| 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: |
| Elements Reborn IC; Elemental war; a roleplay of strategy, power, and manipulation (figurative/literal) | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: June 13, 2011, 11:44 pm (5,463 Views) | |
| Jei Ai | November 18, 2011, 7:17 am Post #151 |
![]()
Member
|
Any hopes of having found a new warrior to join the hardened ranks of the Everlights; any curiosity that the girl before her bore noble or courageous blood; any glint of interest Kenina had held in Cera’s past and present, disappeared in an instant. In its place, a cold back fire burned inside the newly appointed Commander of the Military, and her jaw set as the hand on her weapon tightened. The girl before her was no Fire Clan sister, but a coward, and a deserter; not someone to be trusted, let alone with the precious treasure that was the Master of their nation. So she’d been there during the coup, had she? Her parents had served Ash’s father? Despite the near impossibility of such things, they were not the issue at hand. Cera had fled. If her circumstances had been so dire, then why had she returned now, of all times, when the Fire Clan was truly at its weakest? Why had she been at Twin Peaks, when Ash was so vulnerable? And why was she now commanding an audience with the great and good Master? Kenina felt almost disappointed in herself for believing she had found a new sister for battle, and a small, exhausted smile played on her lips. Face averted downwards, Kenina traced the roots of the tree with her eyes. Her voice was quiet, but full of sincerity and authority. “I was there also. I remember the fear, the adrenaline, the unknown. I remember Master Ash and her father. I remember the tyranny that we conquered, and I remember how it seemed that the very fires of hell seemed to roar across our lands.” Looking up, Kenina met Cera’s eyes with her own. “And I also remember staying.” The Everlight held fire beneath her lashes, and if she could have struck down the girl with sight alone, she knew that Cera would be nothing but soot and ash right now. “Do not preach to me, stranger, on the happenings of the coup. I was there. I fought hard. I stayed by Master Ash’s side. I am her most loyal servant, and I have been with her through it all. How then do I not remember you?” Though it was true that Kenina had not known her Master before the coup, she was struggling to see how two people could not remember fighting in arms together, if only for a short while. Kenina did not remember Cera, and it was damn obvious that Cera held no memory of the fiery Kenina. Reaching across like lightning to grip her spear with both hands, Kenina swung an end down to meet Cera’s chest. She held the sharpened blade mere inches from the flesh of the stranger, and strengthened her stance through her thighs. “You left Master Ash – no, you left the entire clan – when you were most needed. You fled; why? What reason could you have for fleeing once victory was ours? What knowledge could you possibly have to redeem yourself?” Kenina could feel the fire burning inside her as if preparing for battle then and there. She was ready should Cera – unwisely – choose to strike back. “You followed our clan to the Peaks, when the earth opened up to swallow our people, and you appear again now when our clan is wounded to seek the wise Master? Do you take me for a fool, stranger? Do you think I will allow you to slip by me so easily? You abandoned the clan. You deserted us in a time of need. There is only one reason you might have fled once victory was ours; traitor!” Holding the spear with steady hands, she motioned a small threat with the blade, a snarl pulling the Everlight’s lip up her cheek. “You have very limited time to give me a reason to let you live. No more riddles, no more hiding. Tell me your purpose with Master Ash or I shall rip you navel to nose before burning your still living flesh. Quickly now, I have other matters to attend, other than your demise.” ... Rubbing her temples, Kenina’s thoughts drifted back into the present. The events concerning Cera seemed insignificant compared to the dismay that faced the Clan now. The scarlet-lined tent in which she sat was small, and the desk she worked upon was humble, by her own request. She did not deserve the spoils that her beloved Master was offered. Reaching forward, Kenina returned the black vulture-feather quill into the jar of red ink and pushed aside the parchment. Yet another request for Everlight protection on the small villages of the Fire Clan sat just before her, and Kenina re-read her reply denying a handful of the most elite guards in the nation. Within her gut, she knew it was wrong. But reports of Everlight deaths were becoming more frequent. Someone, or something, was slowly working their way through the ranks of the proud Everlights, and they had no leads. Instead, the city guard were being sent to the stretches of the nation. Whatever it was killing the Everlights had already infiltrated the land, and was making its way towards the inner city. The outer villages were, by that logic, quite safe now, and acted only out of fear. With the Everlights becoming smaller in number than ever before, the Fire Clan couldn’t afford to send their finest warriors beyond the approaching threat. Rising from her chair, Kenina walked about the desk and moved towards the table resting in the centre of the tent. Spread out upon the table was a map of the fire nation and their territories, finely detailed and hand drawn with black ink on stained and yellowed parchment. Tiny red and gold stones carved into various shapes and symbols were scattered about the map, indicating the whereabouts and movement of the Fire clan’s military and guard. The scare remaining twirling flames – the Everlights – were gathered in the city and just beyond the wall. Reaching out with gentle fingers, Kenina careful shifted five towers – the City guard – to the outer village of Nythura. To the side of the table, and off the map, were several tiny yellow stars; fashioned in a rush to accommodate the presence of the Air Clan military during their stay. Beside them lay a yellow bird, face down; the fallen Air Master, Zane. His death had both shaken the nation and brought forth relief for some who did not appreciate the presence of the Air Clan on Fire soil. Kenina was one such person. But it brought the integrity of the Fire Clan into question, and Kenina had since been struggling under the weight of public suspicion. A final character, a flaming red horse in mid-gallop, stood off the map, away from the yellow painted stones. Somehow, amidst the chaos, Kenina and the Everlights had managed to keep Ash’s disappearance hidden from the public. It was only a matter of time before they knew. ... Kenina blinked down, speechless, at the blackened rock Cera held out before her. To anyone else, the object would seem a simple piece of coal or rock that was black with soot. But to Kenina, it meant so much more. She knew that if you were to reach out and touch it, the surface would be littered with tiny carvings and decorative patterns. The stone itself was once ragingly hot, and though now cool maintained an eerie sense of warmth against the flesh. Keeping the spear firm and steady with one hand, Kenina reached up with her other and lightly brushed her fingers across her neck. There, hanging from a thin leather strap, rested a duplicate stone, sitting boldly against the white flesh of the Everlights collarbone. A totem, in remembrance of that day. That fateful day… The silence was broken as a fellow Everlight approached. A lower rank, named Kris by his father, approached with bated breath and urgency upon his lips. “Master Ash is gone.” The words were barely processed before Kenina sprung into action. Not one to be unsettled or shocked, she spoke quickly, pulling back her spear and replacing it behind her back. “Kris, take this woman away. Not the prisons, but not the tents either. Guard her: I don’t want her sleeping, eating or breathing without your knowledge of it. I trust you won’t fail me. Go, and tell no one of our Master’s departure,” The words were spoken at Kris, but addressed Cera just as much as the faithful Everlight. Turning towards the scarlet flags of the tents, Kenina started at a brisk sprint towards the quarters of her wise Master. ... But not all hope was lost. Close to twenty-five new recruits were well on their way to becoming Everlights, and dozens more were due to begin training over the next few days. The background-check process was exhausting, but worth it to produce the highest class of Everlights. Now with more males accepted into the ranks, the elite warrior class promised to grow at a much faster rate. It seemed Kenina had already made at least that small improvement during her short time as protector of the realm. And the killings in turn, while provoking fear in citizens, also saw the Guard and City Watch numbers rise dramatically. Although lower, less specialised factions, the man-power and mass of the two groups was necessary. Not everyone could be an Everlight, but anyone could serve the Fire Clan. Though the Clan seemed approaching ruin, at least the military as a whole could build and stay strong. How long it would last was a different question. Master Ash had to return – and soon – else the potential for chaos would escalate. And this Everlight killer needed to be caught. It gave Kenina headaches trying to decide which was of greater priority, and so both causes had been given the same resources. And still, no word. “Where are you, Master…” Kenina murmured down to the fiery mare that sat quiet and cold to the side of the map. For some reason, the Everlight felt that her return would somehow fix the other dire issue in turn. Suddenly, a messenger swept into the tent through the loose hanging canvas that sheltered the inside from the heat of the day. Hesitating at the door, Kenina waved them in, standing up straight and proper to receive the message. Sweat covered the brow of the young man who handed over a very hastily written note, betraying the urgency of the words before it was read. Kenina’s eyes flew once across the tiny piece of parchment before turning immediately for the desk. Calm and ready as always – undaunted – she reached for a quill and quickly scrawled and signed an urgent message. Once completed, she gathered her spear before turning to the young and sweating boy again. “Take this to the Everlight named Kris. Stop for no reason. People will no doubt be intercepting messengers given what has happened, so try to be discrete and fast. If Kris asks why, tell him because I said so.” With a nod, the boy left, already sprinting before he left the room. Fitting her spear into the small of her back, and collecting her robe from over the chair of the desk, Kenina followed soon after. “Sophia, what have you done…” Edited by Jei Ai, November 20, 2011, 11:42 am.
