NationStates Jolt Archive

Yes, I remember sparring with you the other day. She ought to be all right. I don't have her unconcious, so you can talk to her...just don't upset her or I'll have to show you the flip side of drow medical abilities.

"Thanks. Much appreciated" he said, walking past her and entering the room. He sat down on the end of the bed,"How you feeling?"

Not bad. They're over reacting.

You did collapse. And given recent events, you can understand why they are looking after you. Gave me a scare and all

A smile briefly crosses her face.

"Don't worry about me, Cougar...I can handle myself."

He smiled back,"I know. So does everyone else. I didn't even know anything had happened until Vedt dropped some comments and even then I basically I had to force Shan to tell me. Threats abound as well. Oh well, just people looking out for you. Still has me worried though"

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. *reaches out and turns his head* What have you been doing all day? You barely seemed more exhausted after the battle with Kaelis Ra, or the Colossus.

"I've been working out, researching. Before that, I had to fight Odin to test my new blade. I think the last time I really slept was when we got back here, about 48 hours and counting. All-go. And the caffeine can't have helped me." he laughed, well aware of his body wanting to sleep. Not yet, just a little bit longer

Caffeine and kreren. Very healthy. Get some sleep.

Alright. I'll be back though, later," he smiled, and gave her a quick kiss,"Stay safe my dear." He left the room, and headed back into his. He was asleep before he hit the bed...

EDIT OOC: congrats on 1,110 posts

They weren't going to let her up for any reason, so Rhenna settled in to rest. For the first time in over a hundred years, she began to doze.

Come to me.

What

It is time...come, child, and join your father. You know the way...come and face your destiny.

Magick pulsed around Rhenna, and she called D'anthe to her...and was gone.

*******************************************
Cougar would have only been asleep for a couple of hours when the door opens, some student sticks his head in, and pulls back out. As the door's closing, the only audible words are "Il's naut gaer."

OOC: Thanks.

Cougar sat up, his eyes open and bright. Genetic engeinnering had its desired effect, he was still aware whilst he slept. He noticed the door closing, and pulled it open,"Vel'bol zhah l' priqual?" he asked, his eyes darting over the students outside his door

OOC: tis alrite

Most of them have moved on, checking other rooms.

One student turns to him, and his "Xuat degahr dosstan xuil ol," is drowned out by Shan's "Kyorl doeb!" as the young mage darts around and between other mages. Something is obviously wrong...there is no way that so many mages would be up and active at this hour, under normal circumstances.

Cougar shook himself, checking his watch,3 hours. 3 hours sleep in 51. Oh well, back to the grindstone. He grabbed his cloak off the back of the door, and set off through the throng. As he walked he heard a number of cries, and his heart pounded. He set off for the medical wing. As he arrived, his eyes flew to the bed... it was empty. He rested his head on a doorway, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Great. Fucking brilliant. She's dissapeared, as have Vedt and Renor. Here I am again..

Shan skids to a halt beside him.

"Well, come on...we have to follow her. What's taking you so long?!"

"All right, calm down. You won't solve a thing by panicking. Do you know exactly where she is going?" quizzed Cougar, drawing a comabt knife from his boot, checking something on it, then replacing it

No. But I can find out. Harl! *He throws a metal cylinder to the ground, but before it hits, it changes shape and hovers. He steps on.* She can't have gone far...a hundred miles, tops.

EDIT OOC: brb

Let's get moving. Something tells me time is extremely limited in this case. Any idea as to how long ago she left?

OOC: Sorry, but I got to go for this evening. Mum is kickin me off now, lol. talk to you tomoz

Let's get moving. Something tells me time is extremely limited in this case. Any idea as to how long ago she left?
Half an hour ago. *Shan closes his eyes, and his face scrunches in concentration, and suddenly they are outside, and the glider begins to move.*

"Velve, can you locate D'anthe?"

*sound*

"Rhenna with him?"

*same sound*

"Follow them...and try to catch up."

They blaze off into the night.

OOC: Yeah, I understand the feeling.

Balrogga, it's your turn to enter. http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8399366#post8399366

As they moved, Cougar thought deeply, his brow furrowed. Ideas and explanations ran through his mind, some were dismissed instantley, some labeleld as possible and a select few labelled as highly likely. He looked out, seeing little in the dark

An illusionary (C would probably translate as "holographic") chart is hovering in front of Shan. "Did she really go through there? Velve, handlebars...for me and him."

Handlebars rise from the glider - something one wouldn't have thought pissble until it actually happened.

"Hang on, Cougar...and watch your head...we have to speed up."

They shoot through a cavern with so many twists, turns, and obstacles that if Cougar had been able to properly see just what Shan was taking them through, at what speed, he'd probably have killed the young mage where he stood. All he can tell -- especially at the parts they turn upside down -- that it isn't an easy course at all. They finally burst back into the open night. Shan's breath is coming ragged, both from the adrenaline inspired by the course and the physical work of making a glider pull off those turns.

"Intact, Cougar?"

"Somewhat," said Cougar, checking himself over,"Something tells me I do not wnat to know what just happened. Seemed very fast, and very dangerous... soudns like dogfights in asteroid fields!" He looked around, his eyes having adjusted to the ambient light,"Where in holy hell are we?"

Yeah...you probably don't want to know...and I really don't know. We're following Rhenna. Velve, where are we?

*A scribble (to Cougar, lol) appears briefly in front of his face* Nearing Lotha Province. From what I heard, it's a quiet locale...why would she be here, of all places...especially when Renor's orders for her were to stay put?

Cougar knew,"The Threat." he whispered, more to himself than Shan,"It has reawoken, and is calling her. Half-dragon, what did you expect?" He looked ahead, his eyes straining to penetrate the night. The sun was beginning to rise, and he welcomed the light

What threat? And what's it have to do with her being half dragon? You're not making any sense.

OOC: The Threat was centuries before his time...

"Forget it. It's something I came across in the Libary, something she was looking at. I don't know anything, and I guess the only ones who do are Renor and Mith... wherever they are"

People don't tell me anything because I'm a kid. That's the reason, right?

