Shadows of the Past (adult content) [Archive]

Slask

09-18-2007, 09:05 PM

(ooc: Character profiles will be posted first. This is a two author only story, but other's can comment on story bits posted)Name: AsriNick Names: Mistress (only by Zilathok), Greyback (Only in Werewolf form and by Zilathok)Gender: FemaleRace: IksarAge: Unknown, looks to be in her early 30sHeight: 6 feet1st Profession: Bruiser Prefered weapon: Any one handed blunt weapons2nd Profession: Tailor3rd Profession: TransmuterHome: Freeport (Server: Butcherblock)Deity: Rallos Zek (and only because she found him to be the most 'useful')Family: None that she knows ofDescription: Black of scale with mostly white dorso, eyes of dark blue. Two slightly curved horns set behind her eyes with two hard 'fins' on her eye brows: between these sit a small right running down the top of her head, stopping where her friliks start. Usually wears only Gis, but occassionally wears formal attire or a black dress, especially when she is tailoring.Personality: Asri oft comes off at times as a somewhat cold harded individual, especially toward those she considers inferior, cracking jokes and phrases ment to insult or belittle them. This is simply a front however, for a depressed and desperate individual, whom has had thusfar the worse run of luck when it came to finding a lifemate. Even worse luck when it comes to discovering her own hidden past. There is only one that she has entrusted with the pains that have besieged her heart...Background: Asri's first memory is of a slave ship, everything she knew before hand, even her true name, was locked away deep in her mind with a powerful spell. Her iksarian pride unable to except being a slave, especially to a bunch of softskins, she plotted to escape before the ship reached her destination. Her chance came when the ship got caught in a massive storm, but before she could reach one of the smaller boats kept onboard, she was washed overboard by a massive wave. She was forced to cling to a piece of floating debris through the rest of the storm and the night, only to find the sun the next day, usually a source of strength for her people, to be her enemy. Sapped of strength from the night before and getting dehydrated, Asri felt this was was going to be her last day. It was not to be, for just as the last of her strength gave out and lost consciousness, she was pulled from the water by a crew member from a passing ship.The ship was a merchant vessel, one of the crew was an iskar male named Dresik. She was immediately drawn to him, both out of a need to be with one of her own kind and the strange feeling she knew him from somewhere, but couldn't remember why. If he knew her from before, he didn't let on, though the pair did strike up a relationship. As the weeks passed, Dresik taught her the beginning of the fighting arts, to which she found she was a natural. Dresik eventually told her that his time with the ship was soon to end, as he planned to return to a small clan of Iksar once his 'contract' with the ships captian was over. He asked her if she wanted to return with him: she said yes. Unfortunately the ship was soon attacked by pirates and Dresik was killed during the attack. Overwhelmed by grief, Asri threw herself overboard during the night soon after, meaning to join Dresik in death. Instead she found herself washed ashore on the Outpost of the Overland.Realizing fate wasn't going to let her kill herself so easily and with no idea what to do with herself, she pledged loyality to the Overlord and began to increase her skill in the fighting arts Dresik had started her on. She became quickly strong enough to leave the isle and start her new life in Freeport, where she met more fellow Iksar. Something deep in her resented these Iksar though, as if a part of her that was locked away in her mind recognized that these Iksar had fallen from the path of a true Iksar. On top of this, she immediately took a disliking to living under the Overlord's rule, though the thought of living in the rival city of Qeynos disgusted her even more. With no other real options, she sucked it up and learned to take what she wanted from this city of backstabbers, vowing to move to better place once such a place was discovered.Not long after she first moved to Freeport, she met two Iksar she felt she had some kind of need to assist. Zilathok, a younger grey and white scaled male with a pessimistic attitude and rather clumsy, and Kiloson, a somewhat quiet red diamond backed male that wasn't too much younger then her. Together they purchased a larger residence in North Freeport, away from the majority of the 'false' Iksar in Scale Yard. While both of her roommates were realiable at first, only Zilathok continued to be so as time went on. Kiloson had started to disappear for long periods of time with no explanation. Plus his continuing 'softskin' like behavior was getting on her nerves and she felt she could no longer trust him. Her trust in Zilathok grew more and more as a result and he became the first to know her deepest secrets: one such secret she would get needed to kept hidden for the sake of her very life.While hunting in Nekalos Forest one night, she was ambushed by a old wolf. She killed it easily, but the wound it managed to inflict upon her refused to heal properly and she vowed to have a priest look at it when she returned to Freeport. The new curse upon her would strike before she would get there and she woke up one morning with wounds she didn't remember getting, surrounded by the bodies of orcs she didn't remember killing. Asri made the connection quickly: she had been cursed with lycanthropy. Knowing the Overlord would have her killed or worse, enslaved for his own use, and knowing Qeynos wouldn't help her, she went to the only place she knew she may get help: the Splitpaw gnolls. The Splitpaw gnolls helped her learn to control the wolf within her and with the power of an ancient ritual, they were able to change how often the wolf would take over. Now instead of every full moon, she only had to worry about the times when the moon ate the sun: a solar ecilpse. She was also warned that to lose control of her emotions could also cause a simular take over. Asri heeded these words and returned to Freeport, where even though she trusted Zilathok, it took a while for her to reveal this latest secret. Once she did though, she was surprised how eager Zilathok was to help her. He researched the weaknesses a werewolf had and even constructed a room she could lock herself into should a take over happen. On top of that, Asri noticed he had been training more in his necromancer arts, profession she knew he never wanted, but never told her why. Her heart was still searching for love all this time and she thought she finally found the one in a Iksar named Tarkis. Though the bond between them grew to be very strong, she feared what he would do once he learned she was a werewolf, as he was werewolf hunter by trade. Her fears became realized when she had no choice but to use her wolf to save him from a particularly strong werewolf. The tension between them started immedately. Asri could tell he still loved her, but was conflicted between that love and his hatred for werewolves. Asri kept her distance, too afraid to talk to him for fear he would attack her. In the end, unable to chose between his love for her and his hatred of what she was, Tarkis took his own life. Devistated, Asri returned home and wept her sorrows into the willing arms of Zilathok, who remained by her side as she grieved over her loss.With that relationsihp disaster, Asri was about ready to give up on ever finding her true love, along with her unknown past, which had been teasing her in her dreams for years, but always forgotten when she woke up. Both things however, may be closer to her then she realizes.....Asri's WerewolfAsri can assume the form of the werewolf anytime she pleases, though understandably prefers not to unless situation is dire. She actually has two forms she can assume: full wolf and the typical hybrid werewolf form. The full wolf version looks like a normal, if not slightly larger, wolf with jet black fur and dark blue eyes: Asri likes using this form occassionally to scout areas and spy on others. The werewolf form stands over a foot taller then her when upright, with smooth black fur with dark grey fur on her dorso side: Zilathok had taken to calling this form 'Greyback' for that reason, and blue eyes. When under control of this hybrid form, she remembers all her skills though it's a bit awkward to use them. She can speak as well, though she is understandably a bit hard to understand when in this form.The transformation process is painful, but when willingly going through it she usually slows the process so the pain wasn't so intense. When the transformation not under her own will, such as during the solar eclipse, she loses consciousness half way through and doesn't remember anything until the wolf relinquishes control. While the wolf itself is in control, she is like a bloodthristy whirlwind that isn't interested in feeding off her victims, but rather how many victims she can kill. As such, she only rarely actually eats any of her victims, instead it seems it's the body count itself that fuels the beast's rage: this is perhaps due to the much more limited time the werewolf has when it's influenced by a solar eclipse. The uncontrolled werewolf version is always in hybrid form.One interesting note about Asri's lycanthropy is that she cannot seem to infect other's with it even if she wanted to. Whether this is a side effect of the ritual the Splitpaw gnolls performed to help her gain better control over the wolf is unknown. Typical werewolf weaknesses still apply to her, so she has to be careful when handling silver and wolfsbane (aka belladonna).

Slask

09-18-2007, 09:07 PM

Name: ZilathokNick Names: ZilaGender: MaleRace: IksarAge: Mid - Late 20sHeight: Average height1st Profession: Provisioner2nd Profession: Necromencer Prefered weapon: Staves3rd Profession: TinkererHome: Freeport (Server: Butcherblock)Deity: NoneFamily: UnknownDescription: Light grey scaled with white chest and pale blue eyes with no real crest. Usually wears white robes and is not as broad in the shoulder as most Iksar males: some could say he's a bit scrawny.Personality: It's almost immediatley apparent that Zilathok is a rather shy, nervous individual and he oft comes off as rather pessimistic when in a situation he'd rather not be in. He has a serious lack of self-confedence that likely is the root of his pessimissim. Under all that negativity is a somewhat carefree, good hearted soul that seems more akin to a druid type then a necromencer and he is willing to help those he cares for however he can. This is especially true toward Asri, whom was the first Iksar he really had a positive experience with and has stuck with ever since. The way he talks to/about her borders on affectionate, hinting at deeper feelings for his 'mistress' then he willingly lets on.Backstory: Not much is known about Zilathok's past, beyond that his choice of becoming a necromencer was not really of his choosing, prefering instead to be a simple cook. What is clear though, is that where ever he came from he clearly didn't want to return to, which must have been so terrible that it made him the nervious, shy, pessimistic Iksar most know him as.His life turned for the better when Asri found him, stumbling along looking lost and confused in Scale Yard: he was barely an adolesent at the time. She let him do as he pleased and provided him with funds for his chosen profession and other supllies and even allowed him to stay in her home in North Freeport: all she wanted in return was a small cut of his profits as a cook. This suited Zilathok just fine, as he was just a happy to not only have a roof over his head, but someone that recognized his true protential.Zilathok, while still being tight lipped over his own past, soon gained Asri's trust to the point where he was the only one that knew of her own secrets. He became a willing ear to her sorrows and rants: a source of comfort where there was little in the cruel city of Freeport. As he grew from adolesence to adulthood he the struck up a friendship with a slightly older Iksar female named Fexia whom was an alcymist. She became someone to talk to while Asri was away on her many trips and the two became close. Unfortunatley this relationship was doomed to end when Fexia was attacked by a gang of softskins. Zilathok tried to protect her, but ended up badly beaten for his efforts and Fexia was killed. For the first time he realized what his own faults was and vowed to defeat them. He started to train hard, increasing his skill in the necromencer arts he so hated: he didn't want to be helpless and unable to prevent the loss of another person he cared for.As more time passed, he realized that his brief relationship with Fexia made him realize another reason why he stuck around with Asri, dispite being capable of living on his own now. Over time, he found that he became more and more fond of Asri and this motiviated him to work even harder on his own faults to please, help and protect her. Eventually he hoped to confess his feelings to her, but right now he feels he isn't ready. This is because from knowing the males she had relationships before, he feels he is still too weak to be even considered a possible mate for her.There is one other fear however, one that his linked to his past he had yet to reveal. One that is more powerful then Asri and Zilathok combined.

Kalshi

09-19-2007, 01:08 AM

Character profiles for Kalshion, Kiloson and Asulina. Note: All these characters, including those listed above, are actual EQ 2 characters on the butcherblock server. Some changes may have been made though for them to fit the story (Example: Asulina is really a Ratonga, but I've made her human in this story)<hr />Name: Kalshion StardustNick Names: White Cat, White Devil, Kally, KittyGender: MaleRace: High ElfAge: 22Height: Short, but about the height of a normal teenage high elf.1st Profession: FuryPreferred Weapon: Sword of the Slashing ClawSecondary Weapon: Syphon of Fury*2nd Profession: WeaponsmithHome: Qeynos Deity: TunareFamily: Isn't aware of any ‘living' family, he did however adopt a young girl. Description: Kalshion bare's a mark along his face that denotes how much combat he's been in through his life. He's also got a cut along the top of both of his eyes. He typically wear's his Jale Phlintoe's Wildfire armor, however he'll usually wear some extravagant robe over it.Personality: Kalshion is a very kind and forgiving person, he's usually quite soft on those around him. He is the type who is always helping people. whether they are good or evil, and sometimes it get's him into trouble with his city as they don't take to kindly to him helping out Freeportians, even if it is just to throw a heal or revive. He's the type of who doesn't care much about good or evil, he prefers to just help those in need. However, he can become quite a devil (hence the nick name - white devil) when those he loves are threatened.Background: Kalshion was born on a secluded island away from the war between Freeport and Qeynos, his mother and father were Kappa Stardust** and Nablis Stardust**. When he turned four his parents were brutally murdered at the hands of a dark elf who apparently had a chip on her shoulder, he was then taken in by an odd coupling of a human and iksar.For the next ten year's he lived with his foster parents, learning the tricks of the trade in terms of Fury magic and weaponsmithing, his mother being the fury and his father being the weaponsmith. He was quick to master weaponsmithing and by the time, he turned eleven he could craft even the more difficult of weapons.When he was thirteen he mastered the fury profession, and went on to create some of his own ‘unique' spells, however his peaceful life could only last so long - in-between schooling, training, and practicing, he was often called upon to protect the village. But one day an incident occurred that he nor the rest of the village's defenders could fight - a natural disaster that wiped the island out of almost all it's residents.He drifted on a log for days until being picked up by a Far Sea's Trading Vessel and carried to Queens Colony where he was nursed back to health. Still being a child the commander took him in for a few years, Kalshion further expanded on his fury knowledge and managed to create several special forms that he could take. His time with his secondary father lasted until he was seventeen when he decided to head to Qeynos to seek out a living. Upon arriving in harbor he bought himself a small home and worked out his Weaponsmithing from there, supplying the Qeynosian military with all their weapons and armor.However, one day while he was mining for Xegonite to use in his craft he meet a dark elf who had been gravely wounded in an ambush by Qeynosian forces. He knew she would die if she didn't get medical attention, taking on the form of a snow wolf to hide his appearance, both from her and from his own people, he dragged her to a cave and healed her wounds.There she talked to him, asking him why he assisted her. He told her that he didn't matter if someone was good or evil, that every life is precious and that everyone needs to live. He learned that she was out there in search of her son who had vanished while picking berry's days earlier.Kalshion promised he'd look for her, while she didn't believe him, she told him that if he ever did find him to bring him to the cave and to light a special torch that she would leave behind. He soon left her and went back to Qeynos.He spent several weeks trying to find her son, he was about to give up when he heard word that a young dark elf was held in the castle's prison. Late at night, that very day he snuck into the castle and found the young boy who had been tortured almost to the extremes that made him sick. He covered up the boy in a cloth, using his own healing magic to heal what wounds he could. Sneaking back out of the castle and then out of the city, he made his way to the cave and there he waited until shortly before sunrise when the dark elf made her appearance and thanked him. Once he bid her farewell, he returned to Qeynos and continued to live a life.For two more years, when he was fifteen, he was selected to serve as a healer on a raid on a Freeport outpost. He didn't agree with the senseless killing, but agreed to assist the injured. During the raid, an Iksar warrior made it past the front lines and toward the medical camp where he was in charge.The attack on the medical camp caused most of the Qeynos military to turn back as they desperately needed the camp to stay alive. As clerics and wardens fell to the Iksar, Kalshion kept up his defense, lobbing simple fire spells at the warrior to throw him off; however he was finally forced to reach into his more deadly attacks.A bolt of lightning struck down the warrior in a feat that made those around him take a step back. A crater only a foot deep was all that remained of the Iksar that once stood, brutally killing anyone that was in his path.After the attack on the camp Kalshion returned home to a hero's welcome, having saved the camp the queen awarded him with his own mansion. While he appreciated the gift, taking a life was not something he was accustomed too.He moved all his work into his new home, however shortly after he settled down he was visited late at night by a familiar dark elf, the same one he had helped two years before. She had recovered information about his past, something he hadn't really asked her to do, what she told him sent into a rage. He didn't believe her, he felt she was lying, however he did wonder if there was some truth. Instructed to break into the Qeynosian Military Generals office, he soon found the documents related to an attack on an isolated island. While he wasn't certain if it was ‘his' island it was more than proof that Qeynos wasn't the peaceful society it claimed to be.Going back to his home, he met up with the dark elf, who wanted to enlist his services to the overlord. He declined, saying that he wasn't ready for such things just yet. She agreed, almost forcively, and left.Months later while he was working on a weapon he accidently merged two very different metals to create a weapon of untold power, the weapon glowed with a red hue and drops of energy came off the weapon. He christened the weapon ‘Syphon of Fury' due to it's ability to siphon mana from an opponent and give it to him. He later discovered that the weapon ‘cracked' the air and went out shockwaves every once in awhile, a grin bore across his face, It was a weapon he would keep for himself. A week later, he created another new weapon, this one wasn't as powerful as the one he created but it had a healing ability on it not to mention a protective barrier. He knew he could sell them for several gold but didn't know ‘who' to sell them to, he couldn't sell them to Freeport without getting a death penalty from Qeynos. He spent several days thinking it over before coming to the conclusion that he really didn't have much choice ‘but' to sell to the military. Having made an audience with the queen he presented his new weapon, much to the disgust of the court, she accepted it and requested what his selling price.What he said sent court into a fit, as he had requested fifty gold ‘per' sword. Several in the audience chamber accused him of racketeering. The queen, impressed by the craftsmanship of the sword and the abilities on it, offered seventy five instead. Kalshion graciously accepted the gold and went about creating the weapons in a set of daggers, swords and staffs.A couple months later he learned his weapons were used in a brutal assault on a Freeport civilian colony, the requests were catastrophic, as almost everyone there was killed including those who didn't take up arms against the attacking force.This angered him; he had realized that the lines between good and evil were never really drawn. Each side had its good and evil parts, he realized that in order to balance out this war he had to create a weapon that countered the one he had created for Qeynos. This lead to the destroy the Oni-shin Destroyer, a set of weapons that placed a disease on the target and caused a wide area fire attack.The set was a combination of daggers, short/long swords and staffs. Once finished he packed them up and made his way to Freeport with the help of his dark elf ally, upon arriving at Freeport he wasn't greeted kindly which he had already expected from a dark city.Amazingly he was granted an audience with the overlord, which he found odd considering what he had heard. He showed the overlord the weapons he had created and demonstrated them on a troll who had been giving him the evil eye, the result was readily apparent as the troll fell to the disease and almost died before he removed the disease from his body.The overlord was impressed but only requested a mere twenty-five gold for the weapons; for Kalshion it was a small price to pay balancing out the war. He returned to Qeynos and fashioned more of the weapons and sold them through the black market to Freeport. For the next, few year's Kalshion lived a life of luxury, the war between Qeynos and Freeport was at a stalemate. It was then Kalshion made a fateful encounter, while hunting on an island in the sky he meet an Iksar who had been seriously wounded by an attack by the Droags.He healed the Iksar, who thanked him kindly and told him who his name was: Kiloson. From there their friendship grew until he was made aware of Kiloson's room-mate, Asri, the name sounded oddly familiar to Kalshion but he didn't know where so he placed the name in the back of his mind. It wasn't until shortly before his twentieth birthday did he get a request from the Overlord to spy on Qeynosian forces. Kalshion accepted the request, of course, he knew the Overlord had a hidden agenda, but so did he. For the next two years, he feed troop information to the Overlord, the war slowly shifting in Freeport's favor. However, that all changed when the Queen became suspicious and started looking through her ranks, Kalshion was forced to stop sending information, his final message being that the Queen was suspicious and that he had to stop for the time being. Shortly after that while he was hunting he came across a terrible sight - a horse drawn carriage had been attacked by bandits and its riders left for dead. While searching the carriage for salvage he soon came upon the unconscious body of an eleven-year-old girl, shocked at this finding he took the girl home and nursed her back to health. He realized after she awoke she was rather mature for her age, and very adept at her chosen profession of mystic, all she mentioned about her family was a crazed wizard who could crack jokes even the worst of situations*Factious weapon**Relates to two real EQ 1 characters, Kappa being mine, Nablis being, at the time, my ingame wife.<hr />Name: KilosonNick Names: Lobster TailGender: MaleRace: IksarAge: 24Height: Short1st Profession: BruiserPreferred Weapon: His fistsSecondary Weapon: Two gauntlets of power.2nd Profession: Armorsmith Home: FreeportDeity: Doesn't have oneFamily: NoneDescription: Kiloson's most identifiable feature is his tail, which stands out from the rest of those in Scaleyard. His tail is reminiscent of a lobster, for which he get's annoyed at people always teasing him at that but tends to ignore most of it. Personality: He's aggressive and caring, doesn't mind jumping into a battle if it means he can get a few licks in. He's very easy, yet very difficult to get along with, he doesn't trust anyone but those he's grown to like or appreciate.Background: Kiloson himself doesn't know much about his background, but in reality, he served a pirate aboard a pirate ship on the high seas. He was very good at what he did which was why he often lead the attacks on shipping, however, one day while attacking a vessel he came up against an Iksar who was very tough and very hard to kill. Managing to give the Iksar a mortal blow, he himself was also given the same blow and had to be rushed off deck back to the ship for treatment.Some days later, their own ship was caught up in a terrible swell that brought it to pieces; sometime between that he lost his memory, there he drifted until arriving at the Outpost of the Overlord. He stayed there for only a few days before taking a ship to Freeport where he soon met a female Iksar named Asri. He moved in with her, although he could tell she was reluctant, there he lived, practicing his trade. <hr />Name: AsulinaNick Names: Lil Wizzy, Lil one, Trickster, AsuGender: FemaleRace: HumanAge: 11 Height: normal height of an eleven-year-old human female1st Profession: Mystic2nd Profession: Wizard (thanks to her mother and father, she is dual profession)Preferred Weapon: Staff of WardingSecondary Weapon: her spells3rd Profession: CookingHome: QeynosDeity: Doesn't have oneFamily: Kalshion, her adoptive father.Description: Asulina bares the marks of someone mishandling her, she doesn't talk about the rough treatment the bandits put her through, but he was traumatized by the attack and fears bandits in general. She wears a white robe over her body, which denotes her fragile nature; however, it's just a front. Personality: Asulina is a very kind and caring, not to mention precocious young girl, she's almost like her adoptive father, only she's shy about meeting new people. She's very playful and easy to get along with. Her smile and caring nature seems to win almost everyone over to her side, however, she has a fearsome side to her. She isn't afraid to get into trouble if it means protecting her father, she's also very competitive. Background: Because Asulina hasn't talked with Kalshion much about her background, he doesn't know. Asulina grew up living off the land and was always traveling. Her father, a crazed wizard and father mother, a lovely mystic, both taught her their professions. She learned to cook while on her travels and was the one who cooked for her family, she once let her father cook and the results were disastrous. While on a trip to Antonica they're carriage was attacked by bandits and tortured and [I cannot control my vocabulary], she was left to die until a high elf found her and brought him back to his home. She was very fearful of being away from people after what happened, but her pleasure, he adopted her and kept her there. Because of Kalshion's terrible cooking, she's mainly the cook.

niko_teen

09-19-2007, 10:00 PM

/claps hands a few times to get the authors' attentionHey hey there's the profiles so where's the story to read? Chop chop.

Slask

09-20-2007, 12:27 AM

OOC: hehe, sorry, had a bit of writers block for a moment <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />. Here's the first post on my end <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> ~~~Not so long ago this place was full of furniture, the walls decked with trophies of great accomplishments. Now however, the three room apartment was nearly bare, most items packed up and moved to a new residence not far away. Asri stooped to put a few more of her belongings into a crate, humming almost blissfully for the first time in weeks. Looking back over her shoulder at the nearly completely empty house, she felt a sense of sadness: this residence had been her home for most of her stay at Freeport and she'll be leaving behind a lot of memories. Many of those memories however weren't very good ones and this move would give her a chance to start anew, the task of decorating the new five room manor she just purchased a much needed distraction from recent events.The mostly black scaled Iksar paused in her task as she recalled the most recent of those bad events, a wave of grief briefly overtaking her. Tarkis... She thought, her frilliks drooping. Why did you take you're own life? Was it to protect me from yourself or from your fellow hunters from using me against you? Tarkis had been a werewolf hunter and Asri was a werewolf: a forbidden love that ultimately couldn't be worked around. His suicide was still like a dagger into her own heart, for before he had discovered her curse they gotten along so well, so much so that she felt she had finally found the one. That hope was dashed to pieces however, with one self inflicted thrust of a dagger into his own chest.Her mind wandered deeper into the past she could remember, remembering another male she had loved and lost. Dresik. She thought with sigh. He had been her first love, as far as she recalled anyway: the spell of amnesia cast upon her by slavers hiding the life she may have had before then. Dresik had been the first Iksar she met after her memory was taken from her and retaught her their proud race's history and traditions. But like Tarkis, Dresik's life was taken from her, not by his own hand but by the hand of pirates that had attacked the ship they were on. While she was largely over Dresik's death, there was always something about him that nagged at her, like she had known him from somewhere before. However if he had known her from before he never hinted at it and if he did know then why he kept it hidden from her would never be known now.A yelp and a crash startled her out of her reminessing, Asri looking up to see what had happened. She sighed and shook her head with a faint smile when she saw it was only Zilathok, the grey and white scaled male have evidently tripped as he was carrying the last of his own belongings from upstairs. Asri watched as Zilathok groaned and removed his snout from the floor, various personal affects now scattered on the floor around him. "You alright Zila?" She asked him, her head tilted to one side curiously: she didn't know why she bothered asking, as Zilathok was as clumsy as they came but never seem worse for wear for it."I'm fine Mistress." Zilathok said sheepishly as Asri knelt down to help him gather up his spilled belongings."You shouldn't try to carry so much at once, it only make things more difficult on you." Asri scolded him lightly."I know...but I figured you wanted to get this move done...." Zilathok said, rubbing the back of his head."Zila Zila..." Asri said with a smile. "Our new home is not that far, so making more trips is not a problem. That we are using our horses to carry some of this stuff is kind of silly as it is.""Eh...I suppose you are right...." Zilathok mumbled as he absencely looked over the now empty main room. "By the way...what are we going to do with Kiloson's stuff?" He asked.Asri gave a snort of disgust, her frilliks faring a bit at the mention of his name. "I sent him a letter a few days ago stating that if he doesn't come and get his crap within the week it will be come the property of Freeport." She hissed. Her anamosity toward him wasn't always so, but his...unreliability as of late annoyed her to no end. How often had he paid his part of the rent: fewer times then she could count on one hand. Was he ever here to hear her woes and be a willing ear: never. This move would wash her hands of Kiloson completely as far as she cared and if she saw him again it would be too soon."Fair enough." Was Zilathok's only comment on the matter, which was understandable, considering he knew better then she was just how 'often' Kiloson was even home since he spent more time in the house then she did. Indeed she felt Zilathok probably had an even lower option of their now former 'roommate' then she did, though the rather timid Iskar wouldn't admit it, he being the type to avoid a fight. Though Asri had the sneaky suspion that Zilathok was going against that 'rule'. Lately she noticed rips and tears in his clothing that couldn't be explained from his 'normal' profession: cooking. She also noticed that he had gotten a little bulkier and had a few scars here and there that weren't there before. The bulkiness she contributed more to him becoming an adult, as he was only an adolescent when she first took him in: the scarring though, that was something else entirely."Come on." Asri said, putting some of Zilathok's belongings into the crate with hers, deciding the issue could wait until another time. "The sooner we finish moving the sooner we can set the new place up the way we want it." She smiled at him softly."Aye Mistress." Zilathok replied. Asri could have sworn she saw him blush ever so slightly....

