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| Curse Divide; DarkAngel013 & Seiss | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 12 2009, 02:21 AM (8,398 Views) | |
| DarkAngel013 | Mar 2 2010, 04:04 PM Post #391 |
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Sleepy Inspiration
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“She... talks... to the rabbit?” her voice sounded faint and hesitant. “Not to rabbits only. Animals in general, I suppose. Eve’s a falcon,” Shura replied nonchalantly. He was enjoying this. Flushing, she turned back to the mage. “I... apologize. I am unfamiliar with Ranians, forgive me for offending.” "It's all right," Sayuri said with a slight shrug of her shoulders before Lancelot finally managed to come out and sit snugly in her hands as she got back up and dusted herself off from sitting on the ground. "I talk to all sorts of creatures as long as they're willing to communicate." Inadvertently, she remembered the griffin form of Shura and recollected his thoughts and how he had eventually began to close off his mind. Perhaps he had been coming back to himself at that time... “So I see you’ve met Jegan, Keira and Resee.” She smiled and nodded. “I can understand that. Resee- if I may say so- is the clumsier of the two sisters. Keira could have taken charge of the- Lancelot? Or did she refuse and give an excuse on practicality and how much trouble it would cause her?” Sayuri's eyes changed from embarrassment to intense guilt and sadness. Her eyes immediately went to Shura. She automatically sensed his sudden change in mood as she realized it was anger. Already, she had become so in tune with him that she picked up on his mood change immediately. Was he angry because of how Mirai so casually said her name? Was it because she had spoken as if Keira was still...? "Shura..." she said his name so softly, it was barely above a whisper. It wasn't her business to tell something of this magnitude to someone she didn't know... and it was Shura's fiancée so it was his right to tell Mirai, not her. She was overwhelmed by the intense feelings from then and felt the twinge of guilt. "Are you all right...?" Despite her anger and annoyance with him, she knew that he held a deep relationship with Keira and it felt like they had known each other for a long time. At this, she suddenly remembered the blank stare of Resee and the pain that was on Jegan's face as he couldn't figure out what to do. She remembered the mess that Shura was in when he came to her during her last few moments. Carefully, she put Lancelot away into the pouch before looking worriedly between Shura and Mirai. She resisted the urge to suddenly hug Shura for comfort, but she knew that he didn't need it... but she herself needed it. She felt the huge urge to suddenly cry out from the guilt... But she had promised Keira that she would take care of Shura... and so far, she had done her job. Well, it had been more that he took care of her rather than the other way around. At the memory of the past recent events, her back tingled as she remembered the sudden thrust of the blade. She paled significantly and wasn't sure if she should sit or not. She picked up the tea pot and poured some more tea into her cup before deciding to sit back down next to Mirai. It would have been awkward were she to decide to suddenly sit down next to Shura... Then again, she felt out of place; if she sat next to Shura, it would look strange, but if she sat next to Mirai, it'd be awkward. And besides, she was still angry at Shura about the rejection... it still stung and her heart gave a slight squeeze. She took a sip, watching as to how he would proceed, but her eyes looked worried at the memory of his reaction to the loss of Keira... that was how it led to that she ended up going out to travel with Shura in griffin form until Jegan and Resee decided to head back. After that was when she learned that Shura himself was really the griffin; the very creature she had admired. The memories swirled around in her mind... the paleness of Keira's face... the empty eyes that Resee had when she walked around... Jegan's look of helplessness when he couldn't do anything for her. The most horrid one was the fact that Shura knew that it was his fault because of his griffin form. If Sayuri had gone for Keira, then who knows what would have happened to Shura... but thanks to that, they lost Keira. She resisted the urge to cry, but nothing gave way on her face. The feeling was overwhelming... |
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| Seiss | Mar 3 2010, 06:33 AM Post #392 |
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Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
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Ripples broke the mirror surface of the tea in Shura’s cup. His grip was steel vice around the porcelain. If he applied anymore pressure, it would shatter. Mirai was certain. A broken cup was the least of her worries. Mira prayed that the man wouldn’t lose control of his temper... and surrender to the violent creature inside him. She wasn’t afraid of him- Mirai had confirmed that a long time ago, when she herself knocked him out cold during the creature’s rampage. It had to be done. Her capability of it, of facing him without gaining so much as a scratch, was why Shura relied on her. This visit- there seemed to be so many unsaid things. Secrets that caused a fissure between the two of them. A fissure that she suspected was there, but was not sure if it truly was there. Now Mirai could see that the cracks were indeed a trench. One that required quick mending. She couldn’t understand and neither did she know what had occurred within the months that they were apart, but oh she would make him come clean every tiny detail. Now was not the time. Safety takes precedence. Mirai stood. She was the very centre of calmness, but her eyes never left him- the only sign of her wariness. “Lady Sayuri, if it isn’t too much to ask for you to leave us-“ Mirai’s sentence was broken by Shura’s abrupt bark of laughter. She stared hard at him, at a loss with how to approach the situation. The sound was bitter and harsh and his eyes the shine of cold metal. “It is very safe now, Mirai. Trust me. Unless I really do want to kill you both. And if I wanted to, I would have done it under complete control of my own actions- consciously,” he nearly spat the words, full of self disgust. “I am as harmless as I wish to be.” A frown slowly formed on her brows. Confusion, uncertainty and incredulity were plain on her face. He spoke as if... as if he had broken free of his curse. As if- Mirai turned her head slowly to look at the ambassador, her frown deepened, this time, of discomfort. The girl must have known, else Shura wouldn’t have spoken so freely. What be the damned happened? “I see...” she managed to say. Shame was like slime on his skin. The monster he was.... Shura knew very well what he had been. What he had been to instil such a strong