NationStates Jolt Archive

Flex looked at the Knight.

"I have already forgiven you. I am here to go and take Ruth to the Palace. I was sent there by a good friend. She told me Ruth would be safe there."

He was still kneeling. He looked to where the Knight pointed the knife at.

The Elven man smiled sadistically at the two. The rain seemed to bend around him, leaving an area of dryness all around him. He waved his hand nonchalantly at the knight, and he felt the knife being pulled away from him with a tremendous force.

Because your pathetic "God" is unfit to be worshipped by so many. He said, pointing at Flex. And therefore she, the Archangel, must die by any means necessary, and if a foolish paladin can be used to my advantage, then so be it. I am the only one who deserves to rule the heavens, and I will destroy everyone in my way!

The man's face twisted into a visage of sick glee, and he let out a sharp, piercing laugh. The clouds just above the Guardian grew ominously dark suddenly.

---

Kirith smiled at Dranon and kissed him back.

"That's right. I hope that neither of us will ever have to face an enemy without the other." She said softly to him.

The Elf realized that Cora was standing right next to them. She blushed, and looked over at her briefly.

"Are you a Dark Elf?, One of those elves that walks in the darkness?", asked the paladin, standing from the ground. "So what the winged man said was true, and you're the true enemy".

He turned to Flex. "Ride that horse again. I will stay and cover your back. Go, now!", said the knight, realizing that he was unarmed, facing a powerful enemy, even more powerful than his own imagination.

There is no need for you to know, paladin. The Elf said, saying the word paladin as if it were a crude word unfit for speech. You're brave, I'll give you that. Then again, there is a very thin line between courage and stupidity. You paladins always lived only for valor. You have the first move.

His hands began to glow in a deep red, casting a dim light over his surroundings.

Flex felt the black clouds darken around him. He quickly rushed to where Ruth lay and picked her up again. The Knight offered his horse once again.

He lay Ruth on the horse and jumped on himself; leaning over Ruth to protect her, looking to the Knight.

"You are still honorable my friend. But, what will you do now?"

A sword materialized in the Elf's hands, and the man smiled evily at it. It's tarnished mithril gave off a dull sheen, and foreboding eminated from it. It's hilt was of old, black bones, carved into intricate figures that were indisinguishable through the rain. The Elf tossed the sword at the paladin's feet.

Here, if you really want to fight me, at least make it fair. Take the sword. He said persuasively.

Looking at Flex on the white horse, he said, Don't move if you want to live.

The man gazed up at the sky, and as if on cue, the clouds crackled with crimson lightning.

The lightening cracked. Flex looked about him. It looked as if he really did not have a choice. He carressed the horse's mane slowly, trying to calm it down. He looked at this elf.

"What is it that you want of me? I am not here to harm anyone."

I want her dead. The Elf said, pointing at the Archangel. Hand her over, and you can walk in the light of the sun again for another day.

The knight picked up the sword, making a swift balancing of the blade and adopting a defensive stance. He turned to Flex just for a moment "I said go, go to the castle, you will be safe there. I'll stop this mad elf right here right now, and try to buy you some time. Save that Archangel of yours, that's your duty, don't fail to accomplish it" he whistled to the horse, ordering to the steed to run away, to return to his stable.

Then he looked at the elf, balancing the sword again over his head. "Let's get this show started. It's a shame no minstrels are here to watch this".

http://www.clarence.com/contents/tecnologia/wallpapers/games/soulcalibur/images/small/014.jpg
Knight of the Sacred Order of the Paladins.

Flex nodded. The horse rearing to the whistle took off toward the Palace. Flex looked back.

"Good luck, good Knight. I wish you well."

They left in a gallop toward the Palace.

Two swords so black they blotted out the light around them appeared in the Elf's hands, and smoke rose off of them. He spun them around, and the smoke spiralled around him.

Let's get this over with.

Two swords so black they blotted out the light around them appeared in the Elf's hands, and smoke rose off of them. He spun them around, and the smoke spiralled around him.

Let's get this over with.

The Knight just balanced the sword over his head again. "I'm a Sacred Knight of the Holy Order, and for my honor I swear that you shall not pass", he said, standing between the elf and the retreating angel.

(OOC I shall continue on watching this....Kain will too. :) )

Kain observed some of this. he saw the knight and the elf readying thier weapons for the combat ahead. He saw the knight....and reminded himself so bitterly of the Inquisitors impetousness and single minded and often irrational devotion. Still...that was what Kain was reminded of.

A low mist covered a patch of land, so thin the ey could barely see. But both felt as though they where being watched...a sense of unease.

Kirith smiled at Dranon and kissed him back.

"That's right. I hope that neither of us will ever have to face an enemy without the other." She said softly to him.

The Elf realized that Cora was standing right next to them. She blushed, and looked over at her briefly.

Cora pretend to have not noticed and sat down in a chair. "Well. What are to do now? Sit here and wait?" She sighed.

"Waiting isn't something she does well," Dranon said in a low voice, with a slight smile, in Kirith's ear.

"I heard that Dranon," Cora said.

He gave a nervous laugh. "I didn't mean anything ill by it, sister, just stating the facts."

Cora rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Dranon."

Kirith smirked at the exchange between the two. She sat on her bed and looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, waiting to be attacked is never a good idea, but we're dreadfully low on information. We don't know where the demons will attack, when, how many of them there will be, or if we even have a chance of stopping them." She said, looking at the wall opposite of her.

