From: "KSD" <
fallenangel_ksd@usa.net>
> Kay nodded at the other woman gratefully. "I appreciate your
honesty
>about your status as an Angel. And being an Empath is not better or
>worse than being a mage or fighter. It takes all kinds to build a
>society." Kay paused, then went on. "The Angel that I previously
>encountered I only saw from a bit of a disadvantage, and that made the
>impression one that was rather distinct, and the feel of you in my
>head seems an awful lot like his... But, anyway, you need not
>unshield. I shall take your word for it. And I don't think that I'll
>risk scanning you myself right now... Winddancer doesn't have that
>ability. He's really rather limited, aren't you, dear?" Kay grinned
>down at him. The wolf snorted and looked away, embarrassed.
Fallenangel nodded, acknowledging Kay's statements.
> "There are more than one of you Angels here? But why didn't I
>sense that?" Kay was surprised, and a bit nervous.
Fallenangel had started to say that no, there weren't any more Angels here,
but there were those God-Touched in a different manner, when the young woman
interrupted,
>"No, don't answer that. Oh, my magic. Well, that's a
>bit tricky. You see, I was born with the Gift, but I was never
>trained properly as a child, because our village Wise Woman died
>during the winter that I turned nine. I learned enough from my
>parents so that I never had serious problems, and since then I have
>been trained, but my gift is unpredictable. It has a tendency to
>malfunction..."
>:If I may be so rude to interrupt? Kay is trying to tell you
>that she has limited control over her gift, but that her amulet keeps
>a bit of control all the time. As long as the amulet is safe, Kay
>won't have problems. But if the amulet needs to be recharged from her
>mage-power, or if she uses it too often, it goes haywire, and begins
>to send her the wrong information, leading up to a minor explosion of
>bael-fire that has the ability to set things alight.:
>"Yeah, that's about it. Now, what
>did you want to do about the camp, and are we going to be here long
>enough to make the changes necessary? If we're leaving soon, I would
>suggest just making the changes at the next camp, seeing as how there
>are so many here that it would be difficult to be organized in time to
>do any good if we're leaving within the next two days."
Fallenangel nodded, thankful for Kay and Winddancer's explanation. She was
about to agree with Kay's statement of continuing with the discussion at the
next camp, when she was interrupted once again. (This is becoming a real
habit....) she thought with amusement before turning her attention to what
the newcomer had to say.
>"Excuse me ladies, there is entertainment in that cave there, if you would
>be so kind as to join them, and then perhaps your discussion would be a
>benefit to all, as I think that very few know of the dangers. There are
>ample guards remaining", he said motioning to the fighters, "so, some
>protection and discussion might be in order, the rest are gathered there as
>we speak." Zeke smiled, and offered his arms to each of them, the way he
had
>seen Dak offer his arm to Aya. "There is room for your companions at the
>edges of the cave, as well. Not to mention, that you are a nice target
>silhouetted against the fires and you would be much less so in the cave."
Kay responded quickly, turning to the young man.
> Kay sighed as the young man she had met shortly after she had
>arrived in camp. He babbled something about going into the cave,
>which would be safer, and held out his arm. Kay ignored it and gave
>him her opinion. "You're right, that would be safer, but if I stay
>out here, I can watch for any prowlers, and sound a warning before any
>get too close to those who cannot protect themselves as well, such as
>the Lady with the young baby. I would prefer to stay out here with my
>horse and my wolf." Kay didn't give the young man another glance,
>until Winddancer nudged her hand.
'Angel sighed as the man headed for the cave. She reached for Donas's reins
as he trotted up to her, and sent a brief thank you to Isis for releasing
him. Fallenangel had just turned back toward the young woman when Kay
took off running after the man who had approached them, calling out an
apology to 'Angel for breaking off the conversation.
She shrugged with amusement. (Oh well, we can finish the conversation
later. Since no one else listened to me when I asked everyone to gather
here, I think that I will move toward the cave. It's as good a place as here
to talk.) She had drawn almost close enough to speak to the young man who
she had heard called Zeke when Kay darted in front of him and took up a
defensive stance.