|
![]() '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 | |
![]() |
|
| Wicked | November 20, 2011, 12:20 am Post #152 |
|
The Derp Queen
|
҉ Unknown ҉ For a moment, she was utterly lost in a piercing silence. Sophia was petrified, still against the accusation that had been blown her way. For a moment, they thought she hadn’t heard a thing they’d said. But, then, she stirred just slightly. A tear formed in one eye, and then the other. And then, the water fled from the edge of her lids and downward, rushing and cascading as if a dam had come undone behind her retinas. Sophia began to sob, uncontrollably, and the sounds of her cries racked against the nerves of those around her. They were nervous and unsure how to deal with this sudden development, as the young girl before them curled into a small ball on the cot they’d placed her on and continued to cry. Somehow, they’d expected something like this. But, some had suspected that the Fire Master’s sister would go into a rage at the accusation, throttling them all and murdering them as she had Zane, all the while refuting the crime. Or, that she would accept her sins and kill them anyways. In reality, they had no idea what to expect. This, though, was a bit of a relief. No one, besides the Air Master, was dead yet at the hands of the volatile female before them. Sophia was suffocating under grief. She had no recollection of killing anyone- let alone Zane. As much as she didn’t like the fool being promised to Ash under false pretences, Sophia had never wished harm on him. She never really wanted death to fall on anyone, and most definitely not at her own hands. Her body heaved and shook with her sobs as she buried her face into her knees, held tightly by her thin arms. With her eyes shut against the downpour, Sophia dug through her mind and past the horror that was choking her. She wanted to remember, desperately, but nothing would dare come forth. Even the people about her weren’t completely certain that Sophia had committed the crime. She could have fought it but, somewhere in the pit of her sickened stomach, she sensed the truth: she’d murdered another human being. An image of Zane’s dead, lifeless body flashed before Sophia’s shut eyes and lingered there even as she wished it gone. His eyes stared at her, blank yet accusing, and she felt knives stab at her. She felt despair. She felt grief. She drowned in dismay. From outside, her skin was turning bleak. The radiance was gone and hushed tones took over the room as the others grew weary of her behavior, and her body’s reaction. Slowly, though, Sophia came to. Her shoulders, which shook fiercely, began to lower themselves with her toned down cries. Her eyes ran dry and streaks were left on her face from where her tears had fallen. They stained her clothes, as well, but as she lifted her heavy head from the comfort of her knees, Sophia ignored it all. Instead, she looked up at the faces that surrounded her feeble form, a mixture of fear and weariness staring back at her, and prepared herself for what she was about to say. “I am guilty of murder. And, as such, should be punished severely. Whatever kind of punishment you think is just, please exact it upon me. If you must, look to Kenina’s advisement for what is to be done with me,” Sophia stated, her voice heavy but firm in conviction. She knew that there was no way about it. If it had been her sister, she would accept the consequences with grace and, so, so would Sophia despite the fact that she feared it with her life. Would her sister even look at her after this? Slowly, she adjusted herself and began to rise from the bed. The others in the room were unsettled but one woman braced herself and stepped forward to take a hold of Sophia’s left upper arm; whether as support or to keep her from running, it was unsure. She lead the young woman from the small building to meet the eyes of some Fire members who’d clustered about the place in preparation to see the murderer of the Air Clan Master. Sophia did not cast down her eyes, nor did she meet the eyes that watched hers. Instead, she stared straight forward- to whatever lay ahead as she put one foot in front of the other- all the while wanting to run and hide. ҉ Earth ҉ “Everyone, get back to work. This wall is almost done, so keep up the pace,” Raja’s resilient voice boomed over the crowd that continued to watch the female who’d arrived until the figure vanished into the center of their village. Immediately, their attention was snapped back to the task at hand and the sound of earth being shifted from below them and upon their barricade commenced. Some people seemed to be hushed entirely, their minds wandering to the strange arrival, and were beginning to slip in concentration when handling their element. Others, the ones that Raja had her eye on for further assignments, went on as if nothing had happened. She admitted, to herself, that the woman had peaked her interest and was, inadvertently, distracting her from supervising. Raja’s mind continued to wander and ponder on why exactly the hooded woman would seek audience with the Earth Master. What business had she? A little part of her was also annoyed that she was able to get through, without the guard she’d placed in charge seeking Raja’s approval first. What if something happened? As much as Raja trusted that Dante could take care of herself fairly well, the Earth wielder still worried that she would be harmed. And that just wouldn’t do. With a frown, Raja peeled her mind away from the dark road it was wandering down and focused on the young man before her that was now finished with his section of the wall. Soon, very soon, the barrier between Earth and war would be done. She began the work of shifting people about, making sure no one had reason to stray from their tasks before making her way to the table she’d set up with a sketch of the finished product. Her hands ran over the parchment, tracing the places the wall still needed improvement on, and began to make fixes with the idea of having watchtowers in mind. Still, the thought of that stranger popped up in her mind. With a groan, Raja put down her chalk and rubbed her temples, attempting to rub away all distractions. Usually, she didn’t have these problems but ever since she’d returned from the Twin Peaks, her entire mindset was beginning to shift. It unsettled her to no end at times, even though she knew it was for the better. “Is something troubling you?” Someone asked from behind, the familiar voice of the young boy she’d been teaching before making her turn to the sound. She gave a small sigh as he approached, glancing down at the model of the wall being erected before them. “I know it’s not my place to speak but this doesn’t look like it needs fixing, so why do you look so distressed?” He continued to ask. The curiosity of the younger generation boggled Raja. “I’m not distressed,” Raja rebutted as she began to dust off the dirt that still lingered on her person, from her shoulder and on her clothes. When she looked back at the boy, who looked incredulous, she continued to defend herself. “I’m not. And don’t you have business to attend to?” “It’s giving me a headache,” he argued. She almost laughed. “Good. That means you’re concentrating. Go back. The wall isn’t going to build itself.” “More’s the pity,” he grumbled before leaving. Raja shook her head and glanced back at her sketch, tracing with her finger the weaving lines of her wall. She needed to focus and finish her task. There wasn’t time, or reason to be distracted. |
![]() |
|
| Dream | November 22, 2011, 3:19 am Post #153 |
|
Mew?
|
Sala - The Wandering Nobody Sala stood among the gathered Fire Nation members, not quite knowing what was going on. Correction: not knowing how to react to it. She stared at Sophia for a few moments before stepping forward. She wasn't going to sit back and watch this. She had to know why. Pushing through the crowd, she made her way in front of her, blocking the woman's path. Sala was angry, there was no denying that, and that anger was spreading. It was a subtle thing, at first. Not even Sala realized what was happening. Before she realized it, people around her were flinching in pain. She was so angry by that point, that she didn't even realize it. It was as if every bit of anger and frustration she ever had was coming out, and it was affecting everyone around her. Sala put a hand out, pushing Sophia. "Why'd you do it?" she asked, her voice rough. Her body was shaking from the anger, and she had long since lost control. Sure, it wasn't all because of the death, but that was indeed a part of it. It was just the thing that pushed her over the edge. Pushed her past her breaking point. And now, there would be hell to pay. |
|
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. | |
![]() |
|
| Anamnesis | November 24, 2011, 1:39 am Post #154 |
|
Member
|
As simple as the idea was to spar, Cera found herself having to rely on Kris to bring them to a compound that was not currently used for training new Everlights. The idea of training interested the blond for it had been 8 years since she last saw the process. It reminded her of her upbringing, growing up with her parents and seeing some of the training when she was a child. Unfortunately this time around she wasn't able to observe it for hours end. Kris made sure that they wouldn't interrupt the training or allow Cera to get close to the training grounds. Cera had to remind herself that she was still deemed a traitor and would have to rebuild any trust she had with anybody. She momentarily wondered whether Ash would forgive her but she shook the thought away. She would have faith in her old friend. Kris led her to a place he knew would be quiet. Cera soon figured out why. Cera followed Kris until they reached a clearing quite similar to where they were both near the farming grounds. Only this time, it was a much further journey and to get to the clearing, you had to go through a maze of sorts to get here. Kris walked towards the middle of the clearing as Cera stood on its outskirts, looking around. "This place is a training ground of sorts. Only a few people know of this place so I use it whenever I want to secretly train." Kris turned around and looked at Cera. "We spar with hands, no weapons." Kris did the honour of taking the sword that rested on his back off with its shealth and put it between a set of rocks. When Kenina had given Kris the role of guard, he had stripped Cera of her weapons and belongings for safe keeping. He had an interest in the choice of weapon she carried and wondered how she would hold her own in a fight but he chose to do all he could to ensure that she wasn't a threat. He just couldn't make for certain if she would use the only weapon he couldn't take from her; fire. "And no fire. If your honour for our clan is still intact, you'll be able to spar with these conditions". Cera remained tightlip. It had been an interesting experience with the male Everlight for when he would start to question her motives, Cera did quite little to defend herself. She would point out certain things but it was nowhere close to the real truth but she knew at one point she would have to come clean to the Everlights about her past; whether it be before or after she spoke to Ash remained unclear. Cera reached up towards her head and tied her hair up with the leather strap that was on her wrist, making her way towards Kris. "In loyalty, do Everlights bear arms for their Master..but true loyalty rests in their capacity to fight with the most basic weapon: themselves." Cera looked Kris in the eye as she said that. It was a simple verse that had been passed down from previous generations of Everlights, and while the true meaning of the verse sparked the fire that these Everlights had, Cera had always been captivated by the verse her father had told her on her thirteenth birthday. Kris on a similar note, shared Cera's sentiment and while he was now an Everlight, it intrigued him to know why she chose that particular verse to speak. But he quickly snapped out of his thoughts when Cera took up a battle stance. He prepared himself for the match. [A few hours later...] Cera hunched down a little, taking small breaths as she tried to conserve her energy but her eyes never stopped watching Kris, who wasn't hunching down like Cera, but one could tell he was doing the same thing. His eyes maintained its challenge but he was also gauging the situation. He didn't think Cera could provide an almost on par combat efficiency as she was displaying. Cera took a deep breath and drew closer, changing her battle stance. She striked out but Kris was prepared. They exchanged a series of blows that lasted a while until Cera finally conceeded. She leaned on a rock, catching her breath as Kris remained standing. He smirked, basking slightly in his win but also the fact that he thoroughly enjoyed sparring with the blond. He was still wary of her situation but his respect for Cera increased from the spar. He walked towards her until he reached his shealth and put the sword back where it belonged. "You did well." Cera wiped sweat off her forehead. "Just not enough." Kris smirked. "I'd make a horrible Everlight if I lost to you." Cera frowned and looked up, unsure if the Everlight had just insulted her or made a passing comment. Kris looked up at the sky, realising that it was getting late. "Come on. We should be getting back." Cera took another deep breath and got up from where she was sitting to follow suit. The journey back was peaceful. Cera paid attention to her surroundings, feeling refreshed from her bout of sparring. It reminded her so much about herself growing up. She always avoided trouble on her journeys but there was the occasional thieves or bandits that ambushed her. She could hold her own but it didn't carry the same feeling of the fights that occured in the Fire clan. It was good to spar against her clan breathren after so long not doing so. Kris and Cera continued their walk back to the city centre when a messenger came rushing towards them. The man had obviously been running errands all day because he seemed almost completely out of breath when he reached them. He passed a note to Kris. As he read through it, the messenger spoke. "This is from Head Everlight Kenina. She said if you asked why, it's because she said so." Kris nodded and the messenger ran off to do another errand. Just what is going on? Kris turned to look at Cera. "Kenina has given me new orders. We're going to the Master's tent until Master Ash returns. Come on." Kris led the way, burning the note in his hand as he walked on. A sense of nostalgia struck Cera as she remembered the last time she stood in her Master's tent. Cera didn't realise how long she had been standing there until Kris called out her name. She snapped out of her thoughts and walked quickly to catchup. Edited by Anamnesis, December 27, 2011, 7:19 am.
