I THINK I finally found the right place for this. [Archive]

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Monkromancer

07-05-2007, 04:25 PM

A friend and I have been working on an in game storyline featuring our current characters, Maxxam and Seonas. We play on the Lucan D'Lere server. I hope ya'll enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed typing my fingers to the bones putting it togeher. This is the first of three, rather long, shorter stories I"m working on, to evolve into ONE long story eventually.***********Maxx sat in the cool quiet darkness. His room at the monastery was small, but cozy. Deep in his meditations, day after day, week after week, year after year, the time rolled on. He worked hard all day, every day, in the fields. Kept his sword practice up each evening, and barely slept each night, for sleep meant the nightmares would return.His mind wandered back, to all those years ago. He saw her once again, in his mind's eye. Her flaming red hair nearly glowed in the morning sun. Her bright, green eyes, so full of love and life. He sat on a blanket, in the shade of a tree, and watched her picking wildflowers in the meadow, then he laid back, and slowly drifted off to sleep in the warm aftermath of a romantic moment.He was awakened by a scream, he sat bolt upright, grabbed his sword, and quickly assessed the situation. He saw her, 50 yards away, struggling with several dark skinned figures. In a flash he was up and in the fray. He saw two of the attackers were already down, bleeding, or holding certain body parts. But, five more were on her. He laid into them, hacking and chopping his way to her, she was covered in blood from the large number of cuts, that covered her body. She screamed his name, 'MAXX", and he fought like a man possessed. Body parts flew, and blood sprayed, but, he wore no armor, and they did, and they were just to many, blades flashed, and darted in and out. He felt them as they pierced and sliced into his flesh. He looked deep into her eyes through the battle, and in that look, she knew, they were soulmates, and nothing, not even death itself could keep them apart forever. She reached for him and he reached back, their fingers intertwined, and the last words from both of their lips, 'Love you babe". And then a heavy weight crushed into the back of his skull, and the world went dark...He screamed, "nooooooooo, baby nonono, and woke up, drenched in sweat. He sat alone, weeping, in the cool quiet darkness. It had been a rough night, the nightmares were back. Why now?. He had not had them in so long, he'd tried so hard not to let them in...He felt the sun beat down on his back. He worked the fields, side by side, with the monks. The hard work was good, and made him so tired at night, it helped to keep the nightmares away. He paused a moment, took a swig from his water skin, and wiped the sweat from his brow. He'd noticed several of the other men glancing at him from time to time. They must have heard him wake screaming in the night, calling her name over and over. Again, he wondered, why now, after all these years? Why were his nightmares back? He hadn't slept now for almost a week. His hand wandered up to his face, his fingers working their way into his shaggy beard. Tracing the horrible scars he still bore from that fateful day. Strange, after all this time, the scars itched again, like they were freshly made. A single tear formed, and rolled down his cheek, leaving a clean streak on his dusty face. He shook his head to clear it, and redoubled his efforts with his hoe, weeding this patch of field.Later that night, as he sat in his room, trying to meditate. Praying that the nightmares would not come again, and that the dark skinned, white haired figure, would leave him alone. Praying that his dreams would not be filled again with blood and pain. He slipped for the first time, in a long long time, into a deep peaceful sleep.He saw a light. A beautiful, glowing, red light. From the light, he heard a voice, it sounded like the voice of an angel. It said, "Not even death itself can keep soulmates apart...soon love, very soon..." and he slept peaceful the rest of the night.He woke the next morning, feeling refreshed and rested for the first time in many days. He had had a wonderful dream. All these many long years alone, were coming to an end. He could feel it in his old, tired bones, he was going to see her soon. He did not fear death, it was just a part of life. And he was tired and ready to go. Once again, he would walk at her side.With a lightness in his step, he grabbed up his hoe, and strolled to the fields. He wondered, with a smile, how would it happen? Some tragic accident? A marauding band of gnolls? Maybe his old heart would just give out, and they would find him dead, in the field. It didn't matter, all that mattered, was he was going to see her, and be with her again...And then it happened. Not what he was expecting, it was like, someone had grabbed him and spun him around...faced him due west and tugged on him. He felt an overwhelming urge to go that way. He tried to go back to work, but he kept felt being pulled, pulled west towards...nothing lay in that direction, but Freeport, and them, the dark skinned ones. This was not what he expected, not the way it was supposed to be. He dropped his hoe, and stumbled to his room. Under his cot was his back pack, still holding his gear. He grabbed it up, and stumbled back out, following the pull to the west. He couldn't resist, he had to go, and he walked off into the warming morning sunshine....==============Seonas K'Linn was born deep in the caves of Neriak. She spent her youth running through her small world. As she grew, music seemed to be her fondest desire. Not just any kind of music, no. The kind only a saddened dirge could produce. She had a sadness inside her. No one knew of this saddness, or the yearning it caused her. A yearning, that even she could not figure out. But, still she grew, and played her music, wandering further to the outside world. Darklight Wood, all the young ones wanted to go there eventually. Some of them even snuck up there when they knew they shouldn't. The outside world, Darklight, was dangerous. So many wild animals, crazed undead creatures. She was one of those few adventurous ones though, she'd go. She had finally reached the decision, she was going to leave, and head out into the world. Seonas, at barely 16, packed her few things into a small pack. She went downstairs, to find her parents sitting before the fire, and talking. They turned to her as she entered the room, questioning looks turned towards Seonas. She smiled as she walked towards them, and kneeled at their feet. Placing a hand on each of their knees, she looked up into their loving, familair faces. "Mother" she said, "Father" turning towards him. "I am ready to leave here, ready to move on to what pulls to me from the east." Her mother smiled, and sighed softly. She looked into the upturned face of her only child, her daughter, and said, "I knew this day would come Seonas. You would come to us soon, and say it was time." She looked up at her father and saw a single tear forming in his eye, only to watch it run slowly down his cheek. He had placed his hand over hers. "Father, why do you cry?" She turned to her mother, a question in her face. "Mother, Father, I love you both. I just have to go." They both smiled at her. They knew she had to leave, and why, for the most part. Even they, knowing that