NationStates Jolt Archive

He kissed her and took her hand,"So, how would you like to spend the day?"

"In twenty minutes I have to go talk to Renor and Vedt for an hour and try to make heads and tails out of everything for the report to the Queen, and after that I probably won't be able to get away from everyone until it is time for dinner."

help! how do you restore a deleted nation. I'm sorry its disrupting the post, but please, I really need help.

help! how do you restore a deleted nation. I'm sorry its disrupting the post, but please, I really need help.

OOC: Send a request to the mods. Next time, post in 'Technical'

IC: He sighed slightly,"It's alright, I understand... I can't spend time playing with this wonderful new toy, so I shall continue working on my new job... I don't know when the first one will turn up, so the more the better. I'll meet you at dinner?"

She nods. "Sounds good...and I'll speak to Renor about letting you have access to this room."

He smiled, and kissed her,"That'd be a nice way to relax... but don't bother just yet. It can wait"

She nods and kisses him back. "What time is it?"

He glanced at his watch,"About twenty to eleven"

"Five minutes...I'd really rather not..." She rests her forehead on his shoulder.

He felt her reluctance to leave rising in the back of his mind, and held her slightly closer,"I know you don't want to... I'll be waiting for you when it's all over"

She nods slightly.

He kissed the top of her head, and rubbed her back,"You'll be fine... nothing can hurt you here. No-one is going to hurt you anymore"

"I know...that doesn't make going back over it a task to look forward to."

"I know the feeling... but doing this will help it get better marginally faster. I know it's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth."

She nods. "I'd better go...I'll see you this evening."

"Can't wait," he said, kissing her again and letting her go

She kissed him back and left.

He watched her leave, and started to go himself, before he stopped near the door. He spun suddenly, and having drawn already, fired a single round into the target. It was a good thirty yards, but he could see the hole in the centre from there. He smiled slightly,"AS good as ever"

He turned, and left to get on with his own infiltraiton training... he'd become pretty good at some of it, but others needed work

Shan joined him in the halls. "So, what are you up to?"

His response was unusually terse,"Work"

"Hey, hey, relax. She's back now. Acting like she's not isn't going to help matters any."

"Back, but she still worries me, Shan."

Cougar had reached the training room he used for this, and smiled slightly. This room seemed empty at the moment... he could easily change that. He put the projector disk down,"Run program"

Instantly, a scene flickered into life in front of him, the front of a nuclear disposal facility. Guards carrying assualt rifles could be seen patrolling. He was unarmed, and revealed the sneaking suit he wore on operations. He could even feel the biting wind chill his bones, or at least attempt to through the suit,"Well... this is a new one on me"

"Wow, interesting...what is it?"

"Part of my own training... I have a new job. If you're coming, you do exactly as I say"

"...Okay..."

"Follow me"

Cougar led Shan on a roundabout route to the main doors, or so it seemed. He occasionally paused to look around, his eyes straining to penetrate the darkness. They eventually found themselves pressed against a wall, a guard coming. Cougar peeked out from behind the wall slightly, just enough to see what was coming. He ducked back, and waited. As the guard came past, Cougar grabbed him and broke his neck swiftly, dragging the body into the shadows,"You may ask what is going on"

"You just killed a guy and hid the body. But why are we doing this, and where are we going?"

"This is a training exercise... but nothing compared to the real thing. This is a stealth mission. You'll have noticed I am unarmed, and against overwhelming enemy forces. Trying to fight my way through is suicide. Advance without detection, that is my role. As for where we are going... inside would seem a good start"

"Okay. But why are you unarmed? That seems to be suicide, too."

"In this type of mission, bringing in anything other than a pair of binoculars would overburden me. It's a system known as On-Site Procurement... now shut up, and follow me"

Shan shrugs and goes along.

Eventually, they came to an open service duct. Cougar crouched, and looked in it,"Hope you like tight places"

"Not a problem...I'm smaller than you are, remember."

Cougar shrugged, and crawled into the vent, making his way slowly inside the facility. Eventually, he came to a ladder, and clambered down, finding himself in a tank hanger. He swore, and ducked behind a pile of boxes, grabbing Shan as he went and pulling him down,"Stay low"

Shan nods.

Cougar shot a look at him,"Stay here. If anyone comes round that corner, knock him out, and hide the body. Don't, under any circumstances, let them see you"

He jumped over the railing, and hung there for a moment, before dropping to the floor. He didn't make a sound as he crept into the nearest room. He came out a moment later, a pistol in his hand, a silencer affixed. He crept around the large hanger. Shan was safe, and he could handle himself. Cougar made himself virtually invisible, before returning to Shan,"You alright?"

Shan had kept low, tensing at the sound of any footsteps. Cougar was lucky that he'd been seen...actually, Shan was probably lucky he'd seen Cougar, but whatever...

Shan nods. "Yeah, pretty much."

"Good... I've found the end of this exercise... but we both have to be there for it to end. Here, take this*passes him a 9mm pistol* It's loaded, and ready to fire. POint it at the guy and fire... but only if we get caught, understand me?"

Shan takes it. "I understand."

Cougar looked in the boy's eyes. They were rookies eyes if he'd ever seen them,"You'll be fine"

Cougar led Shan towards the objective. As he rounded a corner, he heard the shoot from behind him,"The enemies here! Get them". The sound of running boots came ever closer, and a bullet pinged off the wall next to him,"Shan, take him out!"

There was no hesitation. The pistol whipped up and centered on the guy's forehead, and Shan pulled the trigger.