sense of caution in Mirai. It had been insanity, denial, fury for blood and a broken heart that seized and turned him ‘demon’. The emotions still existed in him, simmering underneath, waiting for the time when he promised them that he would soothe. To finish what was begun by another hand, and to let go. “Keira died by my hand.” He was thankful for how steady his voice was. “We will have a long talk, Mirai.” Shura smiled grimly at her. “There is much to tell.” Ania, the quiet maid approached them. “Excuse my intrusion, mistress, but elder Esan and Kaim are outside. They wish to have a word with you.” With effort, Mirai loosened her stiff posture and turned to follow Ania to the door. Two men, not quite old, but in their prime stood in fine yet plain linen clothes with long, similar coats of dark green. Researchers of the guild. “Good Afternoon, Esan, Kaim,” Mirai greeted almost automatically, her voice and expression pleasant. “Do you need anything?” “Ah, yes.” One of them furrowed thick white brows- Esan. “What have you been doing with the blasted runes? Our smaller ones had been blasted glowing since the forsaken, blasted morning!” She smiled at that. A genuine smile. Esan couldn’t utter a single sentence without a single cursing word. “The usual, Esan. Rearranging a few letters... using different activation methods once in a while-“ she broke off when she felt an uncomfortably looming shadow behind her. Esan’s frown vanished and instead, rose to reveal his slate gray eyes. “Ah, blooming Shura!” “Good to see you healthy, Esan, Kaim,” Shura’s voice was cool and impassive. “That disturbance could have been me.” He shifted his step slightly to block Sayuri from their view. “I apologize if I caused any trouble.” Esan muttered grumpily, while Kaim shrugged with an amused smile. “I did tell him that it was nothing,” Kaim said. “But well, you know the old man.” Harrumphing, Esan stalked off briskly and Kaim quickly followed. |
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问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
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| DarkAngel013 | Mar 3 2010, 07:04 AM Post #393 |
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Sleepy Inspiration
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Sayuri nearly jumped at Mirai's request after the silence and wondered why. Her fingers itched to do something and upon Shura's sudden laugh, she had jumped out of her seat out of wariness and the fear that something surprised them. When she found that there was nothing the matter, she calmed down a little bit but found that she could not sit back down while Shura was the way he was. “It is very safe now, Mirai. Trust me. Unless I really do want to kill you both. And if I wanted to, I would have done it under complete control of my own actions- consciously,” he nearly spat the words, full of self disgust. “I am as harmless as I wish to be.” "Shura..." she said softly. She really wanted to slap him, but knowing him, he was so full of self-loathing that no one could cure him of it. She didn't bother to say anymore and decided to watch everything unfold between the two of them. She could clearly see that they were once very close, but due to the recent past of events, that was not possible and that they needed a lot of time for catching up. When Mirai turned her way with the look of discomfort, Sayuri shifted on her feet, feeling uncomfortable. It wasn't that she asked for Shura to reveal himself to her as the griffin... it wasn't her fault... “Keira died by my hand." She flinched visibly at the words. She knew the feelings that swamped him and she knew the hatred that he held toward his griffin self. He couldn't help it... it was a wild creature that was of the same body as this human version of Shura. She wanted to go and comfort Shura, but when she heard how steady his voice was, she realized that he must be hiding his real emotions underneath and that he was barely keeping the griffin restrained because the emotions ought to be still raw. Well, that's what Sayuri thought. When the interruption came, she took this time to look at Shura with worry and concern for his welfare. She sought out his eyes, to read his emotions. But he moved away to go to the door before she could. She felt so helpless and out of place that she wondered why she was even here. But she remembered her duty... and that duty will soon come to an end when they find the seal... forcing her to forever leave Shura's side... He left the room and she timidly, quietly followed on after, slightly afraid to be left alone in a still-somewhat-stranger's home. She could feel her energies being sucked in and at the same time, she herself began to touch and suck in the air as well. There was so much magic in the air that she wasn't surprised that the feeling was very faint. She saw that the front door was open and that two other strangers were there. She already heard the beginning of the conversation toward the end when she saw a glimpse of the strangers. They wore dark green cloaks and held a couple of the rune stones in their pockets. They're like Mirai then... part of the Research Guild, judging from how they talk of the runes, she thought. She noticed, just before Shura moved to block her from their view, that one of their eyes came in contact with her own. The moment passed when Shura blocked anymore further view. Mildly, she wondered if she should have done that and probably remained hidden. When they came back into the room, Sayuri looked up at the pair with curious eyes, "How many runes are there that you are watching over?" She remembered the large two buildings that held a large number of them as well as the few active caves. "There's magic all over this place thanks to the caves... but I'm curious about the buildings I sensed. The magic there must be overflowing!" Her eyes sparkled like a newly shined ruby jewel, as if the idea of being able to go see and look at all sorts of magic that they had was simply alluring. But it risked revealing who she is. "Ah... I'm probably being nosy and risky just by asking," she said hastily before smiling awkwardly as her eyes dimmed and turned around to go get another cup of tea. She realized that Shura has never heard of her talk of magic like the way she had with Jegan... it was the one sole prize that she treasured about herself... just like Jegan's love for the runes that manipulate the library back at Tenarin's palace. She also remembered some of Shura's reactions to her using magic... of disdain. He didn't like her using it and looked as if he was completely against it. Shura would probably never express his love for anything, but she had seen Jegan's radiance when he talked about what he did love. She almost even missed his company as he was willing to talk about the things that they loved while Shura... wouldn't understand... And this... disheartened her further, adding onto the "rejection" from earlier... Edited by DarkAngel013, Mar 3 2010, 07:07 AM.
