Clicky

Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Ethereal Lights Roleplay. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Ethereal Lights is a quickly expanding roleplaying forum. Here, you can roleplay any genre through any style you'd like with no creative limitations. Alongside our large selection of roleplays, Ethereal Lights also offers a lush "off-topic" community where you can get to know the person behind the roleplay character.

Currently, you are viewing Ethereal Lights as a guest. To take part in roleplays, participate in community discussions, vote in polls and view other areas of this board, you will need to register an account. Registration is quick, easy and completely free!


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Locked Topic
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 5
  • 7
Elements Reborn IC; Elemental war; a roleplay of strategy, power, and manipulation (figurative/literal)
Topic Started: June 13, 2011, 11:44 pm (5,466 Views)
Chaos Storm
Member Avatar
Resident
Zane could not help but think this sure was one hell of a day. Between the hilarious reactions from the other leaders at their meeting, and the devastating storm of the elements this had to be the most complicated day in history. He was not present but he figure it was even more complicated than the day the deal was made and the world was restored. Yes, Zane had a slight laugh to himself. He knew he made the leaders upset with him, but far as he was concern he was not going to drag it out, and worry about it. By this point he was just thinking about how the leaders reacted, and how funny it was when you over look the fact they were leaders of the clan. It was just one of those things you look back on and could get a laugh from, no matter how serious it was during the time.

The storm on the other hand had killed and hurt too many people, but Zane knew crying over it was not going to save the people, nor prevent this from happening again. The rescue and search teams finally did all they could and now everyone was gathering their people and making plans for what to do next. Zane watched as his air clan members came back, and relaxed after their effort they had just put out looking and taking care of people. Zane was surprise when a member came directly up to him and asked if they could do anything. Zane looked at who it was, and was surprise to recognize someone he actually knew. Sala was a old air clan member that had left a few years back and became a outcast for not having a gift of a element. Zane had seen her before, though they never talked before. But it was hard not to know about such a reckless and adventures girl. However unlike his people and past leaders he was not a supporter of throwing people out of his clan. The reason Sala had been sent away was because of her parents.

Zane put his hand on her shoulder, and then looked her in the eyes and simply said "Sala you can stay right here" as the search was over, and if she wanted to help then she could help by staying with him and keeping him company. As he removed his hand, and turned when he heard Ash coming back with someone else. Her sister? Then he would have to be careful, Ash was already hot blood being the leader of the fire clan, and she would definitely easily get upset if it comes to her family. As Zane figure if Ash spoke with the Earth Master, then she most likely had used them being together to try to get the earth master to join their already formed alliance. So them being together already was possible public info, so he said "Hello Sophia, I am Zane. I am the air clan leader, and your sister's boyfriend. Your sister as quite a temper though but it kind of cute" as he pretty well had just got Sophia up to date with some things, and now waited to see how Ash would respond.

While he watched and listen to Ash, Sophia, and Sala. He was letting the other air clan members rest before they go someplace else. Since it seems everything was done here at the peaks. So the Earth Clan had refused? No, she specifically said this early. That means they most likely had asked for more time to think about it, or they wanted to watch and see what happens before making a choice this soon. It matter little either way, Zane already accomplished his goal. He had a alliance with the fire clan, and this meant they had more power than the individual earth clan and water clan, and they would be force to make a alliance or risk the safety of their clans. He had propose a four way alliance at the meeting and he was refused without any of them even trying to compromise and come to a agreement. So by joining with the fire clan, two clans had now become allies. If the other two become allies, then that would a least bring them closer to a full alliance between all four clans. Even if they do not join each other, just the alliance between fire and air was better than four separate clans. Now there was only three. Zane goal was to bring the clans together, he had proposed he be the leader but that was just because he thought he was the best choice, and it would only mean his vote counted as two, the others could still out vote him, and he also felt there should be a meeting every two weeks, not longer.
Offline Profile
 
Dream
Member Avatar
Mew?
Sala, the wandering nobody
Location: Twin Peaks
Ooc:


Sala let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Somehow, she knew Zane would understand. She nodded, and stood beside him, yet slightly behind. "Thank you." was all she said. She took a few deep breaths, and calmed herself once again. She was good at that, calming herself and everyone around her. It was the one thing she could do, and do it well.

Two people walked towards them, and she looked up at them, curious. So this was the fire clan leader, and her...sister? Sala could tell right away that the blind woman standing next to the leader wasn't part of the fire clan. Indeed, she looked like she wasn't from any clan at all. Could it be that she was another loner, like herself?

You aren't alone the voice in her head reminded her. Sala couldn't help but disagree. Sure, she had a voice in her head to keep her company. Didn't that just mean she was going crazy? She chose to ignore the helpful voice momentarily, and turned her attention to the newcomers. "Hello there. I am Sala." she introduced herself. She figured that nobody else would bother, so she might as well. She didn't much care if it was considered rude, seeing as how she wasn't part of either of their clans, but that was just how she was.
I'll whisper in your ear,
You are mine, and you will never have to be alone.
And when I pull you near,
You'll know I love you like I never loved anyone.
So let me be the one to lift you up,
I'll carry you home.
'Cause now I'm here to keep you safe,
And to catch you when you fall.
Offline Profile
 
Jei Ai
Member Avatar
Member
Tense like a jungle cat in the heart of the night, the warrior stood with folded arms at the perimeter of the Air camp. Though the Master had consented to the Air-shifters union with the burning passion of the fire-wielders, it was far too obvious that the union was more out of necessity than will. The unexpected had become reality, and while trained to adapt or die, the warrior seethed. The jealous earth had snatched at the lives of many that day, drawing the above into the depths of below, stealing away what it could from the surface and burying it within its hungry and unyielding gut. Still more who had escaped the jaws by pure grace were wounded, limping about lost and confused, seeking leadership that the Masters were scrambling to give. Composure was weak and as immaterial as the force that had indiscriminately taken the lives of the young, the old and the many moments earlier, and it didn’t take a life time of training to see it.

There was no love lost between the different clans, and yet suddenly the Fire warriors had been pressed against the air-heads in an uncomfortable situation. What made the entire scenario all the more painful for the warrior who solemnly watched over their master’s reunion and return was the imbalance of power; the Fire clan had been reduced to just two healthy and able beings, though the newcomer that was now being led to camp by Master Ash might signal a third. Still the Winds had it, and it was enough to have the fiery warrior clutching at her spear-headed staff with frustration. But it was the duty of an Eternal Light to follow orders whole-heartedly, entirely, and without question, so they bit their tongue and hoped Master Ash’s intuition was as keen and true as ever. For if not the consequences would undoubtedly be severe. Beneath bare feet, the ground grew hot.

Stepping forward with purpose, the warrior put herself between her Master and the wind-headed other, who Ash was smouldering dangerously at behind a pleasant voice. A cocked eye and a once over explained that the newcomer was blind, and so the unfriendly warning gaze was hidden from the frail girl. Indeed the mighty Fire clan had fallen. “Master Ash,” a short but deep bow interrupted her speech momentarily, “Allow me to escort her to the comfort of the camp. I am sure there are plans of aimless wonderment to discuss with Zane…” Keeping her serious eyes fixed entirely on her kin, the warrior flaunted her bravery and refused to grant the Air-Master his title, not trying to hide her disgruntlement at having to develop a nomadic tendency like the Air folk. Kenina had only one true master.
Posted Image
'You were a happy dream in a life that's been nothing but a hellish nightmare'

Tiffanie 'Lust' Marquisa, the Femme Fatale: OOC
Sa’ritae Tyrundlin, the Mistress of the Earth: OOC
Image by Vertify
Offline Profile
 
psy
Member Avatar
Addict
Cyril

By the time the search and rescue effort concluded Cyril, like most of the others, was physically and mentally exhausted. The scattered remnants of the festivities and the stagnating mud and water had all started to blend together. Each rescue was the same as the last, someone would find someone, they would bring them out and then one or two of those in the valley would escort them to the top of the ridge. It all worked surprisingly efficiently for how haphazard the effort was at the beginning and as such ended long before anyone probably thought it would.

Finally the job was done, at least the initial search and rescue, and everyone started to make their way up the ridge and out of the valley. Cyril turned away from the final ruined tent he checked and looked atop the ridge where he could see the clans starting to gather in larger numbers. Evidently Awari had done as she was asked, and did so well at that. Like the others he waded back through the mud and ascended to the top where the clans were gathering. It was slower this time, painfully so, as he had expended all his energy lifting tents and clearing paths.

Eventually though Cyril returned to the top of the ridge and found the gathering place of his clan not far from where he had been deposited by Raja earlier. A great many of his clan mates were well wounded and lying on the wet grass while the uninjured tended to them. The few children that had come along had fierce death grips on their parents' legs as if a strong wind was about to blow them away. The old and feeble either laid with the injured or tended to those most wounded. All in front of him was his clan, battered and bruised, bleeding and terrified. What they wanted most right now was to return home.

Cyril made his way slowly through the groups of people, his people. They had not come with many, perhaps thirty, but sprawled out as they were it was like walking through an army that had just been to war. His feet ached from the exertion and his body screamed at him to just shut down but yet he walked poised in hopes to be a symbol of confidence for the people. Past the groups of injured people a number of the elders tended to themselves and each other, and those that gathered around them. As much as Cyril disliked them at times, the hounds were certainly compassionate and caring people. On his way over to them he spotted Awari acting as a proper ensign should and, giving her his full attention for a second while he walked, nodded gratefully.

“Cyril.” Matias, who was bent over his rotten old walking stick and looked to be in severe pain, called to him as Cyril grew closer.

“We must return to our lands as soon as possible. Yes, I know.” Cyril interrupted as there was no time to spare for an old man's speech. “How many do we number?”

“Of the thirty-two we left with, twenty-six remain.” the old man stated bluntly.

“And we've searched everywhere.” Cyril continued the thought. He nodded briefly to the gathered Elders who were not well enough to join the search and rescue effort.

“We are prepared to leave. Will you inform the people?” Toppa spoke up from the group. Cyril nodded to her, understanding that of all the gathered council he was the most fit to speak. Cyril turned away from the Elders and faced the injured who lay, knelt, crouched and limped before him.

“Today we have all been dealt a terrible blow and we all have suffered. We of the Water Clan are all family and as such we have all lost family to this tragedy. Gather your things and lend your family all the help they require as we return to our home. Those deceased that we recovered from the valley will also return with us so that they can be buried where they belong, in our lands. Stay strong, we will all be home soon.” Cyril spoke clearly and with purpose, assuring the people that they would all be safe. Yet at the same time his lungs burned and he could feel each word grating against the sides of his throat.

Once Cyril concluded his short speech the Water Clan started to move. Each person helped the person beside them walk. The least injured carried the wrapped up deceased on makeshift carriers built from branches and ruined cloth, much like a stretcher. There was no doubt in anyone's mind as they entered the nearly flooded forest trail that they were leaving a great many things behind. It was a grim procession of a spiritless people.

