zkjt
Novice
Posts: 47
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Post by zkjt on Jan 13, 2010 17:26:42 GMT -5
Endorin
I wiped the sweat from my forehead with my hand and tried not to let my mind wander off. Here I was in the midst of some of the strongest, most powerful, and most wealthy people in all of Alagesia and instead of talking with the dragon riders I was being lectured by...my mother.
"And I swear you shall never run away again!"Oh would you look at that, her tirade was over. I nodded and looked down into the mirror I was talking with my mother with. I felt the uncomfortable presence of Islanzadi next to me and bitterly I recalled what had just happened. After my rant toward Murtagh and his dragon Thorn I had sat down and refused to go to the Queen. Thorn had lectured me while Murtagh had stood there with his mouth open like a pathetic loser. Why Thorn would have hatched for him I have no clue. After that, the doctor had released me like I was her prisoner. Tasia and Tasalae had escorted me dutifully to Islanzadi and then they left. Where they went I had no clue. Islanzadi had said nothing when the two women dropped me off but by the stiff way her guards was standing I could tell I had done something to make her mad.
"Endorin listen to me!" I blinked and looked at the face in the mirror. With silvery blond hair and green eyes, she stood out among elves. Her face was perfect with high cheekbones, and soft features. As of now her eyes were bright with anger and worry and she kept biting her lower lip, which she did when she was raving. "I'm listening mother," I replied keeping my tone neutral. It would be no good arguing with her, especially in front of the Queen. "Good. After that meeting you are coming straight home and going to Silthrim--no buts!" I had opened my mouth to reply but by now I was angry. Without saying goodbye I passed my hand over the mirror, ending the contact. Then I remained still with my knuckles turning white from how hard I was holding the mirror.
After a couple of minutes I looked up. People were still meeting and greeting. Turin, the supposed greatest-fighter-of-all was sitting on the varden side. He was new but he seemed to be the only one I really knew that I hadn't seen before. There wasn't many people still coming in anymore except for the occasional noble or lady coming in with the excuses rolling off their tongues. I didn't dare try and get up with the Queen's foreboding presence next to me. She had been silent the whole time except for the occasional acknowledging nod toward whomever it was that addressed her. I knew that this was her first time in public for a while and I was surprised at the least. Why would she choose now to come out? Because the forest was dying? There must have been some other motive to come out right now. Honestly I could care less. I just wanted to meet some of the riders. Kyemen was number one on my less. Strong and good-willed, an elf, and with the Varden why would I not like him. And his dragon, Sierthra was one of the biggest dragons out of them all and that made her one of the strongest. I hadn't met either of them yet but I definitely wanted to.
Just then the magnificent doors opened. I struggled to see who was coming in, though I expected just another minor noble. But who I saw shocked me. I had never seen him, but had heard a great deal of him. His name was Schrren and he was the only other shade in existence besides Pele Serowe. His reputation preceded him though and the things I had heard that he had done shocked and revolted me. His maroon hair fell to his shoulders. It was combed for the occasion and his face seemed not as pale. In fact when you looked at him suddenly he looked...beautiful. More refined and delicate features. And then suddenly I felt a warm hand grip my wrist. I saw past the illusion and saw that Schrren's face was chalk white, his eyes still black pits and that he was really as ugly as ever. I looked up and saw Islanzadi staring at Schrren. She whispered to the guards and they nodded. Suddenly I felt afraid. The presence of a shade usually meant death. Now there were two shades and one of them was a supposed cannibal. This wasn't good at all.
Islanzadi
As my eyes scanned the Great Hall I tried to focus on what Endorin was saying to his mother. After Tasia and Tasalae had kindly brought him to me I had pulled out my scrying glass and he had quickly contacted his mother who was relieved at first..and then angry. Eventually I drifted and tried to recount everyone of importance that was here so far. For the Empire there was the two pairs of riders, Murtagh and Thorn and Aelyn and Kaldr. The doctor Malandra, Remy Karmenwati, and the Shade Pele Serowe. I couldn't think if there were any others but I chose to go over the Varden now instead.
Nasuada was here, along with Nemo and Ikehr, Kyemen and Sierthra, and David and Aviand. Others of great importance besides myself, I could think of none. As I finished scanning the room I looked to see Endorin sitting there. Apparently his conversation with his mother was over. I didn't say anything because at just that moment the doors swung open and wouldn't you know..in strode Schrren.
Schrren, I had heard of. A cannibalistic shade who fed on the remains of slaves that Galbatorix was done with. A torturer and spy for the King. A purely evil person. I could detect the magic that surrounded Schrren and it was definitely powerful. No human no matter how strong could get by that and almost I was fooled. Endorin himself had begun to sway but my steady hand had caught him. The sight of the Shade made me suddenly ominous about the upcoming negotiations.
Schrren
Ahh...it was good to be the center of attention. I stood in the center of the hall, calmly returning anyone's gaze. I knew that the spells that were causing me to look...better than usual were working because some of the ladies were trying to catch my eye. I looked around the hall examining each of the members of importance. Well first there was the Queen of the Elves, Islanzadi. She was gazing coldly at me and I knew that I hadn't fooled her. Next to her..Endorin child of the elves. He was looking at me disgustedly and I sent a smile at him that revealed my pointy teeth that otherwise looked perfect under my spell. There was Nasuada who seemed to not get by my magic. She was a human after all. Five riders and all. I didn't really care for dragons though. Remy Karmenwati..a good enough fellow. And then...Malandra, the doctor.
After I spotted the doctor chatting with Murtagh and his rider I immediately sped over toward her. She was wearing..almost nothing and it sent chills down to my crotch. She was next to Murtagh, a handsome fellow. After I had made it to Malandra, ignoring the looks of discontent I collected, I planted a full out kiss on her lips. Of course she couldn't see by my spell, so she saw what she wanted to see. Technically..as the spell functioned, her dream boy. Murtagh would just see me as a beautiful man, but even he would have to agree that I looked good.
After my kiss that lasted a while I released her. "Malandra, my dear doctor has it not been awhile?"I asked her. I was hungrily gazing at her up and down and i was teasingly tugging at her skimpy outfit. "You do look amazing today, as do you Murtagh," I smiled at Murtagh then looking at him. He was strong, you could tell. Wouldn't I love to have both of them in my bed.
It would have to wait apparently. I could tell that Malandra wanted to say something and Thorn was looking angry at my arrival. Well he better change his attitude, before I got angry.
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Post by Ashkii on Jan 17, 2010 23:57:25 GMT -5
The fact that he had gotten her to smile was a miracle in itself. Murtagh couldn't help but feel cool relief running throughout his body. The doctor was making this so easy. How kind of her. Murtagh wasn't sure if she was just faking to make him feel comfortable around her, but if she was, he found that he didn't mind. As long as she allowed him to remain in her presence...
The rider knew that not many would share his desires. Though she was undeniably beautiful, everyone had heard the rumors about the doctor. She had a black heart, the gossipers said, and some believed that she had crawled from the deepest pits of hell. Murtagh didn't care though. Besides Pele, and Nemo, he supposed, she was the only gorgeous woman he had found himself drawn to like this before.
And he had been around plenty of pretty ladies.
But never had he felt this way. It was more than lust or desire. Murtagh wanted to get to know Malandra. She was a mystery. And a dangerous one at that. Murtagh couldn't deny that he liked danger. He even fancied himself a junior riddle solver. What a perfect woman to investigate then.
But his straying thoughts were reigned in check by reality. Malandra had made him forget the elf child, but she hadn't. He faintly realized she was urging Thorn and himself not to be angry. He tried to tell the doctor he wasn't - and he really wasn't mad - but the rider found that his lips were no longer functioning. Her delicate fingers were gently teasing his hair, and the tone of her voice was so reassuring. She knew and understood his pain. Murtagh realized that it had been a long time since he had felt this calm.
"If you desire, after the meeting we could… get to know each other a little better. Alone and undisturbed. What say you?"
The rider could barely concentrate on what she was saying, so smooth and calming were her words. When she rested her hand on his shoulder he just about lost it. He truly did lose it when he realized what she had said. Malandra was seriously offering him the chance to have sex with her? Or was he misinterpreting her words?
No, he realized when Thorn relayed what Malandra had said to him, he was reading the signs correctly. Murtagh felt his mouth slowly dropping, and he had to force himself to slam it shut. He could sleep with Malandra, head doctor - torturer - of the empire. Murtagh felt like a young child that got praised by the older woman they had a crush on. So, was it really this easy to get a woman this beautiful?
Once again though, he remembered the cruel irony of being a virgin. He had never doubted it would be easy to figure out once in bed - one stick, one hole, right? - but when it came to matters of intimacy, he had always been shy. Malandra, obviously, had had experience. Murtagh gulped with renewed nerves, and even Malandra's sweet smile couldn't calm him now. What if he just wasn't good enough for her?
But when he felt Thorn's uneasy presence in his mind, Murtagh realized that his dragon would never let him live it down if he chickened out now, even if Malandra was a dangerous lover. Besides, isn't this what he had wanted? First of all, he had been infatuated with the doctor ever since he set eyes upon her. And second, he had always wanted to lose his virginity to someone important. It was a special moment, after all.
Be cool. Repeating the phrase over and over a few times in his head, Murtagh finally managed to smile back at Malandra. "I'd be delighted." He yearned to say more, but every phrase that came to mind would reveal how nervous he was, or would be an idiotic run-on sentence. It seemed better to keep it short and simple while his pride remained intact.
She'd realize how nervous and inexperienced he was soon enough anyway.
Murtagh could feel Thorn's nervous probing, but he sent his dragon a wave of reassuring thoughts. Thorn backed away, but the rider could still feel that Thorn was wary of Malandra and her intent. Murtagh couldn't blame him either.
"A’ight, yeh bodgy arseface. No need ta get whiny. Bloody ‘ell, ya wanna be like me? Buck up a little. But, thank ya kindly. Nice ta be complimented for bein’ somethin’ other than a goddam Rider…"
He jumped at the sudden voice in his mind, and it took Murtagh a moment to calm his racing heart. What with Malandra easily capturing his attention, the rider had completely forgotten about Nemo. Murtagh smiled at her words finally, finding that he liked the tough gal more and more. And it appeared she wasn't going to cause a ruckus because of his probing.