The bullet tore through the guy's head, and he collapsed, the holographic body dissapearing. Cougar was slightly stunned by the boy's willingness to open fire, but he said nothing. He fired two rounds into another guard, then grabbed Shan and almost threw him to the objective a few feet away. He joined Shan, and the simulation shut down.

Cougar mopped his brow, and got dressed back into his normal clothing,"Impressive shot. Not many people could do that their first time out"

"I...made that shot?" Shan thought back. "That must have been a beginner-level test. We have a few similar simulations...but without all the guns."

"It doesn't adjust... I turned off the safety protocols... so you made the shot... however, this is why these missions are only for singles operatives... and I'm the only one my unit has, so I'll be going on anything from that to far tougher things... no magick though, so it's better for me"

"And what happens if you go out and get yourself killed? Or worse...captured?"

"I get denied, like normal. I'm a ghost, Shan, in every sense of the word. If I get caught or killed, the governement will deny all knowledge of my actions, even my very existence."

"Sounds kind of like us."

"It's the fundemental of organisations like this... we don't exist"

"I have a couple of final tests to pass before I'm sent out on my own...I hear the first one is the worst."

"I wouldn't know, Shan... I doubt I'll ever be going out for Rendelmar"

"Probably not...but I'd think it would be the same...the worst psychologically...what if you go out there your first time and make an absolute fool of yourself? Or get yourself killed, and have no chance to learn from those mistakes?"

"Than that is what happens to you. Nothing can be done... sometimes its fate"

He shrugs. "I guess...if you believe in fate."

Cougar smiled,"You'll be fine, Shan."

"I hope so...or else Rhenna'll have my hide...or so she threatens everyone when they go off for the first time."

He smiled,"At least you know you wouldn't be an exception to the rule"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Cougar looked at his watch. Barely an hour and a half had passed by since he'd left Rhenna

God, I hate this

"What's wrong?"

Cougar started,"Nothing... I'm fine."

He picked up the holster containing the new pistol, and strapped it back round his body,"I've got other things to be doing, Shan. I'll see you later... she should be back soon. Go and see her"

Shan goes. I really think these past weeks have been too much for him...

Cougar spent the rest of the day doing whatever he could find to take his mind off of Rhenna. In his head, he knew she was back, but he was still worried about her. He knew the damage that it could cause physcologically was extreme... but he'd vowed to be there, and so he would

At around seven, she came back into the room and sat down next to him. "How's your day gone?"

Very abrupt... too abrupt

"It's been fine... you?"

"Fairly busy. The children dragged me all over Rendelmar at least twice. It's good to be back, though."

He smiled,"I thought it would be something along those lines... still, they're happy to see you"

She nods. "I also heard about your recent eating and sleeping habits. Keep on doing that, and it'll kill you someday, Cougar."

He shrugs,"I got them sorted... it was only the last few days that they happened. Before that, it was my normal self... with slightly less sleep"

"If you say so."

He moved closer to her,"And you? How are you?"

"I'll be okay."

He put his hand on hers, and felt how cold it was,"If you say you will be, I believe you"

Liar!

She smiles at him and gives him a kiss. "No, you don't, really...but I know you'll try."

He kissed her back,"I'll try"

She looks around the room. "It hasn't changed at all."

"Of course it hasn't... there's been very little to change"

"True."

"Why? Thinking of changing it?"

"Not really. It changed drastically...oh, I'd say about a month shy of two years ago." She smiles at him.

"There was a good reason for that," he said, teasingly

"Well...it may not have been a bad reason..." Her tone is also teasing.

He put his arm around her shoulders, and embraced her softly,"Well... I'd like to think it was a good reason"

She smiles, settling into his embrace. "It was a good change."

This is something I've missed

He kissed the top of her head, and smiled,"At least we agree on that, then?"

She nods. "Of course."

"I believe I asked you to dinner"

"True. What time is it?"

"About ten past seven in the evening"

"Wow...I thought it was only six-thirty."

"Without classes to keep you in time, it's no wonder you lost track of time. Still hungry?"

She smiles. "A bit."

"Mith told me that food there isn't homecooked, but it's not bad. I tend to disagree. Plus, dinner on our anniversary... has a nice sound to it"

"Yes, it does...and as far as Mith goes...that is pretty much all he ever eats, ro has eaten."

"That's what comes of living in Mithdelmar all your life. C'mon, it should be fairly quiet about now"

She nods, and starts to move to get up.

He moved his arm to her waist as she stood up, going at the same pace she did

She walks with him, neither taking her time nor rushing.

The cooks had taken special care with the meal that night...a Rendelmarian way of saying 'welcome home.'

He smiled, and sat down with her,"Looks good tonight"

"Yes, it does...although it looks like no one could agree on who was cooking."

Magic does NOT belong in this game.

Magic does NOT belong in this game.
OOC: Two words... bugger off. It can belong if it wants.... now get out n00b

IC: He smiled,"Well... it should prove interesting to say the very least"

Magic does NOT belong in this game.
OOC: You can't even spell it, so don't diss it. Get outta here.

IC:
She nods.

He smiled, and kiss her cheek before he got started,"Now... let's see what they've done for you"

There's one spicy dish, one mildly sweet dish, and one dish that couldn't really be described as anything other than flavorful.

His expression changed slightly from dish to dish. When he had finished, he looked at her,"Well... that was interesting to say the least"

"You didn't like it?" She smiles. To the Drow palatte, it was a wonderful meal...but from the human palatte...maybe it wasn't.

"Don't get me wrong... I liked it... but it's something off the beaten path for the human tastebuds"

She laughs. "I've no doubt. You can expect more of it, over the years...just not often."