Kalshi

09-20-2007, 01:53 AM

A subtle wind washed over the Freeport docks, a raiding boat had just arrived and was off-loading the latest bounty from a Qeynos outpost. On board, a light black scaled Iksar carried a case full of weapons. He set them down just beyond the plank before getting up and wiping his forehead of sweat, "now that that's out of way," he said and handed off a list to one of the crew, "got to move my stuff out of the apartment... can't help not being home so much with all the raiding going on, but oh well," Kiloson said and made his way into East Freeport.He walked down the stone path, taking in the gloomy surroundings. He had spent the better part of the week within Qeynos, talking to his contact and exchanging trade lane information. He'd spent most of that week within his contacts home, which was to beautiful for his taste but that was a given considering they had to keep up appearances.As he walked up to the doors leading into the home, he realized that no one was there. "Hmmm..." he said as he walked over to the room that had once been his, he had very few things to pack as he very rarely was ever home. After getting the note from his former tenant, he had purchased a small home in South Freeport with the gold and plat he had gotten from the raids. Most of his stuff had already been moved, but some still renamed. His bed was gone along with most of the heavier items, so all he had to do was pack up his trophy collection and get it on over ot his new home. It took him only a few minutes and once done he carried the crate to his new home and left it near the door, "as much as I'd like to unpack, I have more pressing concerns," he said and headed off toward the gates leading into Lucans floating castle.InsideA high elf knelt down in front of Lucan, relaying a report on some of the successes that he's had in relation to sabotaging Qeynos's war effort. "I hate leaving you in such a filthy place," Lucan said, although he sounded as if he wasn't to concerned about it. Kalshion just smiled, even though it couldn't be seen."I shall return to my post and continue relaying information to my contacts," Kalshion said and got up. "No, I have another mission for you," Lucan said, the guards at the doors raised their weapons which caused him to stop."Yes?" Kalshion asked, not turning around. His action some-what angered several of the soldiers in the chamber, but Lucan just ignored it. "I want you to look into a possibility that one of our own citizens isn't not as they appear," he said.Kalshion half turned toward Lucan and glanced at him. "not as they appear?" he repeated."Her name is Asri, there's a rumor going around that she isn't Iksar, but no one can confirm it... I want you to find out if this is true or not," he said.The white skinned high elf glanced at the door, his expression deep in thought. "I can do that, but do keep in mind that most other races don't like us 'soft skins'""Do I care? If she isn't who she appears to be, kill her... that's all," Lucan said and sealed the conversation. Kalshion sighed and walked through the double doors and outside.He only got as far as the Arcane Science building before running into a familiar face. "Kiloson... I thought you were out raiding that outpost I gave you information on?" he asked the light black scaled Iksar.Kiloson shook his head. "Past tense, we were successful... although I really 'do' have to wonder why we only found military personnel there and not the civilians, I can't help but feel that a certain high elf is at least sparing the civilians," he said and glared at Kalshion.He smiled and shook his head. "Of course not, why would I care?" he lied and walked past Kiloson and toward a lamp. The Gargoyal behind gave a slight growl before turning back forward. "So tell me, I heard that your former tenent evicted you.. eh?""That's true," Kiloson said with a heavy sigh. "It's understandable, considering I'm always out raiding and pilaging Qeynos outposts and ships...""What was her name again? Asri eh?" Kalshion said. He sounded amused, but there was a hint of couriousity in his tone.Kiloson nodded. "That's correct, she's got someone else there from what I've seen-" he said before he realized that Kalshion wasn't listening."How much do you owe her?" Kalshion asked him flatly."err... 'owe' her?" Kiloson asked nervously."Rent..." Kalshion said simply."Uhh... five plat...." Kiloson said innocently and turned away.Kalshion let out a disappointed sigh. "And here you make fifty gold or so off each raid.. that's five raids a week... sheesh... oh well..." he said and brought his hands up.Fire erupted from around Kalshion's form. Wind stirred up and forced the fire into the air. Kalshion mumbled several words that were not recognizable by Kiloson, suddenly the fire completely engulfed Kalshion's body, for several seconds nothing happened. Then the fire exploded outward and where Kalshion had been standing now stood a wolf with fire as it's fur."You just keep doing what you are doing, I'm going to pay this Iksar a visit," Kalshion said and scampered off.Kiloson just shook his head before going back to the house to get more items. Kalshion got some distance before throwing an invisibility spell on himself. "One of the few 'gifts' that Lucan gave me to make my job a bit easier, an invisibility spell that is two ranks higher than the normal one learned through experience and scrolls..." he said to himself. He didn't need Kiloson to tell him where Asri was, for his nose did the talking.He followed her scent until it led to a nice home. Huh.. nice place... could use a few more windows though... he said and noticed that the door was open. Carefully he walked inside and into a corner; placing himself just right so that he could scan the whole room. In his mouth was a bag full of plat, roughly twice the amount owed. Kiloson is going to owe me for this, at a seventy five percent interest rate... I outta make out pretty good... he thought to himself and grinned, or rather, grinned as much as he could considering he had that bag in his mouth.Outside Freeport, just beyond the first check pointA little girl was lying up against a free; her eyes closed. Across her lap was a snow white cat, the cat let out a small meow and stretched it's arms before curling back up into a ball and falling back asleep. "I wonder how much longer papa will be?" Asulina asked herself. She opened her eyes and looked up at the sky, it was dusk right now and the sun was going down. She didn't move though even as a pack of wolves ran by her, then a trio of guards also walked by on patrol. No one seemed to have noticed her laying there; of course that was because, she couldn't even be seen seeing how she was invisible.

Slask

09-20-2007, 03:27 PM

With everything in the new home, Asri had left briefly to check on some things on the broker, leaving Zilathok to start unpacking. He didn't mind as he knew she would be back shortly to do most of the decorating anyway. Besides, there was one task she entrusted to him solely and not herself: setting up the 'containment' room. Where are they? He thought as he searched through the what seemed to be an endless number of crates. The grey and white scaled Iskar sighed with relief when he finally found them: two tall sturdy boards with thick iron shackles for both arms and wrists. With a faint, slightly sad, smile he picked them up and headed down stairs.The basement of the five story manor was slightly musty and lined with thick stone walls and at the end was a short hallway on the left, with a door on the left side. Past the door was a small room with a ceiling that curved down toward the floor on the far end and the room was wider then it was long. I'll have to see about installing a heavier door. Zilathok thought as he secured the two restraining boards at either end of the room. Though he doubted 'Greyback', the name he had dubbed Asri's were form, could break the restraints: she hadn't yet so far, he couldn't take the chance. Thankfully Asri's forced transformations were extremely rare, thanks to the ritual her friends in Splitpaw performed, and Asri only willingly undertook the transformations when it was obsolutely nessacary. This was a good thing, as she couldn't afford to have anyone find out about her condition: Lucin would have her killed for sure. One day...perhaps when our homeland is found...we will escape this place and find peace. He thought grimly. Though he was uncertain how the Iskar that remained on Kunark would recieve them, but that was a problem that would have to wait to be worked out another time.After setting up the containment room the best he could for the time being, he paused to look around the basement, the room that he had chosen to be his own room and workshop. I'll need to partition off an area to be my 'bedroom'. He thought. I'm sure Asri will help with that. That he had no doubt about, as Asri had built an entire loft for him at the old place, though he personally would have prefered the spot Kiloson had taken, which was right next to Asri's own sleeping area. A little jealous perhaps at that time, but Zilathok knew there was no reason for it now. Afterall, who was it that was always there for her? Not Kiloson that's for sure.As he headed back upstairs, he reflected on the not so distant past, to when he first met Asri...Scale Yard was a dark and dank place, which reeked of barbarians drunks and few fellow Iskar. Those Iskar that he saw thus far eyed him with an evil eye, obviously detecting his own weakness and lack of confidence. He didn't trust them at all, but if he couldn't trust his own kind whom was he to trust? The younger Zilathok looked around nerviously, lost and confused as to where to go and what to do, tattered clothing and a warped pathitic staff was all he had besides his then ghost bat familiar, which flapped noiselessly behind him. Cautiously he took a few steps forward, looking for anyone whom would be willing to help him find his way, though he himself wasn't sure where he was to go."You look lost lizard." A gravelly voice said off to one side. Zilathok looked in that direction and spyed a large adult male barbarian with an evil twink in his eye: he immediately had a bad feeling about him. Subconsciously he took a step back."Whatsamatter lizard?" The barbarian taunted, taking a step toward him. "Do I make you nervous?""Umm..." Zilathok looked around, wondering if anyone was going to tell this softskin to back off. His heart sank when his 'fellow' Iksar simply turned away. Since Zilathok had only just arrived here, he hadn't had a chance to prove to his kin that he was worthy of helping. He really had only two options: try to use his feeble necromencer skills against this brute to ward him off or run. Neither option was an option in his mind."You seem rather small for a lizard." The barbarian said, grabbing him by his robe and lifting him up into the air with ease: it took all of Zilathok's will to not soil himself in fear. "Weak too. If I remember correctly you guys have this 'only the strong survive' motto...so maybe I'd be doing your species a favor by turning you into a nice pair of boots...."Zilathok's eyes widened and he started to struggle. He tried to form words of power, the few that he knew, in his head to recite, but all that came out of his mouth was a pathitic whimpering. No one was going to help him and he was going to die before he could really start his own life...CRACK! Something smashed into the side of the barbarian's head, causing him to drop him. Zilathok landed on his rump and took a moment to gather his senses before he realized what had happened. A female Iskar, full grown with scale the color of the night with white markings, had struck the barbarian in the head with a baton. Zilathok watched as the softskin staggered a bit before turning toward his assailent. "Pick on some one your own size." The female hissed."You little..." The barbarian growled. ""I'll turn you BOTH into boots!"He made a move to grab her, but the female ducked then with a swift strike struck the softskin where it would hurt the most. Immediately the barbarian crumpled, both hands grasping at his groin: Zilathok 'almost' felt sorry for him. "You shouldn't leave your most vulrinable points so unprotected...." The female quipped as she straightened up and put her weapon away before walking toward Zilathok. "You alright?" She asked."Y..yes..." Zilathok replied sheepishly. "Thank you....""You seem rather timid..." The female said with a tone of worry, offering a hand to help him up. "Timid types don't last long here.""I think I figured that out just now...." Zilathok replied softly as he accepted the hand and rose to his feet."Do you know where you intended to go?""N...no...I just got here....everything's so...confusing...." He clenched his staff hard.The female snorted with faint disgust before falling into deep thought. Behind her the barbarian had finally managed to get to his feet, but didn't dare attempt to attack her. Instead he staggered toward the end of the street, where Zilathok had little doubt a travern was located. "Obviously you're a sorcerer of some sort." The female said finally, bringing his attention back to her."Yes...necromencer." Zilathok replied honestly."Odd profession for someone like you.""Well...it wasn't my choice to begin with...." He replied quietly.This got a raised eye ridge from the female, but she didn't inquire why that was. "Do you have another profession then?" She asked."Yes...actually...." He admitted. "Provisioner." He couldn't help but smile a bit. "I prefer to work on that then my necro skills.""That's perfect then." The female said, surprising him. "I can't cook worth a [Removed for Content] and the other cooks charge an arm and a leg. So how about this....I help you get established here and provide you with fresh clothing and you keep us both fed."Zilathok blinked in surprise, unsure what to think about this unexpected offer. "I....I don't know what to say...." He stammered. "I wasn't expecting this."She giggled faintly, but then turned serious. "Look kid, for someone like you to make it here you need protection until you can fend for yourself or at least you become 'valuable' enough to the community to where no one would dare want to hurt you. That could take years mind you and you're not likely going to get any help from anyone else. This is a fair deal with no strings attached: the best you are going to get in this city."Zilathok reflected on her words. He knew little about Freeport, but what little he had seen so far lead credence to what she said. It didn't take long for him to make up his mind. "Alright." He said, with more confidence then he had previously. "I accept."The female smiled. "What's your name kid?" She asked, extending her hand."Zilathok." He replied, extending his own to grasp hers."Asri." The female said, as they shook hands. "A pleasure to met you."~~~Asri had been good on her word, and Zilathok his. He could have left to be on his own long ago, but never felt the need to. In truth, these days he felt Asri needed him more then she did all these years ago and he didn't mind giving her what she needed. Besides, even if she didn't need him for anything, he couldn't leave her, not just because of all that she had done for him, but because of his ever growing affection for her. Someday... He thought. Someday you will see my 'real' worth. Zilathok smiled at the thought, his mind drafting off to more... passionate things."Zila what are you thinking about." A familiar voice broke into his thoughts.Startled and embarrassed, Zilathok blushed faintly as he looked at Asri, whom had just returned: the smile one her face was slighty teasing. "Nothing Mistress." Zilathok said sheepishly. "Besides thinking about how nice this place will look once it is completely decorated.""Uh huh." Asri said with a smile that said she didn't quite believe him. "Well I have some ideas on how to decorated this place, it depends on how much the new furniture will cost us. We have enough now for a basic set up at least." She asked him in a more quiet voice. "Is the room set up?"Zilathok nodded. "Yes, besides the door, which I feel needs to be replaced with something 'heavier'.""Good idea. With don't want to take any...." She paused in midsentance, her nostrals flaring. "Did anyone come in here while I was away?""Not that I know of." Zilathok confessed. "Though I was downstairs for a bit. Why?""I smell....softskin...." She growled as she scanned the room."It could be from the previous owners." Zilathok offered."No...this is very fresh..." She was wondering the room by now, looking for the source."Funny...I don't smell anything..." Zilathok commented looking around himself now. A look from Asri told him the reason: though she didn't spend much time in her werewolf from, some of the werewolf's superior senses, especially smell, affected her natural form once in awhile. "Maybe my nose is burnt out from all the spices I use..." He offered with a chuckle, in case the intruder was still inside.Asri snorted as she continued to look around the room until suddenly she drew one of her throwing daggers and threw it at one of the corners, the dagger embedding itself into the wood: they were going to replace the wooden walls with something else anyway. "State your busines and quickly before I make you pay for intruding in our home!" She snapped at someone, though Zilathok couldn't see the person, even with the aid of his 'see invisable' spell.

Kalshi

09-20-2007, 09:49 PM

The invisible wolf was up on top of the rafters, looking down at the two iksars. If he could grin he would but with the bag of coin in his mouth he found it difficult, instead he dropped the bag in front of Asri. The bag strangely materalized out of no where, lying in front with some platinum coins spilled out."I heard a friend of mine sucks at paying his rent, so here's ten plat to cover his expenses" Kalshion said and steadied himself. "Consider this payment due, of course the fool now owes me 'twice' the amount at seventy five percent interest.." he said and jumped down from the rafters and walked toward the door.For several seconds it appeared that nothing was there, but then a wolf appeared by in the doorway. It's head turned toward Asri, he stared at her and wondered what her reaction would be, but without letting her react he said. "You might want to know that your former room-mate has been busy being a thorn in Qeynos's rear end, so perhaps it's best you give him some respect - considering without him the freeport militia wouldn't have been able to assault one of the goodie's outposts," he said but then sighed. "Of course.. how someone being paid fifty gold an assault can not pay his rent is something entirely different."He walked toward the two Iksar's and laid down. Strangely enough the fire didn't catch on anything, not the floor, not the walls, and not the clothing that the two Iksar's wore. He had more to say but felt now wasn't the time, and instead stood back up and walked out of the home and into the street. "While I wish our path's wouldn't meet again, I get this strange feeling they will, so keep a bag of dog food ready," he said and jumped on top of a near by building before leaving for the main gates out of Freeport.

Slask

09-21-2007, 11:41 AM

Asri had instinctively jumped back and assumed a defensive positure when the bag of coins appeared out of no where, Zilathok squeeking a little 'eep' of surprise as well. When the stranger gave his monologue and finally appeared in front of them in the form of a white wolf with flames all over it, she didn't even flinch. Instead she eyed the wolf with a steel eyed gaze full of malice. Before she could comment, the wolf was gone out the front door where he came."So Kiloson is an even bigger fool." Asri growled. "I knew he was rather soft-skinned minded but to be friends with that thing....""He was a fury..." Zilathok commented softly. "With fairie fire placed upon himself. So there's the possiblity he was an Iksar.""I could smell his real form beneath the wolf Zilathok." Asri said. "It smelled of elf. Though that does make me wonder how you knew what he was, for one whom never did much hunting on his own." She quirked an eye ridge at him.Zilathok blushed slightly, a faint smile on his face. "For at time I was concidering changing my profession to one of the druid types, but alas I was too far into the necromencer studies to actually change it.""I see." Asri smiled faintly in return. "A druid would suit you better, a pity you can't change to it. What about becoming a conjerer? They are closer to the necromencer type and likely an easier switch."Zilathok chuckled a bit. "I considered that as well, but the only trainers for that profession are in the goodie cities, wihch means I would need to betray Freeport. I'd rather not do that.""Why not? Surely you would fit in either much better then here." There was a hint of hesitantion in her voice, for a part of Asri didn't want Zilathok to leave, despite knowing it may be for the best. She considered him a dear friend, the only one she really had and to be separated from like that would be painful for her.She watched as Zilathok turned away from her, evidently not wanting to let her see his expression and likely to carefully choose is words. Finally he turned slightly, just enough to look at her over his shoulder. "Because the one thing that is most important to me lives here in Freeport." Was his response, then he headed back downstairs, not allowing her a chance to respond to that.Most important to him... She pondered. What could that be? The way he said it though, his tone and his body language... Me? Could he mean me? She thought, her eyes widening, the she shook her head in denial. No...can't be. Surely he would have been more direct if that was the case....but... Her own self rebuttal died before the thought could complete itself, her own fears formed of past experience drowning it out. She couldn't risk going any deeper with him, she decided, not with her own history showing what happened to those she opened her heart fully to.With a sad sigh, she shook the old hopes and desires out of her mind and focused on the task of unpacking.

Kalshi

09-21-2007, 01:58 PM

Kalshion made his way outside of Freeport, the sky darkening, a distant rumble told of a storm approaching. Guards along the route were of course hostile to him considering that he wasn't a Freeport citizen, but he was under Lucans protection so the guards avoided any combat.As he approached the cross roads he heard some commotion. He realized that the person he was waiting for wasn't there, "Asu!" he suddenly shouted in fear and began to search the area. He only had to go a few feet before hearing a blood gurgling scream as a massive ball of super heated fire burned away the skin of four bandits who had gotten the drop on Asulina, their corpses almost nothing more than bones."You ok?" he asked her, she looked at him, tears in her eyes before running over and hugging him. Despite her being mature for her age, she still fears bandits in general... he thought as he allowed her to embrace him. He lifted his wolfy head and stared at her in the eyes, "let's head back home, my work here is done for now,""Ok!" Asulina said, although still fearful over what had just happened she climbed onto Kalshion's back while he summoned a portal to Antonica, once up he walked into it, Asulina on top of him.In Antonica it was as peaceful as always. Kalshion, while technically a traitor to Qeynos, both loved and hated the place. He initially didn't care for it but that was before he adopted Asulina, who now used Antonica as her 'playground' "Tomorrow your going to school," Kalshion said and heard a moan from her. "Hey, you have an obligation to learn and study hard, I already got snapped at twice for keeping you out of school for a month while we were in Zek. Remember you ended up not graduating to the fifth grade so you've had to repeat the fourth...""School... meh..." Asulina pouted and folded her arms over her chest. Kalshion chuckled, they'd always had these types of small battles, of course in the end he always won. They approuched the gates into Qeynos, the guards looking them over before saluting. "Welcome back Commander Dragon," one said, the guards armor looked worn, bent out of shape, like he had just gotten out of a battle. The other guard didn't looked any better as his armor was equally in bad shape, if not more so. The gates parted and they strolled into Qeynos. He passed through another gate into South Qeynos and then up to his mansion, there he asked Asulina to get off his back before he shape shifted back to his normal high elf form. "Ow..." he said and ran his hand on his back. He didn't mind her on his back the problem was that after so long his back would hurt. After a minute of using a heal spell to get rid of the bruise that had formed he took out a key and unlocked the door to their home. Asulina opened it and ran inside. The main room was littered with tables full of achievements and other items, the wall directly to the right of Kalshion had swords and shields along with other weapons from several of his victories against the foes of the land.He almost jumped when he heard a familiar sound, he turned to find that Asulina had started one of the music boxes that sat on a table near a door leading into the relaxation room. It was a gentle sound, soothing; it made him remember why he was doing this. "Get into your pajamas ok?" he said to her as he walked upstairs and into the room. Asulina moaned and went into the same room, there were two beds, one was near the door while the other was near the window. A tunarian alter sat on the far wall with books vast around it. A table between the two beds had several scrolls and a cube on it. Kalshion was removing his armor while Asulina was changing into her night cloths, once done she laid down on the soft mattress of her bed and was quick to fall asleep.Kalshion turned toward her and sighed. "What right do I have to bring a child into these battles?" he asked himself as he removed his bracers and set them aside. "Sadly, there isn't much I can do as my work would result in the death of us both.. [I cannot control my vocabulary] it I wish our meeting had been 'before' I choose this path.." he grumbled and removed his breastplate and set aside next to the formal wear he had worn over the armor.Once he was done he walked out of the room and up to the attic where he watered some flowers that he was growing. Once done he took some fertilizer and added it to the mix before going back to watering.After he was done he went back to his room and got into bed. "The overlord didn't give me a set time frame for observing her, I guess I'll wait until Asulina has her one month vacation," he said before falling asleep.***Kiloson threw a punch, barely missing the Iksar who counterattacked with a kick. He brought his forearms up to block it and was rewarded with a soft 'thud' as the Iksars foot connected with the hard surface of his armor."Not bad," the Iksar said as he lowered his foot and began to walk away. "You've gotten better since the last time we trained, but how much better can you get? You want to talk over this school, and yet in order to do that you have to fight the master," the Iksar said to him as he ran water down his arms."Just keep training me," Kiloson said confidently. "You worry about what will happen 'after' and I'll worry about the fight," he said and folded his arms over his chest. His friend shook his head, "as cocky as ever," he said and took a towel off the rack and dried his arms. "Alright, let's keep going then," with that the two Iksars went back to practicing.

Slask

09-21-2007, 04:55 PM

Two weeks later.Zilathok walked casually down the road in the Commonlands, making his way back to Freeport, while humming to himself softly with a smile on his face. This last expedition he took on his own was especially fruitful, both in items he could sell and his ever increasing knowledge of the necromencer arts. Granted, he'd rather not be a necromencer at all, but that choice was made for him long ago.He shuttered briefly, recalling memories of his past he'd rather forget, memories too painful to tell the one he trusted, even loved, the most. She wouldn't be able to protect me if he decided to come after me, werewolf or not.... He thought bitterly and sorrowfully. Maybe it was a mistake to even get as involved as I have with her, for surely he would use her against me. He shook his head. No...every moment with her is worth it, no matter the risk. If only I had the guts to tell her how I really felt about her....The closest he had come to admiting his feelings for her was the day that fury paid Kiloson's rent two weeks ago, when he told Asrit hat he remained in Freeport because the thing that mattered most to him was in Freeport. Zilathok knew she had been confused by those words and he caught her several times since then in deep thought and when she realized he was there she blushed in embarrassment, something that extremely rare for her. He also noticed she'd had undertaken taken the task of decorating their new home with a lot of furvor, often spending long hours trying to harvest the material to have the furniture she wanted specially made: it was almost as if she was trying to keep herself busy so that she didn't have to think about certain things.She's afraid... He concluded. Afraid to let her heart be taken again...not that I blame her. With what happened to the ones she fell in love with, he couldn't blame her for being especially wary of developing a new relationship. As the past showed there was a great chance the past would repeat itself yet again. Yet Zilathok yearned to tell her what he felt about her, to get her to take another chance at love and accept him as her mate. Not yet....I'm not strong enough yet to be worthy of her. Will I ever be good enough?A brief cold chill, one that seemed oddly familiar to him, went up his spine for a brief moment. He paused in his stride, gripping his staff tightly as he looked around for the source, only to see nothing. Must have been my imagination... He thought as he continued on, yet something nagged at him in the back of his mind, something that he knew shouldn't ignore. The tension in his body building as he subconsciously increased his stride, now wishing he had ported home instead of walking, knowing that it would be pointless to do so now as whatever it was that was stalking him would strike before the spell went off."You seem to be in hurry Zilathok..." A voice said, one full of malice and hatred, one he recognized instantly and filled his heart with dread."No..." He whimpered as he broke into a run in a feble attempt to get away, away from the monster from his past. Barely five strides after he started running he found himself suddenly encased in a cage made of skeletal hands. "NO!" He cryed, tears of terror already streaming down his face."Ah ah...Zilathok....we have much to discuss..." The voice said, from right behind him this time. "You're chosen path for one....and your future...."Zilathok had no choice. Slowly he turned around to face the one Iksar he had never wanted to see again. The one he feared more then anyone else.His father. Xirthak.***Asri felt antsy for some reason, like she had an itch she couldn't scratch and nothing she could think of or do could shake the feeling. She couldn't help but worry if it had something to do with Zilathok, as he wasn't home when she returned from harvesting earlier that day. Asri had even gone as far to check the usual tradeskill building he worked in, only to find out that he hadn't been there for weeks. What have you been doing Zila? She thought, rubbing her arms with worry. The more she thought about him, the more it dawned on her just how affectionate he had been acting toward her, hinting at deeper feelings toward her then he let on. It bothered her, for it conflicted with her own decision to not let her heart be taken again. Yet...if I lose him...I don't know what I'll do.... She thought, looking longingly at the front door, praying he would walk into the front door right now and prove to her that everything was alright. She forced herself to admit that over the long years they had been assocates, she had grown dependant on him. Not just for his cooking skills, but for the willing ear and companionship she so badly needed. "Zila..." She whispered, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "Come home...."***His whole body felt like it was a flame with pain, each movement he made only making it worse. Zilathok didn't care though, he cared only about one thing: getting home. Asri.... He thought as he coughed, tasting his own blood in his mouth and feeling even more slowly tickling down multiple wounds. Zilathok doubted he would make it home, not with the extent of his injures. I will try...I must try.... He told himself. If I am to die today...I must see her....one last time....A part of broken staff in only functioning hand as his only support, he forced himself to take a few more steps. A few more steps closer to home...to her. Yet the gates of Freeport seemed so far away and seemed to get further away the longer it took him to move a few more steps. [Removed for Content] you father.... He thought, tears of pain and hate feeling his eyes and stinging the wounds on his face. He hated him...hated him! His black and red robes, his blazing red eyes, his voice, everything! I was never up to your standards to begin with. Zilathok thought with a faint growl as he took a few more painful steps. Never wanted to follow in your footsteps. Yet you couldn't accept that could you?~~~"You're progress has obviously been dismal." His father growled as he circled him, Zilathok still trapped in the bone cage, though he could sense it's magic starting to fade. Not that it would help him any, as Xirthak could summon another with a snap of his fingers. "At your age you should be at the level most softskin necros reach by now.""Necromancy was never the field I wanted to be in." Zilathok said as calmly as he could, trying to keep the fear out of his voice."What you want doesn't matter!" Xirthak snapped, making Zilathok cringe. "As long as you are my son and my blood courses through your veins, it is your destany is to follow in my footsteps.""No." Zilathok said boldly. "My destany is my own to fulfill."Xirthak snorted. "And what sort of 'destany' do you intend to make for yourself? Your dreams of becoming a cook?" He laughed, one that sent chills down Zilathok's spine. "No self respecting Iksar would go for such a thing! We are warriors! Destained to rule all of Norrath! Such pursuits like cook are the jobs of slaves! If you have any self worth son you would drop this foolish pursuit, lest Venril Sathir cull you for your weakness!"Zilathok's eyes widened. Venril Sathir? The legendary Iksar emparor that betrayed Cazic Thule and made a pact with the Dark Elf god to become a lich? "You follow Venril?" Zilathok said cooly. His father looked at him with a steely gaze. "Of course." He replied. "Any sane Iksar would in this day and age. He will lead us to greatness once again!""Have you forgotten how he betrayed his own people!?" Zilathok snapped. "How he turned his back on our creator and made a pact with a softskin god!?""Watch your tongue!" Xirthak hissed. "Emperor Sathir did what he had to do, just as I do what I have to do to get my own blood to see the light.""Any chance you had on turning me is gone now, gone since you spoke such blasmephy!" Zilathok shouted, then spoke the words of magic to summon his skeletal pet. Never before had he felt such rage, any ounce of respect he may have had for his father gone like dry leaves in the wind.~~~He didn't remember much of what happened after that, beyond that he majorly had his tail handed to him: all his power drained during his feble attempt to defend himself. It was stupid of him to attack his own father, whom was perhaps the most powerful Iksar necromancer there is, besides Venril Sathir that is. Venril... He thought, the implications of that name from the distant past all to clear. It meant that his father had been back on Kunark and that there was a Kunark to return to. But if Venril was really Emperor of the Iksar Empire once again, did he and all the other Iksar that had been trapped in the softskin world have a chance at all to return without being branded as traitors themselves?Not important... He told himself, reminding himself that the information was useless if he died before he could tell someone. Asri... Her name brought a wave of sorrow over his battered and torn form, a fresh wave of tears streaming down his cheeks. What an idiot I am...all I wanted was for you to be happy...to protect you...now I may not even get a chance to tell you how much I love you...."No..." He whispered. "I will see you again..." He forced himself to take another step, but then his legs buckled underneath him and he landed hard on his belly, sending crippling pain through his body. Refusing to give up, he started crawling with what strength he had left. Yet Freeport didn't seem to get any closer now, it's gates becoming hazy and distant in the hot, dry air."Asri...."