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| Seiss | Mar 4 2010, 02:07 AM Post #394 |
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Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
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Kaim blinked and paused in his steps, looking ahead, but not really seeing Esan’s retreating back. He turned his head just slightly, peering back through the closing doors of Mirai’s home. Did he... just saw a woman with bright red eyes? Shaking his head, he hurried his steps to catch up with Esan. Must be the afternoon light playing tricks on his vision. Or maybe old age has really affected his sight. Well. Things seemed to be looking up a bit. Mirai had probably more progress than they did. A good sign. He heaved a quiet sigh of relief when the door finally closed. Thank the gods the researchers didn’t decide to probe. He had been worried that their knowledge would expose the mage. As Mirai brushed past him to return to her seat, he stood there, undecided. He wanted to get out, just by himself but he wasn’t comfortable with leaving the mage. Who knew what trouble will come after her. Excuses! His face hardened. You are not going to trail after her like a pup. She was safe enough with Mirai. “I’ll be out late. Lady Sayuri will be in your charge, Mirai.” He hurried out without waiting for Mirai’s agreement. She wouldn’t give it. “Where are you- Shura!” Mirai made to follow him, but stopped short when the door slammed shut. She breathed in a calming breath, straightened herself and promptly returned to her seat. The gall of the man! Irresponsible! Inside, she grumbled. He treated the ambassador as if handing her to another sitter. The girl was young, but she doubted the Ranian king would send someone incompetent. “I apologize on his behalf.” Mirai finally released the sigh she had been holding. “As for the runes... the information is confidential.” Mirai smiled apologetically. “There are some who would steal. There are a handful of us entrusted with the runes and it would be best if no one knows how many each of us keep, if any at all.” Mirai smoothed her skirts needlessly. “Do you know of Shura’s... condition?” She had to make sure the ambassador really knew the truth, instead of the lies the King had fed his people. “He is so... sure of himself now. Was the condition... dealt with? Was it why you are sent here?” |
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问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
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| DarkAngel013 | Mar 4 2010, 03:19 AM Post #395 |
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Sleepy Inspiration
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“I’ll be out late. Lady Sayuri will be in your charge, Mirai.” “Where are you- Shura!” She blinked and watched as he left. She suddenly felt even more withdrawn, and she felt the squeeze of her heart again. The image of his back was imprinted and she knew it was going to be awhile before these feelings disappeared. She gripped the cup more firmly as she heard Mirai speak up. “I apologize on his behalf.” Mirai finally released the sigh she had been holding. “As for the runes... the information is confidential.” Mirai smiled apologetically. “There are some who would steal. There are a handful of us entrusted with the runes and it would be best if no one knows how many each of us keep, if any at all.” "It's understandable," Sayuri nodded, hiding the anguish of Shura leaving. For some reason, this was the one emotion she managed to hide well. She didn't comment further on Shura's departure. He probably felt like he was restrained and constricted with watching over her, not to mention that just a little bit earlier, they had mentioned Keira. It was no wonder he wanted to escape for a bit. Her expression had gone devoid of expression as Sayuri looked up at a certain question that Mirai had asked that caused her to blink. “Do you know of Shura’s... condition? He is so... sure of himself now. Was the condition... dealt with? Was it why you are sent here?” "Condition?" she echoed. Ah, she must be talking about the griffin part of him, she thought. At the thought, she looked back down into her tea. "Yes, I do... if you even call it a condition." She paused as she considered how it was dealt with and only sighed softly, "I think he has more of a control over that part of him, but..." She left it hanging. She wasn't sure if he was or not or if he had more of a control over that side of himself. He seemed changed during their journey regarding that side. She remembered the thoughts slowly being closed off to her just before the night he decided to show himself. "I'm not entirely sure... you'd have to ask how it's been treated to Shura himself. "As for why I was sent here... I wasn't sent here per say, it's more like I have to fulfill my duty while doing that one other thing..." She was pretty sure it was in regard to Shura, to help him control the side of the griffin... Or better yet... to free him. As if the idea suddenly struck her, she realized something very significant: the king wanted her to free him from the griffin! Yes, it was true, now looking back on it, that whenever Shura shifted, there was large amounts of magic being used. Why didn't she see this before? After all, griffins originally came from... Wait a minute, then how did a griffin get all the way here? How did a griffin as powerful as Shura's come all the way to a place where there were counter-magic spells and runes? As these thoughts ran through her head, her expression displayed one of deep thought. Sayuri felt stupid. Why didn't she think of this before? That maybe perhaps that Shura was actually cursed with a side of himself that was a griffin... but, was it really a curse? When he shifted into that of that side, he was conscious of what she asked him and what she did, just like he would when while human. Then... was the request of the king to find out more about Shura's past to how he became how he was or was it to find a way to restrain that side of him? "I didn't realize that a single message like that could be so confusing," she mumbled under her breath in frustration. She looked up to Mirai as she said in a clear voice, "I'm here because I wanted to investigate the Strata Mountains for the myth that a sorcerer or something of the like lives there... That a third pass suddenly sometimes appears." And that it might lead to the missing mage from Rania twenty years ago... |
