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Post by Lady Nayeli on Feb 28, 2010 11:02:36 GMT -5
Nasuada had a good idea, of course, I did not know anything about Magic, did not know anything about different languages, except that of the elves and the Urgals that worked under the King. I still had no idea about the stuff, and honestly, I wanted to kill my father. He was getting in my way and I wanted him to leave me alone. I looked back up at him as the rider began to speak. With quick, trained hands I grabbed his collar. "Get away from me you dumb idiot."
[/color] I was not scared of my father, honestly, he knew I was not scared. I wanted him to leave me alone. I looked him dead in the face and he just gave me this look that I was suppose to fear. "We will talk about this later," I rolled my eyes, knowing that I would not care to talk to him and knowing that I would not even talk to him. He looked at me and then looked back at the debate. "You are just like your mother." He said, before allowing his eyes to settle on the doctor who worked with the Empire. I growled in disgust. "Yea, but if I were mom, I would have already killed you, you little pervert,"[/color] I looked him dead in the face and my father just gave me a evil glare, which was useless. He left and I just returned my eyes back to the negotiations. However, I did not see the doctor and everything was silent. I stood and worked my way forward and before me was a dead man and the doctor was licking her fingers. I was stunned, I just wanted to watch a fight come out, but nothing was happening. Everything went back to normal, people were whispering, they were looking around, but the atmosphere, it was still tense. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ I could not believe what I was seeing before my own eyes, the man was dead, Nasuada, who was once sitting down was now standing on her feet and she did not look happy. This was a non violent thing, but it was already turning into something bad. I walked shiftly over to Nasuada, placing my hand on her shoulder. She knew by the touch who I was, touching my own hand with her own. "My lady, we should not stay to long if this gets out of hand." I looked at her for a moment before the rider stood and spoke for a moment, the words of the dragon coming from his mouth. The dragon was very careful with her words, she knew more then anyone I was sure. She spoke and Nasuada settled back into her chair. The Kull behind her was tense, but he stood behind the chair, his yellow eyes just looked forward. It was not long before they thought about lunch and I was honestly hungry, but I knew Nasuada would not get anything to eat, anytime soon. The two elves that she had come in with, I did not see them anymore, but knowing them, they were hidden and using 'magic' to protect Nasuada and I was here for show most the time, of course, with my sister all the present, I knew now that my own life might be in trouble. She was a good assassin, she knew how to move... But so did I. "Settle down Turin, you are getting worked up for no reason right now."[/color] She had seen my own tenseness. Her planned had not worked, but she knew it was merely a suggestion and she was not stupid. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ The rider, Kyeman, was speaking now and I was honestly calm, but Nemo, or at least, her body was nearly in the middle of the room and I did not like it one bit. I looked at Turin, he was looking at her. He had eyes of course on her because she was a very pretty young lady, but he knew that she was tough as nails and had even told me that he would not even get a chance with her. I still smiled mentally in my own mind. I watched as many in the room agreed with Kyeman, but I just watched for a few moment. I did not want anything to happen, but as he turned I saw the same thing he did, as did Turin. I was already up, grabbed by the Kull and blocked by the blast. I turned, the rider on the ground and the dragon protecting him. "Get Nasuada out of here!"[/color] I looked at Turin as he turned to the Kull. He had a dagger on his hip, but he was not showing it. I felt the Kulls brute hand grab my shoulder, the look in his eyes were pleading with to move. I did not like it but Turin was begging me to get out of here. I nodded, looking around as a few elves protected the Queen of the Elves and I moved with my guards. I knew I needed to get out of this place. I looked over at Turin, he was following me. He had been watching this girl, but that was no time to think about that. I looked ahead, seeing the Guards run with me and Turin close beside. He wanted me out of this place before things got any worse. [/blockquote][/center][/size]
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Tii
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by Tii on Feb 28, 2010 11:27:42 GMT -5
Maybe I should have been more impressed by the doctor. Seemed like most of everyone else was. That wasn’t really the way I’d ever worked though. Most people were generally mediocre in my mind anyway. It took something exceptional to grab my attention, and the doctor in her minimalistic clothing was not one of those things. Any woman in the room would walk around in a sheer garment. They just chose not to. Malandra and I were both servants of the Empire, but we’d never interacted all that much.
The whole meeting seemed like a disaster waiting to happen, but we had to try to find some sort of end to the destruction of the forest. The forest… of all things. I may not have been welcome inside, but it was a part of me none the less. It was the people inside who had forced me out, not the forest itself. It was a part of the world I loved. It wrapped its way around my soul. There was no abandoning a place like that… a place that had more life and magic in an inch of it than most did in their entire bodies. Suddenly it seemed like the elves inside weren’t worthy to reside there. But I was biased.
”I’m jus’ ‘oping that this isn’t all gonna be fer shit. I didn’t come ‘ere to sit an’ talk. I wan’ my shot at someone.” The voice came from a distinctly hairy and unattractive man standing beside me. He was on edge, I could see I in every inch of his body. Where he stood with his muscles tense and his body rigid, I relaxed against the wall, my arms folded over my chest. The point was to look relaxed. The stone wall was cold against my back and I could feel the grainy texture through my thin tunic. It was annoying, but I’d live with it. I was doing my best to take in everything I could, keep an eye on the key players, and take note of important things said. I was here by employ of the Empire after all, or more specifically, Galbatorix. My eyes moved to look at the man for only a moment before moving away. ”Then your intelligence matches your look and sound." He blinked and moved away, confirming my thoughts.
Any order I was given came straight through him and no one else. He was my leader and my commander. I would settle for no one else. As my eyes wandered the crowds of people, I took note of each of the Rider’s. What was that one’s name? The brutish one… Elmo? Nabo. Nemo. That was it. She wasn’t very well in control of herself. She looked more like a liability to the Varden than an asset. Perhaps she’d learn though, if she had the right kind of training presented to her. The person would have to be careful about how they went about things. Anything traditional didn’t seem like the best idea. She wasn’t really a threat though. Brute force didn’t out-do magic. It was finesse and smooth power, not the kind that cracked down with little to know skill. I had to admit to myself that I wouldn’t mind seeing her wield the hammer that had been so actively talked about. It had to be an impressive site, regardless of her intelligence level.
As Malandra put on her little show I couldn’t help the slight smile that came. It left a number of people shocked. At this point, there was little in the world that could take me by surprise.
A sphere falling through the air was one of them. There was a distinct flash of movement that caught by eye and surprisingly, I recognized the person. Rider to me more exact. His dragon had some good input a few minutes previously. The dragon… I’d seen her up close, while she slept. It was an event I hadn’t shared with anyone. I hadn’t violated orders… I was told that no one of importance was to be harmed prior to the Summit, but I had no doubt that Galbatorix wouldn’t have smiled on the fact that I’d aided the two. Provided them fire and stayed alert through the night in case of any being that managed to stumble in their direction. When it came down to it; I had protected them, regardless of whether they needed it or not.
It was not the time for reminiscing. The moment required action and few people seemed to take it. Nemo was pulled away, as was Malandra; and my thoughts for the moment were to do anything I could to dull the blast that was inevitably on its way. There was too much going on around me to risk wordless magic. I’d practiced with it my whole life, but I wasn’t an idiot. I’d approached the meeting with stronger wards than normal. There was a population of dragons and riders at this meeting. They were the exact type of people that could take my life and throw it to the ground, separating me from my existence. There were few I was wary of, and I could see each one of them.
I moved as quickly as I possibly could, my feet carrying me to the nearest of the large stone columns in the hall. I hadn’t been as fast as I needed to be. The bomb erupted, sending everyone in motion. Bodies flew to the ground, shrapnel flew through the air. There was no time for discussion, no time to speak. As the dust settle, men took action against one another, reaching for weapons. It was complete chaos. And it was a pity. I had come in search of a solution, for something that was so very much a part of me that it made me ache to see it dying. And now this. If I ever found the man who had thrown that device, I would not give him an easy death. He would suffer for the rest of his life and wish that I would simply let him leave this world.
I felt a touch of energy leave my body as I stumbled forward and onto the ground. The stone pillar had guarded a decent amount of my body from the flying shards of metal. My leg that was extended behind me as I ran did not receive the same kind of protection. I sat with my back against the stone and examined the length of my leg. The searing pain in my calf was thanks to the large piece of metal that protruded from it, glinting in the changing light. I took the deepest breath as my finger wrapped around the foreign object. As I pulled it hard the pain intensified. It made my eyes clench shut and my body curl forward. There was no time for self-pity. I took in a few more deep breaths before extending my hand to the open wound. ”Waíse heill.” I didn’t watch my skin mend itself, instead I kept my eyes up, looking around me as the chaos reigned forward. This would not end favorably for anyone. And it was a disappointing sight. We could not pause to think before we attacked. I felt shame in my own people.
I stood and searched for some sort of answer; some way to end all of this. I feared that there was nothing to find. I was cut short as a sword came down towards my shoulder. My wards made the blade glance of to the right. It pulled less energy if the magic diverted the energy, rather than absorbing it. The man stumbled forward as the blow continued in motion in a way he hadn’t expected. I took hold of his shoulder and pulled it forward, aiding in his moment. My knee rose and connected with the front of his face as he lurched downward. I could feel his nose give way to the impact and his jaw disconnect with the sudden force. He fell on the ground in pain. Normally I would have not given him a second glance, but his Imperial dress caught me off guard. We were on the same side. He turned pushed himself up onto his hands and knees and looked up at me, blood streaming down his face. He spit blood onto the ground, a look of pure disgust contorting his already broken features. “Heathen elf. The Empire will do away with every one of you.” Shit. It wasn’t a typical occurrence to have elves working for the Empire. We were scarce; I could have counted every one of us on two hands. And now, in a full scale battle of the Empire and Varden’s finest, there was confusion as to who I swore my allegiance to.
There was no point in trying to reason with the man. A kick to the side of the head put him on the ground, knocked out with the impact. In a war, the gray zone was never a good place to be. That was exactly where I was standing. Things got a little more complicated.
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Kite
Junior Member
Now past the 1 year mark
Posts: 127
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Post by Kite on Feb 28, 2010 12:48:27 GMT -5
Daran
*Daran smiles at his sister and nods slightly. He has always utterly enjoyed jobs with his sister. They were always fun, long, well-paying, and often times had much fighting. He speaks softly to Ava, putting his arm around her shoulders.*
Lets talk of this later. After the conference.
*He sees her nod slightly, so he turns back to the conference and hears the bickering. He shakes his head at this, but he cant have expected none. Two factions that were ever fighting, one created specifically TO fight the other, were trying to talk nicely. Not gonna work, despite what the high people were going to say or try or desire. When Malandra attack the other imperial, Daran puts his face in his hand, and shakes his head, and hears Ava chuckling slightly. Excessive force, always winning out. Daran and Ava could have told them that. They should have been hired as enforcers. Oh well. Things seem to have calmed down, and discussion was starting again.
Things being calm now, Daran couldnt pay attention much longer. While he comprehended everything, and got what they were saying, he just didnt care. Frankly, he was a warrior, and not too skilled in the arts they are discussing. So, he looks up. Instead of seeing the Guards that were usually up there, he sees a single man. He whispers into his sisters ear, telling her whats up, and points discretely. He sees her look up and then start to move. He sees an object lifted above his head and is starting to be shoved behind Ava as he throws it.*
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Ava
*Adrenilline shoots through Ava and she acts quickly as the shady man throws the package down. She moves to the right to protect her brother and gathers energy to herself. She intones the words as the package is about to hit the ground, holding a hand out towards Remy.*
Skölir!
*She sends her energy to guard him from the harms, letting Skölir encompass the harm from that package, and sets her focus to that as the package hits. There is a loud bang and shes thrown back against her brother, feeling searing pain in her right side and shoulder. Through the pain, she keeps her determination on Remy and feels her strength drops massively as the shield blocks and deflects the shards being shot at him to leave him unscratched and dampens the light and sound some.
Her brother lays her down gently and she sees him step over her, sword ready. She also sees Imperials rushing in and attacking. When they see a Mercenary in the employ of the Empire standing over her, they look at him, and she hears him speak for them to back off. Two of them do, but the last rushes anyway. She sees her brother take one step, and then blood spatters the floor and her, and she lays there in a daze, the spell dropping off before she falls unconcious from energy and blood loss. Daran picks her up and moves quickly, around the edges of the room, to a corner where he lays her down gently and begins to protect her until the fighting calms down.*
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zkjt
Novice
Posts: 47
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Post by zkjt on Mar 1, 2010 16:58:18 GMT -5
Islanzadi
Disgust. All I could feel was a pure loathing, toward the woman in front of me, licking her finger and smiling at the rest of us like nothing had ever happened. But, Malandra had killed a man. One of her own, a fellow imperial. Tension was filling the room, and the air was hot with the quiet and incessant murmuring of an audience that had gone from racial slurs to witnesses of an unfair death. My guards were slightly relaxed, and were standing around me in a loose circle. Endorin was beside me, his eyes filled with wonder at everything around him. I could feel his disgust at what malandra had done, but I could also tell he was awed that she would have the strength, and the mentality to do such a crime.
And then it seemed like time slowed down. An object flew through the air seemingly out of nowhere. Nemo ramsey was thrown through the air by Kyemen, and Malandra was pulled away looking flustered. I stood up but my guards through me back to my chair and pulled out their swords. What were they doing? It was a bomb! I stood and without saying anything murmured quick words of protection. I was almost done with Endorin's when it exploded. I went flying and Endorin's hand was torn from mine. Where I fell, I didn't know for all the tables had been overturned. There was screaming and curses heard from all around. For a second I thought I heard someone yell my name, before I slipped into unconsciousness.
When I woke up, the first thing i did was check my body. There were no wounds. My wards had taken care to that. but I had a headache and i felt very weak. Three of my guards were lying dead, I could see their bodies, bent. I had not put enough strength into their wards. they had refused, of course. i could not see Endorin, or anyone else of importance. But lying a few meters away was Schrren, who was just standing up brushing dirt off of himself. He too had escaped the brutality of the bomb.
After I had slightly recovered my bearings I began to walk around. Fighting was everywhere, but it seemed people were to occupied to notice me. At first it was just skirmishes, but then it turned into a full out fight. I drew to the back of the back of the room and crouched in the corner, drawing the dagger I was not supposed to have. yet no one approached me, though I dared not go out, lest I be attacked by any elf prejudiced imperial. It was then I saw Faerthir, my most trusted guard coming toward me. He had an unconscious Endorin in one hand and a sword in the other.