|
|
Like a mistress of memory, I bask in knowledge of the past, hidden behind killer curves and a demure smile.
| |
![]() |
|
| avocadosquirrel | November 26, 2011, 10:02 am Post #155 |
![]()
|
The boy scuttled past Vance in his haste to get back to work, away from the stray that stood before him. Raja was covered in dirt and grime. It was little surprise; she obviously did not have the concentration necessary to be a true child of the Earth. Vance shifted such thoughts aside. Any righteous fury could prove disastrous at this junction. After all, plans and tactics were all well and good but in a true battle any slip could spell disaster, even a stray emotion. Vance cast a lingering look at the marvel that rose in front of him; the wall was truly a thing of beauty. Eventually the Earth clan would stand above all others and the wall would be necessary to keep the masss of forsaken away from the chosen people. Admittedly, some changes would stil have to be made to the current list of 'chosen' and the first change would occur with the wanderer in front of him. "Mistress Raja, I was wondering if I might have a word in private. It will only take a minute I assure you.” A smile which showed too many teeth played on Vance’s face as he motioned a copse of trees a short distance away. |
![]() |
|
| Jei Ai | November 27, 2011, 5:17 am Post #156 |
![]()
Member
|
A certain stillness was to be found within the streets of the market district, by the great wall, the guard’s camp within which was nestled Master Ash’s canvas tent, the residential huts… Emptiness and silence hung eerily about, and it set Kenina on edge. Quickening her pace, the Everlight made her way towards the Healer’s Ward she’d been summoned to. It seemed, however, most of the city-dwelling Fire nationals had beaten her, and a large crowd had gathered. Running now, Kenina approached, noticing the sea of people begin to part as a single, frail figure was escorted unceremoniously from the ward. Even from a distance, the sightless look on the figure’s face was enough to give away exactly who was being dragged into the masses, whose faces in turn reflected everything from confusion and fear, to anger and disgust. It appeared Sophia had finally woken. It had been four long days of waiting; Sophia had been found with the very dead Zane, secluded and alone, and unconscious. Frozen, of all things, from tip to toe, healers had been working hard to revive her so that she might shed some light upon the situation. Doubting the guilt of the blind and gentle sister to her Master, Kenina had not ordered her immediate arrest, but rather hoped the girl would know what had happened. Of course, not everyone felt so lenient and many had suspicions of her guilt. After reading the note she received moments ago, Kenina had been cursing herself for not considering such a thing. Sophia had confessed to the murder of Air Master Zane. As the murmuring of the crowds came into earshot, Kenina became aware of a certain tingling in the ends of her limbs; her fingertips, her toes, the top of her head… Shaking off the feeling, the Protector of the Realm continued to rush forward in time to see an unbranded and unknown citizen step forward and halt the passage of Sophia and the female guard escorting her. Frowning, Kenina reached back and retrieved her spear, gripping it tightly and slowing down as she entered the crowd, not wanting to injure those who stood too close. As she stepped into the sea of people, the tingling became hot. Short, sharp jolts shot up Kenina’s arms and legs, and the unusual sensation was enough to bring a look of discomfort to the hard woman’s face. Squinting and flinching her fingers slightly, she looked about to notice that those around her were moaning and startling in pain; the same pain she was experiencing. What was this power…? Looking up, the woman who had stopped Sophia was looming dangerously close to the Master’s Sister, and anger seemed to be absolutely radiating from her. Keeping as clear and logical as ever, Kenina was quick to link the two events together, and called for her nearby Everlights to pull towards her with several small and short bird whistles, made with her lips. Flanked now by five of her best and boldest, Kenina cried out for the crowd to make way as the painful tingling continued to shoot through her. “Make way! Move!” Pressing through, the surrounding nationals bowed out of the way with moans and motions that indicated their shared pain. “Hold steady…” Kenina spoke over her shoulder to the Everlights that walked obediently behind and beside her, their faces disciplined and pulled in such a manner as to not portray their own discomfort; it was not the Everlight way to show pain. Reaching the front at last, Kenina and her Everlights made their presence known, the flankers fanning out to create the appearance of mass and intimidation. “Enough!” Weapons in hand, although not readied for slaughtering, the troop sent a clear message; do not screw with us. Stepping forward from the ranks, the Protector of the Realm moved forward to stand beside both Sophia and the woman whose crazed anger had channelled pain into the surrounding crowd. “Calm yourself stranger, or I shall be forced to make you.” Kenina spoke with a deadly serious tone, her spear a reminder of her strength, and the emblem upon her chest a reminder of her authority. Raising a hand, Kenina ushered forward two of her Everlights to flank the woman should she decide to lash out. They did not touch her, but the message was clear. She was required to back away. Turning back to Sophia, Kenina’s voice softened from anger but remained hard and firm as she tried to reassure the blind and grieving girl. “Sophia, my Everlights will be escorting you to the Guard Camp, where you will be held for the time being. There is much to discuss; this matter is beyond our jurisdiction alone. Until such a time as the matter can be handled, you will be held in incarceration,” Hesitating a moment, the Everlight added on, “I’m sorry.” In truth, Kenina was not entirely saddened by the death of Zane; he’d been an arrogant bastard in her mind. A small part of her had swelled with respect for the fragile looking girl when she had first heard of what had come to pass. But such thoughts were undiplomatic to say the least, and best kept out of the matter. Murder was murder was murder. Once again turning to the stranger, Kenina commented, “And you’ll be following suit if you’re not careful…” Finally, Kenina turned to the crowd, announcing in a loud voice so that all could hear clearly; there would undoubtedly be exaggerations and misconceptions if she didn’t. “It is true, Sophia has confessed to the murder of Air Master Zane four suns ago. But it is also true that she is entitled to the freedoms of all Fire Nationals. For four days she has lain ill, frozen and unconscious. Anything said within the immediacy of waking will not be taken seriously by the court until further interrogation can be achieved. Her pleas of guilty or not guilty will not be heard until tomorrow at the earliest, whence she has recovered her head.” Hearing the sounds of disbelief and protest begin within the crowd, Kenina slammed her spear into the ground for silence. “She is the flesh and blood of our Master, Ash. Only she can judge this matter. We cannot be reconciled if there is no justice involved.” With a second wave of her hand, the Everlights converged swiftly, taking either side of Sophia and beginning to escort her towards the holding cells. Kenina watched carefully as they left, hoping Sophia would co-operate; though she had not initially warmed to the girl, Kenina did not wish for the girl to find herself in greater trouble than she was already. Warily, the leader of the Everlights turned to the stranger, studying the woman. Calling out to the crowd around her, while still watching the stranger, Kenina called for them to disperse and go about their daily activities as normal; there was nothing left to see here. She would have to tend to Sophia eventually, but it really was Master Ash’s decision to make. The Fire clan needed their Master back. Attention drawn back to the moment, Kenina frowned suspiciously at the woman. With Everlights turning up dead across the nation, the new and startling power this woman held was off-putting to say the least. “What brings you here, stranger?” |
![]() '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 | |
![]() |
|
| Blue | November 27, 2011, 12:16 pm Post #157 |
|
The Token Australian
|
Dante sized up Ash for a few uneasy seconds as she decided whether or not it was safe to trust the Fire Clan’s Leader. It was clear that she hadn’t killed Zane – with her own ability – but as far as she knew, the Everlights were just as capable of accomplishing the deed as their Master. The Air-Head had never really been one who’d seemed fit for combat, and as far as facing a wielder of fire… Heck, it was like putting a fan to a flame. In fact, symbolism aside, that’s exactly what it was. No light-footed Wind-Whisperer ever had a chance against any other kind of element, at least not without great struggle on their part. It’d always appeared that whilst Air was incredibly useful off the battlefield, it was the weakest on it. Admittedly, Dante had only seen minimal amounts of Air’s combat techniques, but from what she –had- seen, it wasn’t anything impressive. In either case however, the idea that Ash had killed Zane was impossible. It was the fact that Ash could’ve easily given an order authorising someone else to do it for her which was not. The Earth Master slipped a stray strand of hair behind her ear and sighed. The guards present seemed much more on edge than herself or their guest, all of their hands balled into fists and strengthening their foothold on the Earth below them. Some of them gazed at Dante with concern, whilst others kept their eyes squarely on the Fire Master. But before they could take another precaution… “Everyone out, now. It’s time for the Masters to talk - Get back to the wall.” The Woman’s orders were firm and stern, and disallowed any kind of questioning. The guards all paused for a moment, before bowing silently and left the room, the last of them shutting the door behind him. Immediately, her focus snapped back to the Fire Master. There was no emotion anywhere on Ash’s features, which led Dante to believe that either there was indeed an deep, underlying reason for her presence, or that she was simply as unsure as the one in charge of the Earth Clan regarding recent events. More uneasy silence plagued the room. “May I ask why you travelled for four days just to talk to me, Master Ash? Because I sure as heck don’t believe that it was just to come by and see how we’re coming along. As you may’ve seen, we’re in the middle of preparation for war, and I’m not too happy about letting just anyone come along and take a gander at our operations, ally or otherwise. It’s become all too clear recently that we can’t be too sure about who we can trust, and while I’m certain that you didn’t murder Zane yourself, there is much to suggest that there’s more to all of this than what we can see.” Dante paced as she talked, the diplomatic Leader in her taking charge. There were so many ways that Zane’s assassination could be taken, and not just by the Earth Clan… How would Cyril and his Clan react..? “You and I both know that War is oncoming, Master. But at this time, I find myself struggling to distinguish between my ally and my enemy. So please, by all means, tell me which of these you’d prefer to be, and point me in the direction of the other.” |
|
'Friends will come and go, but you're stuck with your Mates forever." | |
![]() |
|
| Dream | November 27, 2011, 7:54 pm Post #158 |
|
Mew?
