NationStates Jolt Archive

"It had been 16 years since the great storm destroyed so much of what we had known all our lives...and fourteen years since the empire of Ascalonia purged our lands and claimed them as their own..kings fell, people wept...this was the end of days for many...and all because Lord Vaendragun, now ruler of the empire wanted to create a world in his own twisted vision...but there is always hope...there is always salvation...and hopefully they will come to save us..."

The city of Skar, Skathia 16 A.M. (After Megiddo, the storm was called Megiddo)

The summer was long and hot and the city of Skar was feeling it, the city was a frozen city home to many different races but none of them had expected it to be so hot

Dwarves walked around bare chested it was that hot, but deep within the city troubled brewed, for weeks now the monks were debating to accept Empire rule to save themselves form a war they woudl not win and then...an explosion...the city was under attack

"Hold steady..dont let them breach the secondary gate..otherwise we will lose..why would they do this..we were going to surrender!" Screamed one of the monks, before a slender woman dressed in armour brushed past him...

"The empire jsut doesnt accept surrender, they crush everyoen down until those who survive learn not to dare challenge them..now, give me the stone of Shiva... its the only way they can be defeated" The female demanded, her voice imposing enough to make this muscular monk tremble

He handed her a small orb, glsitened white liek ice before she quickly ran out of the chamber and towards the city walls, there the armies of the empie marched through herding up locals and fighting the Skathian army, a battle sure to be lost

Deep in the city there was a young man, elven in appearance but not of action, he quickly darted around the battlefield dispatching all the troops who were attacking civilains before being forced into a corner

"Another fine mess youve got yourself into Alreic!" The female laughed as she leapt towarsd the troops knocking several out of the way

"Thanks..I kinda screwed up back there didnt I Sha?" Alreic chuckled, Sha was her name..and she gave him alook of disgust

"You nearly endangered the lives of many, dont laugh..now to get out of here before they take what they came for!"

& then using the orb she was just given a great wall of ice appeared in front of them...the soldiers of the empire could be seen on the other side hacking through it

"What the hell was that!?" Alreic asked, his face and jaw dropped..he had never seen such a powerful sue of magic before just simple curing spells

"Look ask questions later, till then I suggest we escape this realm and city and head to Minas..there is someone there who can help us..so get your elf ass moving on the double!" Sha shouted, less a girl more a full blooded soldier now than when they had first met and with that the two using the Shiva orb were able to block their escape route through the sewersof Skar and reach the outskirts... there..it was west to Minas...a long journey lay ahead of them

Kthag walked through the newly repaired streets of Tenet City. He remembered when this area was up in flames and sword strokes rang through the city. As he reached the West Gate of the city a shout was called behind him,
"Hey you! Halt!" Kthag immediately broke out at a run and was out the gate. He broke a left and ran into a nearby forest, then behind a fair sized tree he crouched down and waited for the pursuers.
Shortly after three Ascalonian troops, as they neared his tree he leapt out and crushed one soldier's helmet with a massive claw to the face killing the soldier immediately. The other two attempted to rush him, spears in hand but a quick leap hurled one off his feet and Kthag snapped the neck of the other. Before the last soldier could rise Kthag leapt on his chest and snapped his neck as well. "Hmm, I should probably get out of here." Kthag rummaged through the soldier's possessions and pocketed 30 coins and grabbed the boots and helmets( that could be salvaged) and put them in his bag. Two minutes later he was gone. Skirting around the outskirts of the city going east.

The massive ursine Druon couldn't possibly be mistaken for anyone. It had to be Prince Bahzell, but what was he doing out so late, dressed for war? None of the Druon cared, so long as he didn't bring trouble to them or their families, but when a Champion of Tomanak(assuming it's kosher since no name change was requested) walked the streets, guards got nervous. Especially those in the tavern quarter. And especially those currently standing outside the Blue Boar, one of the Prince's favorite places to imbibe vast amounts of alcohol. It was also currently being robbed and despoiled by the rest of the squad inside, but that was immaterial at the moment. All that mattered was that there was an 8 foot tall Druon walking towards them. And he had a very large sword. And he didn't look at all happy.

The guards that had been left behind by their fellows confronted him well short of the tavern, "Where are you going all decked out as you are, druon? It's past your curfew. Did you think we wouldn't arrest you just because you're a stupid barbarian prince?"

The massive Druon paused, seeming to consider the guards, as one might consider excrement on a boot, before replying. "I'm being after thinking as it's not your place to be telling a man what he can and can't be doing. I'm after thinking that if I'm wanting a drink, I'll be going to get it, whatever time it might happen to be. And I'm after thinking that it's not too all-fired smart to be robbing my friend Brandark, not with me just a few quick paces down the road, and having these great big ears to hear you doing it with," he twitched his ears as if in demonstration as he talked. "I'm after thinking you might want to be taking your friends and getting outta my way before someone gets hurt."

"That's right bold talk. You seem to be forgetting who runs this hovel you call a city though. That'd be us. If you get in our way, we'll just do our jobs, and arrest you. ike we're about to now. Hendric, grab hi-" The guards voice cut off as a massive fist smashed into his face, breaking his nose, and putting more than a few of his teeth down his throat. "You'll not be arresting me, not without a fight any road."

The other guards stared in horror as the first man simply crumpled, smashed into unconciousness by the devastating haymaker of Bahzell Bahnakson. That moment was their undoing. He bodily snatched up the second guard, and flung him into a third as they stared at their leaders twitching body. And then all hell broke loose. Blades flashed as the guards turned on him with fel intent, but he was already gone, and another of their number was down, his throat crushed by the powerful hands of the prince. One of the two remaining guards broke and ran, directly into the massive wall that was the Bloody Hand. Well, almost. He actually ran into Bahzells massive sword, skewering himself quite nicely. It even took him a moment to register exactly what had happened before the blade was ripped out through his collar bone, and he crumpled without a sound. The final guard took one look at the massive man that had just slaughtered his 4 and tried to run. He gotr three steps before he was cut down, screaming. There had been five men in the patrol. That meant there were seven more in the tavern, and they likely knew he was coming. That was confirmed when an arbalest bolt reached out to skewer his shoulder. Of course, that was a minor inconvenience, mostly because his mail managed to keep it from totally shredding the meat of his arm, but also because he had his own arbalest. And his was much bigger. Which is why a steel headed bolt from his arbalest skewered a guard through the torso, moments before the prince himself came through the wall, right ontop of the sergeant of the offending squad. The first man was dead within seconds, stunned by the sheer speed of the assault. The second managed to parry a few blows, but he was simply too weak to stop the rush, but he did delay it long enough for another guard to come up behind the prince, and when the spear penetrated his thigh, thankfully missing anything truly vital, he was forced to consider perhaps using a bit more finesse next time he tried something like this.

But that was for another day. For tonight, he turned and eviscerated the offending guardsman, before advancing, albiet a bit more slowly than usual, on his next target. His next target who was too busy trying to rape one of the serving girls to save himself. His pants were still around his ankles when his skull exloded from the impact of Bahzells sword. And then, as suddenly as it had began there were no more opponents. The survivors had fled, and there would be reinforcements there within a few minutes, but there wasn't anyone to kill at that particular moment. "Brandark you stupid fop!" The leonine Druon he was addressing turned, holding a blade, that while less massive than Bahzells own greatsword, was still admirably covered in blood. Apparently only two guards had made it out, because there were two butchered soldiers at his feet, and the one that had giotten away would likely die soon enough, if the amount of blood he left behind was any indication. "Yes, you ignorant and overly muscled oaf? What exactly are you doing here, interfering in my fun?"

"Saving your stupid foppish arse! There were a round dozen of the bastards, and you obviously weren't doing too all fired well since they had you penned in the kitchen like you were. Oh well, it's done now. We'd best be after running like hell. They'll be back in a few minutes, and we won't be slaughtering them so easy this time. I told you antagonising them like you were was a bad idea, but you didn't lisaten, and look where it got me. I've got to run out of here, and baby sit a stupid Bloody Sword while I'm at it. Me da'd beat me for even trying something this moronic, assuming he was here."

"Bah. Let me get my horse, and we'll be gone, faster than they'll be able to catch us. My employees will be safe enough. As soon as they're employed by another bar the guards'll never know the difference. They think we all look about the same anyway. Ignorant louts..."

"We'd best be leaving the empire altogether, ye're knowing that right? And it won't be all your comforts of home neither. We'll be running flat out across country for the Free Lands, where even the durned Empire'd have to be stupider than I'd've ever given them credit for being to chase us there. I've even got my panic bag all packed and ready. So who's wasting time getting a hiorse? It'll slow me down little man. And there's not a horse born that can carry me and survive. Not for this kind of run. So, if you'll just geab some clothes, and get your stupid arse in gear..."

And with much bickering, the pair set out towards the free lands. They didn't really know how they were going to avoid the army on their way, and Bahzell was still acting all gimpy because his leg was kinda butchered, but he was still able to run without cursing too much, and he was healing a bit after quaffingthose vile potions Brandark had handed him, but it still sucked, and they were going slow. But what mattered was that they were on their way, and they were probably wanted, and that was bad. At least he hadn't gotten a stupid visitation from a God any time recently, because that just tended to piss all over his plans...

Areioa-Ascalonia border

Elsar Notoro crouched quietly as the patrol moved by; three men, each carried a sword like he knew how to use it.
The night was the best cover for one such as Elsar, his dark clothes melded in easily.
Four campfires had burned low and half a dozen pale tents stood in a circle around them, fifty paces away four wagons stood with their drivers sleeping under them.

Usually Elsar wasn't the sort of person who'd try to take on eighteen men, not these men at least, not at once.
But they slept in shifts and only three were awake, it was a simple circuit they patrolled in and the reward was worth the risk.
Freedom would not come without a price, soemtimes that price was blood and sometimes it was money right now the freedom fighters had a lot of blood but not a lot of money to waste.
One man stood guard in front of the blue tent that held Elsar's goal, the other two walked in a circle one clockwise the other counter clockwise, it took three minutes to do the whole circuit.

It wasn't a bad setup, if one man was killed the other was likely to see it and be able to raise the alarm and Ascalonian soldiers were good, they'd all be out of their blankets and ready to fight in a minute, maybe less.
But there was a flaw, the man walking clockwise walked too clsoe to the fire every second circuit and lost his nightvision for a few moments, or so Elsar hoped.
The counter clockwise man was the one one moved nearest Elsar, half a dozen paces maybe.
Wars cost money too and so did occupying territory, in this carrivan there was the pay for a couple of hundred men garrisoning Urundiel, it would serve Elsar well if he could take just a part of it.
Patiently Elsar waiting for the man to near him, a few more seconds. Kala, I'll avenge you just watch me, Elsar thought and drew a long triangular dagger.

As the soldier walked past Elsar rose on silent feet and clapped his hand across the man's mouth and drove his dagger into the side of his neck, the man spasmed for a moment and was still, Elsar let him down gently.
Now speed was the key, Elsar through his daggar at the man in front of the blue tent and spun to face the other guard, jsut walked out of the fires illumination.
The mna blincked to regain his night vision just in time to see Elsar's shape lunging toward him, both blades out.
"Sou!-" his cry was cut off as Elsar's blade slid into his throat and a second between his ribs.

Damn, almost too close Elsar thought and moved toward the blue tent, the guard lay with the daggar protruding from under his jaw.
Elsar parted the tent and moved in. Four heavy locked chests of a medium size lay before him, locked chests.
Locks, damn. Damn. Damn! How could I forget the locks, Elsar thought and darted outside, the key wasn't on the guard, which made sense, a man could be tempted to pocket a few extra gold pieces.
Oh well, time for the not-so-subtle approach, Elsar thought and drew his dagger out of the guard.

Elsar creeped back and placed his blade in the hinges and pulled up, there was a snap and the chest's top broke off one corner.
Any minute now a man or four could come and investigate, Elsar pulled out three fat purses of gold; enough to buy his way and more and yet not too much to slow him down, and parted the tentflaps just enough to see outside. Sure enough six men were advancing as quietly as they could, most were wearing only their smallclothes or breeches but all held thiers blades at the ready. They obviously thought to catch a thief trying to make away with a chest.

With a smile Elsar drew a blade and grasped the other three purses in his left hand, he walked as queitly as he could to the opposite end of the tent and executed a single diagonal slash.
He slid through the gap and ran as fast as he could, his soft boots muffling his footsteps.
Surprises shouts greeted his exits, it could have been anyone but in truth few enough were good enough to pull off such a move.
After three hundred paces Elsar took more care, to move without leaving any tracks was hard, nigh impossible, but to move leaving very little tracks took only slightly more care.

It would be a quick stop in a few towns across Areioa before Elsar fled to the Freelands to move back up into Tenet, it was standard protocol with a few things mixed in to avoid becomming too easy to follow.
Three fat purses, enough to buy some nice light armour, or maybe a fine new blade or two, maybe he could even buy something magical if he found the right place, of course one purse would go to his informant.
It was a deadly game, Elsar knew that there was a chance he'd die with every move. But it had to be done, his efforts alone had boughts arms and supplies for the Resistance that would have turned small victories into small defeats if he wasn't doing what he was doing.

He'd killed several top officers who showed too keen a wit too, people who looked like they might find out the Resistance Core's secret stores or bases.
For the last two years he had been fighting some form of combat non-stop against Ascolonia, and for the last ten years battle had been his companion.
It was a long grind with no end in sight, Ascolonia's manpower and wealth seemed limitless, but it had to be done.
Yet every victory was cherished, with a smile Elsar moved on.

20 miles from the Tenetian-Areioan Border
Late one night

“Alright men… The stronghold is just ahead, prepare yourselves for combat…” That was the best the former prince could muster for his men. There was an army stationed outside an Ascalonian stronghold they planned to take. But felt they didn’t have much of a chance with the former Prince Alex leading them to battle.
Another knight came in front and spoke, “This is a battle we must be successful in men! This is a battle in the name of Thamino XIII, for we are the Thamino XIII Resistance, and we will not submit to Ascalonia, and only accept the true sovereignty of Tenet!” This time, they were encouraged. This knight was a worthy knight known as Zan. He was a former general and taught Alex everything he knew about fighting.
The former prince congratulated meekly, “Nicely spoken Zan…”
Zan responded, “Alex, listen. You must be able to speak that way soon. You are the leader of this Resistance, the men must feel they have a worthy leader who can make Tenet a reality again.”
Alex looked down in shame and answered, “I know Zan, I just… I don’t know if I can…”
Zan grasped his shoulder and told him, “Alex, you must be able to. I cannot fight at your side forever. I know you have never desired to be king in your childhood, but you must take up the title one day. But to do so, you must inspire your men, and make them fight for the cause of Tenet’s sovereignty.” Alex nodded in agreement knowing that everything Zan told him was true.
Alex answered, “I’ll… I’ll do so Zan… I only hope you don’t fall in this rebellion…”
Zan grinned, got out his sword and spoke, “Don’t think that we will fall so easily in this battle. I know your battle skills at the very least will help you in this rebellion.” Alex slightly smiled and grabbed hold of his sword to prepare for battle. “Alright men, ready… Charge!!!” The entire army from the forest stormed the stronghold and a battle ensued for control of the place….