"I'll keep your advice in mind. Thank you." [/b] He nodded Nemo's way, although he doubted she would notice. "Once again, I'm sorry to bother you. I just wanted you to know you have an admirer."[/b] Murtagh realized he was walking on thin ice with his now playful, yet slightly flirtatious compliments, but he was filled with foolish confidence by Malandra's invitation, and decided to ask one last thing before ending the conversation...for now at least. "I hate to do this, but I must admit that I'm not the best at multi-tasking, and I ask that we talk later.[/b] Murtagh returned his attention to Malandra just in time to notice that there was someone approaching. And it was no secret that he was headed for Malandra. Feeling like a dog that was having it's property violated, Murtagh instantly felt on guard. Especially when he saw how handsome the man was. Malandra would want to have him much more than she wanted him. And then, without a warning, the man reached out, grabbed Malandra, and planted a kiss upon her lips. It lasted a long time, too. Murtagh gaped in amazement, not sure if Malandra welcomed the kiss or not. If she didn't want it, he would have gladly punched the good looking fool, but instead, he sat there, sulking like a little kid. When the kiss finally ended, Murtagh made sure to fix a glare on the other man, his displeasure unhidden. Red hot jealousy filled his body, and Murtagh could barely breathe, wondering if Malandra would go back on her offer. "Malandra, my dear doctor, has it not been awhile? You do look amazing today, as do you Murtagh."The other spoke with easy familiarity. Murtagh couldn't help but wonder if Malandra and he had slept together. It seemed rather apparent that they had. If they hadn't, then Murtagh would have had a whole other reason to be upset and alarmed. And then the man turned to face him, and Murtagh got the first really good look at the other's face. It was Schrren. Murtagh should have known. He should have recognized the voice, anyway. The shade had been in several meetings, and though they hadn't talked one on one for more than a few minutes, the discomfort Murtagh felt around the shade was unmistakable. It was definitely nothing like being in Pele's presence. It took the rider a moment to wonder if the shade had been hitting on him. He wasn't sure, but it sure as hell seemed like it. Murtagh was at a loss for words, so instead he just nodded his head, his mouth unable to stay closed. This meeting was nothing like he had imagined it.[/sup][/center]
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Post by Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress on Jan 18, 2010 19:05:45 GMT -5
Murtagh had melted into a boneless puddle in his chair. Flattering, but not surprising. Even if I wasn’t so gorgeous, romancing this inexperienced young Rider was a cakewalk. I was surprised that some noble pig hadn’t already latched onto him by now. But then, obviously, no woman matched my looks, and Murtagh had excellent taste. I allowed that thought to let me sink into a deep sense of self-satisfaction. I had him hooked. The bated breath, the flushed skin, the quivering lips, all were signs that Murtagh Morzansson had been charmed by the incredible Malandra Ramakrishna. Any anger I’d felt disappeared now. Even if this summit went badly for the Empire, I’d still have a prize to take home.
“I’d be delighted.” He looked like he had a million more things he wanted to say to me, probably expressions of wanton desire and such, but he restrained himself. He was already flustered; he didn’t want to embarrass himself any further. How sweet. I traced his cheekbone with a delicate finger, ready to paralyze him with a sultry kiss…
And then someone kissed me. And much to my disappointment, it wasn’t Murtagh, since he’d never do it on his own accord. At least not yet. I’d been so focussed on the Rider that I hadn’t even noticed the cold aura of a Shade’s magic until it was quite literally right on top of me. I balked in shock as I recognized the clammy hands and refined, pale features of Schrren the Shade, a man so amorous and rebellious he almost rivalled my husband Nagendra. I’d shared a bed with him on occasion, and I’d enjoyed it. But now was not the time. Now I almost had Murtagh wrapped around my little finger. I would have pulled away, but then I remembered all the people in the room, and decided I had to keep up appearances for the sake of appearances. So I kissed him back.
“Malandra, my dear doctor, has it not been awhile? You do look amazing today, as do you, Murtagh.”
And like my husband, Schrren wasn’t afraid of experimenting with other men either. This usually would have made me smile, but the look on Murtagh’s face jarred me. Hot, jealous rage had turned his face purple, and he was staring at Schrren like he wanted to kill him. This was good. If he was jealous, then I still had a chance. But Schrren was staring at me openly, too openly, and yanking at my clothing, tearing holes in it. My face darkened, and I clenched the arms of my seat until my knuckles blazed white. Couldn’t I get a spare second with Murtagh before someone mucked it all up? Perhaps dressing so boldly had been a mistake on my part. But no, even Shades had to learn how to control themselves in assembly. I planned to teach Schrren a little lesson. I rose from my seat slowly, my movements tense and careful like a predator’s. I stood rigidly before Schrren, my eyes blazing, and began to speak in a tight, barely controlled tone.
“It is always a pleasure to see you, Schrren. But I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t interrupt me in such a fashion, let alone grab me and twist me like some aging prostitute.” I licked my lips, seething now. “One must uphold oneself in a certain manner, especially in front of the entire Imperial delegation. I do enjoy our private times together, Schrren, but if you disrespect me in public again, I shall give you another tour of my facility cells. But should that happen, you won’t be the one looking in anymore. It shall be I looking in on you. Excuse me. Thorn, Murtagh.”
The delegation had tarried long enough. It was time we got on with the negotiating. I curtsied graciously to the Shade, and then to Thorn and Murtagh respectively before turning away and striding off. The sooner this was over with, the better. I made my way over to one of the balconies set in intervals along the walls. They overlooked the entire room. This one was in the middle of the Imperial wall, where I could easily become the center of attention. I gracefully walked up the spiral stairs leading to my chosen lookout point, going largely unnoticed except for the occasional sleepy guards along the wall. Naturally, they stared at me. And naturally, I blew a kiss or two back at them.
I reached the top with a spot of difficulty. I kept my body soft and curvaceous rather than spoiling it with muscle from disgusting exercise routines. And working on my experiments all the time kept me from becoming a fatso like Pele Serowë. But still, stairs were hardly an enjoyable experience for me. I took a moment to collect my breath and steel myself while staring down at the miserable life forms below me. Varden or Imperial, elf or human, they were all worms, governed by their hates and desires. I was a god among insects. The thought filled me with raw power, and I inhaled deeply before carefully swinging my legs over the railing and seating myself onto it. I watched the petty philistines far below for a few more moments before I began the tapping.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
It started off very quiet, even unheard by me because of the dozens of droning conversations. I struck one long, finely manicured nail against the stone of the balcony railing at a measured pace. I never sped up, but with a few words of the ancient language, it began to grow in volume. It didn’t boom or make the room shudder; it just became very audible to everyone in the Great Hall. As I tapped, the conversations closest to me dwindled and died away. It spread in a ripple effect, until all became quiet, and every eye in the room was focussed on me. I smiled coldly, crossing one bare leg over the other and tilting my head to the side, watching the pathetic insects as they gawked.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
It was the only sound in the room by now. It echoed eerily, and only when I was convinced I had the full attention of every single person in the Great Hall did I stop. I raised my hand and motioned to the huge double doors at the entrance, muttering more words. They slammed shut with a solid bang that made more than a few people jump, followed by the metallic noise of the lock mechanism turning. No one was coming in, and no one was going out. Not until I said so.
“Friends.” The spell I’d used to increase the volume of the tapping was still going, making my voice clear in every corner of the room. “I believe we have waited long enough for these negotiations to commence. I thank each and every one of you for coming to such an historic event, even those who were… uninvited.” My glare passed over every person in the room. “As of this moment, the summit has officially begun. All who intend to participate may introduce themselves now, starting with me.” My lips twitched in a sunny smile before I made a little half-bow towards everyone while staying seated on the rail. “For those sporadic few who do not know me, I am Malandra Ramakrishna, King Galbatorix’s most foremost scientist. I and a few of my underlings shall be speaking on the Empire’s behalf. My husband and fellow scientist Nagendra was unable to attend today.” I looked up from the mock-bow. “Don’t be shy, my dears. I only ask those who have no place here to not interrupt. You know who you are.” My eyes critically scanned the crowd again. “That is all.”
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This Nemo Ramsey was certainly an entertaining one. She was so puny, and yet radiated so much power, especially for a human. That, I decided, was what was the most attractive about her. Her sheer confidence and energy.
But I wasn’t here to admire the woman. And, surprisingly, I wasn’t here to kill her either. I wasn’t going after anyone in this frumpy get-together, although large crowds like this were the easiest places to secure a kill. No, in fact, I was merely here to get to know my enemies with as little danger to myself as possible. After all, what better place for an Imperial to get cozy with the most prominent members of the Varden than on neutral territory? If I moseyed on down to Surda, I’d end up with an axe through my gut. Here, I was safe, unless the Varden was planning on killing everyone here. It wasn’t likely, though. And I was making progress. Already, I had found one fatal flaw in Nemo Ramsey- her temper. It got the best of her, made her weak, made her vulnerable. All one had to do to beat this little lady down was to point out that she was vertically challenged or some other clever insult. Amused, I watched her fist wind back, preparing to duck.
But I was just as surprised as she was when a hairy arm grabbed her hand, stopping her short. Even though she had ‘lady muscles’ to speak of, she was dwarfed by the biceps on this one. I glanced up at the piggish face of a Kull as it glared down at me, the beginnings of a snarl rumbling in its throat. And right beside it stood Lady Nasuada, the stunningly attractive and well-curved leader of the Varden. I completely forgot about Nemo Ramsey, instead gawking at the Lady’s jaw-dropping beauty.
“I hope that you two do not mind me stepping in, I believe this conversation is getting a little out of hand, if I may say so... Sir Cesar, I would be happy if you would... return to the Imperial side, unless you would like to speak to myself.” “Meanin’ she wants ya to FECK OFF,” Nemo added sharply. “Lady Nasuada…” I bowed deeply, my sleeves sweeping the floor. I rose smoothly, still eyeing her. “Anything to please someone as beautiful as yourself. Señorita Ramsey and I were simply having a lively chat, is all.” “Lady Nightstalker is no fool, you pointy-eared drajl,” snarled the Kull holding Ramsey. “I have seen your type. Foreign tricksters and spies who sneak in the dark and kill dishonourably. You are no high-class lord, though you pretend to be one.” I didn’t even blink. Instead, I turned away from the Kull who had so rudely interrupted me and smirked mischievously at the Lady. “You know, Nasuada, I hear that you spend a lot of time with your guards, especially the Kull. I wonder what it is like to be next to your tent during those times. It must be so... loud. Animalistic. Beauuutiful...”
Nemo had been trying to pull herself out of the Kull’s grip, but now he released her so quickly she almost fell flat on her face. The Kull’s snarl became the beginnings of a roar, but just then he was interrupted by the most peculiar sound. Tapping. It was the most harmless noise, but something about it seemed powerful, and dangerously so. I and many others turned to look, and my eyes immediately took in the nude form of Malandra Ramakrishna high up on the Imperial wall. She was striking her nail against the stone rail of the balcony she was sitting on. The feared scientist was certainly easy on the eyes, but I’d learned not to let a pretty face take advantage of me, even one as pretty as hers. I’d heard the screams from her dungeons late at night, and they gave me chills. Despite my desire for her, I wouldn’t approach her when she was in the mood she was in right now. Her body exuded danger, everything from her knowing smile to the coldness of her eyes.
Then she magically shut the doors of the Great Hall, locked them, and began to speak in that gorgeously refined accent of hers. The negotiations were about to begin, and all those taking part were to step forward. I, unfortunately, would not be speaking up. I would merely observe as things played out. I supposed Nasuada was right. It was time to head to my own table. I turned back towards her, bowing again, and then to Nemo Ramsey, Kyemen Straethir, and David in turn, though not as deeply.
“That would be my cue. It was enchanting to meet with you all. Me gusta. Perhaps we will speak again during the after-party.” With a subtle wink at Nasuada and Ramsey, I turned away and headed back to my table, looking for an empty seat. I caught sight of one that just happened to be beside a very flustered-looking Murtagh Morzansson. Hadn’t he been talking to Malandra a moment ago? Smirking, I headed towards him. It might be interesting to see what he’d be up to during the summit.
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I watched the Iberian elf strut off, contemplating running after him and smashing his face in for about the millionth time. Behind me, I heard the Kull who’d grabbed me breathing heavily, trying to control his temper. What a world. I plopped back down in my seat, squinting up at the scanty figure of Malandra Ramakrishna as she spoke. Though the room was full of soft muttering, it had been much quieter since she’d spoken. People were moving back and forth across the room to their respective sides. I saw several Surdan and Imperial nobles rise to their feet, preparing to announce themselves.
I’ll keep your advice in mind. Thank you. Once again, I’m sorry to bother you. I just wanted you to know you have an admirer. I hate to do this, but I must admit that I’m not the best at multi-tasking, and I ask that we talk later. I was still convinced that this Murtagh bloke was a little thick in the head. But then again, I wasn’t one to turn down such honest compliments. And so, I gave him some more slack. A’ight, mate. If we ain’t dead after this idiot fest, we’ll chat.