*He begins to scan for Rhenna*

Not at all. If I knew anything... anything at all, I would tell you. A team can't function if it keeps secrets from each other. First lesson from the academy. And you're only a kid to them. Remember, you are older than I am

ooc: you should transfer to the http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8407062#post8407062 thread now that your in the province.

By eleven years. Big deal. There she is. *begins to glide down*

OOC: Off to the other thread.

Costh having returned from the Lotha Province, he set out looking for Ishren.

Costh came to an intersection. A rune was scribed on the wall...it was a symbol meaning "left"

Seeing the rune, Costh followed it.

The path Ishrem had set out for Costh to follow took the human through many intersections, corridors, and levels of stairs. Sometimes he went up, sometimes he went down...he'd feel like he was going in a large circle. Eventually he comes to the Forge, where Ishrem is sitting in a chair, etching in the last details on something that looks like a flat metal plate.

"Greetings Ishrem. I followed what I assume was your path." Costh said.

Yes...I set that out. You could have just looked in the directory, but if you wanted exercise, it's always fun to go exploring around the tower. *finishes* There. Anyway, Vedt told me you wanted a forge since you had some dragon parts...any idea what you want done with them?

"What I want to do with the parts depends on the part I have and what they can be used for." Costh replied

You mean you gathered dragon parts without even knowing their uses?

"No, what I meant was for example a claw could be made into a weapon, a tool, or a decoration. I simply havn't decided what I wish to fabricate out of the parts I have gathered."

Dragon horn can make a weapon. Once taken from the dragon itself, dragon claw isn't good for anything other than being powdered up and used as a medicine, which one, you'd have to ask Mith. Dragon teeth make good ornaments.

"Then we most likely have a different methods for forging, because thier are dragon claw weapons in our land, either that or parts of dragons from different lands can be used in different methods." Costh replied.

Tell me...have you ever seen a dragon like Tellryon before...at all?

"I have seen dragons with the same combat abilities as Tellryon but not the same physical appearence as Tellryon." Costh replied.

Then trust me...you're not going to get a very effective weapon out of Tellryon's claws. Tell me...was the dragon your kill?

"Do you mean did I slay Tellryon, then the answer is no." Costh replied.

Then the heart and spleen won't do you any good.

"I did not take the spleen anyways but why would the heart be useless."

The heart of the dragon is the most powerful component...however, if you were not the one to slay the dragon, it will not allow its power to open for you. It's one of those odd dragon features that we haven't really been able to figure out.

"Ah, that is a difference between the dragons of Kaymiril and the dragons of Theao. Dragons of Theao when they die thier hearts can be used by anyone with the training to use them."

Actually, Tellryon is not a "Kaymirilian" dragon. We don't know where he comes from. Your dragons must be the exception, rathar than the rule.

"One thing I notice as a difference between Tellryon and dragons in the books I have studied outside of Theao and our dragons is that our dragons are view as pure creatures, similar to unicorns, while other dragons are view as monsters to be hunted and slain."

That one needed slain. You did get a good bit of the hide, did you not?

"Yes I do have a great deal of hide, as well as quite a few scales."

The hide and scales make pretty good armor. You could make other things with them, but it serves the best purpose as armor.

"Those are the same uses we have for the hide and scale of our dragons.

They're bound to have some similarities.

"Since the components appear to be different would you mind telling me the uses of the dragon parts as you use them?"

Show me what you've got.

"I have scales, hide, teeth, claws, blood, eyes, stomach, heart, a few glands and parts of some of the other internal organs."

Scales and hide, armor, like we've said. Teeth can be used as ornaments or as spear tips, claws have medicinal uses, the blood can temporarily grant you a sort of invulnerability, stomach's only good for what you find in it if anything, eyes can be used as the components of a scry spell, and the rest of what you have has medical uses.

"Since the claws and the organ parts are useless for my intended uses do you think the grey mages would like them? Also the eyes are useless to me so do you know anyone who could use them? The stomach, blood, scale and hide I can use so would you mind if I get to work in the forge?" Costh asked

I'll send the heart and other things to Mithdelmar...I'm sure they'll get to the right places. Go ahead and get to work.

*He waves his hand, and everything save for the components Costh wanted to keep vanish*

Costh set to work, processing the hide, claws and scales to get them to a workable level, while working with the stomach removing the contents as well as processing it. After he processed the parts to the degree necessary he set to work stoking the fire.

OOC: You don't work with an Acid Dragon's parts with Fire. Just letting you know...

IC:
Ishrem left the forge, as his "apprentice" did not appear to desire assistence.

***Rendelmar***

A portal opened, letting Renor and Cougar back in.

R -- You can do whatever you wish. Here...take care of D'anthe until Rhenna gets back...they wouldn't let her keep him. *tosses Cougar a metal cylinder*

He snatched D'anthe from the air, tucking him into his belt,"Right. See you around". He turned on his heel, heading for his room. After hanging up his cloak, and leaving his Gunblade in a hidden area, he stretched. His black clothing showed no sign of wear and tear. What to do, what to do... he thought, then it hit him,Shan!. He set out to find the young mage, eventually ending up at the medical wing...

The bandages across the boy's chest show the haste with which he was bandaged, but he's concious, and chatting merrily with the three other children from earlier...revealing just how much medication he's on.

Cougar stepped into the room. He gestured at Shan, seeing the recognition even at this range,"How you feeling?"

S -- Hey, it's you. I'm not feeling much of anything at the moment. So...since I was kind of out of the way for the entire adventure...what happened?

He smiled, knowing the boy was high on medication,"Well... it's kind of long, but in a nutshell: Rhenna won, got split in two, restored and is now recovering in Mithdelmar. Everyone else is fine, and now you are the worst off"

Most excellent. I didn't even do anything.

Cougar knelt next to him, and put his hand on his shoulder,"Don't worry about it. Your time will come, you can be sure of that. Get well soon, my friend". He stood, and walked away, leaving Shan to his own devices. He went to the libary, and began to look through the scientific records of Snake Eaters. He had a theory about his episodes, and he wanted information...

OOC: Right here

Cougar closed the journal... nothing at all. He checked his watch, and saw it was late. After grabbing a bite to eat, he went to the training rooms, to practice his aim and defense even further. He kept working late into the night, until he was sure he could ghost at will, and hit a moving target 10/10. He sat, his back against the wall, and swigged some water...