4 hours later…

“AAAAAAAAAHH!!!” The final blow was dealt in the night battle. The Tenetians had won the day. Zan looked around for Alex and saw he was looking down at his blood soaked blade.
Zan asked Alex, “You have fought well this battle Alex.” Alex looked up and appeared far from joyful of the victory.
Alex asked, “…Is this what must be done in war Zan?” Zan could tell what was wrong with Alex, this was his first battle and never slew another living person before.
Zan answered, “Yes Alex. I was not as joyful in my first battle either. But this is what you must be able to do to save the Tenetians.” Alex nodded in confirmation and placed his sword back into his scabbard.
Zan turned to one of the nearby soldiers and asked, “What is the current status of our men?”
“Well sir, it would seem that we only have 75 men left capable of fighting. 25 are injured and will have to wait until tomorrow for us to leave.”
“We’ll have to hope that we can find more Tenetians to join our cause. Treat the wounded and see to it that they are able to leave as soon as possible.”
The soldier responded, “Yes sir.” And left…

1 hour later…

“Prince Alex, Zan!” Both Zan and Alex heard the soldier rushing towards them. They were planning to do what to do now that they had the stronghold, but were now about to hear what the soldier had to say.
Alex asked, “What is it?”
The soldier answered, “Sires, there is an Ascalonian army headed this way!”
Zan stood up and asked, “What? I thought the Ascalonians were far from this place!”
Alex asked Zan, “How… What are we supposed to do about them now?”
Zan asked the soldier, “That depends, how many of them are headed here?”
The soldier grimly answered, “There are at the very least 600 men headed this way and we have no chance of escaping.”
Zan cursed, “Blast it… Great gods, how did we let ourselves fall for this trap?”
Alex fearfully asked, “Zan… Are we about to fall today?”
Zan reluctantly answered, “It may be Alex… But you have a chance.”
“What? What are you- “ But before Alex could ask, he was knocked out by Zan’s punch.
Zan carried Alex to his own horse. Zan strapped Alex’s ankles to the saddle. Before he left his horse, he placed a note in the saddle pocket so that Alex would soon find it. Zan told his horse, “Jinjor, take him to Ivafira.” Zan watched as his horse rode off towards Ivafira and safely avoided the attention of the oncoming Ascalonian army. He only said to himself, “Live your life well my lord…” and went back to the castle to make the final defense…

Off the coast of Ascalonia

A Galley quietly slid through the water, sails let loose to grab the air and propell the ship forward through the calm waters. The seabirds flew overhead and the waves crashed against the galley's hull. The crew worked hard, tying down lines, scrubbing the deck and various other tasks.
"Captain, Ascalonian warship portside!" a lookout cried.
"Let us keep our wits about us. No sense in losing face now. We shall show them our true face soon enough" Atticus replied. He was second in command of the pirate galley Sea Wolf. They sailed up and down the coast, raiding trade ships. "Keep those weapons covered with the canvas!" he ordered.
The Ascalonian ship drew closer, firing a warning shot which crossed their bow.
"Alright lads, let's halt for them, stow the sails and prepare the grappling hooks." He ordered as he paced nonchalantly across the ship. The enemy ship pulled alongside.
"Trading galley, you are being boarded by the Imperial Ascalonian Navy. We are searching for pirates. Cooperate or your ship will be destroyed!" a warning from the other ship called out.
"Let fly!" Atticus ordered and the pirates shed their merchant clothes and the flag with a wolve's head and waves were pulled up the mizzenmast. The portside hatches opened up and a full broadside of ten guns ripped into the hull of the enemy ship. The Ascalonian ship was a small coastal sloop with fewer guns and fewer crew than larger ships. Gunsmoke billowed into the air as wood splinters and mooring lines flew through the air. The Ascalonians were suprised but began to return fire but to no avail. The Sea Wolf pulled right alongside their crippled portside.
"Grappling hooks away!" Atticus shouted as he stripped away his decieving merchant shirt and unsheathed his sword. Raiding excited him and it was a profession he was good at.

The grappling hooks were tossed out and latched onto the ship. The pirates boarded the ship and sweeped their way with brutal force through the deck. The Ascalonian sailors tried to defend the ship but were quickly overwhelmed. Atticus made his way through the carnage. Men and steel meeting as they gnashed their way into the belly of the ship. Atticus led the charge as his sword pierced the flesh of an enemy sailor. They continued their rampage for several more minutes before the surviving members of the crew surrendered.
Atticus was sweaty and blood on him from fallen enemies.
"Kill the prisoners, take their stores and whatever wealth you can find!" he ordered and the men cheered at this latest victory...

Somewhere in Areioa, Alavan Village

Elsar sat at a table and talked with another man.
Septomin Jinshima was a tall blond man with blue eyes and a member of the Ascalonian Army.
Elsar slid the purse along the table, the upside of having an insider in the Ascalonian army was that if anyone was seen giving money to an occupying soldier it was assumed to be a bribe, or that they had been forced too.

Septomin smiled and downed his glass of red wine. "We're moving through Elsar, be careful. By next month Urundiel will have three thousand soldiers more in it. I don't know all the details, I'm only a lieutenant, but I think something big is going down, since your...stunt every carrivan will have twice the normal guard. Y'still gonna keep this up?" He asked. Septomin was a man who had joined the army straight after the invasion when he was a boy, he had seen the evils of the Empire first-hand and since he was a boy he had worked to undermine the Empire.

Elsar raised an eyebrow, "Of course. Now what have you got for me? Another carrivan that's got less-than-full guard? Lightly guarded treasure? How about a nice weapon?" Jinshima nodded.
"As I said, patrols have been upped but there is one thing you'd like, if your game. Duke Vermillion, the man to be put in charge of the Occupied Territory of Areioa, has a weapon's shipment comming by through here tomorrow. It's got every type of blade you can think of, some ornate and some fine, I'm sure you could find yourself a better blade amongst his stash," Septomin said with a grin. "If you're game, of course."

Elsar smiled, his blades were cheap steel, albeit not low-quality, they were reliable but they weren't so fine as many he had seen and it took a quarter of an hour a day to keep the edge on them and they weren't as well balanced as Elsar could wish.

"Sounds good, tell me more," he said and leaned forward.

The tree lay at the edge of the forest. Nothing particularly strange could be noticed about the tree, exept maybe, if you gave it a closer look. On one of it's branches far up, rested a man completely dressed in black. He was wearing a very light but strong black armor and several belts displayed an impressive amount of weapons, like for example two small swords of exquisit quality, several daggers and knives, a blow-pipe for poisoned arrows, a miniature crossbow, a high quality rope and a noose. All this was of course not visible, since his whole length was covered by a long black cloak, wich effectively left his face in the shadow and disguised his identity. He was known as "Nameless", and was familiar with most tactics of hand-to-hand combat. As his resting place indicated, he was also very agile and liked to improvise. He prefered to see himself as a freedom fighter, but to the rest of the world he was just known as "a darn good assassin". One which, incidentaly, got paid from the resistanse to "take out" men of the empire. His black horse was "parked" under the tree, and for the moment "Nameless" was looking through a looking-glass.

He observed a massive ursine and his companion, that were speedily heading towards the forest. "Hmm... interesting." he thought. "I have a feeling they aren't so fond of the Ascalonian Empire..." he continued, noting the leg injury.
He turned to his horse beneath him. "Anonimo, show yourself to those strangers over there." The horse neighed disgruntled, and set off towards the edge of the forest, in order to make himself visible to the strangers in the field. "He always has to have the last word, that horse. I don't understand why, he should be quite content with his life... in comparison to me." Nameless said, to no one in particular.

(OOC:I have three problems with all this.
Firstly...Y'know I can't help but feel you're muscling in on my turf as the assassin/ninja of the group.
Secondly, you have to register your character and have him OK'd by Bek before you can post. Here's the address, sorry I don't know how to link.
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=508086&page=4
Lastly, your guy starts out with a little too much, too good equipment. I'd tone it down for the start of the RP.)

OOC: Just for the record: my assassin usually works alone, and he's young and lacks experience... he makes mistakes...

I have three answers:
Firstly... why one group? we can have two groups; one with You, Bek and Scave ...and one with Me, Mini and Braz ...and then have the two groups meet up later on.
Secondly... Sorry for intruding, couldn't locate any sign-up thread... but thanx for the link, I'll sign up a soon as I'm done writing this :)
Thirdly... as for the equipement... well, my assassin is young and not so experienced, so that makes up for part of it... besides, I'll share some of my weapons, and help you to get better ones.

Outskirts of Minas Village

"I thought this was a village!?" Alreic declared as he and Sha stared at the city of Minas...called a village for many years and no one had bothered to ever call it a city, many claim this was because it never wanted to be seen as anything important...but it was

Minas was huge, the unnoficial twin of Ascalonia and the "capital" of the Free Lands, one the capital of the ancient empire of Avelifa now just a hub of business, arms and the hq of the rebellion against the empire..many rebel groups operated out of here but then agin so did many empire spies

"Alreic we need to reach district XI..the arts distruict..anty clue how to get there?" Sha asked as she studied the district maps

Alreic stared at her blankly and shrugged before giving his rely, the city had him in awe, he was akid still in the eyes of many but he had never seen something so magnificent

"How would I know..this is my first time in Minas...wow...its amazing..."

"No time to stop and stare, we're not sightseers..we need to get to a place called Mithnos' Cafe in arts district... and weve got to be careful though" Sha replied

"Why is that..not liek the empire controls this city anyways, like the place says were in the free lands..nothing can get us here" Alreic cockily said as he sat down, suddenly ahand garbbed him from behind and dragged him into the alley behind

Sha quickly saw and soon leapt after Alreic's assailant before drawing her staff and lunguing forth at the abductor forcing him agisnt the wall, her Mirker blood kicked in, she was aggressive to say the least

"Who are you and why do you want him!?" Sha hissed in anger, the hooded figure began to shake before he could get a reply out Sha asked again"who are you? and what do you wnat with him!?"

"He... has soemthing..something our masters need...he is the last...he.." The figure forced out terrified, he was scared, Sha tightened her grip on his shoulder, wehre her pole blade had caught the assailant

"what are you on about, my necklace and what the hell am I the last of.." Alreic asked confused but gripping his own sword firmly

"Well youre not the first annoying runt and you sure wont be the last" Sha chuckled to herself, the assailant soon revealed himself to the two of them, he was Akravi, a cat person

"My name is Dekthon and I am Akravi...my master needs his necklace as so to keep it form the empire..the empire searches for him each day because he is the only one who can unlock that amulets power... my master is Salazar Kontinui or Mithnos to all who know him in the trade world..."

"Mithnos...so you work for my uncle then? very well, I want ed to see him anyway...and I wnat answers and iI wnat them now" Sha replied as she let him go, Alreic was confused by all of this but as always he was wanting to know why he was being hounded once more

"Come this way, Mithnos ' cafe is throught this alley, youre not the only ones who are coming, many more across Gaia approach Minas some to see Mithnos with good intentions..others..well lets just say theyd like another trophy kill" the Akravi spoke as he led the way to the cafe

Somewhere between Tenet City and Skar

Kthag walked along the dirt road. He was sure he was being followed, but not sure where they were. As he turned to follow the path he leapt into the woods and hid behind a tree. (he does this a lot) And shortly later two of what he thought were bandits crept along the path just inside the trees on his side of the path.
"Hmmm.... where'd he go?"
"Uh, don't ask me, I'm just here for the pay."
"Let's keep going."
As the bandits walked past he grabbed one and twisted his neck before a scream could be uttered. Then he ran forwards. The other bandit was taken by surprise and attemped to swipe at Kthag with a rusty short sword. Kthag brushed the blow aside with a large claw and pounced on the bandit, smashing his skull on the ground. Kthag rummaged through the pounches of the bandits and grabbed 15 coins along with some boots and a chain mail vest. They would get a good price at the market.

(OOC: Excuse my tinkering, just adding some depth.)

Somewhere in Areioa, ten miles past Alavan Village

Elsar sat back and watched as the soldiers, wagondrivers and servants got to work setting up camps.
A hundred soldiers and twice as many servants, it wasn't jsut a weapons shipment it was a logistics train fit for a small army, dozens of wagon rolled along.

Something Septomin had said stuck in Elsar's head though.
"I know you don't like to work with others since...you know... But I've heard rumours of a group of people rallying together to fight the empire somewhere in the Freelands. I don't know if you're interested but it couldn't hurt, you'll be headed through there soon enough." Septomin had told Elsar.
A large pavillion was also erected, dark green with red stripes.

"Now when everyone else is working the Deputy Armsmaster will have all the weapons unloaded into the pavillion to ckeck on them. Making sure the soldiers haven't taken any y'know? However no one really expects anyone to be damn-fool enough to try to sneak into such a large carrivan so security is light, don't get cocky though."

Twilight came and Elsar put his plan into action, this was both a more simple and a less simple task. The guards stationed on watch were more alert and there were more of them, but they also were spread over a much greater area with less intersecting paths.
Elsar smiled as he slid around a wagon, the pavillion was jsut fifty paces away.
He slid around wagons and tents and in rather conviently placed bushes sometimes.

All-in-all it was far easier than he had thoguth, with a smirk he slid through the pavillion's flaps.
Inside a wonderous site greated his eyes, blades of all types greater his eye.
Longswords, Greatswords, Broadswords, Sabres, Falchions, Rapiers, Katana, Tachi, Dao, Jian and more yet.
The room was empty and Elsar took a place in the shadow of a nearby lamp as he plotted on which weapon to make away with, maybe two if he was lucky.

There was an elegant golden rapier with rubies along the blade, Elsar dismissed that, he didn't look rich enough to own such a blade and it would cause more attention, he needed something...plainer.
There was a fine katana, blade like milky water in colour, but it was too long for Elsar's hands.
Elsar's eyes came to rest on perhaps the most beautiful weapon he had said, it was a katana with a blade as dark as jet, silver made it's guard and it's hilt was wrapped in dark blue cloth.
Then Elsar remembered where he had heard of Duke Vermillion, the legendary Duke of Blades he was called in Ascolonia, he was said to have once defeated twenty men at once without taking a single wound. The man was a swordmaster among swordmasters. A legend.
This was the Black Blade of Duke Vermillion, one of three infamous Black Blades ever made. A Black Blade could only be wielded by the first man to touch it untill that man was slain, then the next man to take up the blade had the right of it, one had been destroyed in ages past using very powerful magics but one still remained.
Useless to me then, Elsar thought and continued to look.

A moment passed and Elsar made his choice, the blade had a dark green hilt wrapped in some soft but gripable fabric, the sheath was black and the guard and pomel were lightly silvered. It was a simple sabre compared to the others, but it was a fine blade nonetheless.

"Very good choice young master," A voice hissed from behind Elsar. He spun to see a tall, lithe man standing in the tent's opening. The man was somehow catlike, with green eyes and short black hair but the main feature was too long thin moustaches. " Now tell me, are you going to pay with gold or with blood?" The man asked and made an evil smile.

Elsar's eyes widen as he stepped back, if the man had seen him go inside...the pavillion could already have been surrounded.
"Have no fear, young master. I told the men that an intruder and got into the weapon's tent and that I'd deal with him myself, but for safety I had a dozen of the men surrouned the tent. You're quite good, but years of watching for spires and assassin's sharpens one's senses to an immaculate edge. I will make you a deal, beat me in a duel and you can have whatever weapon you want...untill the soldiers kill you. I don't get enough combat these days, you see. You may call me Thiem Dopoga, Deputy Armsmaster to Duke Vermillion and you are...?" Thiem continued.

"I am Elsar Notoro, and since I have no choice I will accept your challenge." Elsar replied stiffly and drew his two sabres.
"Smart lad, better to die in a duel than butchered by a dozen men anyway," Thiem responded and in a flash he drew a rapier, the blade gleamed in the low light.
Thiem shrugged off his heavy coat to reveal a soldiers uniform underneath before he advanced.