---

The Elf hesitated for a moment. Attacking a paladin like the one before him would force him to dispell his cloud enchantment and reveal himself to Kirith, whom he knew could reach him in an instant using her magic.

You know, if you were to stand aside, perhaps even aid me further, great things could come to you... He said in a clear, beautiful voice.

The paladin's eyes were drawn by an unseen force to the sword before him, and he had an irresistable urge to give in. The dark power around the sword grew, and the etchings on the blackened handle seemed to call out to him, to beckon him to give in.

The knight just dropped the sword, knowing that foul sorcery was inside the blade. He stepped back, and picked up the hilt of his broken sword. "You're not going to play with my mind again, elf. If you want to pursue and kill those angels, you will need to win that right by force of arms alone".

The Elf looked behind the paladin at the fading form of Flex and his charge. He could just warp to him and slay the Archangel right then and there, but the opportunity to teach a foolhardy knight a lesson was too good to pass up. He grinned evilly, and spun the two swords again.

Fair enough. Now is the time to begin! He said, his eyes narrowing.

The Elf rushed at the paladin, arcing both of his sinister looking swords towards the knight, both of the blades screaming as they sliced through the rain.

Flex rode at a blinding speed. The horse seemed destined to hit that Palace, and fast. In the distance ahead, he could make out the faint figure of it towers and gates. The white horse ran through the rain.

Each cold droplet that hit Flex burdened him. He had to get Ruth there. He would die first before not accomplishing his goals. His life was sworn to the Archangel. There was no way he would allow himself to fail.

The darkened sky did not lighten any. The lightening pierced the ground with fury. The wind blew with vengence. Yet, the Palace stood in the distance, proud and brillant, its figure becoming more distinguishable and more larger as the horse sped toward it.

The Paladin closed his eyes, knowing that he was facing an enemy far beyond his capabilities, and that this was a fight that he couldn't win.

He felt his own death drawing near as the elf approached, standing in a defensive stance. God, just let me buy some time for the angel to arrive, the only thing I ask for myself is that you let me die as a true knight, with honor. I have no complains about my destiny, I just want to die as I lived, he prayed.

Flex just about reached the gates of the castle. He rode with great speed and agility.

The horse snorted in approval of seeing it's home in the distance. Ruth stirred and made a mumbled sound. Flex looked down at her and smiled. He just about made it there.

As the two swords of the Elf came closer to the paladin, they created a disturbance in the divine magic surrounding him. The clouds directly above the two parted, bathing them in sunlight. The storm rapidly began to receed, exposing his evil aura to others. Still, he pushed onwards, intent on killing the foolish knight.

---

Kirith's breath caught in her throat for a moment, but she quickly composed herself and shook her head to clear her mind. She rose and walked over to Dranon with a sense of urgency.

"I'm sorry I can't explain further." She said, looking at Cora. "But Corellon has come. I must go."

She took Dranon's hand in hers and held it tightly. Turning to him, the goddess looked into his eyes.

"Dranon..." She began in a soft voice. "I won't stop you if you want to come with me."

The Knight tried to parry several of the lightning-fast strokes of the elf, being successful in part, but a pair of slashes found their mark, tearing apart parts of the Knight's armor and spilling his blood on the mud.

"So, it has begun. Prepare to watch how the brave men die, you corrupted scum!", he shouted, slashing at the elf's face with his broken sword.

"Flex is in danger, I can feel it. And something really powerful is chasing him, something...evil. More evil than even a demon", said Alessia to the others, smelling the air.

Dranon squeezed her hand. "I'm going. I'm not going to let you face this Corellon or whatever by yourself."

Cora looked at the two. "I'll stay. Alessa needs someone here to be with, since she's blind. Maybe we can figure out how to fix it."

Dranon nodded at his sister. "That's wise, you don't need to be put into danger. And danger is what this Corellon is."

"How do you know?" Cora asked, confused.

"I can tell just by Kirith's reactions to him." He turned back to Dranon. "I'll go where ever you go."

Kirith smiled softly and nodded at Dranon. She closed her eyes and let out a long sigh, concentrating her energy on the aura of Corellon.

"There you are." She whispered to herself.

Suddenly, Kirith and Dranon were no longer there.

---

The Elf grimaced as the knight's jagged hilt scraped along his face, but the wounds faded within a few moments of appearing, leaving only light red marks on his fair skin. He drew closer, his dark eyes flashing, and he slashed again with an intense ferocity.

Kirith and Dranon appeared in a flash to the side of Corellon. The goddess let go of Dranon's hand, and stood in front of him protectively.

"Corellon!" She shouted angrily. "How dare you attack a paladin? What has corrupted you so?"

The Elf paused for a moment, and looked over at Kirith. He grinned widely, and took a step towards her, ignoring the knight. Kirith took an involuntary step backwards.

Ah, Kirith, I thought you'd never show. So glad to see you again. I could tell you what has shown me the way to true power, but then I'd have to kill you. Oh, wait, I was going to do that anyway. He said almost casually.

"Oh, shut up." Kirith retorted, her fist clenching and relaxing again, a glowing crimson blade now in her hand.

Corellon threw one of the pitch black blades at the knight's chest, and grasped the other one with both hands.

As you wish.

Hi, i have an angelic nation, and Rastaban said that i might be able to join this thread.

I have read it through and have a bare understanding of the story.

There is a lot of info on my nation in this thread (only one page):

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2192705#2192705

My Angels seem a bit more powerful and alien (non-human rather than martian-alien) than the ones portrayed here, but as none of them have really displayed their full power i am only guessing.

