NationStates Jolt Archive

He woke up early, around four in the morning. Doing his utmost not to wake her, he lay there, keeping her warm as he thought about what he had been dreaming

OOC:
Q: How do you NOT wake a sleeping dragon.

A: Keep her warm.

IC:
She didn't wake at first...not until about half an hour afterward. "What's wrong?"

"Another dream"

That was all he would say

She nods.

"I know what the dream is... I've had it so many times before"

She props herself up on an elbow. "Which one?"

"Nagodden. All over again. And yet, something is different... I can't put my finger on it"

"Well...go back over it with me. Maybe we can find something different."

He quickly recounted the whole dream, but there was one thing that stuck,"His hair is black... his eyes green... and yet its me"

"Other than your brother that the Helghast killed...did you have any other brothers?"

"I had a sister... no brothers. She went missing, and is presumed dead."

"Well...did they make a clone of you while they were experimenting?"

"I don't see why they would. Cloning is possible... but theres no way to transfer the memories from one clone to another. You essentially get a vegtable"

"I think you should talk to Mith at some point...that they can't transfer anything is what people want you to believe. Is it perhaps a friend of yours? Or an enemy?"

"I'll see him when we get home. As for friends or enemies... no, I don't think so. Not any like that, at least"

"You do know this person, though?"

"They are familar to me... but from where, I don't know"

"You'll figure it out."

"I know... I know"

He lay there still, just keeping his arms around her

She laid there, comfortably. They'd have to get up in an hour or so...but why get up until absolutely necessary?

He had the subconcious feeling that what they were going to be doing this afternoon was going to be extremely dangerous. He quelled it, and simply lay there, enjoying it

The hour passed pretty much in a comfortable silence.

Silence is golden. Especially when that silence involved lying on a very comfortable bed with your wife, holding her close and kissing her. Eventually, reluctantly, he got up and got dressed for the day

She got up when he did, and likewise prepared for the day. "So, what should we do before we split up and see who can find out more?"

"Get to know this town a little better would be a good bet. Find out the best haunts on the main roads"

"Sounds about right."

He smiled,"And continue to enjoy our holiday. We did come for one after all"

She smiled. "Indeed. I wonder how Costh would feel if he found we were doing this while he's suffering...but I don't see much we can do in the interim."

"He'll never know. We don't have a choice. We'll move to the Temple tomorrow... see what we can find"

She nods. "Sounds like a plan."

He smiled,"Then let us spend some of Warfare's money, and get something to eat."

She laughs. "You humans and your obsession for a morning meal." She kisses him. "Let's go."

"So it's a biological thing. Big deal," he laughed as they left the room,"I just like to eat in the mornings... it sets me up for the whole day"

"And I'm probably never going to understand it...but oh well."

"It makes things interesting, trying to understand a completly different species when you're married to one," he smiled, leading her to the breakfast room, which was spectacular by any standards

"It makes things interesting, trying to understand a completly different species when you're married to one," he smiled, leading her to the breakfast room, which was spectacular by any standards

*bump*

"It makes things interesting, trying to understand a completly different species when you're married to one," he smiled, leading her to the breakfast room, which was spectacular by any standards
"Too true. It'll give us conversation material for a long time, though."

*bump*

OOC: Yes, because you are allowed to bump the biggest thread EVER on the II forums. Without participating in it at all?

Too true. It'll give us conversation material for a long time, though."

"Think what's it like over here. Two different species, with different ways, different mannerisms and whatever else, in one body."

He was smiling in spite of himself, and it suited him. His face was lit up, but it also highlighted the taut lines around his eyes, the dark bags under them, and whatever else

At about that point, they both heard the meowing of a Cat. Not just any cat though. This one's Meow was that of an Egyptian Mau, the rarest and most vluble of all felines.

It meowed a couple of times, and then was silent. No amount of searching or questioning would ever produce the Cat.

OOC: You'll find out why this is important later. Leave a morning availble for me each day. Something will happen on each, and on the sixth, it will happen before either of you wake up.

*Kamigawa*

Kajeenith let Costh have a little sleep, but really, how much sleep could one get when a Dark God is staring at you the entire time?

After about eight or nine hours, Kajeenith made sure Costh was well awake with a beating. Kajeenith continued to beat Costh to a Pulp.

OOC:

Because you asked...

Why is Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia The fear of Long words?


hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

Noun
1. The fear of long words.

Usage note
It is unlikely that this 15-syllable contrivance is ever used purely for its meaning. The term sesquipedalophobia is recognized in formal writing, while the four-syllable phrase "fear of long words" is certainly worth considering.

In the book Useless Knowledge, this enormous word was misinterpreted by the authors as two words, causing them to list the fear of long words as the following:

hippopotomonstroses
quippedaliophobia

These fragments appear to be quoted occasionally in other sources.


Etymology

Combination of elements suggesting largeness or length, deliberately forming a word likely to induce the fear it denotes: hippopotomonstro- (irregular blend [influenced by connective -o-, from French, from Latin, from Greek—connective vowel of most nouns and adjectives in combination] of hippopotamus and monstro-, from Latin monstr-, monstrum, monster) + sesquippedalio- (incorrectly formed from sesquipedalian or Latin sesquipedalia, things one and a half feet long) + -phobia, from phobia.


Quotations

2002 - However, we assume that despite the best endeavours of science, some phobias will always remain. These include paraskavedekatriaphobia, or fear of Friday the 13th. And hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, which is fear of long words. - anon, The Scotsman (April 9, 2002) page 13.

2002 - Those who find this column troubling are suffering from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia - the fear of long words. Or, more likely, rupophobia - a fear of rubbish. - Chris Lloyd in The Northern Echo (December 14, 2002) page 10




Synonyms
sesquipedalophobia

Retrieved from http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

"Think what's it like over here. Two different species, with different ways, different mannerisms and whatever else, in one body."