Cyril remained behind until most of the clan had disappeared into the forest. He couldn't help it anymore, his lungs were aching and his throat felt like it was about to collapse under the weight of the pain. The man who had been so leaderly only moments before knelt on the ground, grabbed hold of his chest and coughed until he could taste the burning sensation and the blood. He could catch up with the clan shortly, but for now he submitted himself to the unbearable pain.

(☞゚ヮ゚)☞
Offline Profile
 
Wicked
Member Avatar
The Derp Queen
҉ Unknown ҉

The radiant female was growing rather puzzled, but slowly things were starting to click together as she listened to her sister speak after guiding her away from wherever they had been before. She sensed the presence of two others and she continued to follow the voices and their sources with her eyes, trying to look as normal as possible. She had a strange accuracy when it came to pinpointing where in space the introductions came from, a skill she’d slowly developed while being at Twin Peaks in such a short span of time. Before this, she’d only been around a few other people whenever she stumbled upon a stray residence or traveling group. It was always too brief for the female to develop anything further than small talk and a hasty goodbye once they found out her lack of an Element and eyesight. It was, truly, a horrible combination.

Ash spoke with dignity and an air of importance. Everything she said hinted to a higher station than, well, Sophia in life and many others. From what she was gathering thus far, her twin had become the Master of her own element and was being united with another clan’s Master? A slender eyebrow rose in curiosity as Zane introduced himself cordially, even though from the sounds of it he was not very well liked. Still, she kept her bubbling questions silent for now and gave a gentle, amused smile. Ash received most of the temper, while Sophia had turned out to be the yin to her yang. The fact that her twin was being anything but calm did not come as a surprise to Sophia and it was slightly hard to keep from laughing at the idea of her fuming. Except for her status, Ash was basically the same sister Sophia had grown up with briefly in this very clan she was being introduced to.

Suddenly, the other presence spoke up and a female voice flooded her ears. She sounded warm, in contrast to the cool tone Zane had used. It reminded her of spring in the mainland’s plains, when the sun was at its highest point and basking Sophia in its rays with a kindness that was fairly missed during the summer. Her smile remained as she introduced herself as Sala. “Hello, I’m quite humble to have such a pleasant welcome,” Sophia spoke calmly, her voice bright and light in deliverance, like drops of sunlight. She was genuinely happy at the moment, submerged in a temporary high from being reunited with her sister, as long as not being shunned due to her absence of the Element’s blessing. But, then again, there was no mention of her Elemental status. Ash didn’t even know, since she had left the Air clan for Fire before finding out Sophia’s fate. And if they found out?

They’d all abandon me then.

They looked down on you but don’t feel ashamed. The Elements did not abandon you, my sweet, and never will, her mind cooed sweetly. It was becoming one of the most pleasing sounds, a mix of warmth, strength, and honey. It leaked into her mind and soothed her rustled nerves instantly, so that her smile never strayed during her dark thoughts. Something else uplifted her as well, a strange calming essence that radiated from someone, causing Sophia’s useless eyes to move to Sala, locking in as if she could see her though her vision stayed blindingly white. Her eyebrows furrowed for a moment as she tried to figure out-

Then, someone else came along, stripping away Sophia’s attention as the female voice threatened to make her leave her sister’s side. Like a switch, everything turned black as her green eyes turned to the new addition with a hostility that did not match either the situation or her personality.

Don’t you dare take me away from my sister.

The contact lasted for only a split second before her eyes eased, a smile replacing the sudden shift. “I’d prefer to stay with my sister, if you do not mind too terribly. As well, I’m highly capable of escorting myself around," she replied tenderly, honeysuckle dripping with each syllable.

҉ Earth ҉

The faces of those she had excavated from the mud haunted her whenever Raja blinked, the image of the dead and dying flickering behind her eyelids in a slideshow of despair she did not volunteer to take part in. The child came to mind, over and over, a younger version of the Fire clan reject whose story was written somewhat differently than the earth elementalist. How strange would it have been if Raja had actually been given Fire as her Element? Would she have stayed within the clan and lived up until now by her mother’s side? Her human mind couldn’t help but ponder the “what ifs” of her life’s narration. If the storyteller had placed different words, a different concept somewhere would she still have a mother now? Would she have been here to see the devastation?

The answer did not matter, because that was not reality. Even if she were to wander further into those questions, she would find that it still wouldn’t have mattered. Her father had been driven mad after his cowardly acts when his Master was driven out of power from the previous Fire Master’s daughter. He was slowly eroding, taking Raja’s mother with him and, if Raja had stayed, her as well. It wasn’t meant to be, and the Elements had made sure to keep the redheaded Earth member away from the family ruins.

She inhaled deeply, savoring each breath with new senses after all that had occurred. Her mind was starting to close off the memories of her past, now that the chapter was permanently closed. It was time to move on. It hadn’t been the closure Raja was seeking, but it would have to do in these circumstances. She was satisfied to simply be alive and able to help others, as she had with Cyril, the Fire child, and others she’d rescued from the rubble. Almost everyone else around her was feeling the same way as they finally finished the gruesome search. This was the mark of a new day for everyone and every feeling was intensified for the living. Things were bound to change, and that statement was lingering in the minds of all within Twin Peaks’ valley.

So, when Dante finally arrived, it was to depart and figure out what was next for the clan. But, what was next for Raja? The members who’d survived were starting to leave, more than willing to depart from the tragedy that would scar this landscape for years to come. There was nothing here for them. There was nothing here for Raja, either, but something kept her cemented to the ground, the earth no longer a comfort to her but a foundation for her to stand on when her legs threatened to cave in. Was the Earth clan also a part of her foundation?

She peered, eyes vacant as she observed the group moving further away from her, with Dante trailing behind. They were only a few feet away from her, but with each step it seemed they were years away.

She closed her eyes, the sound of the wind and the hush of the earth beneath her filling her ears as the image of the young girl reuniting with her mother played in her mind. When she opened her eyes, a spark filled her eyes with fire that betrayed her heritage.

Now was not the time to leave. There was a community depending on her, no matter how small the need was, and she would follow the Earth Master that had shown her vibrant colors. She would put her trust into what Dante believed was best for, not only the clan, but New Earth. And, a small part of her knew that she could not go about alone. Though Earth was naturally inclined to solitude, she wanted to help in any which way she could and, with the wind beginning to shift, Raja knew this was only the beginning of a long, tedious fight against whatever was coming.

Quickly, made her way to Dante and the group, knowing there was catching up to do.

And, when it comes, you must be strong.
Edited by Wicked, August 12, 2011, 7:21 pm.
Offline Profile
 
Dream
Member Avatar
Mew?
Sala, the wandering nobody
Location: Twin Peaks
Ooc: sorry tis so horribly short...my mind is in so many other places


Sala smiled, brushing a strand of blonde hair from her face. She was strangely intrigued by the blind girl, and her relation to the fire master. As a matter of fact, the entire group's relations confused her, in a sense. She had been far too removed from the normal going on in clan life to really know anything about it. It hadn't been so long that people forgot her, but it was long enough that she didn't really know what was going on.

Confused, and not really knowing what to do, yet not much caring, the former Air clan member smiled at Sophia. She then turned to the other woman, and gave a small smile, before turning back to Sophia. "Of course. It's very nice to meet you." she said. During the whole situation, she was breathing calmly and deeply, trying to ease any tension that existed at the moment.
I'll whisper in your ear,
You are mine, and you will never have to be alone.
And when I pull you near,
You'll know I love you like I never loved anyone.
So let me be the one to lift you up,
I'll carry you home.
'Cause now I'm here to keep you safe,
And to catch you when you fall.
Offline Profile
 
Myriad
Member Avatar
Visitor
Arram woke to find himself huddled at the base of a tree. He grimaced and groaned as he tried to sit himself upright. He swayed where he sat, and closed his eyes again. His entire body ached, but nothing pained him more than his head.

Arram reached a hand up to gingerly touch his skull; the hand came away wet and sticky. He sighed and managed to haphazardly wrap a torn length of his shirt around his head. While doing this, Arram noticed that his wrist was also painful.

And already bandaged.

Arram snapped his head up, suddenly more alert. The effort, however, was almost too much for his dizzy head to manage. He swayed as he tried to stand, leaning against the tree as he looked around for his mysterious benefactor.

Not a soul in sight.

Arram slipped back down to the base of the tree and took a closer look at his wrist. The bandage was made of a black material, and hardly felt like fabric. It was very light, but kept his wrist in place. Arram assumed he had broken it, and smashed his head on something, during the chaos that had befallen the peaks.

He turned his attention back to the bandage. With his other hand, he touched the material carefully, and stared as his fingers passed through it. Arram's groggy mind couldn't manage this information, and suddenly realized that people were moving nearby.

Arram looked up and pressed himself closer to the base of the tree to avoid the notice of any water clan members. Arram's broken wrist caught his eyes again and he realized that the material almost blended in to the shadows in which he hid. As Arram watched, the material faded in color to blend exactly with the shadows.

Arram's frightened mind came up with a thousand conclusions as to what the material was, each having something to do with demons or evil or other such horrible notions, and his mind wished it away.

The material vanished, and Arram's wrist exploded with pain. An uncontrolled yelp escaped from his lips and he clutched his wrist to his belly.

A deeper pain, a pain of his heart, spread quickly across his chest, followed by the cold hate he had so often pitted against others.

I have... An elemental...No! It can't be!

Arram managed to suppress the yell of rage that threatened to escape him, mindful now of the people who were still moving past him.

(Cyril, feel free to notice and capture if you wish.)
Offline Profile
 
Juicesir
Member Avatar
Sexy Shoeless God of Something
"Kenina your offer of service is still appreciated, however, and if you would kindly accompany me as my personal guard I would be most grateful. There are few left her to do that for our clan today." Ash took a moment to gaze out upon the wreckage of fanfare and festivities. Out of all clans, out of every person here today, those of the Fire Clan had been most devastated. Sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers lay broken on the ground of the Twin Peaks. They would return home with little left to bear, their nation now weakened by the loss. Ash tried not to let the devastation of it swallow her up. She moved her gaze back to Zane.

"What do you suggest we do now, my love?" To any benign bystander, the tone carried and uncharacteristically endearing sound. To Zane, who had heard the tone before when he'd been grabbed, it would surely come to be a familiar lilt as Ash had no intention of using anything different when addressing him. "Now that the Earth Clans and Water Clans are departed, what do you say is our plan of action, dearest." The last word thrown on like dart against a board, an arrow into the hay.
Offline Profile
 
Jei Ai
Member Avatar
Member
For eyes so dull from blindness, the ferocity that burned within them - for only moments - was enough to make Kenina tense. She was not afraid, not just because of her training but because it was altogether difficult to be afraid of a sightless, element-less and fragile girl. Still, the harsh look that fluttered across her pupils caused Kenina to grip her double-ended spear tightly. But with Master Ash watching over her, it was difficult to act. The girl's voice was sweet like honey when it finally dripped from her lips, forcing a polite decline to Kenina's offer. As much as the Everlight trusted her Master, she didn't feel comfortable with the Fire Clan taking on one more wounded soul that required care. Following her Master's eyes, Kenina looked once again over the carnage of the day, and the pitiful mess that was now the once proud and mighty Fire Clan. Her heart reached out to them, though she was sure not quite as painfully as her kind Master's did. If this newcommer draws resources away from any of our precious few remaining Fire Clan...