Thiem was fast, no he was fast, like a viper's tongue his blade weaved forward and back, jabbing at shoulder or thighs.
"Thirty years of practice lad, you couldn't have more than five good years in you," Thiem said with a grin.

Still Elsar had two blades against Thiem's one and two years of almost constant fighting had made him as good as a battle-harded soldier, becasue he was.
But in the end the contest was not hard, even using both his blades for defence Elsar couldn't stop his shoulder from being grazed and his side from being opened up by a few lighting jabs.
Hell, I can't do this, Elsar thought as he felt Thiems blade slid across his ribcage around a parry.

If I'm gonna die, I'll die fighting, he's palying with me! Elsar thoguht as he attacked, blades moving in deadly arcs, only to have Thiem step back run his blade into Elsar's right thigh.

"What's the matter boy? Already slowing? Ah the energy of the young, no match for the toughness of age," Thiem commented as Elsar missed a parry and was greeted with a blade across the other ribs.

It was true and false, Elsar was losing blood and energy but he had realised that Thiem underestimated him. He had deliberately slowed his attacks and defence to lure the man into a sense of security, dangerous move though if he let it go on too far he wouldn't have it in him for a swift attack. Elsar struck at Thiem's face and then followed with a jab to the stomach, both parried easily.

Thiem lunged and Elsar parried the blow in time to be greeted by a burning slash across his cheek.
Elsar tried for the same move again. Let him think I'm desperate...Well I am but not stupid.
This time the attack ran up his left foearm form elbow to wrist and his grip weakened.
"It was...a disappointment boy. Maybe next lifetime. Eh?" Thiem siad slowly and lunged, blade moving in a deadly line.

Elsar countered with all the strength in his left arm and slashed out with his right. The rapier slid across his left shouder and Elsar had to fight not to cry out.
But a lunge leaves little room for maneuver and Thiem had been neatly disemboweled, Elsar's blade had sunge a hands length through his stomach from end to end.
Thiem coughed blood and spoke his final words. "Good...good job lad...sneaky one...you are...I...I...should ha-" and then he was silent.

Elsar regained his footing and swayed, warm blood flowed through his clothes and he gasped.
With a groan he let his sabres drop to the ground, for they were too heavy for his weak grip.
Elsar pulled a vial from his beltpouch, it was filled with scarlet liquid and he downed it in a gulp.
Without healing magic he would have a lot of scars, but with the right gear a man could make it by for a little longer, the drink caused his wounds to close and his body to regain energy but heavy fighting wasn't an option.
Elsar wiped his blades off on Thiem's coat and picked up the sabre he had chosen from where it rested on top of a chest, with a grin he stuck the sheath behind his belt.
Still, Elsar was in no shape to take one man, let alone a dozen, if he could get ten miles away he knew a woman who could help him, but getting away was the hard part, his body was in no shape for running.

Elsar smiled, there was nothing left for it, with a defeated grin he pulled out a white cloth bag and cut open the seams.
"Alright guys, I surrender," he said simply and walked out the door holding his white makeshift flag well ahead.
The camp was still mainly in a hustle and bustle kinda way, three men stood in front of the opening with sick looks on thier faces.
"He got Thiem? Crap. Joston tie him up," the commander ordered, he was a hard-eyed man who looked to be in his middle age.

"So sorry," Elsar mumbled before swinging both his blades together and taking Joston's head off.
"Cheap trick coward," The commander observed before drawing his longsword, the other men were walked around, each armed with swords and shields or spears.
Elsar was already on to his next attack, two labs right at the next man's throat, he blocked one and took the other not as bad as it could be butr the man was down as he tried to staucnh the bleeding.

Elsar lunged the next man and felt both his blades impact the man's shield, carried forward by Elsar's weight the blade on one flexed and broke but the man tumbled over and Elsar ran as hard as he could, limp and all.
He felt his wounds tear open but it didn't matter as he dived into the cover of the woods, dropping his broken sabre as he did so.

The men followed but this was Elsar's area, even wounded they didn't know the terrian and tripped and fell.
Elsar couldn't feel much except the beat of his heart and pain as he made is escape, as quiet as he dared.
But night was almost fully down and the sounds of pursuit faded, Elsar trudged on feeling his blood trickle down his leg.
Elsar felt strangely exhilarated and he had struck another blow agaisnt Ascolonia, the death of a couple of soldiers and a Deputy Armsmaster to a powerful duke were bound to annoy, if not hurt.
But still, it was going to be a long ten miles...

Kthag walked through the Western gate of Minas Village just before sundown, he turend left to go to the market section. After several minutes of walking he reached a general store. As he walked in he noticed an unbelievably fat man sitting behind the counter.
"ZZZZZ.... grmph....armph.... wha... what? oh! a customer! Do come in what can I do for you?
"Well, do you accept items?"
"Yes, what have you got?"
"Uh, let's see, one medium helm."
"Oh! excellent quality. How about..... 50 gold pieces?"
"Sure, and I also have.... Several pairs of boots."
"Hmmm.... how about 5 pieces per pair."
"deal, and finally this chain mail vest."
"Uh.... let's see....... how about..... 75 gold pieces?"
"ok, that'll do. And now what do you have for weapons?"
The fat man walked out from behind the counter and unlocked a massive case in a corner of the room. " Here's an idea, take your pick. Any weapon you want. One for 25 gold pieces."
"Sure....." Kthag rummaged through the chest pushing aside swords and daggers. Then he saw it. A massive mace, two feet long with a large head, perfect for Kthag.
"Here's one. So, 25 gold pieces?"
"yes, yes that's fine. anything else?"
"no that's fine."
"alright then pleasure doing buisiness with you"

"Uncle Mithnos..why did one of your underlings try and kidnap Alreic here" Sha asked as she burst open the door to the sound of her uncle, a fat elderly man, a Mirker by the looks of him but fattened now so much so he wore several belts just to keep his britches up

"Sha Anastasia..my darling neice what brinsg you to my...oh.. I se.. um..sit down, & before you say anything else I'm sorry I had to bring you here in the manner my"servant" did...please be seated" Mithnos repled his tone going form jovial to grim within seconds, upon looking at Alreic he became less cheery

"Um can I just ask what the hell is going...first the Ascalonians are after me now I'm being hounded by cafe owners and their servants..explain what the hell si going on now to me, before my head explodes" Alreic asked before Mithnos walked over to his back wall and removed a panel and from it he pulled out what looked to be a small red orb

"This..is Ifrit, fire demon and guardian of flame..one of nine orbs spread around Gaia before the storm took place...coincidence..no..planning, for the world was to face a great peril and so we hid them in places no one would suspect..they were created by the ancients who lived here, when the elves used to watch over the world... they were not the first race though...before them the anciets created this world..their souls had no body and so they manifested themselves in two forms, the greater gods took forms of these beings, ifrit and shiva and more while the second wave of ancients..became the elven world..but not all the gods wer good..soem held dark powers...and so when the elves left Gaia the old gods too dissapeared forever and those who had becoem these creaturs chose to stay as they were but forever in this form until needed once more..the gods knew they could give great power so they became the servants.." Mithnos explained as his orb shone deep red, his sory was confusing but Mithnos for all his jovial side hid many secrets, and this was the big one

"Sooo why is everyoen after me... I mean everyone is besotted with what i am and what I waer..I am not a fashion model for oen of those upper class Tenet parties..what am I then?!" Alreic demanded, eh ahd neevr been angry before, but always annoyed at thinsg hidden from him, much liek most people

"You Alreic..are the last of the ancients, the last god... you are the key to the ruin and the salvation of Gaia..sorry to spring that all on you so fats but yeah..there you go" Mithnos calmly replied as if he hasd rehearsed this tiem and time again

As Kthag left the general store he turned down the street heading for the armory. As he entered the small shop connected to the forge in the back a very fit but short and ash covered man came out of the back room.
" 'ell lo'k ew we got 'ere wha' c'n I do ye' fer?"
His accent was atrotious but Kthag could understand him, a little.
"Uh, what do you have for armor? Like a chainmail vest?"
" Well, I got's a 'uge v'st in th' bak j'st fer a big fella lik' yew."
"Perfect." The man walked into the back room and after a few minutes where all Kthag could hear was a great deal of klinking the man walked back out.
"ere it is. Tree it ahn."
The mail vest fit perfectly.
"This is great, thank you. How much is it?"
"Well, fer yew, 50 gold pieces."
"It's a deal."
Kthag paid the little man and walked out of the smithy. He had 125 gold pieces left, just a quick trip to the market. As he walked into the open market he walked to a potion seller, just what he was looking for.
"Hello big fella! What do you want in me little shop?"
"Hmmm... I'd like two healing potions and an antidote."
"alright two healing...... that's 20 gold total and 5 for the antidote. Anything else?"
"Yes, do you have any phoenix down?"
"ah yes, just got some today. 50 gold pieces for you, you look like you'll need them sometime."
"perhaps. Thank you."
This was perfect. 50 gold pieces left. Enough for a room at the inn for a few days. As he entered into the nearest inn, The Golden Lion, he stopped at the bar and sat down for a nice drink.

OOC: hey, bekhaera, could we meet up here, in this inn?

A battlefield

Ravens sat and gorged themselves on dead bodies, their harsh cries the only sound other than the wail of the wind.
Elsar lay on his back, his life bleeding out of his side, dead men lay all around some friends, some allies and some enemies.
The sunset was beautiful, lovely even, it seemed a scene from another world.
"Kala...I...I don't know what to do. I always foguht for what I thought was right but here is where it led me...I'm dying and...and you're dead. The battle was a complete defeat. Erk..."

He stared at the setting sun, a golden ball that died the sky around it a peach shade and illumined the cluds pink.
"Simply...lovely," Elsar said as he watched the sun sink, he would have moved but he didn't think he had the strength.

Elsar woke with a start, the room was dimly lit with only a single candle.
Elsar examined his body, not a scar or wound to be found, the room was as he remembered it too; plain but well looked after.
The door opened with a well-oiled click and a woman stepped in, quite pretty but in a sad way, she looked in he late twenties with long light brown hair and dark earth-shaded eyes. She was dressed all in white.

"Good to see you're alive. Tell me right now how many times you want to stumbled into our guild half-dead, because you're beginning to make a habit of it," she said in a mock scolding tone.
"Probably not more than a dozen times Sarean. But you know as well as I do that the Ascalonian's use your seevices as much as I do and I pay my bills and give donations, you should be happy to see me," he answered.

She sighed before speaking, "Happy to see Elsar Notoro? Yes I am. Happy to see what you represent? No I'm not. As a White Mage I find the things you do to be reprehensible at best, barbariac at worse. I admit I am biased though. Still, I hope you've been taking care of yourself." Saream said and took a seat on his bed.

"One does as one does, I can't complain. And you?" Elsar answered.
"Not bad, we've had a great deal of business lately, the five of us here. It used to only be the occaisonal snake-bite that needed healing or woodcutter who'd lobbed off his foot. Now that war has been going on not a week goes by without a resistance or an Empire soldier coming in. It's not bad, our oaths demand we help those in need and now the empire won't harass us. Still I can't help thinking about all those other people who we aren't helping, all those people who are dying."

"Elsar, I have heard rumours of a group of people meeting in Minas Village. They are meeting to stop the empire, I hear. Maybe you should meet with them?"

Elsar sat up slowly, "It was nice to hear you're doing well, but you know I shouldn't stay here too long. I would like my clothes now," he said simply.
"Alright then. Fine. We'll bring you one of the pairs you left here, we had to burn you're old ones, they were soaked with blood," she answered and left, slamming the door.

Elsar still felt a little light headed, but that was fading fast. The White Mages could heal a man from the edge of death, some could even bring men who had died within minutes back to life. Healing his wounds would be little more than challenging to a skilled mage and he had made sure to give regular donations to stay on their good side.
A tall man walked in with a bundle of clothes, he was a pale blond haired giant of a man with cornflower blue eyes and long hair tied back in a ponytail.

"You upset Sarean you know, she thinks you're being stubborn. She thinks you should stay here and tend the gardens. I don't think she's wrong, but I can see the reasons for why you must fight." The big man said before putting the clothes down.
They were an exact copy of his former clothes but in crimson rather than blue, not as good for sneaking about but still sufficient.

"I know Jorsa, I know. Maybe when I'm older and wiser I'll come back here but for now I still have much to do...too much. Without me a lot of my friends will eventually die. Thanks for the clothes," Elsar said and dressed quickly.
Jorsa took Elsar down a few well-swept brickwork corridors untill they reached a wide, thick, oak door.
"Farewell my warlike friend. I know you have your reasons, but I still hope peace favours you. I'll talk with Sarean, she'll see one day," Jorsa said as he pulled open the door.

"Goodbye Jorsa, you take care of yourself...and the others. Peace favour you too," Elsar said and turned his back with a wave.
Elsar shifted his two sheaths so they were in easy reach of his hands and shrugged his crimson cloak forward over his shoulders so the entire thing hung around his body parting only at the very front.
It would be the Freelands next, Minas Village, he didn't know what awaited him there but it was his best bet.

OOC: just some plot line I'm starting, it'll help later.

Northern Ivafira

The battle lines were set. Although the Druons were outnumbered they didn't plan to lose this day. Their leader, the leader of the Druon resistance, Helbefor Dethsevl (like the name?) surveyed the battlefield. It was a broad open plain. Perfect for the Druon warriors. The Ascalonians numbered some 750, while the Druon fighters numbered some 300 warriors. Perfect odds, and the Ascalonians didn't think to even bring cavalry. The grass was fairly high, up to Helbefor's mid thigh again perfect for his plan. His 200 troops formed up and marched forwards. They would halt at a creek running through the plain right at the middle between the two armies' lines. At the same time he could see the Ascalonian troops beginning to march forwards. They were walking right into his hands.

Helbefor's second in comand, Relbor Strongfist, waited in the grass on the Ascalonian side of the creek. He and his 100 men were hiding, unable to be seen by either the Ascalonians or the Druons, which was required. The Ascalonians could not be able to see these hidden soldiers or the plan would be ruined, and if the Druons were too confident then the Ascalonians would know something was up. As the Druons under Helbefor halted at the creek the Ascalonians sped up their pace, eventually leading to an all out charge.

Helbefor's troops charged as well and the two forces met in the middle of the creek. When the two forces had completly commited Relbor and his troops charged. His forces smashed into the rear of the now surrounded Ascalonian troops. As the Ascalonians were cut and crushed the numbers of Ascalonian soldiers rapidly decreased, and then from the middle of the remaining troops a lone trumpet blared. Most of the Druons, uneffected, continued to fight, But Helbefor, looked up and noticed a rumbling in the ground. Then from the edge of the forest, closest to the fighting, a full 2000 Ascalonian cavalry were galloping towards the Druons. Despite Helbefor's shouts to retreat the Druon's charged towards this new threat. Helbefor turned to his second Relbor and told him to flee with the 15 who had not charged. Then Helbefor himself charged forward. As the remaining Druons charged to their deaths, Helbefor though to himself, what had happened to his brother.....

Helbefor rallied his remaining 25 Druon fighters, the cavalry had struck hard, and though they had killed one for every Druon lost, they were still outnumbered. The Ascalonian cavalry turned again for a finishing charge. Helbefor and his remaining fighters let out a terrific battlecry and charged into the incoming lances. Helbefor in the front was struck in the left chest with a lance which pierced his lung. His remaining fighters were also cut down in the charge and the remaining cavalry sped off the battlefield. Helbefor died with one last thought, a call to his brother.