He was smiling in spite of himself, and it suited him. His face was lit up, but it also highlighted the taut lines around his eyes, the dark bags under them, and whatever else
"I act fairly consistantly, at the least." She was smiling too, but she noted just how haggard he looked.

OOC: Oh puh-leeeeeeeeeeeeze. Why not just make the kitty-cat a whipporwill, and you'd be more obvious.

"On the whole, yes, you carry it off very well. It's more than slightly confusing when you split into different beings though"

"Not half as confusing as it is for me."

He smiled,"I have only one expierence of two personalities. Me and Leviathan arguing... now that was interesting"

I've no doubts it would be.

He paused, having heard the cat,"Did you hear that?"

"I heard it...but they tried to differentiate that from any other cat. I don't think it was a real one."

"And I thought this place was weird before. It just gets better and better"

He pushed his plate away from him slightly, signifying that he was full,"It's pretty filling... I wonder what they do to it. Anyway, we have the whole morning until we need to start working on finding stuff out from wherever it is we have to go. Considering this is holiday number four, you must have some idea of what you want to do"

"We go out and be tourists. Find out from vendors what sites they recommend we see."

He smiled,"Good choice. Shall we?"

She nods, standing. "Let's."

It was fairly quiet in the town at that time of the morning, but street vendors were already setting up shop for the day. Like last night, no one paid any heed to the couple as they walked slowly along the main street

This early in the morning, few tourists were about, and many of the natives walked the streets...some of the men even openly carried swords.

"It's such a different society... carrying an offensive weapon in public in Snake Eaters is a heavy crime"

"These are men of high rank and training. It is a mark of discipline and honor to be able to carry one in this sort of culture. You will notice that they are well dressed and groomed, and walk with a confident manner. And also watch how the vendors and other native passerbys treat them. With deference."

He paused a moment,"It's very similar to feudal level Japan... warriors rule the place"

"Exactly."

"Approaching one is off the list then. We'd risk sparking an incident... something I'd like to avoid until absolutley neccesery"

"You'll probably see a good many of them this afternoon. My advice...take a sword."

"I've didn't bring one. A Gunblade would stand out too much... I'm sure we could do something"

"Well...don't worry about it too much, unless you manage to anger every last one of them."

"Well... we can hope that I don't. Or I may be needing a little bit more than a cup of tea to sort me out"

"Pretty much."

He smiled, and kissed her cheek,"What about you, how are you spending your afternoon?"

"I told you...I'm going to find a little place where the women congregate. Catch some of the local gossip. Hopefully I can grasp the language well enough."

"You'll be fine. I did notice one thing last night though... the lack of women. Not in a bad way, but native women. The girl at the hotel is the only one I can remember actually seeing since we arrived here"

"Men rule this society. Women stay hidden, and speak when spoken to, or amongst each other."

"I thought as much. It might make it more difficult to find them"

"Not really. You just have to know how to look. And I'm a Velkyn...I can find anything."

"That was confusing, when I got that through at the Council. A list of the masters, and then L'Velkyn. It made sense afterwards though... and we both know you'll have no trouble. I shouldn't either"

"That was confusing, when I got that through at the Council. A list of the masters, and then L'Velkyn. It made sense afterwards though... and we both know you'll have no trouble. I shouldn't either, hopefully"

"Hopefully. Just be careful, okay?"

He smiled, and kissed her for a moment,"I'll be fine"

Hopefully

She kissed him back. "You'd better be. Now, come on. It's a beautiful day."

He looked up the near cloudless sky, "So it is"

During the course of the morning (and visits to a couple of shops), Rhenna gets a couple of kimonos.

OOC:
This one: http://www.pb.megnow.com/kimono/kimono33.jpg
And this one (but with dragons instead of flowers): http://www.pb.megnow.com/kimono/kimono45.jpg
And this one: http://www.pb.megnow.com/kimono/kimono08.jpg

He smiled a wide smile as he saw her in the robes she had brought. Nothing really caught his fancy, for he had remained in his usual attire. He had got rid of the cloak though, and the Cougar crest was sewn onto the pocket

He hasn't bought anything yet b/c he'd went with her to the womens' outfitting shops, lol. The mens' were a little down the street.

ONce they had emerged from the women's shop, he found something in the men's store that suited him.

OOC: http://www.japonic.com/ru/vintage/haori/h008s.jpg this top with:

http://www.trappingsandtrouble.com/clothing-photos/amshkimjpg.jpg the trousers from this. The white could be an undershirt

She smiles. "Very nice."

OOC: Japanese clothing courtesy of Yahoo! Image search. ^_^

"I could say the same for you," he said, looking at her,"That suits you"

She smiles. (She's wearing: http://www.pb.megnow.com/kimono/kimono33.jpg )

"Now we really look like tourists."

"We blend in slightly better than before"

"And we'll look a bit more socially acceptable. Which is important, where we're going."

"Appearance is everything. After all, I know that humans judge a person 98% at least, on appearances alone"

"It's all you have to go by, at first. And if humans judge so much on appearances...what did you think of Renor, the first time you saw him?"

"That's difficult... he seemed mysterious, conservative... it's people like that who inspire thought, and also invoke a sense of danger and power. They don't need to make their prescense felt, it just is"

"I was just wondering...because all you could see of him were his cloak and mask."

"It was enough. Anyway, I didn't choose him, he chose me. That decision still perplexes me... but I'm glad he made it. Or we wouldn't be here"

She shakes her head. "You would have died at the hands of Kaelis Ra, and I'd still be doing my job, or dead."

"Most likely. Well... I guess we both have him to thank. For so much"

She smiles and gives him a kiss. "Come on...there are still plenty of things to do before this afternoon."

He kissed her back, and let her lead him wherever they were going

And they act like tourists...only dressed like natives.

By about three in the afternoon, they had travelled much of the town centre. He had found them a small cafe-esque place, where sushi was plentiful, as was the wasabi.