Costh began to get to work processing shafts for the spears, sharpening teeth and bending them. He set to work stiching the stomach and turning inside out turning it into a bag. The scales and hide he worked into armour, one heavy suit(scale reinforced) and two light(hide only suits). He also crafted three scale helmets. He then set to work emblazing the spears, bag, and armour with certain runic inscriptions, granting them with some greater powers.

ooc:not for the dragon parts themselves but auxillary parts ie:shaft of the spear

OOC: Right here

Cougar closed the journal... nothing at all. He checked his watch, and saw it was late. After grabbing a bite to eat, he went to the training rooms, to practice his aim and defense even further. He kept working late into the night, until he was sure he could ghost at will, and hit a moving target 10/10. He sat, his back against the wall, and swigged some water...
Renor enters. "And here I'd figured you'd have been there to greet Rhenna when she got back."

OOC: Theao...remember what we said about the claws.

"I lost track of time," he said, kicking himself,Good move James, top-fucking notch!,"Where is she? I need to apologise"

She wasn't irritated in the least. And where do you think she'd be?

"Lemme guess... the libary?" he said, taking D'anthe from his belt,"I've got to give her this back anyway"

Good guess.

He couldn't help but laugh,"She said she wanted to go there anyway. I'll go and give her this back." He walked from the room, then broke into a brisk run. It wasn't far to the libary, and he knew where she would be. As he emerged into the structure, he spotted her, pouring over a book,"Old habits die hard?" he said, coming up behind her

Multiple hours later Costh emerged from the forge with his creations completed and bagged. He then began looking for something to do, either Ishrem or the library whichever he found first.

He couldn't help but laugh,"She said she wanted to go there anyway. I'll go and give her this back." He walked from the room, then broke into a brisk run. It wasn't far to the libary, and he knew where she would be. As he emerged into the structure, he spotted her, pouring over a book,"Old habits die hard?" he said, coming up behind her

That and I'm not technically supposed to be doing much of anything else. I went and checked on Shan first...that was entertaining. Anyway...*turns to look at him* I could say the same for you.

Multiple hours later Costh emerged from the forge with his creations completed and bagged. He then began looking for something to do, either Ishrem or the library whichever he found first.
Ishrem's outside the Tower. There are fireflies out in the fields, and he scribes runes that flicker in the same way their lights do.

He smiled at the jibe,"I went to see Shan as well. So high on painkillers its unbelievable. He'll be alright, he's a tough kid." He looked over her shoulder at the book,"What you looking for this time... oh, before I forget," he said, handing her the metal cylinder,"Renor asked me to look after him for you"

Ah, good. *Takes her glider back* This isn't the worst injury Shan's ever sustained. He'll be fine. This...*guestures at the book* Nothing much...just the first thing I pulled off the shelf.

Costh managed to wander his way to the library where he began reading the books(trying to read the entire library). As he read he lost all notion of time and just read and read.


ooc:since Ishrem is outside Costh would find the library first

He rolled his eyes,"Always in here, always researching. I was here earlier, looking for clues to my attacks, but nothing came up. Shame really," he said, lokking at her,"How you feeling then? You're restricted to light duties? Poor you"

I'll be good as new in a day or two.

"That's good to hear," he said,"at least you won't be laid up, as you seem to be almost all the time nowdays. By the way, I did some thinking whilst you were still there, and I have a theory as to why the attacks are happening"

*guestures to a chair* Do tell.

He sat down, taking a holoemmiter from his pocket,"Look at this." A holographic brain began to rotate above the table,"This is a normal human brain, and heres mine." Another brain, roughly similar in size,if not a bit bigger, appeared,"Notice anything different?"

OOC: Slight discolouration to his brain in the area concerning memory

"Doer." She reaches her hand out for a book that comes, and riffles through the pages.

"The color in the memory section is different..." *turning a few more pages* "It's consistent with both artificial memory placement and memory blocks."

He merely nodded,"A little piece of Snake technology. That inhibitor not only blocks memories, but also creates memories to fill tha gap. The clever thing about it, it begins to function before it is implanted, rendering it invisible to the person. Unless it malfunctions, it is the same as a normal part of the brain. I believe this one has malfunctioned, and what I keep seeing are the repressed memories"

She nods. "And they didn't detect it in Mithdelmar because you already have a couple of machines in your brain."

Yep. Stuff such as the Calipsian Node, and the nanites help mask it. The question is: Why would someone install an inhibtor in my brain?

I don't know. Will you let me try something?

He didn't hesitate, he trusted her,"Sure, what is it?"

*She goes over to him and puts her fingertips on his temples* ((Vulcan mind-meld style))

Think on anything you've seen during your "visions."

He allowed his eyes to fall shut, and concentrated on the blue tube that had been in the last two visions...


OOC: My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts....

*she closes her eyes and lets herself see what he's remembering*

OOC: actually, it's "My mind to your mind, your thoughts to my thoughts." :P

He was in the tube again, but there were less cables about him. He floated there, suspended. He could see clearly that people were staring at him, making notes. He was groggy, as if he had been drugged. His movements were slow and lethargic, and he stuggled to maintain his concious mind. He hung there, his anger at these unknown people rising every minutes, why didn't they help him. He began to thrash around, and then everything wennt dark

In the real world, James had gone limp, as if he was dead.

OOC: I was close

She was shoved out of his mind as everything went dark, and her eyes snapped open. She shakes him. "James? James? Cougar, wake up."

He stirred,"What the hell just happened?"

*She lets out a relieved breath*

Don't do that again.

Sorry. It's not as if I can help it... what did you see?

You were essentially a lab rat.

He stared at her,"What? I was a lab-rat? But what for?"

You didn't remember that much.

Costh having read for about 18 hours, left the library and began looking for Ishrem.

ooc:Ishrem is drow right?

He sat back in his chair, his face in his hands. A lab-rat... is that what I am, a human guinea pig?. He just sat there, dumbfounded. If Rhenna had looked closely, she would see small tears in his electric blue eyes

She moves to his side and strokes his hair soothingly.

"We'll figure it out."