this would happen, knew not the true reason, just that it would come. Seonas rose slowly to her feet, standing before them. "Please, give me your good wishes, for, I don't want to leave you, not knowing whether you still love me." Her parents both rose to their feet, and in unison, reached for their only child, pulling her into a warm embrace. Her father whispered to her softly," Seonas, our daughter, we love you more than life itself. We know you have to go and find where you belong in this world child, and we want only for your undying happiness in your life." She pulled herself from them, slowly, painfully, and headed for the door. It would be easier to just go out the door, not look back. She stopped, reached for the handle, and took a deep breath. They watched her go, knowing they couldn't stop her. She opened the door, and stepped out into the darkness that was Neriak. Closing the door quietly behind her, she stepped down from the landing and headed off into the night._____________She left the city, and headed into Darklight Wood. She felt the urge growing as she moved out into the land. Hunting for food as she grew hungry, and finding safe places to sleep at night, were her life now. She wandered the land of Darklight for several moons. Growing stronger in her special abilities, drawing from her soul, the music that was her. Seonas explored as much of this place as she could, learning how to live alone, learning who to avoid, and who was a friend. She had reached her 17th birthday. She was still alone, but getting closer to the place, she knew in her heart, she needed to be.She had met so many people along the way, following a path someone told her lead to the east. Someone said something about having to go through the Commonlands. She had never been that far, yet, she headed in that direction. The pull was leading her further and further away from her home. She had been travelling almost a year when she finally did reach the Commonlands. Seonas played music for coin. Anyone who would stop to listen, or toss a copper to her, she played for. It helped when it was cold out, to cold to sleep under the stars. She'd trade an evening entertainment in a local inn, for a place to sleep at night. The many patrons along the way, would clap, and sing, tossing coppers to her as she played. Some of them offering more than she was interested in. Some just because she played so well.She'd learned to dodge the many groping hands in those places, many of those hands were hurredly pulled back when they felt the point of her daggar, pressing painfully into their skin. She learned quickly how to use her blades, small, but deadly. She wasn't proud, but she'd had to hurt a few people along the way, to save herself. She had a place to be, and knew her time was getting closer. She didn't know still, exactly what it was, just that the urge to move onward was stronger. In sleep, her dreams were vivid, yet alarming. Something, someone, somewhere, needed her. Needed her badly. Someone who was ready to end his life, but it wasn't his time. She had to stop him. The commonlands were exactly how they sounded. Commonlands. Anything, and everything a young dirge, fresh from a familiar place, could ever possibly dream of seeing. She met people along her journey. Some headed in the same direction, offering company for as long as the path remained the same. Talking to new people was something she enjoyed. She shared her brief past, and they theirs. Discussing dreams, where they were going, etc. Sharing a warm fire, in this vast wilderness called the Commonlands. Ogres, Trolls, other Dark Elves, so many different races. Her mind flew with activity, as so much needed to be absorbed. She was about halfway to her 18th birthday. Travelling the commonlands with some companions all headed here, they'd made good travelling time. A small train of people were travelling to Freeport, the hub of the land. They could see the many tall spired buildings off in the distance. It was still days away tho. Eventually, they reached Freeport. What a dirty looking city she thought. Freeport. Dark, assuming, dreary. So many people mixed up in one big place. East Freeport was the business part of the city. The shipping, travelling, and selling and buying all happened here. She stayed away from as many as she could. Even playing in the inns wasn't enough to pay for her a safe place to lay her head. I won't be here long, if I can help it. _______________Seonas had met up with a small hunting party. They said they were headed out to Nektulos Forest, on the other side of the commonlands. She was glad to leave Freeport for a while, and it sounded like a good way to get closer to that pulling force she was feeling. It was that way. The hunting party was comprised of just a few. They'd decided once they reached Nektulos, they'd see if they could find someone to help them on they're journey. They'd lost a few, and gained a few until it was just her. She met a guardian, and followed him for a while. They met a couple headed to Qeynos, and joined them. "We've a lovely musician here" he said, smiling at Seonas across the fire. "We have a good healer." His eyes travelled to Garandal. He only came along to help keep us safe, he was a bit further along in his abilities. His wife Jenla was a lovely soft spoken, ranger. "Garan, we can help Seonas, and her friend, get to Qeynos, can't we?" Seonas spoke up, "He's not my friend, yet." She had come upon a huge barbarian, named Maxxam Arallius. Sheesh, he was huge. "But, I'll gladly join the three of you on your journey, if it's no imposition." She had turned to look at Maxxam. He was a big man. Very tall. Extremely tall, she'd never stood so close to anyone so tall. Maxxam. He was a very handsome guardian. His long hair of white, hung in a single braid to his waist. His beard, two smaller braids, on each side of his chin. She wondered why he wore it that way. She just didn't have the nerve to ask. The group hunted for a few weeks, moving slowly towards the "Steppes". She was very curious, excited, and dangerous it seemed. Or so her group mates said. They'd decided that yes, they made a great hunting party. Garan and Jen both were patient with her, and Maxx. He looked so much older than his abilities seemed. She didn't care. She felt something for Maxx. It was a soft gentle breeze on her mind. Each day, they travelled the roads slowly, on foot. Exploring alot of the forest as they followed the main road. Seonas and Maxx seemed to be drawn together alot. Jen and Garandal noticed it, and gave them room to explore more than just the forest. As they neared the other edge of the Nektulos Forest, Garan and Jen said that they needed to make a short side trip, and that they'd meet up with them before they reached Antonica.Seonas and Maxxam were alone. Truly alone for the first time since they met up with the fury and his lovely ranger wife. She hoped that he'd want to continue the journey. She followed him, and spoke to him of the many things that they passed along the way. He just seemed to keep to himself alot. They travelled to the beaches of Nektulos, and found the docks. The activity level here was very high. People headed to the boat to the Butcherblock Mountains, or to Freeport. Qeynos as one of the many places to go. Maxxam said they should just keep to the Steppes, and keep walking. He didn't want to lose Garan and Jen. And, besides, the cost of the much quicker boat ride, was more than either of them were able to afford.