"Raw fish was never my strong point, nor was wasabi... but this stuff is easily the best I've ever tasted"

The owner of the Cafe walks near the door with a little white bowl. He has no sword, but he does walk like one who has never known poverty. He sets the bowl down, and walks away. Most of the crowd glances at the bowl now and then. soon, an Egyptian Mau walks in the door. It looks at everyone, meows at everyone, the exact same meow Rhenna and Cougar heard last night, and settles down to its lunch.

OOC: Do you? do you really?

OOC: Yes. Yes, I do. It could v. easily be a shikigami, or created by a fuda. Japanese-style magick.

OOC: Just wait until you hear the truth.

OOC: It ish NOT a cat!

Cougar looked over at the door,"I know my cats, and that is no cat"

"I wouldn't think so. The natives seem to think differently...but why would the hotel cat come to the local sushi shop to eat, when I'm fairly sure that hotels that keep cats feed them well enough to keep them there. And if it isn't the hotel's cat, then why was it there? But from there to here is a pretty far range for a house cat to go get a meal."

"The hotel would have to mention cats, in case someone was allergic. So I doubt that, taking it as read it is a cat, that it comes from there. Isn't it possible to alter people's perception of an object, through magick?"

"Very easily. You don't even have to be trained, sometimes."

"Then it is more than likely that all is not as it seems here"

She shakes her head. "And cultures like these have even more illusionary tricks...interesting to study, but we rarely learn them."

"There are a number of inconsitencies... but you are right, we need not worry about them unduly. At least, not yet. And I doubt much of it is true magick... more likely to be a part of ninjitsu training. The art of decieving the opponent using everyday things, making the impossible possible"

"Exactly. However...it's not a topic that we should discuss in public."

He looked around. The people seemed indifferent, but still, it paid to be cautious,"A wise move... damn, I'm going to have eat this stuff more often"

She smiles. "You could try, but we don't make anything like this at home."

"Let me guess, raw fish is not high on everyone's list of things to eat?"

"Not really...that, and the first time you eat it, it tends to wreak havoc on your digestive system. When you're caring for up to forty young children at once..."

He paused a moment, thought about it, and shuddered,"That's not a scene you'd want to encounter too often"

"Exactly. So we tend to avoid it."

He laughed slightly, swallowing another piece of fish,"It's not for everyone anyway... then again, what tastes good to me doesn't to you"

"And there are some Drow dishes that I like that you don't like at all."

"Yes, we know this from expierence. I never actually asked you, what do you think to human food?"

"It's always an odd experience. Some of it's good, and some of it's not."

"It's the reason I don't cook often. Not knowing what to cook is never a good start," he said, smiling.

"You could learn. When I cook, I cook all by myself...so you could come and learn with me."

He smiled,"That should prove an interesting expierence... I'm game"

"Okay...starting next week." She laughs.

"Why do I suspect I've opened a Pandora's box here?" he smiled, teasingly

"I don't know...I cook twice a month, so it's not all that often, nor is it that difficult...it's just a lot of food, and a lot of work."

"Well... I'm still game. It should prove to be one of the more interesting expierences"

She nods.

He finished up his sushi, and sat there, looking around the cafe. He liked the decour here

"Looking forward to this afternoon?"

"Yes... and no."

"Understandable." She smiles. "I got the easy job. Not so for you."

"If I come back heavily beaten, don't disturb. All I'll need is a shower, and a good nights sleep... I'll be fine"

Why do I have trouble believing myself here? I know I'm good... but these guys train for ever in swordplay

"I'll be the judge of that, James Cougar."

"I'm sure you will, Rhenna... I'm sure you will"

She smiles at him. "Don't worry, James. You'll be fine."

If she has this much belief in me, then it must be true

He smiled, and kissed her on the cheek,"I promise"

"We ought to take a walk by the river beforehand...calm your nerves."

"That sounds like a very good idea... I could use it"

"I know. That's why I suggested it."

He stood up, and took her hand,"Was it really that obvious?"

"I'm your wife. I know you."

He nodded as they walked along,"That's true... though it's fair to say that I'm your husband and there is so much I don't know about you... which isn't a bad thing"

"But you know how I feel at any given moment...and the opposite is also true."

He smiled,"It's a nice feeling... most of the time at least. You can understand why I'm what could be described as a tad nervous"

"Yes, I do. However...these men are much the same as you."

"Let's hope they see it that way also... honour is very important to these men. I have no doubt that there will be some sort of ritual combat before they will talk to me freely..."

"It shouldn't be lethal, though. Just a test."

"Yeah... oh well... I'll get by"

"Stop that. You'll do fine and you know it. These men are just that -- men. You sparred all right with Rildorath, you'll do just fine with them."

He sighed,"Self-confidance never was my strong point anyway... I'll be fine"

"Look at me, James."

He did as he was told. A lifetime of solidering had taught him to obey orders... and you also didn't disobey that tone

"If you go in there unconfident, they will know that you do not belong there. You will be hurt badly, and thrown out. I know that you can do this...but you must know also, or it does no good."

He paused, opened his mouth, but no words came out. He closed it again, and nodded,"Alright. I know I can do this"

You are the man! No one can stop you

She smiles. "Good."

"At least we got that sorted. Did you see anywhere you might try?"

"Actually, I saw a couple of places. What about you?"

"Just the one. A large number of the samurai were moving in and out of this side-street. A quick glance told me all I needed to know. That place is for honoured warriors only. IN this case, samurai, or someone they consider worthy. I'm going to try there"

She nods. "Then that sounds like a good starting point."

They had come to a bridge over the river. James walked to the centre, and dropped two petals into the water. They drifted along with the current, locked together. He smiled as he watched them drift off,"How long do you think this will take?"

"You'll probably get out at around six...I'll probably get out at around seven-thirty or later. I'm going to have to let them go through their heirarchy before they let me speak. I could speak sooner, but it wouldn't be well recieved. Once they accept you, they'll want to hear tales of your deeds in battle, and then tell you of theirs, and after that will ask you why you came here."

