A Pocketful of Greed

[Sorrowblad]

<b>A Pocketful of Greed</b> <b>Chapter I – Rain of Surprise</b> “Always rain,” Trenton blinked his eyes quickly as he stood motionless.   A bolt of lightning danced wickedly around him in the sky lighting his position in the tree above. His cloak drawn tight around his chest and draping it low so that those glancing wouldn't see the half elf in the tree. Grinding his teeth, he waited. Patience was never an attribute Trenton had learned, nor would he ever seem to want, but it wasn't by choice and it wasn't patience that brought him to this situation. “I swear when I see the old bag I'm going to give her a piece of mind. Setting me up here for this long for one meager gold piece. She has it in for me,” Trenton's mind was at wits end. Thunder soon followed the strike and it was ear deafening. Since the cataclysm, the storms that came through Qeynos were angrier than normal. Since the gods abandoned their creation, Norrath seems to want to tear itself apart. Sheets of rain came down in steady patterns and Trenton's body soon was waterlogged. He could feel the trickle running down his leather armor and into his boots. “I'm going to find her, and I'm going to feed her this gold coin. That's what I'm going to do,” Trenton wiggled his toes in the pond he contained in his boots. Water ran over and dripped down to the streets below. Amid all the sounds of rain and thunder Trenton picked up on the sound of a door opening. Gazing down, his elven traits aided him as his keen eye sight focused on those leaving. “Not her,” he sounded to himself under the cover of the weathers constant clatter. Lightning glanced across the sky once again. Trenton closed his eyes at the sudden luminance. The door to the tavern opened once again and Trenton rocked forward on his perch. Focusing down he could see many of people leaving as the tavern was closing for the night. Many drunkards stumbled forward, followed by a tall and slender shape that crept to the side and made haste into the open street. Trenton tilted his head and lined up his bow, “Come on... Come on... closer... closer...” Lightning danced again in the sky and lit up the street for an extended amount of time. The slender figure glanced up to the loan tree outside the tavern and there eyes met. Trenton froze. He looked deep into the cowl that covered her face and could see the hint of blue the lightning had uncovered. She turned the other way and began jogging in the rain. “Damnit,” he said under his breath and he bounded down to the city streets. He yelled at her to stop but the proceeding thunder covered his voice as she continued to jog away from him. “Not that way,” Trenton said to himself as he ran in her direction. He had an arrow notched in his bow as he ran after her. She turned down an alley with no exit and Trenton slowed his pace. Turning the corner he was met by a bolt of magic that exploded against the building sending chunks of rock and debris flying, “If its not rain, its a finger wiggler mark.” Trenton stood back up and looked down the alley and could see the figure conjuring up another bolt of magic. Quickly, he loosed an arrow into the alley and struck the figure in the lower thigh. She screamed in pain at the sudden injury but it was enough time for Trenton to stand up and nock another arrow into his bow. Walking forward he waited, “There all so stupid... come on... smell it...” The rain did not let up as it pounded the streets with every drop of water. Many holes in the alleys street were flooded and forming streaks of water that ran in any direction the road let it. Tainted by the figures blood, one streak grew darker and slowly past underneath Trenton's boots. “Kill me already,” the figure yelled down the corridor as she struggled to remove the arrow from her thigh. It had hit true and deep, and only a skilled Templar could remove it without further injury. Trenton stood motionless. The wind raging through the streets trying to push all that could be pushed but Trenton was solid in form and would not waiver to the winds tireless gusts. “What are you waiting for?” the girl shouted back out. Lightning once again lit up the sky and Trenton could see the long blond locks of hair that fell over elven ears of the girl. He had waited for a good shot and it had presented itself with the light. He let loose his arrow. The girl winced as she heard the pluck of the bow string and waited for the handshake death would give her. Thinking back to everything in her past, she never would have thought a dark cold alley would be her coffin. Thunder followed the lightning like it always does, but this sound was not of thunder, but the sound of something more sinister. A figure fell and landed next to the girl. Its body gave off a pungent aroma that made her nose wrinkle. She took a step away but the injury to her leg made her stumble and fall into the watered street. Trenton soon arrived and drove his sword into the body of the now lifeless creature. Removing the blade, he sheathed his weapon and offered a hand to the girl. “I will only offer it once, otherwise you can walk on your own,” Trenton said. The girl, confused, looked up at Trenton, “I thought you were going to kill me.” “I was going too,” Trenton responded coldly as he grabbed her hand anyway, “Your just worth more money alive.”

[valkry]

OOoo, Half-Elf. Hmmm Good boy or bad boy... getting into trouble in Qeynos? And what of the 'creature' of unnamed race? Questions, questions.

[Sorrowblad]

"Alive?" "Yes. Alive! You do want to live don't you?" Trenton pulled the figure up. She brought her weight down onto her good leg and hopped forward. She strained to not move her injured leg but it was hard for her. Walking was instinct, hopping was for Frogloks. "Who are you?" the figures cowl was completely down and the rain matted her blond hair hair to her head. Whatever make up she was wearing had completely washed off since trails of black dripped from her eyes and streaked back towards her ears. She was a high elf. Trenton blinked the rain out of his eyes and shook his head, "Unfortunately the answer to that is none of your business. Now. I need you to hold on to this." Trenton removed a flat stone from his pockets and held it out to her. He held it out like bait for a fish. She finally grabbed it and rubbed the top of the stone noticing an inscription on the stone, looking back at Trenton she asked, "What does this mean?" "Its meaning? No idea. They give these out like copper where I'm from. But, its use, is lifesaving," Trenton dug into his pocket and removed another of the same stone. "This place is not longer safe, and Qeynos makes me feel ... well, lets just say most Qeynosians have this thing with happiness that can drive a man to put a dirk in his eye if you know what I'm saying." "You are a bizarre savior?" the girl returned. "Savior?!?" Trenton laughed and with him thunder rolled on through. "Like I said before. Your worth a pretty copper dead, lucky for you, your aunt came to us and paid more than your death sentence. I guess your lucky that I found you before they did." Trenton pulled an arrow from his quiver and pointed at the bulk of a body behind them. "What was that?" the girl asked. She was still confused. "Time to go, no more time for questions?" Trenton said and with the tip of the arrow he tapped the stone the girl held. "What are you..." Trenton tapped his stone with an arrow and closed his eyes. Lightning again rolled through the alleyway and two cumbersome creatures stepped into the alley. "She was hear. I can smell her blood." The other turned and looked around and saw the lifeless lump of flesh in front of him. Moving forward to the creature, he kicked it over to reveal the chest of the monster and the arrow that had pierced his chest. "It looks like the Sorrowblades had a hand in this," one of the creatures said looked around. "You think someone contracted them from the inside?" echoed the other as he too looked about the alleyway. "I doubt anyone would betray him so easily. No matter. She is only one of many that need to be found. Let us make our leave. I do not want to be here no longer."