In The Golden Lion at one of the rickety tables in the bar, the lone Druon, Kthag, heard his brother die.

OOC: How sad :(
Where's everybody else? Answer me Mini! :D

OOC: How sad :(
Where's everybody else? Answer me Mini! :D

I am busy, I will post sometime today/tonight.

Kthag, deeply depressed by what he had just heard, left the bar and went outside. He needed a drink, and not alcohol. As he walked down the street he stopped someone and asked them if there was a cafe nearby.
"Sure my big fella, it's called Mithnos' Cafe, two blocks down and turn left, it's right down the alley at the end of the block."
"Thanks," As Kthag left he slipped two gold coins into the man's hand, it never heard to be polite. He followed the man's directions and saw at the end of a small alley, a small, 'cozy' looking cafe, which basically meant no shade and no leg room inside, or at least that's how Kthag had learned. He walked into the cafe and took a seat. This was an unconventional cafe by Kthag's reconing, no tea and crumpets were being passed around, nor were young couples holding hands and talking together in a corner. This cafe was quite the opposite, and almost worse than the bar he had just left, he could barely see because of all the smoke, he decided to take a seat right next to the door and simply watch, no one bothered to mess with him, possibly because he was so big, or because they thought he was the bouncer back from lunch. Either way, Kthag didn't mind.

OOC:well, i'm here. Anytime you're ready i'd like to meet up. Don't rush though. By the way. when we team up, if you decide to travel somewhere, then consider me to have gone along with it.:)

(OOC: Yes my timeframe is quite a lot more 'broken' than everyone else's, it'll go into sync with you guys' after we meet up. Right now this is a day in the past. On a sidenote I'm still adding depth to his character so please don't be alarmed by any actions Elsar takes, yes I am aware he may come off as a little crazy before this ends.)

Freelands, somewhere near Minas Village

Elsar wiped his brow, it had been a week and supplies were running low.
Still it was just a mere day 'till he reached Minas, there anybody could hide. In Minas Village he had a few contacts too.

Elsar heard a shuffle in the nearby brush and spun to face it. He didn't draw his blades yet, rather he let his cloak hang around him concealing his arms and his weapons from view, but he placed his hands on the hilts of the blades and readied himself. Elsar had been waylaid by bandits twice already, both hadn't expected his immediate and violent counter and had fled in a ragged state, but for all he knew either could be part of a large mob that would be keen for revenge.

Just the wind,Elsar thought as he turned to continue walking, then he heard another shuffle, this time behind him.
A large Druon male stepped out of the bush behind Elsar and he spun again, lion-maned and all around predatory the new figure had a long white scar slanting over his left eye. He bore a large single-bladed axe and his armour seemed to be made of a mix of chainmale and animal hides.

"Out of my way, human, I am on business of import," he said in thick, slow words.
"Do not command me beast, nor should you assume your business takes consequence over mine." Elsar answered tightening his grip on his blades. The Druon stood easily head and shoulder taller than Elsar, and he was quite a tall man.

"Look human, I am in no mood to start a fight. I have business to attend here and there and I've met people like you before, people who are so sick of living that the only thrill they feel is fighting for any reason, no reason even. Get a clue."

Elsar gritted his teeth. "You've got it all wrong beast. I have my reasons and you shouldn't be one to pass premature judgement. As it is; I would love to put an end to your brutish and no doubt villainious life, but of course if you don't want to step up to the challenge...I suppose I have better things to do."

The Druon heaved a sigh and his massive chest heaved. "Human, I don't know what your problem is, nor do I really care, but if you keep talking like that, one day someone is going to shut you up. However, no one insults Gouur Blackaxe's courage, apologize and I'll let it go."

Elsar shrugged and spoke,raw hatred and desire for revenge guided him in this. "Gouur. Gouur, yes I can see that. I suppose that must mean 'coward' or 'idiot' in your language right? Besides, don't make threats you can't back up."
Tension filled the air as the two figures squared off, it was the mane that reminded Elsar of that day.

Smoke filled the air and the sounds of desperate combat echoed around the village, men fell and here and there lay the lion-maned forms of Druon. Still, the men were village folk and the Druon were bandits, not the best equipped but used to the fighting.
Elsar remembered a man, tall and dark with a thick curling moustacheand long dark hair tied back in a ponytail, his father? Uncle? Brother? The memory had faded with time but he remembered them being close to him. The man stood over his body and that of his mother, she was already dead from a claw wound to the throat.
"Run boy! Run! Don't stop, I'll hold them here!" he shouted to be heard over the din of combat as a few Druon made their way toward him.

The man didn't stand a chance agaisnt the three Druon, not with just his hammer, but still he fought, he swung the hammer and it connected with a massive skull with a heavy thud and then he spun and struck the other in the stomach. The last one hit him in the gut as the third staggered back and recovered from the blow.
Even as he was pulled down he still fought to buy Elsar time to crawl away, he struggled and flailed.
Elsar crawled into the woods next to his village, bleeding himself from a bad wound to his right side.
"I'll...I will avenge you. Mother...family...kin...My people. I'll...kill them I promise. I'll kill...them all," the boy whispered as tears leaked from his eyes.


The memory flickered

"Are you listening to me human? Don't ignore me!" Gouur growled and took a step toward Elsar he lifted his axe to point at Elsar as he spoke. "Don't go all crazy on me now. You won't insult me and then ignore me!" perhaps half a dozen paces seperated the two now.
Mother... the thought swirled and Elsar drew both his blades, two twin silver arcs that came out with a faint whirling sound.

"You want to fight? Fine, I won't show mercy," Gouur said and hefted his axe, he flung himself forward and struck out, blade cutting down for Elsar's neck.
Elsar dropped to his left knee and brought his right blade scything down across the back of Gouurs arm as it sped over the top of him, where his head would have been, and his left blade sliced into the soft flesh of the Druon's inner thigh.

A cry of pain echoed and Gouur staggered back but Elsar took a step forward.
"I'm going...to kill you all. Every last one of you!" he said with as much force as he could, almost a yell, and attacked, both blades cutting toward Gouur.

Gouur stepped back and brought his blade arcing down toward Elsar's knees, Elsar's blades took him in the gap in his armour under his left armpit and the other slashed deep along the line of his collarbone, then the blades moved again and Gouur lept back to avoid being decapitated.

Gouur spun and ran, Elsar was a better swordsman than he had anticipated.
"Don't you run from me murderer!" Elsar cried as he followed.
Elsar lunged after him, one blade buring itself in his calf muscle and the other scythed through the tendons at the back of his knee, the Druon hit the ground with a sound that was half grunt and half cry of pain.

Elsar stepped forward and his blades flicked out in twin darting jabs as Gouur turned over and his clawed hands reached out, one blade took him in the wrist and the other found its mark piercing his throat.
Gouur let out a gurgle and was silent.
Elsar took a few steps away and fell to his knees, blades lying on the ground beside him. Tears stained the ground in front of him.
I am avenging you...all of you he whispered.

Long minutes passed and Elsar took his feet, wiped his blades and resumed his journey, a wry smile on features that were otherwise set in cold ice.

ooc: i have a feeling our partnership is going to be a little rough.

ooc @ scaveutland: follow my lead and then ur stories interact

Ic:

Alreic began to grow frighteend,he began panicking and quickly pinned Mithnos against the wall, gripping him tightly by hsi coat jacket, surprisingly Mithnos was moved eaily by Alreic, guess he had more strength in him than they thought

"its lies..all of it... all lies!" he screamed at the top of his voice, "how can I be a god..I dont even know my own past and I'm not even that powerful!...I cant eba god..I just cant"

"Who said that to be a god you had to be all knowing and all powerful..people are just born into things..they have no choice" Mithnos replied before Alreic loosened his grip he faced Sha who was still confused..the guy she had fought alongside..was a god..either her uncle had demntia or he was telling the truth..and had demntia..insanity was the only answer she could think of..but she remembered as a child...Mithnos and her father both handling small orbs of different hues, to Sha's father..Shiva was given to Sha's father and now she held the orb in her satchel

"We must move quickly before teh Ascalonians rrive, surely they know of this?" Sha asked Mithnos who stared at her as he sat back down, his Akravi servant left the room and the door bolted behind them

"Unfortuantaely..we cannot allow either of you to leave with the orb of Shiva.. the lord of Ascalonia Vaendragun seeks thes e stones...he wishes to gain control over this land...and I need the stone you have...I am sorry neice..but hand me the stone or we must fight! Mithnos said as he drew his blade whilst sitting down

"Uncle why?...you betrayed us.." Sha replied ash clenched her fists, Alreic lunged by Mithnos fired a bolt of fire at him sending him flying through the bolted door into the cafe...surrounding him were normal humans..and a very large chap staring directly over him

Kthag reached down without even looking and pulled the human who had just flown from the back room to his feet. Kthag then got up with and unhooked his mace from his belt. The people in the room were either rising or shrinking back in their chairs and the glints of knives and swords could be seen on nearly everyone's belts. Kthag turned toward's the human who was dusting himself off after that hard landing.
"Well, human. I guess that this place will be in a brawl soon, I don't know what you did.... but I'll fight beside you. Just don't fall behind." Kthag drew his mace up and readied for a bloody fight. This would be fun indeed.

Mini... Where are you? :(

If you don't respond until friday, I'll just have to travel to Minas alone.

Freelands, Minas Village

Elsar walked through hustle-and-bustle of the crowds, a fat man bumped into him but he walekd on nonetheless, he had business to be on and he didn't want to be held up any longer.
The first place he was to go to was a large, three-story house, it was plain but in good repair.
Elsar rapped on the door a few times before he heard an answer, a tall thin man, dark as coal, answered the door.
The man said nothing and turned, leaving Elsar to close the door behind him as he followed.

It was a short walk down into the brightly-lit dining room, a dozen men sat around talking in hushed voices.
They knew him and he knew them, there was no more to say and no greetings were exchanged.
At any one time a few dozen resistance spies were in any nation and at any one time at least half a dozen would be gathered back in a hideout such as this, they would give their information to the housekeepers who would in turn pass it up till it reached the resistance leaders both in the Occupied Territories and those who had taken high offices in non-conquered territories to provide logistics and manpower.
The resistance was not so much a single core of men than several smaller organisations all allied together under a common goal and a common leading body, but it had had many years to get its act together, over a decade of opposition to Ascalonian rule had tought a lot of things, some lessons had been painful.

A man sat and wrote out the reports of another, ready to hand in.
The man in charge of this house was Ulbose Taingal, a large heavy-set man with a square-cut beard and short-cut hair, he sat on a leather chair and listened intently to a man talking about events Areioa.
Ulbose smiled as he saw Elsar and stood before speaking. "Elsar, good work. We heard about Thiem's death, not something we planned on, but it'll make that old dog Vermillion pause before thinking everything is as it should be. Aside from that your recent activities are as they should be and are satisfying. Do keep up the good work, you're becoming quite well known to the higher-ups. Anything new to report?" Ulbose asked as he rubbed his beard.

"No, aside from that all has been well," Elsar answered.
"Karishamon said he had new stock in, and he's always been willing to give people like us a discount. You should visit him. I must say, it's a pity we don't have a grand figure to rally around. You have other business?" Ulbose asked again.

"Yes, a few more things, then I'll visit Karishamon." Elsar answered before turning on his heel. "Goodbye Ulbose, stay safe."

"Goodbay Elsar, take care," Ulbose answered.

Elsar lef the room as quietly as he came, a few more things to buy, a few more things to do and then all would be done for the day.

Kthag and his new human companion were back to back with the occupants of the cafe closing in around them. These men all had weapons drawn as did Kthag and his human friend. One man leapt forward, sword in hand, and had his head smashed by Kthag's mace.
Kthag turned his head to his partner, "Hey human, I'll take care of these clowns, you go take care of whatever sent you flying. I wouldn't be much help there. GO!"
Kthag then turned back to face his foes and leapt upon them swinging wildly with mace and massive paw.

Minas, Kashiramon's store
The shop was befitting of a prosperous merchant, blackwood floors, fine pale-streaked rich dark woods made up the furniture and the lamps were all well-mirrored and let out the delicate smell of scented oil.
Blades and other weapons hung on the walls, bladed spears and polearms, swords, axes, warhammers and daggers all had their place.

Karishamon was dark, not black but a very dark tan like well-aged wood.
He had short wings of grey in his sandy hair and his eyes were a peircing grey, he was middle-aged but still strong and still tall as ever, a head above Elsar.

Elsar had gone to the usualy places and made his reports, he had bought up on healing potions and bloodstoppers potions, he had bathed and changed his clothes, to a nice midnight blue again, and lastly he had came here.
Karishamon was a weapons and armour dealer, a very good one; his store was like a mansion. The man had always been good at business and with the recent wars and battles he had had very good business.
Karishamon was also, more importantly, a supporter of the resistance, although a secret one.

Karishamon lounged in a large wooden chair, he always dealt with clients one-on-one, no one would be stupid enough to try to attack him and steal anything. Karishamon was a Swordmaster and besides that, he had over two-dozen men guarding the place.
Karishamon was examining Elsar's new blade, he ran his figners alogn the blade and tested its edge.
He tapped the blade lightly and nodded. "A fine blade, no better than fine. This is an excellent blade, although not magical in the least. It is made of a composition of rare metals, it shouldn't break in normal combat and it'll even stand up against a magical weapon for a time. I'm afraid I don't have anything of this level in stock at the moment, I rarely do, only slightly less rarely than I snag a nice magical weapon." Karishamon said and tapped the blade again for emphasis.

"Tell me a little about it?" Elsar asked from his own seat.
"It's between a hundred and one hundred and fifty years old. It's made by a skilled weaponsmith but one who didn't inscribe his name. It shouldn't require maintenance often, if at all. The blade itself is a great deal stronger than normal, but it'll still break if you test it too far. In short it is an Enhanced, a weapon made to be stronger than it should be, but an average example of one.
It is well balanced and equally well suited for thrusts and slashes, but it lacks the weight to cut so don't try you luck with hitting plate armour, it won't break through. You could probably pierce chainmail with a well-placed jab though," Karishamon answered.

"And...What about a new offhand weapon? I have been meaning to get a new one." Elsar asked and gestured to his shathed blade.

"Ah of course. Silly me. Good to see you're finally upgrading from that meat-carver. Now follow," Karishamon said and stood up. He walked briskly to the swords, each with an inch of blade beared from the scabbard and in its own rack. After a pause he chose one weapon, a little longer than the others.

"You're probably used to sabres right now so I'll give you this, it suits your measurements perfectly but it's only steel. Good steel, the finest non-magical non-enhanced steel around, but just steel. Try it," Karishamon said and offered the weapon.

The weapon curved slightly, it was lighter than it looked with a crimson-dyed grip and a plain but well-made nature. Still it was graceful and deadly in the right hands.
"Thank you Karishamon, how much?" Elsar asked as he resheathed the blade.

"For you? A hundred gold pieces if you have it." Karishamon answered.

"That I do, it's been a good run lately. I still have three-hundred gold pieces on me," Elsar answered.

"Then congradulations, your the proud owner of a nice new steel sabre. Now what about armour?" Karishamon asked.

"Armour only slows one down," Elsar answered.