"I'll have to pick and choose which ones to tell and which to hold back. Once I get them talking and all is said and done, I have little doubt they will allow me to return at will. Do you want to meet back at the hotel or elsewhere?"

"The hotel sounds good."

OOC: And here we are. Page 700. Everyone applaud and bow down to the thread

IC: He smiled,"I'll be in the room when you get back. I'll see you later"

He put his arms around her, and kissed her, one more before he left

She kissed him back. "Good luck."

He smiled,"You too"

He drew her close for a moment, then let her go, and headed over the bridge towards where he had seen the samurai go. As he walked, the feelings of trepidition grew in his stomach, but he suppressed them. He had the strangest feeling that people were acting as if he were samurai, or at least their equal. The looks were ones of semi-fear, semi-reverence. He dismissed it, hoping it was his imagination playing tricks on him. He turned into the street, and kept walking

Rhenna watched him walk off, then turned and walked in the direction of her first 'target.'

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

Cougar's progress was unhindered, although the samurai that were walking the street did give him questioning glances.

They would watch and see what this man was about.

He allowed his gaze to meet theirs, holding it just long enough to show that he was serious, but not long enough that they would deem it a challenge. He stopped outside the place he had deemed the target, and paused, surveying the exterior. He sighed, and moved into the main entrance way

This is so stupid... but I can do this

A Cherry blossom tree swayed with the gentle breeze. some of its leaves went with the breeze.

OOC: I'm getting quite ansy. Kay check your P.M.'s for important info before Either of you continue.

OOC: Maybe if you actually gave us substantial to work with, you wouldn't be getting so antsy

*BUMP*

OOC: For whilst I'm away, same agreement as before

The Dark Bard sat playing the Organ of the Damned. Soon, very soon, Arel's will would dissolve, then, Roy would suffer a very dear loss.

"Why must you play that same song over and over?" Jester asked.
"It must be the same or it won't work." William said. "Idiot" He proceeded to mutter under his breath.

Still, the organ played.

Complex, haunting, clear, insane.

It was at least the hundredth time consecutively that the song had played, and even worse was that no one else could hear it...it was like having a song stuck in her head, only this was frightening...threatening.

Arel had found a far corner of the temple while the others were taking a well-earned break from their work, and she sat in a tiny corner, curled up, with her hands over her ears to block out the sound.

It didn't work in the least, but she knew nothing else to do.

"Stop it," she whispered into the air as tears started to flow down her cheeks. "Stop it."

Roy was worried. If only he could find out where The Dark Bard was, he would take care of it now. He went to Arel, held her close, and stayed there.

**********************************************************
The Dark Bard could almost feel her resistance breaking away. It was time to finish it. Roy would suffer for Kajeenith.

"Brother, prepare the Alter of Lost souls." Dark Bard said.

The melody was still the same, but diffrent. It was, stronger. It was calling her. It was beckoning to her, telling her, directions she wouldn't be able to repeat, drawing her, on a quick flight on the most direct route possible, to the Alter.

"I can hear it getting stronger, Roy...it's like the Siren's song of myth, but I don't want to go."

"Go. Its the only way to stop it. Don't worry, I'll be right there with you. I can't lose you, you have half the Twinharp. Its like a giant invisible link, through mine, I can find yours, and as long as you keep it on you, I'll never lose you. But that won't be neccessary, because i'll be right beside you." Roy said.

Arel looked at him, wary of this advice. She knew that he probably had in mind the best...but she was afraid to go...more than anything, she was afraid to submit to the demands of this particular song.

She closed her eyes, then took in a deep breath.

Follow the music, and your dance can never go wrong.

She gave herself to the music, letting it guide her. She got up and began to walk, like one enchanted.

Arel was lead to a gateway five miles away. she was lead through. Before Roy could get through, the gateway closed...

Roy cursed Jester and his tricks. Then he felt out the other Twinharp. It was on Ephseus, in Jester's Palace.

Roy prayed to Warfare. He hardly ever prayed, but he felt this was a warrented occasion.

A ghostly sliver appeared. The floated all over Kaymiril, had been since Aras let the gateway to The Queen's Caveren go into the Temple at Mithdelmar. The Spectral Slivers never interfered with Local Kaymirilian spirits, and were here mainly to serve as a focal point for the gateways they could open. Now the opened one to Ephseus, Jester's palace, Northren Wing.

**********************************************************
The second Arel stepped through the Gateway, Jester quickly Bound her up tight. Physical escape was not possible. she was laid on a sacrifical Alter. A wicked looking knife lay nearby.

"It is done brother." Jester said.

"Good. Well, well, welcome to my brother's Palace, dearie. I hope you enjoyed my musical talents, oh, not that I really care." Dark Bard said.

"Who are you?" she demanded. "And what do you want with me?"

Her hands with their delicate fingers felt at the knots holding her as she was.

Roy hadn't followed her. He hadn't been able to.

I'm on my own and if they have anything to say about it, I'm about to die...very painfully.

There was one thing about being an entertainer...you had to also be an escape artist. This was the hardest knot she had ever encountered, but she started working at it.

"And just so you know, when my sister was first learning the reeded instruments, she sounded more musical than that cacophony you had going on."

"Ah, such is the nature of the Organ of the Damned, it always sounds worse than it really is. Have fun with those knots. Jester is an entertainer just as well as you are. These knots were developed over the lives of three escape artists. Hehe. What do I want with you. It should be obvious, but your too stupid to see it. I want to hurt Roy in the worst manner possible. How does one hurt a man with no weaknesses? Superman was one such man. He was thought invinceible until Kryptonite was discovered. Then he went down like a house of cards. Such is the same with Roy. Only its his fault. He's making me do this. I didn't want to. I've offered several times to let him come with me, we would make a great team. No one would be able to withstand us. Wow them in the stands, and then subconciously alter their thoughts with our music. Control them. Make them do for us, as we would please. Damn him. Damn him and his, Morals. Then he went to Kaymiril and found you. Now nothing can ever sway him. So I'm going to make him suffer. and I'm going to send you back to him, in little tiny boxes, starting with, your fingers, possibly your tongue. I find your voice to be, irritating at best." William the Dark Bard said.