OOC: She's had practice at soothing upset 26-yr-olds, lol.

He looked up at her,"So many questions.... and so little time to find the answers," he said. As he sat there, his mind whirred. Then it hit him, he had seen something...

"Just a second," he said, clicking his fingers. The book soared to him, and he opened it:

Project: Leviathan
Initiated over 50 years ago, the Leviathan Project was an attempt to further genetic enginnering given to Snake Eater's elite soliders. However, the project met with multiple failures in it's lifetime, and was indefinatley suspended upon the escape of it's final test-subject. There is no other information regarding the subject. The research station was located on the dead world of Nagodden, but it is highly likely that it has been dismantled in the 6 years since the death of the the notable scientist Dr. Frank Harrod

He slumped back

Wait...

*Two books fly across the library. She flips through the one on Nagodden, and tells the other one* "Frank Harrod, Section on."

She hands the books to him.

Frank Harrod
Brilliant genetic scientist, responsible for many of the inovations in this area within Snake Eaters inside the last 70 years. Born on Terra Bravo, he moved to Snake Eater Prime as a young man, and gained a Ph.d at Snake City University by the time he was 25. For the latter half of his life, he was involved in the Leviathan Project, which claimed his life at the grand age of 95


Nagodden
A dead world. No atmosphere or native life. Located on the fringes of Snake space, this was the main research base for the Leviathan Project. with the ceasing of activity, the base fell into decline, and was shut-down 3 years ago

Cougar laid the three books out in front of him, then looked at Rhenna,"I see a pattern emerging. Don't you?"

Come with me. *walks out of the library, through the halls, opens a section of Rendelmar that he's never seen before, and takes him to a room with an odd-looking piece of machinery* Sit down.

Costh, in his search for Ishrem, asked a passing mage "Do you know the location of the mage Ishrem?"

He looked at her hesitantley,"Hey, I know I love you and everything, but this is beginning to make me nervous" He sat down, and waited

Costh, in his search for Ishrem, asked a passing mage "Do you know the location of the mage Ishrem?"
random mage -- He's outside.

*Indeed, Ishrem is sitting outside with a sketchpad, drawing the scene in front of him*

***Rendelmar***

It's not going to hurt. *She takes his hand and uses a needle to get a tiny skin sample, then turns to the machine and begins tapping buttons in a complex series of commands. Her concentration is absolute. The end result:* This is a normal human genome. *pops up* This is yours. *Pops up*

OOC: Let me know what she's found.

As Costh heads outside he sees Ishrem, and heads over to where he is sitting.

Almost lifelike images spring forth from the Drow's pencil as he works.

Cougar stared at the genomes. All the bases were there, A,T,G,C. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, until he looked closer. The bases had been rearranged, to form new arrangements. He looked further, and recognised a few of the arrangements,Speed, INtelligence... jesus, they were trying to create the ultimate solider. He pointed these things out to Rhenna, concluding with,"... looks as if I'm the final test subject"

Costh sits behind and to the left of Ishrem and pulls out a book, waiting until Ishrem is finished or till he begins talking.

It does seem it...Ah...I've found the source for the Black -- now White Flame...see here? A genetic anomaly that would occur at most one in a trillion live births.

Costh sits behind and to the left of Ishrem and pulls out a book, waiting until Ishrem is finished or till he begins talking.
*still sketching* It's beautiful out here. You'd never have guessed that just over a month ago, the Dragon King had torn this place apart. Claimed the life of Uuthli...one of our most powerful mages.

It does seem it...Ah...I've found the source for the Black -- now White Flame...see here? A genetic anomaly that would occur at most one in a trillion live births.

Yes, but we know already that the White Flame is natural. Still, the odds are staggering, to say the least

*Nods*

OOC: Just setting up my thread for when I return. Somebody TG me a summary of Kay's thread and whats happened so far.

IC: Warfare was out there one the Battlefield, testing Galvenor,
"I think your what was once known as an Archwizard, They had powers similar to yours, You have a power rating of 4,750, and thats high for an archwizard. You aren't even have divine, but powerfull all the same." Warfare said. Galvenor teleported away to thinkabout this. Warfare enjoyed a quiet moment of piece.
"Let me out." Came a disembodied voice, alarmingly close to his own.
Not far away, His Darkside emerges, nothing more than a shadowy illusion.
"GALVENOR, CUT THAT OUT!!" Warfare yelled.
"HMHMHEHEHEHAHAHAHA! I am not that pathetic excuse for an ArchMagus, I am your darkside, sealed away all those years ago, and I want out." Warfares darkside said.
"MITH! HELP ME!" Warfare yelled.
"That weak old crone? Help you? Your even weaker than I thought. She might be able to cow other beings, but I am not one to be cowed by such a weak powerles old witch." Warfares darkside said.
"YOU, I deafeated you once, I can do it again." Warfare declared.
The fought a horrible battle, but it was of no use, warfare was worn from recent events, and not at full strength. The darkside conqured the lightside, and Warfare's body froze. His air and eyes became darker, his skin, lost its shine. His Aura took on an evil feel, and his voice, became harsh.
In a loud voice that stretched from Eternity to Eternity he declaired:
"I am Dark Warfare, Soon the Time will come when all shall tremble at the might of Death, and Heaven shall fall forevermore."
Fire erupted everywhere on the battlefield. Warfare turned and disappeared into the fire, which slowly disapeared. What had happened? What will happen? Only time will tell.

OOC: Everyone Heard that, everyone has a sense of what just happened. Nobody can do a thing about it, and nobody can find Him. Mith, being half Sliver, knows everything that just being happened, detail for detail, including her being insulted. Every Sliver knows the samething as well.

He stood, and walked over to the images. He still couldn't believe it, he was the test-bed for the Leviathan Project. He had heard of it, of course, but he was the one responsible for it's demise. He leant on the wall, his back to it,What am I really

He heard the call from Warfare, and started,"What the hell...?"

"Who was the Dragon King and Uuthli, what did he teach? And yes it is very beautiful out there though." Costh said as he heard Warfare "What the hell?"

OOC: My thread? basically we went, killed a coupla three dragons, killed a big dragon, and came back. And Cougar's been acting weird since we got back.