"Ah, I'll get used to it... so don't worry about it. It was good, no doubt. You look like you enjoyed it"

She nods. "It was good...even if you think it was a bit unusual."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it... care to take a walk?"

She nods. "A walk sounds good. Where should we go?"

"Wherever you want to go"

"Let's go back to the forest."

He smiled, and took her hand,"Lead on"

She takes his hand and walks with him, leading him back through that forest.

He breathed in the 'fresh' air, his expression peaceful and clam... it didn't accuratley reflect his inner workings, but he'd gotten so good at locking them and keeping them seperate, he no longer tried to do it,"It's beautiful out here"

"Yes, it is." She knew he didn't feel the way he tried to project...but she would leave it, for the time being.

"Where are you leading me?"

"To the same place we were last time."

He smiled,"That's a nice clearing"

They reach it as he finishes speaking.

"Yes, it is."

He put his arm round her waist, and kissed the back of her neck slightly

She smiles, content where she is.

He smiled, and continued doing what he was doing

She let him continue for some time, then turned and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He kissed her back, his hands resting on the base of her spine. It was something he'd missed most... just the feeling, that familar scent she carried around her, the way her body molded to his... he missed her so much

She lets it linger...she'd also missed this.

After a few long moments, he broke the kiss softly, but stayed so close that it wasn't noticeable,"God, I missed you so much these past three weeks"

"And I missed you...so much."

His voice was barley above a whisper, but it carried more emotion than normal,"There were times... I was scared... that you wouldn't come home"

Her embrace tightens slightly. "I was afraid, too...I didn't think I'd make it home, either. If not for you, I probably wouldn't have."

"I felt so helpless... I wanted to help... but I couldn't..."

She moves one of her hands to stroke his cheek. "I know...I know." She kisses him softly. "I know you would have come if you could have."

He kissed her very lightly,"I wish... I wish I was just that little bit stronger, little bit more in control"

"You will be, someday. Until then, don't worry about it. I'm home...I'm safe...we'll both be all right."

He kissed her again,"I hope so, Rhenna... I hope so"

She hugs him again, gently, resting her head on his shoulder.

He rubbed her back, one of his hands running all the way from the top of the spine to the very base

He gets a few reflexive shivers as his hand makes its way down her back.

"You still like theat, hm?"

She nods. "It feels good."

He smiled,"Good to hear"

Her eyes close halfway, and one of her hands moves to start playing with the hairs on the back of his neck.

She's comfortable... and happy-ish

He too let his eyes fall closed, and shivered slightly as she brushed the hairs on his neck

She smiles. "And you still like that."

"You knew that anyway," he murmered

"True."

He used his fingers to step up her spine, stopping slightly at each point, before bringing his hand to her cheek,"I love you Rhenna"

"And I love you." She smiles.

He smiled, and kissed her deeply once more

She kisses him back just as deeply, letting it linger.

He was tempted to lie down during this extended kiss, but stayed firm where he was, content with how things were

When the kiss ends, she stays close. "Remember our first kiss?"

"How could I forget it... all that time ago, and yet it seems as if it was only yesterday"

She smiles, kissing him softly.

He kissed her back just as softly, enjoying the time he had with her

She ends the kiss gently after some period of time, and cuddles close.

He wrapped his arms around her, feeling her warm up in his embrace,"That feels good"

"Yes...it does."

He glanced at his watch quickly,"Woukd you believe it's almost eleven at night?"

"Already?"

"Already. Time flies when you're having fun"

She nods.

He kissed her again,"Shall we continue?"

She kisses him back. "That sounds good."

He began leading her out of the forest, walking slowly. He'd calmed down and relaxed since they had arrived, so now what was on his face actually reflected what he was feeling. He led her through the corridors, eventually coming back to their room,"Tonight's been brilliant"

She nods. "It has."

The door slid open. As it did so, Rosie came running along the corridor, beating both of them inside. Cougar laughed as she curled up on the makeshift bed he had made for her,"Well... it beats her sharing the bed"

Rhenna laughs, too. "True."

He stepped inside, and the door closed behind them,"It's been so long since we've been able to spend the time like this"

"Yes, it has." She goes and sits down on the bed, then reaches behind her and lets her hair down.

Wow... I'd almost forgotten

He went and sat next to her,"Did I ever tell you that you looked amazing with your hair down?"

Wow... I'd almost forgotten

He went and sat next to her,"Did I ever tell you that you looked amazing with your hair down?"

She smiles. "A few times."

The Machine glows, and an automated Illusion, not Hologram, but magical Illusion, fires from its depths.

The Executioner appears.

"Well, well, well. Congratulations on makeing it this far. I am going to tell you a few things, then disappear.

first off, behind one of these two ornatye doors, is Lord Kajeenith. Behind the other, is a warp to a black hole. Both rooms will look exactly the same when you open them, but even stepping a single foot into them, well seal your fate, whatever that might be.

Secondly, this is a magic machine, A magic machine is a machine, commonly known as a computer, that has a large battery of magic in it. The computer inside has been programmed with a wide variety of spells, none of them benifical, to you.

By defeating the Minotaur and progressing to this point, you have activated this machine. There is no escape, and your demise is envitable, unless you escape through Kajeenith's door.

I would wish you good luck, but that would be quite pointless, as none have gotten to kajeenith, ever. Are you powerful enough to be the first?" The Illusion of the executioner asked. It disappeared.

The machine crackled, hummed and levitated. Then, as energy shot down the spikes, a large fireball shot fown the hallway.