"You try breathing in dust for four days, and see if it helps your voice...then again, it might."

Three escape artists...well...what one man can make...a woman can beat...

"Aside from that...who is superman?"

Roy did not know Jester's Palace, but he did know how Jester and his twin brother William worked. It took him a while to find the secret switch that slid a giant mirror aside, to reveal the stairs down. He paused, and summoned his ghost band.

He got down there, right as arel finished speaking.
He watched william pick up a knife next to the alter, force arel's fingers to be still, and begin to bring the knife down.

He reached for the nearest instrument, Twin harp, and played an A flat. It sped accross the room like a punching bag on a JATO unit and knocked William back accross the room. Jester looked up, scowled, and punched a button. an alarm sprang up on the upper floors, and more stairwells opened up. Evil laughter could be heard.

Roy blayed an f sharp. I flitted like a butterfly accross Arel's bonds, freeing her. That was when the 200 or so Jesterites decended the stairs.

Roy played a strange melody on the twin Harp. Both came together as one big harp. The sounded like a piano when plucked. Roy's ghost band picked up their instruments. It was time to even the odds.

Roy played and sang Zoot Suit Riot, and large numbers of 20's style American Gangsters in Zoot Suits appeared weilding Tommy guns.

OOC: Let's go a bit back in time here, so that we can get some of this from the other side.

IC:
The Dark Bard pressed down on her, crushing her fingers beneath her so she couldn't move, and picked up the knife.

It seemed to descend ever so slowly, and Arel fairly resigned herself to her fate.

Why the theatrics? You're just going to kill me, so do it.

She wanted to say this, wanted to make the words come out of her mouth, but she was paralysed by fear.

She didn't want to die.

She didn't want to see her death, so as what she considered to be her final act, she closed her eyes.

Suddenly, a note played from across the room, and the Dark Bard (and his knife) were thrown back. Another note, and she was free.

Then the alarms started going off, and she could hear the reinforcements start to come. Roy played a melody (He found me were her thoughts. Against all odds.) and the Twin Harp she had left her and merged with his.

Shakily, she sat up. No time for that now, and reached for her lyre and some harp string.

She pushed herself off of the alter as Roy's Zoot Suit song went on, and stood ready...to fight.

"Kill them, Kill them all, or so help me in the name of Kajeenith, I'll kill you all." Jester and Dark Bard yelled at the same time, eerily enough, in almost the same voice.

The Jesterites swarmed the Gangsters. Five of them went for Arel. Deadly knifes gleaming in their hand. All five were intent on stabbing her to death.

The Zoot suit Riot song over with, an actual Zoot suit Riot ensued as the Gangsters let loose with their Tommy Guns. Roy crawled under the Hay, Both Twin Harps in hand, searching for Arel. He hoped she had sense enough to get down before the bullets got her.

Arel saw the Jesterites heading toward her, but she also heard the song end.

Well...my experience with things like those are limited...but if my guess is correct...

She grinned at the Jesterites. "Bye."

So saying, she did a back handspring, allowing her room to get her head down before the gangstas opened fire.

Roy found Arel as she hit the floor. Unfortunatly, The Mob did not have infinite Ammo. That's alright though, most of both sides were dead. The mob whipped out knuckles and chains and got physical.

The remaing Jesterites dogpiled Roy and Arel. Intent on their Murder. Roy knocked some into the Gangsters the others, 6 of them, jumped on Arel. Roy had no time to save her. 6 knives stabbed for her at once.

Six...

Arel took her harpstring, and then her arms and fingers started to move blindingly fast.

This was known in other cultures as "The Wrath of Shiva"...and it was a good attack.

Razor-sharp harpstring lashed out at all of them seemingly "at once"

All Jesterites were Dead.

The Gangsters surrounded Jester and dark Bard. Dark Bard sat at the Organ, and played a song that was inherently evil. Hellfire consumed the Gangsters.

Roy handed Arel her half of the Twin Harp again.

"we may need it." He whispered. Then, with his Lute, He played a Note that was both Flat and sour at the same time. it knocked Dark Bard into the Organ.

"Well then, lets settle this like the long time Rivals we've become." Dark Bard said maliciously.

"Lets." Roy said.

Roy was ready with his Lute. Dark Bard pulled his out.

"Who's the better master of Sonic energy? LEts see." William said.

They both began playing. It was Satanic Rythims meeting southren Gospel Choir. Cracks ran all along the room, and up into the Palace itself.

Jester turned to Arel.
"So, miss Bard. My Jesterites failed, The Gangsters Burn in hell, and Our Dark Master hungers for the souls of Maidens. I shall appease him with your soul." Jester said. He brought out his own Dagger, and advanced upon Arel.

Arel put her Harp back where it belonged, then looked at Jester as he advanced.

"Too bad I'm not a maiden, then."

Roy would (hopefully) be engaged in his battle, and not hear/register this.

Her harpstring whistled through the air and slashed at the Jester, going to tear up his hand, his face.

This was to be a fight.

Jester dodged and flipped over the string. He landed a bit closer to Arel. His Knife slashed for her Thigh.

"Your not a maiden then? Roy won't want to be with you then. We know him very very well. I'll be doing you a favor so you won't have to break his heart later, but my my, you are such a Harlot for leading him on like this." Jester said with an Evil grin.

There was a very visible ball of energy hovering between Roy and William. Niether was giving an inch, niether could hear a thing. The ball exploded, knocking everyone to a Far corner of the Room. Roy and William rushed back to their musical battle. Jester Rushed towards Arel.