Monkromancer

07-05-2007, 04:27 PM

This is the second portion... ********Runegar sat in the guild hall, enjoying a pint, or ten. A map of Norrath lay spread out on the table before him. He was planning another hunt for Viaya and himself. The door of the guild hall burst open, and a huge, scraggly, shaggy figure, stumbled in. He looked as if he had not shaved in years or bathed in days. He peered at the faces looking back at him. He looked straight at Rune, calling out his name. "Nephew", he said, "I need your help!" In an instance, Rune knew this man. He had not seen him in years, but, the voice was the same, and the eyes, those piercing, all seeing, all knowing, eyes, had not changed a bit. He jumped up, and helped him back to the table, ordering another round as he did so. Two large tankards appeared, Maxx had his in hand, and to his lips, before Rune had even reached for his. White, foamy beer ran down both sides of his face, he came up gasping for air, and then he spoke. "Rune, something is happening, I don't understand what it is. I feel as if I"m being tugged, pulled westward, toward Freeport. Rune looked on, skeptical, worried about his uncle he hadn't seen in years. He watched closely as the man finished off the last of his tankard, a strange fanatical look crossed his face, as he set the empty tankard back upon the table. Rune pushed his still untouched tankard across the table to Maxx, who quickly scooped it up, paused for a moment. Looking over the mug, his bright, clear eyes, bore deeply into Rune's. "Nephew", he said, "She's back, she calls to me from the grave." "She has a task for me I think, something I must do. One last thing, before I can go off to Shavalla, and be with her again." Then, he buried his face in his tankard, draining it slowly.Runegars' eyes widened, "Shavalla" he thought. The halasian equivilent to heaven. A shiver ran down his spine, for he knew of whom Maxx spoke. Silarra. Maxxam's wife, lover, soulmate. Dead these many long years. "How many was it now? Sixteen, seventeen?" He remembered the day well, for it was Rune and a group of his friends who came upon the Darkelves, and seen what they had been doing, and done to both Maxx and Silarra.Rune and his friends, out on a hunt, had seen a group of young darkelves, in a clearing in the woods. There were two larger figures staked to the ground in the middle of the darkelves, being tortured, and abused, the darkies were to involved in their own fun to notice a small hunting party sneaking up on them. Rune slid his sword from it's sheath. He looked down at his small, mousy friend, and whispered, "Tam, go right, wait for my signal, and no AoE's." Tamikk looked sad a moment, then smiled his toothy, ratty smile, and obeyed. Rune then glanced over at his other friend, a tall, slim kerran, "Gim, stay behind me, heal as you can, but, get to the bodies as soon as you can. I'll hold the aggro on these [Removed for Content], and Tam will blast their assess off. You see if those two are still alive."Runegar let loose with a blood curdling battle cry, and burst into the clearing. The first swing of his blade took a young dark elf head off at the neck. The backswing severed an arm at the elbow, ending a blow aimed at his head. Another blow was incoming, but he knew it would be to late to block, when the darkie suddenly burst into flames, screamed once, then fell into a pile of ash. A little, rattly giggle told Rune that he owed another round to Tam. Seeing that they had things under control, Gimlish ran to the two figures on the ground. Rune could hear the unmistakeable sounds of Gim's healing magics flowing over them.The fight was quick, bloody, and painful for the darkies. So busy were they, fending off the blows of a bloodthirsty Shadowknight, they never had a chance to notice the wizard and healer in their midst. When the battle was over, Rune walked over to where the bodies of the man and woman lay, so many cuts and wounds, so much blood, they were barely recognizable. Gim reported that the woman was gone, to far beyond even his ability to bring back. But, somehow, miraculously, the man was still alive, barely. He kept saying something over and over, "Silarra, my love, not even death can keep us apart". Runegar dropped to his knees beside the man, crying out in pain, "Oh my god, no, Uncle Maxx, Aunt Silarra, oh my god, nononoo....." Runegar scooped up his uncle, holding him, looking down into his face, so cut and scarred. "My god, how could anyone be this cruel?" he cried. Gim, kneeled beside him, and spoke up. "I believe they have been at this for days. They had a healer in their group." He pointed out freshly healed scar, after scar. They've been at it over and over, for days , bringing them to the point of death, only to heal them, so they could torture them more." "These cuts here, a magic blade I think, Rune. See how deep they go? And these, see how they fester and the puss oozes from them?" "Done with a poison blade." "I've seen this kind of thing before," he said. "They wanted him to live, to carry these scars for the rest of his life, as a warning to all." Gim shook his head sadly, and went to prepare the woman for burial.Runegar glanced over at Tamikk, he was giving the camp a thorough search. Piling up all the valuables he found, to go through later and divide amongst them, all but Maxx and Silarra's personal things they had found. Those, Rune would save for his uncle. He peered back at Maxx, still laying in his arms. The bleeding was mostly stopped now, thanks to Gims' healing powers. But the scars, and the trauma of this day, would be years in healing, if ever. His friends helped him gently slide Maxx across his saddle, then headed back to Qeynos. Maxx needed alot more than he or his friends could provide for him, and Rune knew kindly folk in Qeynos who would provide it. Besides, he had work to do, the darkies hadn't seen the last of him. The few that fell today, would never be enough. Many more would fall, alot more blood would spill, they would pay, and pay dearly for what they had done this day.