Also, if i do join, kain, shall we stagger the in-game chronology a bit so you are not in two places simultaneously? if so, then i propose that we put this after the broken wings thread.

(( :shock: I knew it! I knew it I knew it I knew it! I knew there was two Where Angels Fear To Tread threads. Wow, that's weird. Anyway, you'd be welcome in this thread, but looking over your description, I really have no idea where you'd fit in.))

Maybe as cavalry somewhere, or i could just insert myself into a situation...

My people can teleport, it is usually how my characters, particularly my two main agents, enter. this means i could appear pretty much anywhere.

((::step up to the plate:: :oops: Hehe, well, I was think maybe you could create trouble for Kirith and the others, but then Cyber teleported them else where [which is great]. But Cora is still there, and so is Alessa [albeit blind], as are Alleluia and David [playerless though]. And we were saying that ppl are still going to be after the angels...just a thought... :oops:))

Dranon instinctively put a had to his side, but found nothing to grip. He looked down at his belt. All there was were three daggers on the backside of him.

'Crap,' he thought. And drew one, ready to do what damage he could with it. 'At least I still have the cloak Kirith gave me.'

He rethought that when he got a good look at Corellon. 'Maybe I should let her have it instead.'

"Thank you Cora. I really appreciate it", said Alessia, trying to reach the human's hand with her own. Once she found it, she take it with a delicate gesture. "Why are you worried about me?, after all you know what I am, and what I did to the people of this town. Have you already forgive me?", asked Alessia to Cora.

The knight fell, impaled by the dark blade of Corellon Larethian's sword by the chest. "Corellon?, Ar...you Corellon?" he gasped, "The Fath...er of ..ll elves?, the m..sic lover?. Th...is is...not Sahandrian your sword...Why?...Why you did this?". He fell to the ground, his blood all over the place, his shining silver armor now stained with crimson.

Kirith saw from the corner of her eye Dranon pulling out a dagger. Realizing he would need far more than that, a simple rapier appeared in her hand, surrounded by a holy white light that glinted off of the mithril blade, dazzling those who looked at it. Holding it by the blade, she handed it behind her to Dranon.

"Here, take this. Try and get behind him while I fight him." She whispered to him, and kissed him quickly.

I can heeeaaar you... Corellon mocked.

The elven girl glared at Corellon and launched herself at him, bringing her energy blade up high. Corellon held his hand out and black lightining shot forth at Kirith. She pointed a finger at it and swept her arm to the side, and the jagged bolts turned sharply and exploded against the ground.

im not really evil, though i could find it within my politics to believe the world a better place without High Angels...

also, is this at night, or during the day?

Flex reached the gates, as a cold chill, thanatoid, ran through his body. He shivered terribly.

He looked to the gates, shut and locked. This was not good, the chill ran through him again. Something was wrong, trouble was nearing. He held the horses reigns as he stood aside the gate. He placed his hand on it and pushed, hoping the gate would open. No, nothing.

His wings hung limp behind him, much like the mood he was in.....defeated. He looked inside the large courtyard before him, no one. This had to have been the right place, for the horse knew very well where it was. The horse snorted impatiently, as if it expected him to open the gates.

He gently took Ruth from the horse and held her closely. All three were soaked from the rain; cold and trembling....the horse though being the least effected by it.

Flex loved this horse. It has a good spirit and was a scared animal. He placed his hand on it's nose and pet it gently, holding Ruth against him in one hand.

"I am sorry by kind animal. But, I must leave you now. I trust you will find your way in."

He spread his wet wings and attempted to fly, but nothing. His wet wings weighed him down to the point that flying was out of the question. He stood outside the gates.

"Paladin," he yelled out. "Some one, please let me and quickly."

The cold chill ran through him. It was so intense that he collapsed to his knees.

"Quickly....," he quitely called as he leaned his head againt the gate, still on his knees, supporting Ruth still.

The horse didn't go. It just stood near Flex, refusing to leave the angel now that the mount had felt the dead of his former master.

The doors of the castle slowly opened, and a pair of sentinels appeared from the other side of the door. "Oh, look Alan, we have here another pilgrim, he's wet, and tired. Help me to take him inside".

The pair of guards leaned their spears against a wall and grabbed Flex. "Gustavo, you're not going to believe me, but first, this pilgrim is holding a woman against his chest, and second, this pilgrim have wings", said one of them, opening his eyes wide.

Cora smiled, hoping that Alessa could sense it, if not see it. "I know what you did. Notice the past tense. I didn't not say 'I know what you do.' I believe that you have changed for the better. Am I one to stop this postive change to progress further?"

She gave Alessa's hand a gentle squeeze. "Besides, it is not up to me to judge you. That is in the gods hands. Being that I'm not a god, I have not right to say anything. So have I really forgiven you, I suppose to an extent. That is why I am helping you. Not only am I trusting you, I'm asking you to trust me."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dranon stood motionless for a second, with the blade in his hand, after Kirith had kissed him.

Then he watched as Corellon attacked her.

'Idiot!' he scolded himself. 'You just let that freak attack her!'

"Leave her alone." The words were out of his mouth before he could even form a proper thought. He held the sword in front of him, hoping that'd the gods were on his side today and would allow him to leave this fight just long enough to say good-bye to the girl he loved.

Flex felt himself being lifted by two people. He was too exhuasted thought to make the attempt to lift himself. He held closely Ruth, refusing to part with her.

He lifted his head to these people, and took notice that they must be guards of this place.