"My lady..are you alright?" His voice was tight with concern but I shrugged the question away, looking at his wounds. He was cut over one eye, which I healed instantly. Otherwise he looked fine. I turned my attention to Endorin then, while Faerthir stood as a protector. He was alright, but just knocked out. I breathed a small sigh of relief and was about to tell Faerthir to leave when I stopped in my tracks. Faerthir was standing next to me, his body rigid. When I looked past him I saw a man with seemingly plain brown hair holding a dagger in Faerthir's side.
I instantly drove my mind against his, but was surprised to find heavy barriers blocking it. I went on relentlessly, keeping my dagger in front of me. No one was paying attention to me. It was dark where i was and everyone else was engaged in a fight. Eventually I stopped, frowning. he grinned at me and advanced, tossing the dagger and pulling out a sword. Endorin beside me was stirring now and when the man looked toward him I struck. With inhuman speed I made my way to the man and aimed my dagger at his heart. The man quickly parried the attack and drove onto the attack. I deflected all his attacks trying not only to focus on the man but also what magic I could use against him. But his attacks were too quick, and too fierce that I never got the chance to think of anything. And then out of nowhere the man crumpled. I was sweating, I felt that. Anytime the man had gotten close to me, my wards had deflected the attack. The man had also had wards, strong ones. Someone powerful was helping him. Galbatorix? But Imperials had been killed aswell...and now..what had happened to the man?
I didn't quite get it, but a voice, young but hard spoke behind me. "Milady, I hope you're all right?"I turned quickly, flaunting my dagger only to see Endorin standing. His black hair was disheveled but his green eyes were shining. I assumed he was the one who killed the man. "You killed him?" I asked bemused. he looked puzzled. "No, I only put him to sleep,"I nodded my head, but did not relax. Instead I waited for someone, anyone to come to my aid and help me and Endorin out of this mess.
Endorin
The negotiations were so boring! I at least expected secrets, heated discussions but all i got was talk of plants and diseases. What fun was that? The only thing interesting was Malandra. She looked so beautiful, and shiny. I greatly admired her, for her skill as a public speaker, and the way she could dominate everyone, just by a couple of words. But then she ruined it.
Awe turned to disgust as I watched what she did to the poor man who dared voice his opinions. It was disgusting, and though I still found Malandra attractive, I finally realised the power she had. The audience, including Islanzadi, was shocked, that much was obvious. A few of the speakers were trying to say something, but when they opened their mouths nothing came out. Schrren himself was sitting lazily in a chair and was grinning in delight.
Suddenly, out of nowhere many things happened at once. People of importance were grabbed and taken somewhere else. Islanzadi's guards would not let her up and there was something flying through the air...BAM! I had never heard anything louder. My hand slipped through Islanzadi's fingers and I went airborne. I landed on something hard and everything went black.
When I regained consciousness I awoke to a strange and horrifying sight. Where I was there was no fighting, but as I looked closer I saw what appeared to be a full out war going on. Imperials were fighting the Vardeneers. But that wasn't it. islanzadi was fighting with a man Endorin had never seen before. She was doing great. each blow was powerful and well-directed. But the man was doing good as well. I knew I had to help. Thinking about the lessons with my old teachers I blinked as a word came to my mind. "Slytha,"the man crumpled instantly. The toll on my strength wasn't as bad as I had expected. Islanzadi came over to me and we talked briefly. And then Islanzadi crouched low, her dagger ready and I realized that for once, the queen of Elves was at a loss for what to do.
Schrren
I knew it was coming before it exploded. I placed extra wards around me and was only slightly knocked backwards. I stood up quickly and retreated to the back of the room, where I found Islanzadi just waking up. I went past her and began to mutter to a group of Imperial Soldiers. "There is a man in this castle that should not be here. Find him!" I ordered. I had seen the man throw the bomb, but did not see his face. I know they expected more from that but that was all I could give. How would I tell Galbatorix what happened?
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Post by Ashkii on Mar 8, 2010 0:20:38 GMT -5
OOC//: Another god-awful post by yours truly. ;D
BIC//:
After Malandra started the meeting, I had leaned back in my chair and watched the people around me. The attention had faded from me, mostly, and I could stare and not be noticed. There were many important people to look at, and I certainly wasn’t one of them. The Queen of the elves, the leader of the Varden, the doctor even… I could only imagine what people would have done if Galbatorix himself had decided to show up. As I continued to stare about the room, I soon realized that I didn’t know many people there. Nobles and scientists of clear importance filled the place, yet I found that I couldn’t name even half of the people in attendance. Biting my lip, I tried to catch their names as they rose to introduce themselves and commit them to memory.
I had never been good at remembering names that I truly didn’t care to learn, and so it was a tough job. I soon got tired of it and faded away, thinking of Malandra and her offer. I tried to imagine what her room looked like, what sort of lover she was. I certainly didn’t think she would be gentle. Or, perhaps, she was, I thought with a smile. I could see Malandra being bipolar in the bedroom, and to be honest, the thought excited me quite a bit. I could feel Thorn’s mounting disgust in my head, and so I quickly stopped thinking about the doctor and returned to the meeting.
It had gotten heated while I had been daydreaming. Voices were raised, and some men had risen in their chairs. I saw that some fingers were being pointed, spittle flying from others’ mouths. One of my eyebrows rose at the commotion, and I turned to look at Thorn. He relayed the last few minutes of the discussion to me, and I couldn’t help but frown. I knew that the Varden and the Empire didn’t get along. I knew that. But couldn’t they peacefully discuss something for an hour, at the least?
I was still pondering ways in which to beat up all of the fools who insisted on arguing when I suddenly noticed Malandra leaping down from her perch above everyone else. I would always remember the next moment in slow motion, and I would never forget how cold Malandra Ramakrishna could be. I wasn’t exactly sure what she did, but it had something to do with her fingernail and the man’s eye, and it didn’t look all too pleasant to me. Beside me, Thorn fidgeted his massive talons, and I heard the nervous click of his nails on the marble floor. He was once again unsure if he should let me be alone with her, and I couldn’t help but slightly agree with him.
Malandra studied her nail, and from the distance I couldn’t tell what she was staring at, but I had a pretty good idea. I almost got sick when she began to lick the nail, and the worst part of it was is that she looked so sexy doing it, as if she were merely licking some frosting from her finger. I covered my eyes with my hand, for I couldn’t force the sudden picture of her kissing me with that gore infested mouth away from my mind.
It was then that I heard Thorn begin to growl in my mind, and I quickly removed my hands and looked around to see what the source of his sudden agitation was. He had spotted a shadowy figure standing above, and just as I spotted it, a box was hurled towards the ground. Thorn began to growl aloud, and I followed the dragon’s line of sight to see that Malandra would be one of the closest targets. Now, I couldn’t be sure that the box would do anything harmful, but instinct told me that to believe it would do nothing would be extremely foolish.
I felt myself moving before I had time to think. I vaguely noticed another figure rushing towards what I thought was Nemo, and I thanked the unknown man. Though I knew just about as much about her as I did Pele or Malandra, I was curious about her, and I would be upset to hear that she was hurt. But that thought was cleared from my mind as I heard people shouting as they too spotted the thrown object, and at that moment I had grabbed Malandra and tackled her to the ground, making sure that I didn’t hurt her in the fall, but so that my body would protect her should anything happen.
Though I had worried that Malandra would be angry with me for throwing her to the ground, and especially if the box turned out to be just some prankster’s way of having a good time, I soon got over it as I felt the explosion. I could hear screaming. My ears were filled with the sound, and I knew the shrieks to be those of the injured, they scared, and the dying. I heard myself shouting too, and I couldn’t figure out why for the longest time. And then, once I regained some sense of consciousness, I realized that my leg was on fire. No no, not actual fire, I realized. It just felt like it.
I squinted, trying to make my blurry vision clear. And that was when I saw that my leg was bleeding. Quite profusely too, I realized with a silly giggle, although I couldn’t figure out why I thought it was funny. I looked over to see the doctor rising slowly, and I couldn’t help but admire the way she rose and looked around to assess what was going on. Even in the midst of chaos she was calm and collected, and I felt myself smiling foolishly in admiration.
Her zombie soldiers then surrounded her, and I realized that I was technically unneeded. Malandra didn’t thank me, but I was sure that she would do so later. Her invitation was still there in my head, and my smile grew wider as I watched her rise slowly to her feet. I knew that my actions were ridiculous, but my head felt light, and the pain in my leg, though slowly fading into the familiar nothingness I had felt during my many battles, was occupying my brain.
I grabbed a still-upright chair that was near me, and pulled myself up into a standing position. Though it hurt like hell, I forced myself to stay vertical, looking around at the pandemonium that filled the hall. There was a mass of soldiers and I could see the noblemen running away from the fighting, trying to get away from the bloodshed. Shaking my head in pity and fury, I forced myself to take a step away from Malandra and her guards. I had to see who I could help, and Thorn’s urgent calls were echoing in my head.
Blood was soaking my pants, and I looked down to see a bit of shrapnel imbedded in my thigh. I touched it, foolishly, and an unbelievable amount of pain shot up and down my leg. I almost collapsed, and I reached out for the chair’s support. And that was when I noticed, through my blurry eyes, the bright red hair of a certain shade I had become obsessed with. She was lying on the ground, still, and I couldn’t help but thinks he was dead. Of course, that was ridiculous – shades were much stronger than that – but with the blood loss making me loopy, I was instantly in hero mode.
I reached behind my back for my father’s sword, and with a curse, I realized that I hadn’t brought any weapons. I could see that had been foolish. Almost everyone had brought some sort of concealed weapon. In my mind Thorn was in agreement with my naivety, and I told him to shut up. I suddenly saw him swiping his deadly claws at the Varden’s warriors, and I could hear them screaming in anguish. I almost told him to stop, but then I noticed that the other dragons weren’t being so merciful either.
Looking around, I searched for a weapon. I could see a dagger imbedded in a man’s chest a few yards away, but that would never do. It was then that I looked towards where the bomb had gone off and I saw the bodies of guards who had died. They, of course, would have had their swords. I let go of the chair and gingerly took a step. I almost fell down again, so intense was the pain. Thorn’s worry filled my mind, but I pushed him away. He couldn’t help me right now, and I didn’t need his nagging.
Step by step I moved towards the fallen men, and I thought to myself many times how easy of a target I was. The only thing that protected me were the wards I had surrounded myself with, but anyone who had a mind to finish me off could easily break through. Finally, after what seemed like agonizing hours I reached the first body. Of course, as my luck would have it, the sword was missing from his hilt. Cursing, I limped over to the next and found what I was looking for.
One would think pulling a sword out of a dead man’s hilt would be easy, but looking at his wide eyes and the look of shock on his torn and bloodied face was enough to make me sick. But Pele’s face was in my mind and I wrenched the sword away. Using it as a walking stick to steady myself, I began to head towards the fallen shade, keeping an eye out for enemies. My first encounter was with a man who was too far overweight to be doing any fighting of the sort. I figured he was some nobleman who was rich enough to oppose Galbatorix, and therefore thought he was some great hero.
I didn’t have the heart to kill the pompous fool, and so with a quick swipe – even with my injured leg I was better than the man by far – I had removed his thumb and index finger. He stared down at the stubs in disbelief, and I felt bad for having done even that to the idiot. I kicked him in the gut though, and he went down like a dead cow, screaming in pain and indignation. I soon was intercepted by a trio of soldiers from the Varden’s side, and it was apparent that they intended to kill me. Murtagh dead! If they were the three to end my life they would be called heroes until the end of time!
I was hard pressed, and only with the use of magic did I manage to fend them off before some guards from my side came to my aid. I met no further obstacles, but by the time I made it to Pele’s side I was exhausted. My pants were sopping with blood, and I felt woozy. I was also pretty sure that the trio of Varden warriors had injured my arm somehow, but I wasn’t sure. I slid to the ground beside the shade, glad that her body had landed next to a wall. At least nobody could sneak up behind me.
Looking down at her, even with blood covering her body, I found her to be extremely attractive. She was a different sort of woman when compared to Malandra. Pele was much more ladylike, and if she was conscious enough to notice her clothes, I was sure that the shade would be appalled. And it wasn’t as if it was that revealing anyway. I could see more of her delicate, porcelain white shoulder than she had been showing before, and a rip had occurred almost exactly where the shrapnel had entered my leg. Her pearly white thigh showed through the tear, and I had to turn away from her for a moment.
But there was no time to get myself under control, and I turned and gently grabbed at her delicate arms. I wasn’t sure if I could carry her weight on my shoulders, but I had to try. Angling her arm around my neck, and keeping my arm around her waist, I was able to support her enough and use my makeshift cane. Unfortunately for her I had a clear view down her shirt, and I couldn’t help but stare in appreciation as I began to head away from the wall.
All of the exits were blocked by battling soldiers and I worried that there would be no easy exit. I wasn’t sure I had much left in me to fight. And that was when the soldiers who had saved me before came running over. There was one less, and so that left me with five men who were ready to take my orders. I found an exit that was close by and not too congested with battling. ”Clear that doorway, and get us the hell out of here,” I told them dryly, and they all saluted before rushing in the direction of the exit.
It wasn’t an easy fight by any means, and I assisted with magic where I could. By the time the doorway was cleared and I could drag Pele through, there were only two of the soldiers left. I assured them I would be fine and they departed back into the fray. They were brave men, and I hoped that they would survive.
By that time I was seeing spots, and I knew that if I didn’t find some secluded area to sit down and rest that Pele and I would be in a heap on the floor in the middle of some hallway. I headed towards a small door, opened it, and saw with distaste that it was a broom closet. If I wasn’t suddenly seeing stars, I would have picked a better place, but I decided that the supply closet was just perfect. Sitting Pele down as gently as I could manage, I tumbled in after her, shutting the door with a quiet snap.
And that’s when I lost consciousness.
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Post by Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress on Mar 8, 2010 0:25:46 GMT -5
As I stood there in Ramsey’s body, awaiting the negotiations to restart, I failed to notice the shifty figure standing high above me. I did, however, hear the telltale whistle of a falling object, even with Ramsey’s pathetic ears. I looked up just in time to see a small package plunging towards me. Evidently, I wasn’t surprised. Something like this had been bound and determined to happen. Of course, the package was likely to kill both me and Ramsey. Not too bad of a thing. I’d finally be rid of the wretched Varden…
Unfortunately, a pair of hands snatched the back of Ramsey’s tunic. Immediately, her body was flung backwards, taking even me by surprise, causing a short growl to escape my Rider’s lips. I did, however, feel decidedly unafraid as I flew though the air. After all, I was in no danger here. Ramsey’s body slammed onto one of the Varden tables so hard it ought to have made an impressive noise, but it was totally deafened by the boom of the exploding package. Besides that, the impact was so jarring that I was flung right out of her body. She flooded inside, her rage instantly regaining control of her body. The message was clear. Get out. Again, I felt the unusual sensation of having my consciousness sucked right out of a palpable form and being tossed into nothingness. I floated, bodiless, for several moments. But then the glow of my body below began to draw me back towards it, and I allowed my essence to merge with it once more.