Monkromancer

07-05-2007, 04:28 PM

and, next... **********He was ill. She knew it, and yet, she coudn't find him. She'd spoken to Ran earlier in the day, and he was sketchy as to where Maxx was. Only that he as with some priests in Qeynos. He'd gone to Garandal in the night, as Seonas slept. He'd mentioned a pain in his arm, and up into his chest when they'd gotten home. She'd tried to get him to tell her what was wrong. "Nothing love, just go to sleep." Hours later, he woke, in pain. He climbed out of bed slowly and looked down at her as she lay sleeping in their bed. God, she'd returned to him, and now, he felt like he was going to die. He slipped quietly out the door, and went in search of his friend, Garandal. A healer.She awoke later that morning, finding a short note he'd left her. He was gone for days. She'd paced their small room, looking for something, anything to comfort her, give her an answer. The note she'd found on her pillow said nothing. Nothing. She wandered out into the Yard, and over to the workshop. She'd work at the bench for a few hours. Try to think. Concentrate. She could feel him, but he was just out of her mental reach.Seonas wandered to the guild hall. It was pretty empty this time of day, no matter, she'd work at the community bench. So into her work, she didn't notice the coming and goings of various members. She heard Daanar laughing someplace in the hall. Probably Awnya. Those two were so in love. She worked on. Then, there were smells of food, someone had decided to start cooking and filling the air with good smells. She was a bit hungry, so she dusted the sawdust from her clothes, and her hair, wiped her hands on her pants, and headed to the kitchen. There, she saw a few people standing over the stoves, arguing amongst themselves about which herb to put it, or not. She just shook her head, and sat down for a bit. The door banged open again, and this time it was Garandal. She looked up, and saw him, looking for someone, then his eyes fell on her, and he came to her side. "Seonas, Maxx is sick, very sick." She jumped from her chair and started as he spoke the words. "Where is he Ran?" "Take me to him." He looked sadly at her, "I can't hon, the priests gave me this list. They need these items in order to try to make him well." She looked at the parchment in his hands, then up to his face. "Ran, I don't understand that language, what is it?" He rolled it open, and spread it on the table before her. "Here, this line says something about a crystal bottle, do you know what that means?" She thought for a moment. "Yes, I have a small crystal bottle at my room." It was a small token of love from Maxx. He told her to go grab the bottle from her room, and meet him in South Qeynos, at the priests temple. It wasn't long before she ran, with bottle wrapped protectively in a bag, to South Qeynos. She ran to the man, standing there, near the glowing portal, to the inside the temple. As she got closer, she saw it was Ran, waiting on her. Garan lead her into the quiet temple. The only sound, the hum of the temple itself, hovering in mid air around them. He left her there, to find a priest who would take her to Maxx. She quietly paced and looked out into the bright sunshine outside. In moments, a priest came to her, smiling softly, he motioned for her to follow him. He lead her through a myriad of halls, and twists and turns, she knew she'd be lost trying to find her way back out. Finally, he stopped outside a door. It was cracked open just a bit, just enough for her to look in, and see him, laying there on the cot. She opened it enough to slide into the room. She stood frozen. Terrified that he was already dead, his breathing was so shallow. She moved across the small room, and carefully climbed up on the edge of the cot, to sit near him. She began to whisper softly, as she leaned down close to his cheek, "Maxxy, you can't leave me now. I just found you, I love you, I need you." She leaned back up enough to see his face turn to her, and he smiled softly. "I love you to Sil... Seonas." He fell back on the pillow, obviously weakened even by such a short amount of work. Silent tears crept down her cheeks as she gazed at him. His eyes had closed again. But, he was still breathing. Her hand slipped quietly to his cheek, gently caressing him. "I'll go find the cure, my love, and bring it back to you." She slipped quietly off the cot, leaned down to kiss him softly on the lips. "I'll return as soon as I possibly can Maxx." "I love you." She slipped out the door quietly. Ran was there, waiting for her. "The priests said we need to do a few things, collect a few things, to make a concoction for Maxx." "Are you ready hon?" "Yes, Ran, let's go" she replied.Seonas had tried to explain to Garan about the special kind of bond