I broke the connection and made my way into Ikehr’s mind. He’d been very still for some time, so his conversation with Thorn was probably pretty intriguing. Or the Imperial dragon was attacking him, but Ikehr showed no signs of struggle. However, when I entered his mind, he shoved me out. I was surprised. Usually it happened the other way around. I frowned and tried to get inside again, and this time he relaxed his barriers.
Indeed, however, he is more interested in Malandra I think, came a voice that was unmistakably Thorn’s. Tell me, little one, what is it like to be free? I have never known the taste of true freedom. Neither ‘ave we, Thorn, I said tartly. Bloody slaves to the Varden, we are. Oath-swearin’ and feckin’ trainin’ and- That’s not what he meant, Ramsey, Ikehr groaned. But she’s right, in a way. Until the war is over, no one can truly be free. It's been a pleasure speaking with you, Thorn, but Ramsey and I have… things to do. We can speak in greater detail later on. Farewell. What things? I demanded, but the connection to Thorn had been broken. What rubbish are ya up to? I tried to reach deeper into his mind, but he drove me out again. Bloody oath. That reptile really irritated me. Very well, I didn’t need him now anyways. I rose from my seat, bending forwards slightly. Even though I didn’t have the comforting weight of my warhammer on my back, I was so used to it by now that I never stood straight. I placed my hands on the edge of the table and began to speak.
“I, Nemo Ramsey, am speakin’ fer th’ Var-” Change of plan, Ramsey. “What?” I snapped out loud. This won’t hurt a bit. Well, maybe a little. “Why? What…? You sonuva-”
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“Remy, I can do much. I am a skilled spell caster and fighter, as well as competent in most things martial. That much should be apparent, though it may not be so apparent until you witness all of said skills… or saw how much Nasuada is paying me. And do you think me silly enough to think that you, who have apparently hidden for so long, would do something here? Now? I think not. I mean your goals overall. I think that both of us would rather see Ramakrishna do something stupid and have her be finished off. I know your goal must be something to do that is anti-Imperial, as you obviously no longer have that dragon of yours, whatever your ties or grudges are with the Empire. The important thing is that you are against them now. I am very sorry about that, by the way. However, your disdain for Nasuada and her lackeys, like Tasia and Tasalae over there…”
Ava briefly broke off in her monologue and waved towards the female elves, who were seated near Islanzadí and the elf child. Neither woman was looking at me.
“… indicates to me that you do not necessarily agree with the Varden and all that is. That means, when push comes to shove, you have very few true allies. However, I would like to be one of those allies. Nasuada sickens me, she is becoming like the enemy, and no good will come of that. However I agree that Galbatorix is an excessively brutal ruler, though cunning and powerful. I would even be willing to allow you into my public mind so that you can sense my honesty in this matter of becoming your ally and keeping your secret, as long as you try to go no further. This is not my worry. My question is, however, what are your plans and how may I help with them, if you will allow me to?”
It truly amazed me that I could still be so blaringly obvious even after decades of stealth training. I’d always been a bad liar. Ava, despite the sincerity of her tone, was clearly amused by my idiotic reaction. I passed a hand over my face, trying to forget about that embarrassing moment and concentrate on everything she’d said. She knew all the gory details about me, it seemed. But she agreed with me. The Varden was too overconfident, its followers little more than inflated egos. However, it was making headway. On the other hand, Galbatorix had committed misgivings that he needed to pay for, although I didn’t see him as evil. If I ever had the unbelievable luck to kill him myself, he wouldn’t suffer. One blow and it was over. He had once been my friend, after all.
But before I could ponder more deeply on the subject, my sensitive ears picked up a delicate tapping. Though it couldn’t have been made by anything louder than a pin, it was becoming louder and louder, until I couldn’t think straight. I turned around to see Malandra Ramakrishna sitting on a balcony railing in the center of the west wall. Unsurprising. She’d always been fond of attention. But what intrigued me was that the tapping was coming from her nail, which she was repeatedly striking against the stone. She was using it to get everyone’s attention, probably having used magic to amplify the noise. The tapping went on for another minute or so, only stopping when everyone had an eye on the doctor. Just the way she liked it. With a flourish, she slammed and locked the Great Hall doors, and began to speak. The negotiations were commencing, hoorah. Everyone had to shut up and get back to their seats. And since Malandra would doubtlessly call on me, I had to hurry. But Ava first. I turned back to her.
“I’m… I’m grateful,” I was surprised to find myself saying. “Thank you for understanding. Not many people would be so sympathetic. I accept your aid. And you don’t have to let me into your mind, I… believe you. As for my plans, well, mostly I’ve been trying to stay under a certain someone’s radar…” You will be joining these negotiations, won’t you, Doctor Kamenwati? Malandra’s voice was harsh and irritable in my mind. You can play with your girlfriend later. I snapped to attention. Yes, Doctor. Coming, Doctor. “We’ll talk more later. Again, thank you, it… it means a lot to me.”
I gave Ava a shallow bow before walking away. I felt Malandra’s satisfaction before she broke contact with me. I moved past several scuttling lords and ladies, as well as Aelyn and Kaldr, who were still speaking with Pele Serowë. As I passed, I saw her curtsey graciously and say, “It’s been lovely speaking with you again. I hope to see the both of you after the summit.” Then she came up behind me, acknowledging me with a glance but saying nothing. Malandra was probably mentally egging her on as well.
We took our old seats, although now Murtagh, Thorn, a Shade I recognized as Schrren and a smug-looking young elf I knew as Cesar Insalata were sitting nearby. Cesar was from Iberia, although his mother had been Alagaësian, which was where he’d gotten the blonde hair and grey eyes despite his otherwise dark complexion. Like me, he cared little for the folks in Du Weldenvarden, but otherwise, he was a bit of a pervert, to put it mildly. I sat between Pele and Cesar, swallowing. I’d be speaking up soon.
“I, Nemo Ramsey,” came the immediately recognizable harsh accent of the newest Varden Rider, “am speakin’ fer th’ Var- what?” I blinked and glanced across the room. The woman was standing up and leaning forward, and seemed to be having some kind of internal struggle. “Why? What…? You sonuva-”
Suddenly, Nemo Ramsey froze up. Her face twisted into a grimace and she clenched the edge of the table. She kept muttering incoherently, although I heard more than one obscenity flying out of her mouth. She was directing the foul language at her dragon, it seemed. Then she shut her eyes, collapsing back into her seat, and shivered violently. She became alarmingly still, although her face was still tightened as if she were in pain. And just as abruptly, she inhaled deeply, and her face became incredibly serene. She sighed loudly, resting her hands on the arms of her chair. Then she opened her eyes.
They weren’t ice-green and full of rage anymore; they were pale greenish-blue and calm like the sea after a storm. Her pupils were slits rather than rounded, and her irises were so large that they hid the whites of her eyes. Her gaze was startlingly reptilian. Hurriedly, I glanced at Ikehr. He was lying on the table, apparently asleep. I stared at Nemo again. She was flexing her hands, eyeing them almost enviously. Then she looked up at the entire delegation, almost in a bored, lethargic manner, and began to speak.
“Since at least half the people in this room wouldn’t dare let me into their minds, Ramsey shall be my mouthpiece.” Her voice had changed. The accent was far more refined, almost like Malandra’s, and it was male. Though not particularly deep, it exuded a certain poise and ethereal air that could belong only to a dragon. “I, Ikehr, son of Suha’il, speak on behalf of the Varden.”
Ah, the wonder of dragons. I smirked. The lull in conversation following Ikehr’s short dialogue seemed like a good time to jump in. I rose quickly, smoothing my tunic.
“I, Remy Kamenwati, scientist of the Twin Lamps, speak on behalf of the Empire.”
Words;; 3956 Muse;; Great! Thoughts;; I think this is my best post on here. =)
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Post by Lady Nayeli on Jan 20, 2010 15:31:48 GMT -5
Nayeli _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ I stood watching my sister, her own conversation seemed to just carry on for a moment as everything seemed to go on around us. I honestly did not care much about her, but I knew that if I got caught off guard then I would be killed by her, but so far, she was unaware that anything was going on around her. I just kept a close eye on her and everything else going on around me, or at least, I though.. I did not notice someone come towards me. I was a Varden Warrior, I should have been more attentive to everything around me. Nasuada had gotten up, left her seat and I was half tempted to follow her, but I did not, for another had come to me.
He was a rather young man, maybe a few years older then myself, but then again, I could have been older then him. I was twenty two years old, so I knew I was young, but still older then some people in here… Like my sister or Nasuada. It was amazing how everything just seemed to fall into place for me. I had gained a home and people who actually liked me, but it did not matter. The Varden were great and wonderful people, they were absolutely what I was looking for and all I wanted was the dragon riders to return to the power, making everything equal once again. That was all I wanted, to get everything back to normal where new kings could come into rule if we needed kings or queens. “What did your sister do to attract so much of your attention, friend?” I turned my head towards the person who spoke, his name was Daran.
I took in a breath, calling it clean, but even I know better then that. ”Nothing important, just keeping a eye on her, I would rather her not know I am here.” He let out a simple sigh before he turned his head towards the girl, her conversation still going on and on… It was such a annoying thing to watch, his sister talk and everyone else talk.
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ I looked at Nemo for a moment and then looked around at the others. She was a fire ball, most the people of the Varden were finding that out today, but it did not matter, right now, I had to make sure nothing happened anymore, not between Nemo and the others. My Kull looked ahead, my body beside him as he held onto Nemo for me. It was a rather hard task, she could be a true cannon ball. Nemo had one weakness and most of use knew this also and it was her damn temper. She was going to have to learn to control it a little better, though I did not think it would, at least, not anytime soon. I looked at Cesar, keeping a close eye on him. “Meanin’ she wants ya to FECK OFF,” It would a good phrase for it, but I just looked at her, keeping a close eye on her and giving her a rather scolding look.
“Lady Nasuada…” I looked at him, turned my figure more towards him, looking at him with intense, focused eyes. “Anything to please someone as beautiful as yourself. Señorita Ramsey and I were simply having a lively chat, is all.” I looked at him before feeling my friend, the Kull step forward slightly, pushing his arm against my back, not meaning too I am such.
“Lady Nightstalker is no fool, you pointy-eared drajl,” I looked at him for a moment, watching to make sure that he did not go too over board. “I have seen your type. Foreign tricksters and spies who sneak in the dark and kill dishonourably. You are no high-class lord, though you pretend to be one.” I looked at him, knowing it was not good when he said such things. He knew so much about the world that not even I knew about. I touched his arm, his large arm, which it seemed to make him look down at me. He knew that I was a friend and I did care for him.
“You know, Nasuada,” I looked at Cesat,”I hear that you spend a lot of time with your guards, especially the Kull. I wonder what it is like to be next to your tent during those times. It must be so... loud. Animalistic. Beauuutiful...” I looked at Cesar before looking at the already mad Kull. I patted his arm, my eyes softened.
”Calm yourself Victin, you know better then the man, you are much smarter,” He looked at me, letting out a huff and then I turned towards Cesar. ”Please, leave here.” I looked down at Nemo, who did not look very happy also. It was then that I heard something, a tapping sound that came from somewhere. I turned to see the worthless doctor, Malandra Ramakrishna, a woman with a disgusting taste in clothing. I took in a breath and looked back at him for a moment
“That would be my cue. It was enchanting to meet with you all. Me gusta. Perhaps we will speak again during the after-party.” I did not believe so, for we would be leaving soon enough to get to work. I watched as she introduced herself and stepped up, waiting my own turn. I looked at the Kull, his eyes were watching as Cesar left and then I saw Nemo, who seemed to become something different, the voice was different and the name was her dragon. I smiled, he had taken control, it would be nice to see what kind of dragon he would be once he was older.