>"Hey, wait a minute." Kay called out after him, hoping that he would stop
>and talk to her. "Can I ask you some questions?"
Walking up next to the two, Fallenangel reached over and touched the amulet
that the young man wore around his neck. "This is nice," she said. "Where
_did_ you get such a thing?" 'Angel smiled at the young man's slightly
confused expression, but watched him warily. (One never knows,) She thought,
having learned her lesson when it came to demons. (That amulet he has _is_
interesting though. Where would he find something that disguises his aura?
It seems to have fooled most everyone here, but it isn't strong enough for
the demon-sense that Laoghaire 'gave' me to over-look....) Out of the corner
of her eye, she saw Jonas pick up his sword and wander over towards the
three of them, obviously intending to join them.
As the Knight stopped, Fallenangel half-turned toward him, keeping an eye on
Zeke. "There you are. I believe that we should talk...." Catching Avare's
vaguely confused expression, she raised an questioning eyebrow and thinned
her shields slightly to gauge his mood.
From: <Seashimer@aol.com>
<<'Erelan is on the way, but she is hurt! She lives only by painkillers. If
any
of you know medicine, go to her. She comes, but she may not make it here...
Please,' he practically begged, not caring really that he sounded distraught.
If it made them move faster...suddenly he realized he cared about what
happened
to this dragon. (Maybe I can change...) He resumed. 'She follows my
backtrail, what I left of it....Please...someone...'
His voice trailed off, and he waited for someone, anyone to respond...>>
Seashimmer had risen at the sound of the word "hurt", training taking over.
She had nearly reached the edge of the forest before the name sunk in.
Erelan. The dragon. She cursed silently to herself, and stopped. (A dragon.
I can't heal a dragon. . .that would kill me. Or at least, it might. . .) She
tried, without success, to remember any stories of healing beings so much
larger than elves. (Finally, finally, someone needs a healer, and I can't
heal them. I thought there might be something I could do for this group, but
I'm useless. Yseth curse the day I decided to leave home,) she finished, but
she didn't really mean it. It hurt, though, knowing there was a wounded
within range and yet not being able to help. She had started moving again,
without really being aware of it, but stopped abruptly as she tripped over a
tree root. (Backtrail? I appriciate people not wanting to leave trails, but
when they -ask- people to follow it. . .oh, why don't I just do this the
normal way?) Sea dropped her shields as far as she could and reached out. .
.(There. Over there. There _can't_ be anything else that hurts that much
near here. And it's going to keep hurting once I get there. . .I hope someone
else can help. . .who? That woman, Shadowblade, with her herbs? Does she
know anything that works for dragons?). Sea turned all her attention to the
"trail", working hard not to fall.
Finally she reached Erelan. . .who was awake, and surprisingly unhurt.
(What?). Xenon stood next to her. (He can heal? I suppose he might carry
something. . .we need to talk as a group, find out what we can do, what we
carry. Except I doubt he's likely to tell the truth on that subject, or at
least not the whole truth.) She studied the odd pair, who were standing
across from eachother (Mindspeaking? Does everyone in this whole group
mindspeak as much as talk? Oh, lovely, I'll fit in just fine). Sea continued
to stand there, watching.
From: Adrienne <ametz@u.arizona.edu>
Vahlender was annoyed the day the Touched One wed. Of course, these
short-sighted humans practiced betrothal. But they had forgotten the Legen
of the King's Sword. And they forgot to check if this Sorjo could weild
the Sword. Vahlender knew he could not. The man had great potential as a
ruler. Unfortunately, Sorjo had a slight instability that allowed for easy
manipulation. Vahlender would not go into that hand, therefore Sorjo could
not, would not rule. The Touched One, by rights, shoudl rule after her
father. But she did not have the preparation, spending much of her life in
the Temples of Lessar and Magnifica. Plus, she so well embodied
Magnifica's Mercy that she could never exact Justice as Queen.
Vahlender was depressed until the Touched One bore Rayna, who had the
making of a Queen. The day the day the Touched One bore Ruvan, Vahlender
again cursed the stupid mortal laws. Those laws would try to make him King
of Sarkenab, yet Vahlender knew Ruvan was destined for a different position.