"Thank you," he said. He tried to help them, by walking himself, but he just could not stir himself, cold chills raced through him and he could sense that something very terrible had happened behind him, the horse too felt that. Loss.....he felt an empty feeling.

"Let's take them inside. I will do it, but please go and announce to Sir Miguel and Lady Beatriz that we have a ....colorful situation down here", said one of the guards, helping Flex.

"What..what in the name of the heaven are you?" asked the another one to the angel, watching amazed at his wings.

_________________________________________


Alessia smiled at the place where Cora could stand. "Thank you, Cora. I really appreciate it. We need to work together".

OOC: how about i stir things up back at the inn? things are a bit quiet there...

Here goes, i am assuming it is night:

IC: The Innkeeper shivers as a sudden wind blows cold air under the door of the Common room, He shakes his head, muttering about "strange happenings" and "when i was a lad". a sound like he tinkle of falling glass causes him to turn, just as the wind causes the doors of the inn to fly open with a bang, and hang, groaning on loosened hinges.

Two figures stand silhoetted against the night.

They enter in the wake of the preceding wind, and stand just inside, casting their gaze slowly around the room.

One Stranger is dressed entirely in White, the other in Black, and each carries a cane of the opposing colour.

The Black stranger emits an aura of Dread, the ebon skin of his bald head is covered in blue tattoos which seem to glow faintly. His eyes are also blue, a light china blue which contrasts sharply with his other features.

The White stranger is of slim build, with a face that could only be described as beautiful. he is, however, completely masculin, if more by his body language and attitude than by his physical features. a small, knowing smile graces his lips. A smile that implies a secret, a knowledge of your innermost fears and dsires. it is, however, a benign smile, and completely devoid of smugness. He is inexplicably both faintly reassuring, and completely terrifieng.

The aura of power surrounding the two is incredible, and unconcealed.

The white stranger smiles at the innkeeper, and places a coin made of a silvery substance on the table. The markings on it date it as coming from the holy land, just after the crusades. the metals value alone would be enough for the innkeeper to retire on comfortably.

"I wish a room, for as long as i require it."

Flex was exhausted and only heard bits and pieces of what the guards had said. He was amazed how far he has pushed himself going like this. However, his condition was caused by distress, and was mostly emotional anxiety wearing him down.

He heard an incoherent question, but by the look in the gaurds eyes he made quick assumptions. Assuming that he was inquiring about Ruth.

"Do not hurt Ruth, please." He held his cloak around her and clutched her closer to him. He looked pleadingly at the guards, unaware that the guard was directing his inquiries to him.

It took a while until it dawned on Flex that his appearence was attracting attention.

"I.......," he did not know if he should continue. He did not know if these people would believe him and with everything going on, he may as well end up looking like the enemy, with silent ways. He knew that the Paladin back in the field was gone, he could sense that now, he could distinguish that feeling now. If they found out, they would think that he had done it. He decided it was best to remain silent and pretend his wings did not exist.....that it was normal.

"I.......need help with Ruth. She is a close friend. Can you help us? A friend had sent us here, saying we would be safe. Could we take selter here?"

Double post

"This castle offers shelter to anyone that ask for it, but..." said one of the guards "You need the permission of the Lord and the Lady of the Castle. As long as you have a pure heart and no evil intent, this gates will protect you from any harm".

"Wait a minute. I recognize this horse. This is Sir Rodrigo's mount!. I could recognize it in a full stable, and he would never part with it. Where's Sir Rodrigo?, Did you stole this horse from him?", asked the another guard, a grin acroos his face.

Not waiting for a reply, the pair then walk into the center of the room. they move with an unnatural grace. Every move is as if choreographed by a master, and executed to perfection.

The Black stranger speaks, his velvet-on-steel voice barely a low murmer.
"They are upstairs. I can smell them. What is our course of action?"

The White Stranger yawns, stretches, and sits down in an ornate mahogany armchair that materialises behind him.

"I imagine they would be most comfortable if they got the first move. after all, they must know we are here, if they are half as powerful as they are supposed to be."

The Black Stranger smiles a slow, Cheshire-Cat smile, wide and toothy. he then frowns, and sniffs the air.

"Not all of them are here. And I smell Magic strongly."

He turns suddenly, his smile returned with interest:

"And our Vampiric friend is here too! Oh goody..."

The White Stranger raises an eyebrow in concern. Usually their information was better, more up-to-date than this. Watchers do not like suprises. he pulls a smal brass instrument from a hidden recess in his robe, and consults it carefully. The instrument shows a number of dials and arcane symbols, and their present readings apparently concern Him.

"There is much disturbance here. Probability Convergance is fouling the instruments. We have no idea what the present situation is... we could be in completely the wrong place."

Corellon held his hand out to the sword protruding from the knight's corpse, and it flew to his hand.

Sahandrian? He scoffed, sparing a glance at the paladin's bloodied form. That ancient sword didn't have the potential, the raw power, that I wield now. No, the old ways only served to hinder me. These two swords I hold now, Jaharin and it's brother Ciathrial, embody what I have unlocked.

He looked back to Kirith. Watch, young one, and learn.