[Sorrowblad]

Chapter II - Price of Life Trenton opened his eyes. His vision, a little blurry, soon refreshed and the torch lit room he slept in came into focus. Grabbing at his calf to scratch a sudden itch, he tossed back the blankets and sat up. Relieving himself of the discomfort he turned his legs out and placed his feet on the ground. It was cold to the touch, but it was nothing new. He had lived in this hut for many months. Hiding, or waiting, depending on perspective. Standing up he stretched, a low vocal yawn, and stepped forward to the heap of clothes on the ground. One by one, he put on his clothes from yesterday and looked into the dusty mirror he kept on the wall. He smiled in the mirror, "Why do they give these shoddy mirrors to everyone that comes in here? There worthless." Trenton ran his hands through his brown hair to see if anything might be stuck in it. It was thick and coarse but it wasn't his fault. A lot of things wasn't his fault. The union of a human and a elf wasn't his fault. Being shunned by the elves just because of who he was wasn't his fault. His father abandoning him and his mother wasn't his fault. Trenton stared into the mirror remembering the past of pasts gone by long ago. His dark eyes gave no calmness. After a couple minutes, Trenton sighed, "Well, no use to get upset over it. I can't change who I am." Grabbing his bow he folded it in half and placed it over his back. Strapping his short sword to his side he brought his cloak around him that hid his body and all the deadliness underneath. Walking towards the door he pressed the bolt back and pushed forward as the sun poured out from the cracks. Trenton squinted at the sudden light source but it was only seconds before he went forth disappearing around the corner from his home. "Let me out!" the girl screamed. She banged on the cell door but found no give in strength. A halfling looked over from a desk. He had been writing something on many pieces of parchment while he watched. After a couple moments he went back to his writing and ignored the girl in the cell. She screamed at him through her stare and was going to open her mouth again but realized it had proved to be of no use. Walking back over she sat down on the loan stool that was provided in the cell. The cell was open on three walls and she could see that there were similar cells on each side of her. Lilian counted eight different cells. Staring at her feet, her garments underneath her long shawl were still wet from the rain. Before you woke up someone had removed the arrow from her leg and healed her wounds. It was wrapped with a bandage but she was free of pain. Her pants were scarred with blood and dirt from falling in the alleyway. Thinking back to what happened, she remembered the man shooting the mysterious creature before it attacked her, and mentioning her aunt. "I don't have an aunt," she whispered to herself. The door opened next to where the halfling sat but he did not move. A woman, older, walked forward, dressed in casual clothes you would see everyday on the streets of Qeynos proper. Lilian went to speak but the older lady beat her to the punch. "You are here because you hold something of greater value. Your life was in danger and a contract was put out for your life. Fearing such a loss, I sent one of my best to save you. Granted. His ways of saving need some adjusting but none-the-less you were in need. I'm going to ask you a couple of questions and I need you to answer honestly. These questions will not effect how soon you get released from this prison for this is the safest place for you while your original contract is still being negotiated. Do you understand?" Lilian didn't reply. "Good. Now, do you know anything about an object known as the Hope Sliver?" Lilian shook her head, "I know nothing of such an item." The old lady continued, "Do you know the name of the man that saved you?" "No, he would not tell me," Lilian answered again as she sat on her stool nervous of what these questions are about. "Does the word Vandlord mean anything to you child?" Lilian stood up and shook her head, "No. It doesn't. What are all these things?" "Does your mother still live?" the old lady asked without acknowledging what Lilian had asked. "Yes. She does. Outside Qeynos in Windstalker village," Lilian returned with more agitation in her voice. "That is all. I would see towards your release sooner but my contract with you states you live and if I can't negotiate your original contract then you might be here longer than you would hope," the old lady turned around and began walking back towards the door. "Wait!" Lilian called, "Wait! Let me out! Tell me whats going on. Why are people after me?" The old lady didn't respond. She opened the door and closed it behind her. The halfling looked up from his writings and gave an odd look towards Lilian. Lilian sat back down on her stool and began to sob.

[AvalonSpirit]

<p>good read, solid base.  keeps the interest <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>/em rummages around looking for more....</p><p>and congrats on making the treasure chest btw</p>

[Sorrowblad]

Thank you AvalonSpirit... its much appreciated... and yeah, the treasure chest was kind of surprising since it was after my first part posted...

[Sorrowblad]

"Your an idiot," the bartender said as he opened a new bottle for Trenton. Trenton held out a couple silvers and placed them on the bar, "Why is it that I have to remind you that I pay you for your beverage and not for your little bits of wisdom." The cork popped but no trail of fix or bubbles shot forth from the bottle, "I can call you that because of what I do for you. I think I have earned the right to call you an idiot. Which you are by the way!" "Listen, if I knew what I knew now then this conversation wouldn't be happening. You'd still be the grouchy bartender that no one visits besides me and that ogre over there. How the hell do you survive down here. It's beyond me," Trenton returned keeping his head towards the bar. The bar itself was small. It was lit by three torches and had seating for maybe twenty guests. There were no barmaids or music, just Al the keeper. He had made his life in this cobblestone and mortar hole in the wall for many years. He lived above in a place smaller than the bar itself, which was probably why he spent more time downstairs in the bar. More to the point, it was low key and the guards never stopped in. Al came over and poured a small glass of the red substance in front of Trenton and took his silver, "I see no reason why you pay me for this. You already pay me to import this stuff in as it is." "Consider it a gift then if you must," Trenton took a sip and let the thick residue of the substance drip from his lips before licking it off. "You know my tastes are, well, whats the word I'm looking for?" Al kicked open a crate and pulled out two more bottles, "Word? More like phrase. Pain in the [Removed for Content] to smuggle in here. Those ratonga that deliver it to my door get more and more anxious to sample this. I finally told them its a special Troll brew using bits of rat's feet and innards to scare them off. Seemed to do the trick. Stupid things." An ogre that sat at one of the tables made a grunt of some sort. Al looked up over Trenton and noticed he was sleeping. Trenton looked up from his drink, "Does he ever leave?" "Nope. I often close the doors around him. Figure why bother a sleeping ogre," Al turned turned away from his choirs and leaned over the bar next to Trenton's head. "Figure I'll let someone else make the mistake of doing that." Trenton took a long drink from his glass and sat out in front of him once more. He removed some more silver from his person and placed it on the bar next to the glass. "You don't listen very well do you. But then again, I'm not surprised," Al said as he walked away to grab the bottle Trenton was drinking from. His frame was slender except for the bulge of his gut. He was older for a human but seemed to get around just fine in the small quarters he worked in. Coming back with the bottle he poured Trenton another glass, "Which doesn't surprise me cause I told you not to take your last job but you didn't listen to me either. Now you got Vandlord on your [Removed for Content]." "Please," Trenton said with a low tone, "I grow tired of that word. They are nothing but a simple assassins guild. Ran by a low-brow gnome who only thinks with the fullness of the pockets then of sense. He is still lucky I was told never to except the contract on his head. I would end them once and for all." Turning away he took another drink and smacked his lips. The drink tasted good today. Too good he thought to himself. "Listen, I'm your friend. Your only friend here Trent. This isn't about you versus them. There is a lot of things going on in the world that are bigger than you. Vandlord is just one of many with their fingers in the pot of something big. I hear whipsers. Whispers that do not sound good," Al took the silver pieces off the bar and tossed them into a bucket behind him. They clanged inside signaling that the bucket was empty. "I hear the same whispers. I live those whispers Al, for Tunare's sake I'm usually the creator of those whispers," Trenton spoke the last part inside his glass. "For Tunare's sake? Haha. To hear you use her name like that puts," Al sighed. He knew this wasn't going to go anywhere but it wasn't the first time he has had this conversation before. "Look Trent. I just don't want to find you like I did four years ago. That can't happen. Again." Trenton nodded his head at Al and stood up, "Four years ago. You didn't talk to me." Dipping into his person he left a single gold piece on the bar. "And we were better friends when we didn't talk." Grabbing his glass one last time he drank the remainder of the drink and turned from the bar. He walked out the door and left Al alone with his only customer, the sleeping ogre. Al shook his head and picked up the gold piece. He looked at it for quite some time and tossed it back into his bucket. He grabbed a rag from a container of water underneath the bar that hadn't been drained in some time and wiped up where Trenton had been seated. He picked up the bottle that he had served Trenton and looked at it for a while, then placed it back under the bar where he had put the rest. "Hell," Al said to himself. "Its been four years today. No wonder hes happy as a Fae." Feeling smug at his sudden revelation, he continued to wipe the bar waiting for his next customer to come in.