One day, when Vahlender had only 25 years left of servitude, there was a
battle. The hand that wielded him was dying. Two minds melded as one
until one died. Confusion ensued untiol he realized the Touched One had
hefted him. When she picked up her son, Vahlender cried out with emotion.
Vahlender watched the Touched One carefully. He allowed her to wander for
a year in her sorrow and ignorance. He grieved when Rayna died and the
Touched One buried the one he thought he would serve when she became Queen.
That was when he realized he needed to give the Touched One some
direction. His mother aided him by keepin gtabs on Sorjo. Vahlender did
not want the Touched One to see her husband again. She would aid him in
re-claiming a throne that was not his.
Finally, one stormy night Vahlender found the soul to aid the Touched One,
an elven theif with a good heart. Subtly, and not-so-subtly, Vahlender
began to nudge her towards his goal.
From: "Angie" <heraldtg@mbox3.singnet.com.sg>
Ynys followed the young elf's pointing finger and saw the cave. (Ah yes.. now
how did I miss that cave? I wonder if Darro would feel a sense of deja vu?) She
grabbed 'Blade's discarded pack in her mouth and made her way daintily across
the clearing to the caves. Setting the pack down gently on the floor to ensure
that the elf's precious little flute would not break, she made another trip
kicking the tent, pot, and firewood to a small corner of the cave. Wincing at
the din she made, she looked around and decided that the best thing to do would
be to sit out this mess. Hopefully, 'Blade would get back with Erelan soon.
(I hope that child knows what she's in for...)
---
'Blade reached the tree where Erelan was collapsed only to find that Xenon had
reached there first. Watching his healing magics was about as entrancing as
watching his destructive ones, and she squirreled up a tree to get a closer look
on his work.
(Ahh, if only I could work such strong magics. Still... I have the strangest
feeling that the power he wields had cost him a high price.) Watching unnoticed,
she sat on the semi-low branch and took mental notes while Xenon patched the
wounded dragon. (Potions. Potions seem to work better. Maybe I should brew
some.) She saw the dragon stir, and watched Erelan come to a drugged
wakefulness. (If they need help getting back to camp, I could help them, but
other than that...)
She swung her legs to and fro on the branch, debating over whether to announce
her presence or not. (Should I? or shouldn't I?) With a startled "aah!" the
decision was made for her as the branch she was sitting on snapped suddenly and
deposited her painfully just beside where Erelan lay.
"Um... hi. I came to look in on Erelan." She sheepishly got up and rubbed her
aching behind. Addressing Xenon after such an embarrassing accident was... well,
embarrassing. "But I see you got that covered, so..."
From: Divine Knight Ámp <
jpugh@bscn.com>
Jonas had been slightly alarmed when the troll, whose name he still had
not caught, warned of danger approaching the camp, yet no one had seemed
terribly worried. Still, he took a position near the edge of the
clearing, the Masamune's point resting lightly on the ground before him.
He also thinned his personal shields slightly, with the thought that it
might give him another fraction of a second if something _did_ attack.
* * *
With a start, Jonas returned to awareness. (Huh? Don't tell me I fell
asleep...I couldn't have...could I?) He was mildly disturbed- all his
life, he had been able to get by with very little sleep, no more than
five or six hours a day, and altough he had not truly slept in several
days, he had gone without for much longer, at times. This served as yet
another example of the strange things that had been occuring to him
lately. (Damn sword...I should never have taken it...) He tightened his
grip on the hilt, sensing Fallenangel's binding on the demon, like a
black storm cloud wrapped in shining maroon threads-and beyond that,
faintly, the Sword's own, alien magic...yet before he drifted away once
again, he heard the Angel raise her voice.
<shnip>"All right, everyone with fighting skills, please
come to me so that we can formulate a some sort of defense plan."<shnip>
(Ah. Okay...) Still trying to clear his head, he wandered over to the
group surrounding Fallenangel.