I took a moment to sigh with pleasure as I felt my familiar form. Humans were so… flat. However, my enjoyment was only temporary. I hadn’t quite noticed the monstrous battle all around me, and I was only made aware of it by a sword cleaving into the table right beside me. I jumped out of the way of a second blow, skittering onto the floor. But I had no protection, physical or magical. I only had my speed. And even that wasn’t enough, apparently, because a third attack cut into my side. It did so only barely, but I was so tiny that my entire right side was slit through. It hurt a lot more than I thought it would, and I fell onto my stomach, squealing in pain. The Imperial raised his sword for the final strike, hissing insults under his breath. I squirmed beneath him.
“Oy. Arseface.”
The blow never came. A well-aimed kick at the soldier’s neck quickly had him incapacitated. He rolled onto the floor. Ramsey stood over him, trembling. Though she had lost the dragon features she’d acquired while I’d possessed her, she still looked kind of scary. Her back had wood splinters in it, and her right side had been scalded by the blast. If she was in one of her infamous berserker rages, though, I doubted she could feel either wound. Instead, she turned the soldier over onto his back, kneeled on his stomach, and began to repeatedly punch him in the face, growling at him.
“No bloody barmy bugger gets to murder that bleedin’ wutsisname! Only I get to chop ‘im into bleedin’ pieces! Geddit, fecker? Geddit? Geddit?!”
He didn’t geddit. The fifty or so blows dealt to the head had apparently knocked him out. Then Ramsey rose to her feet, turning her ice-green glare on me.
“You.” She picked me up with two fingers and promptly set to twisting my neck. “Possess me, yeah? Turn me into a stonkin’ great freak, yeah?”
I bit her. Hard. With a pained snarl, she let me go, and I managed to land on an upturned table. I ran as fast as I could, even though I knew it wasn’t smart- my heart was pumping faster, which meant I was losing blood a lot more quickly. Still, it was better than being turned into a pancake by the rain of repetitive punches that smashed into the wood close behind me. However, before I’d even gone a few feet, my spidey senses picked up on fast-approaching danger. And, surprisingly, not Ramsey-related danger either. I screeched to a stop, turning around and pointing a claw at the space behind her. As it now stood what with the unauthorized possessing, I doubted she’d let me into her mind.
“I ain’t fallin’ fer that, yeh feck- bloody hell!”
Ramsey flung herself backwards just in time to avoid an Imperial soldier’s blade. She rolled away from the following blows, snatching a sword from a fallen Varden warrior. I hid under the destroyed table, licking my wound clean. I looked up again, seeing that three more Imperials were attacking my Rider. I knew her skills with a sword. They were decent enough to hold her own for a time, but she was no blademaster. Besides that, the last time she’d used any edged weapon was back when she was a teenager, sailing the high seas. She certainly wouldn’t survive this. Magicless, defenceless, wounded, and everyone else was too busy to lend a helping hand. Again, not a bad thing.
But then I realized. If she died, I died too. Which meant I would be stuck with her in the afterlife for all eternity. The very thought of it gave me a mighty urge to vomit. She couldn’t die. Not until I found some way to separate myself from the blasted Amazon. I thought hard. Physically, obviously, I was useless, and I was losing blood fast. I needed energy. Magically, I was powerful. And besides that, the Varden’s weapons stash was just behind the wall on their side of the room. I was surrounded by energy. I just needed to tap into it. Pulling this off would be all too easy. It was the consequences that really scared me. But I supposed it would help to turn the tide in our favour.
I extended my mind, careful to only reveal it to those with little to no mental or magical powers. So soldiers, namely. I had no way of telling who exactly I was sucking energy from, Varden or Imperial, but there was no time to wonder over that. Quickly, I started draining away their energy. I sent my mental probe beyond the walls of the Great Hall, poking among the weapons there. Locating Ramsey’s was a simple matter- it was the biggest and the most brutish. Using my randomly picked energy, I began to pull. It was surprisingly costly, and so I took more and more. Eventually, I felt it hit the wall, unable to travel any further, and so with a final yank I ripped it through and released.
A massive spiked steel warhammer crashed through the stone wall, jackknifing a good few metres through the air. It hit the floor with a thunderous crash, further cracking the already ruined marble floor. One of the people who glanced in its direction was Ramsey. The slow, demented grin that spread across her face was somewhat disturbing. Joyfully shouting out some very unladylike swear words, she leapt across the shattered tables with the surprising grace of a practiced swashbuckler. She dropped the bloodstained broadsword she’s previously used and hefted her huge hammer into the air.
And so, Nemo Ramsey began her very bloody reign of terror. I would have liked some popcorn to casually snack on while she fully entered her berserker rage, but unfortunately, it had yet to be invented. Nonetheless, she was certainly a sight to see. Skulls were splintered, bones were shattered, and necks were snapped. Ramsey’s wounds were entirely forgotten in her bloodthirsty rage. It wasn’t long before she managed to clear a decent amount of space around her. I even crept out of my hiding place to watch, and applauded her, although it was somewhat deafened by the battle around me.
Probes shot into my mind. Immediately, I slammed down mental barriers and glanced about. Across the room, almost hidden by all the soldiers swarming over each other like flies, two Imperial magicians glared right at me. Though powerful, they were little match for my mind. Unfortunately, I was essentially untrained, and so the effort of keeping my mind focussed on one thing- which, in this case, happened to be a book I’d read on elven architecture- didn’t allow me to move. I was stuck on that table. Not even Ramsey would be able to save me should someone suddenly notice the little hatchling all on his own…
But then, as if some great being had heard my thoughts, strong barriers slid down around my own. I blinked, letting mine go, and felt a presence within my mind. It was elven, and wasn’t attacking. However, unlike the happy nature-loving feeling I got from most of their minds, this one was coldly analytical and irritable. Before I even heard the voice, I realized who the person was, but that only added to my surprise. Kamenwati?
Instead of standing around, how’s about you find somewhere safe to hide? This ward won’t physically protect you, but your mind will- the Imperial scientist was cut off. I couldn’t see him, but from the raging battle all around me it was a safe bet that he was under attack. My ward was on the clock here. I could feel it sapping Kamenwati’s energy. I leapt off the table and skittered across the marble. Avoiding trampling feet and swinging blades proved to be quite a chore. Besides that, I needed to find safety.
I glanced over at Ramsey as she waged mass destruction. Most dragons would probably look to their Rider for safety. This particular Rider was an exception. Now more monster than woman, the ex-pirate was coated with blood, brain, bone, and several other unidentifiable pieces of gore. Her orange braids had fallen free of their ponytail, and now they hung about her face like dancing flames. Her jade eyes were blazing, and her mouth was twisted open in a scream of bloody murder. Oh, yes. Safer than a mother goose reading nursery rhymes to her babies. I’d be better off walking into Shruikan’s mouth.
I looked elsewhere. David and Aviand were currently being cornered by pikes. Nope. Sierthra was in the middle of the room, standing guard over her unconscious Rider. She looked as, if not more, frightening as Ramsey. Besides that, she probably wouldn’t be too happy about her Rider almost sacrificing himself to save me. Still, it was better getting killed by one of my own kind than by some stupid flesh animal. I rushed at the green dragon, managing to work my way to the cleared space behind her. I leapt onto her tail, scrabbling for purchase. At the doubtlessly painful sensation of my tiny claws digging into her, she tore her head around and glared at me with one unblinking eye. I gripped pathetically onto one of her smaller spikes, swaying as she swung her tail. I met her gaze, unafraid. It’s only me, Miss Sierthra. I just need somewhere to stay. My Rider’s gone batty and I’m afraid you’re my only hope. What with my own barriers and hers firmly in place, I doubted she could hear me, so I looked at her as imploringly as I could.
After a few moments of glaring at me so harshly I should have burst into flame on the spot, she turned away with a snarl. Immediately, I bounded up her body just as she started to wildly swing her tail again, no doubt aiming at some more Imperials. I ducked beneath one of her spinal spikes, curling underneath it. Then I released the ward Kamenwati had placed around me. The magicians had inevitably lost me, so now all I had to do was wait out the storm. The storm. My wound had stopped hurting so much, and it had been all but forgotten while I’d been on the run. Yet it still bled, and I was only feeling sleepy. Sleep would be so wonderful right now. Warm, peaceful sleep…
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Everything seemed to be happening far too quickly for my exhausted mind to process. First Ikehr’s jarring monologue, then the scientist’s murder and Malandra’s cannibalism, and now this- a tiny package that could only be one thing was falling towards the possessed Ramsey and Malandra. I didn’t react. I couldn’t. Something like this should have come as no surprise to me, but now, actually faced with it, I found myself unable to move. Remarkably, though, my sense of perception improved by a mile- Straethir ran right at Ramsey, flinging her backwards and out of harm’s way. Murtagh jumped at Malandra, dragging her to safety, only to be intercepted by her painless soldiers. On my left, Cesar Insalata reached for something in his pocket. On my right, Pele screamed.
Then the package hit, and my vision was filled with smoke and fire. Around me, tables were blown to smithereens, people were knocked backwards, and shattered pieces of floor flew through the air like daggers. And yet I was untouched. I could see everything, but I felt and heard nothing. I still sat in my chair, my mouth open and my hands clenching my thighs so hard that my knuckles turned white. Malandra took shelter behind her soldiers, two of which were hideously burned. Pele was one of the people knocked backwards, hit with debris and shrapnel until she lay unmoving by the wall. I doubted she was dead, though. Cesar Insalata tore something out of his pocket and threw it at the floor, creating another explosion, but smaller, and probably harmless except for some smoke and a lot of noise. Then he disappeared, cloak flapping behind him.
Then I realized. I was sitting here and blinking like an idiot because I had been protected. Someone had thrown a remarkably powerful ward up around me. But I had no friends here. Who could it be? I rose out of my seat, looking around. Many people lay dead, and those who were able to stand were locked in battle. Chaos had exploded all around me. I stumbled backwards before noticing Ava Marsados lying unconscious near Pele, with the human man she’d been speaking to earlier standing protectively above her. Oddly, I felt a touch of disappointment. Her boyfriend, probably. But she was the only viable person as my saviour, and considering what I’d sucked out of her already… I released the ward. Ava gave a shuddering gasp, but her eyes stayed closed.
Before I could do anything, though, I was jarred by sensory overload. The feel of burning air, the stink of charred flesh and blood, and the roar of battle and pained screams were overwhelming. I whirled around, trying to make some sense of who was winning. The fighting was so unorganized, though, that I immediately gave up. Instead, I looked for the most important people in the Imperial delegation- Malandra was fine, I could see Schrren on the other side of the room, Aelyn and Kaldr were holding their own, and Murtagh and Thorn were battling it out. Only Pele had been badly injured, so far as I could tell. As for the Varden, things were looking grim. Nasuada, Ramsey, and Ikehr were nowhere to be seen, Islanzadí looked like a cornered animal, David and Aviand were being swarmed, and Kyemen Straethir and Ava were unconscious. Besides that, Sierthra was being brutalized. Wonderful. I would have to lend the backwater rebels a hand, then.
But I couldn’t do it noticeably. If I suddenly took up arms to valiantly defend Sierthra or Islanzadí or someone, the Empire would rip me apart. So I reached out with my mind, trying to locate the Vardeners I couldn’t find. I brushed against iron-hard mental barriers on the far side of the room. Nasuada still lived. Then I found Ramsey. Though her barriers were surprisingly powerful for someone so untrained, she’d only been a Rider for, what, a week? I could easily tear them down if I wanted to. I spotted her engaged in battle. She’d somehow gotten a hold of her hammer again, and was currently inflicting heavy losses on the Empire. However, she was also severely wounded, and it was only a matter of time before she dropped. Hmm, couldn’t help her there. But then I spotted Ikehr on an upturned table near her, looking towards the Imperial side. He was eyeballing a pair of magicians, no doubt locked in a mental confrontation. Here, I was useful.
He was painfully physically vulnerable, sitting up there all on his own, so I muttered the words for a powerful mind ward before flinging it up around him. Ikehr broke his stalwart concentration and looked around. I sent him a quick message.
Instead of standing around, how’s about you find somewhere safe to hide? This ward won’t physically protect you, but your mind will-
A blade shot through my arm. As luck would have it, it happened to be my flesh arm, not my metal one. I snarled in pain, turning around to face the Varden soldier who’d done it. He was young and trembling, but determined to rid the world of me. Casualty of war, most unfortunately. I snatched his jaw and twisted his head right around, snapping his neck. He crumpled at my feet. Hissing with pain, I slowly removed the blade. Then I held the bloody thing up for inspection. A broadsword. Dull, heavy, and useless. I flung it back down beside the dead Varden soldier. I was better off bare-handed.
The balcony caught my eye. I turned towards it, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. It was, after all, where the bomb had been thrown from. I wanted to be useful in this fight, but not for killing even more people. Instead, I made a break for the stairs, desperately avoiding the battle around me while Ikehr’s ward drained my energy away.
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My smoke and mirrors had been effective. No one had noticed me slip into the shadows of the wall, away from the fighting. Though I wouldn’t like to admit it, my close combat skills left much to be desired. I was far safer in the shadows than out among the ruffians.
I didn’t know who had thrown the bomb, and I didn’t care. The petty squabbles of the Varden and the Empire were beneath me. Right now, I needed Galbatorix’s trust if I wanted to escape from him. And I knew just how to get it. That terrified little elf child sitting beside the radiant Islanzadí throughout the negotiations had drawn my attention. This bomb business was a perfect opportunity for what I’d had in mind. Few things would impress Galbatorix as much as a captured elf child, especially if I took him from right underneath Islanzadí’s nose. I would simply sneak around until I got to the Varden delegation. I only hoped he wasn’t dead. I would be most put out if that were the case.
I slid around the room, cursing the baggy fabrics I’d adorned. I hadn’t quite expected that I would need to remain hidden. However, I supposed I was better off than those poor fools locked in battle. The stench of blood and charred flesh was all too familiar to me by now, but the sight was anything but attractive. Dying people released their bowels and bladders, adding to the stink, and crying and screaming filled the entirety of the room. Bodies littered the floor. This only made me certain that my decision to become a secret warrior was far better than being an actual one. Far less disgusting, among other things.