|
Sala - The Wandering Nobody At the sound of voices, Sala turned slightly to find the source. She soon spotted a woman approaching her, and glared, her anger increasing. “Calm yourself stranger, or I shall be forced to make you.” the woman said, coming up to a stop next to her. She heard that, and let out a slight laugh. "Force me?" she laughed harshly. "Hasn't there been enough death already?" she growled, getting more angry. They were pushing her in all the wrong ways. As she got more angry, she began to realize that her anger was affecting those around her. While Sala generally wasn't a violent person, there had been so much going on that was piling up around her. If she would have taken a few minutes to think things through, she would have realized that she was making a stupid decision, but that didn't much matter at that point. The pain that everyone around her was experiencing soon became apparent to her, and somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered if it was her fault, but she shrugged the thought off. It couldn't be her fault, could it? Escaping from her thoughts, Sala realized that the woman was continuing. “And you’ll be following suit if you’re not careful…” Sala blinked a few times as she realized the woman was talking to her. "Are you threatening me?" she nearly screamed, her anger increasing. Getting her angry wasn't a good thing. She still had no idea of the type of power she had, but it was there none the less. There, and affecting everyone around her. The pain wouldn't kill anyone, no, it would take much more than simple anger to do so, but it would make them much more uncomfortable. "You have no right to tell me what to do! I am not yours to command." she then turned back to Sophia. "Why did you do it?" she asked again, her voice sharp. She then turned to the other woman, realizing that she was being spoken to again. “What brings you here, stranger?” the woman asked her. Sala glared. "Why should I answer to you?" she asked. Her voice still held the same anger, but she could feel her body weakening. Using that much power, even it being unknown, was taking a toll on her. She didn't understand why, but it was. Probably due to the fact that it was used in anger, she wasn't weakening near as much as she would have been had she been using that same power under other circumstances. |
|
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. | |
![]() |
|
| Juicesir | November 27, 2011, 8:52 pm Post #159 |
![]()
Sexy Shoeless God of Something
|
"Simple. Ally." The Master minced no words. With the guards gone and the time so precious, she couldn't spare anything. Not even the truth. All must be known, and it had to be known now. And the Fire Master had every intention of telling it. "Dante, I am going to be very blunt with you. Some of the things I will say will not be taken well by you, but it is by my openness that I hope our friendship can be fostered." She broke a moment. Friendship. Could such a thing truly come to pass between the Fire and the Earth? Composure regained, she took a breath and began. "You ask me why I have ridden four days to come here. It is on behalf of my people that I do so. The hour of war is far later than you could have imagined. Were Master Zane still alive and were I still at camp, I fear that the party I would lead to your Clan would be one of such destruction. You see," Ash braced herself to reveal the truth she had long desired to share, taking a moment to breath, "Zane wished to unite the four clans, through force and subjugation." She allowed a moment's pause for the weight of those words to settle upon the Earth Master, and then continued. Her heart beat right. This was what she was must say, no matter what Dante thought of her afterwards. "Back at the Peaks, Zane presented me with a dark truth with which he used to blackmail myself and my people. Zane approached me in the aftermath of that day saying that his people had searched our tents, Fire's tents, and discovered Air Clan robes. The same Air Clan robes, it seemed, that the assassin was wearing." As Ash spoke she could again feel the grass around her, again see that hill, again feel the wind blowing the smell of death across the fields. "In the aftermath of our ruin, he had the gal to suggest that Fire Clan was the one responsible for such a downfall of all our kind's, and with that mark against us, he used it to subjugate our people. I must admit," and here Ash strove her hardest not to show the pain she felt at having been wrong, "that I gave into the blackmail easily. I thought I would be able to root out the true culprit from within the enemy's camp. Keep your allies close, your enemies closer I thought." She turned to look at Dante, these words the hardest thus far to say. "I was wrong." She looked at Dante, eyes welling up, the hurt of the admission tearing at her pride. Her soul. But her heart kept beating on reassuringly. "He used that against us. He has occupied the Fire Clan and had intended to launch invasions east and west at Earth and Water. The implications were terrible. He would have used Fire! Like it were a tool! As if it were his own element to wield and abuse and mistake with! I know that man, Dante. I knew him well. He was a fool, and he has since that day haunted my steps and very being. My Fire, my people, were at his total whim." The Fire Master took a moment to calm herself, to clear her mind. She did a small breathing exercise, allowed the warmth of the world to pervade and ease her troubled mind. And she pressed on. "I cannot say I am sorry for his loss. There is no part of me that regrets it. For now my people are free. You don't understand what it's been like. How he forced me t-to..." She couldn't say it. She swallowed. "To be with with him. To be with that thing. To put up a facade of something I wasn't and let my people be a party to his atrocities. I know my people did not do that terrible thing, Dante! I KNOW IT! I know it in my heart just as I know you and I were meant to be allies, to be friends. He planned with me, told me things. He wanted the world at his fingertips. He wanted all clans to ally with him, to be at his command. He wanted me first. He used me! And he used my people! And he would use us all to his own end of conquest! He was delusional and dangerous, and I'm glad he's dead! My people are better off without him. We all are." "He told me of war plans. Forced my secrecy. I came here to warn you of his plot, to expose and free my people. To get rid of this terrible oath. And someone has done it for me." She got down on her knees, at the feet of the Earth Master. "I have surrendered nearly all my power, Dante. I placed my guard, the Everlights, in the hands of my most valorous warrior. I placed my people and their well-being in the hands of my trusted sister. I don't know who killed Zane or how it was done, but I fear for my people, Dante. I fear for their future and the future of us all. So now," she lowered her head, "with this final surrender, I place my trust in you. Join with me. Help me find this evil and root it out, dear sister. Let us together end this needless strife among the world and unite the clans." She looked up, up at the Master she now swore allegiance, up at the friend she now hoped was her's. She didn't care about the tears, she didn't care about how tired she was or her leg or any of it. It didn't matter. All that mattered was her people. Peace. Unity. "I can't do this alone any longer." |
![]() |
|
| Wicked | November 29, 2011, 3:18 am Post #160 |
|
The Derp Queen
|
҉ Earth ҉ The wall: stretched onward in all directions, encircling Earth’s home territory lovingly like a mother would it’s child. It would protect this land, much like a mother would, and it was just as majestic as the smile on a mother’s face- the face of Raja’s mother. A small sigh escaped her lips as the thought escaped the confinement of the back of her mind. Now, though, it did not hold sadness. She had accepted her mother’s death as soon as she’d turned her back to the Twin Peaks and aimed to protect the living. She had something to protect again, and this time she would not fail to do so as she had with her mother. This sigh was of regret that she had not done so, hadn’t dragged her mother out of that burning house years go, regret that she hadn’t cherished even more so the caress of her mother’s hands, of her arms. At the same time, it was of contentment. She was satisfied with the time she’d been given, no matter how brief, with that fiery woman. She was content that, no matter how wrong it seemed, her mother had died with her loved one. Raja would die for her loved ones. And despite how indifferent they may be to her, the Earth clan was a loved one. Earth was a loved one, and she’d protect those it embraced with ferocity. Dante, too, was a loved one- more so than the others for her early and continuing kindness. This wall was only one step in the right direction, a step towards protecting all she cared about. It was the first line of defense against anything may come but it most certainly was not the last. She would be the last step of protection if need be, willingly, and much like the wall she would not go down without a fight. A small smile danced on Raja’s lips unconsciously, before she could compose herself enough to maintain the impassive nature everyone accepted her to have. Despite it all, though, some were beginning to see new layers of emotions in the fiery-haired Earth clansmember than either had expected. This being said, when the advisor, Vance, approached her Raja was still in a moment of reminiscence and contemplation. The minute his words reached her, though, the dreamy smile faded quickly and she became the calm, collected personnel she needed to be. “Advisor Vance, how pleasant it is to see you again. I trust that I can be away as long as you need me, though I will have to leave if something occurs at the wall,” Raja replied with a curteous nod. She was always slightly unnerved by the smiles Vance gave but, at the same time, smiles always rattled her in one way or another. Displays of emotion were still new for her and it was taking quite a while to adjust. She moved towards the trees, entrusting those she’d given the duty of surveying the wall with doing just that as she left, and when she arrived at the copse she turned expectedly towards her fellow clansmember. “What is it that you wished to speak to me about?” She asked calmly, her mind for once solidly in the here and now. ҉ Unknown ҉ She could feel them hating her, fearing her, boring into her with their eyes that saw more than her physical appearance. In their eyes, she was a murderer. In her eyes, she was too, so she could do nothing but blame herself for the unsettling feeling that was festering within her. She wasn’t sure if the hurt and dismay came more from being hated, causing fear, or from betraying her own nature. To hear the sound of feet shuffling away from her post haste the second she came close by made her heart shrivel back in its rib cage. The festering sensation in the pit of her stomach began to rise and drown her. She wanted nothing more than throw it all up onto the floor before her but not only did she know this feeling could not be ejected, but she knew that she had to somewhat remain in one piece. To fall apart in front of all these people would only make matters worse. Sophia urged herself to put one foot in front of the other, following the healer’s lead, and to not reject the vile that was poisoning her insides. She deserved it all, after all. Now, she had to accept it with grace. Still, even with the woman at her