A second strange girl had appeared as well, and what had started as a small rendezvous had become quite the gathering as the airy Zane was once again addressed by Master Ash. With the group growing on the edge of camp, Kenina grew more and more uncomfortable. She would stay by Master Ash as a body guard - as she had asked - but she felt wary about where her Master had chosen to begin a discussion. She wanted eagerly to move her quarry into the negotiated safety of the Air Clan camp before beginning her charming little charade with Zane. Eyes alert and darting about to respond to every movement and sound, Kenina stood obviously tense, pale hand still wrapped with strangling strength around her cold weapon.
Posted Image
'You were a happy dream in a life that's been nothing but a hellish nightmare'

Tiffanie 'Lust' Marquisa, the Femme Fatale: OOC
Sa’ritae Tyrundlin, the Mistress of the Earth: OOC
Image by Vertify
Offline Profile
 
Chaos Storm
Member Avatar
Resident
Zane watched as his talk with Ash turned into a gathering of others. What he suspected as the over-protective guard of Ash, Kenina. Who in his opinion was acting on a more personal level, than a professional level at the moment. The clan member Sala who had left the clan due to not having a element, and Sophia the sister of Ash so it seemed. Meanwhile the other two clans were leaving and going back to their clan homes. What should they do indeed now that the search and rescue is over with, and the destruction as settled.

Zane thought about it for a minute, and then gave his reply to princess Ash. As he said "I will have the air clan members head back to our camp. The fire clan may return to their camp. However if my lady Ash would be so kind I would like to come and visit my love's home. I will bring my own guard Sala here, and we will be in your care, Fire Clan. Unless you disapprove of me coming over love?" with him then turning to Sala and saying ''You have no problem with being my guard on this trip do you? Since if I leave by my self the other air clan members will be worried about me being alone without any guards. Even if the fire clan is our ally anyone can infiltrate the clan, there could be spies, or other people there. I also can't bother Ash's guards, they will be too busy protecting her from the other clans" with him hoping to get a yes from Sala to come as his guard.

He then looked over to Sophia, and said "Yes, please do not leave. I would like to chat with my love's sister also. Since her family becomes my family with us currently being together and all. Since Ash is just now introducing you, I am assuming you been away for awhile on a trip or something. So I am sure you two also have things to catch up on also" with him then looking around giving another look at the destruction and death that was everywhere at the peaks. The four clans will have to later send workers to clean this place up for next time there is a gathering here. Along with having some inventors to come up with something to protect everyone in case another event like this happens again. Maybe dig some holes at the sides for rocks and mud to fall into next time instead of hitting everyone, or it would a least give everyone some extra seconds to minutes to get away. Along with building some water ways for flooding over the entire area to prevent water from becoming a problem.
Offline Profile
 
Anamnesis
Member Avatar
Member
Flashback

Cera had no idea why she called on that particular memory but as she stood on the fringe of the destruction that was meant to be a joyous event for the Pact Anniversary, she knew why. She was late. She had debated internally her decision as to whether she would visit the Valley of the Twin Peaks on this very day. She didn't know if she would be comfortable with this many people, especially when people from her clan would be there. She wasn't sure how she'd react or how she would be treated if people she knew recognised her. She wanted to stay away even though she knew it would be an important day for all clans but despite that desire, the valley called to her and pulled at the very core of her being.

She wasn't very far from the entrance of the valley when heat pulled to her heart, alerting her that something didn't feel right. What was a calm journey now felt like a torrent as the elements around her shifted. She looked up ahead, noticing as almost black clouds gathered and pelted the valley with heavy rain. Thunder and lightning flared and the wind around her changed temperature to chill her to the very bone.

Cera's survival instinct told her to not keep going but to find shelter. She fought against the wind as she made her way to the nearest sturdy tree she could find. She tugged her cloak closer to her body, positive that drawing power could be fatal if not dangerous when the elements were volatile. She knew. Enough lessons from her childhood told her of the story of the Pact and what would happen if somebody got killed. While the elements weathered around her, the only thing that weighed on Cera's mind was how much destruction there would be and how many lives would be lost.

Once the elements settled and Cera moved away from her shelter, her thoughts did very little to prepare her for what she saw once she entered the valley. Her face appeared calm but her lip quivvered and her eyes blazed with emotion. Her initial instinct was to run away from this ominous area but she couldn't. Having run away once already, she couldn't bring herself to do it again. She had run because what haunted her affected her alone but this..she was sure she wouldn't forgive herself if she didn't try to help. So she joined the fray, unconcerned about being recognised.

Because of her neutral clothing, Cera helped the search and rescue efforts without worrying about initial hesitation from others. Her main concern was finding as many people as she could and bringing them to safety. There was a lot of loss. Those that survived were either fighting for their lives, nursing broken bones and wounds or desperately trying to find their loved ones. Cera's thoughts went back to her childhood memory about her parents. Her heart went to them but she felt the most pain when she overheard news about the Fire Clan.

In the fray, she had discerned that the Water Master had been assassinated, bringing a flourish of memories from her own experiences. She now knew the reason the Elements were angry. The Pact had been broken and a small fear crept inside of her as to what would happen now. She quickly pushed the feeling aside; now was not the the time to be worried about the past or future when so much pain was happening in the present.

Her pain was quantified when she had overheard conversation near the Earth Clan that the Fire Clan had suffered a lot more than them. She had known that her element would suffer, having a weakness of defending itself from elemental disasters such as this, but she had to know. Despite her uncertainty of how her people would react, if they remembered her at all, she had to know just how bad the situation of her clan was.

This is..

Her heart pained her. No words could describe the wreckage that was her clan's grounds. They had suffered loss in corruption, in war but those seemed meager compared to the loss they had suffered today. Her first instinct was to help where she could. Her elemental brethren looked at her clothing with suspicion and weariness but their gazes changed to that of understanding and concentration when they realised she was one of them. The focus returned to the dead and injured as Cera helped complete the final stages of the search and rescue.
Edited by Anamnesis, August 21, 2011, 3:30 am.
Like a mistress of memory,
I bask in knowledge of the past,
hidden behind killer curves and a demure smile.


Posted Image
Offline Profile
 
Wicked
Member Avatar
The Derp Queen
She could hear the shuffle of feet from afar, her ears picking up on the retreat of others. All the clans were finding their ways back home- except for these two at the moment. Their little meeting was lovely and strange in Sophia’s eyes, so to speak, and though she wanted to bond with her sister and find out everything that had lead to today’s catastrophe and peculiar pairing of her and Zane, the young woman knew that staying in the valley would not be productive anymore. The search and rescue was over, all wounded and dead accounted for along with the living, and plans were slowly being made to take them back to their homelands for proper burial. She was relieved to know, though, that neither Ash nor Zane planned on staying here for long. There was a darkness here that was seeping into Sophia’s veins and threatened to drain her. She was tired and wasn’t exactly enthused about moving, but at the same time her body urged her to get out of the valley.

But why? She couldn’t pin down the source of her agitation and it was only making her more distressed. Still, there was a shadow in the edge of her non-existent peripheral. If she turned her head, would a dark being appear in the blank canvas of her mind’s eye? The entire ordeal had her on edge and every word that was aimed towards her began the tedious task of taming a sudden spark of aggression that did not match her persona one bit. She bit her lip against the sharp blade her tongue had transformed into when Zane addressed her.

You will never be my family, her mind hissed as it grew pitch black for only a moment.

“I guess you could call it a trip,” Sophia replied with a light laugh, swallowing down the words she wanted to slap across Zane’s face. Instead, she was kind as always though cautious as to who she opened up to about her past, and her sister’s. Again, flags rose high. How was it that the two claimed to be in love and yet Ash had not mentioned Sophia? She refused to think that it was because Ash had forgotten her twin. There was no way. Hadn’t the Fire Master found Sophia? Something was strange about this pair, and Ash would answer her questions once they were alone.

Again, her attention wandered once the conversation veered safely away from her. Her ears heard all, a skill she’d picked up on the road, but her other senses were trying to track down the nagging, biting feeling that was putting her in a fowl mood. Again, she would not find the source. Again, she would grow more and more annoyed. She didn’t let the others onto this, however, and kept the boil of seething agitation to herself. She was absorbing each ounce of anger she was starting to feel, but this was never an emotion she’d felt to such a degree. Like a sponge, she soaked up the darkness that poured from each tainted soul around her and it funneled through her while light exuded in her healthy skin. She was not healthy. This was not healthy. But, she had no idea about the battle inside her body. All she knew was someone was pissing her off, something that had been a generally impossible thing to do.

“Should we go now?” She suddenly asked, turning her head away from a bush a certain non-elementalist was hiding in, her anger briskly subsiding as she did so. She tried to cover up the strange outburst, at least strange for her. “I’m sure it’ll be quite a trek and who knows if the Peaks will have an aftermath to all this. There may still be a few rocks loose and, since it’s still raining- though lightly-, a mudslide may occur.” Her voice was calm though a small storm was accumulating inside her, just waiting to show quite a display.
Offline Profile
 
Anamnesis
Member Avatar
Member
Cera watched as the injured were brought together to the clearest part of the camp, the clan's few remaining healers trying to help them as best as they could. The bodies of the dead were compiled in another area, their bodies covered with their own cloaks or pieces of clothing that others had found.

It was customary for the dead of the Fire Clan to be cremated, to have their bodies return to the very element that they served. The original Fire Master, one of the founders of the Fire Nation, played his role in creating the creed that the Fire clan followed. One such rule was that the dead would always be honoured. There was an area specifically built for the burying ritual in the outskirts of their city. If possible, the bodies would return to the fire burning on these honorary grounds however in the rare cases where the body could not be returned, they could be cremated elsewhere. Following today's catastrophe, it was decided that those who had perished would receive a proper burial. The entire Clan would note this day as a very sad one in history.

Cera approached the makeshift infirmary, carrying a bucket of water for the healers to use. A young man with black hair and amber eyes greeted her. She discerned that he was about the same age as her, if not younger. He looked at her as if trying to figure out who she was.

Kris stared at the girl that had helped bring water to the infirmary. He was an Everlight of a slightly lower rank to Kenina. His skill with fire and the sword had earned him the right to be one of Master Ash's elite soldiers. His duty at Twin Peaks was to support the guards in ensuring the compound was safe for Master Ash and their people. This was a particularly important task because despite their numbers, the Everlights believed that they should be involved in all facets of security in order to protect their clan, but most importantly, their master.