Arel pivoted on one foot, bringing the other up to smash Jester's knife-arm.

Her string slashed behind her...even if he dodged her foot, the string ought to catch him.

"I never asked for anything from him...and I never asked for anyone to 'want' me."

She straightened out, and began weaving an intricate (but potentially lethal) pattern in the air with her string.

When the string hit stone, the stone cracked.

"You must be Blind, can you not see it in his eyes, he thinks the world of you. You think he would really face his two most Lethal enimies for just anyone? You'll have to tell him sooner or later. Perhaps, if you kill me, I'll just raise from wherever I go, and tell him myself. Secrets cannot remain hidden forever." Jester said. He recieved many deep cuts. The knife was lost in a crack. He pulled out a wee little bomb. Lit its remarkable short fuse, and threw it at Arel. It would explode right in her face if she could not dodge it in time. Even if she could, she would still be hit with the shockwave of the blast.

Roy and William's melodies began playing Deeper, more resonant. The Entire Palace began to Crumble due to the Harmonic frequncies. Blocks began to crumble all around them. A large one knocked Jester silly, but he recovered. Another began to loosen above Arel.

Roy and William couldn't stop. They were in too deep. Either one of them stopping now, would mean certain doom.

Arel stepped forward, into the bomb's path. She brought up her hands, then flung it back at Jester.

She then saw the stone above her cracking, and started backing up, so that when and if it came down, she wouldn't be crushed. She kept Jester back with continued lashings of the harpstring.

"Do it, if you feel you must."

Jester smiled. He would have rushed forward, but the stone fell, crushing him to Death.

Sections of ceiling blocked the stairwells.

Roy noticed Arel out of the Corner of his Eye.

For her, I have to end it.

He ended alright, he sent a massive Shockwave of energy at william. He caught it with his Power, and scattered it in all directions. The Entire Palace collapsed.

As it collapsed, Roy ran faster than he thought he could possibly Run, and played up a sonic Barrier to protect them.

Arel ran with him, grabbing her glider and flinging it down. "Sussun, phor!"

The glider spread into its flying form, and let them run on. It then ascended, rushing through the hallways and ascending through what breaks it could find in the sonic rubble.

As the reached the top. They were above the Rubble.

Two bloody figures rose through the Rubble.

"ITS NOT OVER YET BUDDY! I WON'T STOP UNTIL THAT IMPURE HOAR YOU CALL A GIRLFRIEND AND YOU ARE DEAD1" William and Jester roared in unison.

They began changing, and growing. soon, two green scaly horrors of hell confronted them both.

"I AM THE GEMINI FEIND, AND YOUR GOING TO DIE." They said in unison. a pair of large scaly claws crashed through the sonic sheild, knocking Roy and Arel to the ground.

Arel landed on her feet, and pulled out the biggest crossbow quarrel she had. She strung harpstring through the strings on her lyre, and loaded the biggest round she had. She snapped it back and released it.

It should hit hard...hopefuly...

The Gemini feind growled with pain. then the wound began to close.

Regeneration...

The word flitted through Roy's mind. The wizards had told him about it. Things with Regeneration were awfully hard to kill. He cast a basic time spell on Roy and Arel to speed them up, then one on Gemini feind to slow them down.

He pulled out the Twinharp. He needed extra power here. He played a solo melody. It played on Arel's Twinharp, but did nothing to her.

The melody rippled through the stones, they rose and started to bash themselves against Gemini feind.

One monster went to Kick Roy, while another went to punch Arel.

The Drow bard dodged on her glider, loading another bolt and releasing it.

She knew no spells, no tricks, nothing, to help them against a beast like this. She was useless...or worse...detrimental.

And it's only because of you that he's here too.

There was no time for thoughts like that..not now. So she pushed it aside and launched another bolt.

It wasn't working, none of it. The bolts were failing. Gemini feind began gathering the Darkness, Hellfire appeared on the horizon.

"I will draw you to the lowermost depths of Hell. Both of you will Burn for eternity. Both of you deserve to Burn. Roy deserves to Burn for loving an impure woman, and Arel deserves to Burn for not being maidenly Pure until Marriage." Gemini Feind said quietly.

"You know what, why don't you just shut up about that. I really don't care. The past is the Past and cannot be changed. I'm sure it wasn't in malevolience on her part." Roy shouted in defience.

"Fool. Then Die." Gemini feind said.

A dark green mist blanketed the area. It was several feet high, and very thick, and roy was trapped with in. it disapaited upward. Roy was at his knees, praying hard.

Then he began to fall apart like a Leper, only at a highly accelerated pace.

The voice of Gypsy spoke to Arel.

If you want to save his Life, then follow the melody on The Twinharp. She appeared, and picked up the other Twinharp. She played a complix simple melody. it seemed to give Gemini feind pause. A horse could be heard from somewhere. Rahegalhoff was coming on Starfire. Great Evil required great good. He was simply here to lend his natural holiness as a Paladin. It all depended on Arel.

Arel picked up her harp, and began following Gypsy's melody.

This was all she could do...but then again...this was something she knew how to do.

The music wound out of her harp, slowly, hesitantly at first, but then more assuredly, more steadily, as the music took its shape, it began to pound out of the harp, in time, still following the melody, but stronger...more powerful.

The Melody itself wrapped around Arel. Rahegalhoff felt like he was just copied.

Arel felt Divine Holiness enter her, forgiving,blessing, empowering. It was beyond expression. Yet it was naught but a feeling.A more feminized version of Rahegalhoff's Armore appeared on Arel. It was as light as a feather a Longsword that glowed with Holiness was in a sheath beside her.

A feather from Starfire landed on Glider It too was empowered to fight The Gemini feind. The Melody came to a natural conclusion. Gypsy took the Twinharps, Roy, and disappeared.

"Well come on then. The only way to fight a monster like this is with Divine Power. Get on your Glider machine, and come with me." Rahegalhoff said.