[Amethest]

nice story ..will have to lurk here for a bit <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Sorrowblad]

Trenton pulled his hood tighter around his neck as he held out his hand, "Rain again." He sighed at the thought of another day feeling like a human sponge and left his friend's bar. He pondered what Al had told him as he walked down the cold streets of Freeport only to find himself in not so welcome company. A blade came down in front of him and the voice that came forth was one of familiarity, "What do we have here? A lost rogue?" Trenton gave the blade no surprise, but brought his hand up and moved it up and walked underneath it. With a couple more steps he felt the rigid point of the blade in his back. "Don't walk away from me Trenton. We have unfinished business." Trenton turned around in the rainy alley. He realized that this wasn't going to end without incident of some sort. Facing the man holding the sword, he brought a sly smile to his face, "Listen Randle. What happened the other night was not by my fault. It was a contract and a contract I turned in. It is not my fault your employer doesn't put his best foot forward with those he places on his own contracts." Randle, a medium framed human drove the point of his sword a little harder into Trenton but the hard leather armor Trenton wore held fast against the pressure. It still felt uncomfortable though but Trenton made no gesture to show it. "Where's the girl Trenton. That was my mark. Not yours. You stole it from me," Randle replied almost spitting in anger. His dark raven black hair was wet and hung low to his shoulders. Cold green eyes looked forward. Trenton noticed how upset Randle was which he found peculiar. Marks between rogues were some what of a bragging point and a silent code to never argue over. The work spoke for itself, "Why are you so agitated over a simple woman Randle." "That woman is," Randle didn't finish as he looked down towards the wet road and then back up at Trenton, "Vandlord does not like to be humiliated." "Humiliated?" Trenton looked over at some Iksar passer-bys who paid them no heed as they walked by. The Scale Yard was like that and why Trenton found it homier than the other districts in Freeport. The Iksar called it home and ran it the way they saw it. Limited militia from Lucan's command roamed these streets as Lucan himself feared the power of a disturbed clan of Iksar. Then again, who could blame him. "I was promised a rich prize for bringing that lass into the fold, but now that she is in your possession, that prize is no longer mine for the taking. I was released from the contract and scolded for my tardiness to the mark. Humiliated for myself, and for what I represent," Randle's words again were heated and venomous. He was not himself. "I fail to make out what your trying to say here Randle, I shot something trying to kill the mark before I could steal her myself. Whatever that was it was not of Vandlord's bidding. I think you should talk to your employer about that. If you were sent for her then there were three contracts out on the same girl. I just happened to get her first," Trenton explained to Randle who soon found a puzzled look on his face. "Three?" Randle asked. "Impossible. You lie to save your own hide. But I'm through with this. The contract on your head has finally been taken Trenton. Watch your back my friend. I long for the day to remove an arrow from your lifeless body." And with that said, Randle removed his sword from Trenton's mid-section and placed it back on his person. Turning around he walked towards the dock and disappeared down an alleyway. Trenton stood still for a second thinking about what Randle had told him. The rain still kept coming down steadily without the sound of any thunder or lightning. "Move sssoft-ssskin," a voice came from behind. Trenton turned to see an Iksar pushing a cart down the road and he happened to be blocking the path. With a couple steps to the side the Iksar continued with his work giving Trenton a look familiar to many he had received from others Iksar. Turning down the path he continued his original trip back to see his boss. It was about time he got some more information about this mark. In preparation for his trip, he reached in and cinched the buckles of his armor. Now that he himself had become a mark for Vandlord, a small touch of paranoia set in. It wasn't his first time being hunted, but Randle was a respected member of Vandlord. Once his conversation with his boss had concluded, he would have to pay to find out if Randle had excepted the contract on his head. If so, he would have to eliminate Randle first before he could get to the bottom of who this girl really is.

[Sorrowblad]