He was certain that he had not seen this girl in the camp before. She was beautiful and he would have paid attention to her. While there would have been many elemental brethren within the clan grounds, he would have had to have seen her before, especially when he had helped screen people into the compound before the Anniversary.

After today's catastrophe, the compound's safety was jeopardised, making the guards on edge trying to secure the compound. When the injured starting coming in, Kenina had ordered Kris to guard the medical supplies, in case desperate people from other clans tried to steal them. He was about to question her when a flurry of aids entered to get more supplies. Kris turned his attention to the aids momentarily but when he turned back, Cera had disappeared. He wasted no time.

He walked out of the infirmary and headed straight to Master Ash to tell her his discovery.

((Note: So Cera's gone from the valley now. She'll reappear later~))
Edited by Anamnesis, November 20, 2011, 1:49 pm.
Like a mistress of memory,
I bask in knowledge of the past,
hidden behind killer curves and a demure smile.


Posted Image
Offline Profile
 
psy
Member Avatar
Addict
Cyril

By the time the coughing fit had subsided his clan had, as far as he could see, completely disappeared into the forests and were well on their way to the village. He could have died now and it would have been alright, well, that's how a Master was supposed to think. In his mind though the only thought was that he had to survive. Not for the clan, though how things were going so far that would soon become much more important, not for anyone but himself. As much as he had worked for the clan during this traumatic day now he could only think of how much pain he felt. In this quiet solitude, the calm after the storm, he could be selfish.

Cyril knelt on the edge of the forests with his arms draped over his knees and his head swaying from side to side. To the judgemental observer he had the posture of a village drunk after a long night of self-loathing and depression. Luckily, it seemed like there was no one around to observe and those that had seen him like this were hardly in a position to judge after today. Even so, the last thing Cyril wanted was for people to see him like this. The pain he felt reminded him of his childhood, when he was unskilled and never good enough. Today he had been a necessary beacon of the strength for the clan. They took that strength and used it to survive, and now he was left crushed under the weight of his own pain.

But he had to keep going. Above all else he had to return to the village so they all could see that he was not some feeble martyr. Reverence meant nothing if he wasn't there to see it being shown. As selfish as he was, or perhaps by that selfishness, he knew now that after the funerals the clan would look to the council for a new Master. The hounds would never agree to such status in their old age, they were happy to work in the background, to give their opinions even though people seldom wanted to hear it. As the only youthful advisor the people would look to him. For Brooke's sake, and for his own selfishness, he was now prepared to accept that burden.

Cyril's eyes lifted from the ground beneath him that was now dotted with the small amount of his blood. That's when he saw him, the sole observer of his weakness, who was in what appeared to be a slightly worse state. The fact that this man could have observed his pained state though was not important. Cyril knew this man, but not well, he was just a part of the recent past. A brief presence in his existence that held more importance than people he had known his entire life. A mere few meters away, huddled against a tree and trying to hide from the view of anyone who still lingered, was Brooke's murderer.

“You.” he muttered under his breath. No one could hear it, not from this distance and over the sound of the leaving clans, but that one word held more emotion and significance in it than anything Cyril had spoken in the recent past. All his seething hatred for Brooke's murderer, all his relief for finding him so easily, all his thanks for bringing about a dramatic change in his life, and all the pain he had felt since her death was wrapped up in that one word.

For a split second all Cyril wanted to do was to release a ball of ice so large at that man that not only would the man die under the weight of his emotions, but the forest would quake, trees would shatter and all the clans would feel that vengeance had been wrought. But that was foolhardy, petty and altogether useless. By capturing Brooke's murderer Cyril could reap so many more benefits than simple vengeance. That could be fulfilled at any time after the man's capture.

Cyril slowly rose to his feet. His body trembled as it moved, and as his senses returned to him. He took a step towards the man, and then another, and another until he felt he was back in control of himself. As he stepped ever closer to the murdering wretch a ball of ice grew larger and larger beneath his right hand. The copious amounts of cool water in the air acted as an excellent catalyst for forming ice. The ice was far from pristine due to all the mud and dirt around, a proper metaphor for all the emotions that went into creating it. Eventually it became large enough to knock the man unconscious, and nothing more. Taking a final step towards the man, Cyril threw his hand forward as if to condemn the man, and the ball of ice was launched forward at the side of the man's head.

“I will use you, just as you used Brooke.” he thought as all his frustrations left him to strike at his foe.

(☞゚ヮ゚)☞
Offline Profile
 
Juicesir
Member Avatar
Sexy Shoeless God of Something
"Yes, my sister is right. We should go. We may carry on our conversation in the caravan, Zane. Let us press on."

A sharp pain ran through her leg. Ash barely even grimaced. Pain had always been a tolerance of hers, but this was going to require some attention nonetheless at some point. But not now, they had to get the camps out of the valley. It was not wise to remain.

Just then a guard came upon her. Ash recognized him to be part of the ancillary guard, one of the few remaining there. "M-my Master," he stammered, saluting, "there has been a disturbance in camp. An unknown person bearing no color was seen... helping distribute water in the infirmary." His gaze did not meet her stare, and she found his news to be odd at the least.

"And?" The young man gazed up, meeting her look. She shook her head a bit. "What does this rogue altruist look like. The guardsmen shivered a bit.

"Blond hair, blue eyes, of my age. Neutral clothing, we could not discern her allegiance." Ash's mind began to work, and within a matter of seconds she had a relatively good idea of who it was. But she needed to be certain.

"Double your search efforts. Tell me if she is spotted again. Dismissed." She waved him off, heading to the gathering of her people.

In a clearing were the dead of the Fire Clan, and surrounding it was the last vestiges of the once proud people. Their homeland was still secure, but those who had come would forever be mourned. They had suffered a great loss. The bodies were lined up in rows, all having been gathered and assembled, the tradition of cremation not yet being performed. An air of quiet anguish flowed over every movement of the proud people, a seething anger underlain in the midst of the sorrow. Ash felt it, felt the fire of this passion. Her people would not rest until this wrong had been righted. Yes, the Water Master had been killed, but what the Fire Clan had suffered was a thousand times worse, in Ash's opinion. Just before heading to the front of the pile, she turned to Sophia and Kenina. "Please, sisters, stand by my side." She turned and stood at the head of the great Fire Clan burial area, the rest of her people slowly gathering around.

And then she spoke. "We have suffered today. This is the greatest single lost in the history of our people. And we shall never forget it. On this day innocent blood has been spilled. Our once proud people have been thrown to the ashes of our bonds with the very element we claim to represent. It is time to renew our strength."

"I have unified our people with the Air Clan. We are one." An uproar of surprise from the remaining Fire Clans, but Ash continued. "In our past we have been arrogant, ruthless, and singular in our pride. This has been our downfall. Our unwillingness to see the harmony of all Clan's has destroyed our people today, and wrought a terrible retribution against our ways. We must change. There is no separation of the Fire Clan and Air Clan any longer. Our people our equal, united, and strengthened in their bond."

"You would be wrong to find this union disadvantageous to our people. With our Clan's united, we will be the ones to bring peace. Our people will be seen as the great purifiers, no longer the separatist and arrogant brutes we once were. A time of peace is at hand, and we, the Fire Clan, will be the ones to bring it upon the earth. Our people, in joining with the Air Clan, will bring supreme unity and peace to this land."

"Do not mistake our union for weakness. Do not mistake this day as folly. Know that today we rise a new people. Know that today we honor our dead in the highest by bringing about the reunification of all the clans into one people, one clan, one earth. We shall forge a new world from the ashes of this fire and bring about age of power and peace the likes of which has never been known!"

"Hail to Fire! Hail to Air! Hail the Unified Elements!"

Ash turned. She had been breathing constantly, in and out, saving up the energy to do so. And now she unleashed it. In a sweeping motion she sent fire rippling all across the bodies of her clansmen, a fire so bright and hot that it seared the edges of her cloak. It burned the bodies in their rows, incinerating them within moments, their spirits released back to the world. She did not let up. The heat and fire of her swaying movements scorched the earth, roasting the very surface of the world where the spirits of her people had just been released from. A glow began to emanate from the area, and finally, with all the effort she could muster, she released it.

A beautiful field of dark, smoky glass covered where the rows of dead Fire Clansmen had just so previously lain. Within the utter sorrow and devastation the valley represented now stood this monument, this field of glass, as a monument to the Fire Clan's loss. It gleamed with the light of the sun, shining and glinting like nothing Ash had ever seen. The cheers of her Clansmen filled her ears, but Ash could hardly listen.

The effort had utterly consumed her. She felt weaker than she had ever felt before. Light-headed and completely drained, she nearly collapsed from just staying standing. She leaned quietly on her sister, trying to still represent the Master her clan knew and was cheering. They could not see her in this state. She turned her head with the greatest of efforts to Kenina, and whispered to her. To those far away, she was still supporting herself, still standing, but she could barely move. "Kenina, tell our people to begin packing and move out with the Air Clan." She leaned now on Sophia. "Sophia, I need to rest." Her eyes swam with the lack of energy, her head in a spin, the whole world leaving her vision simultaneously. "Let you and I move to a quieter place where we can talk." She followed her sister's lead, too tired to even really walk.
Offline Profile
 
Blue
Member Avatar
The Token Australian
Time Passes, and the Representatives of each Clan all return to their respective homes to recuperate from the disaster, and inform their peoples of all that had transpired in the Twin Peaks.

“Dante… Are you ready yet?” One of the Advisors called from outside the Earth Master’s room. The Master in question was indeed ready for what was to come, but the visions and memories of her time in the Twin Peaks as well as the personal trials she had faced kept her planted in her seat. The lush greens and vibrant orange-brown colours lit up the pueblo as she silently prepared her speech. But as the words continued to form in her mind, so too did images of horror and heavy loss. Ever since they’d returned home a few days prior, she’d not slept and had certainly not eaten. She had little to no energy left, and the earth felt salted and weak beneath her feet. She’d kept up appearances with her People as she’d returned, but already there were whispers of disaster – she’d have to find whoever had let slip the truth so carelessly and deal with them. Her bodyguards would be in trouble when she next spoke to them.

“I am. Sound the Horn and rouse the Clan.” She said, and rather sternly for someone with little strength left in her body. The Advisor stepped into her room, nodding as he did. “Of course Dante, but can I ask you something first..?” The Earth Master was not stupid; it was obviously what this was about. However, there was no denying her People their questions, and with slight hesitance the girl gave an almost non-existent nod. “Well, if you don’t mind me saying, you’ve dressed up nicely and the people will be happy to see you as always.” Dante lifted an eyebrow at her advisor, praying that this wasn’t what she thought it was going to be. “But, I gotta be honest Ma’am; your demeanour over the last few days has been really terrible. Ever since we returned from the Pea--”

Before he could finish, the Earth Master slammed her fist through the arm-rest of her chair, destroying and splintering the wood into many pieces. The advisor jumped at the sudden movement, nearly falling onto his backside as he stumbled backwards. “I don’t want to hear about the Peaks from anyone who accompanied me there. We all suffered a massive loss, yes. It happened, and we’re all feeling sad and dishevelled about it. Heck, it would seem that you’ve even picked up on the fact that I’m not feeling myself lately, and that I haven’t looked after myself just as well as I could have. Good for you on that one.”