OOC: so, which do you choose? Left? Or Right? it is quite a predicament. Poor lizard man doesn't even have that much time to choose. Its a real headbanger I know, but I'm sure you'll grunge on through and figure it out.
By the way, I left you the answer in a cryptic manner whilst I wrote this, but I'm sure you have a smile, because you've already figured it out and have written your choice...

I would say good luck, but you really don't need it, I know your too smart for me. :)
OOC: I'm not seeing any answers, but to heck with it.

IC:
The lizard darted into the left door.

OOC: I can't believe you got it!

IC: The door lead to an empty room. A chair was on one wall. The Executioner stood there.

"Well, congratulations. Dark lord Kajeenith is currently busy, but if you wait in that chair, I would be happy to get him for you." The Executioner said.

He left.

The room activated the natural preset spells set on upon it. They brought Lizardman's worst fears to life. The room would alter and change itself to match.

This was the final test, the final trap, before facing Kajeenith himself.


**********************************************************

Warfare paused from his vigilance. His mind was focused on Ephseus. A great Anti Magic feild was settling upon it, born by the planet itself. it would even effect gods, only one place remained free and clear, Kajeenith's temple-Fortress. Kajeenith was fighting the Anti-magic.

He wondered if his package had arrived yet. he sent a two year anniversy gift to Cougar and Rhenna, an item ha made himself. He sent it by way of Mithdelmar. He wondered what their reactions would be.

It would arrive in a plain brown paper packeage, clearly marked to the two of them.

Inside, in a plain wooden box, protected by spells and cotten, were two delicate glass peices that exactly matched Cougar and Rhenna as they were on their wedding day. beneath it was a note, common ink on commen parchment.

"Dearest Cougar and Rhenna,

Congratulations on making it your first two years. May your next two be even better.

I don't often give gifts, feeling notes of congratulations are enough, but I couldn't resist this time. Well, I could've, but I didn't want to.

You can see what it is, even feel the enchantments upon it, if youconcentrate a second or two, maybe even tell what they are.
If you but tell it to "Dance" in, whatever language you choose, it will spring to life, and the two little figurines will dance and dance and dance to beautiful music played by illusionary musicians The musicians change each and every time, and on occasion, will even feature Slivers playing the instruments, as it will when you first activate it. Anyone can activate it, and the music always reflects your combined moods, as does the style of dance.
Simply tell it to "Stop" and it well.

Sincerly yours,
Warfare"

The crystaline Figures were the most fragile things Warfare ever made.

OOC: May God have mercy on my soul for even thinking this up. I would suggest you simply skip this post. In fact I beg you, I wouldn't even post it, but it is a major action, and must be told. I'm sure you can imagine what is going to happen for yourselves.

IC:

Kajeenith was atop his temple. It was the night of darkness. No light shown anywhere, for a moving nebula enveloped Ephseus. It was a black nebula, ripe with evil overtones.

His son was in his arms. Newly born and innocence. The baby felt safe in his fathers arms. He had no idea how wrong he was.

**************************SKIP!!!***************************

Atop Kajeenith's Temple was a grand alter to himself.
Kajeenith set his son down upon the alter.

"Great Forces of darkness, hear my plea, restore my powers to me.
Great Forces of Darkness, hear my plea, grant me the ability to destroy Warfare.
Great Forces of Darkness, Hear my Plea, topple the mortal kingdoms of those who would oppress me.
Great forces of darkness, accept my gift, the soul of pure innocence to do with as you wish." Kajeenith chanted.

Kajeenith drew his ceremonial sacrifice Dagger.
He made three cuts in his sons arms, three on his legs, and slashed his head open. His son was outright crying, having no idea of what was happening.

Kajeenith carved his symbol on the back of his son's back, then cut his own childs heart out, sacrificing it to the Great Forces of Darkness. His son died on the alter, but Kajeenith wasn't done yet, Kajeenith grabbed his sons soul before it could escape, and absorbed it into himself. Then he proceeded to eat his own childs body, including the still beating heart.






**************************** Read below*********************

Kajeenith fell to the floor, his evil deed done. The last vestiges of good in him left. Great power, great Darkness flowed around him, flowed through him. Kajeenith could not hold himself up. He collapsed to the ground, and twitched helplessly, as the darkness flowed through him. Then, he was able to grip it, able to control it. He rose, a terrible being, a dark being. His last deed forever etched upon his face. anyone who saw him, would see a being so devoted to his own ideals, that he would willingly sacrifice his own flesh and blood children to get what he wanted. He laughed evily. The blood was on his hands for ever, even if it physically disappeared at a thought from Kajeenith.


Warfare kneeled in shock and horror. Every god could feel what just happened. Even the more powerful mortals would feel what happened. The rest, would remain blissfully ignorant, which was a good thing indeed.

Rahegalhoff retreatred to his quaters and cried the rest of the day, and fell asleep. All he had ever wanted was children of his own. for a being to be evil enough to sacrifice his own child was too much for him to bear.

The Great summons each morned, except for warfare, who swore he would destroy Kajeenith completly, with no possibility of a return ever. Great anger seethed through him, and Sky Garden threatened to tear itself to pieces because Warfare's anger was shaking it that violently.

Tiamet, a dark goddess, recoiled. She might do many things, but she doubted even she would go that far.

Most of the gods in Paradise retreated to their privat realms, and would not stir for a week. Paradise itself was not as grand as usual. The dark gods partially celebrated, partially decided to stay away from Kajeenith. He had marked himself for destruction, and they wanted no part of it. The neutral Gods mainly felt sick.