As Kirith rushed at him, a fireball formed in his hand and he hurled it at her. As the blazing projectile closed with Kirith, she dodged at the last moment and it singed her side. She yelped in suprise but pushed onward, arcing the crimson blade down at Corellon's side. He laughed at her attack and twirled one of his blade, bringing it along his forearm and raising his arm to deflect Kirith's sword. Sparks showered down onto the cold ground below them as their swords clashed over and over again. Finally, he knocked her blade out of line with an insanely fast twirl of his sword. While she was left without a solid defense from his blows he quickly stabbed Jaharin into her leg and slashed out to the side, carrying a trail of blood with it. Kirith sunk to one knee, clutching her thigh. She glared up at him as he brough his sword up above his head. As the sword came screaming down at her head, her blade was there in an instant, stopping Corellon's sword cold. As the blades met, there was a bright red flash, and the tinkling of broken glass was heard. The remains of Kirith's sword rained over the two, leaving tiny cuts on their skin. The goddess rose to her full height, still only coming to Corellon's chest. A small aura of white light surrounding the long gash in her leg was exposed as she took her hand, now painted crimson, from her thigh. She lept backwards, landing next to Dranon, and her wounded leg buckled slightly as she hit the ground.

Corellon grinned madly and ran a finger along his blade, covering it in the blood of the goddess. He licked his finger and his smile became sinister. Kirith let out a long breath and ran the back of her hand across her forehead.

"Well, that accomplished nothing." Kirith said quietly. "Any ideas?"

The Black Stranger gestures his indifference, sighs and then speaks:

"What do we do now then, may i ask?"

The White Stranger carefully replaces the Instrument, and then shrugs.

"all we can do is hope that someone prays. That would provide an Anchor Possibility and enable us to home in on them."

Flex's exhausted mein could not take much more. He collapsed once again, still clutching Ruth, who stirred as he fell.

Flex made an odd exertion of air. He did not know how to explain the situation to them. It all appeared so wrong, and he looked guilty, that he had admitted to himself.

"Your friend and mine......is gone."

"What you mean?". Said one of the guards before Flex blacks out.

When Flex wakes out, he finds himself in a dry, white room, the sacred icons of god all over the place. He's lying on a comfortable bed, and Ruth is resting in the next one.

The soft sheets are clean and right to his bed is a plate with some fresh food, fruits and a bottle of wine. A female figure is sleeping in a chair next to his bed, her face resting on her arms, the hair covering her features.

Flex continues to lie down. It is so soft and comfortable and he oddly feel relaxed. He breathed in slowly, taking notice to a woman sleeping in a chair next to his bed. He does not move in fear of stirring her out of her sleep.

The food smells tempting, but the empty feeling inside him is too deep to eat. It pains him as he thinks off all those lost in this event. One supposedly easy reconnisance mission had turned to a devastating and fatal distortion. He remembered the seens of the attack before his plight to Eyrie, and the look of betrayal on the faces of his own people. They did not know Flex because he was different from even them, but the way they looked at him, blaming him for Ruth's condition. And, what would they do when they found the body of Simon? Would they come after him and take him back to Eyrie? And what when they found David? He had been around when both of the events happened, that would be suspicious....especially with his blood red wings. He remembered Alessia as he woke up the first time....blind. He felt awful about all of these. Fate had thrown him a bad hand, but he accepted it and prayed.

Aloud he spoke in his quite whispery voice to his God. Silently, he prayed asking for guidance from these trials.

The woman rose slowly, seeing at Flex with a smiling face. She was a beautiful mature woman, 35, maybe 40 years old. In her face were showed the signals of a woman of high status and nobility, and her smile transmitted a sensation of warm and comfort "So, you finally woke up. I'm glad to see you're faring better. I have many questions, but courtesy first. I'm Lady Beatriz of Palacios, the Lady of this castle. And you are?".

Flex was warmed by her kindness, as he finished his silent prayer. He smiled back and shut out all previous thoughts.

She said, "I'm Lady Beatriz of Palacios, the Lady of this castle. And you are?".

In a quiet whispery silent voice he responded, "I am Flex." He knew that he could trust this woman. Her kindess radiated and Flex felt reassured by it.

"I am Flex, a Guardian angel from the land of Eyrie. My original intention here were to protect Alleluia from harm on her visit in this realm. However, need called me to Eyrie to help save Ruth the Archangel, who was in grave danger. Alessia and I saved Ruth, she was so brave back there...Alessia that is. She directed us here, but something henious blocked our way. That something killed your friend. He fought well before he died, he protected me and helped save Ruth. He has received blessings from all of Eyrie. I am sorry."

Flex bowed his head. The lose of this man hurt him inside. The man helped him out so much and now he was gone. Ruth awoke in the other bed. She stirred and sat up.

OOC:
Who will play Ruth?

((*raises hand tentatively* I'll do it if no one else wants to. I've never played an Angel before, though.))

OOC:
I do not object. You could take her.

((Mmkay.))

Ruth's eyes flickered slightly as the woman spoke, her smooth, soft tone rousing the Archangel from her rest. She opened her eyes fully, and as her eyes focused on the forgien ceiling above her, she realized she was in a bed. But it was not her bed. Nor was this her Eyrie. She sat up in the bed suddenly, but a rush of dizzyness forced her to lay back down.

"Where am I?" She asked meekly.

Flex looked at Ruth then to the Lady. He felt it most appropiate that she answer.

((I don't have any objections either :D ))

"You're safe. You're in my husband's castle, the Castle of the Sacred Paladin's Order. Flex is with you", said the woman, comforting Ruth placing her soft hand over Ruth's arm.

Then she turned to Flex, smiling, her eyes shining as she spoke "Guardian Angel, Alessia, Eyrie, Archangel. You speak too fast, I don't understand most of your words, because I don't know the places and people you're talking about, but don't worry, now you're secure behind these walls, and protected by pure and brave men, that wield the power and the will of God", she said, pausing for a moment to give Ruth a cup of wine.