Kalshi

09-21-2007, 07:05 PM

The ground broke apart as Kiloson and his warg made there way back to Freeport. He had spent the past two weeks honing his bruiser skills with a group of Iksar who lived in Nek Forest. As he approuched Freeport he wondered what he would do. "Kalshion asked me to report any strange things going on, and many of those have been happening at Nek Castle..." he said as he snapped the reigns to make his warg run faster. The warg let out a grunt and kept going, obviously tired from the thirty minute's constant run.It was then that he noticed something on the ground; it was still far away and he couldn't make it out. "What's that?" he asked himself as he steered his warg toward the object, it didn't take him long to realize that it was a fellow Iksar. After he was closer however he realized who it was, "Zilathok?!" he said in surprise and hoped off his warg when he was close.His warg kept going and circled around before running and stopping in front of Kiloson. Kiloson knelt down next to his fellow Iksar, "You'll be fine brother," he said and lifted the wounded Zilathok onto his warg. He noticed the broken staff and picked it up as well and attached it to one of the weapon holders on his saddle. He cracked the reigns again and the warg took off down the road."Open the gates!" He shouted at a Freeport guard who glared at him before noticing how fast he was moving. The gate's parted just in time for him to blast through the small opening and into North Freeport. The warg kept it's pace as he ran down the small ramp and toward the home of Asri and Zilathok. "Mistress Asri!" Kiloson shouted as he approuched the door, his warg came to a sudden stop. Kiloson quickly dismounted and lifted Zilathok off the saddle and carried him into the mansion.

Slask

09-23-2007, 08:49 PM

Asri had made a decision: was going to go look for him. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't convince herself that Zilathok was alright. Just as she reached the door she heard the words she longed to her:"Mistress Asri!"Her heart leapt for joy, completely ignoring the fact that she had drilled into the younger Iksar's head to never call her ‘mistress' outside the house. Ignoring how odd Zilathok's voice sounded. She through open the door and for a split second she stared at Kiloson, whom was at her door instead of Zilathok. Then her confusion turned to rage a second later: how dare he call her something she only allowed Zilathok to refer to her as!Then finally her eyes shifted downward just enough to see Zilathok's broken form.Her world just seemed to stop. Birds stopped singing, the wind stop blowing, a dreadful chill enveloped her body as her whole body shook, not wanting to believe what her eyes were showing her. If Kiloson said anything he didn't hear him, her whole focus was on Zilathok. Finally, everything she felt came out in one screamed word that could be heard throughout North Freeport."ZILAAAAaaaa!" She couldn't stop the tears, her hands fumbling at Zilathok's torn and tattered clothing. "No no no....not you too Zila." She babbled. "Not you too...."In despair she collapsed upon her self, not carrying how the other residents of Freeport saw her emotional breakdown. Slowly, in what felt like ages, she got her senses back and got the strength to look more closely at Zilathok's body. There, a small glimmer of hope: he was breathing, barely, but just enough for her to notice."Get him inside!" She barked at Kiloson, her tone harsh and desperate. She followed him in, pointing at a couch. "Lay him there...and watch him closely." She ran off then and nearly ripped her traveling pack apart as she frantically searched for the one thing she knew she had that would save Zilathok.Where is it! She thought, panicking as the item eluded her. I see it all the time! Never needed it before! Now that I need it I can't FIND IT!

Kalshi

09-24-2007, 03:52 PM

Kiloson watched as Asri rummeged through her pack, he couldn't do much except watch over Zilathok. I guess I'll tell her after she's done, he thought as he took a rag and placed it in a pan of water that he had quickly retrieved. He started dressing Zilathoks wounds, wiping away the blood that he found.As he tended to his wounds a question went through his mind: what happened?AntonicaKalshion sat on a log watching a group of children play, amongst them was his adopted daughter Asulina. It was his turn to supervise them this day, but normally he volunteered anyway due to the recent rise in bandit activity toward eastern portion of antonica, which was an area that the children rarely threaded.As he watched them he couldn't help but wonder what his childhood would've been like had he been more free and living in Qeynos at the time. "Even though I don't agree with their ideals... it's still a better place to a raise a child.." he mumbled to himself.He was happy though that in a few week's Asulina would be on a month long vacation from school; he planned on taking her out to a few places, but he still remembered his assignment from the overlord. He couldn't watch her very well while she was in freeport, since his daughter would be with him, and he couldn't leave his daughter alone in Qeynos since she didn't like being away from her father. Against his better judgement he had chosen instead to bring her along, he knew that her mastery over mystic and wizard spells would prove useful. Mostly since they had already proven helpful even when they were just out in the wild enjoying a peaceful day, but his main motivation was because he feared that if Qeynos did find out he was working as an agent for the overlord, they'd arrest his daughter and possibly execute her. It was a fear he always had in his mind whenever he left Qeynos to report in to his contact."Father, why not join us?" Asulina asked, breaking Kalshion's thought pattern. He blinked and smiled at her, "sure, want me in any form?" he asked her.Childishly she nodded and asked him to be in a snow white wolf form. He nodded and shapeshifted into a snow wolf, puffs of white smoke came off his fur. When the children touched it most drew their hands back as his fur was cold to the touch, Asulina didn't however and stead got up on his back.Kalshion sighed, as he knew what she wanted him to do. I better ask the cleric back in town if he has any back ache medicine when we get back... he said and started running and jumping about.

Slask

09-29-2007, 12:00 PM

She was in full panic now, as the item she so desperately needed was eluding her. Asri had gotten to the point where she was throwing things out of her pack. Finally, she forced herself to stop before she potentially destroyed the item she was trying to find and closing her eyes and tooking a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Calm down…calm down… She told herself. Being in a panic won’t save him… She sniffed, despair threatening to set in. Zilathok meant everything to her, she realized now and to lose him now she doubted she would ever be able to put herself back together again.When she opened her eyes she forced herself to look more thoroughly and carefully. Finally she found it, rolled partly underneath the bag: it must have fallen out when she initially opened it. She gripped the vial of purple fluid gently and held it to her chest in a silent prayer of thanks. Then she bolted from her position and nearly knocked Kiloson over when she rushed to Zilathok’s side.“Zila…” She called softly. “Zila…wake up…I need you to drink this…” She pulled the cork out of the vial and used her free hand to gently lift his head. “Zila…please…I don’t want to lose you…” She pleaded when she got no response.There was a slight stir in Zilathok’s limp form and very faint moan, enough to let Asri know it was ok to pour a bit of the liquid into Zilathok’s mouth. She closed his mouth tightly to make sure none of the fluid dribbled out of his mouth and waited for the tell tale signs of swallowing. When she saw it, she repeated the process two more times. As the regenerative magic of the liquid took effect, his breathing became much stronger and less labored. Asri smiled and shed a tear: he was going to be alright. She put the cork back into the vial, to save the rest of the potion for another time: there wasn’t enough in it to heal Zilathok completely and she preferred to save the rest for another emergency.Zilathok was still unconscious from what she could tell, but she knew he will awaken in time. For the time being she helped Kiloson continue addressing the wounds that hadn’t been healed by the potion. As she found more and more injuries, she got angrier and angrier. Who…what did this to you Zila? She asked him silently. If I find out…they will pay….

Kalshi

09-30-2007, 05:16 AM

Kiloson felt odd, he wasn't sure what he was feeling. It was a sort of anger, but not the type that one would get out of seeing a person they knew get harmed. Every time he heard Asri mention Zilathoks name, an odd seansation fell over him. What is this feeling... I know I like her and all... but why am I feeling so.. he continued to bandage up some of the wounds he saw.He left briefly to get a bucket full of water and, using a rag, he dipped it in ther water and ringed it out before wiping off the blood that was present on some of Zilathoks wounds. "Look's like all the wounds that hadn't healed are bandaged," he said to Asri, although he sounded kind of annoyed. "I... think it's best I leave.. I'll see if I can find out anything on who might've harmed him," he said and got up and walked toward the door. Before leaving he pressed his hand against the door frame, he was tempted to ask her if she would've wanted healer or something but decided against it considering the person he had in mind was a soft skin. "Stay with him, I'm sure he'd like to see your face when he wakes up," he said, forcing himself to say that before leaving Asri alone with Zilathok. His warg walked around him before laying down for Kiloson to get on; then with a snap of the reigns the two were off. They only got as far as the gate's before stopping, he looked around and shook his head. "That's odd.. felt like someone was watching me.." he said before shrugging and leaving.***Kalshion sighed as he and Asulina walked through Freeport's many districts. Even though he was allowed free walk through the city he still kept himself invised, and espically now since his daughter was with him. She was riding on his back and was some-what enjoying the scenary."Remember, Asu, we can only be here for a few hours.. after which I'm porting us back to Qeynos, got it?" He said sternly but noticed that she wasn't paying attention.He walked until he saw a familiar face on a warg ride by, that warg soon stopped and the rider looked around, then shrugged and left. "Idiot... I gave him a see-invis potion..." Kalshion shook his head and kept on walking before coming across the house he had been to sometime ago. Peering inside he could smell the blood of an Iksar, a wounded Iksar to be exact. Although normally he'd help, he knew who owned his house and realized that it would be futile, so instead he walked around to the side of the house and opened a port to Qeynos. Within seconds both him and Asulina were gone, the only evidence of their ever being there was a set of paw prints in the mud.

Slask

09-30-2007, 11:25 AM

She barely heard his words, let alone the tone of annoyance in his voice. Asri had only just noticed he was leaving as he was walking out the door, breathing a quiet ‘thank you' as he disappeared back onto the streets of Freeport. She turned her attention fully back to Zilathok then, stroking his face without really thinking about it. I need to move him, to some place more comfortable.... She thought, knowing the couch wasn't the best place for a wounded person to recover on. However Zilathok was too heavy for her to lift, at least in her natural form. Quietly she stood up and closed the front door before stripping off her clothing: she preferred not to have her clothing on for this when she could help it, as the transformation did a number on her clothing.When she was ready, she let part of the wolf take hold. Mostly black fur started to grow all over her body, her frilliks and horns shrinking and reshaping themselves into external ears. Her tail shortened and thinned and her feet elongated. Already sharp claws thickened and lengthened and her snout reshaped itself into a more wolven one.Her transformation complete, the now werewolf Asri stared at Zilathok's prone body for a moment, wondering just how to lift him without making his remaining injures worse. Finally she bent down and carefully maneuvered her hands under him, being very careful not to scratch him with her claws. Carefully she lifted him up, filling his weight on her now much more powerful arms. Once she was certain he was safely secured, she started a slow and careful assent up the stairs, heading toward the patio. It was a little tricky, as she rarely had to climb stairs in this form: digitigrade legs were so different from her normal platigrade ones. After a couple of light stumbles she reached the patio. The patio was set up to be something like an outdoors bedroom, with a large tent in the back with an assortment of pillows and nests underneath it. To the immediate left of the door was a fountain she put up just for atmosphere purposes, though she completely ignored it for now. She had to duck her head to get inside the tent before she could gently lay Zilathok down onto one of the nests. Asri put one of the pillows under his head and pulled a blanket over him.Then she underwent a second transformation. This time she changed into a full wolf form, her body shrinking and reshaping itself into a pure black wolf that was slightly larger then a real one. She settled herself beside him, intending to let this forms body heat help keep him warm. Resting her head on his chest, she waited to see if he would wake up before night fall....

Amethest

10-01-2007, 09:05 AM

very nice story <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Kalshi

10-09-2007, 04:32 PM

Kiloson had been some time in the Commonlands but hadn't found much. He'd looked in spots that he felt Zilathok might go, but all turned out to be false. "I know Bandits couldn't have done this to him," Kiloson said as he rubbed the back of his head. His Warg was tired and needed a rest, so he rode up to lake.While his warg rested and took in some much needed water, he looked around. The lands were quiet, if not disturbingly quiet, in the distance he could hear the sound of a voice. He wondered who it was, at first he thought maybe it was just the wind but as he followed the voice he soon came across a young girl a top a large rock.She wore a white robe, and appeared to be rather young. To his eyes, she didn't look like someone who had come from Freeport, being that she didn't have the look of much hardship.As he stood there and listened, her voice captured him and made him close his eyes. It was pleasant, peaceful, something he wasn't used to. Suddenly the voice stopped and he opened his eyes to find the girl looking at him, "Uh.. umm..." he tried to speak but the girl suddenly freaked and jumped.He ran to find that she was no where in sight, he blinked, wondering if he had just imagened it. He searched the area a bit more before shrugging it off and walking back over to his warg who was now rested and ready to go. -----Asulina let out a sigh of relief as she huddled under Kalshion's invisibility spell. "I TOLD you that it wasn't a good idea to come back, sheesh, you never listen..." Kalshion said as he watched the iksar walk away."But he's your friend right?" Asulina curiously asked.Kalshion's head bodded a few times before he responded. "Kind of, there are things he's better off not knowing," he said, his voice low and cold.The young girl blinked before looking back at the Iksar, and watching as he rode off back toward Freeport. "It's almost night fall here, which mean's it is over in Qeynos, you have a test tomorrow in school so let's go," he said and opened up another port to Qeynos. They walked through it and found themselves, for the second time in less than an hour, in their home town.After putting his daughter to bed he walked onto the balcony and looked up at the peaceful sky. "Is what I'm doing ok..." he asked himself and sighed, "I put my daughter at risk everytime I report intelligence to Freeport..." he turned his back against the rails and looked back into the house. With a frustrated sigh he walked back and over to his bed and laid down. His eye's finally shut after a few minutes.

Slask

10-15-2007, 08:54 PM

Zilathok rubbed his eyes, weary from his studies and wanting to rest a moment. Yet he dare not, not with his father so close and watching him out of the corner of his eye, knowing he would receive a scolding at best: a beating at worse. Indeed the beatings had gotten a lot more frequent since the fire, the fire that destroyed there home and took away his mother.Mother.... He thought with a faint sniff. Why did fate decide to be so cruel to me?His mother had been the only one in the family to really care about him, to support what ‘he' wanted in life. With her gone, his father was free to push him down the path ‘he' wanted him to take: to hell with what his son desired. After five years of being under his father's strict ‘training' he could feel his sire's growing frustration with him. He had the talent for magic, but no desire to use it. It was that lack of desire that caused him to almost constantly fail the tests that his father put forward to him. Every time he failed, he would get beaten so badly he could barely move, yet his father would still expect him to do his chores by bedtime.Behind him he could hear his father rise from his seat and he felt the muscles in his body tense as he remembered it was another test night. He knew he was going to get beaten again."On your feet boy." He heard his father growl. "Lets see if you learned anything this time.""But father...I've had no sleep for almost two days...there's no way..." Zilathok tried to protest, but got smacked hard in the arm by his father's staff, causing him to yelp in pain. "If you have done your chores and your proper studies as I told you...I would have allowed you to rest." His father growled harshly. "Now on your feet boy!"Zilathok did as he was told, his tail tucked slightly between his legs as he stooped briefly to pick up his simple staff, his father's was rather ornate in comparison, and faced his father. He tried his best to look into his father's red eyes, but could not, instead focusing on his staff, which he knew would be used to beat him bloody in a few moments...."Zila...."~~~"Zila...."The soft voice stirred him briefly out of his trip down memory lane, but only just enough to be somewhat aware of his surroundings. Pain was the first thing he noticed, causing him to moan ever so faintly. A short while later something foul tasting erupted on his tongue, but he had no strength to spit it out. This taste came back twice more and each time he felt some of the pain go away: whatever it was, it was good for him. With the pain now much more tolerable he slipped into a memory filled sleep.~~~He had failed again, just as he expected he would. Now he was laying in pain at the feet of his father whom was scowling down at him disgusted. "Worthless piece of scaled wolf dung...." His father hissed, kicking him and causing him cry out in pain yet again. "All these years....and you have learned virtually NOTHING!"Terrified, Zilathok could only curl into a ball and make himself as small of a target as possible. He jumped when his father threw his staff to the ground and stormed away, likely to vent his frustrations on some innocent creature in the woods. However, just before he was out of ear shot, he heard the most terrible thing from his father's lips."If I had known you would be this useless I would have left you to die like I did your mother....""Mother...." Zilathok whimpered, it becoming dreadfully clear to him now: his father had set the fire...and ensured his mother wouldn't make it out alive. This news tore at his heart, threatening to throw him into a pit of despair. Slowly he crawled toward his desk and opened one of it's drawers. He removed the bottom to reveal a secret compartment, which contained a simple necklace with a hematite pendant. His mother had given it to him when he was three and was always careful to keep it hidden from his father. Zilathok clutched this close to his chest, letting the pleasant memories of his mother wash over him.With his body protesting at every movement, he walked over and climbed into his bed. Tears of grief anew streaming from his face, he sung to himself the lullaby his mother used to sing to him at night when father wasn't home....***"Mother...."Asri's ears perked up at the faint sound, hope rising in her chest that Zilathok was going to awake. A short time later he was mumbling something to himself and Asri had to move closer to his head to start making out the words.He's singing.... She realized. Sounds like....a lullaby? One his mother sang to him? She felt a pang of jealousy, as she didn't even ‘remember' her own mother. It quickly passed however. Watching him, she noticed the tears on his face and recognized he must be recalling something rather painful to him.No...I don't want you to suffer....not anymore this day. She thought as she started to lick his face repeatedly.***He felt wet, but only on his face and something...furry. Weakly he managed to open his eyes, only to see a big black wolf licking his face. Instinctively he froze, afraid, but when the wolf stopped it's slobber attack and started wagging it's tail it clicked. "Asri?" He said weakly.Asri ‘ruffed' in response, then got a look of confusion on her face, then embarrassment when she must have realized that she was still in wolf form. A moment later she was back in her true iksar form and was hugging him madly."Zila...." She breathed softly as he did his best to return the embrace. "Don't scare me like that again...please...."Zilathok could only smile and relished the moment of affection from her. That she was naked....was a big bonus in his book....

Kalshi

10-29-2007, 04:43 AM

His mind was still racing with question, who or what had attacked Zilathok and for what reason. "I'll have to wait until he wakes up before asking him," Katisan said as he rode up to the house.He dismounted and walked into the house, finding the couch vacant he wondered where Asri and Zilathok where. He unspoken question was answered when he got a glimpse of Asri on top of Zilathok. Instantly redness filled his face and turned away, making sure not to be in site. Wh-wh-wh-what the hell is she doing?! This isn't the time to have SEX... he thought as he peered around the corner a second time before shaking his head and making his way out of the house.Kiloson didn't say a word as he mounted his warg and quickly rode off.

Amethest

10-29-2007, 04:56 PM

o.0 ohhhhh leave me hanging lol

Slask

10-29-2007, 10:04 PM

The moment of affection ended all too quickly as Asri sat up after a few moments, though Zilathok could still enjoy the ‘view'. He quickly started feeling guilty about it though and turned his head away. "Asri...you may want to put something on....." He told her quietly, his scales turning a faint shade of pink.He glanced up at her just in time to see the lighter parts of her frilliks turn red and she quickly got up to put some clothing on. "Wait." He said suddenly, feeling the need to hold a certain object."What is it?" Asri asked curiously.Zilathok hesitated slightly: Asri didn't know he had it and wasn't sure what she would think of it. "In my nightstand there's a small necklace...can you bring it to me?" He asked.He saw one of her brow ridges raise in question, but no question came from her lips. "Certainly." Was all she said before disappearing back into the house. A few moments later she returned in a simple robe with a small object in her hand. He thanked her as he took it from her.Zilathok held the hematite pendent close to his chest, remembering his mother and how much he missed her. Even though he had only been five at the time of her death, he still remembered everything about her to this day. Her gentle smile, her soft, reassuring voice...."Whomever gave you that must have meant a lot to you...." Asri's said, her voice breaking into his thoughts. It was then he realized he was crying and he hastily wiped away the tears, embarrassed. "Was it your mother?"He looked at her, seeing that she had sat down beside him, her eyes showing a compassion that reminded him of her. Looking back down at the pendent, he nodded. "She was the only one that cared about me...cared about what I wanted to do in life." He explained. "She died in a fire when I was barely five.""I...I'm sorry...." Asri said softly. "I didn't mean to bring up painful memories....""The memories were already at the front of my mind Asri..." He said, shaking his head.There was a long period of silence, the last of the light from the sun quickly fading with only the moon and the few candles giving light in the enclosed patio. "Who did this to you?" He heard Asri ask, determination in her voice. "Tell me so I can find this individual and make him pay."Zilathok looked up at her, terror on his face when he saw the fury in his eyes, but it wasn't her anger that was making him frightened. For a moment he was lost for words, not sure how to explain to her that going after his father would mean her death. "Don't...." He finally said."Why not?" Asri demanded."Because he would kill you with no effort...."He wasn't sure if it was the words, the note of confidence or the note of despair in his voice that gave her pause. "I faced tough opponents before...." She said after a moment, though this time without as much fervor in her voice. "Not like this one..." Zilathok persisted, shaking his head. "He's the most powerful Necromancer I know of, could give Lucan a run for his money if he wanted to I bet. Werewolf or not...you wouldn't stand a chance....""You must know him quite well to be so certain of this." Asri said, crossing her arms."I should...he's my father...."***If she hadn't already been sitting, she would be now. This admission certainly explained Zilathok's personality and why he had been reluctant to talk about his past. What did his father do to this poor man? The answer was obvious: poor Zilathok was likely beaten regularly, to keep him ‘straight' and on the path his father wanted him to be. No wonder Zilathok had no real desire to practice necromancy: it was the only way he could rebel against such a tyrant.The more she thought about it, the more Asri wanted to hunt the man down and rip him to pieces. But there was no lie in his eyes when he told her about how powerful this man was, only fear, fear for his life and obviously hers. "So he did this to you....why?" She asked, not sure she really wanted to know the answer.Zilathok laughed weakly. "Cause I attacked him....like an idiot...."This shocked her. Why would he do something so stupid? "Why in Cazic's name....""Because he [Removed for Content] me off..." Zilathok said bluntly, fire in his eyes. "He proclaimed to be a follower of Venril Sathir and that all ‘sane' Iksar should do the same.""Venril....." She rolled the name around in her head, recalling the history she had to read up on due to her lack of memory. "The traitor that turned his back on his people and the Empire?""And went to the God of Hate to be turned into a lich." Zilathok added. "Apparently he regained control of Kunark and the Iksar that live there.""So this means there's still a Kunark to be found...""Yes...but how receptive would our fellow Iksar be over there? Considering we've been living among the softskins for so long?""Good point....however if your father found Kunark...why did he come back here?""No doubt as a spy at least." Zilathok spat. "Maybe even to start culling the ‘weak' Iksar that live here. Though..." He looked himself over. "That doesn't explain why he didn't just finish me off....""If Kiloson hadn't gotten you back here so fast you likely wouldn't have survived much longer anyway...." Asri said quietly."Kiloson eh?" Zilathok said with a smirk. "So that boy actually did something worth while for once?"Asri giggled. "Yes...I guess he did." Then she turned serious. "You better get some rest Zila." She said. "While the potion I used healed up the most serious of your wounds, you still got a lot of recovering to do. In the morning I'll...'try' to fix something simple for you to eat.""So I'll end up dying anyway then? Maybe I should write my will....""Ha ha smart tail..." Asri said with a grin as she got up to leave. Just as she reached the door she heard him call out to her."Asri..." He said, sounding meek and a bit afraid. "Stay with me tonight...please...."Asri thought a moment, considering. While she doubted his father knew he was here, let alone come after him this soon, in her heart she didn't want to take the chance. "Alright...let me get a few more blankets...ok?" She replied."Thank you...." Zilathok sounded very relieved.

Amethest

10-30-2007, 02:38 PM

em claps thanks <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Kalshi

11-15-2007, 04:42 AM

The utter silence of the audiance chambers tugged on Kalshion's nerves. He had only just gone to bed ten minutes ago when the Queen summoned him for something very important, so important that he only wore his formal attire that he usually wore under his armor.As he stood there, tapping his foot on the hard wood flooring, he wondered what the queen wanted to discuss with him. In a way he already knew, he'd been selling weapons to Freeport to help augment the war effort, perhaps one of his contacts tipped the Queen off that he was the one doing the building?An answer to his question came when the Queen entered the room from her private chamber and took a seat on a large chair; unlike most people he wasn't required to bow since he had helped the city so much, much to his displeasure."Some of your weapons have fallen into Freeports hands.." The queen started off. Her voice sounded angry, annoyed, like she hadn't had sleep for months. "I want to know how the weapons our guards and military use in their efforts aganist Freeport have some-how found their way into our enemies hands," she grumbled.In the back of his mind Kalshion was saying all sorts of nasty things about the queen, but as she finished her question he knelt down to one knee and placed his hand on the floor as to keep up the false face. "Your highness, I can't explain my failure to observe my assisstants, I will find who it is that is selling the weapons and they will be dealt with accordingly," Kalshion said in a serious, yet stable, tone. The queen merely nodded and dismised him. As he exited the castle he spat on the street and pulled out a crumbled peice of paper. He looked at it and crossed out a name, then when he got to the sewer grate near the entrance to South Qeynos he passed a note through the grate. Below someone grabbed the note, said a few choice words, and then disappeared. Ten minutes later Kalshion was on the balcony of his home when he saw a large group of Qeynos Guards running into the home of one of his assisstants. They bust down the door and then rushed inside, less than five seconds later four came running out and left their dinner, perhaps even their lunch, on the street.That's that... Kalshion said as he walked back into his bedroom and laid down on the bed. "Now... the next person who disturbs me is going to get it," he said as he closed his eyes. "Meow!!" His cat meowed beside him. His eyes slowly opened and glared at the cat, a second later the cat scampered off his bed, ran into the side of the wall with its claws out, and then disappeared somewhere downstairs.