Chapter III - Fork in the Road An old lady, human, sat at a desk covered with parchment and quills. An ink well had spilled forward on her desk and the ink slowly dripped down causing a small stream to form on the floor. Too busy to notice, she shuffled around in drawers before she stood up and walked over to a case of books and began rummaging through those. Her body was weak, she was half stooped over and the remaining hair on her head looked as if it hadn't been clean in some time. Her eyes were bad as she squinted at each book on the shelf. Her fingers were curved. Her time on Norrath had been almost one hundred years. A long time in human standards, but the last couple have been hard on her. Her teeth were mostly gone and the robe she wore was tied around her waist as it barely fit around her thinning neck and shoulders. The door to her office opened but she didn't turn to see who it was because she already knew, "You've done a great service for us Trenton." The half elf made his way into her chamber but his expression was anything but gratitude. "Do not blame me for your misgivings," the old lady finally found the book she was looking for and pulled it out slowly from the shelving. "Tricks and lies. I should have known better. Now Vandlord's taken a mark on my head. For what? Some girl? I think you put me into something you knew would get me in over my head. What is so special about this girl and what of the third contract on her?" Trenton demanded. The old lady didn't look towards Trenton or gave him any look of recognition. Slowly walking back she sat down and opened the book and turned the old pages inside. "Answer me you old hag!" Trenton shouted but soon found himself lurching back as a bolt of magic struck him in the chest sending him to the ground. "Watch your tongue!" the old lady demanded putting her hand down from the air. She still hadn't looked away from the book. Trenton picked himself up from the ground and placed his hand on his sword. "Foolish in your age you still are Trenton. You feel cutting me down would solve your problem. You are wrong," the old lady flipped a page in the book she was reading. "I knew nothing of the third contract until recent developments with the girl came forth. Which is why I'm in need of your skills once more Trenton." "I will not except the contract until I am made aware of what is truly going on. Why Vandlord has it out for me, and what the creature was I struck down in that alleyway that night. It wasn't working for Vandlord but was definitely after the girl," Trenton placed his hands on his sides but the urge to draw his blade was still itching in his mind. The old lady finally looked up from her book at Trenton. Though looking could only be the description as her eyes were hollow but the loose hair that remained draped in front of them hiding the pockets of nothing her eyes once rested in, "The girl is in danger. You are in danger. I feel for both of us and for everyone's sake that protecting her should be our priority until I figure out more on the recent turn of events. I am placing a contract on her for protection." "Protection?" Trenton bit his lip in anger, "I will not harbor some girl while my own life is on the line and some unknown party is out for her. Along with Vandlord. I can survive by myself but two of us makes us more of an easy target. Hell. If I was on the other side I couldn't ask for a better scenario." The old lady had looked back down at the book and flipped the pages while Trenton had ranted and raved. It had made no difference on her choice, "This is not a contract you can deny Trenton. Your traveling situation will be light at first. The girl is missing." Trenton blinked and turned his back on her, "How could she be missing. Our prison is without entrance only by the tokens." "I have seen the cell myself. My halfing golem is dead. Cut into pieces and spread amongst the ground as if he exploded from the inside out. The cell door was torn from its hinges and the magic protecting the cells itself had been dis-spelled. Whomever this other party is, found her quite easily. And it is up to you to find her." "Find her?" Trenton turned back to face the old hag, "How do you propose I do that?" "Use your training. What you have been doing the last four years. Your my number one Trenton. I wouldn't ask anyone else if it wasn't for your impeccable record," the old lady stood up and removed a stone from her pocket and placed it on the edge of the desk. "Take this." Trenton still shook his head. He would not except this contract, even with those thoughts he still walked forward to look at the stone placed in front of him. "This was yours. Found on you four years ago. What it is and what it can be are up to you to decide upon," the old lady flipped a couple pages and then turned the book around. "This is what you would become if it wasn't for our help. You can either except this contract, or, the alternative." "This isn't a choice. Your forcing my hand," Trenton picked up the stone and examined the small engravings on the surface. The old lady smiled, "Choice has never been your option Trenton. You fell into everything I handed you because of your own destiny. I can read your aura and it within it holds a menacing future for you. A future not I or anyone close to you would want to see." the old lady stood up and walked over towards the bookcase again still talking, "Do you ever wonder why you have no friends. No lovers?" "Lovers?" Trenton smiled. The old lady laughed, "I do not speak of the [Removed for Content] you buy off at the local inns either. You push everyone away. Cause deep inside your own self, you know what you are. The wine at Al's can only give you so much companionship." "Quiet old hag," Trenton returned. The old lady stopped and smiled once more. Tilting a book the shelf gave way to a secret passage that led to places Trenton had never seen. He had seen the opening many times but never was he allowed in. "I will let that one slide," the old lady walked into the passage but before it closed she offered him one more piece of information. "In three days I will contact you with more information. The ethereal residue I could sense when I walked into the cells was of Vandlord's doing. I have no idea how they passed into that realm but they did. I would suggest venturing their." Trenton shook his head. Anger built up inside him as this contract was not what he wanted. His questions were not answered and more confusion into the matter clouded his judgement. Turning towards a table with a simple urn he held out his hand and a burst of magic shot forth. Its dark trail consumed the light and splintered the table into nothingness. The urn fell to the ground and shattered across the floor. Making a fist with his hand he turned away from the room and out the door.

[Amethest]

its all so mysterious.....cant wait to see how it all unfolds..<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[niko_teen]

it really is too bad i was hoping that this story would continue its' self.

[Sorrowblad]

As he closed the door to his employers room, he stopped and walked back in to the desk. There, resting on the table, was the page she had turned too. Picking it up he read the page in his head and viewed the penciled figure scrawled from many accounts of those that had encountered such an entity. "This is not me," Trenton said to himself, "I can never do..." Slamming the book shut he grabbed the stone that she had given him and noticed the same etchings were on the binding of the book. Much of his past was based on the markings on this stone. He was adorned with it around his neck when Al found him, before him and the Sorrowblades had their falling out. He felt the urge to use magic once more inside him but he quelled it with a simple breathing technique he had learned. His outburst was the beast inside trying to free itself, but the crack it had made in his mind was quickly healed as he casted the stone back onto the table. "My destiny will be writ by my own hand, not that of a book, and if I do fall to temptation then the gods will feast on their own divinity" Trenton turned away once again and left the room. With his absence, the urn and table slowly began to move, putting itself back together again once more until it was whole. The light from the portal shimmered to an end. Once again, Trenton found himself in the hovel of the Scale Yard. He tossed the used transport token to the ground where it slowly dissolved into dust. Checking his lines of sight he found it safe enough to pass out from the alley and back towards Al's bar. "Never fails," Al said as he polished a spot on the bar, "You go see her and your back to the drink." Al laughed as he fiddled around with goblet to pour the liquor into. "You remember dealing with her. Questions beckon more questions. She is about as straight as bent long sword. I grow weary of these games. Deceit is a trade I agree to work in but when turn-about is fair play it makes me grind my teeth," Trenton dug into his coin purse to pay Al for the beverage. "I got this one friend," Al made a gesture that he wouldn't accept his coin. "You know her and I both are trying to shield you from what might become of all this. A lot in the world is changing. More whispers of new lands being discovered echo frequently and with such findings new powers will come of it." Trenton took a quick sip trying to hurry his reaction to Al's comment, "Lands? I find it disheartening that we are all of a sudden trying to find ourselves in the world once more when it was the very same lands that caused most of the calamity amongst Norrath. I can say I do not miss Velious." "Its human to want to explore what was lost. Like trying to remember the answer to a riddle you knew many years ago," Al replied. "Such is true with humans," Trenton took another drink. "It surprises me that your race has survived as long as it has. "Such is true with elves," Al turned to face him as he washed a single glass, "Elves are amongst many of the tales of destruction, be them dark or light skinned." "Both of which I am not," Trenton took another drink from the glass feeling it burn its way down his throat was soothing. "You might not be full blood elf or human but within you rests the evil that both men and elves have had for centuries, but the good is there too. I would like to think I've made a small mark in the time line. At least here in the Scale Yard's time line," Al smirked. Responding to his smile Trenton but down the glass, "Yeah. Like harboring the same sleeping ogre for weeks on end." Al looked over at the still sleeping ogre. He bit his lip to reply but didn't say anything and continued to rummage around behind the bar doing the same cleaning tasks he had done the day before.