”I am Lady Nasuada, Leader of the Varden and I will be speaking for them today, I thank you for inviting me to this crucial meeting,” I gave a bow before I stepped back, escorted back to met seat as to be seated for the meeting to begin.
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.::Thorn::.
Novice
I Am Become Death, Destroyer Of Worlds
Posts: 50
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Post by .::Thorn::. on Jan 20, 2010 23:59:54 GMT -5
OOC: I'm skipping this turn of the posting order, i've really got nothing to add.
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Post by Angmor on Jan 21, 2010 0:39:01 GMT -5
Kyemen tried to check the rising anger inside him, fighting to keep his face expressionless. While he had reserved judgment before, he had no question in his mind now why he did not like this elf. Insulting him, that was fine. He was used to such things. Insulting Nemo was also fine, but do so at your peril. But insulting Lady Nasuada's sexual habits? that went a bit too far. That strange light accent of his made it even worse. He had nerves, this one... He was about to lash out with a cutting remark about Cesar's own sexual orientation, but he was stopped, strangely, by Sierthra. He could sense her anger growing inside his skull like a gathering storm, distracting him from his own rage. He knew that once that storm broke, she would not stop at mere words. She would go so far as the kind of violence that would ignite this whole event into an inferno. Easy, Sierthra. She's the leader of the Varden. She's had to deal with worse, I'm sure. [/Color] He said as much to himself as to her, subtly laying a hand on her leg. She was getting so large now, he could no longer easily reach her favorite spot on her neck, so he hoped his firm touch would be enough. He could sense her going through the consequences of slicing the elf in half in her mind, teetering on the brink of not caring. Sierthra, let it go.[/Color] He said more firmly. She almost, almost went to for it, but finally he felt her relax. You're right.[/Color] She said finally. His blood is unworthy to stain the floor of this place. Another time, perhaps.[/Color] At that moment, the tapping started. At first Kyemen didn't notice it, but very slowly the noise rose in level that his keen ears detected it above the white noise of the crowd. It was an odd sound, loud, and yet without echoes, as if it was being made directly outside his ears. There was nothing particularly menacing about the sound itself, and yet there was something about it that set Kyemen's teeth on edge almost the same way as parrying a sword-blow. It seemed Insalata had heard it as well. He tilted his head slightly, then spoke. “That would be my cue. It was enchanting to meet with you all. Me gusta. Perhaps we will speak again during the after-party.” With that, despite the peril he was in standing next to four kull and two dragons, he winked at Lady Nasuada before gliding smoothly away toward the line of tables where the Imperial delegates would sit, clothes billowing dramatically behind him. Kyemen watched his retreating back, fantasizing about putting his knife into it. Charming fellow. Charming. Sierthra agreed, also watching the elf go like she was calculating when best to pounce on him with claws bared. So charming, I could eat him.[/Color] . . . "Just to watch, my father told me I was not to come... He is one of the main knights for the King... I hate listening to him... He is a idiot," The woman said, quite obviously paying attention to everyone except him. Taraak was grateful for that, because he decided immediately that if there was a plot by the Empire, she was not in on it. It was the way her face lit up in a wan smile as her eyes traveled in Murtagh’s direction, a look Taraak had seen on many a female whenever the Imperial Rider had passed. While this woman was obviously a spy or a soldier of some kind, a spy or a soldier on a mission would not allow herself to be distracted like that. Either that, or she was the best actor he had ever seen. But he doubted it. he forced himself not to look the same places she was, instead keeping his gaze locked on her like he really wanted to have a conversation. He employed his perfected light chuckle a second time. “The world is full of such idiots,” He responded, injecting his voice with the false swagger of the arrogant persona he had chosen to adopt. “And you’ll probably find a large concentration of them in this very room.” Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap…Just then, something intruded on his thoughts. At first he thought it was something right behind him, but on turning he found nothing there. Right then, he saw the source of the sound. While he had been talking to the woman, Dr. Ramakrishna had relocated. She now sat fearlessly on the rail of a balcony on the imperial side of the room, where she commanded a no doubt intentionally imperious view over the crowd. The tapping noise, he could only assume, was from her knocking her long, manicured fingernail against the stone balustrade, somehow making it uncannily loud enough to be heard by everyone in the room. He felt his back straighten instinctively, like he was tensing for a fight. He instantly revised his opinion of the woman before him. Not only was loathsome, she was also dangerous. Just as the thought entered his head, there was a pronounced bang from the direction he had just been facing, making him start violently. He whirled, finding the huge main doors of the hall had been slammed shut, and as he watched, the bolt slid into place by invisible hands. For a moment Taraak throught that the imperial trap was being sprung, but only for a moment. There was really nothing to be gained from sealing everyone inside this giant kill-jar together, not when the Empire was just as trapped. “Friends.” Came the words from the balcony, at the precise time that the words were most emphasized by the sudden silence. “I believe we have waited long enough for these negotiations to commence. I thank each and every one of you for coming to such an historic event, even those who were… uninvited.” Another presupposition bit the dust; she wasn’t ignorant of the unseen forces present here, either. He saw now a reason why she was so dangerous. It was the easiest thing in the world to underestimate her as just a highly placed prostitute. “As of this moment, the summit has officially begun. All who intend to participate may introduce themselves now, starting with me. For those sporadic few who do not know me, I am Malandra Ramakrishna, King Galbatorix’s most foremost scientist. I and a few of my underlings shall be speaking on the Empire’s behalf. My husband and fellow scientist Nagendra was unable to attend today. Don’t be shy, my dears. I only ask those who have no place here to not interrupt. You know who you are. That is all.” There was silence in the room as everyone processed, broken sporadically by suppressed coughs and rustling clothing. As if she couldn’t stand it, Nemo jumped to her feet. “I, Nemo Ramsey, am speakin’ fer th’ Var-“ She said, then trailed off suddenly “What? Why? What…? You sonuva-” In keeping with her odd behavior through the whole summit, she suddenly seemed to go into a fit of convulsions, blathering random nonsense as her body racked itself with spasms. Then just as abruptly, it stopped. Her head snapped up, and a voice came from her mouth. But it was easy for Taraak to tell that it was no longer Nemo Ramsey behind that face. “Since at least half the people in this room wouldn’t dare let me into their minds, Ramsey shall be my mouthpiece. I, Ikehr, son of Suha’il, speak on behalf of the Varden.” The voice said, confirming his suspicions. With that out of the way, various VIPs started standing up and introducing themselves and stating their functions, one after another, mixing with the sound of the rest of the crowd finding their seats. The spell of silence seemingly broken, Taraak turned to the woman he had been talking to. “Well, time I found my seat.” He said, sinking back into his fabricated personality with a broad smile. He bowed slightly. “I’m glad you disobeyed your father to be here. You’ve given me something considerably more interesting to look at than the proceedings.” With that totally uncharacteristic word, he winked at her, and then walked away, back toward the wall on the imperial side. He had already decided to observe the proceedings from over here, so as better to spot the imperial plans when they happened. If they wanted to stop him, well, they could try. As soon as his back was turned, his feigned smile vanished, his face setting back into its blank neutral. The mission was starting in earnest now, and things would only get more dangerous from now on. . . . Sierthra curled up languidly behind Kyemen’s assigned chair, curling her tail around her legs in the position she had perfected for saving room in crowded spaces like this. There was truly nothing more frustrating than being confined like this, where the slightest movement could knock over someone, or even getting a squishy human impaled on one of her spines. Already she could feel her wings getting stiff, begging her to stretch them out and take off again. She ground her teeth. She allowed the frustration to show on her face, not caring if the probably ten people in the room who could read a dragon’s expressions saw it. To distract herself, she set about looking over the seating arrangements. The room was still strictly segregated by faction, and the line was more noticeable now than ever. The seating was arranged behind two long, sturdy wooden tables that stood parallel with each other, separated by about ten feet of open floor. Each of the main faction leaders was given an assigned chair behind one of these tables, and it would be across this space that the negotiations would be conducted. Behind these large tables where a series of much smaller ones, where the more minor delegates would be seated wherever they pleased. Kyemen, due to his position, had warranted a place at the main Varden table, at Nasuada’s left-hand side. She looked across the room, watching the imperial delegation scurrying to their own seats. She contemplated that if she bit down on the table just right, and swung it with her neck just so, the huge oak trestle would sail across the room and land just perfectly on top of… Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Aviand staring at her strangely, probably after seeing her miming the actions with her head. She smiled sheepishly. Only if I really need to, little one. I swear.[/Color] Right then, it came Kyemen’s turn, drawing her attention back to the summit. Her Rider stood up, setting the smallish wooden box he had carried from Du Weldenvarden on the table in front of him as he did. “Kyemen, Rider for the Varden. If need be, my dragon Sierthra will also speak through me.” He said strongly, letting his voice project across the room without the use of magic. After the unnaturally squishy-pink woman had made use of that spell in such a way, she doubted that he would use it for quite some time. As he mentioned her name, she bobbed her head slowly. “I have just lately returned from the Guarding Forest,” Kyemen went on, tapping the box. “And I have with me some samples of the infected material. I should be able to answer any questions about the nature of the plague itself.”[/size][/Blockquote]
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zkjt
Novice
Posts: 47
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Post by zkjt on Jan 21, 2010 16:36:29 GMT -5
Islanzadi
As I watched, many things happened at once. After the arrival of Schrren, my guards had cast wards around me and Endorin, adding on to the many I already had. Endorin seemed oblivious to it all, and was staring with fascination at the many people around the room. Though I tried to ignore the shade, my thoughts continued to come to him and, to my displeasure, so did my eyes. After I lost sight of him the first time, I continued to search him out until I found him again...kissing Malandra rather rudely.
Murtagh was standing next to the pair looking embarrassed, but also extremely jealous. After the kiss was over Schrren said something to which Malandra replied angrily. I watched her leave and saw Schrren staring after her with a mixture of disbelief, shock, and anger of his face. And then after a word with Murtagh he went over to sit next to the other Imperial Shade, Pele Serowe.
After I felt reasonably satisfied I glanced at Endorin once again. I couldn't see exactly what he was looking at but he appeared to be gazing at Kyemen and Sierthra, who had just seated themselves on the Varden side. I was just about to tell Endorin that negotiations were about to start when an odd tapping sound began to fill the room. I looked up and to my displeasure, saw Malandra sitting on the balcony tapping her long finger delicately, which produced the sound. It got louder and louder until it stopped and a loud bang filled the room. I turned my head quickly and saw the great doors shutting and locking. My guards instantly tensed next to me but I placed a hand on the nearest one's wrist. "Settle. She means no harm," Yet that was.
After Malandra introduced herself I listened for the others that would soon be talking. Malandra of course. I didn't doubt for one second that she wouldn't be talking. She had to be the center of attention, and it bothered me so much I felt myself clenching my seat in anger. How much more would she need to do? She already was wearing nothing, or at least that was what it seemed like to me. Now she had to do the negotiations as well? I sighed, but continued to listen to others. Nasuada would be speaking as well, as was Kyemen. Nemo Ramsey had stood up, but had suddenly sat back down and when she had come back up, wouldn't you know, Ikehr was controlling Nemo's body. Possession was old magic, but you figure that with the bond between dragon and rider anything is possible.