IC:
*Mith's head snapped up, and her eyes narrowed behind her mask.*

Jalron, take over for the day. I'm going to Riptide.

*So saying, she leaves what she's doing, and goes through the plaque on the wall.*

Well, everyone...it looks like we have big trouble.

Rn -- I was wondering the same thing.

R -- *Musing* So, even the gods fall...

"Something very strange just happened... but I don't know what it was," said Cougar, who was still shaking from what he had just found out. He crossed his arms, hugging himself, trying to quell the shakes

"Who was the Dragon King and Uuthli, what did he teach? And yes it is very beautiful out there though." Costh said as he heard Warfare "What the hell?"
The Dragon King is hard to explain...Uuthli was the head of one of our Top Seven Classes of Mage...his Chosen apprentice bears the title now. *His eyes narrow* That doesn't sound good.

"Something very strange just happened... but I don't know what it was," said Cougar, who was still shaking from what he had just found out. He crossed his arms, hugging himself, trying to quell the shakes
Rhenna goes over to him and puts one of her hands, small and dainty, yet strong, on his arm. "Calm down. You'll be okay."

He looked at her, at the hand on his arm, and then back at her,"Who am I, Rhenna? I feel like I don't know who I am anymore" He unfolded his arms, taking her hands in his

This does not change who you are. This changes what you know about yourself. You're still James Cougar..."Nightshadow" of Snake Eaters Special Forces Team Alpha, defeater of Kaelis Ra, Bearer of the White Flame, one of two mortals to bear the Fireos, and the man I fell in love with.

He looked at her, and remembered why he loved this woman. She was so... enchanting,"You're right. I'm still the same person... just with a new perspective on who I am." He tilted her chin upwards,"And just for the record, your love is returned... with interest"

*She smiles at him, and leans up to give him a quick kiss*

He kissed her back, allowing his lips to linger slightly. As she pulled back, he had to resist the urge to scoop her up in his arms,"Hey, I've got an idea! How about a holiday, just the two of us. You're restricted to light duties anyway, may as well take advantage of it!"

OOC: R vs C coming up, just as a sparring match, agreed?

That sounds like fun. Where will we go, though?

OOC: Well, Renor's certainly not about to kill/injure Cougar.

"Ishrem, would you have any objections if I went to see Mith, I think she might know something about the thing." Costh asked.

Anywhere! We could take a week out, just go wherever we want, do whatever we want! But... we'd need Renor's permission. I wonder where he is?

Private: The house... why not? I've got to go back sometime

OOC: But of course

I -- Maybe she would. You may go.

Anywhere! We could take a week out, just go wherever we want, do whatever we want! But... we'd need Renor's permission. I wonder where he is?

Private: The house... why not? I've got to go back sometime

OOC: But of course

What time is it?

Getting on for 0450. Day break is soon

Costh teleported to Mithdelmar, once there he looked for a grey class mage and asked him "Do you happen to know where I might find Mith?"

ooc:of the 8 high mages do they each have thier own town?

Getting on for 0450. Day break is soon

Then he'll be in the training rooms. For some strange reason, he keeps up with his sword work.

Costh teleported to Mithdelmar, once there he looked for a grey class mage and asked him "Do you happen to know where I might find Mith?"

ooc:of the 8 high mages do they each have thier own town?
OOC: Yes. And officially, it's 7 high mages.

IC:
Mage: She is not here.

"Strange character he is. His insomnia must be worse than mine," he smiled, leading her towards the training rooms. He saw Renor in one of the rooms, and entered cautiously, quietly. He didn't want to disturb his master...

"Could you direct me to the next in command then?" Costh asked

ooc:so the Time and Space mages have different towns?

"Strange character he is. His insomnia must be worse than mine," he smiled, leading her towards the training rooms. He saw Renor in one of the rooms, and entered cautiously, quietly. He didn't want to disturb his master...
Rn -- No. He gets four hours of sleep a night. That's all Drow need.

*Renor has his cloak off for this exercise, but his mask remains on. He is fighting a series of illusions, moving through them with the grace and precision only an expert swordsman can do. Finishing the round*

Yes, Cougar? *He isn't even breathing hard*

"Could you direct me to the next in command then?" Costh asked

ooc:so the Time and Space mages have different towns?
Jalron is in surgery.

OOC: Yes.

"Alright I belive I know the way, and no I won't intrude." Costh heads off toward the surgery rooms.

I have a proposal for you... I want to take Rhenna on a holiday. We're both knackered from recent events, and I just want to do something to help out. I had to come and clear it with you first though

Yes, but do remember, she has students to teach. She cannot afford to be gone too long.

A few days is all I ask, a week at maximum

Renor nods.

******************************
The mages at Mithdelmar leave Costh to his own devices, as he cannot even get into the section where surgery occurs.

Costh when he gets to the entrance to the surgery sections prepares to wait as he askes one of the non-busy mages "Who is second in command after Mith, and could you tell me when he/she is out of surgery?"

Jalron is after Mith, and he could be all day. They keep whoever's in charge running.

"I am willing to wait, I need to ask Jalron a question, could you tell me when he is avaible and where would be best to wait?"

OOC: Just so you know...Jalron only met Warfare once...he doesn't know anything about her.

IC:
I will tell Jalron there is someone to see him. As to where to wait...find a chair.

Renor nods.

******************************
The mages at Mithdelmar leave Costh to his own devices, as he cannot even get into the section where surgery occurs.

James nodded back, and then turned to Rhenna, his eyes twinkling in the light, showing true joy

She smiles at him.

R -- Tell me, Cougar...do you never sleep? Even she sleeps.

"Alright then." Costh replies as he takes a seat.

ooc:he intends to see if Jalron can direct him to Mith
would it be possible for one/other of the princesses to go to the MedCenter for some reason, just to have something funny happen

I sleep... but not all the time. I'm a partial insomniac, it's a gift and a curse. Why do you ask?

OOC: Theao...my princesses run at my whim, not yours. And at this time in the morning, they're in bed sleeping. And no, Jalron cannot direct him to Mith.

IC:
R -- Just out of curiosity.