[niko_teen]

<p>Ahh yes very good</p><p>/throws sorrowblades in a make shift prison so that there will be no more long delays between posts.</p>

[Sorrowblad]

Haha. Thanks Niko for the read. I'll be home for an extended amount of time so I have picked up with the writing. Unfortunately I only write about a paragraph at a time and leave because I'm bouncing so many ideas in my head I end up erasing what I write to go a different direction. The next part should be posted soon as I finally got the upcoming action scene chorographed in my head so putting it down on e-paper should be forthcoming. Hope you and all have enjoyed what little I have posted... I have big things for our relunctant hero. Though I fear a turn for the worse is soon to come upon him. But like most, sometimes a necessary evil is needed for the greater good ---

[Sorrowblad]

Setting his glass down he wiped the remains of the liquor off his lips and stood up. Al paid no attention to him as he continued his work. Trenton opened the door, stepped out, and closed it behind him. Al stopped what he was doing for a moment as he looked towards the glass Trenton had left. Putting it his hands, he examined the rim and brought his rag around it to wipe the smudges his mouth had left on it. Putting the glass down on the rack below the bar's table he noticed that Trenton had already drank one of the four bottles he had just gotten a couple days ago. He shifted his eyes in thought and scratched his cheek as he tried to find some conclusion to his thoughts. It would have to wait though. The door to Al's bar exploded as a figure rolled through knocking many of the tables and chairs to the floor. The ogre stirred but only winked awake for a second before falling back into his slumber. Al jumped the bar but his age showed as he stumbled when he landed. Grabbing at his knees as he hobbled forward he recognized the figure laying in a pile of remnants from the furniture. "Trent? What the hell?" Al reached down and pulled him up. Al noticed the Trenton had taken a great blow to the side of his head as it bared a deep cut along his cheek. Trenton brought his own hand and wiped the blood off in his hand. "Hide Al," Trenton asked him as he pushed his way forward out the door. "What's going on?" Al followed him as he made his way out to the sunlight. Outside stood a tall humanoid male. It was obvious he was of barbarian decent. "I told you Trenton I would find you. It seems you have made quite a few enemies in the years I've been rotting in jail," the barbarian called. In his hand he held a solid piece of lumber. It had residuals of blood and was obviously the weapon used to bat Trenton through Al's door. Trenton was dizzy. The blow had hurt and his sense of balance was off, "I don't even know who you are friend, but you would be right about the enemies." From a vantage point on the roofs of the Scale Yard a figure slid down into position. Cloaked in a long cape and hood it watched from a far. "You killed my brother and framed me for his murder. I sat stewing about this moment for three years until I was finally able to clear my own name. Three years I sat in Freeport's most horrid climate while you continued your existence up here. I lobbied your name around amongst many until I came across a group known as Vandlord. It seems that would find great pleasure in visiting your gravestone," the barbarian stood in an aggressive posture holding the wooden staff tightly. Trenton clicked his short sword from its sheath and held the pommel waiting for a sudden strike, "I have always enjoyed a good monologue When your done talking, I'll be waiting here to run you through." Anger swept the face of the barbarian as he charged forward. Al stood back knowing full well he would not be able to offer any assistance in such a fight. His aged body would not hold up for more than moments in the over powering attacks of a barbarian. With a swing Trenton removed his sword and sliced through the staff of the barbarian severing it into two. The sudden shift in balance of the barbarian's weapon caused him to stumble to the ground, but he didn't stay down long. Raising back to his feet, he twirled the two widdled pieces and brought on another attack towards Trenton. With his honed agility Trenton dodged each blow that came his way. Bringing his sword down into the ground Trenton ducked using it as a makeshift shield as the barbarian came with a low blow. One piece of the broken staff again was severed and was unusable as a weapon leaving the rage filled barbarian with only one half of his original weapon. "I'm glad your up to this fight. I would have been disappointed to crush your skull in the first seconds," the barbarian sounded off. "Me too," Trenton replied removing his sword from the dirt. Their melee had attracted the attention of the local Iksar guard. Trenton didn't wait for the barbarian to attack but instead made the initiative. Sweeping his sword across the body of the barbarian he cut into his chest, but the wound was light. Reacting to the attack, the barbarian brought his staff down but found no mark as Trenton had already moved out of the way and brought his sword straight up the thigh of the barbarian. Howling as he fell to one knee, the barbarian dropped his weapon and gripped his thigh. Trenton sheathed his weapon knowing this fight was over. Most of the Iksar guard left with the sudden ending of the fight. Trenton made his way to Al who was standing just to the right of the door to his business. "Sorry about the door, I'll pay for that," Trenton said with a smile. He brought his hand up and smeared more of the blood that escaped the wound on his face. Al just smiled, "You know, its been a while since I've said this but I think I could use a drink." The barbarian tried to stand but found it impossible to keep weight on his wounded leg. One of the Iksar guard walked up to the fallen barbarian with sword drawn, and with a sudden movement grabbed the sword from the Iksar and called out Trenton's name, "Your life for my brother's life!" The sword whistled though the air. Trenton turned in reaction and the sword just missed him but a sickening sound from behind him sent a sudden tremor though his body. Turning, he saw the sword embedded in Al's chest. "No," Trenton whispered. Al fell forward holding onto the sword that ran through him. He coughed in reaction and with it blood spattered his teeth and lips. If there was one thing you didn't want, was to find yourself in the Scale Yard with a life threatening injury. Iksar's were known to not care for no other race other than themselves, and with most of the cleric's living in the more humanoid parts of Freeport this would be a race. "I could really use that drink," Al spit out as his strength soon left his legs and collapsed in Trenton's arms. Blood smeared on Trenton's clothes. The barbarian let loose a laugh that was low and without passion, "Consider your debt paid." Trenton turned to away from Al and gave the barbarian a look of anger. Inside, he could feel the pulse of his magic beat with his own heart. Al reached out and tugged on Trenton's arm causing it to subside. "Don't," Al whispered in a soft voice. Trenton looked upon his fallen friend. His heart felt like it was going to explode outwards. The hairs on his arms began to stand on end as his hidden powers crept up through him. They sent feelers through his limbs causing Trenton to feel warm. His eyes caught fire as the flow of magic leaked through the sides causing a sight both jaw dropping and horrific. The Iksar guard had responded to the barbarian's attack. Three of them held the barbarian down to his knees. One had brought a sword under his neck to keep him from wrestling away from them. "You will remain motionlessss sssoft ssskin," the Iksar commanded. "I am sorry," Trenton squeezed Al's hand leaving a tingle of magic to arc throughout Al's arm. Al tried to speak again but was too weak to utter the words he wanted to say. Trenton positioned Al against the building sitting up and grabbed onto the sword embedded in Al. With a great pull the sword was set free and a lot of blood followed out from the wound. Placing his hands to where the gash was Trenton closed his eyes and looked deep within himself. Trenton felt a slap at his hands and opened his eyes. With the strength he had, Al had slapped his arm away from his body, "You...can't." But it was already too late for Trenton. His eyes had filled with an aura of unknown magic. Its blue essence sparkled down his body and arm as Trenton put his hands back on Al's wound. A waterfall of small sparkles and glimmer covered Al's body. The barbarian remained on one knee as the Iksar guard waited for more to take him to a dungeon proper for disturbing the peace in the small streets of the Scale Yard. They didn't seem to realize the small amount of magic the barbarian was casting on his leg. The wound that had crippled him was now gone and he sat waiting for his chance. It came without warning as the barbarian grabbed the bladed end of the sword at his throat and pulled it from the Iksar's hand. The sudden jerk wrestled it free. A quick thrust struck the Iksar. Removing the blade he swung with a backhand striking the other Iksar at his side slicing true through his side. Both Iksar fell back holding their wounds. The hiss of pain they made echoed down the alleyway and garnered the attention of Trenton. The last Iksar stood little chance as he tried to match strength with the barbarian and found himself ran through in moments. Turning to face Trenton, he spoke again, "A little trick I learned in the dungeons of Freeport. Who knew a little Templar faith could go a long way." His eyes still leaked the aura of magic but the blue hue had changed to a black. It seemed the dispersion from his eyes was heavier and seemed to stain the ground below him leaving a black trail of fog. The barbarian looked on with uncertainty, "What are you?" Trenton removed his blade from his side but the blade was not that of metal but of pure magic. His body seemed to wrap itself in the tendrils of magic leaking from his body forming a supernatural armor. The barbarian stuck but his sword broke from the impact against the shield the magic was forming. Trenton stuck the barbarian through his stomach. With a gasp the barbarian lurched backwards and fell to his knees, Trenton drove his weapon deeper. The magical blade bore no blood as he removed it from the barbarian's body. He sliced quickly at the barbarian's left hand severing it from his arm, "You should find it a little harder to heal yourself without the aid of your fingers." Trenton cut through his right hand. The scream from the alleyway was deafening as the barbarian howled for death. Trenton stood in front of the broken barbarian. Lowering his head, the barbarian waited for death to claim him, but his wait would not be long. Grabbing his face, Trenton held it up so that they both could look each other in the eyes, "I hope you find your brother in the same hell I put him." An arc of red fire escaped the arm Trenton was using to hold the barbarian's head and exploded forward in a bright explosion. Turning back to face Al, Trenton made his way back to his friend and rested next to him. Inside, he fought for control. He knew he had let whatever it was out and that his chances of reverting back would be hard. Hopefully Al could help him reclaim his humanity before the monster set in. He would just hope that Al wound wake up soon.