The Queen sliver of Warhaven morned as she would had one of her own children passed away. The Archwizards ceased all work for three days time. Not a soul stirred out of doors, and the monks prayed mighty hard for a sense of peace. The druids did their best to calm nature, and Valanthe herslef tried to calm Arianna, who was a bit stormy, and at cause for most of the sudden violence in nature. Gypsy cursed her own life, for she knew it would happen, yet was unable to do anything. The fates told her that. The fates continued right on spinning the tapestry, they had long sinced stopped caring about anything, having seen stuff happen all the time like this or worse.

OOC: I know you may not like me now, and I apologize, but I could think of no other way to write this, may God have mercy on me when I stand before Him.

She smiles. "A few times."

"I think I just told you again, didn't I?"

**********************************************************

Leviathan shuddered, and felt what had just happened resonate through the multiverse. Having no personal realm, he just lay there, staring at the mottled sky of Paradise... he mentally prepared himself for war. It was coming. He was no Fate, but he'd been a solider. They can tell when war approaches them, and he recognized the signs.

Aun'O T'olku J'karra Shi stepped through the doors of the White Tower of Hoeth. The Tau Ethereal had travelled far to try and understand magicks. The Tau were, by their very nature, not used to magick, preferring the way of the warrior to the way of the mage.

In his left hand, he carried an honour blade. This was a symbol of his position, one of the highest in Tau society. The Shas'ar'tol were well aware of his time here, and Shas'el Vior'la Vash'ya had almost demanded that a small unit of Fire Warriors, young Shas'la troopers. He had overuled the Commander, and left the Manta Missile Destroyer on his own, intent on making himself known.

OOC: This is my first thread, as you can see.... hope I'm welcome

OOC:

And here we go...

Again Hoeth?. I believe I have seen this thread like five times here in Nationstates, about a nation created on the principles of the High Elves of Hoeth, from Warhammer Fantasy Battles, trying to standarize magic and teaching it to others.

But even I can give it a try....Again. After all, Nationstates it's all about stories, isn't it?

IC:

The Baronesse Elandras Nos Phaelos was quite interested in what these lesser elves (in her usual not humble opinion) could teach, say and share about the ever expanding and changing wave of magic. She had read about them in the lost runes of the eldar Craftworld that her people managed to conquer centuries ago. Exodites, the eldar called them. It looked like they were elfkin, and so relatives to the proud aelosian Sindarin. They issued a call, and it was the duty of the Phaelos Nobles to take the glove...

She was, at first, a master in the "Secret and Dark Arts", the name that the usually technological adept aelosians gave to magic these days, but she also was a reknown psionic, having mastered several of the ways of the psion Warlocks and Farseers, haing inherited the gift and having leaned to control it through the old and tough Eldar ways, the only way that the aelosian knew. The marriage of magic with psionics was a tough one, even an impossible one according the opinions of lots of scholars and loremasters. But for the aelosians it was, if not common, at least normal to mix both arts into a single study...

And of all aelosians, the Phaelos House held the Masters in doing it...

She traveled through the warp reality, bending and ripping apart the curtains of time and the fabrics of space, until she reached her destination, the fabled White Tower of Hoeth. Only one man was her companion, and not exactly one she would desire. While the Phaelos was the Noble House of the Sindarin Aelosian in charge of mages, sorcerers, psionics and the like, the Hyral Noble House was the House of the dedicated warriors, the monk-fighters that formed almost a monastic order out of military discipline and was in charge of fighting the battles for their kin. Her companion was a Hyral warrior, sent by their Prince to meet the fabled elven knights that supposedly inhabited the tower and served to the Exodite mages as guards and messengers, the SwordMasters of Hoeth.

This grim simpleton, and me, the bitter Unraveler of Secrets, the elven woman thought as she directed her stare towards the elf standing right behind her, clad in a blue wraithbone armor built according the Eldar standards and blueprints they found so many centuries ago. Both the Phaelos and the Hyral Houses once were Imperial Houses, and both their members were first proud, then secretive, and finally sinister. Neither the Baroness or her companion were an exception to any of those categories, and they were at least uneasy about each other.

Finally she took a step forward and looked at the impressive structure in front of them, crafted in white, similar to the Phaelos towers of the Craftworld, but this was white where those were black, and caressed by the gentle sunlight instead of storm clouds and lightning. The man behind her just pointed at the tower and said, in a flawless and emotionaless sindarin. "Over there".

"Indeed, over there. I'm amazed you were able to figure out that was the White Tower of Magicians we were looking for. you're amazing", she said using her best sarcastic tone, and adapting her translator device to her mouth, while fixing her impressive and carefully crafted, rune-covered, black robe. She started to walk, and hoped for a welcome.

A saintly old man greeted them bith.

"Welcome. I am El, Archwizard of Energy Magicks. I am a very old man, and know many things, but I do not know what brings you to the White Tower. perhaps we could find a seat somewhere and you can both tell me your reasons for coming, though I won't be the only one listening, even the walls have ears, or so it seems." El said.

He wore a pure white robe, it mached his hair and beard. He had recently begun to walk with a staff. No medical reason in particular, except the inevitable disease known as Old Age. El's appointment with the Reaper was drawing closer.

He lead them to a beautiful room with soft plush chairs. A younger Energy Wizard brought over a pot of near boiling tea. It was very hot, and very delicious. It was brewed from the leaves of the Melaluca plant. He passed each a cup, and waited for them to tell their stories. Nearby were a few Kaymirilian Mages, and El suspected the Necromancer from Snake Eaters was nearby as well. He knew of Galvenor, and was pretty sure he would be able to hear what was going to be said as well.

El's Apprentice sat nearby. It was time for him to "Learn the ropes" before El passed.

"I think I just told you again, didn't I?"
She smiles. "I'd say so."