"Bah. Not plate or mail like some fool-knight or a barbarian or a lowly man-at-arms. This armour is made from a special leaf in the forests of Areioa, if cut, boiled and spun correctly it will yiely a slick, smooth fibre that can be spun into a material that hardens a lot like leather. It's more resistant to cutting too, all but the most lethal of slices and jabs will be reduced in effect. But don't get silly, it isn't metal so it won't stop a weapon fully. Lastly it won't restrict your ability to move as it'll bend with you due to it's construction," Karishamon said and lead Elsar to the armour section.

There was everything from full-plate armour to boiled lether breastplates. The armour in question was dark leafy green and made of many overlapping plates. It would cover his torso and shoulders.
"Fine, looks concealable. How much?" Elsar asked.
"For you? Another hundred gold pieces, but I'm being generous. Usually this gear would set you back a lot more, but we go way back and of course there is the subject of your...Affiliation," Karishamon said and thumbed his nose.
"Alright then, everything is in order. Get your gear, put it on and pay for it."

Elsar went into one of the changing room and doffed his overclothing before putting on the armour. It felt light and surprisingly didn't limit his movements. he finished getting dressed and took off his old sabre and replaced it with his new.

Elsar counted out two-hundred coins and gave them to Karishamon with a smile. "Pleasure doing business with you Karishamon, take care," Elsar said and began to leave.

"Hey, leave your old blade behind. Maybe I can sell it to a beggar," Karishamon said and Elsar chuckled to himself before letting the old blade fall to the ground.
"Take care Elsar, don't be a stranger," Karishamon added as Elsar left.

One last thing to do, Elsar thought as he walked down the lightly crammed street, it was hot enough that a lot of people had chosen to stay indoors but many people still had things to do.

"Mithnos! get back here!" Alreic screamed as he rushed back to the room from where had just flown, luckily his new "friend" was busy dispatching Mithnos servants...he had a lot..even the waiters were fighting

As alreic rushed to the room he saw one of the walls had gone and there a flight of stairs winding up to the ceiling and the roof, but before him were three akravi servants each clasping swords

"Get outta my way, I dont have time for you guys!" Alreic shouted as they came to clash Sha form nowhere swung down andrammed straight into the two sending them flying down the stairs

"Uncle is on the roof ..he's not running though..." Sha spoke as she rushed upstairs with Alreic, the two reached the roof where Mithnos was awaiting, both orbs in his hands

"Do you knowhow great these orbs are, what power lies within them, gods frozen in time ut their power remains for us to use..if only we could use this power to retake our homes our cities our way of life...for too long have we hid these great sources of power, we can rukle the world if we wished..we could eb the one in place of the Ascalonians.. we woul never be afraid agin" Mithnos declared as he too the orbs and held them tightly, they entered his body,and with one flick of his wrist a fireball darted towards the two

Luckily dodging before a burst of ice impacted into Alreic's chest sending him across the roof

"Uncvle...dont be foolish..just ahnd the otbs over to us" Sha demanded from her uncle, but Mithnos wasnt the same chubby cheery chap he had been, he had obsessed over these stones fro too long..he was mad

"No! They are mine...if you try to take them then you will die!" He screeched as he fired fire and ice at Sha, luckily she managed to delfect them before using her own magic agaisnt him sending him backwards almost off the roof...he was stunned, but as he regained his focus he was strukc backwards by Sha

He grabebd onto the roof ledge for dear life but Sha could not save him...before he fell the orbs were taken from his body and rolled away into the gutter on the roof

Alreic lay ont he floor, his chest in pain and Sha looked down...into the streets below...her uncle..dead

Kthag continued to swing madly left and right. He had already killed a full score of these attackers and still more came on. However as he wrenched someone's neck from its spine a shriek was heard from above and something fell down into the street. It looked like a body and when it hit aparently it was some unknown, unspoken signal and the attackers turned and fled into the street.
"Come on! Who else wants some?!" Kthag continued to goad the now fleeing attackers but it was no use. They were gone.

(OOC: Y'know **** Jolt, I had a nice big post written up and then I lost it. Bah, at least our timeline is synchronised now. Read the OOC thread for info.)

Elsar walked down the street, he had asked quietly about where people who wanted to fight against Ascalonia were gathering. It had taken hours but he had narrowed the area down to just a few streets.

It was when he was walking down one of these streets that he heard the sounds of commotion break out ahead, he rushed forward to find a man laying dead in the street.
Hastily Elsar read the sign, "Mithnos' Cafe". Elsar walked through the doorway with hesitation to find a tide of servants, guards and tavern folk steaming out.

A lone Druon stood in the midst of it all, wearing chainmail and swinging a mace, he was certianly not as big as some Druons that Elsar had seen, he was only a little taller than Elsar. Covered in golden fur he was still an impressive figure for twenty bodies lay around him.
"Come on! Who else wants some?!" he roared after the people fleeing.

Elsar stepped forward and drew both his blades as he spoke, "I think I will take you up on that offer," Elsar said slowly and took another step forward, assuming a battle stance.

Alreic propped himself up, his chest severely in pain, necking back a potion before seeing two shining objects in the gutters on the roof

"They look familiar" Alreic chuckled to himself before taking them and placing them into a small satchel nearby "Sha..where's Mithnos"

Sha looked down at the streets below, people crowding everywhere over one spot..Mithnos...

"He's...gone...but...but we have thinsg to do now grab what you can form his store and head to the groudn floor...I hear fighting"

The two of them rushed downstairs to the sound of swords crashing..Mithnos' servants had vanished..scurried away to find new jobs perhaps but downstairs Alreic caught a glimpse of who was fighting, the druon who had allowd him to escape and fight Mithnos & another chap, both brutes towering over Alreic

The two pounded away at one another before Alreic reached for the ifrit orb, and then without knowing a great beast appeared before them all

Ifrit, lord of fire emerged form his millenia long slumber and soon let our a deafening roar before disspaearing, lreic slumped to the floor ebfore being caught my Sha who quickly intervened between the two combatants

(OOC: My guy doesn't look very brute like, I kinda thought he was more debonaire and handsome sort with an air of danger.)

Elsar stepped back in shock, he had scarcely began to fight before a great beast appeared and let out a roar that the entire town must have heard.
"What in the name of Osarion are you? I haven't seen anyone summon something like that for years and never anything that strong, and they were all old and grey." Elsar said and backed away a step, careful to keep Kthag in sight but to make sure he could avoid any attack by Aleric or Sha.

"I don't know who you all are. I am Elsar Notoro, I came here because I heard that there were men who might be able to help me get my revenge on the Ascalonians...if you're it then I don't mind. I've seen children do remarkable things. The Druon I doubt however, but if he's with you I'll refrain from killing him...Untill he betrays you. Now you know who I am. Who or rather what are you two and what are you doing here?" Elsar asked again.

"Who's the one that will be doing the betraying? I was simply helping these two and all I get for it is another fight. What's this world coming to?!" Kthag turned to the two humans who had just come from upstairs, "So... How'd it go? You show that guy that launched you across the room? Where is he? ... and do you have ANY idea who this crazy guy is?" Kthag pointed a thumb over his shoulder at Elsar.

Alex was unconcious for a long while, but eventually he woke up and looked around him. He was in a forest clearing with a waterfall near him. He saw he was tied to a horse, but seeing it closer, he realized it was Zan's horse Jinjor. He untied himself and Jinjor stopped moving to let him dismount. "What... What has happened? Where is this place?" Alex was unsure where he was at the moment, but he was able to remember that Zan had punched him before he was knocked out. Zan did not want Alex to join in the battle that was about to take place at the stronghold. Remembering this brought grief to Alex. He sat down on a rock near the waterfall and said, "Jinjor... It's hopeless now isn't it? We can't free Tenet can we?" The horse didn't respond, and Alex wondered why he would ask a horse this question. He got out his water sack from the saddle and found the note from Zan. It talked about the fall of the Thamino XIII resistance and how he wanted Alex to avoid Ascalonia from now on. He put away the note and proceeded to filled his water sack with the spring water while wondering what he was going to do now...

"He's been ..dealt with..." Sha replied as she kicked over tables and chairs..the cafe was ruined.."It's best we leave her now..we may be in the free lands but even this place has its own law enforcement...the sheriffs wont be too happy that a prominent figure was just killed"

Sha was cold...maybe to ignore the pain she was going through, she had come looking for answers and left with more questions and a heavy heart... she was empty..Alreic was confused...was he really a GOD..or was this just the ramblings of a man corrupted by power...who knew but they needed to leave as soon as possible

"There's some scrolls in this satchel... soem of them look..Ascalonian... woah!..this can't be true" Alreic said with amazement, his face looking on in horror as he read on "Theyre coming...the empire..theyve taken over some of the resistance groups...theres hardly anyen else...it looks...like its over"

The four of them stood there and heard the words Alreic spoke before sha burts into angr and pinned Alreic against a wall

"Listen here. i dont care if youre a god or whatever the hell you are..this war is not over until the blood of every murdering Ascalonian soldier and Vaendragun is sent to the very depths of Sokar himself, the dark lord made him and the dark lord will deal with him... so uou shut your elf mouth before i do it for you!"

Elsar leaned back and smiled softly, he had thought it would be different.
"Heh, I just can't get a break. The Empire kills my mentor and takes everything I cherish, then two years later they do the same," Elsar said simply, emotion seemed beyond him at this point.
"I guess I'm a free agent again. It's a good thing I'll still have my contacts, but it is a shame to learn the resistance has been dealt such a blow, it'll take decades to recover, if it can recover at all. Well actually...resistance will always be present, but a lot of people will loose heart," his voice was cold. In all honesty the resistance had just been a group of like-minded people, some of them were friends, but it was not too bad, he still had his own support network and he'd mainly worked alone.

"It doesn't matter though. I will fight this war if I'm the last person alive who will. My war with Ascalonia will not end untill either I do or they do, and I will not die to those Ascalonian dogs," Elsar drew his cloak about him as he spoke. "Damnit. I'll need more power if I have to fight them alone, as it is the best I can do is annoy them; maybe take out high-ranking officers sometimes. If I am to destroy Ascalonia I'll...need...more...power!" then Elsar remembered the beast, Ifrit if he had such a force on his team...

"Boy. I don't know what you are, or who you and your girlfriend are. But I require your strenth," Elsar spoke, adressing Aleric. "It seems we have a common enemy, if you'll allow me to fight Ascalonia with you I would be...thankful. I am one of the finest swordsmen that the resistance had with it and I have some other skills that may prove valuable. What do you say?"

"woah woah woah we aint going out!" Alreic & Sha both said at the same time...they both had strong views when it came to people thinking they were lovers

"Why do you want to travel with us then... you'd better not have ideas about those orbs..we dont know how to use them properly yet..or even if we wish to use them at all..they could be dangerous" Sha replied to Elsar on her own, she was wary of him, but she realised that right now all the help they could get in stopping anyone even if it wasn't the empire in gaining their hands on

Alreic stepped forward, the orbs were now in his hands, he quickly placed them in his satchel..along with the document telling of Mithnos betrayal of the locations of the rebel leaders

"Well it looks like were gonna have to work together anyway..I've a weird feeling we're not gona be very welcome here soon...the empire is going to make a strike on Minas... " Alreic said with a sense of maturity belying his years

Sha stared at him... her eyes confused at the prospect that teh empire even dare attack Minas..a c ity part of a land that was unconquerable but she knew..they would

"Ok if you wann join us join us..but we havent time to sit by idly, search their bodies for anything valuable we can trade and any armour or weapons..i wnat to be gone by dusk!" She ordered as if they were a raiding party

Alreic managed to slavage a new weapon...red in colour but elegant in design, very strange, and very light too and some mithril armour as well, anything to giv him some defnce against what was to come

"ok then guys...differences aside..weve places to go and an empire to bring down..and it looks like were going to have to find these remaing orbs" Alreic said as he clasped a mithril wristguard on, Alreic turned to Sha who was waiting by the door..impatient before she noticed the others were ready, she then began speaking,

"This is the start of something dangerous..exciting but dangerous.. so lets go fix this mess Gaia is in!" and then Sha exited the building and it seemed Minas village again was a hustling bustling metropolis unaware of what had happened

Kthag walked behind the counter in the ravaged room and took the money bag from the shelf. He opened the bag and pocketed the 100 plus gold coins inside. He then walked among the bodies grabbing knives and swords where he could. He quietly hummed to himself while one of the humans, the female one, ranted on about something foolish, or that's how Kthag saw it at least. As the humans walked outside and looted the bodies of equiptment, Kthag again walked behind the counter and pocketed several bottles of certain desirable liquids. If he didn't use them he could still get a good price for them, the bottles clanked together softly as he placed them in the large sac which he carried. He then followed the humans as they walked down the alley and into the street.
"Off again." he said to himself quietly as he walked along.

Elsar smiled and followed Sha and Aleric out into the street, the hustle and bustle of city life ran on like it was never broken.
Elsar sheathed his blades and shrugged his cloak forward to cover his weapons again.

It was hot, but when one knew the correct ways of concentrating it was easy enough to ignore.
"Boy, where are we going to go?" Elsar asked Aleric.

"Where to go..umm..how would I know..last name on the map i saw where the Ascalonians are looking for these orbs was a place called Uru..urund..I cant pronounce the name..." Alreic said from memory, he couldnt be bothered to pull the scrolls out again, time was of the essence

"Urundiel...ancient dwelling of the elves..before they left or mingled with lesser beings such as ourselves" Sha replied..calling herself a lesser being seemed odd but then again, the elves had created the spectacular ruins seen all over Gaia..ruins brought on by man and demons, "We head to Areioa it seems...we must be careful the city is under empire control..so no fighting unless called for..ok"

And with that the group headed off out of the city... as they reached asmall plateau overlookingthe free lands they saw it..the empire..its forces marching towards the city... thousands strong..and in the ait..ships that none of them had ever seen before

"What the hell is that..and how could they have gained an army so big so fast" Sha exclaimed as she saw them

"They're doing it..theyre actually going to conquer the free lands..theyre going to rule the world if they arent stopped" Alreic said as the sounds of screaming were heard, explosions as well..the empire was gaining technology and manpower like never before...they were going to take evry city they could before long

"They will only rule when people stop fighting. To win all it takes is to convince your opponents that you have won, little more. That kind of attitude will get you killed if you keep it up," Elsar replied.

"I have seen the Empire in action, they're good. Discipline, skill and high technology are all commonplace but so are doubt, fear and stupidity. Don't forget that no matter who's leading them, most Ascalonians are only human, most are just fighting for an ideal they believe in. I must admit that this latest revelation is quite...disturbing...but I am past being impressed by Ascalonia. Don't ever lose focus and don't ever lose the will to fight or you'll die," Elsar added.

"Besides, we have reason for hope," Elsar continued. "Even the Empire with its large military and high technology can still only take so much territory at a time. If they take too much, too fast they won't be able to hold and police it. Think about it, it has taken over a decade for them to launch their next attack. The next assault they will launch will probably come much sooner but it'll have to take months or weeks at the least before they can fully lock-down the Freelands. But time is a valuable resource, shall we move on?" Elsar asked and inclined his head.

"But..this..this isnt human..Vaendragun has gained his power somehow..and I thin I ahve anotion..Alreic place the orbs before us, this shouldnt take long if I'm correct" Sha asked as Alreic placed his hands inside the stachel, he drew two orbs out, the ifrit and shiva orbs and placed them on the floor and with a burts of her magic they came alive..not in the forms of the beats that were summoned but there before them were two humans or at least they looked like humans

"We are the ones long forgotten by many, they who came before and those who shall remian here long after.. we are the spirits of Gaia & we are at your command Alreic" the two figures spoke simultaneously, and to Alreic only it seemed "Do you have any questions that need to be adressed.."