After Kyemen had finished speaking I looked up to see Schrren standing, his mouth already open. Quickly I stood up and said in a soft, yet loud voice, "I, Islanzadi Queen of the Elves shall be speaking on behalf of the Elves of Du Weldenvarden,"I looked up at Malandra and saw her nod slightly toward me. As I looked around the room I saw the hungry looks on some of the men, and figured that I might have matched Malandra's beauty. Though I was not the sexy Doctor Malandra, I was the graceful and elegant Queen of the Elves. I nodded my head and sat back down. I could feel Endorin beside me squirming in his seat trying to look at all the speakers. Schrren was looking angry at me and was glaring coldly at me. I stared at him until he looked away and began to talk.
Schrren
The bitch! After I had flirted with Malandra openly she dares threaten, and embarrass me in front of Murtagh and Thorn. That she would have the nerve to tell me that she would put me in a cell. After she walked away I turned to Murtagh, clearing my head and smiling coyly at him. "I'm sorry if I interrupted Murtagh, I hope you guys weren't discussing anything important,"here I winked at him again. "But be careful with malandra, she'll try to twist you around and around, and win you over, but just know. She never really wants you,"By now I was whispering, my voice barely audible.
"And Murtagh, we really should spend more time together, there are so many things I could teach you. Anyways the proposition is always there, if you want," I smiled at him once more before striding off.
I looked around the room, trying to spot someone I knew before I saw Pele sitting by herself. I strode over to her and sat down next to her folding my right leg over my left. "Ahh..Pele my darling how are you?" I was near to positive that Pele saw past my illusion and saw what I really was but I didn't care. I knew that she wasn't as fond of men as she was of women, so I wouldn't have to worry about appearances as much, at least with her. I continued to chat with Pele for a while, exchanging small pleasantries, until I looked up to see Malandra tapping her delicate fingernail on the banister she was sitting on. I heard the tapping before everyone else and was watching her impatiently the entire time. Finally the doors shut and were locked and the negotiations began.
After Kyemen, Ikehr, malandra, and Nasauda had introduced themselves I stood up ready to speak. But before I could, I heard another voice, soft and silky. I looked across at the Varden side and saw Islanzadi standing. Her black hair was curled for the event and there were swan feathers and other bird feathers in her hair. She wore a simple, yet elegant dress and her green eyes shone brilliantly. She was beautiful, but I preferred the sexy Malandra type of woman. But I could tell that the Queen caught the eye of many of the men and Malandra didn't look to happy about it. After Islanzadi's introduction I spoke up.
"Good afternoon Lords and ladies, " I began. My voice rung throughout the hall, there was no other sound. "My name is Schrren and I am one of Galabatrorix's...investigators," There would be no point in saying what I really was. A torturer, spy, assassin. Investigator just sounded more professional. "And I will be speaking on behalf of the Empire," After I finished I sat down ignoring the discontented murmurs around me.
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Kite
Junior Member
Now past the 1 year mark
Posts: 127
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Post by Kite on Jan 21, 2010 23:50:48 GMT -5
Daran
*Daran nods at what the apparant "nobleman" says, and lets it slide. Daran finds it odd, privately, how one could be at odds with one's sister so badly that you need her not to know your there, but then again, he knows better. Just because his relationship with his "sister" is close, doesn't mean that is terribly common. He nods at the man, and then turns when he hears the tapping and announcement. As he wasn't really an important person there, he moves over to the wall where Ava was standing at this time, free of the Imperial Scientist, who introduced himself as Remy.*
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Ava
*Ava smiles happily at him, a beaming, bright smile, as he says that he is grateful, and then nods and taps her foot slightly, thinking as he is speaking. She is slightly grateful that she does not have to open her mind to him for his trust, although she would have. This was much more interesting than the silly Vardeners, although she suspects that she will have to work with them for a while more. As he breaks off oddly, her eyes narrow slightly, and glances at Malandra. She looks back at Remy, and smirks slightly, then nods at his remark before speaking.*
I'll count the seconds, Remy.
It is no problem. Your much more fun than they would be, and I honestly think that you are probably right.
You can count on me. Now go, and speak well, comrade.
*She winks at him and returns the bow, smiling at his back and watching him. As Nemo starts cussing at the air, and goes blank for a moment, Ava starts slightly, but then hears the voice and words coming out of her, and smirks. Dragons were wonders, and always would be. Even if she became a rider, ever, she would find them magnificent. As Remy speaks his part, and the rest of the "important" people, like Nasuada and Islanazadi, introduce themselves, her "brother" Daran walks up to her. She embraces him gently and whispers into his ear.*
We have a job to do, little brother...
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Post by Ashkii on Feb 3, 2010 0:38:36 GMT -5
OOC//: Okay, this is a craptastic post, and I’m sorry for the delays all the time. -.- But, here it is. Oh, I’m also trying out 1st person, so we’ll see what happens. Haha.
BIC//: I was still staring at Schrren and Malandra when she started to rise, trying to figure out if the doctor welcomed his kiss or not. If she did, I knew I might be out of luck. Schrren was much better looking than I was and his self-confidence showed that he had had plenty of intercourse. My experience had ended with my own fist, and the assured shade was sure to shame my abilities in the bedroom. I looked down at my boot-clad feet, hating myself for not standing up and punching the shade in his perfect face. But if Malandra was fine with the kiss, then who was I to interfere?
So, I continued to stare at my feet, pretending that there was something so interesting on the toe of my boot that I had no curiosity as to what the doctor and the shade were up to. I was aware of Schrren’s hand tugging at the hem of Malandra’s dress – if it could even be called that – and I resisted the urge to wrench his hands away from her. Instead, I dug my nails into the palm of my hand, and waited for a dismissal of some sort.
Malandra had risen to her full height by that time, and if I had looked up from my pouting, I would have seen that she was angry. It wasn’t long before I realized it though. Her voice was enough to cut diamonds, and when I did look up in surprise, I saw that her eyes shot daggers at the shade. So, maybe I was still in.
“It is always a pleasure to see you, Schrren. But I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t interrupt me in such a fashion, let alone grab me and twist me like some aging prostitute. One must uphold oneself in a certain manner, especially in front of the entire Imperial delegation. I do enjoy our private times together, Schrren, but if you disrespect me in public again, I shall give you another tour of my facility cells. But should that happen, you won’t be the one looking in anymore. It shall be I looking in on you. Excuse me. Thorn, Murtagh.”
A chuckle almost escaped my mouth, but I managed to suppress my amusement. Malandra had a way with words that I wouldn’t have been able to imitate if my life had depended on it. She was better at the art of verbal warfare than many lords and nobles that had been in courtrooms and meetings most of their lives. I reminded myself to stay on her good side. She would be a terrible enemy, and I would do best to stay friendly.
And then, she was gone. With a curtsy I didn’t feel I deserved, I watched her turn and disappear into the crowd. I had been too busy staring at her body as she moved away with grace I thought only the elves possessed that I had forgotten to bow to her. I cursed myself for showing how thoughtless I was, and then turned to look at Schrren. He was pissed, that much was clear. His handsome face was distorted with a frown, and I was pettily contented. If I couldn’t have Malandra, then neither could Schrren, I couldn’t help but think. God, I was such a child sometimes.
If I thought he was done with me though, I was sorely mistaken. When the shade finally managed to compose himself, he turned to face me, a shy grin falling easily into place. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was fake, if, like me, he had learned to deal with the lords and ladies as I had. Fake smiles were too easy now. So, I didn’t respond to the grin, merely folded my arms over my chest and glared up at him, showing him that I was not pleased with him.
"I'm sorry if I interrupted Murtagh. I hope you guys weren't discussing anything important.”
Schrren then winked again and I swore that he was really trying to flirt with me. Schrren’s voice was silky and smooth and I could see why Malandra had found him interesting. If I was gay – and I was not, as far as I knew – I could also understand why I would find him attractive. He really was good looking, and even I could admit that. I didn’t say anything to him though, still wary of his intentions. Besides, he had opened his mouth to continue talking, so I merely leaned back and lessened my glower by a fraction.
"But be careful with Malandra, she'll try to twist you around and around, and win you over, but just know. She never really wants you."
I felt my stomach turning at his words, and his low voice was enough to send chills down my spine. Was he just saying it because he was jealous? Or did he really mean it? I didn’t doubt that my time with Malandra would be anything more than sex. But was she really that cruel? His unsaid words implied that she was the hardest of bitches, and I couldn’t help but worry that I was getting in deeper than I wanted. I uncrossed my arms and sat up straight, my frown entirely gone. I was about to respond, but he once again spoke before me.
"And Murtagh, we really should spend more time together, there are so many things I could teach you. Anyways the proposition is always there, if you want.”
The smile that accompanied the sentence was enough to make my already upset stomach turning even more. Why was this shade interested in me? Thorn’s sudden presence in my mind was just as nervous, if not more so, and for some reason his worry brought out my foolish confidence and a sudden need to be a jackass. I pushed my dragon’s thoughts away and offered my own brilliant smile before Schrren could fully depart. ”I would very much enjoy that. Anytime, anywhere, darling.” I made sure I exaggerated the wink that followed my flirtatious comment, and I felt cool satisfaction at Thorn’s horror filling my mind.
I hadn’t seriously meant it in the sexual way I had implied, but I could tell that Thorn thought I had. My dragon wasn’t against homosexuals – at least, I didn’t he was – but he was obviously surprised to “find” that I was. I couldn’t help but laugh at his surprise and when he recoiled from my sudden probing of his mind, I had to curl over with laughter at Thorn’s reaction. But after the beast’s continued surprise and refusal to meet my eyes, I grew tired of it.
”Certainly you should know I’m not really gay, Thorn. Besides, even if I was, I wouldn’t plan on feeling you up. So would you quit?” [/b] I returned to my sulking position of crossing my arms and leaning back, not expecting Thorn to respond. But after a few moments I could tell that he was going to. I turned to look at him, and he muttered, ”I wouldn’t have cared if you were. I was just surprised, is all.” I rolled my eyes at him, but I felt his assurance in my mind and I believed him. It was about that time that I realized there was a soft, continuous tapping noise that I hadn’t noticed a few moments before. I looked around for the source of the sound, and soon followed the gazes of the others. It wasn’t too surprising to realize that it was Malandra. From what little I knew about her, I had already gathered she loved the spotlight. Important figures began to stand and introduce themselves as soon as Malandra had gotten everyone’s attention , and I realized that I would be expected to say something. I groaned inwardly, and though Thorn and I were still wary of each others’ tempers, he managed to offer his silent support. I was grateful, and I hoped he realized it. I didn’t enjoy getting in fights with my dragon, even the smallest of tussles like this one. After a break in the introductions, I waited a few moments before I stood up, aware of eyes that turned in my direction. To anyone looking on they would see a calm and self-confident man, but inside I was shaking, about to faint with nervousness. ”I am Murtagh Morzansson, imperial dragon rider. I suppose I’m officially speaking for the empire, but I doubt I’ll have anything to add.” I shrugged, and then sat back down, feeling the heat filling my face. I hoped that was the last of my public speaking for the remainder of the meeting.[/sup][/center]
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Post by Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress on Feb 3, 2010 13:28:30 GMT -5
Oh, how Nemo screamed.
It was very muted, actually, considering I had locked her away deep inside her mind, but the amount of flaming rage and bloodlust emanating from her told me I wouldn’t likely survive were I to let her out. My original body, after all, now possessed no consciousness. It lay in a comatose state on the table, completely helpless. I was tempted to bring it closer to me, but were Nemo able to regain control for even a fraction of a second she’d snap my neck, and that would be the end of it. It was hugely tempting to stay in her body, actually, to inhabit it and let Nemo remain locked away inside herself for eternity…
The following explosions of rage were enough to make me have to stifle a giggle.