Aun'O T'olku J'karra Shi stepped through the doors of the White Tower of Hoeth. The Tau Ethereal had travelled far to try and understand magicks. The Tau were, by their very nature, not used to magick, preferring the way of the warrior to the way of the mage.

In his left hand, he carried an honour blade. This was a symbol of his position, one of the highest in Tau society. The Shas'ar'tol were well aware of his time here, and Shas'el Vior'la Vash'ya had almost demanded that a small unit of Fire Warriors, young Shas'la troopers. He had overuled the Commander, and left the Manta Missile Destroyer on his own, intent on making himself known.

OOC: This is my first thread, as you can see.... hope I'm welcome

OOC: Of course you're welcome. You didn't pull any classic n00b (not that I'm calling you a n00b) stunts, and you spelled magick right. Good post.

IC: Resa, the Chosen successor of T'puuli, saw the being coming, and descended to meet him. She was a Drow, and as such, her hair was crystalline white, and her skin was ebony black. Her eyes had originally been red, but as a curious part of her position, they had gradually changed to silver over the centuries. She wore a silver tunic and slacks, and a silver cloak. Her eyes and mouth were visible beneath the silver half-mask she wore. To a casual observer, it might seem gaudy, but to a native Kaymirilian, it would tell who she was.

She greeted the newcomer in the manner of her people, with an ever-so-slight bow, parting her hands in peace. "Gre'as'anto lu' verve dro. I am Resa of T'pdelmar, welcome to the Tower. What is it you require?"

OOC: I can't believe you got it!

IC: The door lead to an empty room. A chair was on one wall. The Executioner stood there.

"Well, congratulations. Dark lord Kajeenith is currently busy, but if you wait in that chair, I would be happy to get him for you." The Executioner said.

He left.

The room activated the natural preset spells set on upon it. They brought Lizardman's worst fears to life. The room would alter and change itself to match.

This was the final test, the final trap, before facing Kajeenith himself.


**********************************************************

Warfare paused from his vigilance. His mind was focused on Ephseus. A great Anti Magic feild was settling upon it, born by the planet itself. it would even effect gods, only one place remained free and clear, Kajeenith's temple-Fortress. Kajeenith was fighting the Anti-magic.

He wondered if his package had arrived yet. he sent a two year anniversy gift to Cougar and Rhenna, an item ha made himself. He sent it by way of Mithdelmar. He wondered what their reactions would be.

It would arrive in a plain brown paper packeage, clearly marked to the two of them.

Inside, in a plain wooden box, protected by spells and cotten, were two delicate glass peices that exactly matched Cougar and Rhenna as they were on their wedding day. beneath it was a note, common ink on commen parchment.

"Dearest Cougar and Rhenna,

Congratulations on making it your first two years. May your next two be even better.

I don't often give gifts, feeling notes of congratulations are enough, but I couldn't resist this time. Well, I could've, but I didn't want to.

You can see what it is, even feel the enchantments upon it, if youconcentrate a second or two, maybe even tell what they are.
If you but tell it to "Dance" in, whatever language you choose, it will spring to life, and the two little figurines will dance and dance and dance to beautiful music played by illusionary musicians The musicians change each and every time, and on occasion, will even feature Slivers playing the instruments, as it will when you first activate it. Anyone can activate it, and the music always reflects your combined moods, as does the style of dance.
Simply tell it to "Stop" and it well.

Sincerly yours,
Warfare"

The crystaline Figures were the most fragile things Warfare ever made.
OOC: If the gods have mercy on your soul, come to me. I won't.

IC:
The lizard sat, hissing at the images that appeared. Its natural fears were completely suppressed by the spell that had it completely under Renor's control. As the infant died, Renor's concentration was briefly broken, and the lizard went to attack something, before the master returned to his task. Knowing that soon he would be detected, Renor cast a geas on the lizard...it knew its mission...and it would obey.
*****************************************************************
Mith picked up the package, and set it aside, sending a message to Glider that Rhenna or Cougar would eventually need to come pick up a package that had been delivered for them.
****************************************************************
*The Valshanth*
Queen Kaymiril VII sat on her throne. "A man monster enough to kill his own offspring. This we shall neither condone nor allow."
She looks at a servant.
"Call the Masters...tell them that we go to war."
****************************************************************
*Across the river Styx*
Aras would have caught the infant's soul, and the fact that Kajeenith had consumed the child entirely brought a rage into her heart. She went and stood outside Kajeenith's tower, in her black robes, with her scythe.

"A plague on you, and all your followers."

With that, she smote Kajeenith's temple with a deadly plague, and left.

She smiles. "I'd say so."

He kissed her softly, smiling as he did so

She kisses him back.

He smiled, running his hands down her back through her hair

OOC: Of course you're welcome. You didn't pull any classic n00b (not that I'm calling you a n00b) stunts, and you spelled magick right. Good post.

IC: Resa, the Chosen successor of T'puuli, saw the being coming, and descended to meet him. She was a Drow, and as such, her hair was crystalline white, and her skin was ebony black. Her eyes had originally been red, but as a curious part of her position, they had gradually changed to silver over the centuries. She wore a silver tunic and slacks, and a silver cloak. Her eyes and mouth were visible beneath the silver half-mask she wore. To a casual observer, it might seem gaudy, but to a native Kaymirilian, it would tell who she was.

She greeted the newcomer in the manner of her people, with an ever-so-slight bow, parting her hands in peace. "Gre'as'anto lu' verve dro. I am Resa of T'pdelmar, welcome to the Tower. What is it you require?"