"My friend, you said, I suppose you're talking about Rodrigo. He isn't...wasn't my friend, he was my son, my older son. He left this castle a week ago, to search for the Holy Grail as all the Questing Knights. Sir Rodrigo Palacios del Corazón Blanco, he was so proud of it...", said the woman, tears appearing in her bright eyes. But she washed the tears away before they could fall on her cheeks. In that moment the woman looked older, the light from inside her diminishing its intensity.

"But now there's no time to talk about such sad things. Are you real angels?, I have been a cleric for almost twenty years, and I haven't seen an angel. The guards said that you looked like a devil, but I don't feel the touch of evil inside your soul, just purity, that's why I took care of the both of you. And about whatever killed my son and is pursuing you, you should talk with my husband, he needs to know about it. He will come as soon as you have recovered".

Flex felt the words "my older son" pierce his heart. Her son had died to protect Ruth and him. Anguish filled his heart. He felt terrible.

"I am sorry my Lady. I did not mean to...,"

Flex could not continue. He contemplated on what she had said.

"I am no more or less than I make myself. I was born an angel, but have hidden from my people all my life. Your husband...will he understand?"

Flex looked to Ruth and smiled upon seeing her better. She had been unconscious for a long time, and there was much...very much...that he needed to talk to her about.

As time passes, the Black Stranger's pacing becomes frenetic. The depth of the strain caused by his impatience showing plainly in his body language, if not his face, which carries an expression of mildly frustrated amusement.

suddenly he stops. He stands motionless for a few seconds before turning to his companion, his voice carrying the hissing ring of a blade drawn:

"Waiting is not my strong-suit. I am going upstairs. Probablility and fortune-telling be sundered. At least half of them are still here."

He turns and stalks towards the stairs.

The White Stranger stands wordlessly, and effortlessly overtakes his partner, leaping in a graceful arc up the first flight of steps, he takes the lead.

OOC: Sorry, peeps. Computer is being retarded. Gonna be off for a week, max. So, instead of my characters just standing there, I was wondering if Cyber could play them.

I know you have your hands full with Kirith, Corellon, & Ruth now, so I'd understand if you don't except. I'll check here one more time to see your response.

Thank you.

((I'm sorry, but I don't think that I could play your characters very well. I just wouldn't be the same. But, if the others want me to, I'll try. I hope that your computer works soon!))

((I'm sorry, but I don't think that I could play your characters very well. I just wouldn't be the same. But, if the others want me to, I'll try. I hope that your computer works soon!))

((Looks like Führer, Cyber and myself are going to handle all the characters of this thread...We could use some new blood over here, let's see hoe Nephalim behave!))

OOC: oh dear, i can see this becoming quite confusing...

IC: At the top of the stairs, the Strangers stop. The Black Stranger tastes the air, while the White Stranger seemingly just stands, listening.

The White Stranger stands aside, and the Black steps forward.
He walks slowly down the corridor, stopping at each door in turn.

The White Stranger follows at a discrete distance.

At each door, the Black Stranger sniffs once, and then draws his nails down the lintel on the right side. the marks left are those of a beast, however, not the working of the Strangers immaculately manicured hands.

Th most alarming thing however, is the response of the wood. Now wounded, the wood bleeds. Red, warm blood runs from the wounds, and soaks into the grain, swelling the wood and sealing the door tight.

The White Stranger mutters under his breath.
"Blood of the Lamb to protect the innocent."

They stop at the door of the remaining group. They pause, allowing the others a chance to make the first move.

The White Stranger knocks...

Flex stood up. He felt terrible about all of this. He abandoned someone who helped him, consquently the person died. He was too late, consequently one of his own had died. He needed to return back to the Inn and report Ruth's safety, but that would mean crossing the field where the predators remained. He needed to go back and talk with Alessia and Allelulia.

OOC:
Who is playing Allelulia here?

((Not me! :P ))

"Safe..." Ruth echoed the woman's words in her melodious voice.

She took a sip of the wine, and her eyes brightened with a keen awareness. As the woman spoke of her son, who had apparently died for her, she felt those words cut deep into her like a sword. Someone had died for her, and she didn't even know him.

"Yes, we are real angels. There is something pursuing us?" She said, trying to keep up with the rapid intake of information.

((Not me! :P ))

"Safe..." Ruth echoed the woman's words in her melodious voice.

She took a sip of the wine, and her eyes brightened with a keen awareness. As the woman spoke of her son, who had apparently died for her, she felt those words cut deep into her like a sword. Someone had died for her, and she didn't even know him.

"Yes, we are real angels. There is something pursuing us?" She said, trying to keep up with the rapid intake of information.

In the Castle of the Sacred Paladin's Order...

The woman nodded to Flex. "I don't know who is it, or what is it, only your partner knows, you should ask him" she said, turning to the only window of the room. "My husband is maybe the only person here who can help you about that matter, he's the Great Master of the Order and a fabled crusader of good".

In the room of the Inn...

Alessia heard the knock on the door, pushing away Cora from it "Please stand behind me , whatever is behind that door, is not human". She drew her both swords, the chains and razors of her fiendish whipsword coiling toward the door. Her celestial sword just remained silent, without emitting any glow. "Who is there?", she asked, ready to torn apart the door and whatever is knocking it with the blade from hell.

In the Castle of the Sacred Paladin's Order...