she and Maxx shared as they travelled. "See, he can feel me in his head. He told me it was kinda like a soft warm breeze caressing his thoughts." She tried again to make him understand, but still saw the questioning look on his face. "Let me try something on you Ran, ok?" He looked skeptically at her, then said "alright" somewhat doubtfully. In that same moment, she felt a sharp pain in her body, and she doubled over. Ran came to her side, "what's wrong Seo?" "he's in pain Ran.. he just had a bad attack." "How do you know this?" "I told you.. we have a special bond. Now, just stop, and listen a minute." He stopped. Watching her. She closed her eyes, and just stood there. Then he felt a soft something in his mind "Maxx is in alot of pain, we should hurry, Ran." He stood there a moment, she opened her eyes and looked at him expectantly. "Hey, we need to hurry hon, Maxx really needs us to hurry." She smiled up at him, and he only looked like he didn't know he'd said it. "See, I told you, mentally, he's in pain, we need to hurry. You felt it, Ran."He looked at her strangly, and just began to walk to the door.As they left the quiet, humming temple, Ran held the scroll close to his chest, as if guarding it with his very life. "First, we need to find a single, lone blue rose, growing up on a high hill in Antonica." She looked up at him, as he in turn, looked down at her. "I know Ran, I know what it means, follow me." She took off running towards the gates that would lead her to Antonica, hoping that Ran was keeping up with her. The guards saluted her as she ran past, she'd long since done her betrayal to Qeynos to be with Maxx, but, that was another story.They were on the main road from Qeynos, heading out into Antonica. Running as fast as her Selos would allow them to. She spinned and twisted her fastest running song so that they might make faster time. She knew the place. The flower was planted beneath a tree, all alone up on a small rise near the Sayer Outpost. They ran, and then she darted to the north, and up a hill, Ran fast on her heels. As they neared the tree, she saw the flower. Garandal stopped short of the tree, and hurredly unrolled the vibrating scroll in his fingers. "Gah, Seo, see how the scroll glows, and shivers in my hand?" "It knows, this is the place." Seonas gently plucked the flower from the earth, and slipped the long graceful stem into the small crystal bottle. Garandal began to cipher out the next line. Something about water, a waterfall someplace special.. in a dark forest. "Ran, Nektulos Forest." She knew the spot, vaguely. "Let's head to Nektulos Forest Ran.. I know where to go. Up that first main river headed north.. the falls there are what it speaks of." They travelled to Nek Forest, Seonas and Garandal ran up the dark path that lead to the river. They then turned north and followed it to it's source, a big lake, called Bone Lake. The ran around the edge to the falls on the far side. Seonas jumped into the water just before the falls, swimming quickly to the raging waterfalls. Garandal was right behind her. As they neared the falls, he could feel the scroll again. He pulled it out, and it was glowing, yet, another line. Seonas got some water for the bottle, and the flower began to glow dimly. "Seo, here, it mentions a very high point, in a sandy place, a desert." She turned to him, and sighed. "Gar, we have to go to the Commonlands. There, is a lake with a very tall tower in the center. We need to travel there. They ran.. knowing it would take a few days to reach the commonlands from where they were now. But, in the desire to hurry back to Maxx, it took only a day and a half of careful, quick running. They'd found the bridge to the Commonlands. It was in bad disrepair. They crossed it, and then wandered the small path into the desert. Once they were past the darkness of the forest, and could see the desert, they'd slowed a bit. "Ran, there are two lakes here of substance, both with towers, but only one of the towers can be climbed." She wondered why the glyphs on the scroll wanted them to go to the highest point in the commonlands. She didn't bother to try to question, she just knew of a place that might work. "Ran, there, in the distance, just a couple more hours, see that tall pike of a tower there?" she pointed off in the distance to the west. He did, he nodded. "I see it Seo. Maybe we should rest for a while before we go on. I know it seems closer than it is, and we should be stronger." She looked at him in agreement, with just a bit of despair, as she wanted more than anything to finish this quest the priests had set her on. They set up a small camp, and made something to eat, and rest a bit. It was soon night time, and the sounds of the animals were louder than usual. They lay on pallets on