side, guiding her past the hostility and unease, Sophia felt isolated and alone; even more so than she’d felt when wandering New Earth after leaving the only home she’d ever known. It was the worst feeling ever. It chilled her to the bone and she almost wished to be back in that frozen state, unconscious and unable to acknowledge her circumstances. In the empty expanse of unconsciousness, she wouldn’t exist anymore. If she didn’t exist anymore, she wasn’t alone. She just wasn’t. Would that happen to her soon? Would they execute her? The Elements had forsaken her so there would be no meeting of Earth’s, Fire’s, Air’s, or Earth’s spirit after her last breath was drawn. Would there be darkness? That scared her the most. It almost coaxed her to cry out in horror at the very thought of it. All her life, she’d been surrounded in this white expanse- a blank canvas. It was almost like darkness, but wasn’t the black expanse more daunting? It made gooseflesh rise noticeably and before she could distract herself from the sudden panic that washed over her not because of death itself, but the afterworld, a sudden pain racked her body. She flinched instinctively, unsure who was the one to inflict the harm upon her. There were enough suspects and all were in their right to hurt her, but then she heard the distinct sounds of groans from all around. Who was doing this? And then, there was a push that made her stagger. She hadn’t even heard the sound of someone approaching, too disoriented by the sharp stabs that punctured her every limb, and was shocked even more by the voice. Sala? Why was she pushing her? She was such a kind, silent person that such an outburst… It hit her as if someone had flung a boulder at her already perturbed chest and gut. She was a friend of Zane’s, was she not? Sophia had killed him. Immediately, guilt washed over her and the tinge of a new pain along with that strange jabbing sensation. She wanted to say she was sorry, that she hadn’t meant to do it, but she could say nothing of the sort. Sophia couldn’t even recall the events leading to his death. It was a blank slat, like her eyes, and she could not beg for forgiveness. Either way, the urgent pain that was slicing through her kept her silent as she tried to fight it without crying out. Displays of weakness, even now, were not allowed. Her face was set in a grimace, her mouth no longer slack from the shock of Sala’s attack, as she tried to keep from groaning like the others who surrounded her. She was almost relieved to be blind. Sophia didn’t want to see the look on Sala’s face. It burned enough without vision to see, rather than feel, the hatred rolling off her in waves. I’m so sorry. ”Enough! The strong voice of Kenina. Without even acknowledging it, Sophia sighed in relief despite the pain, despite her predicament. Kenina would know what to do with her. She’d make things right. Soon, Sophia would be in custody and dealt with. No longer would she have to hear the scared, or heated, murmurs of the others. No longer would she have to bear through the pain of trying to explain, and failing, “why she did it”. Ever so slightly, Sophia slumped against the elder woman holding onto her as slowly the bricks she’d placed about her body to protect against the bludgeons fell. Kenina’s words fell over her like a refreshing waterfall. She would be held in incarceration. As much as the topic of discussion and jurisdiction made her nerves go on edge, Sophia was glad this would be over with soon. I just don’t want to be lonely anymore. Get it over with, kill me, but don’t make me wait alone for too long. The apology made her warm, if only for a moment in the ice bath Sophia was in. Her throat clenched slightly and she barely nodded in acknowledgement of Kenina’s words. Why was she apologizing? There was nothing for her to apologize for. Sophia was the one being charged with murder, and guilty of it. Or so it seemed. “What?” Sophia finally spoke up, though her voice cracked from the pressure of her tightened throat. “What are you talking about. I am guilty!” Sophia exclaimed, almost with exasperation as the Everlights began to tug her away. Her eyes roamed aimlessly, somehow hoping to find Kenina through the blank expanse. Why was she doing this to her? Was this the reason for her apology? A misguided flash of anger rose in her. Was her word no good here, despite what it was towards? She was guilty! Despite the sudden urge to resist and dig her heels into the soil as people escorted her away, Sophia went without a struggle. Her heart was racing, banging rapidly against its confinement in an attempt to flee. She was going to be in confinement until her sister came? If the confinement, alone, wasn’t enough to send her off the edge, the indication that her sister would pass the verdict did. Thankfully, only the Everlights who surrounded her witnessed as tears ran silently down her face. Edited by Wicked, November 29, 2011, 3:50 am.
|
![]() |
|
| Jei Ai | December 1, 2011, 4:26 am Post #161 |
![]()
Member
|
Senseless screams and cries trailed off as the Everlights escorted the desperate Sophia from the scene, her self-professed guilt stinging Kenina’s ears. She had difficulty believing the gentle girl had the potential to destroy a man like Zane the way his murderer had. And in truth, she was in part disgraced that Sophia had been the one to do it, and not she – Ash’s most loyal guard. The girl seemed to be the guilty culprit, but Kenina held on to the hope that they might clear her name yet. The girl’s motive, if she indeed could remember it, would be heard. Kenina had never liked the slimy Air Master, and she doubted he was completely clean of sins worthy of retaliation. For now, the last remaining figurehead of the Fire nation could only watch as her equal was taken away, slowly breaking down as she was. The Fire Nation’s allies were becoming small in number indeed. Attention was turned back to the deranged and frustrating individual that had caused a great pain to centre throughout Kenina’s joints. The crowd had filed away quite rapidly at the command of the intimidating Everlight, leaving only the two women standing just outside the infirmary. Spittle flew from the stranger’s mouth as she screeched at Kenina, who in turned kept her face forced and her body motionless. Unafraid of the girl’s unusual power – which had begun to fade once attention was drawn to it – the Everlight captain held her ground. Her verbal attacker seemed to be growing pale before her eyes, and the sharp, hawk-like eyes of Kenina noticed the girl’s knee twitch slightly. She truly was a strange and unpredictable stranger – a wild fire that needed to be brought under control. Glaring, the girl spat her accusations. A threat? Of course Kenina was threatening her – but it was a lawfully conditioned threat. Still unsure of what to think of the stranger, but drastically losing patience, the girl at last tipped Kenina over the edge with her final line of questioning. “You have no right to tell me what to do…Why should I answer to you!?” A glint in Kenina’s eyes was the only subtle clue to her actions before they were carried out. Faster than lightning, Kenina twirled her spear and swung it down upon the side of the girl’s neck. With precise aim, she was able to strike the girl with the bar only, the blade further along the weapon and away from the weakness of the skin. Still, the impact was enough to bring a person to their knees, and the crushing blow forced the girl down though no blood was drawn. Keeping her spear in hand and raised to attack should the girl enact her power once more, Kenina stared the girl down – fire in her eyes and her fingers tickling with excitement for battle. “I am Kenina, head of the Military and, most recently acquired, stand-in guard of the life in the Fire Nation. It is my duty to protect the peace, and you – you threaten it. My authority thwarts any power you believe you hold here. Though you may not be a fire national, you are on Fire earth, and in Fire city. You answer to the laws of Fire, for there is no other Master here but the flames. While you choose to harm the citizens here, you will answer to the laws that govern your victims – you will answer to fire. I am Kenina, captain of the Everlights and protector of the realm. You will answer me because fire demands it!” Snarling now, Kenina felt two Everlight’s beginning to flank her, concerned for their leader. Raising a hand to halt them in their place, Kenina bore down upon the woman with furious eyes. “Now tell me, stranger, what is your purpose here? Who are you?” |
![]() '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 | |
![]() |
|
| Blue | December 7, 2011, 1:05 am Post #162 |
|
The Token Australian
|
Ash had been right; none of the things that she’d travelled to Earth to say were easy on the ears or the mind, least of all for the only recipient of the truth they beared. A trembling anger was on the rise inside the Earth Master’s heart. The Earth around the two Leaders began to tremble as well, as though the very rock and soil they stood on was also in uproar. She was sorry that Zane was dead, or more accurately, sorry that she wasn’t the one who’d ended him. His plots were unfathomable, and Dante had no doubt that he would’ve dragged his own grandmother around by her hair to each of the four corners of New Earth if it meant there was a chance of seeing them come to fruition. And all the while, she couldn’t help but feel just like the Fire Master before her. Angry, duped and ready to break. “That… unspeakable… wretched… BASTARD!” Shouted the Earth Master as she slammed her fist into the stone wall beside her. The rock gave in to the show of force and crumpled, leaving her hand wedged in the foundation in an almost perfect outline of her lower arm. The Council Room shook as though it were frightened. “How dare he disrupt the peace that we were trying so damn hard to bring! I wish her were alive so that I could grind him into the dust myself!” Outside, her guards contemplated going inside to see if their Leader – and her guest – were still alive. But as the foundations trembled, they decided it was best not to disturb their Master just yet. Dante was totally livid, and was not in the right state of mind to speak to anyone who wasn’t Ash or Raja. “I knew that something wasn’t right! I’ve known it since we spoke privately at the Twin Peaks! And you lied through your teeth to me. Little had I known that you were really suggesting that I move to join Fire and Air and destroy Cyril and the Water Clan? You were right about one thing, there wouldn’t have been a fight if I had – it would’ve been an absolute massacre of their entire people!” The fuel for her rage burned brightly, and the ground below continued to tremble. “How could you, Ash of the Esteemed Fire Clan, crumble so easily to such petty pressure and blackmail? You must’ve become rather blind in thinking that by joining him you’d gain unity between the Four Clans. So long as he was alive, there was no such thing!” The woman ripped her arm out of the wall, and lowered her voice. All of her stress had built up into this one point of earth shattering fury. And in her last words of anger, she encompassed the summing up of what she now thought of the Fire Master’s poor choices. “Yes, you were indeed, wrong.” Silence hit the room, the trembling now beginning to subside. Dante knew that getting angry wasn’t going to help anything – as good as it felt. Regardless, it was time to move forward and work once again for the peace she’d been trying to obtain since she’d first become the Master of the Earth Clan. “I apologise for not slapping you in the Twin Peaks and telling you that earlier. I understand where your intentions had been, and your heart was in the right place. But I hope you understand what your actions implicated to me. If there’s anything I hate besides destroyers of the Peace, it is most certainly lies and liars.” She took a hesitant step forward and knelt down so that she was on the same level as Ash. Never again would she reprimand someone while standing over them; it was an action that made her feel like a parent punishing a child for doing something stupid, and was an insult to the person she was scolding. “I’m willing to look past your choices. Peace is the only thing I want, I’ve strived for it ever since my first day on the job. And I truly believe that we can turn all of this around with Cyril’s help. I just wonder what you meant by the war being further off… As far as we know, the Air Clan is in an uproar over the death of their Master and another has taken Zane’s place. Someone who’s very likely to think just like him and act just as he would. And on top of that…” Dante placed her hands on Ash’s forearms and pulled her up off the floor as she stood. “We have a Fire Clan to liberate.” |