The woman nodded to Flex. "I don't know who is it, or what is it, only your partner knows, you should ask him" she said, turning to the only window of the room. "My husband is maybe the only person here who can help you about that matter, he's the Great Master of the Order and a fabled crusader of good".

In the room of the Inn...

Alessia heard the knock on the door, pushing away Cora from it "Please stand behind me , whatever is behind that door, is not human". She drew her both swords, the chains and razors of her fiendish whipsword coiling toward the door. Her celestial sword just remained silent, without emitting any glow. "Who is there?", she asked, ready to torn apart the door and whatever is knocking it with the blade from hell.

The door slowly opens, revealing the Strangers.

The White Stranger speaks, his voice melodious, his tone light:
"Tis' the wolf and the Fox. Be Still, we mean neither harm nor hindrance."

The Black Stranger grins:
"For now."

The White Stranger shrugs and smiles, then speaks again:
"For now, indeed. I am Gader'el elElohim, and this is Sameydi de'Carabas. We seek no... immediate conflict."

"And what are you looking for?. Why are you here?", asked Alessia, still her sword pointing at the strangers. "You're not humans...you're something else".

Flex looked to the lady.

"My lady. When will your husband be free to talk to? I think we all need to discuss what is going on here."

He stretched his wings which were now cramped from his partial flight here, then folded then neatly behind his back.

"He's waiting for you, please follow me when you're ready to talk with him", said the woman, standing from the chair and opening the door of the room. "You have clothes in that closet over there, please call me when you're ready, I'll be outside".

Flex slowly dressed, throwing his heavy blood red, gold lined, cloak over him, covering his wings. It was a perfect disguise for him, for no one could tell what he was under it. However, he did not put up the hood, like he normally would have.

Ruth was lying there, appearing fine. He smiled at her.

"Archangel," he said bowing his head, excusing himself from the room.

He met the Lady of the Palace outside.

"I am ready," he quietly spoke, with bowed head.

The lady took him through many passages and hallways until they arrived to a white door with silver hinges. "This way, please do me the honors, my husband is waiting for you inside", said the woman, opening the door.

Inside was a simple, yet beautiful seat, as big as a throne, but without the carvings and the adornments of a normal throne. Sitted on it was a mature man, around the fourth decade of his life, dressed with a blue and silver cloak over a full plate golden armor. His face was fair and handsome, yet a lot of grief and suffering was painted in his expression, his eyes sunken by the lack of sleep in days.

"Greetings stranger", he said, holding a golden goblet in his hand, "what brought you to the Sacred Paladins Castle?. My wife told me that you saw my son die, Is that true?". As he spoke, the lady slowly walked in, standing next to his husband.

Flex stood before the man, looking down still.

"My name is Flex. I come here on word of a dear friend. It was her word that sent me here.

"I am sorry. I have not seen your son die, for he has passed away giving Ruth and I safe passage here. He died honoarably. I have felt him pass away. I have not seen him, but merely felt him pass away."

Flex remained standing still, looking down upon the ground. He did not even look up to take notice that the Lady had joined his side.

"Do you know who or what killed him?", asked the old paladin, clenching his fists, his knuckles becoming white.

Then he relaxed a bit. "You told me that he sacrificed himself to give you safe passage. Who were pursuing you?, Did you commited a crime?. Who told you about this place and why he sent you here in search of refuge".

He continued after a short pause "And what about those wings of yours?. My wife trusted in you, but I fought against fiends when I was young, and many of them featured red wings, just like yours".

Flex cowered back at the words. His face flinched at each new remark, as he kept his head bowed.

"I...."

He could not finish. He did not know where to start.

"I am a Guardian. I was sent by Alessia here. She told me to take Ruth here that she would be safe. I needed to take Ruth to shelter, for it is imparative Ruth is kept safe. An evil impish like elf had followed me. It was that elf that killed your son. It followed me because I was protecting Ruth and to get to Ruth, one must finish me off first. My wings? I can not explain. I was born this way. I am a friend though, on word of Eyrie, I am," Flex finished boldly, slightly lifting his head.

"So you're a Guardian. That means you're a warrior. About your friend, my wife told me she's an Archangel, so she will be kept here for her own safety. We will take care of her, and all the men in this castle will give their lifes to protect her. That's the duty of a paladin. Regarding you, I will leave the castle to avenge my son's death. And you're coming with me. I will search for this elf and send him to the hell from he came", the old knight rose, looking at his wife, who just nodded. "My wife will stay here, taking care of Ruth. Please get ready, we'll leave in the morning. I have spoken, now you can rest"

The White Stranger smiles.

"Do you not recognise your own kin? I am an Angel. a Nephalim. We have long been gone into exile, and we have changed much, but not that much surely?"

The Black Stranger merely shrugs.
"These are complicated times, but i expect you to understand my position more than most. I am one of the First Fallen. I am, or Was, on of Lucifers greatest generals. But i did not follow him into Hell. Instead i remained on Earth, scraping a meager existance on the belief of simple people. Now i am bound in chains of Words. And i have no choice but to do what i can to redeem mysef."

"We are here bcause this is a Nexus Point in the fate of all Angels. The evils you face are but a small part of the true impact. We are here to see that Humanity is not left to suffer the consequences of Angelic politics. Again."

"So, angels. You two looks like myself, divided into two beings. You two live inside me, as my soul is divided between a devil and an angel", said Alessia, relaxing and sheating her sword. "Talk me about your quest for redemption", she asked to the black stranger, "I'm walking the same path, and I would like to know what do you want to say to me about that crossroad in the fate of angels", she said turning to the white one.