James raised his eyebrows a fraction,"Strange. You've never been interested before. Oh well, I suppose it doesn't matter. See you soon!"

He turned to Rhenna,"So, where to first?"

ooc:didn't mean to try and control your people, just had a funny idea in mind
Costh doesn't know that.

James raised his eyebrows a fraction,"Strange. You've never been interested before. Oh well, I suppose it doesn't matter. See you soon!"

He turned to Rhenna,"So, where to first?"
R -- Indeed.

Rn -- The only places I'm familiar with are these halls...oh...I need to check on Shan again, before we go.

James nodded,"I just want to grab something from my room. I'll meet you at Shan's bed"

*10 minutes later*
Cougar, freshly dressed in fine black, with his cloak around his shoulders, and the Gunblade at his hip, came into the medical ward, spying Rhenna with Shan. He approached softly, not wishing to disturb for no reason. He placed his hand on her her shoulder, and looked down at the 'boy'

Rhenna went to check on Shan, and found him sprawled out. She smiled slightly, and straightened him out, pulling the blanket back up over him.
This woke the boy.

S -- *Sleepily* What are you doing here at this hour?

Rn -- Checking on you before going for a bit.

S -- Where are you going?

Rn -- Places. Go back to sleep.

His eyes close again as Cougar comes back to her.

She motions for him to keep quiet and leaves the room.

Cougar smiled at the young mage, and then followed Rhenna from the room. He waited until they were a resonable distance from it, then took her hand,"You must have some idea of where you want to go, what you want to see. This is a holiday for both of us." He smiled at her,"First though, we need to get to Mithdelmar"

No, really...I've only been a few places in my life time, and never on vacation. In any event, D'anthe...standing room for two.

*The glider unfolds, and she steps on, waits for Cougar, and teleports them both out*

I did have a few places in mind... I was thinking that we could go back to my old house... I want to go back, and I want you with me. Other than that, I have a whole database on areas, you can browse it on the runabout

She nods, as they blaze towards Mithdelmar. "If you look to your left, you can see the sun rising over the Yth'varol mountains."

He looked, and was awed by the sunrise. He hadn't seen one in Kaymiril before, and he was stunned by it's beauty... also, the irony of her being a tour-guide esque was not lost on him...


OOC: Next post = last post, so lets make it quick

*Laughs at his expression* That's the only landmark I know, Cougar, but Kaymirilian sunrises are not to be missed.

*They set down in Mithdelmar shortly thereafter*

He laughed,"They are not to missed, but then again alot of things are not to be missed," He took her hand, and led her to the runabout. The engines whined, and they streaked through the atmosphere.He set the coordinates, and the ship jumped into warp space. It was going to be a long trip, but he couldn't think of anyone else who he'd rather spend it with...

OOC: Gd'night - we will continue tomorrow

Rhenna took a seat on the runabout. To be honest, these things made her nervous...but Cougar seemed perfectly at home. Ah well...at least the trip wouldn't be boring.

OOC: Good night.

"Alright then." Costh replies as he takes a seat.

ooc:he intends to see if Jalron can direct him to Mith
would it be possible for one/other of the princesses to go to the MedCenter for some reason, just to have something funny happen
***Hours Pass***

Jalron finally emerges. He spots the human he'd been told wanted to speak to him.

"You are Costh?"

"Yes I am, and you must be Jalron. Would you happen to know how I could get in touch with Mith?" Costh asked

No, I don't. She's not here, and I don't know where she is. I just have to keep this place from falling apart.

"Dang, I had something important to talk to her about. Oh well, is there anything I could do to help out here?" Costh asked

Our staff has a handle on everything.

"Alright then. Could you contact me when she gets in or contacts you, but you must contact me magically or physically, psionic contact won't work." Costh replied

ooc:you could have a grey mage try to figure out why Costh is psionically immune

We are not psionic here...are you an anti-psyche?

"Sort of, a few people in my nation are completly immune to any and all psionic manifestation. For example a telekinetic could try with all thier might to move one of us but they couldn't move us a milimeter, the same telekinetic against a normal man could kill them without a problem. There are also a few who have a similar condition reguarding magick." Costh replied "It has been speculated that should there be a visible psionic manifestation an anti-psionic couldn't see it."

I see.

Rhenna took a seat on the runabout. To be honest, these things made her nervous...but Cougar seemed perfectly at home. Ah well...at least the trip wouldn't be boring.

OOC: Good night.

He noticed her tense up,"Don't worry. This thing is fine," he smiled,"At least we've actually got the holiday! I didn't think he'd say yes"

*Riptide*
The Slivers look surprised, and joyful to see Miths presence.
"Mith! You know what just happened right? what does this mean?" A Synapse said.

*Ancient world of Ephseus*
Cereberus had searched most of the world. The only place left were the ancient mountains of Magus, but they shifted formation daily, and would be next to impossible to search. No matter, he was drawing closer to Merlins tomb...

Rn -- Actually, this holiday is at our own peril. We get into trouble, we can't call anyone, and I'm in for several...interesting...conversations when we get back. You're only twenty six, so most of the mages will leave you alone. And you might think it's fine...but this is normal for you. I've only been out of the atmosphere twice...and I can't say I like the feeling much.

M -- I know what just happened. This does not bode well at all.

My nation knows little about Warfare...but from the events that just transpired, it appears that aside from having a male and a female form, he also has two parts to him...a good and an evil. The good side has been highly taxed between Derscon, the Mirari, and Kaelis Ra's avatar...and the dark awoke and overpowered him. Don't worry...we'll get his positive aspect back. "Old crone" though I may be...I still have a few tricks up my sleeves.

Rn -- Actually, this holiday is at our own peril. We get into trouble, we can't call anyone, and I'm in for several...interesting...conversations when we get back. You're only twenty six, so most of the mages will leave you alone. And you might think it's fine...but this is normal for you. I've only been out of the atmosphere twice...and I can't say I like the feeling much.

M -- I know what just happened. This does not bode well at all.

My nation knows little about Warfare...but from the events that just transpired, it appears that aside from having a male and a female form, he also has two parts to him...a good and an evil. The good side has been highly taxed between Derscon, the Mirari, and Kaelis Ra's avatar...and the dark awoke and overpowered him. Don't worry...we'll get his positive aspect back. "Old crone" though I may be...I still have a few tricks up my sleeves.