I finally arrived at the Varden delegation, or what was left of it. Full of blood and thrashing bodies, it was somewhat difficult to spot a child. I managed to see Islanzadí, though, clinging to a dagger with a rare expression of terror across her face. Ah, the elves of Alagaësia. High and mighty until you left them lying in a pool of their own blood. I was so glad to have been raised in Iberia. I saw Endorin beside her, his face covered with filth. So, not dead. Today was my lucky day. I reached into my pocket for some more smoke powder, drawing closer to them. I managed to get right on top of Islanzadí. Ooh, if only I could do so while we were lying down. Unfortunately, though, she felt my presence, and whirled around. I flung the smoke powder at the floor.
Bang!
The air became thick and smoggy, veiling me in grey. Islanzadí gasped plaintively as she lost sight of me. I couldn’t resist. As I moved past her, I gave her rear a pat and a squeeze. She squealed indignantly, and I ducked out of the way of her dagger, making my way toward the boy. I snatched him into my arms, causing him to scream for his beloved queen. I clamped a hand over his mouth and ran into the shadows, rushing back to the Imperial side. Now what? I hadn’t thought this far. What with the mess at the doors and a retinue of elf guards on my tail, and not in a way I’d enjoy, I had nowhere to keep the child. I glanced around hurriedly right before I spotted Schrren. The blindingly attractive Shade had been following my every move. Smirking, I beckoned him over.
Words;; 3565 Muse;; Up and down up and down UP AND DOWN!!! Thoughts;; So... long... but... alright. XD
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.::Thorn::.
Novice
I Am Become Death, Destroyer Of Worlds
Posts: 50
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Post by .::Thorn::. on Mar 11, 2010 0:04:25 GMT -5
It wasn't so much the explosion that Thorn had noticed as much as it was the shockwave of the explosion rattling his armor. The black steel plates banged together and rattled against the scales on his chest. It had occured to Thorn that it seemed that every time he was about to take a nap or try and get some rest something like this happened.
He stood straight up after the blast and thats when all hell broke loose. The Varden had automaticly assumed that the Imperials were resposnsible and vice versa. So now a brawl had broken out, there were two things that were going through his mind. One: that his Rider was injured and making his way out of the fight. and Two: That he was outnumbered by the Varden dragons quite heavily. But he figured that he would simply fight untill his Rider was out and he could follow.
With those thoughts in mind he began to fight the other dragons. he mainly went after the green dragon whos name now escaoed him. He looked back to his rider after a particularly hard swipe on his foe and seeing that he was about out began to follow. He had almost made it to the door before something stuck him quite hard on the back of the head and he lost consiousness. Convoluted thoughts ran rampant through his mind before things stabilized and an image of his Rider and Pele came to his mind's eye and he knew that his Rider was safe.
When he came to many Imperial soldiers had surrounded him and were defending him from the Varden soldiers attempting to attack him. He stood to his full height and let a roar escape his lungs, his ruby gaze scanning the crowd of fighting men trying to pick out the ones that posed the biggest threat, his eyes almost instantly locked onto the large form of the green female dragon, Sierthra. He charged toward he with a growl and threw himself into her side. His black armor rang like a bell as his body rolled back from the impact onto the marble floor of the large room. His demenor had completly changed. He was not calm and civil now, now he was angry that this had happened and he was simply spoiling for a fight now."Face me! If you really are a strong as you appear this should be an easy fight for you" Normally he would have not egged another dragon into a rage as it had the tendency to backfire on him. But since he had been hit on the head he wasen't thinking correctly. OOC: This is going to be rushed, short and awful! sorry. but perhaps this shall add a twist! Perhaps Thorn is captured?! PM Me Ang if you dont like it and i will change it or you can change it yourself.
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Post by Lady Nayeli on Mar 11, 2010 7:56:49 GMT -5
I smiled as the fight raged on, possible one of the only ones smiling at this point. I knew I would find action here, that bomb was the perfect thing and everything about it seemed perfect. Okay, so maybe I was a bit of a crazed person when it came to fight, I was one of the best, in my opinion. My father was the idiot who put me in the training and then allow his stupid son to escape with all the training. Gah, my brother was right back on my mind, something I did not want and I swear he must of been here, I just had this feeling that he was in fact here, right now. I tried to get the thoughts out of my head and I just moved around.
Varden soldiers were coming in all directions and I pulled my daggers out quickly, the hidden blades were beautiful, silver and ruby red gems laced through the blade's pommel. I loved my blades, the sword was the best example and a elf at work. I just smiled, the first soldier coming to me and I took the blade to his heart, perfect aim and he looked at me. My ice blue eyes looking into his dirty brown ones as I saw death enter his body and I pushed his limp body downward. I smiled as he just looked, his distance gaze searching the ceiling before they were nothing more then lifeless orbs.
I smiled down at the man before I continued through the place, watching the dragons with amazement. It was a wonderful thing, these beautiful dragons. I wanted to be apart of them one day, I just had this feeling that I would one day... Soon... I turned to continue, but felt a woman hit me and I looked at her. "What where you are going woman!"
[/color] Okay, so I was not very friendly either, as you could tell. I was defiantly no normal woman, I hated dresses with a passion and I loved the thrill of the fight. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ This was beyond crazy and I knew now that I had just seen my sister, her body was on the other side and she was fighting, or well, she had just killed a Varden Soldier. I growled at the thought, but my mind was on getting out of here, not fighting. I looked around for a moment, my own dagger was out and I moved. The Kulls were watching everything, hitting anyone away with the force from their hands. I knew this place well enough, had stayed up most the night in order to find each place. There was a small door, it lead to a hallway and I knew if I could get Lady Nasuada out then we might have a advantage. The two elves that had come in with her, their names, they left my own mind as I saw them protecting the Queen. The wolf one, she was strange, but I watched as she ran after a man... My eyes went to the man and he held the elf child. I grabbed Nasuada, she had seen this also. "Mi'Lady, there is no time, we must get out of here!" She looked at me, her eyes held a pleading look in them, but she did not say anything, just moved with me and her guards. The elves could take care of themselves, we had to get out while we could. I found the door and pulled it open and looked at her. "Go and Help! I will be fine, but the Varden need you," Her voice was pleading. She knew that if she fought and died, the Varden had no one to lead them, but even I knew that I could be spared. I nodded and she touched my shoulder before running out with the guards. She was safe, that was all that mattered to me. I pulled out my other dagger, moving past people, elves, and dwarfs and held my mind on one thing. Death! I was about to begin another chapter of death in my book and I would kill as many as I could. I looked around first, the great rider for the empire was down and his dragon was the same, his head slamming on the ground of the hall and I looked around. The riders for us, they were everywhere and it looked like Nemo only had one aim in her book and that was killing her own dragon. Not what I wanted to consider as good. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ I moved down the hallway, the sound of screaming was close enough to my ears that I wish we had stayed in there. The halls just echoed at the moment. I looked around, my Guards were keeping a close eye and I allowed my eyes to settle on the Kull before me. I did not know where to go, but I held trust in him, even though, most did not hold such a trust. I turned my head forward and he moved, his hand touched my shoulder and I glanced at it. I stopped and turned to look at him. "Mi'Lady, what do you want to do?" He was asking for my own opinion? I looked around for a moment, feeling the terror around me before I looked back at him. I knew we needed to get out of here, it was not really a matter of what I wanted to do, it was a matter of where I needed to go and I knew that he was asking for that mostly. "Get out of here, that is what we need and must do,"[/color] He nodded and we continued to move forward, my guards taking places as scouts as some moved ahead and looked around corners, training their eyes on anything and wishing they had there weapons. I did not blame them, my own dagger would only do so much. I knew that my horse would be outside or stolen by this point, but then again, I knew that walking, or better yet, running my be my only option. I looked around, hearing another bang from inside the hall, seeing that the main gate was just up ahead and many were trying to get out. I looked at the Kull and he grabbed me, forcing me through the crowd and out the door towards the horses. Seeing my own, I grabbed her and looked around. The other guards grabbed their own horses and the dwarfs their ponies and we moved quickly, away from everything. We had a new mission and that was to get the hell out of here and back to Surda, since I knew that a new battle would arise out of this. [/blockquote][/center][/size] [/quote]
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Kite
Junior Member
Now past the 1 year mark
Posts: 127
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Post by Kite on Mar 11, 2010 11:56:20 GMT -5
Daran[/b][/size]
*Daran knows that the situation is disintegrating even more as the leaders, like Nasuada, run like the cowards they are. Especially as they run. This will become a bloodbath, and only those officers with clear heads will survive this day. He sends a panicked signal through his brain, and controls it just as quickly, to alert the soldiers outside the city, namely Don and Selene, to begin lock down. That is, if they haven’t already. He sees another soldier rush him and he drops to his right knee, blocking the overhead slash with his commandeered sword and elbowing the man in the stomach, before slashing down and cutting his left leg off at the thigh, then stabbing him through the gut. He then turns back to Ava and splashes some water of her face. He notices her starting to groggily wake, and then turns back and steps forward, slashing two soldiers wide open. They fall and curl up, slowly bleeding out. Daran smiles and then kneels by Ava and speaks softly*
Come on, Ava. Heal yourself! Please.
*He stands back up and turns, defending against those rushing the two of them, but aiming to mortally wound, not kill, so she can use their energy.*
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Ava[/b][/size]
*Ava feels the water splash over her and groans, coughing the little that got in her mouth up. She feels severe pain in her body, and tries shaking it off. She feels fairly weak, and knows she is bleeding seriously. She then sees Daran over her, speaking. She only catches a little of what he says, but gets the message from what she did. There are many mortally wounded in the room, and she reaches out to their minds, tapping into them. She begins to gather power from them and speaks softly, in a weak voice.*
Waíse heill…[/color]
*She feels the wounds on her body closing and healing up, and she feels the energy she is stealing start to wane. The most serious wounds are closing slowly, and she is worried, but she knows that she has enough energy to heal up. Barely. She will be very weak afterwards as well.
The energy reserves from her gathering from the others around here is quickly failing, and so she starts feeding a little from her body. A minute later, when she was running close to the point of energy shock and unconsciousness, the last wound closes up and she releases the spell. She still hurts like hell, and is weak, but now she can act on her own.
As she stands and gains a sword, she sees the most terrifying sight in her life. A dragon, blood red and magnificent, rushes the Varden dragons. It is a majestic sight, but she can’t imagine what is going to happen to those in the room as they fight. She notices that Remy has left the scene and looks to her brother. She nods towards the door, and Daran nods. They both head out the door and down the stairs as quickly as Ava can safely manage, exiting the meeting hall, and heading for the town exit.*
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Don[/size][/b]
*The keep, being the tallest thing around, and the meeting hall being the largest and most open room for the Dragons, let sound out extremely well, so when the explosion happened, every guard and soldier in the area heard it. Don was part of the Imperial and Varden forces assigned to close of the city in this sort of incident, and he commanded his company to arms. He nodded to Selene, and she shoves her hand up into the air, and utters the words of power that she needed.*
Brisingr!
*A deeply red fireball emerges from her hand and shoots up above the town. It is the signal to move in. Soon after she fires hers, five more fire up. Two more are red fireballs, which are the other two Imperial companies, and three dark blue colored balls correspond to the three Varden companies. Don smiles and waves the company up. He yells to the company quickly.*
Lets go! We have to close off the city! Be ready to face disgruntled noblemen, elves, or even riders. Anyone. They can not leave if it is in our power to stop them!
*The company raises their weapons and then rush towards their assigned gates. They are met halfway there by a Varden company, comprised mostly of humans. Their commander, a Captain named Laertes, is fairly famous among the Vardeners, although he doesn’t boast about it. They get to the gates and get inside, the companies forming a phalanx that blocks out where the gate will close, and Don and Laertes move to the gate watchmen, presenting their written orders to them. The gate holder nods and calls out orders, and his men start lowering the gate.
As the gate drops with a loud slam, Don hears the other two city gates closing as well, and then looks at Laertes.*
Now we are in for the long haul, my friend. Lets see what becomes of it….
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Tii
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by Tii on Mar 15, 2010 23:56:07 GMT -5
This cannot be happening. It may not have been the best moment to stand around and stare, but the elf could not help himself. He stood in silence with his arms hanging at his sides, his breath coming in through steady and even breaths that made his chest rise and fall slowly. In each of his hands, he gripped the hilt of a dagger. They were carved in detail, showing no images but only swirling designs. Jewels adorned them, each filled with a decent amount of his energy. If anything, Za’lyyr was the type of be prepared. He had way more energy on his body than he’d ever need. Or he hoped he’d ever need. He didn’t want to think about the kind of force was behind that much energy, where anyone to get a hold of his stores. As he stood silently, he looked around him, eyes falling from one person to the next. Some would fall to the floor, clutching at their newly acquired wounds, others would just fall as if they’d been struck over the head when really nothing had seemed to happen. Mental attacks. Others were bludgeoned by Nemo, or bitten by dragons. There was death everywhere and there was now more blood in the room than there had ever been peace. He couldn’t say he was surprised though. Disappointed more than anything. Just because he was an Imperial, that didn’t mean he wanted to see destruction all around him.
He couldn’t waste any more time, and he was brought to that realization by the movement for a group of Varden guards heading towards him. They were going for the door, which he just happened to be standing between. It seemed these one were better educated than the Imperial soldier who was silent on the ground. They yelled. They called him a traitor to his people. And they attacked him. The time to think was long gone. He nimbly ducked to the side to avoid the sword that swept through the air towards him. He caught one of the three across the collarbone with one of his knives. His time was occupied with dodging blows. All until he felt a resemblance of anger bubbling up inside him. He didn’t have time to play. ”Vindr, eitha du prir sem hrið eka.” Za’lyyr didn’t waste him time to watch the three. It was an eerie sight. The three seemed to set in to sudden panic, dropping their weapons and clenching at their throats. Their faces began to turn bright red as they clawed at their throats, one by one falling to their knees. They fell face down on the ground one by one, eyes rolling back in their heads and not a single noise leaving their throats. The elf had his attention far from those who had fallen. He was quick, nimbly weaving through people and putting end to those who felt to need to get in the way. At this point his mind wasn’t thinking in terms of Empire and Varden. His thoughts were singular ans specific.
Catch that man.