From: "KSD" <fallenangel_ksd@usa.net>
> Kay nodded at the other woman gratefully. "I appreciate your
honesty
>about your status as an Angel. And being an Empath is not better or
>worse than being a mage or fighter. It takes all kinds to build a
>society." Kay paused, then went on. "The Angel that I previously
>encountered I only saw from a bit of a disadvantage, and that made the
>impression one that was rather distinct, and the feel of you in my
>head seems an awful lot like his... But, anyway, you need not
>unshield. I shall take your word for it. And I don't think that I'll
>risk scanning you myself right now... Winddancer doesn't have that
>ability. He's really rather limited, aren't you, dear?" Kay grinned
>down at him. The wolf snorted and looked away, embarrassed.
Fallenangel nodded, acknowledging Kay's statements.
> "There are more than one of you Angels here? But why didn't I
>sense that?" Kay was surprised, and a bit nervous.
Fallenangel had started to say that no, there weren't any more Angels here,
but there were those God-Touched in a different manner, when the young woman
interrupted,
>"No, don't answer that. Oh, my magic. Well, that's a
>bit tricky. You see, I was born with the Gift, but I was never
>trained properly as a child, because our village Wise Woman died
>during the winter that I turned nine. I learned enough from my
>parents so that I never had serious problems, and since then I have
>been trained, but my gift is unpredictable. It has a tendency to
>malfunction..."
>:If I may be so rude to interrupt? Kay is trying to tell you
>that she has limited control over her gift, but that her amulet keeps
>a bit of control all the time. As long as the amulet is safe, Kay
>won't have problems. But if the amulet needs to be recharged from her
>mage-power, or if she uses it too often, it goes haywire, and begins
>to send her the wrong information, leading up to a minor explosion of
>bael-fire that has the ability to set things alight.:
>"Yeah, that's about it. Now, what
>did you want to do about the camp, and are we going to be here long
>enough to make the changes necessary? If we're leaving soon, I would
>suggest just making the changes at the next camp, seeing as how there
>are so many here that it would be difficult to be organized in time to
>do any good if we're leaving within the next two days."
Fallenangel nodded, thankful for Kay and Winddancer's explanation. She was
about to agree with Kay's statement of continuing with the discussion at the
next camp, when she was interrupted once again. (This is becoming a real
habit....) she thought with amusement before turning her attention to what
the newcomer had to say.
>"Excuse me ladies, there is entertainment in that cave there, if you would
>be so kind as to join them, and then perhaps your discussion would be a
>benefit to all, as I think that very few know of the dangers. There are
>ample guards remaining", he said motioning to the fighters, "so, some
>protection and discussion might be in order, the rest are gathered there as
>we speak." Zeke smiled, and offered his arms to each of them, the way he
had
>seen Dak offer his arm to Aya. "There is room for your companions at the
>edges of the cave, as well. Not to mention, that you are a nice target
>silhouetted against the fires and you would be much less so in the cave."
Kay responded quickly, turning to the young man.
> Kay sighed as the young man she had met shortly after she had
>arrived in camp. He babbled something about going into the cave,
>which would be safer, and held out his arm. Kay ignored it and gave
>him her opinion. "You're right, that would be safer, but if I stay
>out here, I can watch for any prowlers, and sound a warning before any
>get too close to those who cannot protect themselves as well, such as
>the Lady with the young baby. I would prefer to stay out here with my
>horse and my wolf." Kay didn't give the young man another glance,
>until Winddancer nudged her hand.
'Angel sighed as the man headed for the cave. She reached for Donas's reins
as he trotted up to her, and sent a brief thank you to Isis for releasing
him. Fallenangel had just turned back toward the young woman when Kay
took off running after the man who had approached them, calling out an
apology to 'Angel for breaking off the conversation.
She shrugged with amusement. (Oh well, we can finish the conversation
later. Since no one else listened to me when I asked everyone to gather
here, I think that I will move toward the cave. It's as good a place as here
to talk.) She had drawn almost close enough to speak to the young man who
she had heard called Zeke when Kay darted in front of him and took up a
defensive stance.
>"Hey, wait a minute." Kay called out after him, hoping that he would stop
>and talk to her. "Can I ask you some questions?"