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| Seiss | Mar 4 2010, 07:02 AM Post #396 |
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Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
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If the tension came and left with him, certain emotions that Mirai couldn’t yet grasp left with him as well. Some belonged to herself, while the rest no doubt belonged to the ambassador. An imposing man, Shura was. Now that she had the ambassador all to herself, Mirai was determined to learn as much as she could coax out of the girl. Shura’s abstinence had proven himself a difficult man to convince no matter how she pleaded. When the ambassador spoke, Mirai felt the tension in her shoulders fade. She hadn’t been aware of how rigidly she sat. Resisting the desire to roll her shoulders, she shifted slightly to find a more comfortable position. Now she was certain that he ambassador knew. Mirai was more than thankful for her care not to mention outright, what Shura’s ‘condition’ was. While she was confident that Ania wouldn’t spread the word, walls have ears when you least expect. She was somewhat relieved as well, when she learnt that the ambassador wasn’t the reason behind his sudden confidence. Mirai knew next to nothing about Ranians. While the ambassador had been honest so far, she wasn’t ready to trust any one just yet. “That is very well, then.” She smiled. “It would be difficult otherwise, if you hadn’t known. Such that resides in him is highly dangerous. I am sure you’ve seen, I trust?” There was a slight pause when the ambassador spoke of her purpose. Mirai wondered mildly what the girl had in her thoughts- what brought the expression of sudden comprehension to her face. She couldn’t hear what Sayuri muttered clearly, but she did catch a few words- message and confusing. When the explanation was provided, a slight frown creased Mirai’s brows. She straightened, realizing that she had leaned forward and rested her back against the leather. Her left arm folded over her stomach, while she raised the other’s elbow to rest over it. She brought her fingers to her lower lips, just touching, a contemplative expression on her face. Yes... she had heard of that. “No one has been through unharmed...” Mirai hesitated, unsure if she should tell of what she knew. The information belonged to the guild and it required the guild’s permission to disclose. Shura will be going with her.... “That pass... was created,” her voice dropped. “Of something intangible fused with impossibly complex mana flows. Whatever that goes through, the flows somehow alter them. It covers such an extensive- no... not quite. It seems to bore its own path through, to somewhere within the mountains. We know no more than that. Shura isn’t aware.” Edited by Seiss, Mar 4 2010, 07:22 AM.
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问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
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| DarkAngel013 | Mar 4 2010, 07:18 AM Post #397 |
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Sleepy Inspiration
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"Yes, I have." She didn't need to say more, remembering the power that he had when he went on that rampage. The thoughts that went through his mind and the sounds of Keira's ribs... She was glad that Mirai continued to speak, talking of the mountain pass. She noted before she spoke up that she was hesitant, as if unsure to tell her the information regarding it or not. "Created...?" she repeated. That certainly sounds like what a mage would do. She continued to listen and became thoughtful. The path sounded like it was created for those who were not welcome and the only way to counter that kind of magic was with more magic. Or so it seems to feel to Sayuri. Complex as it may be to them, it may be the simplest thing to her because she doesn't read magic or mana, in this case, like the way the Tenarin people do with their runes; she feels them and more than often enough, sees them as well. Regarding the changes probably occurred because of the intense magic that the person themselves are unable to handle; thus, changing them. When Shura's name was heard, she looked up. "Why does Shura not know?" This was strange, if he didn't know, then going there was even more dangerous than before. "And if that's all you know, it'd be risky of me to go, with me only knowing this kind of knowledge if he doesn't know." She wondered if she perhaps ought to explain to Mirai how she uses her magic, but realized that it'd be too difficult. They see everything, but to take the leap of faith into believing that you could feel the energies and even possibly, see the energies is almost impossible. Sayuri was born with this unique ability to sometimes see the magic as well the immense power. "... this sounds like information that came from your guild... are you allowed to tell me this kind of information?" Sayuri watched Mirai carefully, her eyes sharp and her emotions and thoughts carefully hidden underneath a wary mask. It also sounded like to her that their guild has tried for a long, long time to decipher the mountain pass. The information sounds too little to go on, but she had no choice but to go anyway for this was her only lead. |
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| Seiss | Mar 5 2010, 02:29 AM Post #398 |
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Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