“Well ac-“ he tried to backpedal.

“Shut up; I’m not finished yet.” She interjected again, a frown starting to appear across her face, though her tone stayed quiet, almost reserved. “I have many more things to worry about that are above my own needs. My People await my words, they await the truth. I have a Clan to protect, and three more to keep an eye on for different reasons one such as yourself wouldn’t quite understand. And finally, I have one very stupid assassin to catch. So go ahead, tell me I look like shit, that my demeanour isn’t up to scratch right now. Do as you wish, I don’t care. Neither your opinions on what happened in the Peaks nor what you think about my wellbeing at this moment are right at the bottom of my concern list. Now, sound the horn and rouse the Clan.”

“Y-yes Ma’am.” Stuttered the poor advisor, limping away like an abused animal. Dante watched him slink away before staring down at her own arm, slightly reddened and housing a couple splinters. “Damn it!” she cursed, throwing herself out of the chair now missing a limb. She was quite clearly unfit to speak to anyone today, let alone address her people. But appearances needed to be kept; besides, who could blame her for feeling how she did? Would anyone honestly chastise her for breaking things in frustration, or for breaking down? The only people she could ever see doing such a thing were Zane and Drogo, which only pushed her frustrations further. Picking the splinters out of her skin with her nails and cursing all the while, Dante finished preparing herself for the Address. Suddenly the horn blew, echoing throughout the settlement and bringing forth the call to rise.

“Time to go.”

As she arrived, the crowds were already quietly questioning the meaning of the gathering. It was obvious to the general public that the topic was presumably to be about the Twin Peaks, but their world would be turned upside down once they became privy to the knowledge Dante and her Advisors beared. The platform she was to stand on was far from elaborate; they truly were a humble people in that sense. It was only slightly elevated as most of the Clan were seated in comfort on the earth they loved so dear. The Advisors and Bodyguards stood in perfect alignment around the platform, watching each other with concerned eyes.

The Earth Master boarded the platform and stood in the centre, raising a hand halt to the applause she received; there was certainly nothing to celebrate as far as their return went. “Tradition would have me sit on this platform, casually tell you what it is I have to say, and then slink away like some hermit. But today, I think it’s best that I tell you what I have to say while I am standing, proud and strong. Because I believe that it is these qualities that the Earth Clan are raised to live by. We are a capable People, and though we do tend to keep to ourselves a lot, nothing has ever kept us from lending help when it is due. During times of crisis, we volunteer to assist others in any way that we deem possible.” The crowd continue to look confused, but now all of their attention was on her as they began to realise that something wasn’t right. Dante paused momentarily, taking a deep breath.


“It is my regret to inform you all… That as we were arriving at the Twin Peaks, the Master of the Water Clan, Brooke, was assassinated by an unknown assailant.” There was a collective gasp within the masses now, and more whispers continued to echo throughout the group. Regardless of this however, the Earth Master continued on. “The three remaining Clan members, as well as a Representative from the Water Clan came together at an emergency summit, within which a decision was agreed on that all Clans would participate in the search for Brooke’s Murderer. However, as the meeting was being adjourned, a storm of unprecedented power struck the Peaks and many lives were lost…” The crowd was almost in an uproar now, just as panicky about the situation as the Advisors were. Dante raised a hand to them all again; this story wasn’t over yet.

“As the storm subsided, I was informed by the Fire Master, Ash, that her Clan had formed an… alliance with that of the Air Clan and their Master, Zane. It would appear they are in a relationship that no one had seen or heard of prior to its announcement, which to me feels slightly suspicious.” The masses quieted down now; quite possibly due to the complete overload of information they’d been given. The Earth Master couldn’t help but think about just what they would’ve done if they’d experienced it all first hand; they’d always been a rather sheltered people in that way, herself included. However, now wasn’t the time to freeze – it was the time to think and make a decision.

“I do not believe that Ash is entirely faithful to the concept of a relationship with the Air Master; she seemed hesitant to express her feelings on the matter when I spoke with her alone. However, as far I am aware that the Representative of the Water Clan – Cyril the Scholar, isn’t privy to this knowledge just yet. Zane is quite an unpredictable leader, and I’d even go as far as saying that no good can come from him leading this Alliance between the two of them. The only evidence we have of Brooke’s Murderer is that of Air Clan Robes, and while we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about any of these circumstances, I believe that in order to get through this ordeal as quickly and decisively as possible, we must unite with the Cyril and the Water Clan and assist them in their search for this Destroyer of the Peace. I wish not to start a war with Fire or Air, but I can’t take the chance that either of them will lead us astray in the search. This has all happened far too fast to be just coincidence.” Dante’s frown was prominent on her features now, completely engrossed in thinking about her next move.

“Once the Memorial Services have been completed, the Four Clans are to meet again. I will be in contact with Cyril of the Water Clan to inform him of my intentions. We will stand with them, we will lend our ears, our eyes and our strength to them…”The multitudes were listening intently now, seemingly driven forward by the passion their Leader was showing; certainly something no Leader had shown in this magnitude before. She could feel the pain and anger being exerted through her speech, the power of her words seeping into them all, every man, woman and child. And as they listened in, she could see many nods within their informal ranks.

“And we will! Have! Peace!” She called out, stomping hard on the platform before raising her fist high into the air. The sounds resonated and echoed in the vastness of the environment, and without hesitation the Clans’ People jumped up from their seated positions and cheered, not the same uncertain people they’d been minutes before. The Advisors clapped and nodded, whilst the bodyguards growled and roared.

“We of the Earth are strong!” She thundered, her voice reaching new volumes she’d never reached before.

“STRONG!” The crowd answered back fiercely, fuelled by the passion of the moment.

“We of the Earth are proud!”

“PROUD!”

“We of the Earth are wise!”

“WISE!”

“AND WE OF THE EARTH SHALL HAVE?!”

“PEACE!!!”

And like the Storm she’d faced in the Peaks, her people ranted, roared and raved with motivation, empowered by her words. For the first time since she’d first met Raja, the sides of Dante’s lips lifted up into a small yet ever-present smile. Her body was still weak, but her resolve was most certainly appearing.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear…” she whispered under her breath, before making her way off the stage.

'Friends will come and go, but you're stuck with your Mates forever."
Offline Profile
 
Dream
Member Avatar
Mew?
Sala, the wandering nobody
Location: Twin Peaks
Ooc: sorry tis so horribly short...my mind is in so many other places...x.x


Sala looked at Zane for a moment. She wasn't completely sure that she heard him right, but it seemed she had. The young woman nodded, and turned to face the others. "I would love to accompany you" she found herself saying, though she didn't know why. There were a lot of things she didn't know at the time.

She brushed a strand of blonde hair from her eyes, and waited for someone to make a move. She didn't know what was going on, and she was just sort of along for the ride. She wasn't really one to draw attention to herself if she could so avoid it, because she really didn't want to be sent away again. She was kind of liking being around people again.
I'll whisper in your ear,
You are mine, and you will never have to be alone.
And when I pull you near,
You'll know I love you like I never loved anyone.
So let me be the one to lift you up,
I'll carry you home.
'Cause now I'm here to keep you safe,
And to catch you when you fall.
Offline Profile
 
Wicked
Member Avatar
The Derp Queen
҉ Unknown ҉

She stepped forward, alongside her sister as power emanated from Ash’s body. Sophia relished in the energy blasting off of her twin, breathing it in like air itself as she smiled gently, Ash’s voice casting a revitalizing ambiance over her people, sending a jolt through anyone who stood before the Fire Master. Sophia was in awe of her sister and the woman she had become. Though she could not see her, she could feel her standing tall and strong against the odds stacked up against her and the rest of the elementalists. They were all at odds with what had occurred here but Ash’s words sent bursts of hope through everyone. Sophia couldn’t help but look up at her sister in awe and admiration, the smile seeming to glow with their combined strength. How had she gone this long without her twin? She’d never felt whole until now.

It wasn’t hard to make out Ash’s intent. She wanted this foolishness to end, whatever it was. Sophia was now fully in the loop as to what was going on about her, no longer blind to the situation. Everything seemed to crumble beneath them and yet Ash stood tall, a monument for her clan to look up to. Still, she had her flaws. Flaws that showed how much she would sacrifice for the better of the whole. She could sense that something was not right with the pairing between Zane and her sister from the start, and now everything was beginning to click into place. It was for peace that Ash had chosen the Air clan leader. But, wasn’t Fire meant for passion and love? They committed once and finally to one person who they loved. This much Sophia had gathered from her travels throughout New Earth and so, this revelation rattled her. Ash was depriving herself of something each human needed, no matter his or her status, for peace. It worried her but also made Sophia admire her sister much more than she already did.

A sudden heat kissed Sophia’s delicate face, basking it in warmth that made her smile widen. She knew who the creator was and pride swelled in her heart, threatening to make it explode. Her sister truly was the master of fire, of an element, which Sophia could never claim to have. It was something she would always envy, and also something that amazed her. To have such power in one’s fingertips… in their minds… and she would never have that.

Before her thoughts could develop fully and send her into another dark chasm, a weight pressed on her gently at first and then increasing. She hid her shock as she supported Ash discreetly, keeping herself rooted to the spot as she worried for her sister, no longer thinking of how much she wanted her power. She remembered the words of those air members from so many years ago, talking about the key components of elemental manipulation. Energy, they had said, was a determinating factor in how much one could manage. Ash had already been tired beforehand, she had to be, from everything that had occurred in such a small span of time and now she had exerted more power than she should have to say goodbye to those who’d passed. Sophia hid her worry, knowing well that no one was to see the strong Fire Master in a weak state. It would threat everything Ash was trying to build.

She would protect her sister.

For once, she was needed. For once, Sophia felt she had a purpose other than wandering and searching.

“Sophia, I need to rest” Anything that came after that was ignored completely as Sophia helped her sister move away from the memorial site. Eyes were not needed to lead the blind forsaken woman as she supported Ash in the disguise of hugging her from the side, her arm drapped over the Fire Master’s back and holding onto the woman’s left arm while Sophia’s other hand gently pressed against Ash’s right arm to keep her balanced.

That strange sensation filled Sophia once more as energy thrummed about her, sucking in the remnants of warmth from the previous fire, the energy flooding from her almost instantly as she mentally urged Ash to be stronger, for her people and for her. Though eerily wiped for a brief moment, Sophia continued to support her sister as she lead her away from the main valley and to a cot inside a surviving tent, knowing well that Ash was in no condition to answer the many buzzing, and exhausting, questions Sophia had for her. She wanted to know so much, but it was not important now. Not just yet.

Sophia ignored everything: the tingling sensation of darkness leaving the valley and leaving Sophia’s skin glowing more than every, the sound of a far off scuffle and that of leaving clans. Her energy was fully focused on the one person she’d been looking for all these years.