Walking up next to the two, Fallenangel reached over and touched the amulet
that the young man wore around his neck. "This is nice," she said. "Where
_did_ you get such a thing?" 'Angel smiled at the young man's slightly
confused expression, but watched him warily. (One never knows,) She thought,
having learned her lesson when it came to demons. (That amulet he has _is_
interesting though. Where would he find something that disguises his aura?
It seems to have fooled most everyone here, but it isn't strong enough for
the demon-sense that Laoghaire 'gave' me to over-look....) Out of the corner
of her eye, she saw Jonas pick up his sword and wander over towards the
three of them, obviously intending to join them.
As the Knight stopped, Fallenangel half-turned toward him, keeping an eye on
Zeke. "There you are. I believe that we should talk...." Catching Avare's
vaguely confused expression, she raised an questioning eyebrow and thinned
her shields slightly to gauge his mood.
From: Heather Arnold <
typodrgn@arches.uga.edu>
<<"I ventured further within than you would believe dragon Erelan, and
certainly further than you would like" Xenon replied, smiling with real
humor this time "I have been in the mind of Nirethei before and emerged
sane. In comparison, your mind is a clean waveless ocean of peace, though
tortured, and like unto a mirror.>>
Had she one less ounce of training in diplomacy, Erelan's jaw would have
dropped in amazement. He had dared challenge a dragon's soul of chaos,
and he was here - alive and sane, and apparently no worse for the wear.
He had not succumbed to the blurring of reality and dreams that swallowed
so many of her own people, and no few of the elves that attempted to share
the mixed curse and blessing. He had not been overtaken by the unnamed
devil within her that had risen up to claim Tor's life. Madness was not
common in dragons, but it was a deadly thing when it struck, and she had
heard of only a few soul-Singers that could call one back from its
clutches. It was one of the most dangerous endeavors she could imagine.
This was no ordinary demoner for true. Her mind burned with questions,
but she silenced them and listened patiently.
<<I laid no bindings upon your mind, spirit or body , as you have, likely
ascertained. I am no Luine Tor to do so, despite that my training cries
out within me to not discard so powerful a tool as a dragon controlled and
bound.>>
Erelan felt a twinge of coldness twist her guts at the mention of her
former master's name, and almost murmured a warding, as if the mage's
words would bring the monster back. She nodded silently, acknowledging
Xenon's words, and not even thinking to be affronted . A controlled
dragon, or sentient of any kind _was_ a powerful tool, and he had been
trained to use the tools of a mage even as she had been trained to use the
tools of a scholar. He had not attempted to bind her as she was helpless,
however, and, much as her heart recoiled to think of it so bluntly, Xenon
did not have an imprisoned and tortured Muriel to sway her will now, as
Tor once had. There was little left to coerce her, at this point. She
had earned a debt - one that for Honor's sake must be paid. His words in
the next few moments might very likely sentence her to several hundred
years of servitude. Still, something in her soared with elation and would
not be grounded - if she was bound this time, it was only in due service
to her own honor. It could not be forced upon her without high cost.
That alone made the thought easier to bear.
<<Xenon moved to as appropriate a similation of a draconic posture of
authority as mages had been able to find the human form able to take and
spoke: " I release Thee of any debt at this time Dragon, as a Mage fully
cognizant of the Old Ways, and will do you the honour for the bravery of
thy battle with Nirethei, to ask only this for the fulfilling of thy
honour: That thou shalt continue to seek the good of those good folk you
may assist as is already thy want, and to require thy peace to me from
henceforth for any imposition you may feel I have put upon thee in this
thy healing and previously. Let all be as new between us Dragon Erelan.
That is all, and it is enough.">>
That time, her jaw did drop with surprise. "You... _free_ me?!" she
gasped in her native language, too shocked to mindspeak. Freed... freed
completely from a penalty he knew he had the right to demand. Healed of
the last traces of bindings that could be used against her, and freed.
She stared at him for a long time, as he continued in flawless recitation
to finish his part in the ritual. The words blurred in her mind, almost
to nonsense. This was the one she had distrusted and suspected. This was
the one she had feared most of all the group that went to meet the mage
Savar. She had believed he was evil at the core, that he was ruthless,
that he meant to use or destroy them all in accomplishing his aims, but he
had saved one failing dragonling, restored her mind, and set her free all
for no good reason. He had saved one of her kinfolk, and he meant to
destroy the one who had caused so much pain to so many people.