Slask

11-16-2007, 08:33 PM

Asri had trouble falling asleep that night, her mind a buzz with a mix of emotions. She had watched Zilathok for a while, whom was sleeping peacefully, as she tried to sort out her feelings. The dark scaled female cared a lot for him, but was afraid to let her feelings continue to develop further. The biggest reason being that unlike Dresik or Tarkis, Zilathok wasn't as capable of defending himself: not that helped in Dresik or Tarkis' cases. The proof was his condition now, beaten to near death by his own father. Granted Zilathok was a fool to try to attack him in the first place, though she could understand his anger.But what if he comes here to try to finish the job? Asri thought with a frown. If he's as powerful as Zila says he is, nothing I could do would save him. The thought of losing another so dear to her tore at her heart and she feared that if such a thing happened she doubted she would recover. Indeed the only reason she managed the last time was because Zilathok had been there to comfort her. If she lost him....She shook her head, not wanting to think about such dreadful things. Instead she decided to focus on getting him back to 100%. After settling down to as comfortable a position as she found manage, she finally fell into a deep dreamless sleep.Two weeks laterZilathok recovered quickly, thanks to the healing potions Asri found and bought on the market. For a while he was hesitant to leave the house, which Asri understood completely. Finally she convinced him to head out again, but for the excursions outside the city he would only do so if she was with him. As a result she finally got to see what he was doing besides cooking, which was basically practicing and increasing his skill in the necromantic arts. This of course confused her, especially after she finally learned just why he didn't want to go down this path to start with: his actions seemed to be conflicting with his own morals. During these hunts, Asri couldn't help Zilathok directly as her skill level was so high that she would kill the mobs almost instantly. Instead she kept watch, looking out for danger she knew he couldn't handle and occasionally had to step in with he took on a bit more then he could handle. Eventually she had to ask him his reasoning for doing this, so one day while he was taking a break on the beach in the Enchanted Lands she finally confronted him."Zila...why are you doing this?" She asked him."Doing what?" Zilathok replied, shaking out the sand on his hand as he twisted around a bit to regard her."Practicing necromancy." She clarified. "I thought you hated it and wanted nothing to do with it if you had a choice.""I do hate it...." Zilathok replied quietly. Before Asri could press him he continued. "But I'm doing this so I can be strong enough to protect you...."This made Asri draw back a bit: this confession only made her even more confused. "Zila...there is not much in Norrath that I can't handle....""That we know of." Zilathok pointed out. "With our homeland likely to be found soon who knows what new dangers are upon it, not to mention Venril Sathir and his lackeys. I have little doubt there is still a lot on this world that can bring you harm and I want to be there to help you if one of those things comes to pass."Asri was already shaking her head. "But doing that puts you at risk as well.""I know....but sometimes I feel it's better if I take the brunt of it then you."That felt like a stab in her heart. "Zila....why do you say such a thing...why do you place so little value in your own life?"Zilathok was very quiet for a couple of moments, his eyes downcast to the sand. Asri could see the pain and sorrow in his eyes and wondered just what else he had suffered in his life. She didn't have to wait for long."While you were out on one of your long trips, I met a female named Fexia." He started out softly. "She was a crafter like me, only she worked in alchemy. During my long sessions in the tradesmen hall she and I became friends. Over time I started to fall in love with her." He paused a moment an Asri feared she knew what was coming next. Finally he started speaking again, more softly then before. "One day a gang of hooligans trapped her in an alley and started torturing her. When I saw this I tried to help her...tried to stop them...but they were too strong for me. I was knocked out...and when I came too she was dead, her body mutilated and who knows what else they did with her. I couldn't protect her....I couldn't save her....""Zila...." Asri put an arm on his shoulder, his tears making her realize that he had similar hurts to her. "It's not your fault. That you tried despite the odds probably brought a measure of relief to her...and I wouldn't be surprised if she was more worried for you at that time." He didn't respond to her words beyond a simple nod. "How come I haven't been told of this until now?""Because the next time I saw you after that you were just coming home after losing Tarkis." Zilathok explained. "Though I was still hurting at the time....I felt your needs were more important then mine.""Zila....I...." Asri was at a loss for words, whatever words she wanted to say dying in her throat. So instead she hugged him, both in thanks for what he sacrificed for her and to comfort him for his own pains. She felt him wrap his arms around her, but she didn't mind. In fact, she secretly wanted him to continue to hold her forever....

Kalshi

11-18-2007, 03:27 AM

Down the beach just beyond a set of rocks an elf male's voice could be heard shouting. "Fucktard!" Kalshion shouted and slapped Kiloson across the face. Blood splattered on the ground as one of his fangs flew out and bounced across the ground before settling on the edge of the sand were the water meet.Kiloson placed a hand up to his mouth. "How was I supposed to know that they were apart of the Qeynos Intellige---" he siad before Kalshion slapped him once again, this time he pulled out a short sword and placed it up against the iksars throat. "Be lucky I still need your services else I'd cut that tongue of yours out and present to the queen; showing that we had an intruder within the walls," he said before removing the blade and putting it back in it's sheath.He turned around and began to walk away before stopping; he heard someone giggling behind him but didn't look. "Asulina... any idea's?" he asked his daughter. She childishly kicked the air with her feet while thinking about what to do, "well..." she said before hoping down from the rock and strolling over to her father. "I have an idea," she grinned and turned to Kiloson.A worried expression shown on the Iksars face as he feared what this little girl would do to them. As she clasped her hands together she chanted several chosen words, several seconds later Kiloson's clothing erupted in fire, causing him to drop to ground and scream in pain. As he rolled across the ground to smother he noticed the water and quickly got up, running out from behind the rocks and jumping into the water. Kalshion shook his head, folded his arms across his chest, and strolled out from behind the rocks and toward the edge of the water. Kiloson bobbed up and down as he ran his hands across his now bare body, Asulina once again giggled in excitement and was about to cast another spell when her father's hands down and blocked her passage. "Father?" she said and looked up at him. "He almost killed you, I won't let anyone hurt my dadd--" she said before Kalshion placed his hand over her mouth. "No one is going to hurt me ok? Now, originally I told you not to use your magic to harm those close to me right?" he asked, she nodded. "You disobeyed me, when I asked if you had any idea's what I meant was if you had any idea's on how to hilmuliate him, not put him on fire," he said.The eleven year old nodded; knowing that when they got him her father was going to ground her and punish her for not listening. "Now, stand over their by the rocks and let me deal with this filth," he said. She didn't say a word as she walked over to the rock and leaned up against them, worried about what her punish was going to be."Now, don't defy me again," Kalshion said as he summoned a bolt of lightning that struck a near by rock, spliting it in half. "If you do, the Overlord may find an iksar body hanging from the gantry's in the docks, not like he'd care but still, the sight would be most unplesant," he said and was about to walk away when he stopped and noticed his upset daughter. Shaking his head he walked over to the little girl and knelt down, placing his hand on her cheeks. "You'll only be grounded, nothing else," he said and she nodded.

Slask

11-22-2007, 12:26 PM

Her embrace surprised him at first, his only response was to hug her back. When she didn't let go after a moment as he expected her too, Zilathok got the feeling that she had deeper emotions for him then she let on. This brought a faint smile to his lips: he had suspected she did for some time now, but she had apparently been torn on whether to express them or not considering her current track record with potential mates. Now a dilemma of his own came to light: should he take advantage of this or not? There were so many things he wanted to do to express his own feelings toward her, but he wasn't sure if it would be appropriate or not.A cry of pain followed by a loud splash interrupted the moment. The pair looked behind them to see what the commotion was only to see Kiloson looking a bit on the crispy side and sans clothing in the water and a rather [Removed for Content] off looking elf on the shore."Looks like Kiloson got himself into a bit of trouble...." Zilathok muttered, a bit upset that this moment between them was ruined.Asri snorted. "That fool probably deserved it, let him deal with it himself." She said as she snuggled up closer to him then before, bringing a small gasp of surprise from him.Zilathok smiled and forgot about Kiloson completely as he shifted his position so they could hold each other more comfortably. He put one hand on the small of her back while the other caressed her upper back. Eventually he started lightly fingering her frilliks, causing her to chur softly with pleasure.He was the happiest Iksar in the world right now, the only thing he was aware of, all he cared to be aware of, was her. The only way he could be even happier was if they were both home out of sight of prying eyes, where he could really show just how much he loved her. He was about to suggest just that, when he felt a familiar cold chill down his spine.Every ounce of passion and joy he had felt was now replaced by simple dread and fear. No....why now!? He thought, cursing his father, whom he knew was close by and no doubt watching them, for coming after him now out of all times. He'll klll her....and I won't be able to do a thing to stop it! He thought tears of distress rolling down his cheeks. Zilathok wanted to tell her to run, but what was the point? Xirthak would imprison her in a bone cage with but a thought."Zila....what's wrong?" Her voice broke into his thoughts. Zilathok looked down at her, only just realizing he had broken their embrace and rose to his feet and she was looking at him with a puzzled, if not somewhat hurt look on her face."He's here...." He said softly with a mild crack in his voice."Who?" Asri asked as she rose to her feet. After a moment it dawned on her. "Your father...." He wasn't sure if that was fear on her face or something else.Zilathok nodded, then took her hands into his. "Asri....no matter what happens next....I want you to know....that I love you." He knew it was a mistake the moment he said it...for if he died and she somehow lived, she would torn apart by yet another loss and this time she would have no one there to comfort her. There was no turning back from it now though...."What a disgusting display of emotion...." A cold voice said. The pair turned around to face the source, a large black and red cloaked male Iksar sitting on a rock not far away: they both knew he hadn't been there before. "Out in the open on top of it!" Xirthak continued. "Both of you have spent far too long in the company of softskins....a shame...really....you both would have had a lot of potential in the new Empire....""Do you think we had a choice in where we had to live?" Asri snapped, her frilliks flaring a bit."There is always a choice...." Xirthak said with a growl. "My son here could have simply stayed with me, among true Iksar.""If you would have treated me with a less heavy hand perhaps." Zilathok growled in turn. "You never game me encouragement beyond the threat of your staff across my back, never rewarded me for what I did do right! All you did was make me resent you....hate you...and want nothing to do with you!""Alas you fail to realize that's how Iksar children are supposed to be raised." Xirthak said with a sigh. "Too much of your mother in you...I should have offed her a lot sooner, perhaps you would have been more....willing....to follow me then. It's too late now though...our great Emperor Venril Sathir has bid me to start culling the Iksar that have lived among softskins and adopted their ways. It grieves me that my own son will be one of them...."They watched as the elder male rose to his feet, holding his opulent staff in both hands as he started to chant....

Kalshi

11-22-2007, 07:50 PM

Kalshion had just finished berating Kiloson and had begun to open a portal back to Qeynos when, in the corner of his eye, he cought movement down the beach. As he focused he noticed three Iksar, two were the ones he had seen before doing stuff he would've rather had not seen, however the other Iksar he realized was not a friend of theirs."Asu, stay here and keep out of sight. Kiloson, guard her with your life, else you'll end up without one," Kalshion said and changed his form to that of a snow wolf. He climbed over the rock and up onto a crest that ran along the shore, as he got closer to the unknown Iksar he laid down onto his stomach.He shook his snowy white head and stared at the Ikar. "Quite sad when another Iksar has to harm his own, and for what I wonder," he said and stood up on his four legs. "I don't know what quarrel it is you two have with this man, but obviously he isn't here to have fun," he said and then in a very low whisper he said, "not to mention I'm under orders to observe her."Fire rose around him as he begna to chant a spell. The words flowed from his mouth like he had spent years and years of practice; when seconds dark clouds appeared in the skys, lightning arced in every direction. Suddenly a bolt charged from the cloud and headed for the Iksar.As he stood there, ready to strike at the Iksar, Kalshion couldn't help but feel that he was in over his head.

Amethest

11-23-2007, 04:40 PM

doh another leave me hanging post lol ;p

Slask

11-25-2007, 11:53 AM

Not intentionally I assure you. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />***Xirthak wasn't interrupted in his casting when the flash of flame hit him, in fact it didn't seem to harm him at all, the numerous wards he always had placed upon himself protecting him from inferior magic. When the spell was finished, a dark ball of energy shot out toward the pair of Iksar in front of him and he watched amused as both tried to sacrifice themselves for the other, only to result in both of them getting hit. As it turned out that was the best thing they could have done to survive the attack, as the damage was split between them. Zilathok, being the weaker of the two, obviously fared worse, but Xirthak knew the female was hurt enough to not go anywhere fast for the moment, so he turned his attention to the annoying gnat that had so foolishly tried to stop him."You want to play too little dog?" He said with a grin at the snow wolf. "Here...play with some puppies of mine own!" A few muttered words and a trio of hell hounds emerged from a flash of flame and he sent them after the snow wolf.***Asri was hurt, but the werewolf side of her was already repairing the damage: a useful ability that had saved her tail more then a few times. Zilathok wasn't so lucky she knew and she moved over to him with a concerned look on her face: he was conscious, but breathing heavily on all fours with his clothing and hide still smoking slightly from the blast. Another spell like that, even with the split between them, and Zilathok would die. Asri felt a pang of despair: she didn't want to lose another so dear to her, especially not like this. There was only one thing she could do to save him and with a heavy heart she lifted his chin so he could see her."Zila...do you have enough strength to cast a spell?" She asked him, doing her best to mask the grief in her voice."I....think so...." He replied with a cough. "But what difference would it make? He's too strong for both of us....""Your not going to attack Zila....your going to port yourself back home."Zilathok's eyes widened in shock. "But....that spell takes to long to cast....and I can't leave you here to...." She silenced him with a finger on his lips."Zila....I will give you the time you need." Her voice started to crack. "You must save yourself....for me....""I...I can't do that!" Zilathok protested, tears streaming down his face as he grasped at her arms. "I can't lose you!"She had to fight hard to ignore his words. "Go to Qeynos...." She said, turning her gaze away. "Tell them you seek refuge....they may be able to protect you from your father better then I.""No!" He grabbed her but she pulled away, already black fur starting to grow on her body as called upon the wolf."Go Zila....for me...." She said, tears now in her own eyes. "Thank you...for what you have done for me....I just wish....we had more time...." Asri hardened her expression as she focused on Xirthak, her transformation in to ‘Greyback' now nearly complete. She didn't care that her clothing was now ruined, for she was fully expecting to die this day. However she was going to give this [Removed for Content] the run of his money before she joined her ancestors.Her transformation complete, she sprung toward her enemy.....

Amethest

11-25-2007, 05:34 PM

omg !!!! dont stop there gah twitch omg!!!!!

Kalshi

11-26-2007, 04:34 AM

"Oh [Removed for Content]," Kalshion said as he spun around and bolted from the rock, two hellhounds pounced where he had been a second before while the other ran around the rock and after him. He skedaddled down the beach and into the water, one of the hellhounds took chase but suddenly found himself in a whirlwind, carried into the air, and slammed into the rock it had just pased.One down, he thought and continued his run. As he ran he hadn't realized that he was headed toward Asulina and Kiloson's hiding spot, his first indication was when he heard one of the hellhounds thump against the ground from a hard punch to the snot. Kiloson stood there, his fist intended and slightly bleeding from the beating he had gotten before. If it wasn't for a loincloth covering up his private parts he'd be completely naked right now. As he and the hellhound fought it out the last of the group continued his gallop toward the snow wolf. Kalshion shook his white head and jumped into the air and changing back into his high elf self. He landed gracefully on the ground and summoned his sword of the slashing claw. He raised the blade and swung hard, connecting with one of the hellhounds paw's and sending the appendage flying. A roar came from the hellhound as it hit the ground and slid a few feet.As he brought his hands back up he noticed the hellhounds paw reappear. "Uhh... ok..." he said and raised his word into a defensive position. The hound walked a few feet before stopping, it looked at him curiously for a second, not baring its fang. Then, as if ordered, it lunged at him with claws extended and fangs ready to tear him limp from limp. He spun his blade around and connected with the hounds mouth, slicing it apart, but he also didn't get away unscaved. One of the claws from the hounds paw slashed across his chest and left a deep wound.He grimaced as the hound hit the ground behind him; dead. Kalshion fell onto one knee and summoned a healing spell. "[Removed for Content]... to careless," he grumbled as he turned around to find Kiloson still fighting the other hellhound: and losing.Kiloson hit the water and heard a crack in his right shoulder. As he struggled to get back on his feet he saw the hound charging at him, ready to finish him off. The hound only got a few feet before a bolt of lightning, followed a second later by a massive burst of cold air. The Iksar blinked and looked to his left, he found Asulina standing out, her staff raised. She chanted several words before another massive gust of wind sent the hellhound further into the water. The hound attempted to get back but was then struck by another bolt of lightning.As Kalshion slowly made his way back he wondered how the two Iksar he had seen were faring. Asulina let out a sigh as she slumped to the ground, tired from using so much magic. She took in several deep breaths before standing back up and glancing over her cover to view the two Iksar.

Slask

11-29-2007, 08:54 PM

Xirthak chuckled amusingly as he watched the elf and his friends, which included another Iksar he needed to cull, had to use most of their abilities to fend off his hell hounds. "I see that between the three of you, you were able to best my hell hounds." He said with a grin. "But let's see how you can handle....argh!"He was interrupted when something large pounced upon his back and his shoulder flared with pain. Whatever it was it was big enough to almost knock him over and was big, black, furry and had sharp claws. Regaining his focus, he quickly cast a knockback spell on the beast, blowing it away from him to prevent it from doing any more damage. As an afterthought he lifetapped it, using it's lifeforce to heal the injuries it dwelt him. Only now did he turn completely to face view the thing that attacked him.A werewolf? He thought with a faint frown. They do not inhabit this part of Norrath. The werewolf had quickly recovered from his counter and looked about to spring again. Deciding he would work out it's origins later (not to mention why it was attacking him when there was obviously easier prey close by and in daylight on top of that), he entrapped it inside a bone cage. That should hold it for a while. He thought as he turned back toward the trio that had inferred with him earlier. "As I was about to say...." He told them as he started to cast another spell. "Let's see how you handle this!" A few arcane words later and hooded female appeared, with two deadly katanas in hand and black magic swirling about her.With a malicious grin, he sent her after them.***Blast it! Asri thought with a growl as she bit at the bars of her cage. While it was a small measure of comfort that she was able to take Xirthak by surprise and draw blood, as long as she was trapped in here she couldn't give Zilathok the time he needed to escape. She wasn't strong enough to break these bars she knew and worse, by the time the cage disappeared on it's own Xirthak would have not only wiped out Kiloson and his friends, but Zilathok as well. I need to get out of here. She snarled as she searched for some way out, but it was looking hopeless.Wait... She thought as she spied the holds between the thumb and the first finger of the skeletal hands that made up the cage. That may be just big enough.... Without hesitation, she shifted into her full wolf form and started trying to wiggle her way between the bars, praying Xirthak didn't look back at her as she did so: she would be a sitting duck for sure.***Zilathok watched helplessly as the love of his life charged off to her death, feeling both touched that she was willing to give her life for him and despair for the same reason. Why is this happening again... He thought bitterly. Why can't prevent this....He looked up at his father, watching as he sent a Nightshade after the elf that had tried to interfere before, along with a couple of others: he thought he saw Kiloson as one of them. Father...why must you always try to destroy what good there is in people's lives? Why can't you except that people won't see things the same way as you do....if only I could stop you...from harming anyone else.He eyes widened as a soft voice spoke into his mind, speaking words of comfort and arcane words he never heard of before, though he recognized it as a summoning spell of some kind. Who was this? One of the gods? Whomever it was it was assuring him that this spell would save his love and the others in danger. Desperate to stop his father, Zilathok started repeating the words spoken to him in his mind out loud in a soft whisper....

Kalshi

12-02-2007, 04:19 AM

"Asu! Duck!" Kalshion shouted as he saw the Nightshade head straight for her. Asulina ducked below the rock just in time to avoid being decapitated by the Nightshade's twin blades, which sailed through the air harmlessly above her. She rolled across the ground and got back up on her feet, then with a few words she summoned a ward around her.The Nightshade charged the ward and started harming into it; Asu had her arms up in a vain attempt to block any of the attacks that might make it through, as she felt the ward weakening she suddenly saw something in the corner of her right eye. A bolt of lightning sailed across the ground and hit the Nightshade in the chest, sending her back a few feet, but she just shrugged it off and turned her attention to a new target: Kalshion.He brought his sword up just in time to block the Nightshade's twin attack; he could feel her streangth against his sword as she pushed against it. Crack's started forming on his blade before it shattered into peices, this partially stunned Kalshion as he had never encountered a foe who could break one of his blades before. The Nightshade took advantage of this and kicked him in the chest, sending him across the ground some distance.Kalshion didn't say a word as she got back up and brought his bracers up to block the Nightshades next attack. A ring occured as metal on metal impacted each other; sending a deafening sound across the beach that peirced Asulina's ear drums and caused her to cover her ears. It was the sound that Kalshion had instantly created and built into his bracers, it was actually a combonation of both the metals he used in his bracers and an enchantment, when something like a sword struck his bracers it would send out a sound wave that, while it wouldn't harm him, it would cause anyone in front of him to hear a deafening sound.Of course, he wasn't expecting the Nightshade to be stunned by this and he took advantage of her displeasure. He brought his fist up against her chest plate and smashed into it, fire erupted from his fist and this time he sent her across the beach. Man.. she's powerful... Kalshion thought as he wiped the blood from his mouth and spat into the ocean. He was about to go in for another attack when Kiloson intervened and started throwing a flurry of punches at the Nightshade. "Asu! Ward now!" Kalshion shouted, not taking his eyes off the Iksar vs Nightshade battle.Asulina blinked before nodding. She chanted several words before a ward appeared around Kiloson. Kiloson smiled at her and continued his assault against the Nightshade. Asulina wanted to throw two wards onto the Iksar she saw down the beach, or rather, the Iksar and the Werewolf but she knew she'd have to get closer and she didn't want to risk getting the attention of the one attacking them.

Slask

12-02-2007, 12:05 PM

Almost....there... She thought with a grunt as she struggled to get her hindquarters through. Just past Xirthak she could see how the fight between those three and the Nightshade was going and they were only just holding their own. Xirthak himself was chuckling evilly as he watched the show, no doubt confident that his pet will do all three in eventually.Finally she was free and without hesitation charged at the large Iksar in front of her. She ran right between his legs, having timed it to where she missed his swishing tail. Asri helped herself to a hunk of his robe on the way, tearing a large swath of it from his rear end. The combination of her running through his legs and grabbing his clothing sent him toppling backwards with a startled cry, bringing a satisfied wolven grin to her face.She wasn't done yet though. Spitting out the cloth she shifted back into werewolf form and shifted her direction toward the fight between Kiloson and the Nightshade. This time her aim was accurate and her jaws latched onto the back of the Nightshade's neck. Between the damage already done to it and her critically aimed attack, the Nightshade screamed and disappeared in a puff of dark magic as it's life was extinguished. "Yoouuu should have rrrrrrran when yoouuu had the chance." Asri growled at Kiloson before turning toward Xirthak, whom was just getting back unto his feet and didn't look too happy. A part of her wondered why she bothered to help them: after all two of them were lowly softskins and Kiloson was foolish to get himself into this mess in the first place. However helping them would spite her enemy and if that helped keep him busy for a bit longer then so be it."You meddling beast!" Xirthak hissed. "Meddling fools all of you! You dare to stand in the way of the Empire!?" He chanted a few words and hurled a dark green cloud at all four of them.Crap! Asri through as the pestilence hit them. There was no way she could counter that, save for hoping that her innate werewolf regeneration was strong enough to counter it. She couldn't help the others though and could only hope that the elf had enough healing power to keep them all from expiring.

Kalshi

12-03-2007, 04:26 AM

Kalshion cursed as he watched the werewolf quickly rushing their position; he was about to light it up when he saw the wolf leap on top of the nightshade and kill it. The wolf then said something to Kiloson, he could only barely make it out.He was about to thank the wolf when he saw the Iksar in the distance reading a spell. "Asu! Ward NOW!" Kalshion shouted. Asulina nodded and threw a ward on the four of them, including both the werewolf and herself. The ward pulsed as the cloud continued to assault it, but after several seconds the cloud desipated and the wards gave out a resounding 'pop' as they ran out of energy. The fury spent on time activating one his special abilities known as an Energy Vortex, he then brought his hands together and chanted several words. The sky filled with fire was metoers begun their descent toward the Iksar. [I cannot control my vocabulary], don't care if you attack me.. but attack my daughter? HELL NO!

Slask

12-08-2007, 12:57 PM

Asri couldn't see Xirthak for a moment as the meteors rained down upon him, kicking up dust and debris. When the dust cleared she wasn't surprised to see the bastage still standing, though he had a few more tears in his clothing with the addition of a few burn marks."That actually tickled...." Xirthak said as he flicked off a piece of smoldering rock off his sleeve. "Is that the best you got?" He started chanting again, only this time Asri's eyes widened in shock."He's casting ice noooova!" She growled in surprise. How the hell can he cast a wizard spell!? She thought.He finished casting and a very large ball of ice formed above him. It didn't move though as he kept one arm in the air as if holding it in place. The truth came to her quickly: he hadn't decided his target yet."Now I suppose you are wondering how a necromancer like me could cast wizard spells." He said with a grin. "Well, truth be told....I believe it's not a bad idea to learn a few tricks from the ‘lesser' caster castes. Adds a nice surprise or two if you know what I mean. Now...." His grin widened. "Who would benefit the worse from this?" Asri braced herself as she watched him scan his targets: if he turned toward Zilathok now....there would be no way for her to get to him in time. Please be gone already... She thought, not wanting to risk Xirthak noticing her glance toward Zilathok's location.There was an evil glint in the man's eye now and she didn't need to look back to see whom he had decided to target. Asri started moving immediately, just as the bastage's spell was released to do it's damage. She leaped over the rock the girl was hiding behind and covered her with her own body just as the ice nova hit.Pain erupted every where on Asri's body, nearly making her pass out. Why did I do that.... She thought with a groan. She's a softskin...she's beneath me! Ooohh....this will take awhile to recover from....but Zila doesn't have that time!

Kalshi

12-09-2007, 05:45 AM

Asulina was surprised, no, more like shocked at what had just happened. One moment she was hiding behind the rock in hopes of not being spotted and the next she was covered by the werewolf who had taken the full brunt of the attack.How... can he harm his own people? Asulina wondered as she laid there on the ground. She felt someone kneel beside her, then saw the warm green aura envelop the werewolf. She looked behind her to find her father there; he stared at the werewolf before turning his attention to the attacking iksar."Explain something to me; why are you doing this? Harming your own kind... for who's purpose and to whom do you serve?" Kalshion asked, his eyes glaring at Xirthak.

Slask

12-18-2007, 08:36 PM

Xirthak smiled. "I've been sent by our God and Emperor Venril Sathir to cull the weakened of our kin." He said simply."Venrrrril is no god!" The werewolf snapped, surprising him that it was capable of speaking at all. "He is a trrrraitooorrrr toooo the Iskarrr and theirrrr crrrreatooorrr Cazic Thuuuule.""Cazic Thule...along with all the other gods...turned his back on his creations." Xirthak countered. "Our people needed guidance and Venril saw fit to take that mantle for his own.""The trrruuue gods have rrrretuurrrned." The werewolf growled. "It will be oooonly a matterrr oooof time befooorrrre they smite him fooorrr his blasphemy!""If they truly cared about that they would have done so the instant they returned....but they have not. I feel they fear the power our Lord has gained over the years. But what you think about our Emperor doesn't matter...what matters is that you are in the way of my mission."Asri growled as Xirthak started to cast again. "And by what prooootoocccoool doooo yooouuu judge an Iksarrrr fit toooo live ooorrrr die?" She asked, continuing to be careful not to reveal she was an Iksar herself.Xirthak chuckled and paused in his spell casting to gesture at those around her. "The Iksar that have been away from the homeland have become too much like the softskins they willingly live with...work with even!." He said. "They have become unfit to return to the homeland!""Many did not have a choice!" Asri countered. "Many were enslaved by Lucan after the Rending and oooonly woooon theirrrr frrrreedoooom after the Secoooond Ralooosan warrrr.""And what did they do after that?" Xirthak snapped. "They traded their pride for luxury! They could have left those softskin infested cities for the wilderness and started a city of their own to preserve their dignity! No....furball....no Iksar in the softskin lands is worthy of life!.""Not even yooouuurrrrr oooown sooon?" Asri dared to ask and that gave him pause she noticed: she thought she saw a flash a pain in his eyes."I did the best I could with him." Xirthak said bitterly. "I knew he has the power in him...but he lacks the will to use it! [Removed for Content] his mother for poisoning his mind! I should have gotten rid of her on his hatching day!"I gave him multiple chances to come around...but what does he do with my generosity? He runs away to join the softskins, like the worthless creature that he is!""No." Asri said firmly her speech clear for the first time and her blood boiling in fury from his words. "You desire to have him do only what you wanted has closed your mind to his true worth!"Asri tensed as she and Xirthak glared at each other, her body now fully recovered thanks to the elf's heal spell. She wondered if she said too much, worried that Xirthak will figure out who she was. She didn't have to wait long.At first he was frowning, then he started to laugh, a laugh that sent chills down her spine. "I was wondering where you came from fleabag....now it makes sense: interesting company my son keeps! A real shame that not only you submitted to the rule of a softskin....but also got yourself cursed to become one! Allow me to end your shame!"He started casting again and at the last moment she charged forward, narrowly missing getting hit by a massive fireball. Whether Kiloson and his two softskin friends got out of the way in time she didn't particularly care right now. She leapt at the evil Iksar the moment she was within range, her jaws open and ready to rip out his throat.Instead of feeling his hot blood in her jaws she felt his boot connect with her torso and next thing she knew she was flying away from him as he flipped her over him. Her back connected heavily on the ground about ten feet behind him, knocking the wind out of her."You have excellent control over your wolf female...." She heard Xirthak say as she struggled to catch her breath and right herself. "I wonder what enabled you to have such control.....and if I can undo it...."