“Tell me later,” concern dripped from her voice as she rubbed Ash’s arms before urging her to lay down. “Sleep now.”

---

Sophia wandered the fire clan’s community and mentally made a map of her surroundings for better maneuvering, though her feet and body ached. Her face remained peaceful but, inside, she was writhing.

The following days after leaving the Peaks, Sophia had begun to feel strange, as if the life was being sucked out of her. The further she got from the valley, the more her eyelids drooped sluggishly. Her body moaned with the effort of doing the most trivial of things, such as trying to make her way about the fire clan’s territory. She had left Ash to do the things she needed to do as the leader of this clan, a foreboding feeling telling Sophia that she wasn’t needed and mentally egging Sophia to stay clear of Ash’s headquarters for as long as she could. She didn’t feel like herself the more she was around people and, because of this, she avoided most people like the plague. When she did that, she felt even worse. When it was cloudy, she felt sick. When it was sunny, suddenly her mood brightened but only for a while before someone’s passing made her feel ill once again. She didn’t know what was going on with her, and that alone frightened her. She kept it hidden, though, behind warm smiles to those that did pass her by and short, kind comments. Being around these people was draining her and yet they all felt merrier than ever.

They were sucking her dry but she was all smiles, the glow still on her skin even when she felt she should have been paler than death.

And, sometimes, she wondered if she was mentally ill because that voice, the voice that told her she needed to get away from others, kept coming to her. When she closed her eyes at night, it whispered to her little nothings that motivated her when she felt like throwing up her insides. It was pitiful. Sophia felt like she was overcompensating for the years of solitude when traveling, conjuring a voice to accompany her when humans could not. But why now when she was surrounded by people who seemed to automatically respect her because of her relative? Why, when Sophia finally felt her life was complete was this voice, this feeling, tearing her down?

She couldn’t tell Ash. She wouldn’t tell anyone. She’d finally been accepted and the thought of being shunned, separated for how she felt, what she was hearing, ripped her. She would simply smile. Smile and bear through it like a good, sweet woman.


҉ Earth ҉

The travels had left her with flashes of her mother’s body and that of her father’s (if she could even call him that) though at times, people would distract her with trivial tasks. She would volunteer to do anything and everything that needed doing on their procession back to Earth territory and away from the graveyard that had swallowed the Twin Peaks in an ominous cloud. Tasks such as fetching water, clearing a sudden obstacle of rock that came in their way, an aftereffect of the Twin Peak’s rage, kept her mind on the concentration needed to succeed. Her mind’s eye was on the dirt, on the rocks that stubbornly tried to work against her as she requested their movement. Not her mother’s eyes, not the red hair that matched hers. Not the fire clan and all the scars it had given Raja in less than a lifetime. Just concentrate.

And that she did through the next following, grueling days. The whole clan felt rattled by the appearance of those who’d gone to Twin Peaks and whispers continued to move about, a river of words cascading against Raja’s ears but she drowned it out. She didn’t want to hear things she already knew to be fact, but they only suspected to be. Instead, she continued her previous regime of trying to develop her art of earth but, this time, with a stronger purpose. She was needed. Dante had made it known that she wanted Raja to come along with her, through whatever was to come, and Raja had nothing left to lose so why not give her all into this task ahead of her?

War. It was a word that tickled the taste buds in everyone’s mouths and left a bitter taste. None of the Earth clan desired it but somehow, they could tell such a concept could manifest into physical form. And Raja was preparing for the worst. She sharpened her skill, forcing her body to the extreme as she concentrated solely on becoming an object of enforcing peace. She did not want to see that young girl again, crying out for her mother, only not to find her yet again. Raja had read the signs the elements were sending, neon and loud, to the clans. Death was unacceptable when it sought to destroy the peace they had formed years ago during the Pact. The humans had broken some whispered promise that had faded with the century’s coming and going and with that came punishment. But, no more. Raja swore to it. She would help to solidify peace in the only way she knew how: by becoming one with her element.

It was when she was forming a medium sized sphere out of dirt and rock, which she tried hard to crumble, that she heard the sound of a horn summoning the clan to the platform for a speech. She had seen this coming and instantly, her mind released the ball and wiped a small bead of sweat that had formed on her head, sighing slightly. She turned and moved from where she’d been grounded for over three hours, and made her way to where Dante would speak, informing the public of what they suspected, but wouldn’t dare to admit was true.

Her voice rang out over the developing crowd and Raja leaned against a willow, watching from afar as people moved closer and closer. Dark brown eyes watched the Earth Master as she informed her people of the catastrophe of an Anniversary. She was strong and, though Raja’s face stayed mute of emotion, she was proud of the young woman before them. She stood proud and strong, everything they needed as the rumbling clouds of war and danger threatened to cast a shadow over their lives.

Echoes of the bodies Raja had pulled from the earth flashed before her eyes as Dante motivated the clan like ghosts of a past not so far off.

“STRONG!”

The strong, determined face of a deceased father curled around his crying child just as the rocks and mud slid over his body.

“PROUD!”

The proud look of a fire clan member fighting against the pain that seared through her body as she pulled others from the rubble alongside Raja.

“WISE!”

Eyes wise beyond their years looked up at Raja, dead and gone along the other corpses, red hair flushed against her beautiful face. Her mother.

“PEACE!”

All Raja wanted was peace; peace between the clans; peace between the elements. Peace.

The crowd began to disperse, still roaring with the motivational speech Dante had given, invigorated. Raja lingered, still leaning on the tree as finally, the ghosts disappeared from her vision and she took in the sight of strength around her. She was glad she hadn’t deserted this clan. For once, she felt a part of something, something much more meaningful, much bigger than herself.

It almost made her smile through the pain.
Offline Profile
 
Jei Ai
Member Avatar
Member
The dawn kissed Kenina’s skin, and she pulled her face up to greet its embrace. The sun – the most powerful fire known to the elements – crept up over the distant lands to greet the expanse of the Fire Kingdom, warming the earth and comforting clan-mates. Like a divine being, the sun had smiled down upon the Fire Clan every day since they had returned from the Twin Peaks, and slowly, surely, it was healing them. Basking in the heat and allowing it to fill her, Kenina closed her eyes and soaked in the rays.

The Clan’s losses had been many – far more than any other. To return to the homeland with so few had been a disastrous blow, and many had blamed Master Ash for leading the Clan astray. A ridiculous notion, but a popular one at first; Kenina had herself dealt with over a dozen attempted assaults upon her beloved leader, and had eyed down many more whose sour intentions were clear across their face. And it wasn’t just the body count that had disturbed the peace. The union with the Air Clan had sent ripples of controversy through the people, who had never before experienced leadership quite like that of Ash’s. For years, the Fire Clan had been led by selfish, proud and arrogant rulers who sought to distinguish the Fire Clan and isolate the people. Ash was unlike any other Master, and understood unity was necessary for security, for endurance, for peace. It was a new era, and it would take time for people to shift from the ways of the past.

But time is the greatest healer, and she was slowly weaving her magic across the Clan. While hearts still bled, wounds still stung and eyes still wept, they were growing less. Kenina knew it would be a long time before the Twin Peak Tragedy was forgiven, and that it would never be forgotten. But she also knew that one day it would be chronicled as a moment of death that brought about new life. The Fire Clan and the Air Clan had joined solidly that day, and Master Ash had spoken the immortal words: ‘Know that today we rise a new people... Know that today we honour our dead in the highest by bringing about the reunification of all the clans into one people, one clan, one earth. We shall forge a new world from the ashes of this fire and bring about an age of power and peace the likes of which has never been known… Hail the Unified Elements…’ The time of the Fire Clan was now.

Kenina turned away from the sun with a solemn nod of her head; a sign of respect for what she saw as the God of Fire. No doubt Master Ash had already woken, but was yet to emerge from her quarters. Her strength was returning, but Kenina remained vigilant in her protection. She would not soon forget how her brave Master had barely whispered orders as she leaned upon her dear sister for support. But she was certainly more at ease back in the homeland, and away from the obnoxious Air-head, Zane. While still supportive of the union of the Clans, Kenina did not like that man, and she didn’t think she ever would. Not that it was much of a problem – she had already sensed he thought her too emotionally involved to be a serious Everlight, and hence no love was lost between the two. If it weren’t for the bigger picture, the peace-promising pact between Fire and Air, Kenina would have lashed out.

Sophia, the blind sister, was a different story. Though Kenina had been wary of such a weakened member joining the already wounded ranks of the Fire Clan, the fragile girl had grown on the fierce Everlight; she made Master Ash happy, and while under the direct protection of the Maser, Kenina felt obliged to protect the sightless newcomer too. Not that assistance was necessary, for the girl seemed far more adequate at getting around and looking after herself than Kenina had first assumed, though she did at times appear distant and troubled in her own little way. She was an oddity; that was certain. Shifting to stand guard by the entrance to Master Ash’s quarters, Kenina waited patiently and vigilantly for her leader to arise and greet the day as she had.
Posted Image
'You were a happy dream in a life that's been nothing but a hellish nightmare'

Tiffanie 'Lust' Marquisa, the Femme Fatale: OOC
Sa’ritae Tyrundlin, the Mistress of the Earth: OOC
Image by Vertify
Offline Profile
 
psy
Member Avatar
Addict
Cyril

-- Dat time skip --

A somber tone had shrouded the normally quite upbeat water clan village ever since they had returned, limping, and with a collective look of dread and despair. The entire clan was depressed, and with good reason. People within the main village and the outlying smaller settlements had all heard by now that Brooke had died, and that the anniversary that was meant to bring the clans closer had turned into a catastrophe that if anything pushed them farther apart.

At first the many that stayed behind were overjoyed to see the return of their kin, early as it was. But upon seeing the injuries, the tears, the overwhelming depression, that changed. The elders could barely get the words out when they were asked what happened. Now though, everyone knew for the most part what had happened. The element of water, sensing the collective emotions of the clan, fell from the sky without restraint throughout the evening of the return and well into the night. By morning it had settled to a slight drizzle, but showed no signs of ceasing for the next several days.

Cyril hadn't slept that night. When the clan returned he was not immediately present, not like the rest of the elders who lead the procession this time. Even throughout the journey Cyril remained where he would not be given any attention, with a loyal young student who had always placed him upon a pedestal. Between them, wrapped in robes and strung up like one of the deceased was Brooke's murderer. Had the clan known he was among them during the journey they would have gone berserk, so he kept it a secret from even the elders and as far as the student knew the man was very much dead.

When they arrived in the village, Cyril and the student splintered off from the group and immediately went to the small jail that was seldom used. Once there he let the student return to his family and spoke briefly with the few elementalists tasked with guarding the structure. After some explanation, or rather white-lies, they allowed the man to be placed within a cell for safe-guarding until the Council of Elders could process him properly.