[niko_teen]

<p>A new post every 3 - 4 days i find acceptable.... </p><p>continue</p>

[Sorrowblad]

But having his friend wake up was the least of Trenton's problems. The Iksar guards had assembled in full force. Turning to see the activity, some of the Iksar were kicking the dead corpse of the barbarian while others pointed there spears and swords in Trenton's direction. Trenton sat up from his friend and motioned quickly in a sign of peace but the latent powers inside him wouldn't have it. In a gesture a bolt of magic escaped from Trenton's hand and smashed into the wall of a nearby store. The Iksar had had enough of Trenton today. A spear pierced the air as it rotated towards Trenton but he was nimble enough to remove himself from its path. Two more Iksar guards ran towards Trenton with swords drawn and arced them widely in his direction. Jumping to the side the swords stuck ground as Trenton removed his sword again from his side. "Ssslay the disturber," one of Iksar commanded. The two Iksar with swords drawn bore down on Trenton once again. Infusing his power into his sword it glowed with an ominous aura once again. The Iksar who through the spear earlier removed two short swords from his back and gave attack towards Trenton. Blocking the first blow, Trenton brought his sword straight wounding the Iksar in the side. The sword pulsed as it found flesh and seemed to absorb some of the energy from the Iksar bringing the Iksar to his feet. The energy arced through Trenton's body sending him back into the same trance he had just experienced when he had watched his friend get struck by the errant weapon. Feeling a rage build within him, Trenton gave looks towards his other attackers. Magic again began to seep from his body causing the tendrils of magic to encase him. Both of the Iksar struck forth but Trenton was only able to block one of the attacks as the other Iksar's sword struck against the dark magic surrounding him. The blow reflected off as if he had stuck solid rock. Bringing his sword quickly around Trenton slashed low wounding one of the Iksar on his leg. Rotating his body around he flashed forward catching the other across his abdomen. The sword pulsed again as the dark blood of the Iksar splattered against the glow of the sword and quickly disappeared. Trenton found a power growing within him with every stroke that began to feel like pain. It seemed to build with every swing and its almost as if whatever it was that was inside him was trying to escape from within. Watching the other Iksar bear down on him from the body of the barbarian Trenton struck out his hand sending bolts of magic towards the remaining troops. Each bolt ripped through the bodies of the Iksar causing them to shutter and death walk before there bodies collapsed to the ground. A heavy armored Iksar came through with a great sword drawn. His armor wore the signs of a ranking member in the Iksar's own militia. Drawing forth a power within him he let loose a bolt of darkness that caught Trenton in the back sending him down to the ground. The Iksar with the wound on his leg jumped on top of Trenton and wrapped his arms, legs, and tail around the his torso and legs. Trenton struggled but the Iksar's strength would not budge. The tendrils of darkness that encased Trenton reacted on their own as if sensing their master was in need and slowly removed themselves from his arms and legs and around the body of the Iksar. Like vines, they constricted the limbs slowly prying him from Trenton. The Iksar hissed as he gave in to the strength of the dark vines. Trenton scrambled to his feet and found that the vines were holding the Iksar in the air in front of him. The armored Iksar looked on as he saw the figure in his view holding one of his soldiers in the air like an octopus from the great sea. Trenton's look became placid as the pain inside him burst causing him to let loose a yell. He tried to close his eyes but they would not shut. The madness of the magic inside him was controlling him now. The Iksar had gave a great serpent shrill but it had been short lived. Looking out at the tendrils of magic, they were holding different pieces of the Iksar's body that had been ripped apart. The magical arms tossed the pieces to the side as Trenton gave look to his new adversary, the armored Iksar that had struck him earlier. Pointing his great sword towards the sky, the Iksar motioned with his one free hand cascading a protective aura around himself. His armor changed hues from the refined look of steel to that of polished onyx. With a quick flick of his arm another bolt of energy escaped towards Trenton but one of his magical arms batted it to the side. The Iksar Shadow knight squinted his eyes. Moving forward with his plan of attack, the Iksar brought his sword with a wide horizontal slash but caught nothing but air as his blade passed through the tendrils. His attack had proved worthy as the tendrils slowly retracted back and covering Trenton's arms, legs, and chest once more. "What isss your busssiness here sssoft ssskin?" the Iksar asked gripping his sword tightly. Trenton made the conscious decision to talk but nothing came from his mouth, instead he heard someone else's voice, "Death. Destruction. Rebirth. These are what will lead me to the path I have chosen." Al began to show signs of movement. He blinked his eyes rabidly as the world began to slowly refocus around him. After a few minutes he found the wound in his chest to be healed, and his strength to be replenished. Trenton's magic had healed him, but with what consequence. Al soon answered his own question as he saw the grotesque scene in front of him. The barbarian lay on the ground minus his head and random Iksar body parts along with two slain Iksar surround the area Trenton was standing in. Seeing also the Iksar knight make his attack and watching the dark tentacles retract and wrap themselves around Trenton brought a sudden fear inside Al. "[Removed for Content] it," Al got to his feet. As he started to make his way towards the battle to try to reason with Trenton a hand held his shoulder. "Rest," the voice said. Al turned to see who it was and did a double take, "Wait? What do you plan on doing?" Al got no reply as he watched the old lady hobble forward. It was his old employer when he used to work for the same guild Trenton worked for. It wasn't long before the Iksar knight saw the old lady entering the field of battle. His gaze betrayed him as Trenton took advantage striking quickly with one of the tendrils wrapped around his arm. It shot out and hit the Iksar in the chest sending him stumbling back and falling to the ground. "Trenton," the old hag called at him. Turning from the direction of his Iksar attacker, Trenton turned to face her. His eyes were dark and the pain inside him still pulsed but as the woman got closer the pain got worse. "Stand your ground hag," Trenton called out. "Inside you, is a power implanted for reasons of only demonic cause. Let go Trenton of the pain. You must let it go like you did those years ago," the old lady commanded. Trenton's look changed but to one of only more anger. The pain was unbearable. With each step the old lady took it felt like his chest was going to explode out. Reacting as before, he struck out towards his boss with his magical arms. They quickly uncased the body of Trenton and slowly wrapped around the arms and legs of the old lady. "You!" Trenton called out, "You will come no closer!" With her arms and legs outstretched, her old body couldn't hold but mere seconds to the tension Trenton was applying to her. Her gaze, though eyeless, bore through him as if she was looking at Trenton from the inside. "Let it go," she called out. Trenton clicked his teeth together and began to grind them as the pain was too much, "I can't." The the voice that had sounded before spoke, "Fool! This one is mine!" "He will never be yours, not while I draw breath," the old hag commanded. "An ability I can rid you off," Trenton's voice had taken a grave tone and the tendrils that held her outstretched wrapped around her. She disappeared from view as the arms of dark magic began to tighten. Al looked on with a horrid expression, "Trenton? What have you done?" Trenton held her in a cocoon of black vines. The pain was beginning to subside. He could feel her loosing the life with each second and it brought a smile to Trenton's face.