either side of the small fire. The fire, they hoped would ward off any braver creatures feeling like they saw a free meal. Seonas was up before first light, trying to make as little noise as possible, so as not to wake Ran. But, as she was pouring water for some tea, she saw him watching her from his pallet. She smiled at him, as he woke, and came to the warm fire. "Sorry Ran, I couldn't sleep another moment, knowing how close we are." "It's ok Seo, I know. If it were me, running for Jen.. god, I'd hate to think of the pressure I'd put on someone else." They'd enjoyed a small breakfast of dried beef and some tea she'd made. Packed up what they had, and started out again. They'd reach that point today, just after midday. Then, they had to climb it to it's peak.The water of the lake was so cool and refreshing looking after the trek across the sun baked sands. And there, in the middle was the tower they had to scale to do the final step on the scroll. Seonas enjoyed some refreshing water as she swam around the tower, trying to find a place to climb up. "Here, Ran, here!" she yelled across to him. He saw where she was and began to swim towards her. "You have the flower and bottle of water still?" "Yes." she nodded. Luckily for them, there was a small path already established which lead the way to the top, in a tight spiralling climb upwards. As they reached the peak, the scroll began to quiver and glow in Rans hands again. "Yeah, this is the spot hon, hang on, lemme see what it says to do now." She waited and watched, the flower in the vase in her hands.. glowing and becoming warmer. "Ok, it says to hold the vase, up next to that fire there, the one in the altar." She stepped closer, and being so small, she had to reach up to get the warmth as close as possible. "Ok, Seo, it says that while you hold the small offering to the flames, you're to shout your undying devotion for him, to the world, so all may hear." She looked up at him, smiling, the vase was glowing so bright, it made a small circle around her. She looked up at him again.. then opened her mouth, and shouted for any who would hear her.."I pledge my undying love and devotion to Maxxam Arallius for as long as I live." It sounded like every creature in the land could have heard it, so loud were the words of love pouring from such a tiny little elf. When she'd finished, she felt an overwhelming need to be near Maxx. "Ran, can you open a portal, send me home quicker, please?" Garandal smiled down at the petite dark elf standing before him, glowing with so much love, it nearly blinded him. "Yes, I will gladly send you home. Take care of Maxx until I get there, it will be a few days time for me." Seonas stood back as Garandal began to conjure up a portal for her to step through, that would place her nearly at the door of the temple. As the spell came to a head, the large glowing circle that would be her ride, opened before her. She smiled at Ran, hugging him close, then stepped through.Seonas ran the last few yards to the glowing portal that would enable her to get inside the temple to Maxx. Once inside, she remembered the path the previous monk had taken her. She ran the halls, turning here, and there until she came to his room. She quietly opened the door to his room, and it was darkened. She waited for her eyes to adjust to the dimness in the room, then stepped to the side of his bed. He looked nearly dead in this light. Garandal told her a phrase she should speak, as she pressed the cool glass of the bottle to his skin. "I will love you, and follow you til the end of our days together my love." The tiny blue flower in the vase slowly burst open, it's colors so vivid and bright, the rays coming from it's petals sending out healing waves over Maxx. The room glowed so brightly as it surrounded Maxxam, mending his body, his heart, and his soul. The glow drowned out the ability to see Maxx at all. But, she knew, he was there, being healed by her love and dedication. And, thankfully, by the good priests, and druids who healed him. It was several long minutes, which seemed like hours to her, before the glow slowly began to fade, beginning to leave them, in the room alone, to see each other again. As the glaring blindness slowly left her, she was able to focus on Maxx. "Maxx?" "Maxx, my love, speak to me." She reached out to caress his face, the glow still bright around his face and shoulders. "Maxx, can you see me?" Slowly, all began to fade, and she could see him again. Tears filled her eyes, and ran down her cheeks as he came into clearer view. "Maxx, oh my Maxxam, you are as beautiful now, as you were 25 years ago on our own wedding day." Seonas fell into his arms. Sobbing softly, as he enveloped her close. She could feel the beat of his now strong heart, just beneath her ear.