Now Cyril sat alone in his home, barely listening to the constant sound of water droplets splashing atop his roof. There would have to be a gathering soon today to explain what exactly happened at Twin Peaks and he knew he would be the one called upon. The Elders had already placed him in a representative role, which was a mere step below being the Water Master officially. Without a doubt, in between the sobs and tears, people were asking themselves who would succeed Brooke and his name was right up at the top of that list.

A gentle tap came at his door, expressing exactly the feeling that lingered in the village air. He remained motionless, stoic and unblinking. His eyes had fallen upon a seemingly meaningless spot on the wall across from him since late in the evening. Most other times he would be thinking through something complex in a state like this, but not this time. Ever since he had arrived back at his home silently in the night he hadn't really thought of anything. His mind was blank, as clear and unthinking as one would think possible and then perhaps even beyond that. There was no rhyme or reason behind it, in all honesty a million thoughts should have been bombarding him, but that just wasn't the case.

“Come in.” he commanded with just enough volume to be heard.

The door creaked open and though he couldn't see the person he could feel the familiar presence of Elder Toppa entering his home. This time though she seemed more meek, depressed and quiet. Of course she was well within her rights to do so, everyone else was but it didn't itself to improving the situation.

“How are you feeling Cyril?” she asked with the same compassion she showed everyone. He felt slightly irritated by that.

“Like the weather.” he responded apathetically. Toppa seemed to understand him in some capacity as she didn't raise a fuss about his vagueness.

“I haven't met with the others, but I think we would all agree that you should address the clan. If you're willing that is.”

“I understand. Have the village gather in the centre square within the hour.”

Toppa simply left after such emotionless words, but she understood that that was who he was in situations like this. Cold apathy was just how he dealt with loss and troubling situations. Even so, inside her heart Toppa probably felt worried about him because it was a side of him she hated seeing. It was a side of him Brooke had hated seeing as well.

Cyril spent the next hour in the same way he had spent the night. Outside he could hear pair after pair of shambling feet and not a word between their owners. The people were all gathering despite how much they wanted to stay isolated with their families for the next several days. The last thing they wanted was to hear the specific details about such a horrible event, but at the same time they had to hear it from the mouth of a respected someone who was in the center of it all. And deep within their hearts they wanted to know if they should be hating the other clans.

He left his home when the shambling finally ceased and made his way down the side street that lead to the center of the village where a grandiose fountain flowed perpetually, a gift from one of the first Water Masters before she had died. The village centre expanded out from it in a cone with market stalls surrounding it on all sides, and between them direct routes to the housing areas and the ocean. The front of the fountain extended out into the cone a few feet to act as a proper platform for addressing the people of the village. Cyril walked towards the fountain while countless eyes followed his every movement and then he stepped up onto the platform.

While the people could not see his injuries, that being his lungs that had only become manageable during the return journey home, but they could see how very tired he was. His normally straight back was slouched over slightly from physical exhaustion, and his intimidating look of hyper-intelligence was replaced by a lifeless look of mental exhaustion. No one spoke a word, but they felt even worse knowing that a pillar of the clan could look like that. Cyril stared at the clan that expanded out in front of him, just as he had at his own wall, and opened his mouth to speak.

“I will not try to change the way you all feel, because you are all feeling exactly how you should. I will not hide the truth from any of you, nor will I sugar-coat the events that occurred during what was supposed to be a joyous gathering and celebration of all the clans.” the people had no words for this, but for a moment it looked like they felt insecure about whether they wanted to know everything or not.

“As you all know already, Brooke was murdered by a mystery assailant who garbed himself in Air Clan robes.” Cyril could see tensions rise and eyes flare at this fact he had presented. It seemed no one thought it wise to mention what the man was wearing, no one but Cyril. He could feel the white-hot glare of some of the Elders on him.

“The man escaped into the forest after Brooke collapsed to the bone-crafted dagger. The Elders and I hurried her to the main tent and worked feverishly to keep her alive. There was no saving her though, she succumbed to blood-loss and infection.” There were a great many tears in the crowd now, though the rain had nearly ceased there was just as much liquid falling.

“This is known to all the clans, not just us, we could not hide the fact nor would it have been appropriate to do so. A meeting in the air clan area of Twin Peaks took place immediately afterwards where I acted as representative. While Air Master Zane was hardly cooperative, we as a group reached the conclusion that this was likely not an assassination at the behest of any one clan, rather an attempt by an outsider. Of course I don't expect my word to be held above all preconceptions and your own personal feelings. All I ask is that you not act rashly or foolishly. Eventually this assassin will be brought to face justice, that much I promise you.” For a time the crowd seemed both questioning and angry, whispering their thoughts among themselves. But many seemed quelled by this promise, at least temporarily.

“That is about all that could be discussed before the ground shook, the rain fell and the mountains quaked. I wish I could describe the horror that was unleashed upon us, but I think anything I say will fall short of the reality. By the end of it the valley was knee-deep in mud and water, countless trees had been ripped from their roots and a great many people were buried beneath it all. We saved as many as we could but still people died, people of all the clans. It was a catastrophe, and I hold myself personally responsible for not being able to do more.” Now a mix of sadness and anger, the perfect mixture of the only two emotions they had felt since the previous night. From what he could see, he was one of few keeping his feelings locked away. He had to in order to be that pillar in at least some capacity, broken as he may have been.

“As I said, I will not hide anything from you who have gathered here to listen. And though you may not believe what I am about to say, I ask that you simply continue to listen. During the catastrophe a strange colourful mist floated across the ground, much like a light fog. As others who were there will attest to, the fog lead to a sensation of confusion, carelessness, and euphoria, to best describe it. I won't speculate as to what it was, I only wish to remind those that were there and inform those that were not. In time I hope to clear up this mystery, but until then that is exactly how it will remain.” As expected the people looked confused, bewildered and with a complete lack of understanding. But as long as the thought was in the back of their mind then he had achieved his goal, mass speculation.

For a moment Cyril had to stop and breathe. While he was used to this sort of long speaking his lungs were still worse for wear and the weather had not helped his condition much. The people looked to him and wondered if he was going to continue to speak, or if they could return to their homes. Finally he looked beyond the crowd, as if he was looking at the world as a whole, and continued to speak.

“After the funerals, and ample time to grieve, the four clans will meet again. I requested as much from Earth Master Dante when I met her atop the ridge where the survivors had gathered. It is then that we will discuss everything I have told you up until this point. But for now, none of that is important, for now we will mourn the loss of those closest to us, our clansmen and women, and those who we did not know, those of other clans. And then, when we have cried our final tear we will continue to move forward, just as our element compels us.”

With his final word said Cyril turned away from the people and walked off the platform. There was no cheering, just as he had wished it. Once he had disappeared the same way he had appeared before them they went their separate ways as well. Losing members of the clan was one thing, but Brooke was a symbol of great joy for the clan. It would be a long while before that joy returned to the village. That much was clear.

(☞゚ヮ゚)☞
Offline Profile
 
Juicesir
Member Avatar
Sexy Shoeless God of Something
Some time later in the Fire Clan homeland...
The days seemed to become mere moments in her memory. After the ceremony in the field she recalled being led away on her sister's shoulder, her guard at her side. Then time skipped, and she was with Zane, close, but not intimate. Then the travel, the long return. The memory of her addressing her people again upon arrival in the homeland, another speech, another reassurance. And then rest, her guard surrounding her, her sister embracing her, the days passing by like flickering candles in the night.

It was a glorious morning, Father Sun shining bright along the horizon. She remembered another thing, unrelated to the turmoil of the recent and tied to the turmoil of the past. A long forgotten lesson, a long lost embrace. She smiled a little at the private thought of it, and then proceeded out of her tent.

"The sun is glorious today, is it not?" She spoke to Kenina, having just walked out of the front of her tent, the leg still tender and perhaps never able to fully be the way it was. Perhaps the most loyal of all her guard, Kenina was the perfect Everlight. There with her through the thick of it, she had proved her worth ten times over. Whatever response Kenina had for that little comment of the Fire Master's was lost upon her ears. Her eyes were feasting on the light of the dawn, the great ball of fire, the source of all power for each clansperson. "We have a busy day ahead of us, I think. Sophia?" She searched for a moment to see how close her sister was to her, and then waited for her to draw nearer. Walking with both Sophia and Kenina, she began walking, a slow, ponderous walk.

"I think it is time the three of us talked, as we have much to discuss. The coming days will prove the new worth of our people, and we must make sure that every goes according to plan properly." Her gait was steady, she forced herself to make it that way. Any show of pain, any sign of weakness, and she was worthless to her clan. Another lesson from the past. She continued.

"Kenina, you will be in charge of the Everlights. I now place you at the head of all of our military." She turned to face her loyal guard. Her look was serene, her tone plain and simple. They could be discussing the weather for all a passerby might guess. "You are tasked with leading our forces and answering directly to me. I would trust no other with this task." A slight nod of the head towards her faithful guard, and then she turned to her sister.

"I can think of no other better suited to lead our people down in their daily affairs. For you, dearest sister, I make a new position, one of cultural power to our people, and one whom will lead them in the various political as well as social aspects of their day. I make you Heliophant of the Fire Clan. You are tasked with caring for our daily affairs, and if you think this an ill fit I can assure you I would have no other helping our people to see their true potential." Ash smiled and held her sisters hands. Sophia would make a perfect fit for the leader of culture and community. She was sure of it.

"In both of you I surrender most of my powers over state and affairs." She turned slowly again to continue walking. "In return, I ask only your trust in me. The daily affairs of our people and their defense I now both entrust to you. I have bigger matters to focus my position with, chief among them the union of the two Clans of Fire and Air. I ask only again," she turned to both of her most loyal friends, her sisters, "that when I ask something of you, even if it seems contrary to what might be, that you trust in me. You are free to make of the Fire Clan what you want, but I will forever hold sway and the final say. You may disagree, you may think it ill, but if I ask of you something, you must say yes. Agree to this, and we will be able to move forward." The tone was steady, still casual, but the intent in her voice could not be clearer.

Ash was making herself a figurehead, devoid almost of all power except to change that which she saw fit. She had realized that the clan structure, the power base of a sole Fire Master, lent now too thoroughly to corruption. Reports were coming in that the Water Clan was scattered in their loss of a leader. Disparate factions, while not fully formed, were still in the making. Ash would not have that of the Fire Clan. If she perished, two others would still take her place, and her Clan would continue on. In this way, she hoped to preserve the power of her people.

"I understand that this may be too much for you at this moment, and you may turn my offer down if you so see fit, but I ask you to please consider it. I would have no others look over the safety and livelihood of our family." Again, the tone was simple, but a small plea crept in. Ash waited for their responses.
Offline Profile
 
Chaos Storm
Member Avatar
Resident
Zane had watched Ash, Sophia, and her guard wonder off to prepare for their travels, and to inform the people of what was going on. Zane would send Sala to gather all the air clan members. Meanwhile Zane himself went to talk with some of the more respected and trusted members of the air clan that came with him personally, and to give his orders. He would return with Lady Ash to the fire Kingdom as a good sign of faith of their alliance, and he needed to make sure his people were well taken care of while he was gone. So he gave his second in command some orders, some of which were top secret.