Kalshi

12-25-2007, 05:16 AM

Kiloson and Kalshion both ducked for cover; but didn't fire anything as the fireball smashed into something ahead of them. They both looked up to find that Asulina had thrown up a ward that had protected them. She smiled back at them before stumbling backwards, being caught by her father. Along her left arm were burns, Kalshion figured they weren't that serious. Asulina wheezed and stared up at the sky; her hand shaking. "Kiloson, stay here and comfort my daughter," he told her."What's wrong with her?" Kiloson asked after walking over and kneeling down beside Asulina, propping her head up against his leg."If you use more power than you have access to; you tend to dig into your reserves... my daughter is just a child, so unlike me who can chain cast spell for minutes on end - my daughter can't and she get's tired awfully quick," he told him. "And don't you dare use that knowledge against her, or me, got it?" he glared at him.Kiloson gave him a quick nod. The fury smiled at the iksar before getting up and walking toward the enemy. He got twenty feet away before throwing up a spell, he didn't even use an enchantation, instantly lightning began to rain down upon the Iksar, although he couldn't tell wheather he was actually 'hiting' the Iksar.

Slask

12-25-2007, 01:02 PM

Lightning rained around the Iksar, but Asri couldn't tell if any actually hit him. When the storm was over he looked over his shoulder at the elf. "You are starting to annoy me softskin." She heard him say. "Don't worry....you'll die in due time...." He grinned. "If you don't die from this...." A quick few words and a swarm of bats formed and screeched as they flew at the elf.By now Asri had regained her breath and was on all fours, but there was nothing she could do to help the elf. She could only watch as Xirthak turned his attention back to her. "I sense a spell on you...." Xirthak commented softly as he advanced, Asri backing away at the same pace. "A fairly strong one....is that what gives you control?"Asri growled, her ears flat against her head. He could only be talking about the ritual the Splitpaw gnolls performed on her to give her more control over her curse and if he undid it who knows what would happen. Worse....she knew there was little she could do to stop him. He started casting a spell, the arcane words he was using she recognized as dispel spell. If you are going to do anything girl....do it now!She sprang at him, just as the spell went off....***The werewolf sprang at him just as he finished casting. Reflexively he brought his staff around and at the same twisted his body out of the way. The staff connected to the side of the werewolf's head. The werewolf crashed to the ground and Xirthak readied himself to fend of a ‘typical' werewolf attack. That didn't happen though.Instead, while the werewolf did get back up to her feet, the gripped her head like she had the mother of all headaches. The expression on her face was one of confusion rather then pain and what more it became evident that she was losing her form. Xirthak watched with a blank expression as the werewolf lost her fur and size, until there was no hint of the wolf left on her. What was left was the female Iksar he saw with his son before, only this time sans clothing."Not the reaction I was expecting." He said to her, though he doubted she was paying attention. "But works out in the end." He walked up to her and grabbed her by the throat. "Time for you to die....." He lifted her off the ground and started to squeeze. Xirthak found it very amusing how she was torn between fighting for her life and whatever was going on within her head.***It was a long spell and his mouth was getting dry, but he persisted, desperate to finish the spell and save everyone. However it was hard to block out and ignore the sounds of the fight and to not think about what could have happened to Asri. The voice in his head urged him on, assuring him that he was almost finished.Finally the last words of the spell flowed through his lips. Much of his remaining strength was drained and he collapsed onto all fours exhausted. He didn't have the strength right now to lift his head to see what he had summoned.***A bright flash of light blinded him for a moment, causing him to loosen his grip on the female. Not a big deal as she had already fallen unconscious due to lack of air. He dropped her and turned his attention toward the source of the light. The first thing he noticed was his son on all fours and looking paler then ever. Then he saw white sparkling dust swirling and taking some kind of shape just in front of him.He was confused: he never seen anything like this before. "Son what did you do?" He asked, calmly, not yet seeing the still forming mass as a threat."Your end...." Zilathok replied flatly, apparently too weak to even lift his head to regard him.Xirthak looked back at the forming creature and saw to his surprise that in the brief seconds his eyes weren't on it it had nearly completely formed. A couple seconds later it was fully formed and Xirthak felt the first twinge of fear for the first time in years.It's overall body shape was much like a sarnak, with a long tail, digitigrade legs and hunched over pose: the resemblance ended there however. It's hide was white and scaleless, head arrow shaped with triangular serrated teeth jutting from both top and bottom jaws. It's eyes were so dark they seemed like bottomless pits. Along it's back were two ridges that turned out to be not ridges at all, but tentacles that now started separating themselves from the rest and the last third of it's tail split into three. But what was the most distressing to him was the raw power this thing emitted."Wha....what are you?" Xirthak asked, holding his staff with both hands as he took a couple of steps back."I am an Erozul..." It replied it's black eyes narrowed upon him. "Defender of the weak and protector of the innocent." ***(ooc: Erozuls are my own creation, so please do not use them without my permission. Old pic of one <a href="http://slaskia.deviantart.com/art/Erozul-38860440" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>: mind you the info below the pic is partly obsolute and needs updating.)

niko_teen

12-25-2007, 06:25 PM

wootz Xmass post for me.

niko_teen

12-25-2007, 06:26 PM

Blah double post

Kalshi

12-26-2007, 04:41 AM

Kalshion scowled as he fought against the bats that were sent after him, one, then two, finally three minutes passed and he was more than aggitated enough.Several words flowed from his lips, then suddenly a ring of fire appeared around him and burned the bats to the ground. "Freaking pain the [Removed for Content]," he said as the fires died down. He was getting ready to go after the Iksar when he saw something he had never seen before in this life. "what... the... [I cannot control my vocabulary]..." he said, his eyes wide, when he heard what the being said he wasn't sure if he should be grateful or fearful.***Asulina crained her head in an attempt to look over at what was going on; she felt a powerful presence near by, it didn't scare her - rather - she felt relieved. She smiled slightly before letting her head back down across Kiloson's lap, need to remind myself not to lay in Kiloson's lap again, not only does he just have a loincloth on but he reeks... Asulina thought as she mentally blocked out the stench

Slask

12-26-2007, 07:32 PM

Zilathok was tired, exhausted and wanted nothing more then to lay down and take a long nap. It was too dangerous here to do so, especially while his father still breathed. Plus he would never forgive himself if he gave out now and didn't see to Asri first. He gathered what was remaining of his strength and forced himself to his feet. Now able to look more clearly at what was going on he saw for the first time what was going on and his jaw dropped open in awe at what he had summoned.What in Cazic's name.... He started to think, but then realized it didn't really matter what it was as long as it kept his father from hurting anyone else. Speaking of his father....Xirthak looked terrified: it was the first time Zilathok had seen his sire be afraid of anything."How in Norrath could my weakling of a son summon a creature like you!?" His father cried as he watched him take several more steps back. "There's no way he could have even known something like you existed!"The creature, Erozul was it that it called itself?, by now was on all fours so it's back tentacles frayed about more freely and growled at Xirthak. "He is stronger then you give him credit for." It snarled at him. "And it was the purity of his heart that gave him the strength he needed to bring me here. As for how...." It grinned. "I gave him the knowledge to do so, from my home plane."By now Zilathok had seen Asri's prone form and his heart filled with dread. No no....please be alive! He thought as he started for her: he didn't care that his father was still so close to her. When he reached her he picked her up gently in his arms and cradled her close to his chest. She was alive, but barely, her breathing swallow and weak. He laid her back down for a moment and took off his robe and used to cover her so her dignity was spared. This left him with only his pants on his person, but he didn't care as he held her again. He became aware that both his father and the Erozul were watching him."He thought of not only the one he loves but of others." The Erozul said. "He saw the worth of those not of his kind and hold them in equal regards. He does not judge and is willing to make the greatest of sacrifices to protect those he holds most dear.""Weaknesses! All of them!" Xirthak cried. "Our god Venril Sathir would not allow it!""The one you speak of is a false god." The Erozul growled. "He had a chance to become more powerful then he is even now, but his lust for power resulted in the death of that chance. He is but a wannabe now, his heart closed to all but his lust for power and control. Those that see love and compassion as weaknesses will never find their true strength. Your son's mother was more powerful then you will ever be."Zilathok watched the expression on his father's face go from dumbstruck to, grief, then finally outright denial. "Lies! All of it!" Xirthak cried, banishing his staff. Zilathok frowned disappointedly at this, for he knew in his heart that every word the Erozul had said was true. He watched as his father went into furious spell casting, thinking him foolish to try to attack now. Another fireball shot from his finger tips toward him, but Zilathok wasn't afraid. He didn't even blink when the fireball was literally batted back toward Xirthak with but a swipe of the Erozul's tail.His father screamed and covered his face with his arms barely in time before he was hit by his own fireball. He screamed in agony as the flames scorched his hide and burned off much of his clothing and when it was over his father looked to barely have enough strength to stand. Zilathok shuttered at the thought at what would have happened if it had hit him instead."You deny what you know deep in your cold heart to be the truth." The Erozul said: Zilthok could have sworn he heard a hint of sorrow in it's voice. "Your fate is sealed, though it is not to be by my hands...." The water of the ocean behind him started churning and twisting. From it erupted a tentacle made of the very ocean's waters, with bits of flotsam and ocean life mixed within it. It wrapped around Xirthak, whom screamed in pain and terror, and pulled him into the ocean's depth.For a long moment Zilathok could only stare at the spot where his father disappeared into the ocean, unsure what he felt. He felt relieved that his father was gone and unable to harm anyone again, but at the same time he felt grief. "He could have been so much more...." He finally muttered."Yes." The Erozul confirmed. "But now is the time to think of your future, not the past." He noticed it's gaze focus on Asri's unconscious form. "While her heart is not the purist, that will change in time. Be forewarned however, for a door long locked has been opened and will bring trails to you both."A door unlocked? Zilathok thought. What does it mean? He knew better then to ask though and instead watched as it turned toward the three that helped Asri by him time to summon it. First it turned to the elf and in the elf's native tongue it told him: "While your intentions are ultimately true, it will only prolong the suffering. Ware your playing of both sides as allies, lest you suddenly find yourself with none."Now it turned to the girl whom was resting with her head on Kiloson's lap. With one hand it stroked her forehead. "Young one...your pure, innocent heart will be surely tested. Give not into evil's desires." It told her in common.Finally it looked at Kiloson, it's eyes narrowed in warning as it simply said: "Stop reaching for what you cannot have and does not want you."It stepped back a bit so it had all of them in within sight. "My time here is short. When I depart I will transport you to a place of safety. You have time to question, but not about the words of wisdom I have just given you: for those you must find meaning within your own hearts."

Kalshi

12-28-2007, 03:52 AM

Kalshion pondered the words that the Erozul said; he knew what they meant and what they would lead to. "I do this to protect my daughter," he said in a low tone and looked at his daughter who was still having problems breathing. His head hung low, he realized that the Erozul was correct: If he continued to play both sides they would eventually discover that he's a spying on both. If that happened he wouldn't be the one to take the hardest hit - but his daughter would since he doesn't typically bring her out to many places."hmmm..." he said and glanced over at Asri. He got up and lookd at the Erozul, his gaze then took him to his sword that had found itself plunged into the dirt; he carefully pulled it out as to not make it seem like he was threatening the Erozul, and then replaced the sword into its shealth. His clothing was in tatters, rips here and there, a subtle breeze blew across the beach.He then looked up at the Erozul; making eye contact with the beinging. Asulina managed to open her eyes and stared straight up at the sky, she slowly felt her streangth returning, albiet at a very slow pace. I should've realized just how much power I was using when throwing up those wards, I need to get stronger, or else I won't be of any use to my father... she thought before closing her eyes.

Slask

12-28-2007, 07:49 PM

There were no questions from Zilathok's end, though he wondered if Asri would if she was awake. The words spoken to the elf, whatever they had been, seemed to have a profound affect on him, considering the expression on his face. Kiloson was unreadable, though Zilathok suspected what the Erozul's words meant in his case: he had seen the way Kiloson looked at Asri on a couple of occasions. And he has done nothing to deserve even the most basic level of trust with her. He thought grimly. He could only hope Kiloson would realize himself what the words meant and heed them."So there are no questions." The Erozul said, it's tentacles flattening themselves back onto it's back as it stood upright once again. "Very well. I shall transport you to a place of safetly."Zilathok didn't see it make any special motions or utter even a words before he was blinded by a flash of light. When he could see again he found himself, along with the others, back in his own home in Freeport. Erozul itself, was no where to be seen. Odd, he felt stronger now then when the Erozul was present.He looked over at the others and thought a moment. They would surely be as tired as he was and it wouldn't be fair to send them on their way now. "You're free to rest here for a while if you wish." He told them as he rose to his feet, Asri in his arms. "The little one can borrow my bed downstairs if she wants: don't worry it's clean. As for you two..." He looked at the elf and Kiloson. "Besides the basking nest upstairs we don't have much else in the way of sleep areas." He quirked an eye ridge at Kiloson. "Oh and I'm sorry Kiloson....I would loan you a pair of pants but I'm afraid mine would be too small for you."His bit of hospitality done, he turned and entered Asri's bedroom. He nearly tripped over one of their multitude of pets: it was the hell hound, Bad Breath. She came up with some of the stupidest names for most of their pets: their hellhog was ‘Bacon', the cobra was simply ‘Hssss' and the wraith was dubbed ‘Butler' of all things. Out of all their pets only there had ‘sensible' names: Greyback the timberwolf, Snowdrift the arctic wolf and Kurosa, the newest addition which was a Kaladam mining cat. Zilathok wasn't sure why in Cazic's name she wanted all these critters in the first place, as he certainly had trouble enough not tripping over his own two feet without the ‘help'.Sighing he put his mind back onto the task at hand. A couple more strides and he was beside Asri's bed. Carefully with one hand he pulled back the covers and then laid Asri onto the bed, pulling the covers back over her afterward. She moaned softly something he didn't catch and he gently stroked the top of her head. He had no clue how long she would remain unconscious and braced himself for a long wait.

Kalshi

12-31-2007, 02:39 PM

Kalshion wanted to thank Zilathok, but watched him leave instead. He carefully picked his daughter up and took her downstairs to the awaiting bed, the basement was seperated into a couple rooms, Zila's being the smallest of them all. Placing his daughter on Zila's bed he wondered just how long they could stay here, he likewise wondered what now he should do. He knew what he 'had' to do, just not how to go about doing it. He'd always played both sides, making sure neither really had an upper hand in this war, but now he had to figure out a way to give Qeynos the upper hand without the Overlord knowing its 'his' doing."The walls have ears," he repeated a warning that his late-partner had given him when he first started doing business with the Overlord some years ago. His partner, a dark elf, had been put to death when she was caught selling arms to a Freeport smugglers. She never revealed 'where' she got the weapons from nor who her partner was. She took all information with her to her grave.The idea of he being unable to care for his adoptive daughter sent shivers down his spine. He sat with his back agaist the bed, looking over his shoulder he watched his daughter, how peaceful she was sleeping. "Perhaps all I can do is what is best for my daughter," he said and was about to fall asleep when Kiloson came into the room."Yes?" Kalshion said, one eye staring at Kiloson, his mind was blocking most of what Kalshion was 'actually' seeing though. "You want some clothing to get back to your home eh?"Kiloson nodded. "Don't suppose you have any spares," he asked."On me? No. Though I can cast a limited duration spell that'll cloth you in a robe," Kalshion said and got up. He chanted a few words and a dark blood stanied robe appeared around Kiloson. "Hurry to your home though, it'll only last awhile," he warned him."Thank you, I.. uhh.. will check on he--" Kiloson said before Kalshion shook his head. "Leave her be," Kalshion said before closing his eyes.He sighed. "Yea..." Kiloson said before heading back up to the first floor. He looked around the floor and sighed heavily once again before leaving for his home.

Slask

01-01-2008, 01:21 AM

Zilathok had grabbed one of the chairs in the other room to sit on while he waited, in the process just catching Kiloson leaving with a lovely set of illusionary clothing on. He hated to admit it, but he was glad he had left so quickly, for the longer that male had stayed around the more Zilathok would have gotten nervous about his reasoning. He knew Kiloson had to feel something for Asri and right now the last thing she needed was to have a rival trying to win her affection, though he felt confident Asri wanted nothing to do with him.With a sigh he leaned back into the chair and watched Asri's slow rhythmic breathing. His mind started pondering the Erozul's words and what it could mean for their future. A door long locked....what did it mean by that? He thought, hating cryptic messages. Obviously it mean some kind of kind of secret: was it referring to Asri's lycanthropy? However later part of the message to him seemed to suggest something different. What else could there be? What else is there about her that even I don't know?It hit him a moment later, his eyes widening in realization. "Her memories...." He whispered as he rose from his seat and looked down at her. "But....that doesn't make sense...." He told himself. "Slave traders use a memory wipe that is permanent....with no chance of recovery. Unless...." Unless the slavers that caught her were total rookies. He thought grimly. It certainly could be possible. Another possibility was that these slavers were scam artists, using a different spell to lock away rather then wipe someone's memories. His mind went down a darker path. What if with her memories she discovered she already had a mate? What if there was a lover in her real home waiting for her to return? Stop that.... He told himself. If that was the case....most Iksar would have moved on by now. They weren't exactly known for monogamous relationships after all.A loud rumble tickled his belly, reminding him not only that it had been awhile since he had eaten, but also his own state of weariness. Better fix myself something....though I don't really feel all that hungry. He thought as he headed for the basement. When he reached the bottom he happened to look into his bedroom and spot the elf and the young girl: he had completely forgotten he had given them permission to use his bed for the time being. For a moment he stared, until the elf noticed him and he found himself blushing with embarrassment."I...I was just about to cook myself something to eat...." He said sheepishly, continuing on toward the stove to start preparing the equipment. "Did you want something? I can cook just about anything..."

Kalshi

01-01-2008, 01:46 AM

"Anything is fine by me," Kalshion said. He sighed and turned toward his daughter, "though by tonight I'll be bring my daughter back. I used up a lot of power back there, to much infact, I can't open a portal back to my city so I'll have to trudge on through Nektrolis Forest and catch a boat to Thunder Steppes," he said but more to himself than to Zilathok.He smiled and turned back toward the Iksar. "Your cooking has 'got' to be better than mine anyway, since my daughter is the one who often cooks," he said.

Slask

01-01-2008, 11:58 AM

Zilathok chuckled. "Cooking is my main profession." He said as he gathered together the ingredients to make a simple broth: he simply didn't have the energy to make anything more complex. "Been the cook of this house since Asri saved my tail." He paused in reflections. "Cazic...it seems like only yesterday...and I was barely into my adolescent years at the time. She was the only one in Scale Yard that dared to stand up for me. Everyone else..." He shook his head and didn't finish, busying himself instead with filling a pot with water and starting the fire."So what made you try to help us?" He asked the elf, changing the subject. "Qeynosians normally would have just looked the other way and not get involved."

Kalshi

01-08-2008, 04:11 PM

Looking up from his daughter, Kalshion knew the question that was just asked was a tough one, yet easy as well. "My heritage," he said. "I don't know who my real parents are, just that they were murdered when I was four years old. After their death, I was taken in by an Iksar female and a male human, I was raised not to hate either race and that my nature abilitie's can be used to heal and not take life," he said."Perhaps the reason I helped is because I can't fathom harming others unless there is a very specific reason for it, like when someone harms my daughter here," he said, turning toward his daughter and running his hand through her hair. "Though, I am forever in search of the person who murdered my biologicla parents," he added a few seconds later, a look of sadness on his face.

Slask

01-08-2008, 08:52 PM

"An Iksar and Human couple eh? Fath....no...Xirthak would have gone berserk if he ever met them." Zilathok said with a chuckle, then his smile faded to a slight frown. "To be honest....and she'll likely kill me if she ever found out I told you this....but I don't think she hates softskins like you as much as she acts like it." He said quietly as he put the ingredients into the pot. "She doesn't trust them in the least for certain, but for good reason. You see....her first memory was of being on a slave ship, manned by softskins. Everything else she knew before then....was locked away in her mind and while she didn't talk about it much...I knew it was something that bothered her a lot. It's something of a big deal with our kind to know who you are ya know? And that sense of identity was taken from her."He was quiet for a moment as he stirred the contents of the pot, deep in thought. "Now though....it's possible her memories have been restored: if I had interpreted the Erozul's message correctly that is." Zilathok said finally. "And...." There was a faint crack in his voice. "I fear I may lose her, because I don't know if there was someone already for her back home waiting for her to come back."

Kalshi

01-09-2008, 05:30 AM

"'don't grasp for something you can't reach' huh..." Kalshion chuckled. "Those same words spoken to Kiloson ring true for all of us in some way," he said and looked up at Zilathok. "We all seem to be after something,"Before he allowed Zilathok to answer, Kalshion said. "I"m after revenge, my daughter while she doesn't say it openly is after the leader of the bandits that killed her parents. Kiloson's is also trying to figure out his past, and here I find out that the young female iksar here also had a memory wipe.. in a way..." he pondered what to do next. "I got lose ends I must tie up," he said and got up."She may dislike softskins, and I understand, however my duty is to help those in need. And I can't help but shake the feeling you two will be going on an adventure, you'll need someone to dress your wounds. Though, while its against my better judgement, you'll also need someone who can dish out a lot of damage," he said and turned his gaze toward his daughter. He then grinned. "You know, I wonder what Kiloson will think when it arrives at Scaleyard," he chuckled mischiviously.-Scaleyard-"Finally," Kiloson said as he rode into the yard on his warg. As he walked past the gates and dismounted he failed to notice something missing from his figure."Man.. drafty here.." he commented, rubbing his shoulders and walking toward his residence. He began to feel some stares toward his way and looked around, then heard a cat call from several females. Blinking he turned toward them."[I cannot control my vocabulary], you have a fine [I cannot control my vocabulary]..." the female Iksar said and walked toward him and ran her hand in his nether regions. It was then that his brain clicked and he looked down and realized what he was missing. His face turned bright red as several more female Iksar converged on him, it wasn't log before a large cat fight insued between the females who wanted his assets.He quickly disappered into his apartment, after several seconds he screamed. "KALSHION YOU FREAKING [Removed for Content]!!!!!" (Edit: Made an edit..)

Slask

01-09-2008, 08:10 PM

Zilathok raised a brow: he had a pretty good idea what may have happened. "Why do I get the feeling that you're going to have an angry Iksar at your throat at some point?" He said, not sure if he should laugh or sigh. "I have no doubt that Asri will want to....confirm....what she will newly recall." He said changing the subject back to the more imminent dilemma. "That and I'm sure she'll want to research the rumors going on about our homeland being found. What's sad about that though...is that even though our homeland still exists it sounds like Iksar like me and Asri that have lived their most of their lives in soft skin cities would not be welcome. Probably for the best though...in my case at least: I'm a bit too much of a pacifist to fit in on the homeland."The broth was done, so he fetched a couple of bowls and spoons and poured an equal amount of broth in both before handing the elf one. "By the way....I never caught your name." Zilathok said.

Kalshi

01-10-2008, 02:58 PM

Accepting the bowl, Kalshion set it down on the bedsheets, away from his daughters moving feet. "Kalshion," he said and picked up the bowl back up. "Kalshion D'Dragon," he added.He took several sips and smiled. "Very good, very very good," he said. He josuled with the idea of tell Zilathok that he already knew the Iksars name, but after a few thoughts he decided against it as he didn't want to make any waves. He was going to terminate his involvement with the Overlord over time but for now he had to keep apperances up. "Speaking of which, what is your name?" he asked the Iksar.

Slask

01-13-2008, 12:29 PM

Zilathok beamed with pride. Another satisfied customer! He thought. "You should try my ‘real' dishes sometime." He said with a grin. "Oh and the names Zilathok, you can call me just ‘Zila' though. Don't have a last name though...." He frowned slightly. "Disowned my father's family name long time ago." He added quietly. "If I had known my mother's family name I would have taken hers instead...."Her name is Asri." Zilathok said gesturing upstairs. "Though I wonder if she will remember her ‘real' name now...." Thoughts of what her newly regained memories could cost him surfaced again and he now knew what the Erozul meant with the second part of it's message to him. Will we be able to keep this relationship growing? He wondered. Zilathok found it painful to consider that he may lose her to someone from her past after only just winning her heart.

Kalshi

01-14-2008, 04:01 AM

"I'm sure everything will be fine," Kalshion said and stood up. "I don't mean to be rude; but I think its best I get going. I was supposed to get back to Qeynos ten minutes ago and if I delay any longer it may cause problems," he said and scooped up his daughter and planted her on his back. A second later his form changed to a snowy wolf, with Asulina lying on his back on her stomach. With his paw he dug out a towel and was trying to put it on his daughter, but found it slightly hard. "Errrr... one problem with being in wolf form," he grumbled and glanced up at Zilathok. "Can you put that towel over her please, and for that matter, can you put the backpack on her back as well," he asked Zilathok, pawing the towel and backpack that were on the ground. ***Kiloson sighed, slumped in his chair and his hand on his face. "What am I to do," he asked himself and glanced out the window. "One of these days I'll discover more about my past... though I wonder if it'll be a good recollection, or a terrifying one," he said and stood up. "I guess I'll get some rest," he said, walking over to his bed and falling atop the stiff mattress. "Ughs..." he grumbled as he pushed his hand into the mattress. "Cheap peice of crud," he said and pulled the sheets over him, completely forgetting that he was stark naked.

Slask

01-17-2008, 10:29 PM

Zilathok chuckled but didn't dare say anything along the lines of ‘you should have thought of that ‘before' transforming'. He slipped the backpack onto the girl's slim shoulders and placed the blanket over her. Afterward he escorted them to the front door, where their pet wolf Snowdrift sniffed at the ‘strange' wolf before Zilathok shooed him away. Before opening the door for them he muttered a few words and used what was left of his magic to invis the girl, guessing the Kalshion probably would have trouble doing the same for them both."Figured you may need some help concealing yourselves." Zilathok said tiredly. "Only had enough to invis the girl though."

Kalshi

01-18-2008, 08:21 PM

"Thanks, I should be fine getting out without invis but having her visible would draw unwanted attention," Kalshion said as he trudged outside, he then glanced behind him. "Thank you for the help, don't hesitate to get ahold of me if you need my help. Just look for a Ratonga named Yusieve, she'll send any messages you ahve to me," he said before disappearing down the street.Through the gates he made his way to the docks where he booked passage to Nek Forest. Once their he book another passage to Thundering Steppe's and then made his way through Antonica and into Qeynos. His lack of presence though did bring the attention of the guards who were curious about where he had gone. Ignoring their concerns he passed through the gates into South Qeynos and up to his home; pushing the door open with his nose and using his back leg to close it. With a light sigh he transformed back into his high elf state and carried his daughter to her bedroom. "While she rests I think its time I get things going," He said and changed clothing.