The four grew silent...the gods were at their service...and now they could ask them any questions they wnated

OOC: ill be answering as the gods :)

Nameless stared into his telescope. A horse and its rider made their way towards the forest, and by the look of him, the rider was obviously unconscious. "Hmm... he looks like he could need a hand." Nameless thought. He silently followed the horse to a clearing in the forest, and watched as its rider regained conscioussnes. He heard him talk to his horse about "freeing Tenet". "This man must be part of the resistance against the empire..." Nameless concluded. As the man wearily proceeded to fill his water sack by the fall, Nameless stepped out into the clearing, behind the man, making himself visible to him when he would turn. Before having tailed the man, Nameless had hastily switched his black assassins cloak, and was now wearing a monks cape, which hid him equally well. His coming had been effectively hid by the sound of the water-fall, and the man was totally oblivious of his presence. Nameless took the opportunity to observe the man, noticing his armor and bloody sword.

Kthag stepped forwards to the two gods that had just appeared before them, "Firstly I guess is how did the Empire gain so much technology and manpower so quickly?" Kthag stepped back to the other three he was with and sat down. He then opened his sac and pulled out one of the bottles of wine he had 'claimed' from the cafe and took a big drink and passed it to his companions.

Nameless stared into his telescope. A horse and its rider made their way towards the forest, and by the look of him, the rider was obviously unconscious. "Hmm... he looks like he could need a hand." Nameless thought. He silently followed the horse to a clearing in the forest, and watched as its rider regained conscioussnes. He heard him talk to his horse about "freeing Tenet". "This man must be part of the resistance against the empire..." Nameless concluded. As the man wearily proceeded to fill his water sack by the fall, Nameless stepped out into the clearing, behind the man, making himself visible to him when he would turn. Before having tailed the man, Nameless had hastily switched his black assassins cloak, and was now wearing a monks cape, which hid him equally well. His coming had been effectively hid by the sound of the water-fall, and the man was totally oblivious of his presence. Nameless took the opportunity to observe the man, noticing his armor and bloody sword.

OOC: I got your tg, I just been busy. (Sorry, couldn't think of another excuse).

IC: Alex finished filling his water sack and turned around to put it away, but was taken aback by what he saw. He saw a man infront of him that he hadn't noticed before in the clearing. He didn't seem threatening, but hoped he wasn't an Ascalonian mercenary or anything of the kind. He began by asking, "I- I am sorry sir, I did not see you. Could you tell me, where am I and who are you?"...

"Your questions shall be answered but we cannot give you all the answers for we believe you beings must learn answers for yourselves but this question we can answer" Shiva spoke as she created a vision of the gods sitting around a great statue ina city shining many hues, there they sat, each god, Bahamut, Shiva, Ifrit, Tomanek,Leviathan,Odin,Yojimbo, Anubis & another one..his face hidden by a hood, he seemed out of place compared to the others in their robes and whatnot

"These are the gods who ruled and watched over Gaia form the start, they are the creators..and they can give man or other races many powers..when the tiem came to fight a great war caused by one of the gods, his name long forgotten even by us..his war savaged Gaia creating new races, evil spawn that devestated this world..eventually he was cast down and reborn anew..but we know his powers will return...the answer to your question is..bahamut and odin...they are the ones granting the power to the nation you call Ascalonia..throught their summoning & power its forces have increased over twentyfold" Ifrit continued as the others listened on

"Couldnt we use you to fight back..use your power to.." Sha exclaimed as she couldnt see why others had us though of it before but before she could finsih alreic intervened

"Because only certain people can weild such power and even then it corrupts..the power of the gods can do evil things as well as good..and only a handful blessed by the gods themselves can weild that power" Belying his years with great knowledge

"We grant you one more question companions" the gods spoke

Damn, if Ascolonia has gods supporting it too and we can't use the gods Aleric holds to fight...What can I do? Elsar thought.

"If I may ask you. If we cannot use your power, or rather since we shouldn't use your power, then how is it that we may fight Ascalonia with a chance of victory? What should we do?" Elsar asked of the gods.

IC: Alex finished filling his water sack and turned around to put it away, but was taken aback by what he saw. He saw a man infront of him that he hadn't noticed before in the clearing. He didn't seem threatening, but hoped he wasn't an Ascalonian mercenary or anything of the kind. He began by asking, "I- I am sorry sir, I did not see you. Could you tell me, where am I and who are you?"...

"Where you are? Well, that's a tuff question... geography isn't my strong point, but let's put it this way: you're somewhere between an advancing Ascalonian army and Minas village, which is about to be laid under siege. As for who I am, well, they call me "Nameless". And the mission of my life is to kill the Emperor. Now, if you don't have any other questions, I would suggest that we get the heck outta here as soon as possible. With our horses we should be able to travel fast enough, I have a secret hide-out where we can find cover. Now let's move." and with that, Nameless whistled. His black horse trotted out from the nearby vegetation, and Nameless sat up.

"The strongest of the gods chose a path of darkness but only one continued on to that path while the others saw the error in their ways..he is the forgotten god his name we dare not speak and his name and image we try to forget..but your queston shall be answered before we return to our places of meditation...the answers you seek lie around Gaia for we chose places of great importance to us and there our spirits are kept..fidn them and you will find the key to saving Gaia but the one you call Ascalonia too seeks the power to..if you wish to defeat your foe then you must move hastily for they will surely eradicate any know resistance to them and unwittingly bring forth a new age of darkness not seen since he ruled" Ifir and Shiva spoke before bursting into light and re entering their orbs

They looked at one enaother before Alreic picked the orbs up and turned to his companions

"You heard the um..gods..we'd better start moving..well keep to our original destination..maybe thats where an orb is..and mayeb they ahvent found it yet.."

Kthag took another swig from the wine bottle he held and handed it to Elsar, if they were going to be on this journey together then at least one of them should be drunk, and Kthag excluded himself from the list of candidates. Kthag looked below at the massive armies of the Empire and turned his back on them and the city that would soon fall to the Empire's might.
"Should one of us go back... and you know..... tell the guards that the Empire's coming? They might stand a chance..." But seeing the backs of his companions he followed behind them off again.

"No..it wont matter whether we tell them or not, there is nothing we can do ourselves..what if we tell them..Minas will still fall..and what then, lose our lives too when we can keep them and carry on this journey and find a way to stop them form doing this again!" Sha said coldly, she wasn't a fan of the lighter emotions, her home city had made her see the harsh realities of life, she merely picked her belongings from the floor and trudged away from the plateau and from her companions

Alreic turned to the others and said, "Dont worry about her, she may seem liek she has a heart of ice but she's juts a bit too how can I put this...warrior like too often, dont worry she'll seem less vicious as we travel"

"Where you are? Well, that's a tuff question... geography isn't my strong point, but let's put it this way: you're somewhere between an advancing Ascalonian army and Minas village, which is about to be laid under siege. As for who I am, well, they call me "Nameless". And the mission of my life is to kill the Emperor. Now, if you don't have any other questions, I would suggest that we get the heck outta here as soon as possible. With our horses we should be able to travel fast enough, I have a secret hide-out where we can find cover. Now let's move." and with that, Nameless whistled. His black horse trotted out from the nearby vegetation, and Nameless sat up.

This "Nameless" person didn't seem like an Ascalonian mercenary out to capture Alex, but the information he had just given sounded serious. If Ascalonia was planning to attack, he would more than likely be found. "I can't go... It would be suicide..." Alex thought to himself. He wanted to attempt to save the village, but knew that he was just one person who didn't even believe in himself as a warrior. There was no hope of victory if he were to go, so he made the only decision any wise person would have made. Alex climbed onto his horse Jinjor and answered, "Very well then, lead the way." and followed Nameless to wherever they were going.

Minas Village, the second greatest city in Gaia now under Empire control..the troops patrolled the streets and a curfew was in place..no one was getting in or out now

In the ruins of Mithnos cafe walked a hooded figure bearing the Ascalonian serpent upon the back of his robe

"The forsaken one has been here..he travels with a stenchblood of the northpeople and a vicious beats of the south and a human..his stench familiar...to me...they travel to the taken lands..Areioa is where they travel to next..I wnat them followed but not attacked...they all have their uses to me still" the mysterious figure revealed, his soldiers who accompanied him acknowlegded his orders..they referred to him as the Duke D'avarence...the empires finest gunsman..a reent discovery in guns and arms had helped the emire, but the duke..he turned it into an art form, utilising the guns as if they were swords and rapiers...but no one had ever seen his face..no one living that was

Elsar declined Kthag's offer, he didn't drink alcohol and he couldn't afford to lose his edge.
"Don't worry Aleric I've met people like her before, long years of fighting always scars the soul and freezes the heart to some degree. Now we best be on our way, it is some time to Areioa and I'd expect a deal of trouble. When the Empire is after you they have the manpower to make things very difficult," Elsar said and scanned the area with his eyes, there seemed to be no obvious signs of danger.

Sha turned to Elsar and gave him a look as if to say she wanst human..infact she was more akin to the Druon than of humans despite her blood was essentially of man and beast

The group travelled across the vast plains and forests of the free lands..the free lands no longer , just another conquered land ruled by maniacal despots and those who seek complete power

It was nightfall and had been 4 days travel since they left Minas..the forests of Areioa were old.the oldest infact and throught the forests lay their destination, the elven city of Urundiel or at least thats what it once was, the city had been abandoned by the ancient elves a millenia go and now their ancestors dwelled there, the Areioans wer elven descendants, they had a lot of their powers but after forsaking the call of the gods they chose to remain to help the flourishing races of Gaia and fight a war to save the world

Now their descendants live in Areioa it seems, and now they serve the empire against their will

"The city of Areioa.. the twilight of the elves..now another outpost for the empire" Sha said quietly as atroop of empire soldiers marched past, "soem of them carry new weapons I have never fought against and others still fight the old way with a blade.. what do you suggets we do seeing as were now comrades in arms"

"I suggest that we find out the rough strength of the Empire soldiers in the city. If we can, someone should try to find if there are any resistance groups in the city." As if to confirm Kthag's last statement a rumpling explosion was heard coming from the city and a great plume of black smoke erupted from one of the districts.
"Well.... at least we know there's some resistance...

OOC: sorry guys, I won't be here for a few days... So for right now I'm giving my character to Bekhaera until I get back. Please don't get him killed. Thanks.

(OOC:if you go along with Elsar going into the city then just TG me the information you want him to find out. If not...)


Elsar thought for a moment.
"As much as I hate to admit it, the Druon does actually have a good point. If I may, I would volunteer to enter the city. I have a few contacts here and there and some of them are smart enough not to get themselves killed. A man I know, Septomin by name, said that by the next month there'd be three thousand soldiers in Urundiel, I'm not sure if that plan has changed though," Elsar said.

This "Nameless" person didn't seem like an Ascalonian mercenary out to capture Alex, but the information he had just given sounded serious. If Ascalonia was planning to attack, he would more than likely be found. "I can't go... It would be suicide..." Alex thought to himself. He wanted to attempt to save the village, but knew that he was just one person who didn't even believe in himself as a warrior. There was no hope of victory if he were to go, so he made the only decision any wise person would have made. Alex climbed onto his horse Jinjor and answered, "Very well then, lead the way." and followed Nameless to wherever they were going.

After a couple days travel Nameless and Alex came to Areioa. This might not seem to be the best place for a hide-out, on first thought... but only on first thought. Who would suspect that an enemy of the empire operates from an imperial outpost?
As the two of them walked through the forest on the outscirts of the city, they came to a small stream that gently floated downhill. Across the stream was a large tree-trunk, serving as a make-shift bridge. In the thick woods they had soon given upp riding, and where now pacing along on foot, with their horses behind them. Nameless was dressed in his monk-cape, and had a wooden/stone staff in his right hand. As they approached the tree-trunk in order to cross the stream, they found that the other side was blocked - by 4 people, one of which seemed to be an assassin, another was obviously a druon, and there was also a woman and another fellow. They obviously intended to cross as well. Now a difficult question arose; who would cross first.
Nameless stepped unto the tree-trunk.

OOC: Hint hint...;)
This is going to be kinda "robin-hood meets little john"... if you want.

"We ahve company..they dont look like Ascalonian troops but thwen again these days the empire is devious..what do we do,.. we cant fight unless we risk bringing the nearby station down on us" Alreic spoke in hushed tones, the sound of an explosion in the city had also caught the groups attention, do they meet with these newcomers of somehow infiltrate the city

"Kthag or Elsar...either of you see what these two peopel want, if hostile..we fight if not we demand answers soon we cannot allow ourselves to be caught" Sha said , as if she was in charge of the four

"I could always kill them, there needn't be any fuss. That is if they're slower than me. It's a violent and savage plan but when you don't know who to trust...but whatever you say girl," Elsar said and stepped forward.

"Greetings travelers, what brings you to Areioa?" Elsar and spread his arms; to indicate he ment no immediate harm to them.

After a couple days travel Nameless and Alex came to Areioa. This might not seem to be the best place for a hide-out, on first thought... but only on first thought. Who would suspect that an enemy of the empire operates from an imperial outpost?
As the two of them walked through the forest on the outscirts of the city, they came to a small stream that gently floated downhill. Across the stream was a large tree-trunk, serving as a make-shift bridge. In the thick woods they had soon given upp riding, and where now pacing along on foot, with their horses behind them. Nameless was dressed in his monk-cape, and had a wooden/stone staff in his right hand. As they approached the tree-trunk in order to cross the stream, they found that the other side was blocked - by 4 people, one of which seemed to be an assassin, another was obviously a druon, and there was also a woman and another fellow. They obviously intended to cross as well. Now a difficult question arose; who would cross first.
Nameless stepped unto the tree-trunk.

OOC: Hint hint...;)
This is going to be kinda "robin-hood meets little john"... if you want.

OOC: I think that will be left to your characters actions, mine doesn't appreciate fighting unless he must do so.

"I could always kill them, there needn't be any fuss. That is if they're slower than me. It's a violent and savage plan but when you don't know who to trust...but whatever you say girl," Elsar said and stepped forward.

"Greetings travelers, what brings you to Areioa?" Elsar and spread his arms; to indicate he ment no immediate harm to them.

IC: Alex responded to Elsar, "We had no idea that we were in Areioa until now, at least I didn't. I was following this man to a safe place since he said an Ascalonian army was on its way to invade Minas village."

"Minas village..another great city now controlled by the empire..it is to late for anyone to return there..unless you wish a swift execution...no... I cannot allow people no matter how strong they be or smart to even approach that cty.. id rather kill them myself..join us... we have afreat journey to begin...and it concerns you as much as us" Sha replies, when she gave speeches she dd tend to go slightly over the top and exaggerate but here was a speech straighht form her heart

Every word true and it dug deep but then more explosions..closer to where they were

"Everyone quickly follow me..theres a sewer nearby that leads to the city courtyard..I think.." Alreic shouted as he dashed for the trees an down a small embankment rolling over many times before landing in a river...a river that led to a huge archway, their entrance to the elven city of URUNDIEL

"Haha..." Nameless laughed at the young man. "You won't get far that way, the guards will see you. The easiest way of getting in there is by night." he said. "Follow me gentlemen, I know enemys of the empire when I see them, and I have a feeling that I might be of assistance to you..." and with that, he walked off.
He lead them to a seemingly quite normal glade, where he proceeded to stop in front of a big tree. He hit the tree. A part of the tree-trunk popped out - it had the shape of a door. Nameless opened the door and revealed a small ladder inside, which seemingly lead down into the ground. "Follow me. The last man shuts the door." he said, before sliding down the ladder into the darkness. The darkness soon dispersed, as he lights several lamps. In the dim light, the room made itself visible to the newcomers.