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Her fingers left her lips and she let her hand drop to rest on her folded arms. Her smile turned wry when the ambassador questioned the limits of her authority in the guild. For a foreigner, the ambassador seemed quite knowledgeable about Tenarin’s inner workings. “Very astute of you, Lady Sayuri. I’m beginning to think that you might be a mind reader.” She rose to her feet and cast a cursory glance around the hall. “I’ve not told you anything important at all.” Oh she was careful. That was not all the guild knew, but Mirai had hoped that the small caution would be enough. Apparently not. “I meant Shura probably knows as much as you do about the third pass. The researching guild is a separate body from any organization and person... perhaps, save from the King.” Not entirely true. Mira knew some of the researchers would reveal next to nothing to the King on their own accord, unless the King himself asks for it- specifically. Who knew how many secrets individual researchers themselves keep from their subordinates? “Come with me,” she said and turned to stride purposefully towards one of the corridors connected to the hall. Mirai led her to a small study. The walls were covered with shelves. Most were filled with books, parchments and sheafs of bundled paper, but among them, there were a few stone tablets, ancient tattered booklets and pieces of odd, dull coloured stones displayed within glass casings. A heavy looking wooden desk, twice as long as it was wide stood near the far shelf. A few stacks of papers were arranged on its one far corner. The few sheets she had been working on the night before still lay scattered across the desk, held down by the ink pot. Mirai skirted the table and slipped between two cleverly angled shelves into yet another similar room. The table was much smaller, however, and nothing cluttered it. There were more glass casings with odd shaped stones than there were books. Bound by the seal of silence, Mirai was incapable of revealing guild secrets to outsiders. But, there is a way to bypass that. One Mirai had kept to herself. Turning to the shelves, she pulled out a thin hardcover book. It wasn’t really a book but perhaps the hardcover once held pages before it was torn out. Setting it carefully on the desk, Mirai breathed in a calming breath before she seated herself. Her brows knitted in concentration while her eyes remained fixed on the cover. Its surface was smooth as polished marble, but there was no shine, as if the blackness of it was swallowing light. For a long time, she sat there, disregarding all else save for the hardcover. With effort, Mirai flipped it open. Two ravens in flight- one white, the other outlined to standout of its black background. On each bird’s eye was a white scrawl of contorted lines, none the same. It’s believed that creation must first go through thought. Mirai’s voice reverberated through the other woman’s mind. Her eyes remained ensnared on the pair of ravens, but there was a tightness about her face that hinted that she was struggling to stay within the trap. The third pass was created within less than an hour, perhaps immediate. The flows didn’t appear to have come from one human, but if there were many to assist its creation, we don’t believe there’s ever more than two people with such unified minds and synchronicity- at least not to the very pulse of their minds. Directions and crossings of mana flows were woven with precision, as if the weaver was certain of every line and path since birth. The accuracy is unparalleled. We are certain, that any shift would make a big difference to the entire weave. We have tried to unravel it with the aid of various runes, but instead of us changing its composition, it altered our set plates of runic spells. The third pass refuses change and permits few to cross. Those who’ve been through came out altered- not visibly, but the change is obvious in their minds. As if, the foundation that makes them what they are, were dismantled. Those we know went insane over time. We had to fabricate their deaths with false accidents. Some who survived... were different. We’ve ascertained that the third pass unmakes the stones and soil- anything in its way, and clears a path through the mountains. It is a wonder, created out of mana, so natural that it’s simply a force of nature- almost. It drains and pulls at any source of mana and takes it for its own- not forcefully. It takes what escapes the source. There is something strange about that theory, however. Through the third pass, straight ahead to where it is leading, our runes responded to a well of mana stored beyond. We’ve tried travelling through the mountain pass, but we couldn’t find or sense it. We don’t know why the third pass doesn’t draw from the mana beyond it. There seems to be a faint connection with the Lake of Runes. Its’- Abruptly, Mirai’s voice faded. She shook her head and slammed the hardcover shut. Swaying slightly in her seat, she blinked hard and tried to shake the nausea away. A tremor passed through her, cold and crawling in her spine. Shutting her eyes, she braced herself against the desk. “Well,” her voice was breathy. “This-“ She laid a hand on the hardcover. “-is something that reads the mind as the mind recites. Useful, isn’t it?” Quite. Mirai had to convince herself that she was recalling, not telling. Risky. ----------------------------------------- Mirai had fallen asleep in the hall, waiting for Shura’s return and woke with a start when she felt the light pressure of cloth over her body. She sat up too fast and hit her head on something hard. Biting back a moan, she pressed her hands to her forehead. “Damn it, woman, you have a thick skull,” Shura cursed, stepping two steps back just in time to avoid another collision when Mirai bent forward to clutch her head. An amused smile was on his lips when he rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Why are you not in bed?” “Waiting for your thick headed skull to arrive so I can pound it, obviously,” she snapped irritably. It had taken the entire remaining afternoon for the headache to subside and now this? She would seriously make his head hurt if her headache starts up again. “Where have you been out for so long?” He sighed and dropped himself next to her, resting his arm over the back rest of the seat, while the other was casually laid over her shoulders. “I needed lots of fresh air, Mirai. Why are you so grumpy?” He frowned then and asked, “Has the mage retired?” He tried not to sound too concerned, but how was he supposed to ignore the niggling worry that been at the back of his mind, taunting him the entire time he was away from the damn woman? “Yes. A few hours ago, I suppose.” As if she could read his mind, she promptly added,” she is safe and unharmed. Why I am grumpy is none of your business.” Mirai resisted the desire to just lean back and have his arm for a pillow. She shrugged it off, stood up and tugged at his heavy arm. “Where’s the talk you promised? Don’t fall asleep on me now.” With another sigh, he complied, getting up and letting her