Slask

01-21-2008, 04:50 PM

Zilathok watched them go, committing the name Kalshion gave him to memory. He looked at the sky, which was fading into it's dusk colors. What a long day.... He thought as he closed the door and headed back downstairs. His bowl of broth had gotten a little cool, but he didn't care as he consumed it, almost taking what little was let in the pot itself before deciding against it. Asri herself would no doubt be hungry when she awakened...though when that would happen he didn't know.With a sigh he cleaned the dishes and afterward made his way to the patio upstairs. There he grabbed one of the pillows, along with a couple of blankets and took them with him back downstairs. From there he went to Asri's room, whom was still sleeping soundly. He laid one blanket on the floor next to her bed, with the pillow at one end. Still clutching the other blanket, he looked at Asri, noting how peaceful she looked. With a sigh he bent over and stroked the side of her head. "I am here for you....as always." He told her softly before kissing her forehead.Zilathok laid down on his makeshift bed setting the other blanket over himself, knowing he was going to be sore tomorrow due to it but didn't care: he wanted to be by her side when she awakened. Thankfully his own exhaustion enabled him to fall asleep quickly.***"Dresik! Where are you going!?" She cried, running up the dock to catch him before he disappeared onto the ship. He turned around at the sound of her voice and she saw the faint look of guilt on his face. "Why are you leaving..." She demanded when she caught up to him. "I thought....""It's not what you think hun." He replied. "Since I'll be my father's successor as Chief of this Clan I need the experience of the world behind our island home.""Then I'll go with you.""No!" He said sharply. "You can't.""But...." She was deeply hurt by this. "Why?"Dresik visibly sighed. "I love you, with all my heart and much more." He said. "However, you are not of age yet and lately I've been having desires you are not ready for. I don't want to break taboo and I don't want to hurt you due to a lack of self control on my part." He paused and looked back at the ship. "By the time I return, you'll be a grown woman and we can be together as mates.""You promise?" She said, not wanting to be separated from him, but knowing she had no choice. "I promise. You will wait for me yes?""I will. I swear on it." She smiled faintly.They embraced and he kissed her on the forehead. "You better go home, your father is probably wondering where you disappeared to."She watched him get on the ship, then continued watching as the ship finally pulled away from the dock. She kept watching until the ship disappeared over the horizon, tears in her eyes.~~~She was awoken suddenly when the door to her hiding place was open. For a moment she froze, hoping it wasn't one of the bad men she knew to dominate the world outside her home. She was relieved to see the face of her mother instead, but something wasn't right: mother looked very tired, weak even."Come....little one." Her mother said, reaching for her. She accepted her mother's hand and was soon in her arms. There was a smell of blood on her and her clothing was red and wet."Momma?" She squeaked questioningly, only to be hushed by her mother.Her mother took her through the back door and she saw that it wasn't completely dark yet. What was going on? Mother never took her outside unless it was completely dark. She dare not say a word though, knowing the bad men could be anywhere.They traveled to the beach, where she was stunned by the beauty of the setting sun. "Pretty!" She said without thinking and was hushed sharply by her mother again as she was put into one of the fishing boats. Distracted by the pretty colors, she didn't notice her mother pushing the boat into the water and climbing in herself. Only after the sunset lost her interest did she noticed they were going out to sea."Where we going momma?" She dared to ask, curious and also a bit distressed at how her mother looked: she looked horrible."To...your father..." She replied weakly."Father?" She echoed, not completely understanding. Wasn't her father one of the bad men like all the other kids?There was no answer forthcoming as her mother concentrated on paddling, then put up the small sail once they were far enough from the shore. "Hand me the lamp...." Her mother said.She looked around and found the lamp under the seat. With a little difficulty she pulled it out and handed it to her. Was mother going fishing, she wondered as she watched her light the lamp. She had told her that sometimes she went out to fish for fish that were attracted to the lamps light at night. Then her mother did something strange. Instead of hanging the lamp over the water like she told her she did sometimes, she put her hand in front of it and away a few times. She repeated this several times with a moment's pause between, where she looked intently further out to sea.She turned to look where her mother was looking and saw a few pinpricks of light in the distance. Suddenly, one of them seemed to ‘wink' like a star a few times. "There you are...." She heard her mother whisper. The boat was turned in the direction of that light and soon it was getting bigger and bigger. Then she realized it was another boat, but it looked bigger then her mothers. When it drew close enough she could see a single occupant in it, a dark colored male. Instinctively she hid."Trisa....what are you doing out here this early?" She heard, the male ask. "By Cazic what happened to you!?""Besk...." The name sent a shiver down her spine: he was the worst of the bad men, her mother told her once."Trisa....I told you...." The male's voice seemed to crack. "I told you that you needed to get out of there....that there was enough room in my Clan for you....""Malic....They...he...would have noticed me gone....and come after your Clan." Her voice seemed to fade a bit. "I came...not only to see you....one last time....but....to ensure...she lived.""She?""Come little one...it's ok...." Her mother beckoned.At first she hesitated, not sure if it was really safe. But her mother seemed to trust this man, so finally she crawled out from under the seat. Still, she went straight for her mother, who reeked of blood still. Her mother hugged her weakly, then picked her up and put her into the man's boat."Momma!?" She cried, shocked and she attempted to get back into her mother's boat."No!" Her mother cried, freezing her in her tracks. "He will take care of you now....""Momma?" She felt confused: did mother not want her anymore?"Is she...?" The male, Malic, asked, looking a bit shocked himself."Yes....Besk will kill her if he found out. You must keep her safe."She felt the Malic pick her up and pull her close. Briefly she looked up at him, noticing his dark blue eyes and nearly black scales, before looking at her mother, whom looked rather pale now. "What's her name?" He asked."Scartha..." Her mother replied, a smile on her face. Then, suddenly she fell over."Momma!" She cried as Malic, put her down and heaved her mother out of her boat and held her."Hang on....it's not far from my Clan..." Malic started to say but she hushed him."It's too late....for me." Her mother said so weakly Scartha barely heard it. "Take care of her....for me....""Momma.....mom..ma...?" Scartha whimpered as she managed to climb onto her mother. Some how, she knew now that her mother was dying. "Momma don't....don't leave me....""I'll always be with you....little Scartha...." Her mother whispered. "Be good...."Those where the last words her mother spoke as she went limp and didn't stir again. For a moment she stared at her mother's limp form, then broke into tears and cried.~~~Scartha sighed as she looked out at the ocean, wishing Dresik was back. It had been a nearly three years since he left on the ship and she was now of age. Despite everyone knowing she was waiting for Dresik's return, other males still tried to win her affection.Most got the hint quickly that she wouldn't yield to them, but one....Dresik's own cousin Derrik, was being especially persistent. He wouldn't take no for an answer and even tormented her with tales on how many ways a worker on a ship could die, pointed out countless times that the odds of Dresik coming back were slim. She had rebuked him time and time again, but he got more and more pushy. Finally one day she simply clocked him one, sending him sprawling to the ground.He hadn't liked that and attacked her. Scartha had surprised both herself and him by not only holding her own, but defeating him. Humiliated, he had sulked off and she hadn't seen him for weeks since then. Relieved, she felt she could finally relax.Laughter drew her out of her musings. Looking up she saw a small group of softskins not far away: they were crewmembers of a ship that came in today. However they weren't supposed come this far away from the docks, it was Clan policy. With a sigh she stood up and walked over to them."Excuse me." She called to them. "But you are not allowed to be beyond the dock limits.""And what are you going to do about it scaly?" One of them, a huge brute of a man, taunted, folding his arms across his chest."I can report you to the dock authorities." She snarled, her frilliks flaring out slightly. "And they would force your captain to keep you on board for the rest of your stay.""Now that's a bit hush don't ya think?" The group started to surround her and Scartha started getting worried. "Beside we are leaving tonight anyway, right after we get one last bit of cargo."The way he said ‘cargo' set off some alarms in her head: she remembered her father telling her that sometimes slaver ships came to port. She checked her options and found she really only had one: she can fight....but not against this many. So she turned and ran.But she didn't get far. Just as she entered the tree line something hit her in the head, sending her sprawling to ground. Before she could shake the stars out of her head she was grabbed by the group of softskins and hauled to her feet. The next thing she saw was what she wasn't expecting at all."Derrik! Help me!" She said when she saw the Iksar come out of hiding."Why should I do that....after you rejected me?" Derrik said coldly. "And humiliated me.""You had it coming." Scartha growled. "I had to make it clear that ‘no' meant ‘NO'."He slapped her across the face. "I get what I want, when I want. With Dresik gone and not likely to return, I will be first in line for Chief. That's what you were really after Dresik for wasn't it? The power of his position?"Scartha was disgusted. "Perhaps another female would...but not me." She hissed. "I love him and he loves me. I could care less what status he had."Derrik snorted. "A pity...seems you are one of the soft types and I will never get through to you. Well...if I can't have you....no one will." He looked at the men holding her. "Take her away...and be sure to find a nice home for her....as someone's slave.""You won't get away with this!" Scartha howled."Shut up scaly!" One of the men said and the next thing she knew the world went black.***She gasped as she awakened and for a moment she was confused as to where she was. What happened? She thought as she looked around, recognizing her surroundings as her own home. How....did I get back here? The last thing she remembered was being strangled by Xirthak before blacking out.The sound of a faint snore gave her a start and she looked over the edge of her bed to see Zilathok sleeping on the floor next to her bed. Slowly then, everything started coming back....everything she had forgotten about her past and what she had truly lost. Curling into a ball, she started to weep.

Slask

01-25-2008, 09:18 PM

Zilathok woke up to the sound of someone weeping. Groggily he sat up and saw Asri was now awake, though in obvious distress. Though he suspected why this was, he couldn't be absolutely sure. So he stood up and gently shook her shoulder to get her attention.He expected her to start, but she didn't. Instead she looked up at him, her eyes still wet and puffy. "Zila...." She said softly as she reached her arms out to him. Zilathok allowed her to pull him into bed with her and practically wrapped herself around him like a child wanting comfort: he wrapped his arms around her in turn."How do you feel?" He asked her gently."I don't know..." She replied with a sniff. "I....I remember...things...I didn't before now, but a part of me wishes I don't."Zilathok feared as such: suddenly remembering pieces of one's past that are less then desirable would do that. "Why?" He asked cautiously."Because it only raised more questions....as I don't remember everything." She said a bit bitterly. "Like....who mortally wounded my mother....and why Dresik didn't tell me who I was when I met him on the boat.""So you did know Dresik from before...." Zilathok commented, remembering how Asri mentioned before that she always felt she had known Dresik from before her memory loss."Yes. He lived in the Clan my father was in, Chief's son if I remember right. He was on the ship as part of his ‘grooming' to take his father's place. We...." Her voice cracked slightly. "We had vowed to become mates when he returned...."He felt guilty about feeling this way, but he was relieved as it meant there was no other male in her life. "Well....trying to force someone with amnesia to remember doesn't help any from what I've heard." He said, trying to reassure her. "Especially spell induced amnesia. It's possible, you know him better then me mind you, that he planned to find someone to try to remove the spell at the first opportunity.""But wouldn't he have told me that he planned to do this?""Not if he didn't want to get your hopes up. Most mind wiping spells are supposed to be completely permanent with no chance of reversal. It's a miracle you remember anything at all."Asri was quiet for a moment, her expression of one of deep thought. "What happened after I blacked out?" She asked. "The last thing I remember was your father starting to straggle me after he hit me with the dispel spell."Zilathok smiled and started to tell her everything....

Kalshi

01-27-2008, 07:28 PM

The sound of hammers banging against hot metal rang in Kalshion's ear; he was in a forge located just outside Qeynos. The forge was one of eight that he owned across the Antonica continant, they were crewed by Qeynosians or those who were just looking for work.He watched as an orge and barbarian hammered one of his newest creations; a sword that was specifically made to counter the one he made for Freeport. The sword used nature and wizard magic in order to reinforce itself against attacks; but also used that magic to break an enemy sword.His eyes scanned the forge; the orge that was there was one of a few who were members of Qeynos, though because of his race there was an active guard at this forge to make sure the orge didn't attempt to sell any weapons made to Freeport. Further back where the gnomes that helped keep his shop in working order, the gnomes were a traveling repair group, they would travel from one forge to another each day and see if anything needed to be fixed."Keep it up; bring the finished peice to the forge within the city," Kalshion said before pushing his back off the wall and walking over to the door. Outside the weather had gone sour, rain pelted the landscape, with lightning arcing across the sky. Shifting into his wolf form he quickly traversed the distance from the forge to the North Qeynos Gate. The guard there gave him a salute - before Kalshion walked under the overhang and shook himself cry of the rain, splattering the guard with rain. "Thanks...." the guard muttered as he lifted his armor, water dripping off it. Making his way into the city Kalshion soon found himself in another one of his forges; this one was crewed by both half- and high-elfs; they were making smaller items such as bow and arrows and daggers. Some of the elfs were on break, taking in nature and its glory. "Pleasant day eh?" Kalshion said as he walked by the foreman of the place."It is, though I wonder if Tunare is angry," the foreman said, looking back up at the sky. The lightning that arced was presented in several different color, from light blue, to angry red. "She could be; though we may never know," Kalshion said, shaking his body again. "Though the one thing I hate about rain is that it soaks my fur...""Then perhaps you shouldn't walk around in wolf form?" The foreman suggested, but Kalshion just rolled his eyes before taking off down the street. Passing through the gate leading to South Qeynos and then another into Qeynos Harbor.There he found a boat moored to the docks; the captain was still on the docks watching his crew loading cargo. "Captain," Kalshion said as he walked up to the captain and sat down."Ah, its you again, need me to transport some 'cargo' again?" The captain asked, choosing his words carefully. "Actually I do," Said Kalshion before gesturing with his head toward a crate that was near the stone wall. "It's heavy so becareful," he said before getting back up and walking toward the two arches. "Oh and don't open it ok?""I never do," The captain grumbled as he watched Kalshion walk away; then gestured to his sailors to start loading the crate up. As he walked away a grin formed on Kalshion's face. "That'll be one loose end I've taken care of; now for two more. Though the last one will be a pain in the [Removed for Content] and I may have to take of by myself," he said as he trudged past his home. He didn't notice his daughter looking out the window and watching him, curious as to where her father was going.

Slask

01-30-2008, 10:21 PM

They talked for a while, Zilathok retelling what happened while she was unconscious and Asri detailing some of the memories she could now recall. Eventually exhaustion caught up with both of them and they settled in for the remainder of the night. That they were still in the same bed didn't even cross their mind.The next morning Zilathok woke to find Asri gone, but he wasn't concerned as he had a good idea where she would have gone. Instead of looking for her he went downstairs and made some coffee. Only then did he travel to the patio, with two steaming hot mugs of coffee in hand, and confirmed his guess was right: Asri was on the patio soaking up some of suns morning rays. For a moment he just watched her, a smile on his lips as he admired her naked black and white scales shining in the sun. Eventually she noticed him there and looked up at him with a small smile of her own."Morning." Zilathok said as he approached, handing her one of the mugs as he sat down beside her. Her response was just another smile and they sat together in silence for a few moments, their tails lightly touching each other. The sun felt good, but the light physical contact with her felt even better to him. Without thinking, he placed his free hand on her leg: to his mild surprise she just put her hand over his in response."How could I have been so blind..." She said suddenly."Hmmm?" He murred questioningly, looking at her to see her face. She looked down and guilty."Us." She replied. "All this time...the one meant for me was right in front of me.""Don't blame yourself." He said. "Neither of us knew this would happen one day at the beginning.""But still...I...."He silenced her with a light kiss and took her hand into both of his. "The future is always uncertain love, especially in these times. Because of that, we should focus more on the present and what we can do for the future tomorrow.""When did you get so wise?" She asked him.Zilathok felt the heat of a blush fill his face. "I....don't know." He confessed.She giggled and kissed him and they both had to put down their mugs as things got more passionate.Later Zilathok's mind was a bit of a blur, unable to really believe what they just did. It wasn't that he didn't want it to happen, but rather it just happened a lot sooner then he thought. So he laid in the shade of the tent, Asri cuddled up beside him and a blanket partly covering them, wondering if what happened was just a dream. Beside him Asri stirred and looked at him, a happy smile on her face."So when are you getting around to making breakfast?" She asked."I thought the coffee was breakfast." He said with a smirk."Nice try..." She punched him playfully. "I want a real breakfast.""Don't know I have the energy to now...." He whined.She growled playfully. "Unless you want to really have no energy, I suggest you get your lazy tail up and start cooking.""And what makes you think I wouldn't want that?" The next thing he knew his pants were thrown into his face. "Ok ok! I get the hint!" He grumbled as he started pulling his pants on. "And I thought females would have wanted more then one round....""You're confusing me with a male." She said with a grin.Later they were sitting at the table eating, or at least Zilathok was trying to but Asri kept kicking him."Asri....why are you kicking me?" He asked."Don't know." She replied with a shrug, a smile on her face."I think it's because you are being silly.""Now what ever gave you that idea?" She grinned."Well....perhaps it's too soon to say....but you've been acting....different since you woke up.""I....I've noticed...." She said, sounding solemn for the first time that day. "I don't know what's come over me....it's like the me of the past is...influencing how I am now.""Well that's not necessarily a bad thing hun." Zilathok reassured her. "I think you just need to watch those impulses that's all.""I suppose you're right." She said softly and they ate in silence for a few moments before she spoke up again. "Some things about my past bug me though." She said. "Or maybe it's more curiosity....like....is my father still alive? I'm sure he must have been devastated when I disappeared....""You want to try to find your old home?" Zilathok asked, guessing where her line of thought was going."A part of me does....but I'm not sure if it would there's anything to rediscover."Zilathok gathered the dishes and set them aside before taking both her hands into his. "I'm not going to try to convince you either way." He said to her softly. "It's your choice to make and whatever you decide to do I will be by your side to support you.""Thank you...."

Slask

02-05-2008, 08:46 PM

(ooc: if this doesn't get you out of your writers block Kal, so help me......)He knew he was some beach, but on which continent he couldn't tell and didn't really care about that right now. What mattered to him was the amount of pain he was in, the sea water that was being constantly washed over his body didn't help any, the salt getting into his numerous wounds. Yet he had no strength to move, let alone move himself away from the punishing sea.What happened? He thought, trying to recall how he had to gotten there and in such a state. He remembered a white beast and burning. Beside those an image of a white scaled Iksar and a black werewolf. The white Iksar he felt he knew personally, but how he couldn't remember right now, not with his mind being so fuzzy and confused.Footsteps. Someone was coming. He managed to open his eyes a bit, only to find his right eye wasn't working anymore and his vision in his left eye was blurred. Worse, he wasn't looking in the direction the sound was coming from. He tried to move his head but that effort only brought him more pain and he moaned in agony.His moan must have caught their attention as the footsteps stopped and now he heard the snort of a rhino. The homeland...I'm on the homeland. He realized and a part of him filled with dread. It was too soon for him to return and when Venril found out he had failed...Individual footsteps started coming closer, along with the accent of the individual's armor clinking. He wasn't sure if he should play dead or do something to show he still lived: the thought that he would likely be killed for his failure made him chose the former. However, when the stranger prodded him in the side he couldn't contain his gasp of pain."Well, he's still alive." A gruff voice said, in clear Sathirian. "What should we do with him?""Any idea who he is? Maybe he's one of ours." Another voice asked, female this time."He looks like someone I've seen before, but with all the burns on his body it's hard to say." The first one commented. "Well....why don't you ask him you fool!"He heard the male snarl, then he found himself grunting in pain as he was heaved roughly to his feet. "You heard her." The male said, right in his face, though in his vision the male's face was a blurred mess. "Who are you? Speak quickly before we decide to assume you're one of those blood traitors and finish you off!"It took all his strength to answer them, knowing he had no choice. "Zzz..Xir...thak." He said in a near rough whisper."So...." A new voice said, one that Xirthak recognized. "You are Emperor Sathir's pet necro.""Domine...." Xirthak managed but couldn't get his name out before his voice failed him."My Lord..." The female guard said. "Should we kill him or have the Emperor do the honor? It's plain he failed whatever mission he was set out upon."Xirthak hung his head as his body went limp, prompting an annoyed grunt from the male guard that was holding him up. There was no point in fighting, no point in begging: he was going to die no matter what he said or did. The silence between the question and the response was the longest he ever endured."Neither." Came the surprise response. "Take him back to the city and have him serviced by the priests.""Why go through the trouble my Lord?" The male said. "He's doomed to die the moment the Emperor finds out. Plus, if you pardon my bluntness, you are in enough trouble as it is with the Emperor."There was a distinctive snort. "I know the risks." The Domine said coldly. "This one will no doubt have valuable information I may be able to use. If he proves himself useful still I may have some tasks for him, otherwise when I'm done with him he will go to the Emperor for his punishment."Xirthak felt like weeping, but what was left of his pride wouldn't allow it. How did my life get so low so quickly? He thought to himself as he was half dragged, half walked toward the rhinos. Where did I go wrong?When he was thrown onto one of the rhinos, the fresh wave of pain caused him to black out.***For the next few days they didn't do much beyond bonding, getting to know each other in a deeper way then simple friendship. They didn't mate again: the first time had been an act of impulsive passion more then anything, instead they limited themselves to cuddles and soft caresses. There wasn't much talking between them either, as there was no need for it: body language alone was enough to signal what each other wanted.They spent these few days being closer then they have ever before, yet Zilathok couldn't help but notice that sometimes Asri would get a far away look in her eyes and he knew she was in deep thought. What it was she was thinking about he could only guess, but he didn't press her to talk to him about her thoughts as he wanted her to tell him on her own time. Finally, while they were basking together on the patio in the midday sun one day, she spoke what was on her mind."I want to know." She said abruptly and in a tone that told him she had put a lot of thought into her words and wasn't going to deviate from them."Know what?" He asked, though he had an idea what she was referring to."If I still have a home." She replied quietly. "To see if my father is still alive.""Many things could have happened since you ‘left' Asri." He cautioned her. "The island could have been taken over by softskins or, worse, become an outpost for Sathirians. There have been a lot of rumors about Iksar calling themselves ‘Sathirians' hunting down Iksar like you and me as of late.""I've heard of them as well." Asri said. "And I'm willing to take the risk. If these ‘Sathirians' have taken over my home, I will personally evict them.""Even if it turns out your father may have become one of them?" He warned her.This gave her pause and she fell into thought for a moment. "We will cross that bridge if we come to it." She said finally."Fair enough. How do we start looking?""There are two ships I know of that knows the location of my home." She said bitterly. "The one Dresik lost his life on....and the one that stole me away from the life I once knew.""Sounds like we need to make a visit to the SeaFuries then.....""Aye....just let me do the talking.""You have the better rep with them anyway." Zilathok said with a smirk.~~~"I am sorry." The squeaky little ratonga said later that day in South Freeport. "But the first ship hasn't been heard from in years according to our records."It was a rather nasty storm the night I jumped overboard.... Asri thought with a frown, recalling the weather conditions on the night she escaped from the slaver ship. It probably sunk shortly afterward. Pity...I really wanted to pay that barbarian back for all those beatings.... "What about the other one?" She asked."The Golden Maiden?" The rat said, his voice grating on her nerves: a glance sideways showed that Zilathok ‘liked' the voice as much as she did. "Let me check." Asri felt like pacing the deck as she waited: only Zilathok's soft, comforting touch on the small of her back kept her from doing so. Normally she would have shunned such show of affection in public view, but right now she needed it if only to protect her sanity. "Ah yes, that ship is still active. Just left here a couple weeks ago actually."Asri felt her stomach drop to her knees. "What?" She said, as calmly as she could, though she really wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. "When will it be back?""Erm...." The rat looked over his records again briefly. "It doesn't keep a regular schedule. Could be as early as a few months, or as late as a few years.""Ugh....what other stops does it make?" She said with a sigh, hoping to somehow salvage this lead."I'm afraid we don't have that information." The ratonga said regretfully. "The ship isn't one of ours we would have.""Trade Fed ship?"The ratonga gave her a nasty look. "If it was do you honestly think we would even allow it near Freeport?""Point made. Thank you for help." Asri and Zilathok quickly took their leave, not wishing to sour the rat's mood any further. "Well that was a waste of time..." Asri growled bitterly once they were out of ear shot."Not really." Zilathok said. "What it tells me is that Freeport isn't a ‘normal' stop.""That knowledge doesn't help any." Asri spat."Think about it Asri. If it's neither Trade Fed or SeaFury owned, it likely does business with both discreetly or is completely neutral. You told me the Captain was a human correct?""Yes but...." She started but Zilathok raised a hand to quiet her."But....what other place we know of that a human Captain would feel comfortable doing business in?"It clicked quickly, but Asri wasn't happy about it. "If you think those stinking Qeynosians would be willing to give that kind of information....."Again Zilathok interrupted her. "Who said it would be us that would be doing asking?" He said with a grin. When she blinked at him in confusion he continued. "Remember that elf that helped us?" She nodded. "He gave me the knowledge on how to contact him if we needed his help.""So it's time to call in a favor then eh?" Asri said. "I don't trust that elf as far as I can throw him, but if he can find out where that ship goes then I'll just have to this once. How do we contact him?""Unfortunately it deals with having to talk to another rat...." Zilathok said sheepishly.Asri groaned. "As long as it doesn't have the annoying voice the last one had...."Finding said rat ended up taking them the rest of the afternoon and it didn't help Asri hated Temple Street with a passion. Not only where their smelly, squeaky voiced rats living there, but just as smelly, but explosion prone gnomes in residence. Zilathok ended up having to do most of the asking around, as Asri probably would have been more likely to kick a few residents into next week then to try to hold a conversation. Finally, they only had one of them to deal with: the rat they needed to talk to."So whatiss you need to talk to mesis about?" The rat asked once they were behind closed doors and out of earshot of nosy neighbors.Again Zilathok did the talking. "We need to get in touch with a contact of yours on the ‘other side'." He said. "A high elf named Kalshion.""Ah, yess yess I knowies him." The rat squeeked. "Whatiss you need to talkiss him about?""We need to know if a ship called the Golden Maiden will be docking in Qeynos soon and if it is, we need to get on it."The rat nodded in acknowledgement. "Howiz he knowiz who you are and if trusted?"Zilathok thought a moment. "Tell him it's from ‘Erozul." He said, Asri thinking that was quite clever of him: the only other people on Norrath that would know that word would be the elf, the little girl that was with him and Kiloson. "He knows how to contact us."Again the rat nodded. "I send him message tonight." He said. "You go now before peeps get nosy and curious: especially them gnomeiz."They left the residence and causally made their way back home. "Now all we can do is wait." Asri said with a sigh."Patience...we will find it." Zilathok said comfortingly.

Kalshi

02-07-2008, 05:21 AM

Kalshion fumbled with his staff as he wrapped a special cloth around it. "There, that should help me deflect some magic," he said as he turned his gaze up from the trunk he was sitting on and toward a group of ten children, amongst them was his daughter. The children were playing a variety of games; watching over them were three other adults, all female. As he watched he couldn't help but remember his own past, the times when he was a child and used to run around just having fun. "Those days are gone," he said as he finished.In the distance he heard the sound of a bird; a smile formed on his face as he got up from the trunk and made his way toward the sound. Unshelthing his sword, he carefully traversed the forest until he arrived at the location. "Well well," he said when he saw a Ratonga sitting beside the tree. In his left on was a scroll of recall, a special item Kalshion had created to use by 'special' people he knew."Hellosss..." The Ratonga said, getting up and glancing from side to side."The fact your here mean's someone has asked you to give me a message," Kalshion said, his arms folded."I have a request from someone named Erozul," The Ratonga said. Instantly Kalshion glanced around and made certain no was in the area. "So, it's from 'them' surprised they need anything," he said and rubbed his chin."Theyss are asking if you can find anything about the Gold Maiden," The Ratonga said. Shifting himself behind the tree when the sound of someone approuching could be heard. Kalshion instinctly made himself appear to be taking interest in the trees, soon the presence he felt walked away."They aren't asking for much, I have a few people in the harbor who can find that information out," he said and replaced the sword back into the shealth. "They also need to get on the ship," the Ratonga said. Kalshion's eyes arced upwards at the statement, with a sigh he placed his left hand on his hips and shook his head. "I knew I shouldn't have killed the two guards at the West Gate...."This time it was the Ratonga's turn to arc her brows. "Why'd you do that?" she asked."Because all they'd talk about was their sex lives, but also they'd risk blowing my operation," Kalshion said. "I see, well, do you need me to tell them anything?" she asked. Kalshion nodded and quickly wrote a letter on some parchment he had in his ruck. "Discreetly give this to them, it'll tell them to get their things ready, they should pack light. Come back here in two days, I should have something by then," he said."How do you know you'll find anything?" she asked, and then added. "In fact, how are you going to 'get' that information?""I don't 'just' make weapons you know, I also make some items needed for the ships so its not hard for me to access the port captains office," Kalshion said and turned his back to the Ratonga, he then placed a bag on the ground next to the tree. "There are two scrolls of Antonica and two scrolls of Commonlands in here for you. There's also some coin for you so you can get anything you need," he said."Thank yousss...." The Ratonga said before disappearing into the forest.As Kalshion was about to turn around a gruff, authoritve voice spoke from behind. "So, the great Kalshion really does have dirty hands," the voice spoke. Kalshion sighed and glanced over his shoulder."Guard Captain Salse," Kalshion said. Turning to fully face the captain, "what honor do I have to see you?""Stow the honor crap," the captain said and spit on the ground, just inches away from Kalshion's cloth boots. The Elf glanced down at his boots and shook his head. The two then stared into one anothers eyes; they started circling each other. The guard captain had drawn his claymore while Kalshion had unshethed his normal sword. "So, I'm not worry of your special blade?" the captain taunted."That blade is reversed for someone else," Kalshion said before the two started dueling one another. Kalshion, using a one handed sword, easily parried the attacks from the captain. As the battle was fought, Kalshion sprinted backwards in an effort to avoid a swing from the large claymore that was four feet long and almost a foot wide. The Captain, being a barbarian, found little trouble swinging such a heavy bladed weapon.As Kalshion jumped backwards and landed; he thrusted his hand into the ground. The ground hethed as molten rock spewed forth and bombarded the captains armor, dents and scorch marks appeared. "[Removed for Content].... need a bigger gun..." he said before raising his eye brow, curious as to why he had just said that. The captain growled and brought his claymore down on where Kalshion was crouched, the Elf rolled away as the weapon hit the ground and caused it to crumble. He then rolled onto his back and back onto both feet. As Kalshion stood there he wondered what his options were. It's obvious he knows about my dealings with Freeport, it's also obvious he hasn't told her majesty yet, problem is-- I don't want to kill him since he's a valuable asset to the city but if I don't then my own head will roll along with my daughters, he thought and scanned the area. A broad grin formed in his mind as he recalled the ways he used to trick either army into thinking they killed someone when he was the one who did it. It should work," he siad and brought his hand back and started chanting a spell. The captain looked up from his position, curious what the Elf was about to do.Second's later the sky above them was brisling with dark clouds that spewed forth bolts of lightning. It was this lightning that struck near the Captain and caused him to go off guard. Falling backwards, and onto the ground, he quickly scrambled to get back up. The Captain quickly realized, however, that he had already lost the fight. It wasn't Kalshion that made the final blow though, but an arrow straight to an open area of the mans armor. Piercing deeply into the body, the Captain stumbled backwards, hitting his back against the tree. Another arrow found its mark right into his chest armor, peircing deeply into his chest. Kalshion glanced over his shoulder to find his ranger friend standing on a tree branch.With one final arrow, the mans life was extinguished. "I could've taken him," Kalshion said.The other Elf chuckled and jumped down, "Not if you plan on staying with Qeynos, the arrows I used will speak of the Freeport Militia," the ranger said. "Now, I think its best you leave this area. Not a good idea for you to be here when the guards arrive, espically since your sword is bloodied," the ranger said, glancing down at Kalshion's sword.Kalshion also looked at his sword and nodded. Then took a cloth and wiped it down, carefully he replaced the blade back into its sheath before walking away. I swear I've seen that Ranger before... though I can't put my finger on it..The Ranger watched him leave; then shook his head. "I can never have a day off without him causing trouble, sheesh, now I have a corpse to deal with. Man do I miss the days when he was just a child and would run around the village," he said and started getting to work.