He looked up at the balcony, chaos still reigning in every direction. He need to go up. And he needed to do it as quickly as possible. Once again it was not the time to spend an hour to make his decision. He didn’t have much more than moments. ”Vindr, elfa eka stikló freðr.” As the words left his mouth he crouched downward, mind focused on the way the muscles of his legs tensed. He pushed himself upward, like a typical jump, put as he reached as high as his own body would take him, there was a whistling that rushed through the room. A jet of air hit against his body, throwing him upward and further into the air. He caught the railings of the balcony and pulled himself over, landing on the other side with the sound of his soft leather shoes touching the stone. The fight was three stories beneath him now, and his mind was set singularly on that one thing.
He didn’t bother with trying to pad the sounds he made each time one of his feet hit the ground. The sounds of the battle raging downstairs were still ringing through the air around him. He wasn’t after stealth. He was after speed. The elf paused at a fork between two hallways, listening the best he could and filtering through the sounds that came from the levels below him. He didn’t dare to extend him mind, especially with the number of strong ones that lurked below his feet. The only thing he was left to follow was the sheer instinct that pulled at him and the feint smell that came from the explosives. Za’lyyr thought he was getting closer as the smell became stronger and more apparent. Maybe he would reach the man after all. As he turned a corner, his attention was pulled momentarily to a figure. His eyes quickly came to a faint glow towards the middle of the corridor, between himself and where the shadow had disappeared at the other end.
There was little time to even react. All Za’lyyr could do was turn his back towards the harsh smell of the explosive and crouch, covering his neck and the back of his head with his arms. His eyes shut tightly as he did the only thing that came to mind. It was the only way he could save himself; and possibly some of the lives that battled beneath him. He pulled at the glowing white feel of the magic within the confines of him mind. It was easy for him to touch and make contact with. There was no time for words, only action. The Ancient Language didn’t leave his lips as he surrounded himself with an envelope like shield of energy. It broadcasted out from his sides, up, and down. He hoped that anyone behind it would receive a cushion from the blow that was about to come. No one had any warning.
The light from the blast was intense. He was far closer to this than one than he had been to the first. He could feel the heat and see the light through his eyelids, even with his back turned. It was an incredible amount of force that he hadn’t expect, and as the waves of heat and power hit up against his shield; his concentration broke for a moment. Just a few seconds, his mind deviated. That was all it needed. Energy suddenly ripped from the shield and fed into the explosion that was already tearing at the castle. It was like a new wave hit him again, it’s force multiplied stronger by the deep, ancient magic that had only just been his protection. With magic as its fuel, the explosion suddenly expanded in a series of small, forceful waves before an even greater impact came. It was massive, like one of the bombs multiplied again and again.
Za’lyyr was forced abruptly from his place on the ground. He was thrown through the air and into the solid wall not far behind him. The air left his lungs quickly, even with the wards that had protected him from most of the shock of impact. The entirety of his barrier had not fallen, but as the force rocked against it, he felt his energy draining at an alarming rate. He couldn’t hold it. It would have killed him. The shield withdrew, taking with it the protection he’d done his best to offer. He passed in and out of consciousness for a moment, resting with his back against the wall and his eyelids barely opening. Nothing was broken, nothing was bleeding, but his entire body was sore and he was raked with sheer exhaustion. His eyes slowly fell to his arm and then his fingers. It seemed like he stared at them for eternity before finally being able to make himself touch a dark green jewel on his belt.
The energy that rushed into him was well received. It was enough to make his mind function properly. His body still ached and was immensely sore. He could feel the cool on his face though. It felt nice. His eyes suddenly bolted open. He could do nothing but blink at the site before him as he full registered what he saw. Za’lyyr pushed himself from the ground, standing with a slight stumble, staring out…into the night. He was greeted by the night sky instead of a continuing piece of castle. It was like a chunk had been ripped from the side of the great building, leaving nothing but a drop off into the inky air. There was the sound of crumbling as he looked above him, watching as pieces of rubble fell from above, down to the ground. He could see clear into the room where it had all started. The great hall… It was like a frozen moment where everything was teetering on nothing, before a large rumbling began. Walls started to break and fall. Stone met stone and fell to the earth. The east side of the castle was saving into itself, falling to pieces everywhere. As the sounds continued, all Za’lyyr could do was close his eyes, his face going cold and expressionless as he tried to push thoughts away. It was his fault. He hadn’t been able to control his magic. There was no helping himself from stumbling back, putting space between himself and the gaping hole. The damage was massive. With the structural damage that made the rest begin to fall, it was nearly half the castle. The elf retreated back further, away from the crumbling edges. Eventually the sound stopped and it was still. Dust filled the air of the night.
Za’lyyr silently made his way towards the open air. He stood at the very edge of the floor, bale to look down and see a mixture of rubble and the once glinting floors of the massive hallway. When he looked up, it was only the dark sky above him. All he could do was look at the destruction he’d multiplied.
OOC: I didn't just throw this out there, Ang and I discussed.
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zkjt
Novice
Posts: 47
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Post by zkjt on Mar 16, 2010 9:56:03 GMT -5
Islanzadi
I watched the chaos reign around me, with an unfamiliar sense of dread. Everything was fighting. If you looked left, someone died. To the right, someone died. It seemed that no matter which way you turned, something bad was happening. I had the dagger in my hand, the one that had been used to kill Faerthir. I had no guards, it was up to me.
I'm not saying I'm not skilled. It's just when you're wearing a dress, and high heels it's hard to swing a sword, while you're moving. So instead I tried to make myself as small as I could with Endorin beside me. And then I tried to identify the people of importance among the fighting.
Nasuada was nowhere to be seen. I had seen her guards escorting her when I first awoke, but otherwise nothing. Malandra was gone as well. I considered this was her idea until I realized the imperials were hurt as well. I would have liked her to suffer. Next on the list were all the riders and their dragons. Nemo Ramsey was throwing a fit with her hammer going berserk, but I couldn't see Ikehr anywhere. Kyemen I couldn't see, but I could see Sierthra roaring and fighting. Besides that I couldn't identify anyone else.
For the Empire, it seemed like they were in better condition. I caught a sight of Murtagh carrying Pele out into the hall. But then a crash and...no. Impossible. Thorn went down. I don't know how, or why, but Thorn was down. Instantly Imperial guards went to his side and began to defend him from varden soldiers and in seconds all the fighting was directed toward protecting, or trying to capture, Thorn. Aeyln and Kaldr had left, fleeing. They were smart, I thought to myself grimly.
It appeared as if no one had noticed me. I turned to Endorin about to say something when I had the feeling someone was close by. I turned and saw a remarkably handsome elf standing there, gazing at my body with incredible lust. I noticed he was an elf, but with Imperial clothes. I took a swing at him, but my heel got in the way, and I almost fell. He chuckled, before throwing something on the ground.
Instant blackness. I coughed still swinging the dagger. And then I felt a hand grab at my arse and I let out a noise which can be definable as a squeal, or...squeal. I swung my dagger this way and that. What did this elf want? And just as I realized, Endorin screamed. No! I made my way toward where I thought Endorin to be, but found nothing. I heard him scream one final time, "Islanzadi!" It was purely terrified. Who knew what experiments they would do on him. Instantly I took off, trying to make my way through the crowds of people.
Multiple times I was stopped and had to fight my way through. No one noticed me, but when there was an Imperial soldier who wasn't fighting, I was first target. It was annoying, the fighting so I began using magic. Quick and easy spells brought them down fast. But sill no sign of Endorin. What was I going to do!
Endorin
Everything was out of control! Of course I wanted to leap into the fray and begin fighting aswell, but I knew Islanzadi would never allow it. I was under her protection and if harm ever came to me then she'd feel it was her fault. So instead, I watched as people were cut down. Here and there I murmured a spell which would help a vardeneer. He would look around and make a quick sign to the Gods. I would smile and continue looking.
Whether Islanzadi knew I was helping or not, or if she cared, I didn't know. But she looked like a rabbit being chased by a fox. I knew the damage she could do. And I'm sure she just didn't want to because I was there. But I was honestly fine, so if she would have wanted to go into the fight, I could have dealt with the Imperials by myself.
And then I saw something unbelievable. Thorn went down. What a surprise it was, seeing the mighty dragon fall. And Murtagh had abandoned him. I had seen him carrying an unconscious Pele out into the hall. Murtagh had not returned and his dragon was being fought over by both sides. It appeared as if the vardeneers wanted to capture Thorn, but the Imperials were doing the best defending him.
I wanted to continue watching but then a sudden blackness. It was quiet, until I heard a squeal. I blinked and began feeling around until an arm roughly grabbed me. Whoever it was attempted to put a hand over my mouth, but I bit him screaming. "Islanzadi!" But then the man put his hand back over my mouth, and I realized i couldn't get out of his grip.
He led me to the Imperial side and stood there, as if he was at a loss for what to do. I was still struggling, kicking and trying to bite my way through his hand. It never worked. And then I saw a sight that made me stop in my tracks. A beautiful man was walking over. he had straight maroon hair and black eyes that you could get lost in....I blinked, realizing who it was. through the illusion, that was Schrren the Imperial Shade. I stopped my struggling, and hoped that Islanzadi would find me.
Schrren
I had fought, happily of course. Many people tried to kill me, but with an amazing combination of magic and swordsmanship, I prevailed. I was invincible, making my way through any varden member that stood in my way. I never grew tired, but then I took a rest. I didn't need to, but it would be good.
There was fighting everywhere. People were screaming and cursing, a chorus of beauty. And then I heard one scream above everything else, almost as if I was made to hear it. "Islanzadi!" I turned toward the noise and saw the beautiful Cesar Insalata, carrying Endorin. I smirked and when he caught me looking, he beckoned me over.
I was there in an instant. "Now how did you manage to get him away from his beautiful Queen?" I was gazing at his body, my mind continually straying from the job we were at. I listened to him explain, and then when he asked me where we would go, I had the answer. It was all around us.
Suddenly the walls were crumbling down. I don't know what had done it, but we had our way out. I motioned for him to follow me, before leaping out the window. We were pretty high up, but by using magic I slowly fell to the ground. I waited for Cesar to follow, and smiled at Endorin, who had gone deathly pale. "We have a visit with Galbatorix, Endorin," I said smugly.
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Post by Angmor on Mar 22, 2010 22:21:18 GMT -5
Sierthra wasn't sure what it was about her Rider, but she could not think of another person who infuriated her more. She had yet to decide if he was mad, suicidal, stupid, or just missing some basic survival instincts, but it seemed that Kyemen's entire existance was devoted to getting himself into the worst possible trouble he could find, and it seemed that she was always rushing in to save him. Now at last she sensed that he had stopped drifting in and out of consciousness, she intended to make him keenly aware of her displeasure. What were you thinking? Just tell me that. Any sane, intelligent person would know just what to do in the face of an imminent explosion. But no, you have to run towards it... It seemed like a good idea at the time... [/Color] He answered, his thoughts still a bit fuzzy around the edges. Sierthra felt a stab of sympathetic pain in her back, just behind her left wing. Although she couldn't see him from her position standing over him, she figured Kyemen was probably using magic to extract the vicious jags of metal from his flesh. If I hadn't done it, Nemo and probably Ikehr would have died. No one else was moving, so I figured it would have to be me.[/Color] Sierthra sighed. That was Kyemen all over. Always being the one to save people, and valuing all lives greater than his own. It was this same trait she had sensed within him on the day she had hatched under his touch, the very thing had cemented their destiny together. It was a pity that the trait that made her love him so much was the trait that would one day get him killed. But not today. Not while she was here. The fighting didn't appear to be going well for either side. More and more soldiers poured into the room, adding even more chaos and confusion to the melee. In such vicious, close-in fighting, it seemed, there could be no victory for anyone. Currently, she seemed to be occupying one of the few islands amid the fighting. A few imperial soldiers had got it into their helmets to try and get close enough to finish off her fallen Rider, but she had swiftly shown them the error of their ways. And it didn't seem anyone wanted to step over their lacerated corpses to try their luck against her. Just as she thought this, a knife pinged off the scales of her head, just short of her left eye. She whirled, looking for the thrower, opening her jaws and drawing her head back for a salvo of flame… Sierthra, no![/color] She checked herself just in time, the force of Kyemen's sudden panic holding her back. What? No fire! One blast in here, and you’ll cook everybody. There’s just too many people.[/Color] Sierthra admitted grudgingly that he was right. Friend and foe were just too close together, and precision fire had never been her specialty in training. Just then, she felt something seize her tail with a scratching, cutting sensation. She whipped her head around, bringing her tail up to smash down the stupid squishy human that had dared to- Once again, she managed to stop herself just in time as she was confronted with the spindly aquamarine form of Ikehr, clinging helplessly to one of her spine-ridges. He was looking at her beseechingly, making himself the very picture of pathetic. It was very difficult to communicate with all of the mental fighting going on in the area, but she caught the general idea from him that he was looking for shelter. Sierthra didn’t feel very sympathetic. All she saw before her was the reason her Rider was hurt, something too small and weak to defend itself, and so not worthy of life. Besides, it was the task of the Rider to defend the dragon until it grew large enough. She glanced toward where she had last seen Ramsey… Ah.