He smiled,"Don't worry, we'll be fine. Trust me," he looked at her,"As for conversations...well, nothing you can't handle!"

I do trust you, which is why I'm on this thing in the first place.

"Thats all alright then*checks the panel in front of him*Looks like we're coming up on Snake Eater Prime"

He let the ship drop from warp, coming into a low orbit above the planet. As he looked out the viewport, he couldn't help but feel the memories being triggered. Some good. First kiss..., some bad, Her body just lying there

The two planets don't look terribly different from this perspective. *Looks over and sees his expression* Bittersweet memories, Cougar?

"Jalron, I'll let you get back to your duties, I've taken enought of your time. Please contact me when Mith gets in thought." Costh replied as he headed out.

ooc: have to go to the store be back soon

He looked at her,"Something like that." He looked out at the planet, and decided it wasn't fair to keep her waiting... she obviously didn't like space travel. He brought the runabout down softly, coming through the atmosphere with as little turbulence as possible. He set it down on a landing pad,"Solid ground. Bet you're happy!" He smiled. She wasn't used to it, he was . No contest.

Jalron goes around Mithdelmar, checking on patients, looking at reports, etc. While it wasn't the first time he'd done this, it was still mind-boggling, the amount of work. And this'll be my job in only a few decades, if that.

He looked at her,"Something like that." He looked out at the planet, and decided it wasn't fair to keep her waiting... she obviously didn't like space travel. He brought the runabout down softly, coming through the atmosphere with as little turbulence as possible. He set it down on a landing pad,"Solid ground. Bet you're happy!" He smiled. She wasn't used to it, he was . No contest.
Much better, I'll admit. *She smiles back at him* It looks a lot better than the last time we set down, though.

Anything looks better after a few weeks of repairs. Barbarossa told me everything is geared towards it currently. The square (with the house) was finished yesterday. Sorry to force you to hop across stars like that, but'd Mith would go nuts if you opened a portal

Not only that, I'm not entirely sure of the terrain here, or precisely where it is we need to go. I'd be more likely to open a portal to the Arctic Wastes...no, I'm lying. I'd probably open the portal to the third floor of that building, overlooking the city. That would probably cause a problem or two.

Not only that, I'm not entirely sure of the terrain here, or precisely where it is we need to go. I'd be more likely to open a portal to the Arctic Wastes...no, I'm lying. I'd probably open the portal to the third floor of that building, overlooking the city. That would probably cause a problem or two.

Ah.... the third floor... good memories," he said, lacing his fingers behind his head and smiling,"Problems? I'd say so. Although some believe, others would attack. Idoits, but naive idoits. Anyway, shall we go?"

It's your city...you lead.

OOC: She's been through some parts once. She could probably find her way to places she's been...but she's still got a fairly wide margin for error.

He held out his hand,"Allow me to show you a little more of my country. It's not beautiful at the moment, but it is normally one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen... but not quite," he finished, smiling at her

She smiles at him and takes his hand. "I don't see how it could hurt...we have time to spare."

Together, they walked through the battered city, which was slowly being restored to it's former glory, with thanks to Warfare for her involvement in the intial repairs. Some people stopped and stared at the human and his Drow companion, but then felt an overwhelming urge to look away. After nearly an hour, they came to the square dominated by the Cougar mansion. ONce, it had been light all the time, and the cities greatest parties were thrown by David and Stephanie Cougar. No longer. The great house now stood empty, but maintained under the will of the parents. Cougar came to a halt in front of it, and closed his eyes. The screams echoed in his head...

She squeezes his hand gently, ressuring him, but doesn't speak.

This is a demon he must face on his own, in his own time.

He opened his eyes, and drew from his pocket a gilt key. He stepped up to the door, and slid it into the lock. He paused, breathing deeply, then turned the key. The pins slid back, and the door swung open. He flicked a switch, and stepped in as the lights flickered into life. There in front of him, was the staircase... the cupboard where he had hid... the spot where his parents had been shot. He sank to his knees, and sobbed quietly. He didn't care who saw him, he just let it out...

She kneels down next to him and slips an arm around his shoulders.

He looked up, and took her hand,"I spent twenty years running from this place... no more. I have to face things sometime or another," He squeezed harder,"Thanks. I don't know if I could have done this without you"

You'd have managed it, sometime. There is a spell...borderline Necro...that would allow you to speak to them again...but only once, and only for an hour.

"I don't want to talk to them... yet. I have too much to do. Maybe... in the future, I'll think about it," he said, standing tall,"I wonder if the house is still in some sembelance of order. If it is, then there is something I want to pick up. In here," he opened a heavy oak door, which led into a study. The eveing light flooded through the French windows,"This was my fathers study. He always said I could only enter when I was a man. He had things in here about our families history, no-one ever saw them excpet him. Now, they are mine... problem is, I don't knw where he kept them. Care to help?"

Sure...although I warn you...it might take a while. I could find you anything any time in the library back at home...but this isn't the library back at home. Still...the sooner we get searching, the sooner we'll find it.

I do know that we are looking for a red leather case. Be sure to check everywhere, my dad loved to hide things in clever places... normally in plain sight


*Hour later*
Find anything?


OOC: I'll let her find it

Costh having returned to White Tower began to search for Ishrem once again.

*She'd started scanning for books with red leather cases, and had D'anthe look at the books higher up at the same time. Shortly before he asked, she pulled one out of its place and opened it, glancing through pages briefly to see if this might be the book*

Maybe. *Hands it to him*

He took it,"Could be. Looks promising" He scanned through the pages, speed-reading. His eyes flicked over the pages, his mind absorbing the information...,"Yeh, this is definatley it. Nice work," he kissed her,"You too D'anthe"

Costh having returned to White Tower began to search for Ishrem once again.
Ishrem sat on a windowsill, reading a book. There are odd inscriptions on the pages, and he makes careful note of these on a parchement he has with him.