lead him to her study. He dreaded having to tell her of his mistakes- again. While Mirai had never faltered from his side, Shura was had always been afraid that she would. Every time, he braced himself for the final straw he would pull to make her leave. This time was no different, save the apprehension was heavier. She must have noticed the setting sense of dread, for she seated him with a gentle push and pulled a chair next to him, one arm looped over his. Her irritation seemed to have vanished too. When he looked up, her expression was soft and patient. Shura didn’t need her to speak first for him to tell her of Keira’s death. Words flowed out of his lips smoothly. He allowed none of the emotion to enter his voice, however, because he knew that he wouldn’t be able to continue. Retelling everything made him feel the scabbing wound inside him, realizing the bitterness and guilt within himself anew. Keira’s death and Resee’s disembodied wandering. By the end of it, Mirai couldn’t muster her calm to hide her shock and pain. She had never anticipated Keira would die because of his loss of control. The woman was much more capable than that. But given the circumstances... Mirai had no doubt she wouldn’t stand a chance either. Shura had shifted too close. She stared at him, jaws tight, lost. She didn’t know if she should comfort him, or... or- she didn’t know. Keira was a good friend. Someone she knew since she was little. Keira and Resee. Shura smiled sadly and dropped his gaze, appalled at himself all over again from what he saw reflected in Mirai’s eyes. “That’s why I was away for so long. Ever since the mage arrived nothing-“ Mirai stiffened and suddenly, she had a firm grasp on his chin. Her hand itched to slap him, but she maintained her cool. She forced his eyes to meet hers- gold clashing with ice blue. He flinched. She was furious. “Stop that. She is not to blame. No one is. Do you understand? I thought I’ve made myself clear a long time ago about finding fault in yourself or placing the blame on others! I don’t know what else to tell you if you won’t come to your own bloody senses! You might as well just... hole your stuck up self in a cave!” Oh she had wanted to say more, with less refined words, but Mirai held them back. No point beating him up over it when he had already done the job himself. A small grin, but still a grin tugged at his lips. Mirai had almost slapped him again. Her eyes flashed and she was ready to unleash another tirade with less restraint on him. But he cut her short, “Thank you. I’m tired of pity, Mirai. I just need... something like this. Someone to tell me I am stupid.” Then he sighed and the smile was gone. “I’ve never blamed the mage. The girl is too innocent and... fragile for her own good. I owe her. Without her, I wouldn’t have come to understand... and remember some things. I will never be the demon again. I have control.” He sounded confident, determined, relieved. Mirai was worried. “Did she... do something?” “No.” Shura shook his head and patted her arm soothingly. “I was... not myself.” He pointed to his temple and drew a few circles to illustrate his point. She nearly laughed. Shura could really play with her emotions as he pleased. One moment ago, she was furious and the next she was ready to laugh. Speaking of which... she should punch his nose for tricking her. “I can’t... tell you everything yet. There are some things I have to finish,” he continued. When she opened her mouth to protest, he laid a finger on her lips. “I will come back to tell you. I promise I will. But I can’t tell you before I finish. I trust you, truly, I do. And I know you do trust me as well.” She sighed in exasperation, but didn’t argue. Mirai was still confused with Keira’s death. Everything was so sudden and least expected. “I hope Resee is alright....” She leaned back and rested her head against his arm. “And I sincerely hope- I will pray as well- that the third pass doesn’t destroy you first before you can finish... whatever it is you have to finish.” For a moment, they sat there in companionable silence. Shura broke it first. “I’ve dug a fine hole for myself... and the mage.” Mirai sat up and quirked a brow. “What hole?” “I... we- it was my fault. I couldn’t resist.” He groaned. “And her- at times shameless show of her body doesn’t help either. Ranians....,” he muttered. She was staring at him intently now, waiting like a hawk would for the rabbit to peek out of its hole. What surprised her, was the creeping blush on his cheeks and he refused to meet her eyes. “You... what? Like her enough to trip head over heels? Come on, say it. I am getting impatient with all this anticipation now,” she said dryly. “You know how I feel about you, Shura. You don’t have to be worried about hurting me. Though I still begrudge you for that bloody kiss you stole from me.” He coughed to hide a laugh and hurriedly cleared his throat. “Yes I do- that is, I do like- no! Point is... I made a huge mistake. I’ve been... toying with her I suppose. I know I shouldn’t want her to like me, but I do- it’s not right when I- when I can’t-“ the rest of the words were drowned in his groan. Mirai had never seen him so distressed and over a girl! She couldn’t help feeling a slight tinge of jealousy. After all, Shura had been with her for a long time. “So... does this mean you want the engagement pretence to end?” she asked. Shaking his head firmly, Shura gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m not going to leave you to that old buzzard. Don’t worry. I just wanted you to know so you wouldn’t feel... cheated. I’ve been cutting down on my... flirting.” Then he frowned. “How do you make someone un-like you?” This time, Mirai didn’t suppress her laughter. She nearly doubled over if Shura’s arm hadn’t been there for her to grab as a support. Wiping her eyes, she struggled to stifle the remaining chuckles. “Oh, Shura. I’ve heard of love potions, but never this! You need sleep. Honestly. Maybe you will be able to think straight again tomorrow.” Staggering to her feet, she bit her lip to contain the laughter threatening to start again. “But- I just- I need your help.” Shura stared at her with wide eyes, mortified no doubt. Unfortunately... he was left alone in the study. Mirai fled as soon as she reached the door, the soft peal of her laughter ringing in his ears. Edited by Seiss, Mar 5 2010, 02:33 AM.