"My thanks to you for the welcome, Resa. I am Aun'O T'olku J'karra Shi, of the Tau Empire of Mal-Caor. I have come to this place to learn of magick... we are not a magickally race as such, and I have seen things that may be termed miracles attruibuted to magick"

Her hand reaches up to start running through his hair.

Her hand reaches up to start running through his hair.

He felt her hand running through his hair, and responded in kind, running his hand down from the top of her spine to the very base

"My thanks to you for the welcome, Resa. I am Aun'O T'olku J'karra Shi, of the Tau Empire of Mal-Caor. I have come to this place to learn of magick... we are not a magickally race as such, and I have seen things that may be termed miracles attruibuted to magick"
"You'll have to be a little more specific. Magick is a very specific art."

"You'll have to be a little more specific. Magick is a very specific art."

"All the magick I have seen has been spawned from a place known to the Gue'la ( = Humans) as the Immaterium... you might call it the Warp. But I want to know if there are other magicks beside that. I have heard energy itself can be harnessed"

He felt her hand running through his hair, and responded in kind, running his hand down from the top of her spine to the very base
She pulled back from the kiss and smiled at him. "I love you."

She pulled back from the kiss and smiled at him. "I love you."

He smiled back, a fairly wide smile,"And I love you too"

"All the magick I have seen has been spawned from a place known to the Gue'la ( = Humans) as the Immaterium... you might call it the Warp. But I want to know if there are other magicks beside that. I have heard energy itself can be harnessed"
"Well, that is the basic premise of any and all Kaymirilian magick. Energy is harnessed, focused, and bent to will. There is fashka, the energy in the surrounding environment, and tupora fashka, living energy from within the caster. We generally find it more beneficial to harness fashka, as too much use of tupora fashka could permanently damage the mage."

He smiled back, a fairly wide smile,"And I love you too"
She lays down. "All told, it's been a good day."

"Well, that is the basic premise of any and all Kaymirilian magick. Energy is harnessed, focused, and bent to will. There is fashka, the energy in the surrounding environment, and tupora fashka, living energy from within the caster. We generally find it more beneficial to harness fashka, as too much use of tupora fashka could permanently damage the mage."

"It seems a simple enough idea... but tell me, is there anyway that this fashka you speak of could defeat the warp spawned magicks of the Gue'la physkers"

She lays down. "All told, it's been a good day."

He laid down next to her, and smiled,"You could say so... that pendent suits you"

"It seems a simple enough idea... but tell me, is there anyway that this fashka you speak of could defeat the warp spawned magicks of the Gue'la physkers"
"Well, I'd have to see an example. I've never heard of magick coming from 'the warp.'"

He laid down next to her, and smiled,"You could say so... that pendent suits you"
She smiles. "I like it."

"Well, I'd have to see an example. I've never heard of magick coming from 'the warp.'"

"UNfortunatley... I cannot show you. We Tau lack physkers... we cannot use the power of the Warp to aid us. Maybe there is someone here who can?"

She smiles. "I like it."
"I'm glad you like it"

"UNfortunatley... I cannot show you. We Tau lack physkers... we cannot use the power of the Warp to aid us. Maybe there is someone here who can?"
"Honestly, not that I've heard of. Do you have any magickal talent that you know about?"

"UNfortunatley... I cannot show you. We Tau lack physkers... we cannot use the power of the Warp to aid us. Maybe there is someone here who can?"
Eldrad had been listening in on this conversation, and walked over,"I may be able to be of assistance to you, Aun'O"

"I'm glad you like it"
She cuddles in close, pulling one of his arms around her. "But what I liked most about today is that we could both be here."

Eldrad had been listening in on this conversation, and walked over,"I may be able to be of assistance to you, Aun'O"

O' Kais (shortened version of his name) looked at the new Gue'la in front of him,"How so?"

She cuddles in close, pulling one of his arms around her. "But what I liked most about today is that we could both be here."

He smiled as she pulled his arm around herself, doing the same to one of hers,"It wouldn't have been the same without you"

O' Kais (shortened version of his name) looked at the new Gue'la in front of him,"How so?"

"I am a physker of which you speak... I can openly manifest the energies of the Warp in my magick... maybe Resa could also learn something"

He smiled as she pulled his arm around herself, doing the same to one of hers,"It wouldn't have been the same without you"
She smiles and kisses him again briefly.

"I am a physker of which you speak... I can openly manifest the energies of the Warp in my magick... maybe Resa could also learn something"
The Kaymirilian space mage shrugged. "Perhaps."

"I am a physker of which you speak... I can openly manifest the energies of the Warp in my magick... maybe Resa could also learn something"

"I see... that is most useful to me. I cannot show the mage how the warp-spawned magicks are used, because I myself am unable to use them, as befits a Tau Ethereal"

She smiles and kisses him again briefly.

He kissed her back, enjoying the closeness they shared at that moment. He felt happy for the first in a long time, and he was sure it saturated the bond between them

He kissed her back, enjoying the closeness they shared at that moment. He felt happy for the first in a long time, and he was sure it saturated the bond between them
She cuddles closer, drifting to sleep after a long while.

After she'd drifted off, he kissed the top of her head, and silently hoped she would be alright. He leant down and whispered,"Welcome home", before joining her in the malestrom of sleep

At about six she woke up, drenched in a cold sweat. Her breathing came fast and hard, and she'd pulled away from him some time before, curling up tightly.

She remembered what she'd dreamt...worse...she'd dreamt what she'd remembered. She sat up and leaned back against the headboard.

The motion orginally hadn't woken him, but the movement of the headboard was enough to cause his Calipsian Node to kick him awake. His eyes snapped open, and for the briefest of moments, his every sense was attuned to the world around him, identifying possible threats. After a second or so, he calmed down, and saw her sitting against the headboard. He rose, concern in his eyes,"What's wrong?"