It wasn't too small, walls of strong wood, a table and chair in the middle of the room, a bed in a corner, cupboard and chest. All in all, it was obviously only inhabited by one person, who seldom had guests. Nameless let his visitors observe the room. "This is my safe-house. Who would think that an enemy of the Empire operates from an Imperial outpost, eh?" he mused. "Well, except the constant need of food, there is only one thing which an enemy of the empire needs; a good weapon. Follow me please." He leads them towards another door. The new room is quite different from the other sparsely furnished living quarters. "This room is one of the last remains of my kingdom which hasn't been corrupted by the Empire." As he talked, the soft light of the lamp glistened sharply on the blades that adorned the walls. This was obviously a small arsenal. Small but lethal. The biggest colloection consisted of swords, then came axes, some maces, bows, daggers, and several other weapons.

"When I say my kingdom, I mean "The Kingdom of Five Cities", which was destroyed when the Empire first emerged. The reason why there still exist "Free Lands", is simply that it took a good part of the Imperial army to conquer my kingdom. We were peacefull people, but nonetheless good warriors. They killed women and children, which stirred us to resist them even more. My father, the King, met his death in full vigor, swinging a sword during the last stand. I was taken to a safe place, by some of the senior generals and counselors, who brought me up and taught me the art of war... until they too died..." his words trailed off in memories. "Well now, I must be boring you with history-lessons." he said appologetically. "Let's see what we have here, shall we..." and with that he opened up a few chests.

He proceeded to pick up a pair of boots. "These boots here are like the ones I'm wearing now. Perfect for runnig and jumping. They are anatomically built, and will allow you to run faster and jump from hights without risking injury to your ankles." He handed one pair to Alex, one to Elsar, one to Alec and one to the Sha.
He the turned to Kthag: "I have a feeling they might not quite fit you... but this should compensate." He lifts a large double-edged battle-axe from a chest, adorned with golden braidings. "This is one of the finest in it's kind, see if you like it" *hands it over*. "If you prefer maces, try this..." points at a mace hanging on the wall, slightly smaller than Kthags, but with bigg steel spikes.
Then to Alex: "You seem to have a good armor and weapon... try this helmet." hands him a solid helmet with blue plumes. "It's not nice-looking, but it will take a lot of blows."
Hands Elsar a belt with 6 small knives. "Throw these around you when in danger, and you'll be a happier man. They're amazingly balanced."
Gives Alec a bow. "This is a long-bow. It will pierce armor at an amazing distance, compared to what some of those imperial soldiers are using." hands him a quiver full of arrows.

"And for you my lady... hrm... let's see..." looks at all the heavy weapons somewhat desperate. "Ah, here it is." He hands her a short metall staff with blades on each end. "This will allow you to guard yourself against several opponents..."
"Finally there is the this." holds up a sabre. "This may not look special, but if you hit the ground three times with it, you will summon 15 skeleton warriors to fight for you. Even though I usually dislike magic, I tried it once. Their swords-skill wasn't perfect... but they were quite vicious I must say... here, keep it as a side-arm." hands it to Alex.
"I suggest that we wait here until dark, and then do whatever we decide... In the meanwhile we could eat..."

OOC: MAN that was LONG! Sorry bout that... I'll post next time on Monday :) kinda makes up for it...

"I dont use bows... but thanks anyway, i'm sure I'll find some use" Alreic replied to the nameless person who had just taken them to this ancient little hideaway beneath the outskirts of the city

"Thank you for the axe..but what is your name" Kthagasked kindly, belying his appearance, many had assumed he was nought but a vicious brute but in reality he was a kind and gentle soul like most Druon

Sha examined the walls and the weapon she had been given, it was of exquisite design and of ancient magic, "skeletons you say..hmm no one has used such magic in many years..well till recently that i" Sha spoke as sbhe moved her hand over the blade and its staff

Kthag walked around examining the room examining what he saw before him, weapons, armour and even books, he lifted one such volume up called "Deitika Illuminasho Noktarnii"

"The book of the gods of light and darkness...I thought all copies had been burned many centuries ago or at least thats what father said... how did you coem across this..we Druon have strived to keep the last few books that were dubbed heretical by all races, were essentially the keepers of Gaia's forgotten knowledge"

Kthag wasn't just a good fighter, he was smart, an academic of his people but as was the way of his people, he was a warrior first but then Alreic noticed something on the wall

"What does that say..part of it I can read I dunno how but I can... his mercy shall be all knowing, his might shall be for all to see, his power is unending..he is alpha and omega even amongst his own..for he is... thats a weird inscription..it seems the last part has been erased from here..weird"

Sha turned to the nameless one and his companion and then asked as she studied them closesly.. "what are your names... if we are to trust even travel with you...we must know who you are?"

"As I told you before, I'm a prince of a conquered land, but am mostly known as the assassin called Nameless. This is my new friend Alex, that's all I know for now." turns to Kthag: "As for the books, well, my father was quite a reader (as am I), these are some of his most precious collections. The weapons are from the royal arsenal... the remains, that is."

OOC: Bek, sha got the staff with blades on each tip, Alex got the "skeleton-sabre". read my post more carefully :)

OOC: sorry haha I misread lol :)

IC:

"A conquered land?" Alreic asked "You narrow that down.. what is your name, how do expect us to travel with you and trust you fi we dont knwo your name, hell I'm not gonan spend this journy calling you nameless..so coem on, everyones gotta name..even I managed to get one"

Kthag began reading the book, especially the chapter on Tomanek the Druon god, Tomanek had crafted in Gaia several weapons for his chosen people to use when the end od days came..legends and myths but Kthag was beginning to realise perhaps all those tales were true, the book spoke of how Tomanek forsook all the gods and when the Druon and Akravi were in infancy after the beast of Gaia were corrupted by other gods he took them aside and taught them the truth of life and so they became a strong race but when Tomaneks human form was destroyed both races divided and ever since the Druon have prayed for his return

"Thsi book speaks of my god as if it were written by those who had been blessed with his company"

Nameless shifted unconfortably. Finally he said: "My name is Arthur. Now let's have something to eat."

OOC: :) see you again on monday folks ...or should I say read you...

"I dont use bows... but thanks anyway, i'm sure I'll find some use" Alreic replied to the nameless person who had just taken them to this ancient little hideaway beneath the outskirts of the city

"Thank you for the axe..but what is your name" Kthagasked kindly, belying his appearance, many had assumed he was nought but a vicious brute but in reality he was a kind and gentle soul like most Druon

Sha examined the walls and the weapon she had been given, it was of exquisite design and of ancient magic, "skeletons you say..hmm no one has used such magic in many years..well till recently that i" Sha spoke as sbhe moved her hand over the blade and its staff

Kthag walked around examining the room examining what he saw before him, weapons, armour and even books, he lifted one such volume up called "Deitika Illuminasho Noktarnii"

"The book of the gods of light and darkness...I thought all copies had been burned many centuries ago or at least thats what father said... how did you coem across this..we Druon have strived to keep the last few books that were dubbed heretical by all races, were essentially the keepers of Gaia's forgotten knowledge"

Kthag wasn't just a good fighter, he was smart, an academic of his people but as was the way of his people, he was a warrior first but then Alreic noticed something on the wall

"What does that say..part of it I can read I dunno how but I can... his mercy shall be all knowing, his might shall be for all to see, his power is unending..he is alpha and omega even amongst his own..for he is... thats a weird inscription..it seems the last part has been erased from here..weird"

Sha turned to the nameless one and his companion and then asked as she studied them closesly.. "what are your names... if we are to trust even travel with you...we must know who you are?"

"As I told you before, I'm a prince of a conquered land, but am mostly known as the assassin called Nameless. This is my new friend Alex, that's all I know for now." turns to Kthag: "As for the books, well, my father was quite a reader (as am I), these are some of his most precious collections. The weapons are from the royal arsenal... the remains, that is."

OOC: Bek, sha got the staff with blades on each tip, Alex got the "skeleton-sabre". read my post more carefully :)

Alex examined what he was given. Nameless, or Arthur it turns out, was very well equipped. He noticed the helmet was like Arthur said it was. "But if it's as durable as he says it is, there's nothing to complain about." Alex thought to himself. "I'm sorry I have not introduced myself as properly as I should have. My name is indeed Alex, and as for who I am... Well, I am really no one anymore actually."

"I think my own footware is more suitable to my needs, but thank you for the offer anyway. The knives I am sure will come in handy," Elsar said thankfully.

I do perhaps wonder if Alex is aware I know who he is? Oh well, it is obvious he does not want to be revealed, Elsar thought as he examined his new companions.
An assassin and a prince, both royalty from a conquered land. That however is not important, royal or not, what matters is if they are smart and capable. The assassin I have little reason to doubt but Alex...looks greener than springwood. No matter looks may deceive and even if they don't he'll either learn or die, Elsar finished his line of thought.

"Alex, everyone is someone regardless of what they've lost, and even then what was lost can be found and taken back. So long as one has the will one can do anything," Elsar said with a wry smile. "Or at least, so I have been told."

"I think my own footware is more suitable to my needs, but thank you for the offer anyway. The knives I am sure will come in handy," Elsar said thankfully.

I do perhaps wonder if Alex is aware I know who he is? Oh well, it is obvious he does not want to be revealed, Elsar thought as he examined his new companions.
An assassin and a prince, both royalty from a conquered land. That however is not important, royal or not, what matters is if they are smart and capable. The assassin I have little reason to doubt but Alex...looks greener than springwood. No matter looks may deceive and even if they don't he'll either learn or die, Elsar finished his line of thought.

"Alex, everyone is someone regardless of what they've lost, and even then what was lost can be found and taken back. So long as one has the will one can do anything," Elsar said with a wry smile. "Or at least, so I have been told."

IC: Elsar gave a good statement but Alex wondered why he said it. Did Elsar somehow already know he was a prince? Either way, he answered, "I... Suppose you are correct sir..." Alex couldn't say much else since he didn't want to say add anything that would make him sound in-capable. Alex then took the time to ask, "Might I ask who you all are?"

OOC: I'm not taking this to offense but, what does "greener than springwood" mean?

OOC: I'm not taking this to offense but, what does "greener than springwood" mean?
OOC: Oh wouldn't you like to know (rubs hands) muwahahah...Actually it's very simple. Fresh wood cut from a living tree is green, spring is when the plants grow giving the newest, thus the "greenest", wood. Saying someone is "green" is saying they are inexperienced so Greener than springwood would imply no experience at all.

Alreic placed his satchel on the table and from ti he took out the scrolls he had "acquiired" from Mithnos and the orbs

"These are the two single most powerful objects I've ever come across..your weapons wouldnt even make a scratch on their surface..you want to know what they are Arthur & Alex... do you believe in gods"

Alreic's voice suggested a hint of deviousness, he was excited. not everyday you coulfd show the world the creators of life

Alreic placed his satchel on the table and from ti he took out the scrolls he had "acquiired" from Mithnos and the orbs

"These are the two single most powerful objects I've ever come across..your weapons wouldnt even make a scratch on their surface..you want to know what they are Arthur & Alex... do you believe in gods"

Alreic's voice suggested a hint of deviousness, he was excited. not everyday you coulfd show the world the creators of life

IC: Alex saw the orbs Alreic had placed and answered to him, "Yes..." Alex wasn't sure what these strange objects were but awaited what Alreic had to say.

OOC: Oh wouldn't you like to know (rubs hands) muwahahah...Actually it's very simple. Fresh wood cut from a living tree is green, spring is when the plants grow giving the newest, thus the "greenest", wood. Saying someone is "green" is saying they are inexperienced so Greener than springwood would imply no experience at all.

OOC: Thank you.

Alreic looked at Alex and stared at him before giving him a grin and then telling Alex to tap the orbs..Alex walked forward and touched the orbs and nothing happened

Alreic then tapped them and in this room underground the images of Shiva & Ifrit burned greatly into the ceiling and then a blinding light and once more they appeared

"we are the ancient ones, creators of gaia, once more you summon us, what do you ask of us youngling?" the two gods said together

Alreic looked at Alex and stared at him before giving him a grin and then telling Alex to tap the orbs..Alex walked forward and touched the orbs and nothing happened

Alreic then tapped them and in this room underground the images of Shiva & Ifrit burned greatly into the ceiling and then a blinding light and once more they appeared

"we are the ancient ones, creators of gaia, once more you summon us, what do you ask of us youngling?" the two gods said together

Alex fell onto the floor when the light filled the room and covered his eyes at first. When he slowly moved his hand he saw the images of two of the gods of all Gaia. Alex was completely at a loss of words of what to say. If these weren't the gods themselves like they said, it was a very powerful and convincing magic that made it seem so.

"Alex..you doubt us..we assure you and all of you we are the creators but we do not wish to merely appease your curiousity with tricks and magic as it were you call them" Shiva spoke gracefully

Ifrit stared at Arthur and began to speak

"So..your bloodline still continues..I thought your peopel had died out hundreds of years ago, he left behind his legacy...he was acrafty overseer, and this one..Alex..you two I know of..your fates are interesting but cloudy..More of you I demand to know" He roared out as if he were his beast form

Alreic & Sha talked to one another, they wondered what Iftit could have meant, they noticed Arthur was staring back at the gods as if he was not scared, or amazed, but as if he knew them

"He looks confident..kinda cocky" Alreic whispered under his breath

"Sounds like someone I know...he's a stoic..not much fazes a stoic..he's probably seen things that most us dared dream of..and doen things most of us could never do..after all..hes an assassin..its plain to see..who else keeps asecret underground base" Sha replied

As a matter of fact, Arthur was a person who disliked magic. He liked steel swords and daggers of good quality... you knew were you stood when you held a dagger in your hand... if you were holding a magic orb, you couldn't even be sure if you were standing... he reasoned.

This dislike probably came from his past experience with magic, which according to him, gave more questions than it answered. Before you knew it, you were on some secret mission to save the world, with assassins crawling all over you, instead of sitting back and reading a good book. Also, he was a person who didn't like to "follow the plan", but usually improvised. One of his main traits, was his sense of humor. Most people saw him as an assassin, but in reality he was just a young guy who liked to "take care of the bad guys", and preferably have fun while doing so, which often lead too huge explosions and horse chases through thick woods. He was somewhat unconventional.

He looked at the two figures wearily. He practically ignored Ifrits roar, and responded in a casual talkative tone: "Take it easy pal, try decaf..." ...he turned to Shiva, "Soo, does this have something to do with saving the world... cuz if it does, I want to make sure to bring enough weapons this time... and I'll probably take the part about killing the emperor... just have to figure out how much to charge... wouldn't suppose you write checks, no?" he said, somewhat ironical, but only a bit. He took a chair for himself and sat down.

"Do you jest mortal..you are but a mere second in the lifespan Gaia will and has had but you can be so much more, in you lies the blood of ancient being, so ancient that his name is forgotten" Ifirt replied "does that not interest you in the slightest"

OOC:I'm back!

IC: "He probably just doesn't care." Kthag said softly. This was the second time he had been in the presence of gods and it still shook him a bit.

"Not to argue, Gods," Elsar began as he stepped forward. "But I disagree with your idea that blood defines destiny. You are the perfect example of this, how did you come to be? Was it your blood or was it your will that made you Gods?" He asked.