|
'Friends will come and go, but you're stuck with your Mates forever." | |
![]() |
|
| avocadosquirrel | December 8, 2011, 10:14 am Post #163 |
![]()
|
The trees were densely packed. When Vance had been younger he had played in this place, the dark spaces in the foliage had seemed to hold many secrets. He smiled at the thought; maybe it still would. As Raja entered the clearing behind him Vance's smile widened; now was the time to truly begin to exert his power and he was going to enjoy it. "My dear Raja, as you know I have been working at making this nation great for a long, long time now and the wall is going to assist in that goal. More than that, you are assisting me. Together we are bringing the Earth tribe into a time of power and stability. However, recently a disturbing fact has come to my attention. There is one amongst us who does not share our glorious vision." Vance sat on a nearby stump and hung his face in his hands. "I cannot even believe it myself.I don't want to believe it. I..." He turned to Raja. "It's Dante. I heard her myself when we were at the twin peaks. She was talking to Zane about the Water master and then... he just... well, you heard what happened. Raja, I need your help. I need you to help me stop her; to help me save the Earth tribe." |
![]() |
|
| Wicked | December 11, 2011, 5:25 am Post #164 |
|
The Derp Queen
|
Raja stood patiently amongst the trees, enjoying the shade it brought on from the constant sun that forced her eyes into slits when she needed to observe the wall’s construction. Here, the leaves sheltered the two Earth members from view, and encircled them. The trees stood tall, mighty as Earth itself, with branches that danced with rays of sunlight that peaked through them. A few of the light’s rays managed to hit the forest ground, skidding over Raja’s figure and landing on the fallen leaves and shrubbery that grew beneath the oaks’ shelter. It was a warming environment, welcoming and comfortable for Raja on many occasions when she wandered here after tedious evenings on the Wall. This is where she’d sketched the diagram of the now almost fully erected barricade. This is where she fell asleep over the blueprint, against the bark that now seemed to encroach on her. Why, when she was usually so at home amongst the oaks, was she so unnerved? The forest itself was harmless, she knew that much, but somehow she felt caged in by it. Soothing the irritation that was irrationally forming, Raja turned to the advisor, Vance, as he approached her. She listened calmly as he spoke, resisting the strange urge to tell him to get on with it. Raja was, of course, proud about how strong the Earth clan was becoming. She was proud to be a part of it and glad that Vance, along with the other advisors, were approving of the changes occurring through Dante’s reign. It was most certainly changing for the good, with peace in mind but war at hand. Again, that unsettling feeling of anxiety overtook the Earth member for a moment as she mulled over that thought. She didn’t get to ponder it too long, though, as finally Advisor Vance spoke of something worthy of her full attention. “There is one amongst us who does not share our glorious vision” What in the Elements’ name did he mean by that? Immediately, Raja’s head turned to follow him as he sat on a tree stump, following his head as it fell to his hands. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, unsure what to make of the situation. Was there someone within the clan who did not approve of the wall? She wouldn’t be surprised. Earth was not known, in recent years, to take a step before the enemy. It looked like a warning to all other clans, and Raja had heard a whisper or two of disapproval. Of course, though, as the days went by the whispers were silenced by reason. They needed to be prepared and to deny the fact that something was brewing, and aiming for them in the future, would be foolish. So, was it someone who did not approve of preparing for war? Who would think of such a thing? And then, Raja’s mind fell silent. It fell numb. The gentle man’s words echoed through her ears: “It's Dante. I heard her myself when we were at the Twin Peaks. She was talking to Zane about the Water master and then... she just... well, you heard what happened. Raja, I need your help. I need you to help me stop her; to help me save the Earth tribe." What? Her mind snapped back into action, reeling at the speed of which everything slammed into place. How could those allegations be? She closed her mouth, as it had fallen agape at his outburst, and Raja contemplated the meanings behind what Vance proclaimed. At the Twin Peaks. Dante and Zane, about the Water Master’s murder at the Anniversary. He was talking of treachery, of plotting to murder another leader. He was talking about Dante. But, these things did not match up. “That cannot be. You must have been mislead somehow,” she was quick to defend. Raja raised a hand, as if to stop the impractical slip that had already passed his lips. “I was with Dan-” She cut herself off, her tongue freezing as the lie danced within her mouth. No, she had not been with her friend that fateful night at Twin Peaks. Swiftly, her mind dived back into the events that transpired that day: She had gone with Dante to the Twin Peaks but right after arriving, she’d left in search of her mother knowing that she was no longer needed by Dante. She had not been attached to the clan that had brought her to the Anniversary, as she was now. She had no reason to continue the festivities with them when she had true family to look for. Raja had not laid witness to any conversations between Dante and the other Masters. She had no way of knowing whether or not these allegations were cause for alarm or simply Vance’s hearing slipping and his old age slowly disintegrating his perception. Still, Raja could not even contemplate the possibility of Dante plotting against the Water Master. Raja pressed her lips together, dropping her still raised hand to her side as she tried to compose herself. It would do no good to appear troubled. Instead, she gazed upon the old advisor in contemplation, never once allowing her mind to entertain the possibility of his treachery. He was simply an elderly advisor with good intentions but incorrect sources. This, she was sure of. Giving a sigh, Raja walked towards the advisor and smiled down at him gently, though a twist of pain crossed her face before she could compose herself. “I will investigate this further and try to see what may have lead to this situation. I’m certain that Master Dante would not conspire with the Air Master to murder. It is not in her character. I know you have been by her side longer than I and this is why I know you mean well. I will help you, because it is my duty to do what is in the best interest of the Earth. If what you say is true, if,” Raja took a deep breath, “if Master Dante is guilty of these transgressions, I will do whatever I can to stop whatever is transpiring. No harm will come to this clan.” With that, Raja tentatively gave a nod of acknowledgement and adieu before swiftly taking her leave, contemplating her situation. She hoped, prayed to Earth, that Dante was not behind the Water Master’s murder. Though she had no reason to distrust Vance, her stomach coiled at the thought of Dante conspiring against another elementalist. It was not possible. Raja would make sure it was not the case. |
![]() |
|
| Juicesir | December 12, 2011, 6:21 pm Post #165 |
![]()
Sexy Shoeless God of Something
|
It had worked. Fire had a friend. Ash had a friend. Admittedly not under the best circumstances, but she was in better company than she had allowed herself to previously be in. Dante was certainly right that her actions were wrong, but Ash knew such judgements were easily set by those who had the luxury of hindsight. She was not going to bring that up to Dante however. Not by any means. To disturb this budding friendship would be the worst thing in the world right now. So Ash decided to clarify instead. “By later I mean closer, and by closer I mean that the Air Clan is indeed set to betray my people at the slightest grievance against their master. I can only fathom at what those in that clan must now be thinking now that their Master is deceased. If it was indeed done by my Clan’s hand, we will have a harder time of it. They will want blood.” Cool, calm, collected. Plans, possibilities, pressure. This is where Ash thrived. Not with emotion, but with action. She was back in her element, the tears wiped off her face. “We must muster a force of Fire and Earth and send for Cyril. There are still large detachments of Fire Clan that I can contact outside the city to rendezvous with us, and I must contact the Everlights at the earliest possible convenience to understand the totality of the situation for us.” “While war should not be our first option, it certainly must be readied for. My Clan has been preparing for this day for years. They know their tasks if we give them word. If they engage the Air Clan in my homeland we will be able to surround Air from without and force a surrender from them.” “But this,” Ash took a moment to clarify, “must be our last resort, not our first. I don’t know whether war has already begun and to what ends the subjugation of my people has been levied towards. I must contact the Everlights. They will know, and we can guide from there.” Ash looked very seriously at Dante. Her was the woman she owed everything to. While her Everlights were sure to maintain the war and her sister to maintain the peace, it was this woman who would maintain unity. Earth was strong. Ash punished herself for thinking fickle Air could be trusted. Air, whose allegiance blows to and fro with the wind. But with the burning heart of fire and the strong arm of earth, Ash knew this alliance would last. Here was the foundation of something greater, something she had dreamed for a very long time with all of her being. And now it was almost here. “Amidst the coal of chaos, we share this diamond; do we not, fair sister?” Musing such things was completely out of character for Ash, but for all her cold-hearted airs and her calculated doings and even in the middle of the greatest crisis of their time, she could not help but feel happy at this union. It filled her to know that this, truly, was what their unity could prosper. |
![]() |
|
| Dream | December 27, 2011, 4:47 am Post #166 |
|
Mew?