[niko_teen]

There is just somethig about our unwilling hero that keeps me drawn in.

[Sorrowblad]

Chapter IV - Freedom's Prisoner Lilian sat in her cell. The walls were cold, made of some sort of stone work she was unfamiliar with. Her head still hurt from the sudden attack but she didn't remember much more than the explosion from outside the door and the sound of the guard's death throws. This was becoming a nightmare. A nightmare of a nightmare. She tried to peace together what she could but with so little conversation she didn't believe that any of this could be on a sane plot. There was no stool or bench in the cell. Nothing but the cold stone of the walls and floor. A bucket was positioned in one of the far corners but she had not the strength to even peer inside the contents. Light was minimal in the cell. The door had one small window with three bars keeping anything from inside the door unable to reach anything of importance. They were rusty as she still had the brown smudges on her hands from trying to peer outside earlier. Her clothing seemed to be intact still although her chest hurt with each breath. She thought about what could have happened to her while she was unconscious but the thoughts of that just added to the nightmare she was in. She thought about the things the old woman said to her from before in her initial abduction and the one thing that caught her curiosity was the mention of an item known as the Hope Sliver. It made no sense to her because she hadn't heard of any sort of artifact in any of her studies back in Qeynos or of any mention of such a thing in any book she had read. The mention of her mother was off putting. She wandered why anyone would care of the day to day lives of such humble people. Standing up she approached the small window in the door and looked out at the flickering remains of the torch lit in the small hallway. She could not see any other doors from her viewpoint and hadn't heard anything since she had been put inside. It was quiet. Not a drip of water or faint brush of wind to echo anywhere. It would seem that where ever she was that it was remotely hidden and without cause to check on often. Turning away from the window she sat down again on the cold floor and pushed herself into the opposite corner of the bucket. Again, looking its way she knew at some point she would be forced to use it but the thought disgusted her. Even a high elf can be taken down but there are some things that a high elf just can't do. A lady doesn't demean herself in such ways. Lilian checked her pockets again hoping to find some sort of savior inside but like last she found nothing but the very cloth that held them together. She bit her lip and sunk her head into her knees closing her eyes. The thought of sleep brought little comfort but it also caused time to pass which was obvious to her what would need to happen before anyone would come down to get her. She shook awake blinking her eyes widely trying to focus. With little idea of how much time had passed she let loose a small yawn and stretched her feet outwards. They were stiff from being curled up for however long it was she slept. She stood up using the cold stone wall as support and took a couple steps around to loosen up. Lilian had not dreamed during her nap which she was thankful for. "I was beginning to wander how long you would stay in that corner?" Turning quickly to the door she saw a face covered in shadow blocking the light from the single torch. "Where am I?" Lilian ran towards the door to get a better look at her captor but she soon saw the light of a lantern thrust upwards to blind her. "I would advise you to step away from the door and up against the back wall. Otherwise, the food I hold will get even colder than what it already is," the man held the lantern up to the window still and it seemed to get brighter. With the sudden rush of light flooding the cell Lilian got to see her confines much clearer. The walls were made of smooth marble and without flaw. The same could be said about the floor as it too seemed to shine with the light cascading down upon it. On one wall bore chains that held nothing but the open air. They seemed new which would contradict the door that held her in that showed signs of many years past. Stepping backwards until she stood against the wall the lantern dropped as the figure looked in to see if she followed orders, "Good. I would advise you to not try any fool hardy magic tricks while I open this door. The last prisoner ended up wishing he didn't try such a minor incantation." The door opened without the sound of any lock and small tray slid on the ground holding nothing but a small loaf of bread and a cup of water. "I know you elves live it up so to speak with your extravagant meals but times are little rough topside so this was pretty much all I could find for you. Lucky for you." "Lucky indeed," Lilian returned. "I see you still have some spirit left. Would be a let down to finally see you in my chambers already broken of it but either way in my chambers you will end up as soon as I tied up a small loose end," the figure closed the door and snuffed out the lantern. "Why am I here?" Lilian yelled out from the back of her cell. "Time my little elf. Time," footsteps could be heard walking away from the door. Lilian's thoughts raced as she knew what little contact she would have every conversation could lead to something that might help her out. "What of the Hope Sliver? Is that why you hold me here?" Lilian called out but heard no response. None at all. The light from the single torch flickered through the small window once more leaving her her only companion. Walking up towards the door she picked up the small loaf of bread and picked a piece off. Chewing on it for a moment she found it to be decent. Picking up the small cup of water and the remainder of the bread she brought it back to the back corner of the cell and ate.