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问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
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| DarkAngel013 | Mar 5 2010, 03:27 AM Post #399 |
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Sleepy Inspiration
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"Really...?" she said slowly. She was skeptical that she had told everything and at the same time, she knew that this kind of information doesn't come without some sort of risk at hand. “I meant Shura probably knows as much as you do about the third pass. The researching guild is a separate body from any organization and person... perhaps, save from the King.” This was interesting. She hadn't heard of this information before from the castle or from anywhere else for that matter. This was the first time that someone was going to tell her something important without hiding it from her like some people did. For a moment, she reflected on the certain expressions that came across Shura's face and her own fell blank. She nodded when Mirai told her to follow, and she obeyed. Sayuri followed Mirai into what appears to be her study and then further still, into a smaller room with more stones than there were books and this astounded her. She's never seen so many kinds of oddly shaped stones in one area before. The stones must be rune stones, but she didn't really feel that much power from each of them, and remembered that they were probably dormant, like most of the caves surrounding Enfram was. Mildly, she realized that she would have loved to skim through all these books and look at each of these stones were she allowed to. But noted that she probably wouldn't be able to as this was probably Mirai study of runes and of all other sorts that was related to it. When Mirai took a hardcover book without any pages inside, she wondered what the book was. It felt magical, and was full of magic. She's never encountered this kind of magic before though. Before she could look at it any further, Mirai set it down at the table and sat down herself. She watched as Mirai furrowed her eyebrows in concentration. She felt energies stir... as if preparing for something that was about to happen. When she opened the cover, Sayuri found herself alarmed when she saw magic energies flow from the ravens and into Mirai's eyes, catching hold of them... She was trapped. Sayuri was startled to hear her voice again and realized that what she was hearing was information regarding the pass. She listened intently, focusing solely on the information given to her. She knew that Mirai probably wasn't allowed to speak of the information, but she had somehow managed to get around it. She had to give it to the female for being able to think of one. Two...? There was two who created the mana flow? Sayuri thought with confusion. That would mean... For some reason, a flash of Shura's griffin form appeared in her mind, along with the image of the man that she had seen back at the castle that had flashed through his mind when he was calling out to give him back to him. Why? Did this have anything to do with the missing mage and Shura? Are they connected? Any shift, huh...? That means I can't use my own magic either, she thought. The alterations were strange; she didn't really understand the concept behind them. Why did it change them? Why are some able to survive, but they are still changed in some way? When the words of taking free mana from a source, she snapped even further to attention. From what she had heard while being here, that she herself was a mana source. It was true, she constantly pulled mana out of the air here, as it was rich with it. It doesn't take it forcefully... A well of mana? ... Wait a minute, where did I hear of this "well of mana" before? The Lake of Runes! That's where she heard of a "well of mana" before! But... how are they connected? Is it like a tunnel of mana that connects them together? She was snapped out of her thoughts and questions when Mirai spoke up again, sounding miserably tired. “Well,” her voice was breathy. “This-“ She laid a hand on the hardcover. “-is something that reads the mind as the mind recites. Useful, isn’t it?” Sayuri smiled weakly, "Yes, it is..." The information that Mirai had given her only gave her more questions. This was so new, so strangely different from everything she's learned and been taught. She wished she could consult with someone back at Rania, but knew that she could not; she was entrusted with this duty and she must figure it out on her own, even if it costs her own life. * * * (( For this bit, this song fits best: [Meow~] Sayuri had gone up to bed when Mirai was found with a headache. She decided to go to her room and make herself comfortable. Try as she might, she was unable to... and she didn't know why. "Shu-" She stopped herself. Oh... That was why... it was because he wasn't here; she was uneasy about him not being by her side. After the trouble they've gone through, she missed the security that he gave her, the sense of being safe. After letting in Eve to rest up on the foot of the bed with Lancelot, she finally managed to find herself in a comfortable position on the bed and somehow fell into a restless slumber. But it did not last long. She kept waking up, muting her screams. It was still so vivid, so painfully frightening, that she cried silently while all Eve could do was watch. Too tired to sleep anymore, she sensed Shura's presence coming back toward the cottage. She decided that since she couldn't sleep, she might as well as... well, try to find and do something. However, something caused her to flinch when she heard: “Damn it, woman, you have a thick skull.” She laughed silently, knowing full well that's what Shura would say. But the laughter fell short as she became aware of the conversation. It became clearer to her, but she did not care. What she was hearing was something that she had not heard from Shura himself to her. She had never heard such anguish, such pain, and so many other emotions in his voice before. Why hadn't he showed these to her? She had only seen a portion, but they were nothing in comparison to... to... what she was hearing. When he was about to blame her, she almost flared in anger but heard Mirai's scolding tone. After that, she heard his voice again... as he talked about her. What did she do that made him remember something? She felt that squeeze again and clutched the pillow to her chest. There was tenderness in his voice when he spoke to Mirai about his trust and hers to him. She had forgotten that he never truly cared for her... like the way it sounded like for Mirai. Tears already began to trickle down her cheeks, silently. “Though I still begrudge you for that bloody kiss you stole from me.” Crack! A kiss... Of course, he's kissed dozens of other women before her, she's sure. After all, no man could kiss the way he did his first time. She felt like her emotions were slowly emptying out, and that she was going to be devoid of any emotion. "Point is... I made a huge mistake. I’ve been... toying with her I suppose." Crackle! She repeated it mentally in her mind, that he had been playing with her. So she really was a toy to him, nothing more than an object of his lust and desire. Nothing more than a Mage of Rania that he guarded... nothing... special... “So... does this mean you want the engagement pretence to end?” she asked. “I’m not going to leave you to that old buzzard. Don’t worry. I just wanted you to know so you wouldn’t feel... cheated. I’ve been cutting down on my... flirting. How do you make someone un-like you?” Then the sound of something shattering to a million pieces echoed throughout her mind and heart. She released the pillow and it fell to the floor. Tears rolled down her face without anything to stop them nor did they show any signs of stopping. She didn't hear the rest of conversation, nor the laughter that came from Mirai. She realized dully as she stood up and then as she whispered so softly that it was barely audible, "I loved you..." And then she blacked out, collapsing to the ground with a thud, startling Eve who screeched out in surprise. Edited by DarkAngel013, Mar 5 2010, 06:25 AM.