"Not to argue, Gods," Elsar began as he stepped forward. "But I disagree with your idea that blood defines destiny. You are the perfect example of this, how did you come to be? Was it your blood or was it your will that made you Gods?" He asked.

Alex managed to stand up and commented, "Sir, I do not believe it is wise to ask them as such..." Alex turned towards the gods. He tried to keep the fear from his voice by asking, "I... apologize for my... doubt... Great Ones... I did not think it... was possible to meet you both in mortal life... But I would like to know... what is it that you are asking?... This conversation of blood, fate, and ancient times... What is the meaning of your statements?"

" A fine question young one, you are right to think this idea but his lineage is not the same as yours, you are descended from men, and he is descended form something not wholly man..." Shiva replied "he is not the only one..the power granted by these demi lords wanes after a millenia till all but a trace remains of their lineage"

Ifrit stared at Elsar before creating an image with his hands of the planet,

"Long ago the planet you know as Gaia was lifeless but oneday a great catastrophe ensued awhen it collided with a great being from the sky, a meteor, from then life was created..that life was us.. we were created of the planet and so we were at oen with it, there were many but soon our numbers grew too much and the strong sought to rule and eventually we were all as you mortals say...we becmae extinct..but our spirits remained and thus we took the forms you see know our earthly bodies became heavnely spectres and our skills and abilities were retained, we were able to create life and rectify our mistakes , we were given asecond chance and so we chose to create it but those who had taken the path of pure evil their spirits dwelled deep underground and so lingered there manifesting themselves as pure evil creating beinsg of evil but when they were defeated their ideals and legacy spread to our side..and so a new war was fought and it consumed Gaia but victory was snatched form the jaws of defeat but so much was left behind that we were not aware of"

Arthur shrugged. "Like the Emperor" he said. "He's left behind all right..." he looked at the other people in the room. "Ah, yes. I've seen the Emperor. He has many look-a-likes that he uses, but I've seen the real thing. I was part of an assassin-team some time ago, only I survived. Strict training and good discipline taught me to be fast, very fast. Nonetheless, I was the only survivor, I barely escaped. He was human down to the waist, below the waist was the giant body of a spider. He walked on the ceiling above our heads, we barely caught sight of a moving shadow before he started raining arrows on us.

My two companions fought bravely, but perished after a long fight. I, the less expert of the group, held the mass of royal guards while they fought... until I realised that my companions were dead, and he was gone. Since then I have been training, I have become faster, fast has become my middle-name. I don't care about my "bloodline"... and I don't care much for "magic" either... as a matter of fact, if I don't have any "magic" weapons, he won't be able to feel my presense when I come for him, that's the mistake that my two companions made..." ha paused for a moment.

"I don't care about my "bloodline", there are lots of people with "mixed" backgrounds... that doesn't mean much... what counts is what you do, not where you come from. Somebody got to stop him, and since nobody else has succeeded, I might as well give it a try, even if I die. Everybody dies, sooner or later, (trust me, I give you my word as an assassin), but where I come from they have a proverb: "Heroes die once, cowards die every day of their life." he wearily observed the other people and the "gods". "And personally I don't really care about what you have to say, cuz it won't change much..."

Alex listened to Arthur's story and could understand everything that he was telling. He had heard such tales of defeat before from men like Arthur many times in the resistance core. Even he himself was victim to massacre's and felt as if pure luck were at his side allowing him to live.
The description of the Emperor though was quite disturbing. He heard it was questionable if Lord Vaendragun really was human. But if Arthur was right about what he looked like, those stories would certainly have to be true.
Even if the Emperor wasn't like what Arthur described, there would be no doubt in Alex's mind he would be willing to help in any way possible. Of course, that would depend whether or not Arthur would let him.

" A spider..one of Vaendraguns chosen forms..he has the ability to weave magic to suit his appearance..he is human in appearance but he can manipulate magic and a mind to an extent he makes you see what you want even the strongest willed of warriors are fooled" Sha replied..she kne wmore than she was letting on but then again there wasn't much anyoen knew about her not even Alreic and they had been friends for 3 years now

Shiva descended form her floating pedestal and then began to walk along the floor and moved towards Arthur before placing her hand inside his head..she was learning more about him

"You do care young one..and your doubts will only consume you if you do not let them out..Vaendragun does not knwo you exist..to him you are a bug..but you share the same bloodline as him though your paths diverged...i sense the great power in you..use it for good..but you must embrace other ways lest you fail...Alex..you do not need arthurs approval to join this quest.. it is you choice" Shiva spoke before she dissapeared inot the orb, it was Ifrits turn, he descended to meet with Kthag and Alreic

"Kthag...Tomanek wishes his child well and all of his children of the forest good tiding but he needs you to fight for Gaia now...he will guide you soon" Ifirt spoke before turning to Alreic "you are still an unknown being to me, you are clouded to me..to al of usd but in you I sense tremdous potential for good..but do not stray form the path you have chosen..Vaendragun knows about you..we have spoken too much for this day.. in 7 cycles of moon and sun we shall speak again" and with that Ifrit exploded into a fireball and dissapated back to the orb

Sha stepped forwrad and grabbed her weapons and equipment before the others began packing up their stuff..she reached the door before Alreic turned and asked, "is it true what they said..he's after me?"

Sha could only look at Alreic..her face spoke more than words ever could,"no..he isnt after you..put your mind at ease..we have work to do" and with that she exited the hideaway

It was amazing what Alex had just seen. He never thought in his life he would encounter the gods themselves. But now it seemed that there was something horrible about to happen in Gaia. Vaendragun seemed to have greater powers than anything any mortal would ever see. If Vaendragun could go as far as changing his appearance into whatever he pleased, there could be worse things he was capable of doing. "I may not be the greatest warrior alive... But my capabilities are no longer of concern..." He thought to himself. It was now a question of wether or not he would allow himself on the quest to defeat Vaendragun. Arthur didn't seem so excited about meeting the gods or about his bloodline, but this quest was all he could follow for now.

Arthur gathered his stuff and followed the others out. Well outside, he turned to them and gave each of them a small gem. "Here, each of these is worth approximately 20 000 gold pieces. Use them wisely, if I were you, I would buy horses, that way we can move faster and avoid detection. Otherwise you could put your luggage on my horse and we could all walk... when we depart from here. For now, I have a feeling that we're going to visit some elves, am I right?"

In the city of Urundiel lies another orb.. they seem to eb the key to defeating the empire or so the scrolls say... and yes we'll be meeting elves or thei ancestors, the elves really no longer exist but their legacy and bloodkin still walk this plain of existence" Alreci replies, "I would know..it seems I'm one of them"

The city of Urundiel was a magnificent sight during the night , its walls gave off a faint glow as to show travellers and anyone the city was here and the city was blessed by the gods, Urundiel was created by the elves as part fo three great elven cities of Gaia that withstood the demon hordes of old

"The gates of the city are well protected by the forces of the empire, it will be hard to enter even at night..who is in charge of the city?" Sha remarked quietly as they watched the city

Alreic looked at the scrolls for infomation, it seemed a man named Alazar was in charge..General Komodu Alazar of the 5th brigade of Ascalonia

Kthag leaned forward towards the scroll and read the Empire commander's name again.
"It's him. He's the one who killed my brother. I don't know about the rest of you but I'm going in there and by the gods I'LL KILL HIM!" Kthag caught himself before he got out of control and reached into his pouch and grabbed one of the wine bottles and took a large swig.

OOC: Twenty thousand gold coins...That seems a bit much for this early in the rp, maybe a tenth of that would be fair.

Ah, Urundiel. It seems like ages since I was here last, though in reality it is only a month, Elsar thought.

"Druon, how do you know the man who killed your brother? Is this Alazar someone you knew before it happened?" Elsar asked.

"Also, how do we plan to get into the city, I know a few ways but they aren't the best in terms of staying unnoticed."

"Alazar was once a brave knight of Ascalonia and was an ambassador of sorts bringing many races into the fold of Gaia and giving them weapons, books, anything they wished..he was a good samaritan of sorts..I one studied under him until the day he turned..he quickly began to turn his back on his old ways..and in doing so struck down my grabdfather who luckily survived..Alazar was good once but It is a great tragedy he lost his way" Sha replied

OOC: Twenty thousand gold coins...That seems a bit much for this early in the rp, maybe a tenth of that would be fair.

OOC: Remember that you also have to buy a good horse...;)

IC:
In response to Elsars question, Arthur said: "Well, I have always said that the best way not to be noticed, is to make sure there's nobody there to notice you in the first place. Just tell us the entrance with the least guards, and I'll take care of them..."

Kthag turned to Elsar and spoke calmly and slowly trying to keep from getting angry again.
"I'll tell you how. We had a blood bond, me and my brother. That's how. I remember who killed him even though he died out in the countryside of Ivafira while I was in Minas Village. When he died I knew. And I knew who killled him, the actual person who killed him. And I'm not leaving this city until I get my revenge."

"Well we must move quick, I'm sure the empires forces will notice a talking bush sooner or later" Alreic replied before he stared at out at the walls, their glimmer taking effect as the night drew on

"so whats the big plan to get inside..we need to reach the temple as fast as we can and then were outta there!" Alreic added "otherwise we'll be the empires newest addition to their alrerady overcrowded prisosn..and tbh i dont liek the sound of grule in the morning...evening and night"

(OOC: What's the exchange rate like? Twenty thousand still seems like too much for this early in the peace...

Elsar shrugged, "normally I'd say the East Entrance is the best. I always the use the East and I usually just bribe the guards, you see, the East Quarter is manned by Conscripts and they don't want to be anywhere but in the bars drinking away their years of service. But with the latest influx of men...I don't know but they probably have a heavier guard."

A thought came to mind. "We could always enter through the sections of the original sewer that no longer work, I haven't tried that way in ages though. We could try scaling the walls too, but if anyone sees us it will look very suspicious. We could try to just walk in, though it's probably after curfew; if they don't let us in we could bribe them or kill them, but if anyone sees the bodies they'll know that people have come here. But this city has many ruined section so we could also just walk along the walls till we find a collapsed section and just slip through; most of them lead to alleyways now. As you can see, we have a lot of options, what do you guys want to do?" Elsar asked.

"Collapsed sections of walls doesn't sound good. Even if they're unguarded, there's bound to be someone waiting in the dark and following after us... there always is... I vote for scaling the walls, if anybody sees us, we'll just kill them..." Arthur said.

"Eh, I don't climb so well. Doesn't work with my build. I suggest simply walking in, that's the least suspicious actually."

"Ok either we work together or we work alone and thinsg go wrong.. either way theres a high risk factor..I suggest we take the main entrance" Sha said with steely determination to get this missin done

"small problem..not Ascalonian..theres your plan shot to.." Alreic cockily remarked but was cut off by Sha as she placed her hand over his mouth and replied

"We dont wear our normal clothes, we wear the clothes of the Ascalonian troops, specifically the special arms ones..lure them to the sewer opening and then as my loudmouthed companion would say...BAM! we've got some nice new threds and a way in?"

bump

Arthur considered the offer. "Well, sounds good. I have to confess something though... I don't like to wear somebody elses clothes, and... well, I have to leave." Seeing the questioning look in his companions eyes he explained. "Well, actually there isn't much to explain... I simply have to make a trip into the desert. I recently remembered something I heard the elders talk about... a hidden cave... I don't really know what to expect, but I have to face it alone. You go ahead, I'm sure that you'll succeed with whatever it is you are planning, but I have to go. If you are interested in meeting me again, or need help, just come to my secret hide-out, say... in two weeks. I should be back by then..."

OOC: Sorry, but my vacation starts on Dec.21 and I'll be back Jan.9...
So, if this thread is still here by then, I'll join again.:)

OOC:happy holidays :) and it wil be here dont worry and we'll write the desert intio the story around that time

IC: "very well..thank you for your kind gestures towards us...may the gods wish you well" Sha replied as she shook Arthurs hand, may your journey be as fruitful as we hope ours is to be" and with that Arthur vanished from sight

"Ok... timeto knock a few guards out!" Alreic said with glee

bump

Alex watched as Arthur left. It was certainly uncalled for, but it seemed like Arthur had an important task. Though unsure of what it was, he would respect Arthur's decision to leave for a while. "I hope for the best of luck to you Arthur, good luck." Alex watched Arthur leave and got back to planning to get into the city. The plan to get inside the city Sha gave sounded like it might work, if no one recognized their face's at least. No one could possibly recognize Alex since everyone thought the Tenetian Royal Family was dead. It was of concern if anyone knew who the rest were since Alex had not heard of news from Ascalonia for some time about bandits or if he was traveling with some right now. Either way, Alex decided he would go along with the plan. He followed the others to the sewer opening and waited for the others to try and help knock out the guards.

"Ok, I'm opening the sewer hatch now... even the elves had to relieve themselves, ok, above us are the ruins of Urundiel..they lie within the city walls but are sacred..or were till the empire ransacked and occupied the city" Alreic saidas they slowly made their way through the sewers and then reached the first hatch to the city level

The ruins of Urundiel were magnificent yet tainted, statues of elven kings and queens adorned the buidlings..and there inside the old market square were the 501st regiment of the empire..the gungraves..the expert marksmen of the empire,using gunblades,aweapon so new no one had yet learnedto counter it

the Gungraves sat around the markeplace, they sat around plosihing, cleaning and some sparring with their gunblades, their skills were amazing to see, they excelled at swordplay and it seemd at the new art of firearms and then he entered,a mysterious hooded figure but it seemd one of great importance, the gungraves fell to their knees in respect. one of them rose to his feet to meet him him and offered him a token, a gift,it was a gunblade, the finest in existemce, a crimson gunblade adorned with mithril


Alreic stared at the figure, it must be Alazar he thought but thir main concern was right now taking out the gungraves and getting into the main citadel of Urundiel

In the center of the gungraves the mysterious figure began to toy with his new weapon,a fine pieve of craftsmenship it was

"This is excellent, the finest I have ever seen, I am proud to have you in the 501st gentlemen..and as you aware..the lord wishes us to hunt down certain individuals and according to spies they are in or around the city limits, you are the finest troops I've coem across..you can dipstahc of them with ease I am sure..go make the name Alazar proud,I want my anme attached to you gungraves..you are the future of warfare..gods be with you" and then he walked away..it WAS Alazar

"Ok..time totake out the gunguys..I guess" Alreic said cockily before leaping out and walking over to them yelling out to them

"Hey fellas..fancy a lil challeneg" and then they fired simultaneously towards Alreic who managed to dodge their shots"WOW! I MANAGED TO DODGE THEM,IM GETTING BETTER!"

Sha stared at him and replied, "they missed you on purpose idiot..and good job now we'll ahve the entire 501st after us"

bump

Is this thread dead? :(

Bump

Alreic glared at the gungraves...it looked as if he was going to be the victim of a thousand holes

"Ah..I may have gotten myself into something big and very VERY bad here now...SHA!!!! A LIL HELPPLEASE!" Alreic roared as the gungraves got into positions, they were the elite and being the elite were much more capable than your average soldier

One gungrave hid behind some ruins and provided covering fire, this was just to scare Alreic away but then the others began aiming at Alreic and soon...let fire

Bullets like daggers came flying towards Alreic as Sha leapt out and deflected the bullets,she was fast..incredibly fast..it was the Gungraves versus these ragtag soldiers brought together by the gods... hopefully they had divinity and a helluva lot of luck on their side