[Sorrowblad]

The sound of the cup rattling on the floor shook her awake. Glancing both ways she saw the the class rocking back and forth and came to grips being the sound that woke her from her dreams. It had been some time before she found herself able to dream once again and it was a comforting feeling. She brought her locks of hair behind her ears and stretched as she stood once more. The feeling of captivity was beginning to drain on her emotionally. Walking forward to the door she saw that nothing had changed through the window. The torch still flickered and flamed straight up into the air showing no sign of breeze. She remembered the words of the man that fed her that trying any tricks of magic would not help her cause but with each passing hour she found that maybe it was time to force their hand. Concentrating on her schooling, she began to draw in the air with her finger and whispering words in her native elven language and with-in seconds the symbol she was drawing appeared in front of her, with her eyes open she flicked her finger forward and a breeze began to fill the room. She stopped her chant and with that the wind died down. Lilian smiled. It seemed that there was no magical barrier established like before in the cell prior. Walking to the door, she closed her eyes and touched her fingers on the top of the door and slowly traced the outline with each until she hit the floor. Taking a couple steps back, she pushed with her hands. A great gust of wind forced the door open breaking off one of the hinges from the rock. The sound was loud and would draw some sort of attention. Stepping through the new opening, she walked down the hall towards the next door. She turned the knob and found it unlocked. Slowly, she peaked through to the other side. The adjoining room was lit with mass candles and torches. It seemed to be a room where one would worship but it was absent of any deity statue or picture. Row after row of candles lined the walls minus that of two doors that led off the room. She listened for signs of any activity but she could hear none. Lilian opened the door and it wasn't till then she noticed that the clothes she wore were covered with much dirt and torn in various spots. She thought again of what might have been done to her while she was unconscious but those thoughts would help her from this ordeal. Steeling her nerves, she made her way to one of the doors and opened it slowly. Peering through she could see a stairwell that led down. "I must be in some sort of tower," Lilian said to herself. Closing the door she walked over to the other one. Making little noise as possible she opened the other door to find a cache of ornate wares. Few torches lit the room but a bright glimmer shimmered in the far corner of the room. Stepping through she closed the door behind her and made her way over to it. The light was captivating and seemed to beckon her. Carefully, she moved through the stacked baskets of silverware and goblets until she held the small box in her hand. She removed the cover and a sudden shower of light lit the room. Lilian covered her eyes from the sudden glare but it quickly subsided. Resting on a small piece of cloth, a shard of crystal laid. With her free hand, she removed the shard from its case along with the cloth that protected it, "What could this be?" But her curiosity would have to wait, she quickly covered it and made her way back towards the door. Again, with subelty, she looked inside the room to find no one. Escaping from the room she ran towards the other door and began to take the steps leading down. It wasn't long till she found the bottom and yet another door. She pressed her ear against it and heard nothing. There was a window in this door and she peered through the poorly lit room to find a flickering remains of a fire. Opening the door, she was in what seemed to be a great room. A long table stretched down and chairs lined one side of the room. Various trophies hung on the wall of beasts the owner of this place had hunted and slain. Each head of various beasts seemed to be in various poses and their eyes were dark orbs reflecting the fire. With rogue precision, she walked carefully through the room to an archway on the other side. "I guess I should stop you now before you find yourself in more trouble than its worth," a voice said from behind her. She turned quickly but felt the grip of someone covering her mouth and waist pulling her. The sudden attack caused her to drop the shard from her hand and hit the ground. It unwrapped from its protective cloth and lit the room again in a sudden flash blinding the attacker. With what time she had to react, Lilian called forth the same rush of wind to push her attacker away. Her attacker, recovering from the sudden light, pushed through the wind with arms out. Lilian closed her eyes and clapped her hands together. As she parted them a ball of force pulsed between them and she soon hurled it towards the attacker. It struck sending the person flying back against the wall. Reaching down, she picked up the crystal and ran for the archway. With raw adrenaline leading her, she gazed wildly down the hall trying to figure where the best way to go would be but she knew stopping to think about it would only lead to her captivity once more, a place she didn't want to return too. Each step down the hall led her past many doors but none seemed inviting to her but one with light creeping from underneath. She quickly reached for the latch, turned in, and ran inside. It was then she knew her thoughts had betrayed her. A group of cloaked figures stood in a circle around a rather large statue. The statue itself was that of an offering statue of ones chosen deity. Each member of the circle looked her way then down at the shimmering crystal in her hand. Her schooling and taught her how to defend herself from one attacker but multiple ones was that left to those who had mastered their initial training. Much of her magic was wind based and that of a amateur. "She has the relic!" one of them exclaimed from underneath his hood. They all seemed to move in unison running towards her. Lilian ran back through the door only too see the tall shadow of her initial attacker standing in the archway where she had begun her jog down the hallway. Fear consumed her. And it was in that moment the crystal reacted and Lilian disappeared. The hooded men looked at one another wildly and one of them spoke, "Who was watching her?" There was no reply. "Idiots," the man speaking looked down the hallway at the figure standing in the hallway, "What happened?" "The shard blinded me and she attacked. It was said that she was of no magical prowess but my back says something else," the man replied. "Argggh!" the hooded figure exclaimed. "Find her. Kill her. Bring back the relic. Without it, we will not be able to control him and times running out for us." "I will do as told," the man in the archway walked away. "Cazic will not be happy," the man mumbled under his breath.

[Sorrowblad]

<cite>niko_teen wrote:</cite><blockquote>There is just somethig about our unwilling hero that keeps me drawn in.</blockquote>Aren't all heroes unwillingly at first? I mean who really wants to escape death multiple times for little reward knowing that many will be sacrificed and not remembered. Though I do have a flair for writing that way ... I guess we shall see what happens...

[LiNkInPaRk789]

Cool You don't find many stories about half elves circulating around the forum.

[niko_teen]

<cite>Sorrowblades wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>niko_teen wrote:</cite><blockquote>There is just somethig about our unwilling hero that keeps me drawn in.</blockquote>Aren't all heroes unwillingly at first? I mean who really wants to escape death multiple times for little reward knowing that many will be sacrificed and not remembered. Though I do have a flair for writing that way ... I guess we shall see what happens...</blockquote>Yeah but there is something more about a guy who'd rather sit in  a bar and drink himself to death but only gets sucked in. This chick in intresting and all but she'd not the one I'm hoping to see next.