[/Color] The scene had somewhat changed since when she had last looked. Ramsey had apparently drawn her enormous hammer from some invisible spaces that Sierthra had not been able to see before, and was busily taking down imperial soldiers like they were made of straw and looking like she was having entirely too much fun doing it. And considering her previous reaction at Kyemen's first attempt at civility, she might have even gone out of her way to kill Ikehr if she knew where he was. Sierthra briefly entertained the idea of tossing the younger dragon in Ramsey’s direction, but finally decided against it. She might not have liked him very much at that moment, but he was still kin. With a snarl, she turned away. Let the little whelp stay up there. If he could. As she turned away, she could a distinguishing movement out of the corner of her eye. She found a young man off to her left violating the space she had cleared, raising a dagger for a throw. He was probably the one that had hefted the blade that had struck her earlier. Before he could let fly with the other, she swung her tail as hard as she could, catching the man squarely in the midriff. The bony crunch was clearly audible as his ribcage collapsed and most of his internal organs turned to pulp. The limp body flew over the heads of the embattled crowd and was lost to the melee. Watching him go, Sierthra was not facing the right direction to see the threat coming. Something huge and hard slammed into her, knocking her on her side. She kicked out, scrambling to right herself, trying to find Kyemen, to shield from whatever this new threat was… Finally she managed to get her feet back under her, rising into a fighting crouch, ready to leap on her attacker with teeth and claws. At last, she found herself face to face with Thorn’s imposing, armored form. Even through all the mental clutter in the room, she could hear his challenge as clear as skyward roar. Face me! If you really are a strong as you appear this should be an easy fight for you.Sierthra felt her lip curve in an involuntary snarl. How dare this petty, unnatural little parasite try to harm her Rider? Thorn was at least a wing-length longer than her, and therefore a lot bigger. He might have been in possession of a share of the king’s magic. He was in armor, and Sierthra was not. All of these things ran through her mind, and none of them served to slow her down in the slightest. With a roar, she launched herself at her opponent, claws raking. . . . Crying out in surprise, Kyemen threw himself sideways just as a massive set of dragon’s claws hit the floor where he had just been sitting. His instincts not quite managing to make up for his groggy thinking, he landed on his knees a few feet away, finding himself staring up in surprise at Thorn’s armored flank. I guess rest time is over, then…[/Color] He thought to himself, reaching over his shoulder for his sword… His hand groped around the empty air, wondering why the operation he had done so many times before wasn’t working right now. It took him a moment to realize that his sword, along with almost all of the rest of his weapons, was currently a few floors above his head. He felt a pang of loss. Maybe this was going to be harder than he thought… Once again, he was forced to throw himself backward as Thorn adjusted his stance, a trivial movement that became rather dangerous when it was dragon-sized. There was really no safe margin around creatures when they got to be that size, especially when they got angry. Kyemen landed solidly on his feet, finally about as safe a distance as the battle would allow, landing among a clumped knot of fighters. It was only then that he noticed that they were all wearing red armor. For almost exactly one second, no one moved. Then one of them gave a shout, trying to clear his elbow enough to get his short sword into play. Kyemen breathed a silent sigh of relief that his opponents were so bunched together, probably from being so unused to closed-quarter, street brawl type fighting. He, on the other hand, had been fighting in back alleys and tight spaces for just about the past hundred years of his life. He was easily able to dodge the strike, turning the momentum into a spinning kick that sent that connected solidly with his opponent’s unarmored neck, dropping the man like a scarecrow robbed of support. As Kyemen had hoped, the limp body dropped in the path of three of the soldiers, momentarily shielding his front. Just as he finished thinking this, something hit him from behind, drawing on his ward. He whirled, just in time to step inside the next attack, snaring the soldier’s arm in a solid cross-block. From there, Kyemen put his right hand behind the soldier’s head, forcing it down to meet the knee that was coming up. He felt the man’s nose cave in as his knee connected with a solid crack. He was about to make a grab for the man’s sword when he caught a flash out of the corner of his eye, one that resolved into a horizontal slash that he was only just able to avoid. He swung the now limp body of the soldier around, intercepting a strike with the man’s armored torso. One thing for certain, he was running out of time. He needed a weapon, or he needed to be somewhere else. This in mind, he ducked under one of the slow slashes particular to humans with oversized muscles, responding with a swift kick that connected solidly with the soldier's wrist, making him cry out in pain and drop the sword before Kyemen's other foot connected with his stomach in a spinning side-stamp, sending the man sailing backward. Knowing he had about half a second before he ran out of luck, Kyemen dived forward, his hand snaring the grip of the fallen sword as he brought his fall into a roll. Coming back to his feet, he snapped the sword into a rising parry, bulling his opponent's blade up and around before bringing his sword slashing across the man’s throat. Now, at last, he and his opponents were equal. He had a weapon both for blocking and attacking, an element that completely changed the landscape of the fight. He was in control now. Kyemen spun dexterously, placing a neat cut across another soldier’s thigh while at the same time placing himself squarely in the one spot of floor where none of his opponents could reach him without a quick readjustment of their stances. Which, when fighting an elf, usually wasn’t quick enough. Kyemen's stolen weapon flashed three times, and all three soldiers fell. This done, he spun around, blade raised… And suddenly found himself without any enemies within reach. It did not take him long to find out why. Eyes widening, he managed to duck just as the tip of Thorn’s tail swung over his head in a blow that would have sent him flying. He rolled backwards on the now blood-slick floor, trying to get out of reach of the dragon’s flailing limbs. Sierthra's fight had migrated somewhat, apparently. From his position on the floor, Kyemen watched his dragon dodge nimbly aside as Thorn bit for her neck. It wasn’t easy to fight a dragon in armor, but Sierthra, in her rage, was apparently going to try it anyway. She was the hummingbird flitting about the hawk, managing to dodge or mitigate just about all of Thorn’s huge, ungainly attacks, even as her swift slashes and bites for the most part just slid of off her opponent’s armor. Kyemen sensed her frustration at this, and even as he watched, she decided to change tactics. Shoving Thorn backwards, she turned and bit down on the end of one of the huge wooden tables that had formally been the seat for the Varden delegation, seizing it with her teeth. Using her body as a counterpoint, she swung the table horizontally in a way that reminded Kyemen of a bar-brawler swinging a chair. Thorn was unable to move out of the way in time. The huge oaken trestle, which must have weighed hundreds of pounds, slammed hard into Thorn’s flank, causing his armor to ring like an oddly shaped gong. It was just then that Kyemen noticed an odd discoloration in Sierthra's scales, about halfway up her tail. He did a double-take. No, there was no mistaking it, there was definitely a spot on his dragon's back where her spring-green scales gave way to a more blue-green shade, and Kyemen could think of no possible reason why. It was only the next second that Sierthra held her tail still enough that, for a split second, Kyemen recognized the gangly form of Ikehr clinging desperately to one of Sierthra's back-spikes. Kyemen realized that he had completely forgotten about the young dragon, and hadn't even thought to wonder that if Nemo wasn't protecting him, who was? Now it seemed that the young dragon had traded on unsafe guardian for another. He was going to get shaken to death like a rat up there. Um, Sierthra... Can't talk.[/Color] Her voice came back, tight with concentration. Busy. It's rather important...[/Color] He could already tell she wasn't listening. She had again given herself over to the battle rage that typified her kind. If Ikehr was going to be rescued, Kyemen would have to do it himself. With a sigh, he got to his feet. He knew what he was about to do was something spectacularly foolhardy. But if he didn’t do it, who else would? With a frown, he dropped the sword that he had worked so hard to obtain, knowing that he would need both hands for what he was about to do. This done, he gathered his feet under him, and, very carefully calculating the space in front of him, he jumped.For a human, it would be a huge leap, but for an elf it was about the equivalent of jumping over a creek. There was however nothing routine about his landing spot. Having timed his opening perfectly, he landed solidly on the top of Sierthra's tail, just up from Ikehr's clinging body. Just as he landed, Sierthra made a spasmodic movement, very nearly bucking him off. He managed to grab one of her larger spine-ridges just in time, holding his balance. This, however, only left him one hand to try and pry up the stricken Ikehr from between two of his dragon’s spikes. This was a more difficult operation than he had expected, as the young dragon was apparently unconscious, and only holding on by a shear reflexive deathgrip with his tiny talons. Oh, come on.[/Color] He swore, freeing his steadying limb in order to bring both hands to bear. It was almost that exact second when Thorn must have landed a particularly heavy blow, because Sierthra suddenly gave her tail an enormous jerk. As he sailed through the air, an absent part of Kyemen's brain reflected that this is what it had to feel like to be launched from a catapult. How appropriate, considering he was probably about to smash into a castle wall… He was not disappointed. It was only his tremendous good fortune that he hit the wall feet-first, and was able to absorb most of the impact with his knees. From there, he dropped to the floor like a stone, landing hard on his back as the breath was knocked from his lungs in a loud whoosh. As he lay there stunned, he noticed the odd sensation of a warm liquid soaking into his shirt and warming his chest. It was only then that he noticed that the cause of his flight had also dislodged Ikehr, who was now lying on his stomach in a limb bag of aquamarine scales. The strange warm sensation came from the steaming blood trickling from a wound in the dragon’s side. Kyemen's heart sank. It looked for all the world like the dragon was dead. Kyemen was about to organize a healing spell when a body hit the floor right next to him, shattering his concentration. He looked up for the source of the death, only to be confronted by a thoroughly odd upside-down view of Islanzadi, queen of the elves. Besides being upside down, the view was odd because of the situation as well. Kyemen had only ever beheld the queen in her natural territory. Now, her rich crimson dress was tattered and disheveled, showing the bloodstains in the now ruined golden filigrees. Her elaborate hairstyle was almost completely gone, and only a few exotic feathers clung doggedly to her dark ringlets like arrows stuck in a haystack. She looked down at him in surprise. “Er, greetings your highness.” He said somewhat dazedly, wondering what the proper sign of respect might be in this strange position. “Are you well?” . . . There came the time in every spy’s life where he felt that a loud, heartfelt I told you so to the face of his superiors would work absolute miracles on his attitude. In Taraak’s case, that time had come. He only wished that he was less right. Throughout the negotiations, he had simply been standing in the back of the imperial delegation minding his own business. Which as per usual, was minding everyone else’s business. As far as he could tell, the imperial side of the room was still playing it cool, not giving any obvious signs of what was going on. Everyone was either sitting or standing by the walls, and no one was strolling about like an assassin would before moving against his target. In fact, most of the negotiations were downright boring, right up until Ramakrishna committed her rather spectacular brand of murder, making every fighting man in the room suddenly straighten up and remember that they were not at a social gathering here. It was about then that he had been sure that the Empire wasn’t planning anything after all, or at least not for this particular session of the summit. Now everyone was back on the alert, and it was the worst possible time for an assassin to strike. And it had been only shortly after that where all hell had broken loose as he had expected it to, but brought on by a way that he would not have expected in a million years. He had been too far away from the explosion for him to be anything more than knocked off his feet. It was after getting up that the nightmare started. In the sudden storm of confusion, no one was really sure which side he was on. Which pretty much meant he got equal treatment from both sides. He ducked under a reckless knife slash, using the movement to pluck his own knife from his boot. There, he planted a neat side-stamp into his opponent’s stomach, and then did perhaps the most unexpected thing he could have done, and engaged what his old training sergeant had dubbed ‘basic battle-plan number one.’ He turned and ran the opposite direction. Ever since the bomb had hit the ground, his brain had been working feverishly. And one thing that was abundantly clear was the fact that none of this made sense. Anyone who had any kind of experience with explosives knew that bombs were about as unreliable a killer as one could get. They might not go off. They might just pop and fizzle. And then you might have miscalculated the ratios and blow yourself up right along with the target. But most of all, they were indiscriminate. You put them in a room, and if everything went to plan, everything in the room died, whether they were friend or foe. So who the hell would toss one into a room filled with both the Varden and the Empire? He knocked aside an imperial noble who had gotten too close, slamming his elbow hard into the man’s face almost without slowing down. His objective wasn’t far now. He just had to navigate a twenty foot space that was mostly occupied by Varden and imperial soldiers locked in small, vicious skirmishes. Now his first thought that Galbatorix was engaging in a little cabinet cleaning and trying to kill two birds with one stone, taking out the Varden leadership and his own advisers who he perhaps thought to be getting a bit too ambitious. It wouldn’t be the first time. He was constantly playing the Forsworn against each other before they all finally expired. He weaved his way through the fighting in small darts and shifts of direction, eyes carefully gauging the openings, occasionally ducking or rolling under a stray slash. No, cabinet cleaning was probably out. If Galbatorix wanted his advisors dead, they would be dead. So what could this possibly be about? All of these thoughts chased themselves randomly through his head as he suddenly found himself surrounded on all sides by vicious one-on-one fights, arresting his progress just as much as his reasoning could get nowhere. There was only one thing he could do. He was little good in a battle, or a bodyguard, nor was he a healer. So he made it his objective to find the man that did this, and get the story from him. At last, Taraak saw the slimmest of openings as two opponents drew back to evaluate each other after a particularly intense bout. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he darted forward between the two fighters, freeing himself just before swords once again met. With that, he finally reached his objective, the door at the end of the room. From his eidetic memory of the layout, he knew that the hallway would lead him to the quarters of the imperial delegation. And the stairwell to the balcony. The soldiers were dead. As with the balcony of the Varden side, the Empire had been allowed to post four guards up here. And they were dead, to a man. Three had been taken out with precise arrows to the neck. The last had taken a sword slash across the thigh and finished off with a stab through the heart. If this had been an imperial operation, these poor saps had obviously not been in on it. There was also no sign of the bomber. Casting about for signs of his target, he noticed a set of footprint-shaped bloodstains leading away from the puddle pooling under the furthest of the dead soldiers, leading in a nice little trail through one of the doorways leading off the balcony. Taraak smiled. Who says life doesn’t occasionally throw you a bone?[/Color] That passageway, as he remembered, only had three branches off. And only two of those led to exits. If he hurried, he just might be able to figure out a plan to get ahead of the bomber and corner him somewhere in the castle. From there, he would have to improvise, something that he was good at. This in mind, he took off down the corridor. It took him a moment to realize that he was not alone on this mission. Just up ahead in the corridor, a lone figure was also moving. From so far away it was impossible to make out any details, but Taraak felt fairly certain that it wasn’t the bomber. It had been nearly two minutes since the blast, and Taraak figured he probably would not want to stick around to admire his handiwork, and so would have had plenty of time to get more than two hundred feet down the passage. Still, who was this person? As he watched, the figure skidded to a halt, seemed to stand still for precisely one second, and then throw himself to the ground. And Taraak could think of only one reason for that. He too threw himself to the ground, curling into a tight ball. It was right about then when the floor he was lying on gave a mighty shudder, and a blast of hot air and noise washed over him. And it didn’t stop. The floor beneath him rumbled with a building storm, and suddenly he found himself picked up and blown backwards, tumbling through the air like a leaf in a gale. His head and back hit something hard, knocking out whatever breath he had left and making bright flashes dance before his eyes. Finally after what seemed like minutes, the blast ceased, depositing him against the wall. Suddenly, it was very quiet. Taraak finally allowed himself to stir, running a quick check of his limbs. Finding himself bruised but functional. He stood up, slipping on chips of stone and jags of wood that now littered the floor as he tried to piece together what just happened. He rubbed his neck, sheathing his knife in his sleeve… And stopped, because he finally realized that instead of castle walls, he was looking out over the city of Feinster. By the gods…[/Color] Just then, the floor beneath him gave an ominous groan and a sudden tilt. A large collection of cracks had appeared all around him, and he realized that he was no longer standing on a floor so much as a collection of free-floating slabs of stone, all about to give way and collapse into the floor below. He gave a test with his foot. Now, the question was did he want to tiptoe over this like thin ice, or did he want to sprint for it as fast as he could? He looked over at the figure, wondering just how another body might affect this whole equation. The man was now on his feet and looking rather dazedly over the edge, oblivious to the danger at his feet. “Careful!” Taraak called. “Don’t move, or we’re both going to get a rather thrilling ride.”[/size][/blockquote] Done at last!