Slask

02-12-2008, 08:26 PM

They weren't expecting a response so quickly, though Asri was obviously disappointed in it's lack of information. "He only just got the request Asri." Zilathok reminded her. "Even the most well connected individual needs time to utilize them.""Perhaps, but I'm more upset the idiot sent such a response now." Asri growled. "If anyone else managed to even glimpse this letter, Freeportian or Qeynosian, anyone that wanted to apprehend us will know when to do so and likely get all ‘guilty' parties."Zilathok's face blanched a bit when he got what she was getting at. "You think he could be setting us up?" He asked, wondering if he was wrong to put trust in the elf."I'm not leaving the possibility out." Asri conceded. "However, this search is too important to me to give up now.""So what do we do?""We leave now."This startled him. "But we don't even know where the ship is!" Zilathok protested."True, but waiting around here will open us to getting apprehended and what better way to prevent that then to leave before they expect us to?""Where will we go?" Zilathok asked. "Surely not Qeynos....""Yes Qeynos." Asri said firmly. "We will make that idiot of an elf shelter us while we wait for his information.""Erm...you may be able to wander most of Qeynos without the guards bothering you, but me....I'm a lot more squishy then you. Not to mention we don't know where Kalshion lives.""I know ways into Qeynos one less protected like you can use." Asri said reassuringly. "As to figuring out where he lives, you forget what I am." She added that last bit with a grin."I'll gather the essentials then." Zilathok sighed. "I guess the patio would be the best place to use one of these scrolls...""We won't be using the scrolls.""Huh? Why?"Asri game him a ‘are you stupid' look. "Zila...a man of the arcane knowledge like you should know that certain magic spells can be traced and the Academy of Arcane Science is no doubt charged with keeping an eye out of unusual magic use."Zilathok got what she was getting at. "Everyone important knows neither of us can use port spells, so they would be wondering how we got them and why.""Yes, and that the spell will be going to Antonica, they may suspect we are Qeynosian spies: a label I'd rather avoid. It would be better to use a scroll like this in the wilderness, but in our case, if we are in the wilderness we might as well use the Combine Spires.""What!? You mean go to the Overrealm!? Asri I....""The area immediately around the portal we will use in the Overrealm is safe." Asri interrupted. "So you don't have to worry about getting eaten by a man-eating plant the moment you arrive.""I'll have to trust you on that one." Zilathok said with another sigh. "By the way...who is going to watch the pets?""I'll send a message to Kiloson asking him to house sit." Asri replied, though by the look on her face she wasn't very pleased with the idea. "He ‘should' be able to manage that simple task without screwing up."~~~They left that night, their summoned nightmare mounts lighting up the night as they galloped across the Commonlands. The gate scion at the Spires raised a brow at Zilathok, but gave him a shard as requested without question. It was a short wait before the Spires teleported them up to the Overrealm, into the lush green realm called Tenebrous Tangle. Zilathok was tempted to look around the beautiful place, but one look at one of the dragonflies made him decide against it, enough the dragonflies were one of the non-aggressive residences of this particular realm.Asri gave him a brief explanation on how to use the portal to teleport them back to Norrath and how to use this particular one to transport them to Antonica instead of the Commonlands. Unlike the trip up to the Overrealm, there was no waiting needed, so moments later they were standing at the base of the Combine Spire in Antonica."Pretty place." Zilathok commented as he looked around, then he spotted the undead that were close by. "Well, most of it.""Nothing in this area will bother you." Asri told him as they started trotting down the hill and toward the road. "We'll only start to have potential problems once we get up to Qeynos itself.""Good to know." Zilathok muttered.The pair rode until Qeynos started to be within sight: the large circular glass stained window of it's palace the most visible feature. It was at this point Asri bid they unsummon their mounds. "We don't want them to know we are coming from half a continent away." She explained, to which Zilathok agreed. The trek to the moat was long and tiring, poor Zilathok wanting to rest but Asri kept him going. "We can rest once we get into the sewers." She told him."Sewers....?" Zilathok echoed, making a face."Yes, it's the only place they ‘don't' patrol." She said with a smile. "There are enough monsters down there that they feel they don't need to. Idiots. Even a less experienced individual like you can get through them with no trouble."When they got to the moat, the morning sun just starting to appear on the horizon, she dove into the water. Zilathok hesitated a moment before following: fortunately Asri waited for him to comment to getting wet before going on. A short swim later they reached the grate that lead into a place the Qeynosians called the Peat Bog. It was here Asri took a much more cautious approach."The guards here are too weak to bother us." She said quietly as she watched one of said guards pass by, oblivious to the intruders a short distance away. "But we don't want them raising the alarm.""Invisibility then?" Zilathok asked.Asri shook her head. "The guards here aren't fooled by invisibility spells. This will require timing. Once we cross that path ahead of us we'll be fine for a while." Zilathok just nodded, trusting Asri's judgment and experience. When the moment was right, she dashed across the path, Zilathok following as fast as he could, the pair plunging into the thick of the Peat Bog.The air stank of decaying matter and was thick with biting insects, with the mud so thick in places it threatened to swallow him whole. Fortunately Asri knew how to navigate such a place and helped him out of such sticky situations. Regardless, Zilathok was glad to reach the sewer grate and took a moment to clean his robes of the muck in the ‘slightly' cleaner water of the sewer system itself. He was even more grateful when Asri kept her word and allowed him to rest a while. He fell asleep almost immediately and was awakened at what felt like an instant later."You can sleep more when we reach the central hub." Asri told him, pulling him to his feet."Hub?" He inquired."Aye, the uppermost level of these sewers is connected to every major area of Qeynos with the very center room connected to the main part of Qeynos proper. You will wait there while I hunt down our dear elf friend.""Sounds good." Zilathok said tiredly as he started following her again.It wasn't a long trek at all, however the couple of ladders he had to climb took much of Zilathok's energy and he was grateful to finally stop again. He sat down on the driest part of the platform he could find, watching as Asri studied the four grates that were on the walls of the central room. Then, suddenly, she started stripping, tossing her equipment into his lap. It took a moment for his exhausted mind to catch on. "Going to scout with the full form?" He asked."Yes, I'll have the benefit of the wolves' senses and the guards won't likely see me as suspicious: at worse they'll likely see me as a big stray wolf." She replied as she started for one of the grates."Unless a druid type that is familiar with weres spots you." Zilathok cautioned."I'll be staying on the least traveled paths and in the shadows regardless." Asri said, glancing back at him with a smile. "Even if they do decide to give me a chase I can dive into the nearest sewer grate: they don't like chasing their enemies in their own sewers.""Be careful hun.""Don't worry, I will."Zilathok watched her disappear into the tunnel she chose. Warily he looked around at his surroundings and found that none of the residence even considered it worth trying to bother him. Knowing her search could take a while, Zilathok closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift off again.~~~Asri cautiously poked her head out of the sewer hole in South Qeynos, then dashed out quickly to the nearest alley once she was certain it was clear. With the sun higher in the sky the citizens of Qeynos were starting to go about their daily activities and Asri wondered if it would have been better to wait until night fall to do this. However time wasn't on their side: if the ship was in port now she couldn't risk wasting time, so Asri decided to risk it.As she shifted her form into the full wolf, she wondered if she should have gone to the Harbor instead. However she reminded herself that the Harbor was one of the more heavily guarded areas of Qeynos, meaning the risk of the alarm being raised was much greater, even though the guards were weak compared to her.Once the transformation was complete, she took the time to rub herself against the walls to mess up her fur and roll in a dirt patch: if she was going to play the part of a stray she needed to look the part. To complete the look she tucked her tail between her legs and kept her head down as she set off, looking like the most pitiful wolf in the world. In reality her senses were on full alert as she searched for the elf.A part of her started to worry she did her ‘make up' too well going by the comments she was hearing from the citizens that did see her.....

Kalshi

02-12-2008, 10:46 PM

"Stay here until I get back ok?" Kalshion said to his daughter. Asulina sighed, leaning her back up against the tree near the Mage's Tower. She watched as her father disappeared through the gate leading into the harbor. "I wonder what father is doing," she asked herself before snuggling up against the tree. A guard walking by took a glance at her and noticed the two wolves that flanked her, one was clad in white fur while the other had patches of gray mixed in. Both wolves had an eye on the guard, causing him to move away and going back to his patrol route. The two wolves looked at once another, the white once laid its head on Asulina's chest, while the other laid its head on the ground. ~~~The harbor was a bustle of activity; ships making ready for long voyages and others with Qeynos soldiers boarding them. Kalshion realized that it was only just a few days before the Queen would launch a campaign to recapture a fort that Freeport had taken from a week ago. As he casually walked onto the harbor itself and into the Dockmasters building; he saw the man looking a crew manifest. "Hey there Dock Master," Kalshion said, giving a curt wave of his hand as he entered the mans office.The man looked up from his work and gave a wry smile. "Evening, what bring's you here?" he asked."I've been curious lately, we see mostly transports, both passenger and cargo. Though I'm wondering about their names," Kalshion asked, taking a seat in front of the Dock Masters desk.The Dock Master smiled and said. "Looking for another person to transport your wares?""You could say that," Kalshion said as he slid a coin across the table. The coin had the picture of a bird on it, on the reverse said was a sword with a bow and arrow in the middle. He sighed, then glanced about his office before getting up and closing the door. "So, what ship you interested in?""First, what is the schedule?" Kalshion asked.The man sighed. "Ten ships are scheduled to dock; though I can't give you the names sadly. Only that eight are frome the Far Seas Trading Corporation," he said."I see," Kalshion said, somewhat disappointed. "I don't suppose I can 'aquire' the names somewhere?""You could, the list isn't in my possession, for some reason the Port Master has it." The man said. Kalshion instinctly raised an eye-brow, then sighed.This would make matters worse; he knew how tough security was which was why the dock was split amongst two people. The Dock Master was incharge of loading and offloading ships, he was also given information on arriving ships. In this case, however, he was not given ship names. "I see," Kalshion said."You could ask him for the list, I'm sure he wouldn't mind handing it to the person who's helped out Qeynos a lot in the past," the man said before glancing out of his office window and sighting a ship coming into port. "If you'll excuse me, I have a ship to take care," he said before opening the door.Relunctantly Kalshion got up and left the office, and then the inn itself. He walked a short distance down the harbor, glaring at the Port Masters home that was located near the guard shake. "I'll wait until night, right now it isn't safe to attempt an infiltration," he said. Making his way to another inn; he walked inside to find the patrons all celebrating a recent victory the Qeynos Army had gotten when they assaulted a Freeport supply depot in Thundering Steppes. With a sigh he sat down at a table and ordered himself a drink, nothing alcholic, as he did have to get back to his home. I wonder if those two are going to wait, or come straight here... he said, and looked at the waitress who gave him a glass of water. He twiraled the glass around, its contants swashing about, before he took a sip. ~~~North Qeynos"So, the captain's dead?" A man scowled as he read the report. "And you doubt 'he' was involved?"The other man nodded. "Doubt is what I told the other guards, I 'know' he was involved." he said."Well, the easiest way to get him is through his daughter," another man said as he gripped his sword. "Let me do it, I have a way with 'children' and have no problem convincing them to see my point," he grinned."Your 'point' is right, but fine, just don't get killed ok?" A female said. The man rolled his eyes before leaving the guard shack.

Slask

02-20-2008, 08:41 PM

She could smell hints of the elf in this part of the city, with the city now fully awake she couldn't linger in the main roads to find a solid trail without looking suspicious. It didn't help the patches of scent she did find were rather scattered. Blasted smelly mammal.... She thought, getting frustrated.Finally a break: she caught the caught scent of the human girl that was tagging along with him during the fight with Xirthak and it was stronger on the wind then the elf's were. Forgetting her act for the moment, she followed her nose and found the girl sitting under a tree next to the mage tower. The problem now though was now to communicate with her, as she couldn't speak at all in his form. She couldn't risk shifting back and even approaching her could be an issue: those two wolves guarding her were already giving her warning looks."Look momma! A puppy!" A small voice said as something suddenly wrapped itself around her. Asri immediately realized her mistake as she struggled to get out of the girls iron grip: she had strayed for too long on the main path. "You look so lonely! You can come home with me!" The girl squealed, her voice grating on her ears like claws on a chalkboard.Oh Cazic...help me! Kill me even! She thought as she struggled with all her might, but this girl seemed to have some ogre in her blood as she couldn't loosen even a pinky finger. "I'm gonna hug you and squeeze you and love you forever!" The girl squealed again.The werewolf part of was starting press forward in her consciousness, wanting to take over so it could bite and rend. No no...Not here... She told herself, though a part of her really did want to kill this child. Her only salvation was the human girl under the tree. As the girl started to attempt to drag her away, she stared at the human girl and her two wolfen companions with a desperate look on her face. Help me! She thought, a loud pitiful whine escaping from her jaws.Right now she didn't care if the girl remembered her or not from the Xirthak fight....

Kalshi

02-21-2008, 01:56 AM

Asuline yawned; her eyes tired and heavy. She had snuggled up under the tree when she the ears on the white wolf near her perk up. "What's wrong?" she asked the wolf, the wolf looked at her, then at the approuching stray.She blinked and looked at the stray, at first she was nervous, afraid of what the stray 'may' do. Then she saw the most annoying girl in this part of Qeynos cling to the wolf, as if on cue both of her wolves extended their claws but didn't bare their fangs. "Ughs.... not her again," Asulina said, giving the young girl a shifting gaze as she stood up and dusted off her robe. She watched for just a few minute's as the stray was being dragged away, knowing full well the reason why such a young girl roughly a year or so younger than her could be so strong."Kate," Asulina said, skipping toward the young girl. Kate had stopped dragging the stray and gave Asulina a threatening look. "What do 'you' want?" she grumbled."Well, you are dragging this poor doggy back to your home. Don't you already have ... I think it was nineteen pets already?" Asulina said, tapping her chin in an effort to remember other things. Kate smiled, then gave looked away. "I used to," she said. "But most of them are no longer with me, so I need a new companion," she added."Geee... I wonder why..." Asulina said sarcasticly. The young girl had started pulling the stray again before Asulina stopped her, placing one of her hands on the other girls hand. "Leave this poor doggy alone, there are plenty of other strays in the area," she said."I don't see any," Kate said as she began to frantically search the area.Asulina smiled and waited until Kat wasn't looking her way, then she quickly summoned her cat, which appeared on the wall. "Look! There's a cat!" Asulina said, and pointed."OOOOOH!!! KITTY!" Kate said and released the stray wolf and instantly went after the cat. The cat looked at her, then gave a screech as it jumped off the wall and took off down the street. "Sorry Kila," Asulina said in a low tone as she clasped her hands together in a praying manner. "Just keep her busy for a couple minutes, then I'll unsummon you," she said.Looking at the stray; both her guard wolve's walked over and started sniffing the stray. They looked at Asulina with a suspicious look in their eyes, "Hey.... haven't I see you somewhere before?" Asulina asked herself as she looked at the wolve's face. "Come here kittty!" Kate's voice rang out from behind the wall. Several trash can's could be heard as her summoned cat ran through the cans, with Kate in tow. Asulina glared at the wall and shook her head. "Perhap's I should not have casted that strength spell on Kila..." she said with a heavy sigh before turning her attention back to the stray. "Hmm.... what to do..." she said, thinking.~~~~Kalshion sighed and watched the celebrating soldiers. Her personally wasn't interested in the festivities and decided that, after listening to the soldiers for several minutes, that he'd go back home to his daughter. Getting up from the table, he took one last sip from his cup before leaving the Inn and heading into South Qeynos.He was just in time to see a cat go running by him, followed by a young girl, followed by the two guard guards, followed by the captain of the guard. Kalshion blinked and shook his head, "I must be drunk," he said and walked toward the mage's tower where he found Asulina sitting on the ground, she appeared to be thinking. As he approuched her he noticed the stray next to her, it only took him a moment to realize that something wasn't right about this situation."Ah! Papa your back!" Asulina said, jumping up and running over to her father. Kalshion smiled and knelt down and patted both of his wolves on the head. He moved his hand over and messed up his daughter hair, which she grumbled at. "Papa...." she said and moved his hand away. Kalshion smiled and looked at the stray. A smile creased his face; though behind that smile he had a suspicious feeling about the stray. "And who do we have here?" he wondered.

Slask

02-27-2008, 08:42 PM

Asri looked at the girl, grateful for having been saved from a fate worse then death. We are even now girl.... She thought. Yes you've seen me before....think....who saved your squishy butt from an Ice Nova spell not so long ago? She shook, shaking the dirt out of her fur and straightening it out, making her look less like a sorry stray.Then Kalshion himself showed up and started studying her, the look in his eyes telling her he had an idea on who she was but wasn't completely sure. Oh for Cazic's sake.... She thought, getting annoyed. Asri turned to the girl and pushed her to the ground, then jumped on top of her, mimicking the best she could the position she took when she shielded the girl form the Ice Nova spell. The two wolves growled but she snapped and growled back at them, then looked up at Kalshion with a look that plainly said ‘Is this ringing any bells yet you idiot?'.***Meanwhile Zilathok was dozing in the sewers, but he kept waking up, feeling like he was being watched, like someone was standing next to him. When he would open his eyes there would be nothing there. After the third time he still felt something was there, but he could see nothing. He also thought he was hearing something other then the rats and the trickling sewer water.Realizing he probably wasn't going to get any real sleep, he sat up straight and sighed, rubbing his head."....""Huh?" Zilathok thought he heard a voice, but after listening a moment concluded it was just some weird echo."...are...."That sound again, only this time he definitely heard a word in it. "Who's there?" He asked, standing up and clutching his staff. After no answer he relaxed, again figuring it was some echo, possibly from the grates leading to the surface."Halt! What are you doing here!?"Zilathok nearly jumped out of his hide as he spun around, looking for the source. At first he saw nothing, but then he thought he saw a faint blue light beside him. As he focused on it, it took on more definition, becoming more and more humanoid in shape until he recognized the form of a Qeynosian guard, only this one was just a spirit, the ghost of one that had passed some time ago.It was female, human...or possibly half-elf as he couldn't see her ears clearly due to the helmet, her armor in sorry shape from whatever battle she had fought that brought her demise. Her ghostly sword was pointing at him threateningly, her face an expression of stern authority. It almost made him laugh: did she not recognize him as a necromancer and that as one she had no authority over him, especially a weak spirit like her. He set aside those thoughts however, not wanting to get into the line of thinking his father tried to beat into him for so long. Instead he was more curious as to ‘why' he could see the spirit in the first place: necromancy dealt with the more ‘physical' kinds of undead, not ghosts."I'm waiting for someone." He told the spirit, figuring he'd at least be polite. "My mate.""And what business does the likes of you have in our fair city?" The ghostly guard demanded. "Looking for weaknesses in our defense?"So loyal she cares about the safety of her city even after death.... Zilathok thought, feeling a bit sorry for her. "We seek information, but not for the reasons you think we are." He replied. "We are not looking for information that could be used against this city."The spirit's sword lowered a bit. "Then what information do you seek?" She asked. The spirit seemed, if anything, eager to just get him out of the area, so he decided to humor her. "We are looking for a ship called the Golden Maiden. We have reason to believe it docks here and we need to get aboard it if it does.""So you can pillage it?" The ghost's sword came up again."No. It knows the location of my mate's homeland. Not Kunark itself, but an island Clan not far from it...we believe anyway.""Why seek it now?""Because she only recently remembered it exists. The memory of her past was, until recently, locked away in her mind by a spell when she was captured by slavers. She wished to try to reclaim what she had lost."The spirit's sword was completely lowered now. "Was the ship you seek involved in slavery?""She would know better then I, but I do know it wasn't that ship that stole her from her past. Her first love was lost on this ship however."There was no response from the spirit and it seemed to fade away a bit as it apparently thought things over. "I've heard of ship you seek, in echo's from surface. Whenever it was in port, I hear another spirit cry in torment. I know not why and cannot help soothe it, as I have been bound to these tunnels since the Second War.""Second War...you mean the Second Rallosian War?""Yes. Myself and a few other's tried to warn our superiors that these tunnels were an access way into the city, but our warnings feel on deaf ears. We took it upon ourselves to protect these tunnels when the Rallosian army approached our gates. Some did try to access though here and we were able to repel them, at the cost of our lives.""So you have been ‘protecting' the tunnels ever since then...as obviously the powers that be still don't think the sewers are a safety risk." He paused, then asked. "Why are you telling me all this?""You are the first, in all my years haunting these tunnels, to see and hear me." Came the response. "The other's have since let themselves pass on, but I remained hoping to pass on our story to those that listen. But I will not move on until these tunnels are patrolled regularly by the living: the random cleaning by adventures is not enough...""I will pass on your tale to the contact my mate is trying to find." He told her. "He is a good soul and will no doubt take your story to heart.""Thank you..." The spirit looked genuinely grateful as she faded away. He knew she wasn't ‘gone', just released her essence enough to fade from his sight.Zilathok looked toward the grate Asri disappeared into what felt like hours ago, a faint frown forming on his lips. She said whenever that ship was in port she could hear another spirit crying in torment.... He thought. Why do I get the feeling that spirit is someone Asri knows....

Kalshi

02-27-2008, 10:20 PM

Kalshion sighed, shaking his head. "You realize that coming here right now wasn't exactly a great idea, but no matter, you are here so no doubt your fellow iksar is as well. Before we talk, it's best you get your companion up here, there's a trap door hidden behind some bricks near the sewer grate that leads here. That tunnel will take you to my home, and allow you to avoid the guards," he said. He glanced over his shoulder and watched as a group of guards ran toward the harbor. "Though you best be quick, the guards have been on edge as of late," he said."The tunnel will take you to my home's basement, don't worry about how it looks, the door there is always open." He said and turned to his daughter, who had picked herself up from the ground and was brushing herself off. "Here," he said and placed a scroll down in front of the wolve. "Take that to your companion, it'll turn him into a wolf much like the one's that guard my daughter, use that only if you want to take the surface streets. My house isn't that hard to find, after all, it's the only one with four snow wolve statues in front of it," he said."Come on Asu, we have to go home," say's Kalshion as he gently grabs his daugthers hand and walks her toward the archway leading into the main part of South Qeynos. Both of his guard wolves follow him, one they get to the archway the snow wolve lays down onto the ground and curls up. The other wolve follows Kalshion some distance more before also laying down, both wolves did this as a way to guide Asri and her companion if they decided to take the street.

niko_teen

02-29-2008, 12:22 PM

((And I am finally caught up again. Just letting you know that I'm enjoying your tale and are envious of the speed in which the two of you knock out new posts.))

Slask

03-09-2008, 11:24 AM

(Thank you! Now if only we can stop playing hot potato with writers block....)Asri stood there a moment watching him, the scroll in her mouth. A secret tunnel into his home....and right by where I had Zila stay put. She thought. Seems this elf has his own dirty secrets....She knew she should not linger, so she sprinted for the sewer grate, using the alleyways as cover. There was no one immediately around or looking her way, so she nosed the cover aside and dove in. Once fully in the connecting tunnel, she shifted to half form and took the scroll out of her mouth: it would be come quite useless if her drool caused the ink to run.Zilathok was where she left him, though she was surprised that he wasn't snoozing. Instead he seemed to be in deep thought, so much so it took him a moment to realize she had returned. "If I had been a guarrrd yooouuuu wooould be dead noooowww." She told him."Sorry...." Zilathok said with a shrug as he rose to his feet. "Though technically I met one while you were away.""What!?" Asri felt her fur stand on end."The spirit of one that is..." He added with a smirk. Asri folded her ears back and gave him a faint growl to show that she didn't appreciate that. However she was curious about this encounter."I thought necrooos coooould ooonly...." She started to ask."Deal with the physical undead." He finished for her. "I know. It surprised me too. I certainly never saw Xirthak talk to spirits so I am wondering why I can. Anyway...I did find out from it that the ship we are looking for does dock here.""So yoooou were able tooo torment it toooo get this information?"Zilathok shook his head, looking faintly disgusted that she would even suggest such a thing. "No, it gave it to me freely...because I was the first one to actually be able to see and hear it since her physical body died."Asri mulled this over. She found it odd that none of her goodly ‘kin' would have known about her and she certainly didn't remember ever seeing any ghosts during her forays in these tunnels years back. A few zombies and skeletons...but that was it on the undead front. Asri had a feeling this meant something, but she couldn't put a claw on it right now."Did you find him?" He asked, breaking her line of thought."Aye, he has a trrrrap door around herrrre somewherrrrre." She said as she started sniffing around the grate she just came out of. After a moment she caught the whiff of that elf. "Herrre." She said as she pulled the bricks aside, then the trap door behind it. Only then did she shift back to her natural state."Interesting...why would he...." Zilathok started to comment but stopped himself. "Oh yeah....he played both sides...of course he needed a means to sneak things in an out.""How do you know that?" Asri asked as she put her clothing back on."I over heard the Erozul tell him to basically stop doing it or else he'll have no allies at all.""I see. Well lets get a move on. You should be able to get some proper sleep once we are in his residence." Asri thought as she started stepped into the tunnel. "Oh, here." She handed him the scroll. "He gave that to me in cause we wanted to risk using the street: it changes you into a wolf. I figured it may come in handy at some point."She watched as Zilathok took the scroll and tucked it into pocket in his robe and waited for him to pass her before closing up the entry way. While she doubted any guards would be coming down here to possibly spot the secret passage, she knew wannabe adventurers sometimes came down here and one of them finding it would be just as bad.They proceeded down the passage until they found another trap door. Asri opened this one as well and they both stepped into a rather messy looking basement. "Someone could use some spring cleaning...." Zilathok muttered."We are here for information, not to judge the state of people's homes." Asri reminded him as they ascended the stairway into the main part of the house. They had to stop in shock once they got there: the place was full of pets."And I thought you were bad...." Zilathok quipped, Asri just glaring at him in response.