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^Clicketh on thy picture. =] Call me Niko-chan~ ![]() ![]()
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| Seiss | Mar 5 2010, 07:22 AM Post #400 |
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Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
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Shura sat alone in Mirai’s study, frowning with reddened cheeks. That was beyond embarrassing. He had spilled his heart out for her to see and what did the woman do? She laughed. Why did she laugh? Shura didn’t think there was anything funny in that. It was a serious matter to him. He scowled at nothing, scrubbing his tousled hair with a hand in frustration. Something sharp pricked his ears. He flinched away instinctively, but he was instantly alert, sitting on the very edge of his chair, ears straining to pick up more. But there was no more. He was certain it sounded from somewhere in the house... a bir- Sayuri’s bird! His eyes nearly bulged with panic. All he could hear was the pounding of his heart. In a flash, he was on his feet, wheeling so fast towards the door that he nearly knocked down the chair. His hand crushed the door handle, not bothering to turn it, and yanked it out. The door shuddered and swung swiftly back with a resounding slam. His vision was suddenly sharp despite the darkness and the mingling scent that was mild in the air before, was now stinging his nose. The thunderous roar in his ears were the gushing of his blood. Sprinting towards the source of the shriek, he pulled out his belt knife. Shura nearly ripped out the door knob again, but he hesitated this time. With his body suddenly sweating and shaking from the rush of adrenaline, he didn’t want to frighten the mage. His hand trembled as he turned the knob almost viciously. It didn’t budge. Locked. He rattled it a few more times, then simply yanked it out. No time if the situation was dire. At first, when the door swung dismally open, his eyes met the empty bed but the still, sprawled figure on the floor made his heart splutter and his breath stop. Sinking smoothly down on one knee, he scooped her into the crook of his arm. She was unconscious. The knife clattered onto the floor, forgotten. Hurriedly, he checked her breath and her pulse. His own body suddenly felt cold when the adrenaline vanished. His eyes searched the room and landed on the bird. What happened? He demanded. Did she take her medication? Did someone- “Shura? What in the name of-“ Mirai’s words died in her lips when she saw the ambassador lying limply in Shura’s arms. “What happened? Is she alright?” Ania appeared behind her mistress, peering in curiously. “Should I get some warm water, mistress?” He turned to look at them sharply. Ania had taken four timid steps back from her place, startled and frightened of the pierce in his eyes. Mirai stiffened, her lips pressed into a firm line, brows slightly furrowed in worry. “I don’t... know. Help her,” he rasped. The ferocity left his expression when he realized there was no danger, instead helplessness and desperation softened his face to that of a lost child. He never knew what to do when the mage collapsed. He hated to wait for her to wake. Everything fragile always breaks in his hands. But this- the mage wasn’t something he could afford to break. Shura would hold on to every single shard if he had to. Mirai swept towards him and dropped to her knees, examining the girl for any injuries. “It’s alright, Shura. She breathes and her pulse beats normally,” she soothed. The man was frightened to the very bones without knowing it and likely over a dizzy spell! Had he tripped himself head over heels for this one girl? Highly probable- if only he would stop using all sorts of excuses to see the truth. “The side of her head is tender. She might have knocked her head when she fell. It doesn’t look bad.” “As you say,” he said faintly, still frozen on the spot. “I will feel much better if you could get a healer to take a look.” “I will. Tomorrow, first thing in the morning,” she assured him. “Now come, on your feet. It wouldn’t be good for her body if she’s exposed to the cold of the floor for too long. You should go get some rest and let Ania take care of her for tonight.” He shuddered mildly and slowly, almost laboriously, hauled himself onto his feet. The ambassador still lay unmoving in his arms, cradled like how a new father would a babe. “I’m staying here. It is my... duty.” In a slow trudge, he moved towards the bed and laid the girl with care, going so far as to tuck the blankets around her to her chin. This was like nothing Mirai had seen before- he seemed to be hanging, literally by the girl’s life. Should the girl fall, he would probably go with her too. Shura had broken two doors just to get to her. How could he be so blind to himself? Mirai groaned inwardly. Stupid, stubborn man. She had refused to give him aid to make the girl 'un-like' him earlier and laughed because one of them had finally found someone. That was the most joyous news to her- that her dear lone friend was no longer alone. She was so eager to help him fall hard. Without his consent, of course. Without him knowing as well. But this.... Well he didn't seem to need it. Mirai frowned and stared at him. He had pulled a chair to sit by the girl’s bed, resting his elbows on his thighs with his hands clasped together. He would hurt his back if he slept like that. “Very well. Ania will move to the next room should you need her.” She bent down to pick up Shura's knife and laid it on the bedside table for him. The hours of night dragged on. His eyes were dry with the lack of sleep and feeling as if they might pop out any moment, but Shura couldn’t keep his eyes closed for more than a few minutes. OOC [Morning is yours~] Edited by Seiss, Mar 5 2010, 07:38 AM.
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问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
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