Around the room, important persons of every race, stature, and allegiance rose, all announcing their names, positions, and the side they spoke for. The number of people that stood was surprising, but still remained very few compared to how many people stayed seated. I couldn’t help but wonder why so many had been allowed inside. Witnesses, was probably the official excuse. Some people had slipped in just to get a piece of the action. But others were likely toting ulterior motives. After all, this was the first non-violent congregation between the Varden and the Empire in history. Someone had be planning something, but too many minds were guarded for me to find out without attracting attention. Instead, I watched the speakers.
Besides Malandra and I, an elven scientist called Remy Kamenwati spoke up, as did an Imperial Shade called Schrren, both for the Empire. Some more obvious folk such as Nasuada, Kyemen, and Islanzadí announced themselves, all speaking on the Varden’s behalf. And then, finally, Murtagh briefly blabbered before firmly seating himself again. Clearly, it had taken some convincing to get him here. Besides them, several Surdan and Imperial nobles and scientists stood, such as Lorana, Risthart, Kye, and others. After the last speaker, some minor noble from Aberon, spoke up, there was a brief lull.
“Thank you,” came Malandra Ramakrishna’s amplified voice. From the gaping stares the other fleshlings, mostly male, were giving her, it was clear that she was considered attractive among humanoids. Islanzadí, too, earned more than her fair share of looks. To me, both were only slightly less appealing than a nest of large pink maggots. But I digress. Islanzadí did have a commanding air about her, as well as a certain elegance, at least as elegant as a shapeless pink worm baby could be, while Malandra had a certain dominatrix aura about her; the kind of woman who could chew someone up and spit them out before they even realized it. That was probably what all the male piggies liked about her. I shifted in my seat, still unused to Nemo’s pathetic human body.
“Lord Straethir’s samples sound most interesting,” Ramakrishna continued, clearly enjoying the attention she was receiving. “Do show us them, good sir.”
Straethir, one of the few men who didn’t seem taken by the infamous doctor, did his best to hide his disgust when Malandra looked at him. He immediately reached for his little box, opening it with a soft click, and removed what was within with care before holding them up to the light. It was a collection of flowers, roots, and leaves, all manner of foliage, but they all looked the same. Whitening and powdery, they gave off a sickly sweet smell that was only too reminiscent of what a rotting corpse smelled like. They screamed disease, and everyone seemed to take one big step away from them. Even the composed Doctor Ramakrishna made a face at the dying fauna. As for me, I was rattled. It shook something deep within me, the wildest, most reptilian parts. This wasn’t the first time this had happened. Though the memories were foggy, dragon-kind had seen this sort of thing before, but very long ago. Perhaps even before the elves’ arrival in Alagaësia. After what felt like an eternity, Straethir, looking disturbed, replaced the damaged plants.
“Magic, clearly,” said Marcus Tábor of Dras-Leona, who was so hefty he had tired himself out just from standing up. Still, he was determined to make himself heard. “And the foul type, too. The only people who could possibly make this so are the elves.” He gave Islanzadí a disgusted look, but behind it was some sort of lust. “As are your Shades, milord,” hissed one elf standing near Islanzadí. “We elves are one with the earth. We could never create something so foul. You, on the other hand, have elf-turned-Shades and turncoats of our own kind-” “Enough with the tree-hugging!” groaned a man I couldn’t see. “All anyone has to do to get you pointy-eared fairies riled is step on a twig-” “Enough!” barked Malandra, her voice sharp. “Flinging racial accusations left and right will not solve the problem. Further study of this new magic will point out the culprit. Now, we will work on curing this infection. At the very least, isolate it, stop it in its tracks, or slow it down. I believe Doctor Kamenwati has something to say.” “Indeed.” The platinum blonde elf eyed the congregation with a disdainful eye before continuing. “The Twin Lamps were working on this infection since news of it first reached us. We have not discovered a cure of any kind. So far, we assume that it is very old magic, older than the elves’. The Ancient Language has no effect on it. It feeds on any energy we direct at it, and speed up the destruction it wreaks.” “It fails us when we need it most,” snarled a Kull near Nasuada, surprising me. “Drajl magic. We will use our axes to destroy the-” “Brute force won’t be any help either, my unfortunate-faced friend,” said Kamenwati smoothly. “Chopping and grinding does nothing. And I doubt your tree-hugging friends would enjoy having Du Weldenvarden smashed apart.” “Clearly, we need to think creatively in order to combat the infection,” said Malandra. “Conventional magic and physical force have failed us. However, there is still unconventional magic.” She suddenly smiled. “Perhaps this is a situation that requires fighting fire with fire. Certain individuals such as the Shades could assist us in a black spell, and the Twin Lamps could craft it.” “Black magic might do more harm than good,” said Lorana carefully. “We might destroy the infection but create a new pollution.” “Nonetheless, milady, it is worth a laboratory simulation at the very least,” said Malandra sharply. “Unless there are any other suggestions?”
I decided not to open my mouth just yet. Besides not being entirely used to the heaviness of a human tongue, I wanted to see what the brainless worm-babies would think up before any dragons announced their views. And I hated the attention anyway.
Words;; 1150 Muse;; Good except for the dialogue. o.O Thoughts;; POST ALL YOU WANT NOW PEOPLES! This will be my last for at least two weeks, so don't be afraid to mess around with the posting order! And also use some NPCs, it'll be more realistic. XD
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Post by Lady Nayeli on Feb 4, 2010 0:19:06 GMT -5
It was surprising how many were speaking quickly as this place came to life in this neutral debate. I wanted so badly to cause a problem, it was in my very nature, but I was being calm about it, I knew better then to even try, at least, not right now. I watched as people spoke in silence, only to each, how dragon's looked at each other and the people before them. I saw conversations going on without even speaking, using the mind to speak for them. It was rather weird watching this, for face expression came out of no where. Most people was emotionless during those conversations, but some were not doing very well.
I finally found my place, sitting down, my dagger hung to my belt from behind me. I was lucky that my cloak covered it, I would of had to of gone to other means to hid such a beautiful blade. I watched as many were silent, doing nothing but sit there and watch. It was funny how many did not seem to want to be here but other wanted to be here and just watch. It was a wonderful moment, even I could tell you this, but I just placed my elbow on the arm of the chair and touched my chin with it. I liked the tension, it meant anything could happen and I waited for the chance to kill a few varden soldier, it would be rather...
"Nayeli!" It was a hush whisper, but I knew it very well as my stupid and useless father. The knight was here for security and he must of gotten word that I was here. I rolled my eyes and turned my ice blue eyes towards him and looked him dead in the face. He was red in the face, I actually had to smile at the look and just leaned back a little as he came up, his armor was clanking a little, but you could still hear the debate as they bickered back and forth. "What are you doing here?" I rolled my eyes and looked ahead.
What was I doing here!? I could only guess why I was here and as I looked back at him and gave him the go to hell kind of look. "What do you think I am doing here? I am listening to the debate and seeing what I can do to help."
[/color] I looked him dead in the face, no fear on my face as I looked at him. I was tired of his so called, protective attitude towards me. He could barely protective himself, plus me and honestly, if I was told to I would not think twice about killing him myself. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ My sister, well, at least, in my honest, was the biggest bitch from hell and I did not even want to get in her way unless I had to, which meant, fighting her only on the battle field, which was my place of living. I did not like being surprised when a assassin was around, so being on the battle field was much better. I watched as she went out of sight for a moment and then reappeared as she set down. At least she was sitting down now and was not paying attention to me. I let out a breath, watching her for a moment, keeping her in my sights as I saw another join her... Father! I pulled my cloak tighter to my body for a moment, joining Nasuada's group, so I would be completely out of sight. There was so many people around, so many races that I just found it amusing when they started the negotiations and debates. Fussing back and forth and even the Kulls gave their own voice. I watched as everyone settled down, the whispers flew back and forth, face expressions changed as mind waves went flying by me. I could not understand anyone, but I knew something was going on. Why am I always the one who sits behind and watches.[/color] I thought to myself as I stood, my eyes protectively lingering over Nasuada. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Nemo's body had been over taken by her dragon, which was fine by me, his voice was in my opinion the most important as I set there and watched as other introduced themselves. I wanted to keep a eye on that rider, I knew she had a anger problem and as the dragon was completely useless I instructed another to go and protect the useless dragon body. I looked toward Nemo and then forward again. I wanted everything to get underway, wanted to know how things would be done. So many were presence today, I was surprised but at the same time, not nearly as surprised as I thought I would be. So many were here just to watch and as other responded to the introductions, many whisper started to flow and as many around me began to speak of how the Doctor was disgusting looking and with a smooth flow of my hand I hushed it quickly. "No need for such words, we all know no need to point it out... Focus on the talks." My voice was hushed and I looked back at the Doctor herself. She did have the most disgusting looking outfit on at the moment. “Thank you,” I looked at her for a moment and waited to see what would happen next. I looked around, seeing Islanzadi, her beautiful self was calm, emotionless and I looked back ahead. My face remained pleasant, but very blank as I waited. I heard another approach me and turned to see Turin, a warrior in my circle of guards and a man I trusted with my life among the group. He was trained in the empire, but he loved the Varden, which was good, in my opinion. He had a good heart and I saw him as being a great warrior and possible a good rider, if he every did become a rider. “Lord Straethir’s samples sound most interesting,” I looked at her, watching as how she enjoyed this attention and I could not help but roll my eyes. “Do show us them, good sir.”I looked at Shraethir, one of the few that I saw was not even interested at this doctor and I let out a sigh. I was thankful for that. He pulled out the box, opening it with soft clicked and I leaned forward. I saw the diseased flowers and leaves and like a elf, I was sorry for the earth. I had spend so much time with elves that I loved the earth more and more with each passing day. I watched as he looked very disturbed and let out a sigh before someone else spoke. A empire scum's voice touched the air. “Magic, clearly,” I inclined my head to listen to him. “And the foul type, too. The only people who could possibly make this so are the elves.” I did not like the look that was given to the Queen, even the elves around me got mad about it. “As are your Shades, milord,” I turned my head to another elf and gave a simple nod. They were clearly correct in this. “We elves are one with the earth. We could never create something so foul. You, on the other hand, have elf-turned-Shades and turncoats of our own kind-”“Enough with the tree-hugging!” I looked at the man, pulling my own eyebrow up. “All anyone has to do to get you pointy-eared fairies riled is step on a twig-”“Enough!” I looked at the Doctor and then around as the others did the same. “Flinging racial accusations left and right will not solve the problem. Further study of this new magic will point out the culprit. Now, we will work on curing this infection. At the very least, isolate it, stop it in its tracks, or slow it down. I believe Doctor Kamenwati has something to say.” I looked at the other, my eyes stayed very emotionless and I just let out sigh. “Indeed.” He stepped forward and I just leaned up a little. “The Twin Lamps were working on this infection since news of it first reached us. We have not discovered a cure of any kind. So far, we assume that it is very old magic, older than the elves’. The Ancient Language has no effect on it. It feeds on any energy we direct at it, and speed up the destruction it wreaks.” Just the mention of the Twin Lamps made me look towards them and I saw Remy. He was a traitor in my eyes and I knew that the Queen possible wanted that dead but alive elf dead, but I would not bring the subject up. I was sure she was doing something about that thing. “It fails us when we need it most,” I looked to the Kull, my brown eyes on him. “Drajl magic. We will use our axes to destroy the-” His hand was on my chair and I looked at him. My most trusted Kull, whom I spend most my time with. He was a rather interesting Kull and I enjoyed his company. “Brute force won’t be any help either, my unfortunate-faced friend... Chopping and grinding does nothing. And I doubt your tree-hugging friends would enjoy having Du Weldenvarden smashed apart.” I looked at him, knowing what he said was true. My friend was not to happy, but he was calm and that was all I needed for him to be. “Clearly, we need to think creatively in order to combat the infection... Conventional magic and physical force have failed us. However, there is still unconventional magic... Perhaps this is a situation that requires fighting fire with fire. Certain individuals such as the Shades could assist us in a black spell, and the Twin Lamps could craft it.” I did not like this idea, it would be something that most were not familiar with and I did not like dark magic, it is what could kill and I hated the thought of it. “Black magic might do more harm than good... We might destroy the infection but create a new pollution.” I agreed with what was said, it would only cause new problems and we would be at this place again. I did not like being here, but now was my turn to speak. “Nonetheless, milady, it is worth a laboratory simulation at the very least,” I let my eyes fall on the Doctors “Unless there are any other suggestions?” I looked at her and stood, stepped forward, my Kull friends become on guard before I looked around. "I agree with what has been said, Magic has yet to work and brute force would possible only spread it faster... I say we try neutral potions, it may work if we try new things instead of what we already know. I know the research we are all doing, but we need to do more as we can all see." I said, turning my eyes to the Doctor of the empire. "What of the fact that we are all using one language, what if we combine our language, possible use the language My friend here has suggested."