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Post by Lady Nayeli on Mar 25, 2010 6:59:26 GMT -5
Now, this was beyond fun, for me anyways. The yell cries and the fact that I stood in the shadows to watch everything take place right before my eyes. I saw as the Varden and Empire fought, how many of the empire were being taken down, mostly because they were young and stupid. I had already removed my blade, ready for the attack and the time to take a life. I smiled as I moved along the room, however, I stopped short... Seeing something.
Turin, his body still as strong as when I had last seen him, battle worn, but still strong... Plunged his own dagger into the chest, between the chest plates of the empire soldiers. He had a look of determination on his face as he pulled the dagger out and watched death engulf the man that held himself and fell to the ground. I watched him, could not believe what I was seeing before my own eyes... My brother was here! My Brother Was Here! I growled, pulling out my own dagger.
He was moving with great confidence, killing empire soldier after soldier. He knew how to fight, he was being sure to take each and everyone out with his blade or just killing them with his hands. He had turned into a Varden warrior and he did not think twice about killing his own people... He people he grew up with. "You are mine!"
[/color] I thought to myself as I moved forward, trying to fight crowd with my body, pulling my own dagger from his hiding place and trying to get through. It did not take long for the route to be closed... The two might beast stood before me... _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Fighting! I jumped back, nearly being hit by the large black tail of the Empire dragon. This was not going to be good, the dragons were fighting and I knew it was my time to just get out. I knew at this point that Varden Groups and Empire groups would be coming closer and Nasuada knew to go to the Surda group, which at this point she would of been at by now. She was not a dumb person, she was far beyond that, she was very smart and she knew what she was doing. I looked around, trying to stay as far away from the tail as possible and the wings as the two dragons fought each other. I hit the wall, looking around and keeping my hands on the wall, able to watch everything as I looked around. The battles cries were heard with ease and I knew the screams of death were being muffled out... It was time I returned to Nasuada, she would need me to be there with her, she only had a part of her guard, I was the last member and I was not there. I moved to the private door and I was lucky to be getting out now... Nayeli had seen me and she had the look of pure fired anger on her face and she was trying to get to me. I was not going to hurt my own sister, not even in a fight, I loved my family too much, except for that stupid father I had. I found the door and slipped out, making it to the hallway and keeping just there. It was a little more quiet out here, but not very much, the battle was still raging inside and I needed to get to Nasuada as soon as I could. "I had to be the hero," I should of gone out with Nasuada instead of staying in a and trying to help, but no, I was too much of a warrior to think that way. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ I turned slightly to look back, seeing the fireballs going into the air I headed to the Varden one, knowing which one I would be safer in. I did not trust the empire to be too kind to and honestly I did not want to be around the scums. My guards stayed with me, a few on horses and then a few on feet as they ran. I kept a close eye on everything as we galloped towards the varden force that we would return with. I did not want anything to happen, but now, this would be a issue to debate... My friend, the Kull, he stayed beside me the whole time, our speed did not slow and we looked ahead. We needed to get there as soon as possible, I did not need a empire scout to come along and try and take us back by force when we would return willingly with our own people. They were coming towards us, which shortened the time and I lead the group. "What has happened Mi'Lady?" I looked at the man in command and then forward. I replayed everything in my mind. The young rider speaking, the older rider saving her, the explosion, Turin making me leave and us riding to the Varden forces. I looked ahead and took in a deep breath. "Someone, I do not know who or on which side, through a explosion at one of the riders in the middle of the room. Our rider saved her and then a full fight was set forth... Turin helped me get out and now I came to you in order to return and try and fix something that I am still completely confused about."[/color] He nodded at my explanation and I looked ahead. This was not going to be good, there would be battles about this for years to come. [/blockquote][/center][/size]
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Post by Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress on Mar 27, 2010 17:06:20 GMT -5
I awoke to darkness.
Besides that, I felt like I’d been stabbed in at least twenty different places. Disoriented from the pain and the dark, I immediately became nervous. The worst thing was that I had no idea where I was or what I was doing there. My memory was blurry, filled only with an explosion of sound and light. Something warm and sticky was sprawled across my front, and the stink of blood emanating from it left much to be desired. I wrinkled my nose and tried to sit up, but more stabs of pain and how heavy the thing was kept me locked in place. I was beginning to feel claustrophobic, but the constant pangs shooting throughout my body started to clear my mind, allowing me to think.
Blood. Why would there be blood? A murder? A battle? I had never once been in a battle, though, and the only thing my memory bothered to conjure up was that flash of blinding light, which explained nothing. Maybe I was dead and this was hell. I ran my hands down my body, hissing when I felt pieces of rubble rammed into my flesh. I also realized I was wearing one of my very finest dresses- black swan feathers trimmed with real gold, a present from my maid Vesper. I would only wear it to an exceptionally formal occasion, and not one with Galbatorix, either- he insisted I only wear the idiotic human frocks he bought me to those. I wouldn’t be caught dead at a party, so this was obviously another meeting the maniacal king had forced me to attend. Feeling irritable, I decided that I was tired of the dark. It took me an alarmingly long time to locate the word of power that I needed, but eventually I grasped my black magic and muttered in the Ancient Language.
“Brising- GAH!”
The unfinished spell went off, and some glowing blob of half-formed fire bounced around the tiny space of wherever I was, burning bright crimson. The initial burst of light had revealed the motionless body of Murtagh Morzansson sprawled across my front, causing me to almost outright scream in horror. I ducked as the light bounced erratically before smacking into a pile of cleaning equipment and sizzling out. I appeared to be inside a broom closet. Fuming, I correctly repeated the spell, and a ball of red flame materialized in the palm of my right hand. I glared down at Murtagh’s pallid face, now a dim pink from the bloody light, and clucked in disgust and annoyance.
“Thrysta vindr!”
The results were very satisfying. The fool of a Rider was flung backwards into a pile of knick-knacks, slamming his head against the stone wall. Lamenting on how badly I now needed a bath and how long it would be until I got one, I peered down at myself. And this time, I did outright scream in horror. My dress was completely ruined, full of rips and tears, and only heaven knew what sort of state my face was in. And though I was a Shade, and therefore had very little blood to speak of, a bothersome amount stood out starkly against my pale skin. I doubted most of it was Murtagh’s. Trembling with fury, I began ripping the pieces of rubble out, regardless of how much pain it caused.
Then it hit me. The flash of light and the pieces of stone and wood lodged inside me. I had been pondering whether it would be practical to toss a fireball or two down the throats of the stupid mortals whose lips flapped and tongues waggled incessantly and yet made no civilized noises whatsoever when the thing fell. I’d been so hell-bent on my very unladylike murderous fantasies that I hadn’t recognized it as anything of note, and so I hadn’t put up any wards. However, it took a lot to injure a Shade, and nothing appeared to be seriously wrong with me, barring the fact that I looked like an inebriated whore. Enraged, I turned on Murtagh, fuelling the flame in my hand into an inferno.
But then I realized. The only possible reason he was in here with me was that he must have dragged me to safety. I could have been trampled into a pulp, had my mind snapped, and been stabbed by the lowliest soldiers if he, driven by his foolish schoolboy infatuation with me, hadn’t carried me out. I’d be dead, or, even worse, my dress would be in bloody tatters. I owed him my life, and I was thusly unable to kill him. This only served to make me even more angry. Feeling most put out, I extinguished the flame, and immediately regretted it as I was engulfed in darkness. Annoyed, I fumbled for the door, managing to find the knob and unlock it before shoving it open.
The hallway was dim, so what really shook me was the roar of battle and the Imperial soldiers rushing to and fro. Ah, so my predictions that this fiasco would be a complete failure had been correct. At least Murtagh had been smart enough to dump us on the Imperial side. Thinking of Murtagh, I turned towards him. Though he had saved my life, he had other crimes to atone for. His persistent leering, his failed attempts at wooing a married woman of a different species, and now only the powers that be knew what he had done to me while I’d been unconscious. I shuddered and hugged myself. How vile. He must have touched me in at least ten places where only a spouse was allowed to go. It called for some severe punishment. But no proper lady resorted to violence. Instead, she got her mindless, half-functioning goons to do it for her.
“Lujon!” I roared. “Malice!”
I stalked through the halls, searching for my guards. Galbatorix had only allowed me to bring two; otherwise I would have dragged my entire squad over here. He was worried about their ‘instability’. He was just jealous. And then the mindless humans inhabiting this tacky castle had worried that their appearance would frighten the Varden into attacking, so they’d begged me to leave them behind in the halls. I’d accepted, but only under the condition that Lujon and Malice probably wouldn’t survive long in an all-out battle in such an enclosed space, and that the soldiers would protect me instead. They’d failed, obviously. If I wanted something done right, I’d have to do it myself.
After several minutes of aimless wandering, I managed to find the two of them suffering from acute boredom. Lujon had somehow fallen asleep against the wall and was snoring like a bear, and Malice was playing cards with herself. Lujon had pale blue skin and black pits for eyes, among other notable oddities like fangs and odd stubs on his back that looked like half-formed wings. Malice looked like an average human, except for dark magenta hair and green cat eyes. Neither of them noticed me as I stormed down the hall, so I snapped my fingers. Malice looked up, but Lujon kept on snoring.
“Evening, milady,” Malice said smoothly. “I don’t wanna go to school!” grumbled Lujon, and kept snoring. “Shmurple…” “Brisingr.” “AUGH!” The spirit batted at his flaming hair. “Neither of you heard the explosion? Or the battle?” “Uh… no? Oh. Are you badly hurt?” “Lujon’s been sleeping the entire time. I heard it, though.” Malice beamed up at me. I sighed. She was a poor choice for protection. After all, she was the spirit of malice. “Never mind, then. I have another job for you. Come with me.”
They followed me in silence during the few minutes it took to get back to the broom closet. I made a point of not making friends with my servants. I didn’t have the time or the patience required for socializing. Only necessary words were exchanged.
“There.” I announced when we arrived. “This man touched me inappropriately. I want you to take him out and beat him. Viciously. Meanwhile, I’m going to go and see for myself what’s happening in the Great Hall.” “What? Is that alright?” asked Lujon, picking embers out of his hair. “What do you mean?” I growled. “Well, it’s Murtagh. Besides being on our side and the most powerful Rider alive next to Galbatorix, he’s just a kid. An unconscious kid. And you want us to injure him even further. Shouldn’t we be having some moral or ethical issues with this?” “I don’t see anything wrong with it. Do you see anything wrong with it? Because I don’t see anything wrong with it,” I hissed, my voice lowered. “Okily dokily. See you around, ma’am. Let’s get to ass-kicking, Malice.” “And mind your language!” I roared over my shoulder. “If we get caught, Malice, can you take the blame?” I heard scuffling and grunts of effort as the two of them picked up Murtagh’s still-unconscious body. “Shut up! Do you want her to put us on graveyard shift again?”
After that, I thankfully left earshot. Or maybe it was the sound of a second explosion that deafened whatever Lujon was about to say. I took shelter behind a polished suit of armour as the roof began to crack and tremble, shortly followed by a shower of rubble that made me cough and shut my eyes. It wasn’t going to be long before the whole structure came down, so I desperately followed the sounds of battle and a river of blood back towards a tiny hidden door inset into the stone wall that was covered with bloody handprints. It swung open at a light touch of my hands, and the flood of noise nearly burst my eardrums. However, it was better than being crushed by the roof, so I humiliated myself by crouching down and squeezing through like a lowly kitchen scullion. Then I closed the hidden door and slowly turned towards the battle scene before me.
I’d only come face-to-face with violence once in my entire life. I supposed that could be called remarkable, considering I was nearly eight hundred years old. The only time I’d encountered blood and blades was when Ereshkigal had been murdered, and I’d lost control and committed murder with my bare hands. Those were unpleasant memories. I desperately hoped that Lujon and Malice had found shelter from the falling roof. This wasn’t the place for me. I ducked as a sword, though not meant for me, swung past, embedding itself into a Varden soldier’s arm. It was incredibly hot, which I realized was because I was standing right beside the massive fireplace. Gathering my skirts and keeping low, I took shelter behind it and tried to scope out the scene.
I had no clue who was winning or losing. The battle was completely disorganized, and the ridiculously large amount of bodies was uncountable. I was sickened. War was only glorious in song. I’d always known that, but I’d never been able to see it for myself. Certainly no one was singing now, except for maybe Malandra. The entire floor was covered with a wet layer of blood that squelched beneath my feet and soaked into my shoes. Dismembered body parts in the dozens were grasped at by dying men with their lifeblood spurting out of their stumps. The dying vacated their bowels and bladders, adding to the stink of sweat and blood and tears, and screaming and weeping filled the entire room. If I’d been capable of projectile vomiting, or even crying, I would have done both at that very moment. I wanted to run away, but the door was barred by rubble.
Matter at hand. Back to the matter at hand, Pele. I tried to look for the important guests. Most of the nobles and scientists were fleeing of their own accord or with their guards’ help, and many more were cut down where they stood. Many important Varden members were missing. David and Aviand were nowhere to be seen, and Nasuada had either been slain or had fled. Kyemen Straethir was battling desperately beside his dragon, Sierthra, who was locked in battle with Thorn. The two of them had cleared a massive space around themselves, and for a brief moment, I could see why bards and minstrels so eagerly fawned over tales of battle. The fire reflected off of Thorn and Sierthra’s scales, casting ruby and emerald glows all across the room. The occasional white flash of fangs and the rage in their slitted eyes was almost intoxicating to watch.
But then the blood started spraying and I had to turn my gaze away. Nemo Ramsey, who resorted to the vulgarity of wearing men’s clothing but at least had good taste in clothes, looked like she was halfway through turning into a werewolf. She’d somehow reacquired that monstrous hammer of hers and was splitting apart anyone who came too close to her, Varden or Imperial. I couldn’t see Ikehr anywhere, but he was probably still alive since Nemo was. And he was so laughably tiny that I wouldn’t have been able to see him under my nose. As for the elves, I was pleased to see more than a few of them littering the floor. Not so superior now, were they? Unfortunately, Islanzadí still lived, and I caught a glimpse of that vile, vulgar, and other insulting words that began with ‘v’ Iberian elf Cesar Insalata escaping the Hall, the elf child in his arms and Schrren on his tail.
Good riddance. Endorin was a spoiled brat. Some time in the Imperial dungeons would teach him a little maturity. Still, I felt a pang of concern for someone so young, but then I forced myself to look for other Imperials. Aelyn and Kaldr had disappeared, much to my worry, leaving only Thorn to defend our side. But then, Sierthra was the only capable dragon defending the Varden. One of the few fighting members of nobility, Lady Nayeli, wearing a shocking skin-tight outfit that blaringly revealed every curve of her body for all to see, was chasing some dark-haired man of little note that I hadn’t noticed before. Remy Kamenwati was nowhere to be seen. Malandra, however, was very easy to spot- she was surrounded by her painless soldiers that had formed a tight circle around her, gleefully chopping at anyone within arm’s reach. Malandra herself was not battle-hardy in any possible use of the word, but I knew that she would be compensating magically. I knew how she worked. She relied on the body for all of her spells.