|
Sala glared at the woman, anger plain on her face. Not only was her one remaining friend dead, but some woman dared to strike her? That wasn't going to end well for anyone. She stood, and looked Kenina straight in the eyes. "I am not a citizen of your Nation, nor is the woman i have issue with. Your laws do not concern me, or my actions with someone who is not of your Clan. Your fire is not my master. It has never been, and never will be. The Elements abandoned me. They hold no power over me." It wasn't really of any matter to the situation at hand, but Sala was on a rant, and she was serious about her rants. It was as if every bit of anger she had ever felt in her life was coming out at once. "And I have never harmed any of Fire's citizens. It is SHE-" she pointed at Sophia "-who has murdered. She is the one who has done harm, and for that, something must be done." Sala took a deep breath, her small rant finished, at least for the time being. She brushed a stray strand of blonde hair from her eyes. She attempted to calm herself by breathing steadily, her body slowly weakening. It was never a good thing to have your body weaken without your knowing why, but to have it do so in a crowd of enemies was even worse. Sala was trying to keep herself appearing strong, if for no other reason than because she didn't want the citizens of Fire to view her as weak. Sure, she was forsaken by the Elements, but that didn't mean she was worthless. |
|
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. | |
![]() |
|
| Anamnesis | January 1, 2012, 3:16 pm Post #167 |
|
Member
|
14 months ago.. Cera's mind snapped to the present as she focussed on her surroundings. There were several changes within the tent from the last time she was in here but it was most certainly Master Ash's. "Sit." Cera glanced at Kris and sat at the chair he was referring to, which was as close in the tent as she was allowed to go. She continued looking around at whatever possessions of Ash she was able to see. Her heart was racing, not because of the spar she had with Kris earlier but because of her anticipation for her master's return and also how she would be treated once she saw her old friend again. In the back of her mind she wondered if she should've been upfront with her emotions back then. But Cera knew she wouldn't have been able to. She was struggling with herself a lot back then and Cera had chosen not to burden Ash with her troubles for the Fire Master had so much more important decisions to make at the time. Whether it had been the right or wrong decision would show itself in time. And Cera was prepared for any consequences for her actions. She would serve Fire Master Ash once again, even if it meant execution. That thought alone scared her but their paths were binded whether she liked it or not. All in the while, Kris kept watch. There was something intriguing about the woman sitting across from him. He wondered what her story was, what was behind the mysterious look she held in her eyes. At the same time, he wondered if this woman would be a problem later on or where Kenina or Master Ash was. Something was happening within the Fire Clan, the Everlights and throughout the lands; and Kris Milinc would do his duty as an Everlight to protect his Fire Master. |
|
Like a mistress of memory, I bask in knowledge of the past, hidden behind killer curves and a demure smile.
| |
![]() |
|
| Juicesir | January 5, 2012, 11:41 pm Post #168 |
![]()
Sexy Shoeless God of Something
|
Meanwhile back in the Fire Clan... "Get these wounded rounded up and cared for. I want a full detachment sent out and I want a runner to Kenina immediately. On the double!" This was anarchy. Total, utter chaos. Aitor could hardly believe the amount of wounded arriving from the west. Thirty years he'd been in the City Guard and twenty as the Captain of the Guard, always managing to stay between the various Masters, always managing to maintain favor. But in all those years he'd never seen such unending and senseless devastation thrown upon his people as he witnessed now. The wounded all bore the same marks, the same story: an ambush, a dark-eyed man, and then a loss of all vision save for that last image of that terrible man's face. Most of them came to the gate on broken knee, some with tears at their eyes. Many made it only part way. It was utter ruin. "Rasul, take over the guard for me, I need a moment." At his age and with his command, he could afford a moment. The young lieutenant saluted his captain, and with that Aitor wandered off into a broken alley. Away from all the despair, away from all the ache and pain. He sat along the wall, an old man in an old age. Aitor had seen many battles, but with foes this fierce he may yet gain more scars. But his determination held. He just needed a moment. Was this perhaps a preemptive attack from Air Clan rogues? A warning at retribution? They were too scattered and in chaos of their own to rally. There had been riots, it was true, but nothing threatening. The occupation of the Fire Clan continued onward as the Air Clan struggled to come to terms with what move they would make next. A sigh released his lips, his eyes sinking into blackness. Only for a moment. Just a quick rest. And then... "Hello father." His eyes shot open but no daylight greeted them. Darkness. Complete. Absolute. For the first time in many years, Aitor was scared. But he would never betray that. "Who's there? Who are-" "Don't play stupid old man. You know me." And then the darkness parted, and a man stood before the old guard. Reddish brown hair with brown eyes to match, flecked with specks of deepest night black. The man stared at Aitor with dead eyes. Yes this man was living, but there was no life. The old lines on Aitor's face gave way, the wrinkles letting his jaw sag open as he looked upon his son for the first time in forty years. "Arram. My son." "DON'T CALL ME THAT." The alley seemed to shake, the shadows around them jumping and scattering. It was as if a void enveloped them, and there the two men faced one another. Aitor swallowed, and then stood, the artificial night secreting them from all peering eyes, as if they weren't even there. Invisible. Aitor faced his son, faced the young boy he'd lost so many years ago. "So, you gained an element." "I've gained much more than that." "Yes, so I've seen." It should have been obvious from the descriptions the people gave, but time had blinded Aitor. Or perhaps it was merely he himself who refused to admit it could be Arram. But the plainness of the truth now stood before him, wrapped in a dread cloak of avenging night. "Was this all just for me?" "Don't be so arrogant. There are greater evils than you." "I know, I've fought them all my life, Arram. I... I wasn't the best father, I know that-" "Save the pity for someone who cares. Your son died when he fell from a cliff after having a bear set upon him by HIS OWN FATHER! YOU MONSTER! YOU WRETCHED! WORTHLESS! SHADOW OF A MAN!" With every word the swirling darkness around them struck at Aitor with shearing pain, slashing the aged captain across the back and chest and legs. All over he was bloodied, but he stood as best he could. The onslaught continued. "YOU ABANDONED ME!!! Arram stood before his father, eyes pulsing with a dark flame. Aitor looked up at him, that stern glint never failing in his. "No, son. You abandoned yourself." A strike from shadow. "You have become something I cannot even look upon!" Another black blow. "And it's all my fault." This time the pain was real, the fist was there. Arram reigned blows down upon his father. Aitor accepted it all. Blood poured from Aitor's mouth and cuts, the bruises forming under the ones still coming against him. Arram's rage fueled the swirl of darkness surrounding the two, taking them into a realm of their own. There was only the son and the broken father. At last, after what seemed like an eternity, the blows ceased, and all that could be heard in the quiet sphere was the heavy breathing of Arram. "You... You deserved better." "And you deserved nothing." The crimson stained Arram's hair and face, gave him a youthful glow. As Aitor gazed up at his son, he saw the ghost of the man that could have been before him. And in the haze of blood and shattered bone, a single tear slid down the father's face. "I'm sorry..." ---- Aitor had been gone far too long. The man was sharp, brutal even. Such laxity wasn't normal on his part. Rasul sought him out, calling down the nearby alley to which he'd seen the old captain pass down. "Captain? It's been an hour, and we still need a runner sent to-" Red covered every stone in the alley. Aitor lay in the middle of it, twisted in a heap of his own blood. Rasul walked slowly up, weapon drawn. He looked down upon Aitor's face. He had no eyes. Where they once were there were only blackened holes. It was as if the loneliest part of his very being stared back empty at him. No time was wasted. Rasul turned and ran. He shouted at another Guard to quarantine the alley and get it cleaned up. He ran as fast as he could for the Master's tent, where he knew Kenina and the others would be gathered. He run until his lungs breathed dust and his muscles pumped acid. He burst past the guards surrounding the tent with urgent command. A quick salute to Kenina, and then the news. "Lady Kenina there has just been a murder at the Western Gate. The Captain of the Guard there has been slain and we are getting many more wounded coming in from the surrounding countryside than usual. I am sorry to interrupt, but we need your command my Lady.” |
![]() |
|
| avocadosquirrel | January 17, 2012, 1:39 am Post #169 |
![]()
|
Vance raised the stick in his hands and brought it down again upon the boy's downcast head. "You idiotic, useless child, did I not tell you to keep me updated? How is the Fire master here... how has she been here for this long without my knowledge of it?" "Please sir, you told us not to disturb you; to leave you alone while you talked to Raja. I didn't know that..." His words were cut short as once more the stick rose and fell. Vance turned away from the snivelling pathetic excuse for a spy at his feet. "Next time something like this happens I expect to be told immediately, regardless of what I am doing at the time. Do I make myself clear?" The boy whimpered on the floor and Vance sighed; it was so difficult to find good help these days. Ash's presence in the city was an opportunity certainly but it was also a danger. The fire girl was not as hotheaded as those who had previously held the role and she was determined. However, the opportunity to subjugate such a powerful enemy, one who was currently without defences, could not be passed up. He whirled again to face the crying form whose name he had forgotten. "You, what do we know about Ash?" The stringy youth raised his head slowly and said: "The firemaster, almsot nothing. Just what the rest know of her; that she is one of the most competent in her clan in manipulation of both her element and her people. By all accounts she has ery few weaknesses and a number of strengths." Vance scowled in disgust and pushed past the bloody wretch. "Very well, you may go." As he opened the door to exit the safe house he heard the boy call softly: "only..." He sighed again and responded with a weary "What?" "Well, apparently she does have a sister; a blind girl named Sopy or Sofie or something. According to our sources they met at twin peaks." A cruel smile played over Vance's lips. A firemaster he could not hope to best, she was powerful and had proven herself capable in the political sphere but a sister... well, he knew all too well how to deal with those sorts of people. Visions of his own family womed their way to the surface of his mind before he forced them down in the dark recesses from whence they came; distractions could be ill-afforded at this stage. "Find out all you can of this sister my friend and take this gold for your trouble." As he flicked a coin to the boy he left the cabin and began making his way back to the city. |