"Nothing...just a memory that won't go away."

He knew what she was talking about instantley in his head, and his concern grew slightly. He moved next to her,"Want to talk about it?"

She shakes her head. "I can't."

So traumatic she doesn't want to talk about... almost as if it's a subconcious memory

He nodded,"Alright."

He put his arm around her, trying to comfort her in the only way he really knew

She buries her head in his shoulder. Her skin is even colder to the touch than normal, and is more relunctant to warm.

God, what did they do to her? Renor most likely finished them off... but if I ever find anyone who had any part in this... I'll make them pay

He just held her close, knowing it was security and reassurance that she wanted. He would provide it for as long as was needed

After a few minutes, she starts to quietly cry.

The sound of her crying hit him like a slap in the face. In two years of marriage, he couldn't remember her ever having cried. He didn't like it, and held her slightly closer, letting her cry as much as she needed to,"Let it all out"

She sits there with him. The crying only lasts a few minutes...neither Dragons nor Drow cry often, or for long.

As the crying subsided, he kissed the top of her head, and held her there for as long as she needed

She sits there for a while, not saying anything...gradually warming up as he held her.

He felt her warm up slowly, and sighed softly, still holding her.

Rosie, having been woken, jumped on the bed, and brushed herself against Rhenna, also trying to comfort her... or maybe she just wanted to be the centre of attention. One could never tell with cats

Rhenna reached out softly to start petting the cat.

Rosie rubbed herself against Rhenna's hand

"What time is it getting to be, James?"

"About seven in the morning"

"Seven...and it's Saturday. I have a class to teach." She kissed him softly, then changed and left.

He waited a few minutes, then got up and changed himself, before leaving the room. He left his new pistol there as well... not out of disrespect, but there was little use carrying it around in Rendelmar

Renor approached him. "How is she doing?"

"She slept alright until about six this morning.. I woke up about half hour later... she wasn't crying at the start, but she did... the nightmare was what happened to her"

"What would your reaction be if I told you that one of the men who did that to her was in this city right now?"

"Somewhere between 'Can I kill him' and 'Can I see him'"

"Yes to both, actually. I left the last one relatively intact...I'd have let her kill him, but she didn't even want to look at him."

Renor takes him to a deep part of Rendelmar...the part that resembles a dungeon.

"He's at the end...you have two hours before I return...I expect him dead by then."

"Simple enough"

Cougar walked slowly down the corridor, and opened the door at the end, saying in a deceptively calm tone,"Good morning"

The man looked up. His hands were bound behind his back, but he was standing.

"So, you're the executioner. And here I'd have thought they would send in that weakling female."

Cougar's blood began to boil, but he hid it,"I trust you slept well? I'm sure Renor has give you Rendelmar's full service package"

"What are you? The maid?"

"The last time I checked, maids were female. And does it matter who I am? All that matters, is that you are going to die"

"So I figured...she almost did. You're the husband of that creature, are you not?" He chuckles. "Tough little b*tch you married...no matter where or how roughly they pulled the scales out, she wouldn't scream, wouldn't cry out...fairly boring."

Cougar smiled thinnly,"That's my wife alright... tough girl she is"

With no warning, his fist connected with the mans stomach with such force that it would have almost certainley ruptured an internal organ of some kind, prehaps the liver,"Are you as tough as that?"

The Drow gave a grunt and hunched over, then straightened up.

"So brutal...so crude. The guy in charge actually opened her up and rearranged her internal organs. Let her watch, too. He had more medical brilliance than Mith...but he was more vicious than such a weakling ever could be."

"You see, therein lies the difference between Drow and humans... Drow torture is much more refined than humans. Drow lack the physical strength to do it the way humans do. Drow may be more vicious when it comes to the punch... but you've never met a human like me before"

With that, he brought his knee sharply into the man's groin, before cracking it upwards, smashing the nose of the guy as he did so. He followed it up by throwing the man to the floor with such force that bones could be heard to splinter.

The man coughed, and stayed where he was. "Don't you want to know more? Would you share in every gory little detail of what was done to her?" His eyes glint with cruelty.

Cougar walked around a little, musing it over,"Y'know, I must say, you're doing a first class job of baiting me. It's very impressive..."

He didn't believe in kicking a man already down, but sometimes morals had to go out the proverbial window, as this cell had none. His foot connected squarely with where he knew a bone to be broken, driving it even further into the mans's internal organs. At the same time, his other foot crashed into the guy's face, smashing into the jaw with incredible force. Cougar was using his Leviathan Project enhancements for something which they were not meant to do... but instead of feeling repentent, he felt a sick satisfaction taking over, and it sickened him. But he carried on regardless. The power that he held, even without the White Flame, was enough to kill this man several times over without breaking a sweat. And it would be used

Through all the beating, all the pain, the man managed a smile...sometimes strained. His final shot would be worse to the human than anything the human could do to him. After all...he was as good as dead, anyway.

"Do you know what an infant looks like when it is less than a month concieved? Do you know what it feels like to squash it between your fingers? It looks and feels a lot like a grub...it squishes into gel, and then it is no more."

Cougar nearly staggered backwards. She had been pregnant... and that child had been murdered. Murdered by this sick b*****d. His face filled with rage, barely contained behind the mask of impunity he normally wore. He strode over slowly, his boots making a decisive click as they hit the floor heel first. He stood over the sick man at his feet, and bent at the waist,"Do you want to know what your biggest mistake was?"

"Probably telling you what you least wanted to know."