Arel gripped the sword and stood on her glider.

She nodded at Rahegalhoff.

"Then let's go."

"For Justice!" He yelled, and charged Gemini feind.

He sliced and diced, and left a deep wound in Gemini feind Jester's Arm. It did not heal.

"Surprised, all paladins know basic healing magick, I admit we're not as good as healers, but like healers, what we give, we can take away, and I've put Degeneration on my sword." Rahega;hoff said.

Arel swooped in, diving down on one of the beasts.

She whipped her sword around, lashing at its head while Sussun rammed against its leg.

Arel was taking on Gemini Feind Dark Bard. Since the Degeneration was a natural part of Rahegalhoff's sword, it was on Arel's copy. It was up to sussun as to whether or not he used the degenrative part of unicorn powers.

Rahegalhoff and starfire where going for Vital area's. He shouted them to Arel, indicating where they where.

Gemini feind was quite Bloody. where the two monster's blood mixed, a blight was put upon the land. Green Mist rose up around the two Paladins, but Paladins are naturally strong against Magickal diseases, thus they were not in immediate danger. A great Claw swiped straight through Arel's Midsection. Rahegalhoff grunted as a fist pounded him over the head. Thank goodness for armor.

"Uuuh." Arel was thrown back as she got hit, but the damage wasn't too great.

Sussun caught her, and together they charged back at the beast.

"What is your passion, fiend? Violence or music?"

"Burn in the Hellfire Impure Bitch." GFDB said.

Hellfire sprang up all around Arel, and began to Lick at her, consume her. Every single ounce of guilt she ever carried rose to the forfront of her mind. If and as she gave into her own Guilt, The Hellfire would gain Power, and her Paladin abilities would fade.

"Never doubt yourself. Things happen in life. Sometimes we have no control over them. You cannot carry the past with you forever and expect to survive the Hellfire. Let it all go or Perish, no one but yourself can help you Arel." Rahegalhoff shouted.

GFJ clasped Rahegalhoff in his hands and began to squeeze.

The weight of her guilt was crushing, and she fought it. She could feel the fires around her.

You almost caused his death...you aren't worthy of anything.

"No."

She looked at the Dark Bard. "The past is the past...and while I'm not perfect...you sure as hell aren't."

She charged back at the DB, gathering what Paladin abilities she had...but also she was gathering something else...an ability she'd always had, but had never been able to control.

As she slammed the DB with her sword, an attack ran through the blade...it was an offshoot of the same mental ability that allowed her the clairvoyant flashes. Only this time, it was malevolent...an attack. It would rip through the DB's body, and likely tear him apart.

"Die."

GFDB was in at least thirty seperate peices. Rahegalhoff cut through GDJ's hands, and sliced out his Heart. Both were dead. With his last gasp of breath, Jester cried out.

HELP US MASTER!

Dark Energy sprang up from both corpses, tying them to Life, preventing death. a hideous Laugh sounded as The bodies were taken away through the Dark Energy.

A Dark energy disk appeared. A shadow of Kajeenith appeared inside of it.

"Well played old man. you have my congratulations. but I've got a surprise for you. *Image seems to slide right. Daigalleon, who had left Warfare's service willingly and entered Kajeenith's appeared.* Look Familier. He's been a great student, and unlike you, I feel he should be allowed to explore his abilities. *Image returns to Kajeenith.* yes, I'm back, and there isn't a thing you can do about it. The Gemini feind will return, after a five year rest. but I won't wait so long. soon, very soon I shall return, and bring with me an everlasting Dark Terror. Oh, and pleasant dreams." Kajeenith's illusion says as it fades away.

Rahegalhoff sat there in stunned silence.

Arel's armor and sword faded, and she sat back down on Sussun, as her knees felt like they couldn't hold her weight.

"So...is this what you do every day?"

She's shaking like a leaf...she's an entertainer...not a warrior.

"Yes. that, and I train younger people to do it when I can't. You've been changed you know. No one can be touched by Divine power and not be changed. I've only done this one other time, only Warfare did it through his power. The woman who shared my powers gained a bit of Holy power in all her attacks. I don't know what will happen to you, but I do know this, I don't know your past, probably never will. But, I do know this. Your Past, is gone. Its like it never happened. The memories will still be there, the effects will still be there, but your innocence, your purity. Your starting with a blank slate from this poijnt forward." Rahegalhoff said.

"The past is gone...and only the future remains. My father always said that...but I'd found it hard to accept."

"Well, we better go get ourselves checked out with Khalan. The Magickal disease hit us too. I only hope she managed to save Roy." Rahegalhoff said.

Jesters Palace glowed, and disappeared. Leaving three mirrors on the ground.

"What the duce?" Rahegalhoff asked himself.

He went to them.

"MAGICK MIRRORS!" He exclaimed. These were the mirrors Warfare wanted, but Costh never got.

He closed his eyes, and prayed to Warfare. Arel found herself in Khlan's Tower hospial.

Rahegalhoff was next to her. Starfire was in the stables getting checked by a Vet. The mirrors were in Warfare's possession.

Khlan stepped forward. A grave look on her face. Tears standing in her eyes. She looked at Arel, and burst into tears. She left to try and compose herself. Her apprentice walked up.

"Hi, I'm Dr. Heyengard, Khalan's apprentice. Let me just check you out right quick." Dr. Heyengard said.

"What about Roy?" Rahegalhoff asked.

"Come on this way. It should be breif." Dr. Heyengard said.

He was deliberatly avoiding the subject.

"No. Tell me what happened to him...I have to know."

"He, he." Dr. Heyengard said, but couldn't continue.

Khalan walked back over.

"I tried, I tried as hard as I could. but no such strain of normal or Magickal disease exists like this one. I tried to save him. But I failed. I failed completly. I found a cure all too late. And now there's absolutly nothing left. He degenerated to nothingness. I'm such a miserable failure. I'm sorry Arel. We all knew, we all knew you were his closest companion. but he's completly 100% gone." She cast a spell on them removing The Curse of Oblivion from them.