![]() |
|
| Wicked | January 25, 2012, 9:32 pm Post #170 |
|
The Derp Queen
|
Displaced sensations immersed themselves into the daunting room Sophia had been lead to for containment. Every breath was haggard, as if the air itself was intensified, thick against her throat, and she could feel herself becoming engulfed in her surroundings; surroundings she could not see. But, she was accustomed to this. Sophia knew well the terrors of her blindness, but she was also never left to these sorts of devices. Today, everything was ever more fearful, as when she had been a child just growing up in the vacancy of her eyes. She did not know what was to become of her, even more so because of Kenina’s announcement. She did not know what her compartment looked like and, though usually this was of no consequence, she wanted desperately to see it. When her flimsy hands made contact with the walls of her prison, the rough material reminded her of all the other places she had been within the Fire clan. The prison was no more than yet another clay building, put together with just the same amount of fire and mud and craft that all the other places were made of. Yet, it carried a cold that buried itself in Sophia’s soul. There was no fire present here anymore, just her. She was desolated, though there were certainly guards outside (were they there to protect the others or her, she wondered), and the loneliness ate at her as it always had before. This loneliness, though, was of a different nature. It was dense like the atmosphere that swallowed her compartment whole, it pressed down on her shoulders, her mind, her stomach, her lungs, her heart. It was all within her mind, no doubt, but Sophia felt it was tangible as most things were when eyes no longer served their purpose. Sitting down on a slab of clay that protruded from the far wall, as away from the entrance she expected to get, Sophia tried to control her breathing. It was quick, sporadic, and she was sure if she kept it up she would pass out. But, that wouldn’t do. She had to endure this punishment, accept it, because it was just. She had killed some one, her breathing quickened even more, and this was a murderer’s self-persecution. This was where Sophia was meant to fester over her sins, because they were surely accumulating in that room. That must have been what was making it so hard to inhale: everything was piling and there was no room left for her, the committer of these deeds. She had taken from the elements. No wonder they cast a blind eye on her upon her birth. Did they see how she could kill? But, how had she killed him? It was a secret the elements kept, no doubt, from her just so she could burn with all the possibilities. Indeed, the room had gone from cold to extremely hot as Sophia was left to her devices. She could not keep still in her seat, and she had taken to rocking there, afraid that standing would lead to running, to fleeing punishment. So, now, she was contained yet not contained. Everything inside was bubbling, clashing, stirring, howling at her, whispering, making it impossible for her to calm down. These sounds came, screams both masculine and feminine scrapped against her ears that no one else heard, and a deadly silence erupted thereafter. The permanence of it made her fear even more. Her skin was becoming pale from chills that shook her every nerve, only to flush red moments later from fever. She clutched at her sides and bit her lip against pleads to be let out, for someone to simply end her. She could not bear it, any of it. The silence reminded her so bluntly of how isolated she was, and her ability to take in her surrounds were cataclysmic and unreliable. The room couldn’t possibly be getting hotter and colder, the air more and more dense. She must have been going insane. And why not? Sophia had murdered someone. And now she was left to confront the fear of darkness that was slowly encroaching on her blank reverie. Oh, how she despised the black abyss she’d only ever caught a glimmer of. And now, it was at the edges of her lame vision, eating away at the white light that occupied the place where images should have been. A scream bubbled in her throat and her lip oozed out red at the pressure her teeth were pressing down with. No one would come, even if she did scream. And, if they did, she was simply being a bother; an insane feeble woman imagining things, they’d say and shake their heads. But, that darkness kept coming in, that blackness was eating at her eyes, eating at her skin, and the shivers that racked her body calmed as a sort of numbing sensation emerged out of the abyss. Despite the fear biting at her, Sophia felt somewhat… calm as the cold left her body, no longer accompanied with fever afterwards. It was an eerie one, much like the tranquility that signaled a deadly storm. Almost as soon as it fell, Sophia’s blind eyes ran about the room as if trying to find its source. All she found were black edges on her daft vision that were growing larger with each passing second. As if yanked by some outside force, Sophia stood swiftly, her body stilled. She stared straight forward, at what she presumed to be the door, and her breath lay limp against the base of her throat- waiting for something. That calm fixed itself inside her, yet it unnerved her because it was not her own. This was not reasonable. This something was wrong. Her feet moved of their own accord and she was at the door within seconds, beating at it with small fists. “Something is wrong! Let me out! Let me out! There is a darkness here, let me out!” She cried, as the white light she’d so loved began to fade from her mind’s eye and, in its permanent residence, came the fearful darkness that forced tranquility on her. She did not want it. She did not want it. “Let me out!” She begged once more, and when the door opened for a disgruntled guard to see what the noise was about, Sophia burst forth. Her small body throttled through the two bodies there, their eyes apparently blanking in the moment her face was revealed, and she was darting madly through the streets of Fire, that hollow place in her belly telling her something was off. She was being robbed of something, other than her sanity and she wanted desperately to flee it no matter her inability to figure out where she was. “Kenina!” She cried out, frustrated that her rattled mind could no longer figure out the course to the head guard’s compartment. She had no idea where she was and, for once, she stumbled much like a blind woman would, fumbling for surfaces to serve as her guide as people, disturbed, tried in vain to get out of her way or call about the other Everlights to restrain her. No matter what they said or tried to do, Sophia pushed on- desperate to evade the darkness continuously eating at her, cooing to her as it would a scared child. And she was scared, very much so. |
![]() |
|
| Blue | January 30, 2012, 4:50 am Post #171 |
|
The Token Australian
|
“So it would appear.” Dante nodded solemnly, a smile playing gently across her lips. In times such as the ones they had faced – less those which they’d surely face in the future – hope and laughter were things hard to find. It was important to cherish the opportunity for either, should they ever rise. The Earth Master sighed as the moment faded. The facts were these; two strong leaders, had risen up together and joined in what could only be seen as an act of mutual resolve like no other. Before them lay three Clans in need, and another which vowed to be the very end to them all. The Elements themselves seemed uneasy, and under their feet, the Earth seemed to soften ever so slightly. Though war was far from imminent, there was a certain urgency and a feeling of haste that Dante remembered from the Twin Peaks. What would become of them all in the times ahead. The silence of the room brought to Dante’s mind the symbolism of the events laid out before them. The breath before the plunge. The uneasy calm before a storm. Everything was quiet, but already she could hear the screams of dying men and see the blood spill across the ground. Her mind was racing with scenarios, and not one of them could she dismiss as an impossibility. She could hear the cries of the soldiers whom she’d sent to die, and the Wall they’d worked so hard to build come crashing down on top of them all right before her eyes. She could see Raja running through a cloud of thick dust, lost and seemingly helpless amongst the commotion. And then... from behind her someone appeared. Try as she might, Dante couldn’t dismiss the scene playing out in her head, shuddering as she watched the shadowy figure cut her greatest friend’s throat. And then suddenly, she was back in the meeting room, Ash still standing in front of her with a smile on her face. The Earth Master rubbed her temples. She needed time to think about what else she could do to help her people. How she would further protect those who needed protection, and how she would destroy those who came bearing ill-will towards the fight for peace. “I grow tired of this stuffy old room. Let us go and enjoy the fresh air while we can still reap its benefits. It is too early in the day for talk of war.” With that, she turned and headed for the door. Edited by Blue, January 30, 2012, 4:53 am.
|
|
'Friends will come and go, but you're stuck with your Mates forever." | |
![]() |
|
| avocadosquirrel | March 25, 2012, 2:30 am Post #172 |
![]()
|
The fire master was here: so close he could almost feel her struggling in his web already. He had to find her and fast. If she were to leave Vance's plans for her would have to wait and his patience had worn thin after dealing with the child. As he approached the place the fire master was staying he saw another advisor hurry from the tent. Vance pulled him up as he passed. "Why if it isn't Troam? been to see the fire master eh? Is she still seeing people?" Troam gave a tight lipped smile, he had never truly warmed to Vance. Being passed up for promotion whilst Vance shouldered his way through rank after rank did that to a person. Still, he was capable as both aadvisor and elemntal manipulator. He would probably have to be killed. "She's not in, she's cooped up with master Dante. Now if you'll excuse me I have work to attend to." He strode away with a presence Vance was impresesd by. Just as he was about to leave Vance saw the a head emerge from the fire master's residence, followed closely by a body clutching a dress which was noticably disarrayed. Vance grinned, maybe killing was unecessary, blackmail would be a far better way of dealing with Troam. The grin faded as Vance realised that he would have to wait for the little chit who called herself master to be done with Ash. Patience was not something Vance had in abundance at the moment but he schooled himself to calm. He could and would wait. He had done so for this long, another night would not kill him. He took a seat on a nearby crate and settled in for the long wait before the fire master returned. |
![]() |
|
| avocadosquirrel | March 25, 2012, 2:31 am Post #173 |
![]()
|
double post
Edited by avocadosquirrel, March 25, 2012, 2:31 am.
|
![]() |
|
| Wicked | June 23, 2012, 2:19 am Post #174 |
|
The Derp Queen
|
This roleplay is closed due to inactivity or by request of the Game Master. Please contact one of the Roleplaying Moderators to have it reinstated. |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| « Previous Topic · Fantasy · Next Topic » |
| Track Topic · E-mail Topic |
5:49 PM Jul 13
|










5:49 PM Jul 13