[/color] I spoke my own words and I knew that it might help. I returned to my seat, feeling the Kull's hand back on the chair as it moved slightly. [/blockquote][/center][/size]
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Post by Angmor on Feb 10, 2010 22:36:49 GMT -5
Sierthra only just managed to suppress a yawn, valiantly holding on to her look of detached interest. She wasn’t sure why she bothered. Only the few dragons in the room, and possibly their riders, could read her expression anyway. And they were no doubt just as bored as she was. After the novelty had worn off, this venue was just like any other strategy session or Varden meeting she had ever been coerced into attending. She listened to various people talk about the green-killer and how terrible it was, and how magic only seemed to make it kill faster. And no matter how many different heads spoke, there seemed to be nothing more useful to assert than that the killing was bad, and that they had very little idea what to do. There did seem to be one common assumption among all parties, though. That was interesting…
"What of the fact that we are all using one language, what if we combine our language, possibly use the language My friend here has suggested." Nasuada was saying, nodding to the kull that had just spoken before sitting back down again. There was silence for a moment as the room seemed to consider the suggestion. She sensed a feeling of growing agitation in her Rider, warring against his shyness. Apparently, the agitation won. “With all due respect my lady,” He spoke out strongly, although not bothering to stand up. “The Ancient Language is the only one ever to have shown any sort of tangible power. The elves have conducted studies into this since the Grey Folk bound magic into their own language, since time immemorial. The Ancient Language describes the true nature of the world, and therefore grants power to those who know it. All other languages, like the one I use now, have little power beyond its ability to communicate untruths. To try to construct a spell with it would be like trying to build a fortress out of nothing but thought, unless tens of thousands of years of elven knowledge is completely wrong.” His words, Sierthra noted, had several heads nodding around the hall, several of them elves of the queen’s retinue. Sierthra didn’t know. She had never before used magic. Her mouth was unable to make the necessary noises, and she had already found out that she could think the Language until the sky fell, and nothing would happen. Glaedr had taught her that all members of her race could naturally use magic, but that they had no control over the ability whatever. So she had no opinion on what her Rider had to say. “Now, there are many instances of wild magics in the world, beyond the laws of the Ancient Language." He went on. "Most of them are very dangerous, but harmless enough if they are left alone. Perhaps that is what is seen here. The problem is though, such magic is always very powerful. And this one just seems to add our power to itself. I’ve thought about this for some time on the way back from the Guarding Forest. If none of our most powerful spells can stop it, perhaps the answer can be found in drawing power away from the infection.” [/blockquote]
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zkjt
Novice
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Post by zkjt on Feb 12, 2010 15:51:49 GMT -5
Islanzadi
I sighed, my gaze moving across the room. So far the negotiations had been uneventful, but suddenly things seemed to be heating up. There were more proposals, more ideas, and of course, insults and slander toward a specific group of people, whether they be elves or humans, or urgals, or even if you have your allegiance to the Varden or the Empire. Such is what happens when you put such different people in the same area for more than 5 minutes.
It was right after all the introductions had finished and the infection was described that the first insult was thrown. A minor noble from the eastern part of the empire had openly accused the elves of the infection. “Magic, clearly,” Well no duh there. “And the foul type, too. The only people who could possibly make this so are the elves.” Now he's gone and done it. Instantly my guards stiffened, their eyes filling with a fury unimaginable in such feminine faces. Faerthir, one of my guards, was the first to speak.
“As are your Shades, milord,” His voice was calm and steady, which greatly relieved me. “We elves are one with the earth. We could never create something so foul. You, on the other hand, have elf-turned-Shades and turncoats of our own kind-” Great. I saw Schrren's smile become more menacing, his eyes darkening, and Pele Serowe flinched in her seat, though so slightly I can imagine I was the only one who saw it. The comments continued until Malandra stepped in. Her voice was rising in anger..she wanted to get this over with, I could tell.
The room was quiet, except for a few mutterings here and there. I could feel many eyes on me and I elegantly got out of my seat, my green eyes appraising everyone in the room. "I can assure everyone here, no elf from Du Weldenvarden would do such a thing. To hurt the earth would be to hurt ourselves," I talked softly, but my voice still managed to carry across the room. I heard a man snicker in the back and instantly I turned his way. "Does someone have something to say?" I asked bittersweetly. No one spoke. "I thought so," and with that I sat down.
After I was done, I turned to Endorin who was squirming beside me. "Settle Endorin," he stopped moving and I turned my head to the new speaker. Nasuada was speaking now. I listened to her proposition before shaking my head. It would never be possible, but I would not be the one to say that. Kyemen instead, said what I was thinking. After Nasuada sat down, it was Kyemen's turn to speak. I listened intently to what he had to say, and agreed with him completely. I nodded my head and turned my head to Schrren. He was staring up at Kyemen his face fixed in a grimace. It looked like..he didn't want the plague to go away.
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Post by Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress on Feb 24, 2010 23:47:42 GMT -5
As the negotiations dragged on, I became somewhat irritable. Maybe it was the fact that most of the drivel flying from the fat pink things on the humanoids’ mouths was offensive, irrelevant, or simply not helpful. Maybe it was the fact that I was now rotting in a human body, which was just about the most flat, uncomfortable thing I had ever had the displeasure to feel. And Ramsey was muscular- I shuddered at the thought of what being in a soft or fatty body might feel like. Simply repulsive.
However, I noticed that Ramsey’s body was beginning to take on some dragon-like traits. A glance at the huge mirrors mounted on the walls behind the tables had revealed reptilian turquoise eyes like my own. Besides them, her closely trimmed nails had become sharp and curved like my talons. I wondered how she would look if I stayed in her body for a lengthy period. At the same time, though, I doubted she’d let me stay for too long. If anything, the woman had endurance, and her constant pounding at my mind was starting to wear on my strength. For the moment, I tried to continue concentrating on the summit, though few things of interest were going on. Islanzadí stood up at one point to reprimand the people accusing the elves, and Ramakrishna kept shooting death glares at anyone who whispered. Finally, though, something of actual substance came up.
“I agree with what has been said.” Nasuada was the speaker. “Magic has yet to work and brute force would possibly only spread it faster... I say we try neutral potions; it may work if we try new things instead of what we already know. I know the research we are all doing, but we need to do more as we can all see.” She eyed Ramakrishna warily. The nude creature just smiled coyly at her, obviously confident that Nasuada’s plan was unattainable. “What of the fact that we are all using one language? What if we combine our languages, possibly use the language my friend here has suggested?” “With all due respect, my lady,” Kyemen exploded, “the Ancient Language is the only one ever to have shown any sort of tangible power. The elves have conducted studies into this since the Grey Folk bound magic into their own language, since time immemorial. The Ancient Language describes the true nature of the world, and therefore grants power to those who know it. All other languages, like the one I use now, have little power beyond its ability to communicate untruths. To try to construct a spell with it would be like trying to build a fortress out of nothing but thought, unless tens of thousands of years of elven knowledge is completely wrong.”
Mutters of agreement echoed throughout the hall, especially from the elves. Though I failed to see much physical difference between any of the humanoid races, they all had distinctly unfortunate traits. Elves were arrogant. Dwarves were greedy. Humans were ruled by their desires, and Urgals seemed to think there were no problems that some well-placed axe blows couldn’t fix. There were rarely any variations.
“Now, there are many instances of wild magics in the world beyond the laws of the Ancient Language,” the elven Rider continued. “Most of them are very dangerous, but harmless enough if they are left alone. Perhaps that is what is seen here. The problem is, though, such magic is always very powerful. And this one just seems to add our power to itself. I’ve thought about this for some time on the way back from the Guarding Forest. If none of our most powerful spells can stop it, perhaps the answer can be found in drawing power away from the infection.”
The room exploded with excited whispering. Normally, such hissing sounds were painful on my sensitive dragon ears, but Ramsey’s hearing was so pathetic I doubted I would notice a mountaineer yodelling beside me. However, the noise clearly angered Ramakrishna- I could feel the heat of her fury in the air her voice permeated. Clearly, she was the dominator in this negotiation, or at least wanted to be. Her voice, deep, husky and edged with her refined accent, rang out smoothly amid the multitude of whispers.
“If you are all so eager to voice your opinions, let the delegation hear them now.” The noises died away. “No? Then I implore you all to remain silent!” The sudden snarl in her tone made even me snap to attention. “It could work,” said Remy Kamenwati musingly, obviously deep in thought. “Perhaps if several magicians cast an enormous spell, say, making it rain, while drawing energy from the infection… why didn’t I think of that before?” “Again with elves!” squealed some female Surdan noble from our side. “Can we hear from someone normal? Say, a human?” “Rider Straethir’s idea is very plausible,” said a Varden spellcaster whose name I hadn’t bothered to remember. “The Varden has many talented magicians who would be more than willing to undertake the honour of-” “The Varden has talent, does it?” sneered Marcus Tábor. “That pack of exiled rats can have nothing compared to Imperial schooling-” “Shut up, you pig!” “Who said that?!” “Please!” snarled Ramakrishna. “If you mindless fools can think of nothing but your own pitiful wants and needs, then-” “Order!”
As the negotiations yet again dissolved into angry bellowing and screeching, I had the urge to rub my forehead in a human sign of irritation. Or better yet, jump into my body and grow fast enough to breathe fire so I could burn the lot of them. My body… I glanced at it with worry. It remained unchanged, still lying unconscious, alive but soulless. One particularly angry Varden councillor near it kept slamming his fists on the table. Worried, I decided it was high time a dragon spoke up. Summoning my strength, I rose slowly, unstable at the strange sensation of standing with only two legs and no tail. I placed Ramsey’s clawed hands on the table for support, leaning on them. As soon as I was sure I wouldn’t fall over, I glanced irritably around at the squabbling surrounding me.