Monkromancer

07-05-2007, 04:29 PM

and, next... **********Once they had finally reached Antonica, Seonas saw less of Maxx than she liked. She knew in her heart this is what was supposed to be. He was the urge that was pullling her from the Darklight. She could see it in his eyes, when he smiled, but tried to not look like a soft hearted barb. She had felt it not long after they had first met in the Commonlands. Why, he had travelled that far from Qeynos, only to meet her, and turn around, and go the same way she was going. She finally knew. She didn't know quite what 'it' was, but he was it. Her 18th birth year was quickly approaching. She had spent quite a bit of time with Maxx. Almost lost him, but with the help of Garandal, she managed to save him. They were much closer, and he had revived, much younger to both their surprise. It had come to not long after her betrayal from Neriak, even worse, Freeport. She decided before he became ill, to move to Qeynos, so she could be closer to him. So, she set out to start proving her worthiness in becoming an honorable citizen of Qeynos.First, she had to visit the little fae in Neriak. He told her of some things she needed to do in order to renounce her heritate. Her home. Her family, forever. Before, when she left her family, in a tearful goodbye, she'd never thought this was something she would do. She paid her family one last, short visit before giving up her right to call Neriak home. She was to go to the Commonlands, again. Seeking out an individual named Gil. She'd been given some ideas of what was to be expected of her. She headed closer to Freeport, where he was said to be, hidden near the gates. She found him finally, after some asking around. She entered the once cared for tower. Now fallen into decay from centuries of non use. He was inside, staying clear of any wandering Freeport guards. She approached, waiting, since he seemed to be deep in some journal. "Ahem, excuse me." She waited. He didn't appear to hear her, so she waited another moment. "Sir, are you Gil McMartin?" She waited still. Finally, after what seemed like ages, he looked up, and saw her standing there. "Yeah, what do you want?" She jumped at the sound of his voice, but stood her ground and faced him. "I wish to betray this god-forsaken land. I wish to become a Qeynosian citizen." He peered down at her, sizing her up. "Why would a little bitty darkie wanna leave home?" She took a deep breath, stood her ground, and told him, "I wish to become a Qeynosian I said. Why is that so hard to understand?" Well, it wasn't his place to dissuade anyone who wanted to make the beautiful city of Qeynos home. It was, after all, his home. He was only stuck here, helping people under the rule of Lucan D'Lere, who wanted to earn the right to make Qeynos their home as well. It was his position to test them, repeatedly, until he decided that they'd done enough to make them worthy. She stood waiting, "Well?" "Are you going to tell me what is expected of me?" "I already know to whom I'm speaking, I just need Him to tell me what he wants me to do." Seonas peered up at him, barely able to see his face above his barbarian barrel of a chest. He let out a laugh, sounding so much like Maxx. Ohh how she missed him. He didn't know right off what she had planned, until just before she left Antonica, and him behind. Saying, soon, she'd be at his side permanently. Just to please, be patient. She was undertaking something she wanted to do alone, without involving any of the new people in her life, people she had come to care for, and look forward to seeing regularly. If she needed any of them, she knew now, that she could count on them. She might send a letter to Maxx, asking later, if it was needed. She didn't think she was strong enough to reach him in his mind, he was in Qeynos now, and she was in the Commonlands. Their link wasn't complete yet, she knew this. But, they did have it. And it was growing stronger every day. Every minute they spent together, they grew nearer. Well, she couldn't sit here day dreaming about that. She had a task to do for GIl, and Qeynos. She reread the parchment. She had managed to slip into the city by slipping past the guards at the Sprawl. She'd found the sewer grate that Gil mentioned in the letter. This was a part of Freeport, she was still vague about. But, there it was, right where he said it'd be. She opened the lid, and looked down the tunnel. It was dark, and smelled aweful. She followed the directions he'd given her, and climbed the ladder down into the sewers that ran beneath Freeport. She looked around her for the ladder he'd mentioned. There it was, up past that archway. She climbed it up into the common sewers. Then, again she followed the sewers to end up at the ladder that lead up to North Freeport. Now, this part of town, she was more familiar with. The instructions said that there was someone who she was to find, and help escape. A Qeynosian sympathizer. Carefully skirting some guards on patrol, she snuck to the house nearest the wharf, at the northern most part of town. He'd mentioned