I could see her handiwork everywhere- bodies that had had every single drop of moisture sucked out of them, leaving only dried and cracked husks, people who simply dropped where they stood as their internal organs exploded, and brains that melted out of ears, noses, and mouths. She stood amid her guards, hands clasped, swaying rhythmically as she chanted in the Ancient Language. It was odd to see her so rigid and focussed, not as the saucy little minx she made herself out to be. There were no marks on her body, so she hadn’t resorted to using herself in her spells. Good. She only did that when in a true rage.
Since the sides seemed evenly matched, I relaxed a little. But I couldn’t leave. My only safe exit was completely blockaded. And something about running away and leaving all these people to die when only a few of them could be held responsible for the bomb seemed detestable. In every book I’d ever read, deserting the battlefield was the highest show of cowardice, a treason that could never be redeemed. And on top of that, my freedom relied on the century-old conflict between the Varden and the Empire being solved. With Galbatorix on the throne or Nasuada or Eragon, I didn’t care. Once this was all over with, I could go free. That decided me. I wasn’t doing this for anyone. Only myself. Still, I felt a small glow of pride that I wasn’t going to be running away.
I sucked in a breath and thought hard. Somehow, standing up on a soap box and preaching peace on earth and racial toleration seemed positively idiotic, not to mention people would go out of their way to fire arrows at me. And actions spoke far louder than words. Inspired by Malandra’s moisture-sucking, I reached for my magic and began to weave a complex spell. Water wasn’t difficult to find. It was in every nook and cranny of the Hall, underground, and in the blood across the room. I pulled pure water out of these places and moved it upwards in tiny, barely detectable particles, using the warmth of the air inside and the cold spring weather outside to form massive clouds. Energy wasn’t difficult to find. Lady Lorana was fond of plants, and I was fond of killing them. If there was one thing I didn’t miss from my time as an elf, it was the bloody tree-hugging. I snaked into Lorana’s gardens and killed tree and bush and flower alike. Once I was satisfied with the amount of moisture in the air, I began sucking the heat out of the hall. I mostly used the fireplace, making it colder and smaller as the room dropped below freezing. Glad that I was wearing a full-sleeved dress tonight, I muttered a few more words, gently stirring the air with magic, and then whipping it into a furious gale.
Water, wind, and lack of heat came together with a noise like a thunder crack, and it started to snow. Then, torn by the blast of wind that I had killed about three-quarters of Lady Lorana’s gardens to make, they formed into ice, and the room was ravaged by a blizzard. I slid further behind the rapidly dying fireplace, not wanting to get caught. I had to maintain the spell for some time, after all, at least until all the philistines froze up.
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I was so pleased that all of the pomp and ceremony was over and done with. Now I could do actually enjoyable things, like plotting escapes and kidnapping and setting off a few bombs while I was at it. That was what I did to relax, not surround myself with stuffy, overweight nobility. And I’d be doing it with Schrren to boot. I had no love for Shades, but I had no fear of them either. Magic was nothing uncommon to me, since so many had used it in Iberia. Black magic, elemental magic, spirit magic, it was all the same to me. You could bend reality with it. And after all, of the four Shades I’d seen, none had been remotely unattractive, except maybe for the fact that Pele Serowë was a little too portly for my taste. But still- dark magic, pale skin and fiery red hair. Meow. Schrren elegantly stepped up towards me, only allowing Endorin a second or two of his attention before ogling my body. Unfortunately, it was somewhat lost in the poofy fabrics I’d adorned. If I’d been wearing something tighter, I’d proudly show off my athletic form. But now elves were closing in on us, and I’d learned the hard way not to be distracted by a pretty face. I hefted Endorin a little higher up on my shoulder, my hand still clamped over his mouth.
“Now how did you manage to get him away from his beautiful queen?” “It wasn’t difficult, señor. She practically handed him to me on a silver platter. For such loveliness and power on her part, she is easily distracted. Shall we be off?”
Before he could respond, the wonderfully familiar noise of an explosion drew my attention. It didn’t have that crackle that fiery explosions tended to possess, though, so it was probably magical. I watched as the roof was ripped away with the ease of tearing paper, revealing the deep night sky above. However, it also revealed the falling rubble more than capable of squishing us like insects, so we plastered ourselves against the wall. But it too fell away, leaving the glorious castle a skeleton of what it once was. It was truly shameful to see such beauty destroyed so easily. At the very least, the explosion had slowed down the elves, caused more confusion, and gave Schrren and I several possible means of escape. I glanced at the Shade and nodded meaningfully.
He leaped over the destroyed wall, probably aided by magic, and waited for me on the other side. I scaled up the stone remains with ease, practically using Endorin as a backpack, and jumped down to join him. We were away from the bulk of the horde, but the piles of soldiers both sides had left in the city were doubtlessly streaming towards the castle at that very moment. We would be stuck between a rock and a hard place very soon if we didn’t think quickly. It didn’t help that Endorin was yanking at my hair and trying to bite his way through my hand. I wasn’t about to hit him, though. Children, after all, were the product of the miracle of intercourse. I almost felt bad for having to kidnap the poor thing. I mussed up his hair and glanced around. No one was chasing us, making our job insidiously easy. Many halls were blocked up by the rubble, though, and with back-up on the way, we’d need a less obvious route. Luckily, having assassinated and blown up many a castle’s inhabitants, I knew their structures fairly well, as well as their routes.
“Come,” I murmured to Schrren. “Help me find any hidden doors.”
I began to feel my way over the walls, knowing that there’d be at least one servants’ door inset into the stone. However, I was briefly surprised by yet another blast from the Hall, but not an explosive one. Instead, it was the beginnings of a snowstorm, one of my most hated enemies. I coughed as ice rained down on my head. One of the many things I missed about Iberia was its warmth, its near-desert temperatures and the sun on my face, not the cold and wet of this Alagaësia with its mockery of a sun. As I searched, squinting against the howling wind, I couldn’t help but mutter curses in my native tongue.
“Maldición Alagaësia y su frío y dureza! Voy a matar a quien inventó la nieve y hacer que-” “Something like this, Cesar?” “Hm?” I glanced up and, through the whirling snow, saw Schrren trace the outline of a door. “Bueno. Take the little one. I shall go in front and get rid of anyone in our way.” I passed over Endorin, whose struggles were far more exhausted now.
I pushed at the door, but was surprised to find it blocked. Frowning, I pushed harder, but it had been locked from the inside. I removed one of my twin daggers and sliced at it. Considering it was wood only painted to look like stone, it shattered apart easily. I kicked the remaining splinters out of the way and ducked through. Grateful for the darkness and the lack of snow, I began to sneak eastwards. It was slow going, since I had to crouch even with my small size, and the occasional pattering of a terrified servant running through another hidden corridor made me freeze every so often. However, only a mere ten minutes after we’d first entered, I heard whispering farther down our own corridor. I drew my dagger again, turning back to Schrren, who was inches behind me.
“We are not alone. Keep the child quiet.”
I gripped the pommel with a steady hand, listening attentively. From the amount of whispering, these definitely weren’t servants, or at least servants only looking for an escape route. I guessed there were maybe four or five people up ahead. If we kept quiet, I could take them by surprise. If not, then Schrren’s magic was likely to come in handy.
Words;; 4015. My posts are longer than yours. ;D Muse;; TERRIBLE, except for like the first thousand words. Thoughts;; I apologize for the crappiness and for the fact that something about writing Pele makes me ramble with her. Also, I stole from Tiilyr, and I DIDN'T ask permission for it, I just threw it out there. ;D And I broke a 'you may not' rping rule somewhere in the beginning. Muahaha.
EDIT: Since Emma has broken one of the key 'I May Not's, you may all call her Pookie for two months.
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zkjt
Novice
Posts: 47
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Post by zkjt on Apr 10, 2010 9:20:58 GMT -5
Islanzadi
Needless to say, I was actually getting worried. The battling had not stopped, and it did not even look as if the battle was diminishing. So far I had not been approached, as I made my way through the turmoil, but I knew it would be a matter of time before people realized who I was. I had not seen myself yet, but by feeling my hair and clothes I knew that I would look like a mess. I could feel the few remaining swan feather's in my hair weren't in their original positions, but were thrown randomly across my hair. My skin, at least on my hands, were dirty, and the bare skin on my legs was also stained with dirt, and in some cases, blood.
By feeling my dress I knew it was also in disarray. My legs were vulnerable from all the cuts in my dress, revealing my pale calves and thighs. When it got to my breast, it still remained intact. I only had on one of my shoes, the other had been lost as I chased after Endorin. My beautiful shoe....Stop!
I shook my head, trying to focus on the matter at hand. Endorin had just been captured my an Imperial elf, which definitely did not appear to be good. I hadn't got a glimpse of him yet but I had been looking everywhere, skirting the edges of the main place. I was by the Imperial side now and I looked down, and closes my eyes instantly. Marcus Tabor's body was below me, his flesh peeling off. He had been closest to the bomb when it exploded and his skin was peeling off due to the intense heat that had occupied the blast. But I continued searching.
While I searched, I tried to put everything that had happened together. A bomb had exploded, and both Imperials and Varden members were killed, making the bomb thrower a rogue, or a mercenary. Either side could have hired him/her to throw this, regardless of casualties on both sides. I tried putting faces on the man who had thrown the bomb but none came to mind from either side besides Galbatorix himself. But Galbatorix hadn't left Uru'baen in a while...so who could it be?
I was shaken out of my thoughts as a long Clang! filled the air. I looked over and saw Thorn and Sierthra fighting. I blinked in surprise, stepping forward to help Sierthra, but then stepping back. I had to find Endorin. He was powerful..more powerful than he knew. If Galbatorix could convince him..he was still so young...
That resolved me. I added renewed vigor in my steps as I searched the place. And then I caught a glimpse of him. Endorin was being carried by the elf still, and he was talking urgently with another man. I looked closer to see it was Schrren. Had they planned this? With growing apprehension to the legitimacy of this summit I continued toward them. When the building fell. Literally, the building began to collapse itself the walls breaking leaving gaps to where you could see the stars. I looked up at them, and when I turned back to where Endorin had been he was gone.
I ran to the side of the wall and looked down and saw two figures darting away, one bulkier than the other. I was about to launch myself down after them when another strange occurrence happened. It started to snow. People stopped fighting to look up, only to be killed by the other. The heat left the room, and eventually it became freezing. This would strong magic, that I knew. Dare I try to counteract it? No, I decided. I must find Endorin. And I was about to to, when I was suddenly airborne.
I don't know what did it, but I flew through the air, to stunned to even use magic. Thankfully my wards stopped me from hitting the wall, and instead I fell to the ground. I opened my eyes and saw a man looking at me. On further scrutiny, I saw it was Kyemen. “Er, greetings your highness.” I blinked and stood up, flattening my dress. “Are you well?” Am I well? Of course I'm not well! I almost yelled at him right then and there, but I of course calmed myself before I spoke. "Greetings Kyemen," I said in the most placid tone I could muster. "I am actually trying to find Endorin, who has been kidnapped by Cesar Insalata and Schrren, both workers for Galbatorix. Now, I need your help. They are somewhere below us, and seeing as your dragon is occupied, it would be great if you could help," Without waiting for an answer, I was running back the way I had come.
Endorin
Honestly, being manhandled my a maniac isn't the greatest thing you can do. When the man finally slowed down I began to struggle, kicking my legs and biting. And then of course, Schrren had to come and I instantly stopped. They exchanged pleasantries and then suddenly we were leaving the castle.
I screamed and yelled as loud as I could. I had no clue whether Islanzadi was following me, but I highly doubted it. Who would come after a kid like me? Finally we reached the ground. We crept along silently, the thought of using magic never occurring to me, until we finally stopped. Cesar and Schrren were whispering urgently, motioning toward the door in front of us. At that moment right when I was about to summon magic, Cesar kicked the door down and we were off once more.
We continued down the corridor for a while, by now I was being carried by Schrren, who though he smelled good, I knew him for what he really was. Suddenly Cesar stopped and I listened in to what Cesar was saying. “We are not alone. Keep the child quiet.” Schrren nodded and wrapped his hand around my mouth. I bit down..hard, and Schrren released his hand over me in which I had the time to shout, "Brisingr!" before Schrren got his hand around me once more. A ball of light blue fire flew from my palm and farther down the corridor. Instantly 6 guards came running down, swords in hand. I smiled through Schrren's hand, proud of myself. Looking up at Schrren, I saw he was smiling aswell and my hope went down the drain.
Schrren
I admit, I was feeling extremely happy at this point. I had captured an elf child..Galbatorix had not had an elf from Du Weldenvarden since Durza had allowed Arya to escape. And he had probably never had an elf child before. I would be rewarded greatly, as would Cesar. As Cesar entered my thoughts, I glanced at him. His face was concentrated, while Endorin squirmed feebly in his grasp. I smiled as we continued onward.
We came to a door, where Cesar tried to open it. Frowning he pulled out a knife and cut through it, after handing Endorin to me. Endorin hadn't moved as long as I had been touching him which I loved. He was scared of me, and everyone knew it.
We continued down toward the corridor, until Cesar stopped. “We are not alone. Keep the child quiet.” I placed my hand over Endorin's mouth, not expecting any resistance, but of course it came. He bit down..hard. I released my hand, cursing under my breath, and before I could place my hand over his mouth he had already said something in the ancient language. A bright ball of blue fire sped off down the corridor, which was followed by shouts and curses. Six men suddenly ran down at us, hands on their swords. I smiled and threw Endorin to the ground. "Malnthinae!" I barked, and he instantly froze. I could see in his eyes he was trying to move, but he couldn't and instead he glared at me with a deep anger.
I saw Cesar turn pulling out daggers, but I drew forth magic, preparing a spell. "Jierda theirra kalfis!" Two fell instantly, screaming in agony. Smiling playfully I grabbed the third one near me and twisted his head all the way around. he fell limp less to the ground. I looked at the two remaining soldiers and ended their lives quickly. "Jierda!Jierda!" I aimed the bolt of red at both the men's heads, killing them instantly. I turned to see Cesar standing over three bodies as well. Smiling I picked up Endorin who was still limp. "Shall we go now?"
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