“How depressing.” I spoke quietly, still fumbling over the heaviness of a human tongue. I was surprised to feel that Ramsey’s teeth had become larger, sharper, much like my own fangs. It made speaking easier. My natural magic managed to work to some extent as well, making my voice carry across the room like Ramakrishna’s. Few people paid immediate attention, but I kept going regardless. “It is no small wonder that we dragons nearly destroyed the elves. The only reason they bothered to swallow their petty pride enough to form a treaty with us is because we nearly wiped them out. How courageous of them.” People shut up. Even Ramsey stopped attacking me and listened. I raised one hand, eyeing her newly formed claws. I knew the elves were bristling with anger. Good. “And the humans. They corrupt all that was once pristine, washing away purity with their dirt and blood and shit and sweat. One day, they are bound to kill each other off. I doubt anyone will miss them.” My voice was monotone and emotionless. “The cowardly dwarves hide in their dirt shafts and pick at pretty objects. The Urgals think little and destroy much. Shades kiss Galbatorix’s boots and cater to his every whim. “I could go on like this, you know.” I smiled an unfriendly grin at the furious faces glaring down at me, revealing my fangs. “But it would achieve nothing. Obviously, few here possess intelligence enough to realize this. Mocking others and proudly showing yourself off is despicable. Allow me to get one simple message through your tragically thick skulls.” I rose to Ramsey’s full height- which wasn’t particularly impressive, but still an improvement from my own- and began to walk towards the middle of the room. “This is a negotiation, not a pissing match. If you are mentally unable to realize this, which you probably are, allow me to show your stupidity out the door. If not, do carry on.” I stopped once I was at the halfway point between the two delegations, eyeing the two sides with a critical eye. Simple-minded maggots. “Thank you, Lord Ikehr,” said Ramakrishna, who didn’t quite manage to hide her relief. “Here is a bright soul who possesses the proper idea of-” “What witchcraft is this?” bellowed an Imperial scientist. “We’re not going to let some baby lizard cow us, are we? I still think the Varden’s pathetic way of-”
He never got to finish his bantering. Malandra Ramakrishna leapt down from her vantage point on the balcony, gliding down with the ‘effortless grace of a swan’, a metaphor the Varden warriors were fond of using when complimenting Nasuada. When the Doctor’s tiny silver shoes touched the floor, she moved with disturbing speed towards the blathering scientist, her feet barely touching the ground. She raised her right hand, pointing a finger at the speaker. If I hadn’t been so close to the Imperial delegation, I probably wouldn’t have seen it, but the nail on her index finger suddenly grew, elongating until it pierced the scientist’s left eye. He made no noise, only clamped his mouth shut and shivered. The nail was still growing, I realized. He shuddered for some time, unblinking and wide-eyed until he finally slumped in his chair. He was dead.
Malandra retracted her nail, studying the bits of brain and blood and skull on it before licking it all off. Then she smacked her lips, looking ponderous. The entire room was silent. Someone had died in the summit after all. But an Imperial had killed a fellow Imperial, not a Vardener. The Great Hall didn’t explode into bloody infighting. Everyone just stayed where they were and kept their mouths closed. I swallowed a little. That death had just been the icing on the cake. At least people would probably shut up now.
“Much better.” Malandra stepped up onto the Imperial table, proudly flaunting her bare body. “Unless anyone has something else to say?” She raised one dark eyebrow, tilting her head and pouting her lips like an innocent puppy dog. As if.
Words;; 1711 Muse;; Bad at first, but steadily got better. Thoughts;; Mwaa. I like it. XD
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Post by Angmor on Feb 28, 2010 0:42:59 GMT -5
The room was a huge, echoing expanse of stone with very few tapestries or other soft objects to absorb sound. It was also crowded with a few hundred different beings confined in closed quarters, which in Kyemen’s experience were a constant source of loud breathing, rustling clothing, and babbling conversation. And yet despite all this, for the past few seconds, there was nothing but complete, stunned silence. Kyemen was as tense as a bowstring, silently counting the seconds until the room exploded into the fiercest battle since the Burning Plains… He suddenly realized that Ikehr, in Nemo’s body, was standing directly in the middle of the room between the delegations, in the greatest possible danger. Gods, she was untrained. She wouldn’t have any wards for protection, and with at least eight magic-users in the front row alone, hers would probably become the shortest-lived ridership in history. He would have to juggle leaping over the table and getting in front of her to shield her physically with composing a ward to shield her from whatever magic attack would soon come… Woah, slow down, Kyemen. [/Color] Sierthra warned. Think it through. No one’s fighting yet.[/Color] It was true, everyone was still sitting as still as before, the silence unbroken except for the sounds of Malandra licking the remains of the murdered man from her hand. Kyemen suddenly realized that, of course, what reason did anyone have to turn to violence? It wasn’t as if Malandra had killed anyone in the Varden. When it came down to it, all that had really happened was a commanding officer meting out discipline to a subordinate. Still, he wished desperately that she hadn’t been so forceful about it. Now everyone would be twice as jumpy as they were before, himself included. If she was capable of killing her own, she was capable of anything. “Much better.” Malandra said finally. Having finished cleaning her abnormal weapon, she leaped onto the imperial table. She seemed to have a physical need to occupy the highest space in the room, so as to better show herself off. “Unless anyone has something else to say?” Her voice dripped mock innocence, her lower lip extended in a human expression that indicated that she would not be the slightest bit troubled by what she had just done. Kyemen barely managed to keep the disgust out of his voice. “No doctor,” He spoke up. “I’d say that you closed that subject rather emphatically.” He gestured to the dead man, wondering what his name was, or if anyone would miss him. Malandra’s eyes locked with his, apparently wanting him to be the first to look away. Kyemen met her gaze easily, wondering what everyone seemed to see in her that made them seemingly so afraid. “In fact,” Marcus Tabor said suddenly, breaking the standoff. “On that note, I think we should all break for lunch.” It was a terrible thing to say, and yet with those light words, Kyemen felt the tension that had been quickly mounting since the man’s death drain from the room like a stopper had just been removed. Even a few chuckles were heard around the room as everyone visibly relaxed. Kyemen let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, feeling all of his muscles unclench. Sierthra nudged his shoulder with her nose. So we’re not all leaping up to kill each other after all. Not yet, anyway. He patted her snout affectionately. Yes Sierthra. But that was entirely too close.
Well,[/Color] she said, as the room started to become quiet again, straightening herself a bit. Kyemen was again surprised at how big she was getting. I would like to say something. Mind relaying? Of course. Unless you’re going to work the Ikehr-treatment on me. Wouldn’t dream of it. I might think about it some, but I wouldn’t dream of it. She assured, chuckling. Kyemen stood up, raising a hand to gain attention. “Excuse me,” He called, deciding to inject a little magic into his voice to make it carry more strongly around the room. While Malandra’s use of the spell had been disturbing, he decided that he wasn’t about to let her stop him from using it himself. “Sierthra would like to address us, and I shall relay her words.” Beside him, Sierthra drew herself up proudly, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that she was the one speaking. While I do not agree with everything that Lord Ikehr has said…[/Color] “While I do not agree with everything Lord Ikehr has said,” Kyemen intoned as she put the words in his head. After so long together, and with Kyemen serving as her physical mouth in almost all of her interactions with other races, he was now very good at translating her thoughts while keeping the tone and intent of the words intact. “He is right about one thing. If we are to combat this threat effectively, we cannot indulge ourselves in this petty bickering. Consider what is at stake. The elven scholars we talked to are almost certain that this infection will never stop on its own, and I’m willing to bet that the Empire has concluded the same thing.” She paused for effect, and Kyemen watched as her eyes roamed over the imperial delegation. He smiled inwardly. For all her kill-them-all attitude, she could be a gifted speaker when she wanted to be. “That means,” She went on. “That what is at stake here is nothing less than the world we know. This goes far beyond any wars or feuds. A bit dramatic perhaps, but how else are we to define it? This means that we must combat this threat together. And beyond simply signing a piece of paper agreeing not to attack the other side so long as they stay in their territory. That means actual cooperation, working side by side and making use of each other’s resources. I ask you, can anyone here put aside their differences for this, with these stakes and these odds?” There was silence for a few moments as her words died off. While most of the faces before him were unmoved, Kyemen could see that most thought that his dragon had a valid argument. While she hadn’t made them all break down weeping at the error of their ways, it was a step in the right direction at the very least. It would be perhaps the greatest battle of the war, though, putting aside their differences. And he wasn’t even sure if he was up to the task. As he was retaking his seat, he happened to glance upward at the balcony that encircled the room. He thought of Ilar up there, probably getting an ulcer from all the separate security arrangements he had to juggle, probably having drawn eight different plans for extracting Nasuada if things went bad… It took him a moment to notice, but he finally saw that instead of one of the row of imperial soldiers that should have been standing on the balcony across from him, he was seeing a dark figure of a single man. A man that Kyemen knew simply should not have been there…As he watched, the man raised something over his head with both hands and lobbed it into the room in a way that could not have meant it was a good thing. The brain on adrenaline was a truly amazing thing. Over the course of the tiniest fraction of a second, Kyemen calculated that the falling object would land within two yards of where Nemo was standing, roughly halfway between her and Malandra. At the same time, he figured that any shadowy figure who was in a place he shouldn’t be probably wouldn’t throw something at a rider if it was just a box of confetti. He also revisited the fact that an untrained rider like Nemo probably wouldn’t even know what a ward was, much less have any in place to protect her. All of these facts added up to a swift, and perfectly logical conclusion, one that had his body in motion before his conscious mind could give permission to go. He vaulted over the Varden table and ran for Nemo in a single frenzied rush, grabbing her by the shoulders of her tunic. “What the…” Whatever she was about to say was lost as Kyemen used his superior strength to literally throw her back toward the Varden table, hopefully far enough away to be mostly unharmed by what he was sure was about to happen. He registered vaguely that someone had also pulled Malandra down from the imperial table, probably thinking the same thing as he was. Out of time, he dived sideways as far as he could, just as the package-sized object hit the floor next to him, and the world exploded. He wasn’t sure how long it was until he realized he was still alive. It might have been hours. It was probably seconds. The world was totally black, and he couldn’t hear anything but his own breathing. But there was something pressed against his face, and his back felt like it had been pierced by hot needles in several places. He had always figured that he wouldn’t feel any pain after he was dead. But of course, he knew he might be wrong, because he had never been dead before. Gradually, he thought he heard something. After a few seconds, it sounded like his name… Kyemen! Kyemen, please get up, please… please…[/Color] He knew that voice, he couldn’t recall how just at the moment, but he had definitely heard it somewhere before… Just then it all came rushing back, causing him to tense up painfully. Gods, whatever was in his back was really not happy with that movement. He finally summoned the concentration in his addled mind to open his eyes, finding himself lying face down on the marble floor. The explosion had tossed him nearly ten feet, it seemed. His wards had protected him from most of it, but it seemed that the red-hot shrapnel was not covered by his spells. Slowly, he managed to get his hands under himself, levering himself to his knees… Right before something struck him from behind, knocking him back down. He felt an amount of energy leave his body, letting him know that his wards had been called upon. He looked up, finding an imperial soldiers standing over him with a sword raised for another blow. His mouth was moving like he was shouting something, but Kyemen still couldn’t hear anything coming out. Why didn’t his ears work? The sword came down again, and he again felt his strength dull as his wards stopped the blade just short of splitting open his skull. The soldier raised it for a third time, but never brought it down. The man’s head flew from his neck as Sierthra’s claws flashed from seemingly nowhere. Kyemen saw her as she stood over him, shielding him with her body. Are you alright?[/Color] It was rather strange, being able to hear her thoughts and nothing else. Yes, M’fine…[/Color] He managed to slur, drawing himself into a sitting position beneath her. The scene of the room had changed. Ten feet away, the marble of the flooring was shattered as if by a great fist. Most of the tables had been knocked over or shoved aside, and the people… The people were almost all locked in vicious combat, rendering the whole thing somewhat surreal as the battle was played out before him completely without a sound. Near the doorway, he could see soldiers of both sides jammed together in a huge knot, trying to get through the door to assist their side while hacking away at the opposite. It had happened. The summit had erupted into wholesale violence, and now there was nothing that could be done to stop it.[/size][/blockquote]
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