He took it,"Could be. Looks promising" He scanned through the pages, speed-reading. His eyes flicked over the pages, his mind absorbing the information...,"Yeh, this is definatley it. Nice work," he kissed her,"You too D'anthe"
She smiles at him, and D'anthe lands on top of her head, spouting off some form of gibberish. She shakes her head and laughs at it.

I wish I knew what that bird was saying sometimes... oh well, it proberly doesn't matter*looks outside*It's getting late. Can I cook you dinner?

Costh searching the Tower eventually found Ishrem, seeing that he was busy, Costh pulled out a book and sat down to wait.

Well, that time he was saying that I'd never get anything done if it wasn't for him...worthless piece of scrap metal that he is...*indignant sqwak* Sure. *She looks back at him* If you want to. Need any help?

OOC: I don't think they've ever sat down and eaten together.

Costh searching the Tower eventually found Ishrem, seeing that he was busy, Costh pulled out a book and sat down to wait.
*Still writing* You spend all your spare time with your nose in a book...but how much practical applications do you get from your reading?

He laughed at the bird,"She doesn't mean it D'anthe. Of that I am sure... I think. As for food, more hands, the faster it gets done. Anything you really fancy?"

OOC: I know. That's why i suggested it

Not particularly, then again, I've never had human food before.

"Good point. In that case, we'll keep it simple. Rice and something to go with it... chicken always goes down nicely, with a good sauce," he said, leaving the study and going into the kitchen,"My mum taught me to cook when I was very young. Never forgot it." He bustled around, finding all the stuff he needs. He looked up,"Betcha didn't realise there was a homely side to me"

"The practical applications are that they enable me to learn magical theory in disiplines other than my own, learn foreign langues, and increase my knowladge of history, military tactics and things like that." Costh replied "What do you do in your spare time?"

OOC: Homely or homey?

IC:
No...I watched you for a little bit, with the kids. It brought something out of you...I don't know what to call it...
Cooking, at six? That's a bit young...but that just might be my cultural perspective. *looks at the chicken* That looks like a riza bird. A little bigger, but not terribly different.

"The practical applications are that they enable me to learn magical theory in disiplines other than my own, learn foreign languages, and increase my knowledge of history, military tactics and things like that." Costh replied "What do you do in your spare time?"
I sketch. And for someone who claims to study other theories of magick than his own...you certainly don't seem to know very much outside of your own theory.

OOC: Whichever makes more sense

IC: He grinned,"I don't know what it is, I just find it easy to interact with them. As for the cooking... it's just something I learnt. Handy to know." He sliced up the chicken, whilst the rice was boiling on the hob. Having put it in the oven, he wiped his hands down,"Tell me something. What was it really that you were looking up when I found you earlier?"

Just something to occupy my time.

"I know quite a bit about other magicks in Theao, I havn't been able to gain access to theory books of magick from other lands." Costh replied

He looked at her, then nodded,"Alrighty then. If you'll excuse me, the rice is almost ready. Could you set the table for me?*gestures to a drawer*the stuff is in there."

The drawer opens and two sets of silverware levitate themselves out. A couple of plates follow suit, and some napkins. They arrange themselves on the table, and two glasses set themselves down above the plates.

OOC: And that's one way to set a table.

"I know quite a bit about other magicks in Theao, I havn't been able to gain access to theory books of magick from other lands." Costh replied
I've found it's easier for knowledge to get in than for people to get out.

He smiled,"Well, thats a new one. I wonder what my mum would have thought... she'd have liked you. You share a few similar charactersitics with her... ah, dinner is served" He served up the rice and chicken, and then pulled a bottle of wine from the rack,"Gointhan providence, best place for wine" He poured a glass for her, then himself, and motioned to her to sit,"Go ahead, it won't kill you"

*Smiling at him and taking a seat* Are you sure? *More seriously* I do wonder what your parents would have thought of me...Renor's the closest thing to a parent I ever had, and that was far more distant than a family relationship. Oh, we're close...but he never has let anyone terribly close.

"The reason that we don't know much about other's magick is that none of the nations Theao normally interacts with, uses magick as anything more than a medical tool."

"The reason that we don't know much about other's magick is that none of the nations Theao normally interacts with, uses magick as anything more than a medical tool."
Ishrem sighs and continues scribing.

"You have much to learn."

It's just his way. All of us know what it's like to have no real family. Your adopted are the mages, mine are soliders. As for my parents, they would've liked you. Not ones to judge on race or methods, but character*smiles at her* and I think we can say you've definatley got that.

"Yes I do, one of the reasons I came to this place was to learn."

*Smiles back* Well, I should hope so. *She takes a bite of the chicken, and her eyebrows raise slightly* That's really good.

"Yes I do, one of the reasons I came to this place was to learn."
Then tell me, what have you learned?

He raised his eyebrows in return,"Thank you. Mum used to say my cooking wasn't all that great... looks as if I have improved over the years" He thought carefully,"Dunno how they'd react if you said you loved me though... that would have been a funny scene, to say the least!" He laughed, taking a sip of the wine,"Good year"

Yes...the aristocracy, and their way of life...I doubt I'd really cut it as far as bloodline goes.

"Screw bloodlines. I wouldn't give a shit. I love you, nothing would alter that, not even my parents"

"I have learnt that I should practice skills even thought I have other ways to do the same activity. I've learnt new runes. There have been knowladge that I've gained of other people's customs and ways of doing things. I've learnt much but I know there is still much to learn." Costh replied

She smiles at him, then laughs softly.

"It's funny...I never knew what love really meant until this human waltzed into my life and had the gall to tell me that he loved me. And I don't think I would trade it."

"I have learnt that I should practice skills even thought I have other ways to do the same activity. I've learnt new runes. There have been knowladge that I've gained of other people's customs and ways of doing things. I've learnt much but I know there is still much to learn." Costh replied
I've been learning runecasting for roughly four and a half centuries, and there is still much for me to learn in that school, not to mention everything else, magickal and non. Learning never stops...possibly not even after death.

He finished his meal, then stood, taking her plate as well. He kissed her as he moved, then placed the plates in the sink,"I'm glad I have that gall then. I wouldn't have told you, if I hadn't had encouragement... scared if I'm honest. Glad it worked out though*checks his watch* its getting late. I've got to sleep, however stupid that sounds. What are you going to do?"