"I'm sending a note too Mith, you'll need a check up in about three months, and after that you should be fine." Khalan said. She vanished, unable to maintain composure. Warfare appeared. He seemed to already know. Without even giving Arel a Chance, he gripped her by the shoulder, and took her to his Realm, The crystal World.

They were by the Crystal of Death. Arel could see Roy's soul in the Temple of Death.

"If it were possible to bring him back, would you have it done?" Warfare asked.

"I would..." She looked up at the god, tears in her eyes, but yet unfallen. "What do I need to do?"

"In a minute, but first, tell me, to what purpose? What purpose would you have him serve if I brought him back from the dead?" Warfare asked. He already knew, but she had to admit it first.

"Purpose? Other than it was needless death? Other than I should be the one dead now, instead? Other than that he was a good man, and a friend to anyone he came into contact with? Above and beyond the fact that he was a good man?"

She holds her arms tightly to herself and looks back at the crystal. "I love him. For the first time in my life, I love someone...and I believe he loves me..." the tears she'd held back thus far now ran uncontrolled down her face. "And I'd rather have died than have him die because me. Because I wasn't strong enough to resist."

Warfare took out the life thread Death gave him and Arianna as a wedding present. He used its power. Roy appeared silently behind Arel, disappearing from the crystal. Warfare silently disappeared. Roy was there standing behind Arel.

"Its alright. I would sooner Die a thousand Death's than let you suffer at the hands of a Madman Arel." Roy said quietly.

Arel turns around, somewhat surprised that he was back, just like that.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

***********************************************************
In her temple, Death nodded. An appropriate use of a gift. She approved.

Roy embraced Arel. simply holding her.
"Its all over now." Roy said.

She returned his embrace, and started to sob. All of that had happened in only a couple of hours...more than too much at once.

If the rumors and legends are true, and if Kajeenith really is back, then events like that may become commonplace. I pray they do not." Roy said.

"It can't be allowed, Roy."

"My, this place is pretty." Roy said. Gazing out at The Crystal World.

Arel actually looked at Crystal World for the first time. "It is...sort of. I was brought here...I don't know his name...but he was powerful."

That was The Elder God Warfare. The True Ruler of Warhaven. Kajeenith is his exact equal, yet evil. But enough of that. There has to be an exit somewhere." Roy said.

He looked out over the world, seeing nothing inside the domes. It would be an excellent place for a game of Hide and seek. Perhaps they should just explore at random.

"Looks like we'll have to find it, though."

There was only one way off the giant Platform. That was a bridge to another Platform. Left, or right. Those were the options at the next one. One way lead to the complete history of Kajeenith, the other was plainly marked Exit.

"They say it's best to know your enemy...but today's already been long enough."

As they reached the exit, it was a Large pair of doors. Roy opened them, and they were back at the Temple.

Arel looked wearily at the shadows. "It hasn't even been three hours since we left here."

"Hey, things happened. Now we're home." Roy said.

"We're back, anyway."

"There's nothing like being with the one you love." Roy said.

She gives him a faint smile. "No...nothing."

A frantic Edward rushes in.

"Where have you two been? Its been moved back to Ephseus due to Kajeenith's disappearence." Edward said.

Garath slowly meandered along, clearly not worried.

"What, can't they have some time to themselves? Do they have to be under your Thumb ALL the time?" He asked.

"What the Hell do you want?" Roy asked.

"Just that. Come on. The participants are gathering. The other judges are there. Hurry!" Edward said.He would have had a panic attack if he thought it would help.

"Don't move it back to Ephesus. I wouldn't trust that place for a long time yet."

"Look, the guardian mages swept it thoroughly. There are NO traps. Besides, its too late. It was a board decision, and it starts in, *Glances at his watch* oh dear god. 30 minuets." Edward said. He started Hypervenitlating.

"Stop that. What do you think you're doing? If you want to die of oxygen inhalation, Mithdelmar is THAT way."

Edward opened a Gateway to Shevat. From there he could get them to Ephseus.

"Come on Edward. Time for another Elephant tranquilizer. *To Roy and Arel.* I do apologize for the company's rudeness, and the suddeness of it all. If there's anyone you wish to bring along to ensure your safety, let me know." Garath said. He then pushed Edward through the Gateway. He didn't leave though. He wouldn't, until Roy and Arel stepped through.

Arel attempts a laugh. "The only one I know that's willing to assure my safety's already coming, anyway." She looks at Roy. "So I guess we go."

"In a minute." Roy says.

He goes to a nearby corner, kneels and prays. Then he gets back up again and rejoins them.

"Say, don't we need to stop by and pick up your sister?" Roy asks.

"Do we? Or can she make it to Ephseus on her own?" Garath asks.

"We probably need to get her. Or she can probably come here. Sussun, contact Seera and tell her that people are stupid and moved this thing off planet."

The glider did as it was asked, then warbled at Arel.

"She'll be here in five minutes."

"Okay, I can wait." Garath said.

"I asked Gypsy to watch." Roy said.

Five minutes later, Seera set down beside them. She looked at her sister, and raised an eyebrow.

"You and I are going to need to talk later...in any event...how do we get there?"

"Its a two part trip. First, through this Black Portal to The Flying City of Shevat, then, to the Grand Opera house of Ephseus." Garath said.

Roy waited for the Ladies to enter first.

S to A -- "I still don't get how these things are supposed to be safe." Still, she takes her sister and steps through.

They were on Top of The Flying city of Shevat. Random flying monsters got a real Shock from the Lightning sheild. Edward was being treated for Hyperventilation by some medical personel.

"Oh Great." Garath said.

Typhoon walked over.

"Who are you Bunch and why did you let this Man through to collapse on our city?" Typhoon demanded.