The orders were for him to take the others and head back to the main camp. Gather everyone, and then make a announcement of what happen, and that Zane as sealed a alliance with the Fire Clan. Zane would prefer to give the speech himself, but he needed to be else where, so he would just have his Lt. organize a speech, and say it on his behalf. The Second Order was for the Air Clan to re-locate to the center area of their main lands, and this way if Earth or Water decide to attack they will have to cover the greatest amount of distant to attack their main camp, taking large amounts of supplies, and taking longer to move their forces, along with increasing the chance of them getting spotted. The third orders were for them to not take chances, and be taking measures with look outs, 24 hour guards, and "observers" to watch the people, watch out for spies, and traitors, and also help groups to help the people that would be hit the hardest by the deaths they have gained.

Zane fourth order was to send a group of 10 solders to each Earth, and Water clans to bring them extra supplies, and helping hands. Along with to promote friendship to lower the amount of people suspecting Air was behind the attack of the Brooke, and to lower the chance of a attack. Along with finding out if there be war, for example if they are attacked, and do not send word back in a week due to their deaths. The 10 solders would have permission to defend their self, and be cautions of everyone. He also gave three more orders, but gave one to three of his most trusted people, and did not tell the others. As the final three were top secret. Then the council or group he gave all the orders to would go to the group Sala gathered, and take them away from the valley and back home.

Zane then would take Sala with him, and head to Lady Ash who by this point would had made her speech, and prepared for departure. After some final preparations, they all headed out heading to the Fire Clan lands. Some days would pass. They would arrive in the fire clan, being able to make good time unfortunately due to heading back with less members than what came. Due to the deaths from nature. Zane and Sala were gave one of the Clay Buildings that the Fire Clan live in. Zane did not fail to mention to Sala "You could be the other woman" as a tease. Since Zane was suppose to be dating/with Ash, yet was not sleeping in the same building. Yet he had another woman with him. This would be quite easy for the fire clan to make rumors about Zane not being "faithful". On the other hand, Zane also gave Sala a complement. Most people would say Zane was full of his self, so him even joking about it, tactically meant that he consider Sala worthy of enough to be the other woman. Since he was saying she was pretty enough that other people could look at it like that.

Currently it was a new morning, a new day. Zane had gotton up early and was looking around the fire clan's area. He had his normal robe on, with the air clan symbol. Along with a pole on his back, that he normally carries with him. He left Sala sleeping at their building last he looked, and Zane was spending this time to look around the place. He was being gave looks from the fire clan, he figured some were thinking he was a mistake, that the fire clan should not be with the air clan. Some did not trust the air clan with thinking they were the once to kill Brooke, and some even hated Zane for taking their Princess as his woman. Though Zane figured if Ash heard him say it that way he would get slapped. Zane had one child come up to him and gave him a piece of bread, and another kid to throw a rock at him, though he used his wind to stop it. Zane would have to prepare to send some supplies to the fire clan also. After all, the deaths of people at the valley meant some families were without a father or mother that brought food in or such. Other might be a kid without a parent now. Zane had saw Ash walking around at some point, but did not go talk with her, they could have a talk during lunch or dinner.
Offline Profile
 
Myriad
Member Avatar
Visitor
Arram brooded within his cell. The plans of disaster were all but wiped from his mind; the assassination was a thing of the past. Arram was deep within his thoughts, working the four same words over and over again.

Tainted.

Blighted.

Polluted.

Defiled.


Escape was futile. He could escape from this cage, but he would not be able to escape the plague upon his body and soul while he lived and breathed.

Arram did not seek equality for all peoples. Arram sought retribution for his kind, the ones who had lived as slaves and outcasts for so long.

Joining the Elementalists was not an acceptable solution. Therefore, Arram would not be able to witness the life of peace that the planet would enjoy after the death of all those who bore elements. A life of peace that he would start, if not carry out completely.

Arram must die. But not before he killed the kingpins and led the way for a revolution.

Arram watched the door to his cell, his gaze unwavering in the face of his death. Three more leaders. Then he would go.
Offline Profile
 
Anamnesis
Member Avatar
Member
Cera should have ran. Disappeared without a trace like she did after the coup but she couldn't. Not after Twin Peaks, not after the destruction left behind in its wake and certainly not with the knowledge that the Fire Clan was devastated and grieving for their breathren. Their loss was far too great and showed the other clans a weakness that could not be rectified any time soon.

Her pride swayed back to life at that very moment but she did run again. A guard had spotted her when she was helping out the infirmary. She had recognised the uniform and immediately felt it wasn't yet time for her to reveal herself to Ash. Cera fled from the compound and just ran without any sense of direction. It wasn't until she stopped to rest did she realise she had unconciously began running in the opposite direction of home. She was moving further away but her entire being was telling her that she had to return.

As she made camp for the night, Cera's thoughts had gone back in time around the period of the coup. She relived the people, her training and her memories. A familiar pain struck her chest when she recalled him. Cera gave a bittersweet smile and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. As the night went on, she dreamnt back all those memories from that time but one memory played in her dream so clearly as though she was reliving that very night again. It was the last night she had spent with him. As they laid in each other's arms before their very world change, they had talked; talked about things that mattered to them. They talked about each other but hey had ended their conversation with one thing in mind: their love for their people.

Cera awoke just as the sun began to rise. Her fingers trailed her lips as though that night had just happened yesterday. She knew. Knew he understood why she had ran after that day. To her, it felt like he forgave her for anything even before the actual battle began. Whether she could fully come to terms with it any time soon she wasn't sure, but she knew that she had to go back. Her clan needed her as she was before she left and not as the wandering rogue that she was now. Her parents, her brother and he fought valiantly for her village and she would return to do so once again. She would face whatever punishment awaited her, if there was any, head on because she would not run from her birth place ever again. She gathered her things and started travelling towards her village.

-----A few hours later-----

Cera tracked across the terrain that outlined the Fire Clan. It had been a long, tiring journey but as she stood on top of a cliff, a sense of nostalgia washed over her as she took in the image of the very place she used to see almost every day of her life. As the last bit of sun faded away from the night sky, Cera focused on the great Fire Clan burial area. The fireplace that signified the period after a burial was lit but Cera noticed nothing that signified a large number of bodies had been cremated. It was her understanding that Ash most likely performed the ceremony at the Twin Peaks itself.

Cera stood still, closing her eyes as spoke softly a prayer of passing for the Fire Clan. She opened her eyes and headed away from her village. It was late and she didn't want to intrude on anyone, especially when she knew her brethren would still be rattled by their loss. She would go to Ash's headquarters in the morning. For now, she would sleep under the stars like she did for most of the past year.

-----The next morning-----

Cera stretched her limbs as she felt the blaze that was Father Sun. She looked up, eyes closed as she basked in the sun. It felt like a new beginning. She was finally back home and it felt like there would be something positive in doing so. It also felt like the Fire Clan would be able to face what lay ahead of them despite their loss.

She took a deep breath and exhaled, casting her gaze towards the village. The market area was already bustling with activity. It looked like everyone was trying their best to carry on, a strength that her brethren possessed. However just because they were doing so didn't mean that they grieved for their loss any less.

The smell of grilling meats and fresh bread wafted towards Cera. Her stomach growled and she smiled. It had been a long time since she'd been back and a sense of nostalgia washed over her. The one thing about running away was that she left behind food that had been a staple food for most of her life. Cera figured it would be best if she got a decent meal before visiting Ash. As she made her way to the village, she hoped she didn't come into any trouble before seeing her Fire Master again.
Edited by Anamnesis, September 23, 2011, 1:53 am.
Like a mistress of memory,
I bask in knowledge of the past,
hidden behind killer curves and a demure smile.


Posted Image
Offline Profile
 
Blue
Member Avatar
The Token Australian
As the now united crowds dispersed Dante’s faint smile remained, refusing to depart from her features. She hadn’t felt this good about anything for a long time, and while they were all a long way from any kind of solid victory, this was most certainly the beginning of something better, something much bigger. The Earth Master watched as her people chanted and cheered while they made their exit, when suddenly her eyes caught something even more inspiring. Leaning on a tree right near the back of the meeting place was Raja, and though her friend looked like she’d seen better days, the girl was convinced that she’d be able to change that in a heartbeat. Sure, they’d only known each other for a few days, but no two people ever went through such a tragedy together without coming out the other side much closer because of it.

“So… what’d you think? Should I have been a little less arrogant, or was I on the right track?” She chuckled, stepping in to give the red-headed girl a hug. “I’m glad you came back with us; believe me when I say no one appreciates that more than I do.” Dante wrapped her arms around Raja tightly – enough to show that she really did mean it, but not so tight that it would cause any discomfort. A little voice inside her head asked her why she was being so affectionate, but she shut it out quickly, already knowing the answer rather well. Raja was simply the only person she’d found herself able to connect with on any level since Master Terrence had taken her under his wing. She was the only person who she felt she could be around without feeling like she had to be a Leader; Raja had a relaxing effect on her – no formalities, no calls to impress.

“We need to talk about something, and while I understand more than anything that you probably want to talk about this just as much as I do, things need to be said…” Dante’s thoughts flashed back to the Peaks, how Raja had followed her every instruction without hesitation, how she’d saved Cyril – and how he’d requested she be rewarded and given prestige for her actions. And most of all, how she’d come back.

“In the Peaks, you displayed insurmountable courage and strength in a dire situation, when most of us were down and out. You saved Cyril, and both he and I have your thanks for that. You assembled my men and got them to a safe location where I could finally talk with them about our next move. There’s a whole lot that you’ve got that the Earth Clan needs and will need in the days to come, a whole lot that I’ll need in days to come. And though you are my only friend, I would be comfortable in saying that you’re certainly the best one too…” With that smile still lingering, Dante took a step back.

“Which is exactly why I have to do this… Kneel.” The Earth Master then outstretched her palms and faced them towards the Earth below her feet. As she closed her eyes and slowly raised her arms, the ground below her raised a couple feet higher than the rest of the flat surface. Those who had hung around after the speech watched on as their Leader performed the task, confusion struck all over their faces.

“Raja, I hereby appoint you the title of “Head Bodyguard”. This gives you power over all of my Troops and Advisors, as well as the general population, and effectively makes you my Apprentice. I value your opinion over that of anyone else in this Clan, and I know for a fact that you’ll do an exceptional job. You can stand.” And with that, the Earth returned to its natural state. “Congrats on becoming the second most powerful person in the Clan, my friend. And don’t worry; above all else, it’s our friendship that I value most.”

The smile widened a little more then, and Dante threw herself in for another hug.

“Please don’t ever change...”

'Friends will come and go, but you're stuck with your Mates forever."
Offline Profile
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
DealsFor.me - The best sales, coupons, and discounts for you
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Fantasy · Next Topic »
Locked Topic
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 5
  • 7

Roleplay Gateway