to her, he glanced to Adrian, Rose was tending to her charred arm. She whimpered in her unconscious state. “I’ve never told Adrian. She would march up to the gates of the castle and get herself killed…” He sighed. “The king led assaults on the cities that were making to rise against him when the war was happening. Many of the commoners believed he wasn’t doing anything and thus they were planning to overthrow him…”
Julius then looked back to Sylvia. “I’m talking your ear off, hm?” He asked.
“You should let the poor dear rest.” Rose spoke. “She’s going through a lot right now. There’s plenty of time for stories.” The old woman chuckled. She came over with a cup. “Drink this dear, it will help you rest, it will bring calm sleep, a deeper sleep than you’ve ever felt, I assure you.” She waited until Sylvia drank it and then Rose left the room.
Julius sighed softly and then chuckled. “I’ll get you to the circle, princess.” He smiled then. “There is so much you have to learn. If you want to know anything, all you need to do is ask, I will do my best to answer or get you the answer.” He bowed his head and then stood. He lifted the chair and set it down next to Adrian’s bed. He looked to her bandaged arm, the wrap went all the way up to her shoulder. Black lines from the burns extended up her neck and slightly onto her jaw. He reached forward and cupped her cheek.
Adrian’s eyes sleepily cracked open for a moment before her head lulled back to the side. Julius took in a breath and let it out slowly. “I’m glad I found you.” He spoke softly. “You’re the only mage I’ve known that can run for 5 years…” He chuckled softly, “Most only make it about a month before I track them down….” He glanced to Sylvia before he stepped to the door. “Goodnight.” He spoke softly before he slipped from the room.
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