a ladder. There it was. She only had to climb that ladder, and try to safely find, and remove the captured man. She quietly opened the window to the second floor window. Stepping inside, she instinctively went into stealth, hoping that none of these Freeportians were able to see through it. She inspected the room she'd entered. It was empty. Carefully stepping to the door, she pressed her ear to it, hearing no movement outside the door, she slowly pulled on the rope handle, opening the door quietly. Peeking out carefully, there was a small stairway to her left. She moved quietly, after years of practice in the woods of Darklight, and Nektulos, her stealth had been almost flawless. She could hear voices from down the stairs. It sounded like 3 or 4 of them. Maybe more, hopefully, less. As she made her way down the stairs, keeping to the shadows, she rounded a corner, and there, on the far side of the room, was the sympathizer, securely chained to a small cot. Which one held the key? How many would she have to sneak up on, and slit their throats in order to find it. And, how would she manage to only get the attention of one at a time? She looked around her. The hall landing was small. Maybe, get the attention of them by making a noise. Hopefully, they'd send one to investigate, and she'd be ok. Quietly, she made sure her stealth was convincing enough to hide her. She closed her eyes, and tried to send the sympathizer a message. "I'm here to rescue you, just do as I say, and I'll do my best to get us out of here alive." She opened her eyes, and saw him looking in her direction. Knowing he couldn't really see her, it still startled her. "Which one holds the key?" She looked again, and saw him looking at a big, hairy ogre, standing in the corner, picking at his ear. GAH, she'd have to kill him, he'd be messy, and probably loud too. She flickered her stealth just enough to get his attention. He was the only one who noticed it, as she'd planned. She made her way back up the stairs to the empty hall. He came lumbering out, still convinced it'd been his imagination. Climbing the stairs with so much noise, the ogre came up looking for the vision he saw. At just that moment, he'd felt the blade quickly slide up under his ribs, and into his lung. He drowned almost instantly in his own blood. Hopefully, the sound of him hitting the floor, as his knees buckled under him, didn't alert anyone below them. She sent another message to the man on the cot. "I'm coming back down, how many left?" She closed her eyes and held onto his thoughts.. "only one" she felt him say. "The other two have left the house for dinner." "Good, I'll be right there!" She stealthed herself again, and made her way down the stairs, watching carefully for any other guards still in the room. There were none to get in her way now, except the last one, still in the room, guarding the captive. She slipped in quietly, moving across the floor. He couldn't see her as she slipped up behind him, he turned and cried out as she plunged the sai deep into his chest, twisting just enough to cause instant death. He died with his eyes open, in a silent scream, his mouth slowly became slack as he fell to the floor at her feet. She wiped his own blood on his coat as she removed the sai from his chest. Resheathing the sai, she began to search his pockets for the key. Finding it in his waistcoat, she removed it, and quickly released the man. "Thank you" he'd said in a hoarse whisper. "Follow me, quickly, we have to get out of the house before someone catches us." She ran out the door and back to the second floor window, holding back the curtain, she directed him to climb out. She looked around one last time, and then climbed out behind him. Back to the sewer, and a return trip out to the Sprawl. Once outside that gate, and away from the guards there, they'd be safe to go back to Gil.She'd continued to do these kinds of assignments for Gil. She'd become one of his favorites in a very short time. Giving her first pick at his jobs. She continued to work for Gil for a few more weeks, quickly gaining his trust. Eventually, he'd finally told her, "I think you've proven yourself worthy now, Seonas, I believe it's time for you to move on to Qeynos. There is a man just outside of the Mage Tower in South Qeynos you need to speak with now. Good journeys, Seonas, you'll be sorely missed here. Freeport will remember you, and none to fondly." As she stood, saying her goodbyes to Gil, he began to cast a spell. She stared at him, "I didn't know you could conjure, Gil!" He laughed his deep barbarian laugh one more time, then he finished casting. "Seonas, this is your portal home, to Qeynos. Go, and live happy there." As he said his last words, the magic portal appeared before her eyes. She smiled at Gil one last time, then stepped through the portal, never looking back again.

Monkromancer

07-23-2007, 07:32 PM

THere will be more to come of this story line.Seonas K'LinnLucan D'Lere

Monkromancer

04-10-2008, 04:26 AM

Seonas lost Maxx, but has found a new love. Should be a new story coming soon.