She knew evil personally. It had a different face.
Unable to stop herself, she rose to her haunches, tipped back her head and
roared her joy into the night. She was free, and no darkness could sully
that. She fanned great wings, sweeping fallen leaves into small
whirlwinds of motion before her, and though the bright sails hurt, it was
a good, healing ache that only strengthened her feeling of life and power.
The sound of thunder thrummed behind her ears and through her keelbone as
her voice died away to stillness once more, and she was for a moment so
happy she thought her heart would break with the power of it.
Peace, he had asked of her, a peace which she would have offered freely.
That and the aid for the others she undertook to settle her own protective
nature were the only things he had required in acknowledgement of his
help. There was nothing left to be settled, or dreaded. As he had said,
it was as if all was new between them.
Unable to find words, she bowed her head down gracefully until her crest
touched the ground, and extended her wings to their full span, shadowing
the ground in a velvety blackness even darker than the night. There was
gratitude in her pose that no neat and refined phrasing could have
conveyed. :I thank you, Lord Mage,: she mindspoke softly, raising her
head once more and folding her wings to her back. :Perhaps you understand
how much.:
She had caught his message that the need for formality was at an end, but
to seal her end of the bargain, she had one duty still to discharge.
Turning to look over her shoulder, she selected and took one bright scale
from the bands on the leading edge of her wing. With another small nod,
she offered the coin-sized golden oval to the mage, holding it delicately
between the tips of two large foreclaws. The faint light scintillated
around the edge of the scale, rippling in fiery patterns of bright
metallic off the rounded center.
:The legends of many races hold that such a talisman brings good luck to
the bearer. I would not say it brought me such good luck against
Nirathei's claws, but...: she shrugged, smiling slightly with her eyes.
:It is, in truth, a custom of my people, given to seal such dealings, when
they are made in good faith. I have heard thy parley, Mage of the Old
Ways. I accept thy price. To the highest my wings shall bear, to the
farthest my strength shall carry, to the truest burning of my flames, I
shall honor my commitment as agreed.:
Slowly relaxing back into an alert but much less formal stance, she
admitted, :By custom, I should actually have given an permanent and
undamaged adult primary scale. Kindly forgive the variation, as I am
not... er... fully fledged yet.: Her light colored ear-membranes flushed
a deeper shade of blue with chagrin, but the faintest of mischievous
smiles sparkled in her eyes. :It is not customary, I think, for one of my
age to make such agreements. However, should our paths cross in another
two-hundred-odd years, I shall do my best to remedy the situation.:
<<With a startled "aah!" the branch 'Blade was sitting on snapped suddenly
and deposited her painfully just beside where Erelan lay.>>
Erelan yelped with surprise, jumping back from the shadows, as merc-types
seemed to be falling from the sky. She recognized 'Blade by scent a
moment later and breathed a non-fire-laced sigh of relief, somewhat
annoyed that she had failed to scent the woman coming. Well, she had been
distracted, after all. Impatiently, she told her heart to stop pounding
and sensed the clearing out carefully with her restored sense of smell and
night vision.
<<"Um... hi. I came to look in on Erelan." She sheepishly got up and
rubbed her aching behind. Addressing Xenon after such an embarrassing
accident was... well, embarrassing. "But I see you got that covered,
so...">>
Erelan's nose twitched slightly in amusement, returning to calmness.
'Blade and Xenon were the only two in the clearing besides herself. She
detected the faint heat-image of another person, just beyond her sight,
but the scent was elven, and female, and she strongly suspected that it
belonged to the healer Seashimmer, though she had not yet met her.
:Please come out, healer,: she mind-whispered to the form in the shadows.
Her voice was the bright, clear blue of an afternoon sea. :I thank you
for coming to help, truly... and none here will harm or hinder you.:
Start | Back | Next
Go to the:
Home Page |
Members Page |
Rules Of Conduct |
Pictures |
Cast List |
Story
Background created and ©Copyrighted by Kathryn Shannon on behalf of Mistic Circle
This page is hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page