"So, angels. You two looks like myself, divided into two beings. You two live inside me, as my soul is divided between a devil and an angel", said Alessia, relaxing and sheating her sword. "Talk me about your quest for redemption", she asked to the black stranger, "I'm walking the same path, and I would like to know what do you want to say to me about that crossroad in the fate of angels", she said turning to the white one.

The Black Strangers eyes flash with sudden but fleeting rage, and the White Stranger looks away in guilty shame.

The Black Stranger speaks, his voice becomes Alien, wracked in a strange and unknowable pain.

"I do not walk the Path to Redemption so much as i am dragged down it."

He raises a fist as if to strike, causing the sleeve of his robe to fall loose to his elbow. As he tenses to strike, tattoo-like chains of blue runes crawl up his arm, and bind it in place.

The Black Stranger grits his teeth.
"You see, i am bound by words, manacled by faith. I have no choice."

"Then you're not as wise as I thought. Be thankful that someone is wiser than you, and that he's helping you, even without your approval. I would like to have someone that could help me in my redemption", said Alessia, with a grim look in her face, the emotionless blind eyes trying to focus.

Flex slowly left the room. He walked into the corridor. He was not tired, but felt compelled to just sit down. He slid down the wall, and sat, right outside the room.

The Black Stranger laughs. it is not a pleasant sound.

"I do not think you truly understand. I was already tentatively treading the path to Redemption when i was... Attacked. And the attack was far from benevolent."

The White Stranger then speaks, His voice contains an undercurrent of violent and Alien emotion. His face wears an unreadable and inhuman mask of emotional blankness.

"We were not responsible for the attack that rendered him thus. The Brotherhood Of Leopold, otherwise known as The Most holy Inquisition, was. They attacked him using a stolen Volume of the Nephalic Kabbalah. If he had not already been partially redeemed he would have been destroyed. As it was, he was only bound. We rescued him, healed him, and tried to remove the bonds, but they are anchored deeply in his soul, and we cannot."

"When I recovered, they explained what had happened. Ever since I have worked alongside them, trying to recover the Book. And in doing so, my Freedom."

OOC: The Kabbalah is a Codex containing all of the knowledge and power of the respective group of Angels. ie Nephalic Kabbalah = Nephilims Book, High Kabbalah = High Angel's Book, Infernal Kabbalah = Deamons Book. Each Book is split into volumes. They contain Words, which can be chained to make what are effectively spells. Though they are more like cheat codes in a computer game, or debug commands. My angels use these words during normal speech, whick is indicated by the capital letter. This usage basically allows them to convey extra meaning, as it attaches images and emotion to the Words. If this has any signifcant effect, i will rp it. but usually it is just extra emphasis.

"Humans, always messing with affairs not of their business. They usually hamper more than they help. I hope not to cross roads with that Brotherhood of Leopold before achieving my redemption. If I achieved it, of course.", Alessia said, a grin in her face, yet turning to smile at Cora.

A paige approached Flex, in his left hand hanging a chainmail, and in his right one he was holding a sword. "Sire, the Lord of Paladin sent this to you, he want you to use them", he said, smiling at the angel. Both the armor and the sword were enchanted, with angelic runes gleaming alonside the fabric and the blade.

The White Stranger smiles, relaxing again.
"The same could be said of us."

He then looks about the room, assessing the various people present.

OOC: who is actually here?

Flex stood up and gratefully took the gifts offered to him. He would use them if the time called for them. Normally, however, he was not a warrior. His means of defending himself and those he protect was sheer fate and a play with his powers, which was the last of his resources, for he rarely used the gifts God entrusted him with.

It was not that Flex refused to accept this power and his beliefs, for he was very devouted to his calling, but he prefered acting as humanly as possible, for he had an admiration with humanity. He loved being who he was, never wanting anything more or less, but he loved the human realm; their freedom of will, their carelessness and pride; their faith and beliefs, and their arts and languages.

Flex smiled.

"Where shall I meet your Lord?"

OOC: :D I like Flex :D
cool character.

OOC: In the room are Cora of Rastaban, (looks like she's deceased anyway) and Alessia...

"In the doors of the castle", says the old paladin. "You will mount my son's horse, it refuses to carry another rider. I don't know what you did to it. You have an hour".

OOC:
Thank you!

IC:
Flex nodded as he paced around. Perhaps, he would take a look at this Palace, the artwork and structures.

((I'm sorry to say I don't think this thread can go on. Rastaban's gone ( :cry: ) and so is the host. No one's made a post for a while (I won't say I'm not at least partially to blame, but what else is there to post about?) and the plot has been wrecked. What a pity, this could have been great...))

OOC:
Yes, it could have been. Well, nothing gold can stay. Anyway, maybe one of us could start something up sometime. I know I enjoyed role playing with the crowd.

Keep in touch. I am almost always on.

:lol:

((Will do.))

OOC: yeah, i am also interested in another, i kinda joined in at the end, and didn't do much. i would like another opportunity to develope my characters. god knows they need it... :oops:

Anyway, any feedback on my chars would be nice :lol: i always ask and so few answer. but i really dont want to end up becoming what i hate, ie uber 1NvInC1bL3 chars, and it is a fine line indeed with these guys.

Here is a thread for us all to play in. Please join because I want to role play with some old friends again.

Alone in the Dark: The Demon Will Pay.
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=119095&highlight=