Kalshi

03-09-2008, 06:25 PM

"I see you two made it here safely," Kalshion said as he walked down the stairway. At the foot of the stairway, both of his wolves were laying down, asleep and seeming to not care about the two new guests they had."Papa we have--- oh," Asulina said before she noticed her father in the living room. "Oh..." she grumbled as she laid her arms on the wooden railing and sighed."Go ahead and make yourselves at home, it'll be awhile before I get anymore information about the ship you are desiring to board," said Kalshion as he wadded through his sea of pets. "And don't worry about the pets, they are all docile and won't harm a fly," he said but failed to notice the fly trap behind him snapping a fly out of the iar.Asulina sighed, "Papa.. can I go out?" she asked."You can, take the wolves with you ok?" he told her. She smiled and skipped down the stairway, then patted both of her wolves on the heads. They woke up, yawned, and then followed Asulina out of the house. With a smile he turned back toward his guests and said. "So, anything on your minds?" he asked, taking a seat on the chair.

Slask

03-15-2008, 11:04 AM

"Well...'you're an idiot' comes to my mind...." Asri said, folding her arms."Asri!" Zilathok chided her."I know I know....I shouldn't insult a softskin that is too stupid to realize the fact that the Overlord would be watching for unusual magic activity and the fact that if anyone with an axe to grind saw that letter you set us could have tattled to the leaders of either Qeynos or Freeport....maybe both and basically set up a nice ambush for us if we only came here two days later." She rolled her eyes as she said all this in practically one breath.Zilathok sighed and said. "Basically she thinks you were foolish in your method of communicating with us and practically put all of us at risk for capture.""Didn't I just say that?" Asri sneered."Yes hun, but I said it with a lot less sarcasm."Asri snorted but didn't say anything more, her point having been made. So Zialthok took the opportunity to speak. "I found out while waiting for her to find you that the ship we seek does indeed dock here." He said."From a ghost no less...." Asri muttered."Spirit." Zilathok corrected."What's the difference?""Ghosts don't remember ‘why' they are still on this plane....spirits do." Zilathok said with a sigh. "Anyway, the spirit was once a member of the Qeynos guard that died during the Second Rallosian War. She told me that her superiors at the time scoffed at her and some companions concerns that the Rallosians could enter the city through the sewers and they went to defend it themselves. The succeeded, but at the cost of their lives. She told me she will continue to patrol those tunnels until the city officials arrange for permanent patrols down there.""And ‘why' are you telling him this?" Asri sneered. "If Qeynos does take protecting the tunnels seriously people like us won't be able to come in here as easily.""I promised I would for one...." Zilathok replied calmly. "You really re more suited to living in this disgusting place." Asri grumbled."Yeah but then I wouldn't be able to see you." He thought he caught a faint blush on the white parts of her hide before she turned away.

Kalshi

03-15-2008, 08:39 PM

Kalshion listened before grinning, he grabbed a peice of paper that was right next to him and wrote something on it. He let the paper sit for a couple second's before lifting it up, the showed the paper to his two guests, it had a small sentence written on it. Then he took his ink pen and wrote down the name's of his guests no the bottom right of the note, second's later the two name's disappeared. When he showed them the paper a second time, the text was still there, but Kalshion couldn't see it. When he removed their name's and showed them it again, this time the text wasn't there, meaning his guests couldn't see. "Basically, I used ink that has magical properties, after I wrote on that letter I also wrote in your names - and don't ask how I know them, that's a trade secret," he grinned."Basically, even IF someone got ahold of this letter, it wouldn't have mattered. The moment someone 'not' listened to handle the paper was to touch it," he said and removed his name and waited a few seconds, then when he touched it the paper burst into flames. "It would burn up," he smiled at them and got up. "I did take extra precautions in making sure you two were safe, though the fact you came here now does make my job somewhat easier."With that he turned his attention to the spirit that Zilathok had mentioned. "I never knew a spirit resided in there, but now that I know and that you've told me I'll petition the military to beef up security, as for getting back in here. The sewers are just one avenue of entry into this place, there are many many others, some even the mage's and military aren't aware of," he grinned and sat back down.

Slask

03-21-2008, 06:28 PM

Zilathok saw Asri's friliks flare slightly in agitation, but she remained silent. He knew they have both been proven wrong about their concerns, but Asri wasn't about to admit to having been wrong, especially not to a softskin. "Ok, I concede that you are more cautious then we thought you were....can't speak for Asri though..." He said with a smirk."Shut up..." Asri mumbled harshly, but Zilathok merely chuckled. "When do you think the ship will come in?" She asked after a moment."Asri...I believe he just told us that he is still gathering information...be more patient please."To that Asri just snarled.***It's been a few days since he was hauled from the beach, though he hardly felt any ‘better'. Yes they healed most of his wounds, but the Domine felt it fit to leave him blind in one eye as a ‘reminder' of how he failed the Emperor and how easily he could be sent to Venril himself to get his real punishment for his failure. On top of that, he is now hanging against a cold wall of one of the Domine's prisons, forced to wait to find out what he will do with him. With nothing to do and no one to talk to, he had a lot of time to think over what had happened to him.Xirthak still couldn't get over how his son was able to summon such a powerful creature, even with the explanation the creature itself gave him. It flew in the face of the discoveries of all known scholars throughout Norrath. Going by the theories that he held dear all his life, only Venril himself should have been able to summon such a powerful being.It was a scary thought. If Zilathok really was more powerful then he thought, it was possible he could challenge Venril Sathir for his throne. While Xirthak seriously doubted his son wanted anything to do with controlling the Iksar Empire, there was always the chance that Zilathok would do so if only to protect the ones he cared for. So much potential... He thought. Wasted on such weak sentiments....Footsteps. Xirthak heard them before numerous times since he was put in here and it only resulted in someone coming to feed him if that. However it wasn't feeding time, so he doubted anyone was coming into his cell. So it was a bit of surprise to him when he heard the sound of his cell door being unlocked and the Domine himself walked in. Xirthak couldn't help but snarl at him."What do you want?" He growled at him. The immediately response was smack across the face."Such insolence..." The Domine snarled. "It puzzles me on why the Emperor tolerates you.""It puzzles me on why the Emperor even bothered rising you to be one of his sub commanders." Xirthak snapped. "I would have thought Venril would have chosen another descendant rather then the one that betrayed him.""You forget that it was my father that betrayed us Xirthak." Domine Rile hissed. "But obviously that doesn't get through your thick skull to your usually intelligent brain.""He did what he had to...." Another smack stopped him short."Silence! I did not come here to debate the reasons behind our loyalty to the Emperor.""Or lack there of rather?" Xirthak sniped and braced himself for another hit, but one didn't come."I want to know how you, one of the Emperors most powerful agents besides us Domine, got your tail handed to you so easily."Xirthak growled, knowing where this was going to go. If he told Rile about the Erozul and his son, he would no doubt try to convince the boy to summon it on the Emperor. Unless...he twisted the truth somehow. "It was a creature from another plane." He replied simply. "One unlike anything seen on Norrath before."Rile looked almost disappointed: apparently he had been hoping for something more ‘Norrathian' in origin. "How was it summoned?" He asked."I don't know." Xirthak said."You lie....you know how." Rile growled, getting into his face."I know what you plan to use this knowledge for Rile..." Xirthak growled back. "I won't let you use it against the Emperor."That was a mistake, going by the grin on the Domine's face, and Xirthak cursed himself for the slip up. "So it is some that may be useful to me." The Domine said. "The sooner you tell me the less pain you'll end up in.""I'll take the pain rather then say anything that will threaten the well being of the Emperor!" Xirthak said defiantly."Then we'll see how much pain you can take before breaking." Rile said cruelly before turning away and started to leave."I'll never betray the Emperor!" Xirthak shouted at Rile's back before he disappeared behind the cell door. Xirthak found himself alone again with only his own thoughts for company. He wondered just how long he will be able to hold out and if could figure out a way to warn Venril of his son's plans.

Kalshi

03-22-2008, 05:40 AM

"What you ask for isn't exactly something I can conjour up in seconds, the ship listings and docking information are locked away behind locked chests. And, because it's light out, I'm not going to risk a daylight run so I'll wait till tonight before 'aquiring' those lists. Until then, all you can do is wait..." Kalshion said.Taking a seat at his desk, he glanced down at a sheet of papers. "These lists show previous ship movements here, amongst those listed is the ship you desire to board. It docked here once four months ago, and again three months before. It's cargo-manifest is still secret, which is why on his list it's cargo is usually listed as 'unknown'," he said and handed them the sheets."By all rights it should dock here in a matter of days, but when 'exactly' I won't know until possibly tonight," he said and opened a scroll. "Oh... a general warning, if you decide to go outside looking like a wolf or close to one, be sure to avoid a certain little girl. You'll know her when you see her, my wolves tend to flee in terror when she comes at them, though I could careless if they tore her to shreds, it just wouldn't look good for business or for nighborhood relations," he said, though the expression he wore was neutral.As he said that, one of his pets walked up and under his chair then around him and laid down. The wolf was snow white, similiar to one that went with Asulina, only this wore clearly showed signs of battle. "My companion, who I've retired after year's of service," he said and patted the wolf on the head. The wolf gave out a small sound as it was stratched, then laid it's head back down and closed it's eyes. "So, what are you two going to do for now? It'll be night in less than six hours so," he said and glanced at the clock on the wall. "Though I'll give Asulina another hour before going to fetch her," he said in a whisper so Asri or Zilathok couldn't hear him.

Slask

03-22-2008, 11:13 AM

"I've already met that hellish child." Asri growled, remembering the event not so fondly. "Thankfully your daughter was able to get her off me. It would probably be to the relief of everyone in Norrath if I ripped her to shreds some day...." She heard Zilathok chuckle, but a quick warning glance kept him from making any kind of comment.Unknown huh? Asri thought as she turned her attention to the sheets Kalshion handed her. Now that he mentioned it....I never ‘did' find out what o Captain Harold shipped. Dresik claimed he didn't know either. I wonder what is so valuable that he keeps even his own crew in the dark about...."I think we should get some shut eye hun." Zilathok said, breaking into her train of thoughts. "Though you don't show it...I know you must be tired after that long ride and I know you know I am tired.""Very well." Asri said with a sigh. "If the ship does come in tonight we will need to be as ready as possible for it's arrival....since we are going to have to sneak onto it.""Whaa?""Zila...think!" Asri gave him a playful tap on the head. "Do you think Qeynos port authority will just let us walk right onto it? Plus we will have to contend with the Captain himself and may be best if we are away from port when we confront him...lest he call for help from the guards. Not to mention it's not a passenger ship we will be boarding, so we'll have to make it worth his while to even let us stay on board for the trip.""So getting him to cooperate will be the hardest thing....great...." Zilathok muttered. "Unless we can somehow figure out what he's carrying...and use that as leverage...""Blackmail you mean?" Asri raised a brow, though she smiled as well. "I didn't think you were the type to do such a thing."Zilathok sighed. "Only said it because if I didn't you would have suggested it yourself eventually." He confessed. "Doesn't mean I like the idea.""Or if it's even possible." Asri admitted. "It sounds like not even Qeynos knows what he's shipping...or at the very least very few are trusted with the knowledge. Makes me wonder if he's carrying stuff that's....illegal....""Well we can't do anything about it now during the day as he said." Zilathok said nodding at Kalshion. "Where's your guest bedroom, we only require one bed.""Zila!" Asri felt the skin in her frillik's go hot and red."What? It's not like he hasn't figured it out by now...." Zilathok said with a grin.

Kalshi

03-22-2008, 04:27 PM

Kalshion grinned and pointed at the ceiling. "The attic is split into four bedrooms, the two clossest to the stairway are guest rooms while the two on the far as currently used by my pets, and yes, they have their own room," he said and glanced toward a window. The howling wind outside told Kalshion that a storm was brewing just off the coast, and he knew what that meant. "Well, I want to stay and chat but with a storm coming I best grab my daughter and bring her home, oh.. and as for that little girl. I don't know what her deal is, I've only seen her parents twice since I started living here. All of the other children here dislike her, but she does have a few who are on her side. Perhaps one day she'll get her just desserts," he said and got up from his chair and walked over to the door. "Lina!" he shouted as a wolf with golden fur came down the stairs leading up to the attic, the wolf jumped over the railing and landed on the first floor. "Good boy," Kalshion said and stretched under the wolves chin."I'll be back in a few, the guest rooms should be to your liking, there's a single bed with a nice view of South Qeynos, and no, you don't have to worry about being spotted by the guards. Unless those guards can see through an illusion, all they'd see is an open window. In fact, the only guards I'm aware that can see through an illusion are all located in North Qeynos so, your safe here," Kalshion said and transformed himself into a white snow wolf.As he walked out of the house however he heard the squeeling screech of a young girl. "DOGGY!!" the voice shouted. Kalshion gulped, along with his companion, and took off in a flash down the street so fast that the little girl just stopped and started crying, before spotting a cat and chasing after it.

Slask

03-28-2008, 10:53 PM

"If that child was in Freeport she'd be dead by now..." Asri grumbled. "That...or Lucan would have hired her to torture the more animal like sentients....""Like ‘us'?" Zilathok said with a grin as he started up the stairs. Asri shivered. "Ugh...good point." She sighed as she followed him up. "One of these days will find a home where the ‘landlord' isn't speciest.""Well, isn't that part of the reason we are trying to relocate the place where you grew up?"Asri was quiet a moment as they started to ascend the stairs that lend into the attic. "I...hadn't thought of that...." She finally admitted. "I hadn't put much thought at all into really settling down due to how...things are."Zilathok paused at the top of the stairs and turned toward her. "Things won't always be this way, they don't have to be this way now if you really don't want them to be." He said to her softly. "I'm ready to settle down...whenever you are."Asri smiled and embraced him. "I don't know when that will be....but one thing at a time right?" She said quietly."Of course." Zilathok replied, returning the embrace.They chose the quest room that didn't have a direct view of the stairway for privacy reasons. Even so, neither of them undressed completely, not knowing how quickly they may need to depart to catch the boat. Asri fell asleep almost immedately, but Zilathok found himself unable to fall asleep quickly despite how tired he was. His mind kept thinking back to the spirit encountered in the sewers: not the discussion that took place between them, but that it happened in the first place.I was the first she said. He thought. Despite all those years and countless adventurers that would have run through there. Why me? My necromantic skills? No...surely their would have been necro's sneaking around there before me, unless she purposely avoided trying to talk to them. He frowned, realizing that didn't make sense at all: after all she did challenge him despite being a necromancer himself. I didn't use necromancy at all when talking to her. He realized. But I don't remember if I used magic or not....I don't think I did, but maybe subconsciously? He rubbed his head. I must have done ‘something' to be able to see her...couldn't have just been her will alone. Certainly not necromancy...that causes death and controls undead....and she was talking to me willingly.Was this just a fluke? He thought. Or did I stumble upon something....something I can rechannel and transform the skills I know into something more appealing? He was really starting to feel tired now and he could finally feel himself starting to drift off. Maybe I should talk to Kalshion about it.... Was his last thought before falling asleep at last.

Kalshi

04-07-2008, 04:58 AM

Rain had started to fall on the Antonica Plains. In his wolf form, along with his companion Lina, the two had made it out to the Claymore Monument. Qeynos soldiers patroled the area between the gates, the guard towers and the Claymore."Your daughter? Yea, I saw her go into the forest," a guard said when Kalshion had asked him if he had seen his daughter. "We already cleared the forest earlier this morning of any dangers so she should be safe," he said before hefting his two handed sword and continueing on his patrol path."Doubtful," Kalshion said and began toward the forest. Because of the storm, the forest was dark and gave a somewhat creepy feel when Kalshion stepped inside. Lina glanced about and sniffed the air, then growled, Kalshion looked at her for a second before his nose picked up a faint trace of human blood in the air. ***"Get away!" Asulina shouted as she fired off a spell at the approuching orc. Saliva dropped from it's mouth as he hefted it's large club, Asulina backed away slowly, but had one hand on the side of her chest. A small hole in her robe with blood straining around it could be seen even with her hand overi t, she grunted from the pain and just kept walking backwards until he foot caught something and she tripped, she yelped in pain as she felt something break.Even through this display, the orc didn't drop its advance. As it neared her it raised it's club ready to bring it down, then suddenly a bolt of lightning crese crossed the sky and struck the club, not only turning it into ash but also causing the orc to reel backwards.Shaking off the attack; the Orc quickly got back onto its feet and looked around, but the only thing he saw were a wolves paws before he lost his sight.Kalshion lept backwards, using the orc's body as a brace and landed on all fours. The orc was covering both its gouged eyes, remnents of both were still present on Kalshion's claws. With a howl he rushed the orc and slashed at it's chest, then made a deep gash in both of its legs, causing the orc to hit the ground hard. It'll die from blood lose, Kalshion thought and turned toward his daughter. He quickly changed his form and ran over to her, tears down her face from the pain she was feeling. With a fatherly look of concern he placed his hand over his daughter's wounds and healed them. She looked up at him with the eyes that said 'I'm sorry' but Kalshion just smiled at her and picked her up, placing his coat over her so the storm wouldn't get her to wet. While walking back Asulina had fallen asleep on his back. Her snoozing brought a sense of comfort to Kalshion, knowing that she was alright and no longer in pain. As he made his way toward the gates leading into Qeynos, he found himself asking a question of himself. "Is it right for me to bring my daughter along?" he asked.Lina looked at him with a quizzicle look, Kalshion looked down at her and just shook his head. "It's nothing," he told her and she nodded. "Though I don't trust leaving her alone either, she is but a child still, perhaps I will bring her along," he smiled. Once inside South Qeynos, Kalshion stopped at the front door and laid Asulina onto Lina's back. He then whispered softly into her ears, with a nod the wolf nosed the door open and made its way up the stairs and into the bedroom, Kalshion didn't say a word and instead made for the harbor masters office.The trek through the rain soaked streets was a slow one as the guards had increased their patrols during stormy weather. "Search some of the abandoned buildings," he heard a captain say to some of his subordinates. As he approuched the Harbor Masters Office, he couldn't help but wonder how many guards were posted at the door - and to his surprise, there weren't any when he walked in."Empty," he said to himself and walked inside. He figured it was due to the strong storm, no ship would try and dock in his weather. Quickly he picked the lock leading into the masters office, then sat down and searched through the records. "The ship had docked quite a few times over the past months," Kalshion said before spotting what he was looking for. "Aha..." he smiled and quickly wrote down the information."It'll be here just after midnight tonight," he said and looked at the crew manifest and cargo listings. "Whoa, talk about a mixed crew," he said and looked through the name. As he did he wrote them down as well as the cargo manifest, then pocked the information and quickly placed the files back into their original order.Making his way out of the office; he hadn't noticed a guard watching him from just across the street. "Hmmm...." the guard said.

Slask

04-07-2008, 11:59 AM

His dreams were usually weird, sometimes erotic when Asri appeared in them, but this one seemed rather tame, even boring. He was standing on a grassy plain, which didn't look like the Commonlands, or even Antonica. Zilathok could feel the grass beneath his feet, but when looking at his form he realized he was ghost-like. There was nothing else around, nothing he could see but endless miles of grass in all directions. Yet he didn't feel alone either..."Ahhhh...." A voice said behind him. Zilathok whirled around to see the source. The figure was that of a male Iksar, ghostly like him but he could tell he was an actual spirit and not someone that still had a foot firmly planted in the mortal realm. He looked heavily scarred from having fought many battles and from his attire Zilathok felt it was a safe assumption that he had been a caster of some sort in life. "You do have the talent." The figure said. "I feared my son would have beaten all chance of it awakening in you...."Zilathok was confused. Beaten? The only one that had beaten him was...."Are you my grandfather?" Zilathok said when it dawned on him.The spirit chuckled. "You are smarter then you look and act grandson." He said, a broad grin on his ghostly features. "Talikus is my name.""Talikus....the name's not familiar to me." Zilathok confessed. "Fa...er...Xirthak never spoke of my grandparents...."Talikus snorted. "Because he didn't want you know me." Came a harsh response. "He didn't want to risk his spawn learning about me and trying to repeat my accomplishments. Killed me even, when you were just an egg to ‘ensure' that. However...." He smiled. "It seems you are on your way of doing so on your own....""Why would he be afraid of your accomplishments?" Zilathok asked."Because he feared it could eventually be used against his beloved ‘god'." Talikus sneered."God....Venril....""Yes, the false God. The traitor. The blasphemer." Talikus growled. "He didn't know that I had no intentions of even trying to use my special blend of magic on Venril, as I figured I'd let Cazic Thule himself have the honor of smiting him when he returned. But he would have killed me anyway if I had told him.""Why am I able to talk to you then?" Zilathok asked. "Shouldn't the Sylloyk have claimed you?"A hiss emitted from Talikus' lips. "The Sylloyk is another wannabe god." He replied. "One that Venril is using to augment his own power. When I learned of this during my communion with the spirits one day, I vowed to never let Venril use my soul that way and prepared myself spiritually for my eventual death. A good thing I did, since my death came sooner then expected.""At Xirthak's hands...." Zilathok muttered. He wished he can gotten a chance to know his grandfather in life: maybe things wouldn't have been bad for him in his earlier years. "You said I had talent...do you mean in that ‘special blend' of magic you mentioned you had before?""You have the talent necessary to obtain that blend yes." The spirit replied. "All fields of magic I noticed during my research can be blended together to create new spells and effects. How well it blends depends on how compatible the fields are. In fact, sometimes only certain spells in one field can be blended with spells of another field.""You like how Xirthak was able to cast Ice Nova when he's a Necro?""No no no no." Talikus shook his head. "That's just having spells from two different fields. Blending is when you try to use spells from different fields at the same time. For example, my son blending Ice Nova with his plague of rats spell, combining the effects of both. Now...those two fields are not actually compatible....so at best you end up with rat popsicles, if you get anything at all. Never tried that combination, so I'm not sure.""Wizard spells are based on the elements of fire and ice." Zilathok muttered to himself. "Necromancy is based on death, decay, and the subjugation of undead. They are not similar at all. A warlock, based on poison and disease, would be compatible with Necromancy. So would a Conjurer for the summoning spells and.....shamanic...for the....""Communion and control of spirits." Talikus finished for him. "The other kind of ‘undead'. You are catching on.""So I can use my necromantic skills to commune with spirits?""Only if you blend it with Shamanic." Talikus corrected. "Which is what you did when you spoke to that guard in the sewers.""But I didn't even realize I was doing it...." Zilathok protested. "As far as I knew I wasn't doing anything.""Actually that's a good sign...a very good sign." Talikus said with a broad grin. "It means it's innate in you and you just need to learn how to tap into it.""H...how?""Well I can't help you much with that as I had to do it the hard way." Talikus shrugged helplessly. "I think though, that continuing to commune with spirits would be a good start. I must warn you though, while most spirits will be willing to let their voices be heard, some will be out right hostile. That's where your necromantic skills will need to come into play.""Great...so I still have to learn that...." Zilathok grumbled."I foresee it as only temporary." Talikus said. "After all, you never know where you find assistance in your studies. Keep an open mind....talk to you another time....""Wait! There are still things I want to...." But Zilathok was too late. The spirit of his grandfather had disappeared...

niko_teen

04-07-2008, 12:05 PM

I've fallne far behind yet again.... But I'm glad to see that you two are still cranking away. I'll see what i can do to get caught up and by no means slow down. I love the way that you two keep cranking out the installments

Kalshi

04-07-2008, 02:04 PM

(OOC: Thanks Neko! We try our best <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> )Outside the house, Kalshion was staring up at the clousd that covered the sky. The rain had started falling even harder now, he wondered if the ship would come into port, with that thought in mind he walked into his home and closed the door behind him. He walked up the stairs and found his three wolves laying in front of the door, two were asleep while the other was looking at him.Kalshion just smiled and walked past the wolves into the bedroom, Asulina was asleep on the bed, Lina laying next to her. When he entered, Lina's ears flickered and she looked up at him, then got down from the bed. She watched as he walked by her and sat on the side of the bed that Asulina was on, he then caressed her hair and spoke softly to her. He then turned toward Lina, he spoke to her and she nodded before leaving the room. "Time to let those two Iksar know what I've found, just hope they don't freak at seeing a wolve wake them up," he grinned and tossed a barrier around Lina just in case. With a smile he got up from the bed and walked just a short distance to a small open room that was near the stairs leading up to the attic. There he fetched several book's and laid them out on the table and started reading.

Slask

04-07-2008, 10:51 PM

He was having such a sweet dream now. He was on a beach, the sun setting off to one side and Asri in his lap while the waves were licking at their feet. Then his face felt wet and he wondered if it was raining. But there was no clouds in the sky and Asri was peacefully dozing against his chest.Suddenly something very cold pressed against his throat where his scales were thinnest. With a yelp he jumped out of bed, spilling Asri on the floor. When he came back down he slipped on the covers and fell face first unto the floor."Ooooww....." He moaned as he picked himself up."What was that all about?" Asri asked as she picked herself off the floor. When she spotted the wolf it dawned on her. "Oh, it seems we had a wake up call. The elf must have found something.""Ugh...eeewww!" Zilathok said with he saw the wolf and started wiping his face on his sleeve, now knowing what it was that got his face wet."You didn't mind it when it was me not so long ago." Asri teased him when she realized what the wolf must have had done to wake him up."It was you...that's the difference." Zilathok muttered.Asri chuckled and gathered her belongings. "Come on, we should see what he found out."Grumbling, Zilathok did the same and followed her down stairs.

Kalshi

04-08-2008, 09:33 PM

From the second floor, Kalshion stared down at the table with two chairs arranged around it. A third chair was up against the wall, which Kalshion was planning on moving closer to the table anyway.He slowly walked down the stairs and over to the chair in question, moving it to the table and then taking a seat. He took the notes out of his bag that he had made when he was in the dock masters office, then looked them over. Names, cargo lists, even ships names, he had written it all down, hoping that perhaps Asri would notice anything.Hearing the sound of something coming up the basement stairs, he looked up to find Lina being the first thing to come up, followed by the two Iksar who he had sent her to wake up. He looked at Zilathok, and had a feeling they were asleep when Lina went and 'fetched' them for him. "Please, take a seat," he said and laid the notes out. "Recognize anyone, or, anything from these notes?" he asked them.

Slask

04-09-2008, 11:12 AM

Asri looked over the notes with intense interest. "This one...the Golden Maiden." She said, pointing at the ships name. And I could have sworn I told him exactly the name of the ship I wanted before. Guess softskins can only hold one thought in their heads at a time.... She thought to herself."Comes in at midnight from the looks of it." Zilathok said, reading the notes himself. "Sounds like there's a storm outside, you think the Captain will delay coming in to be safe?""Captain Harold would come in if there was a hurricane going on." Asri said. "Money is all he cares about and if he lost a few crew to a storm while trying to dock he'd just shrug his shoulders and hire replacements. And...." She tapped the notes. "It looks like Harold is still Captain according to this....so the ship will come in tonight, storm or no storm.""Well on the bright side if the storm is still going when it comes in, we can use it as cover to sneak aboard." Zilathok thought outloud.Asri smiled at her mate. "Exactly. We only have a short window to get aboard as well as it appears it's only going to be in port for a few hours. A supply run no doubt. We should get ready now."

Kalshi

04-09-2008, 02:17 PM

Kalshion smiled. "We have a few hours before it arrives; the storm right now isn't as bad, but it should be in about an hour," he said. Even the guards prefer to stay indoors during a bad storm like this, he thought to himself. He got up from his chair and said. "You can find everything you'll need in the basement, if you need anything that isn't there let me know and I'll make a run to the bazaar," he said and then glanced up at the room. I'll let my daughter sleep a bit longer, he smiled and went to make his own preparations.

Slask

04-13-2008, 10:42 PM

Asri nodded and beckoned for Zilathok to follow her. Once down in the basement they started looking through the supplies to see what they may need."I don't think we need to bring too much else other then what we already brought with us." Asri muttered at one point, mostly to herself but loud enough for Zilathok to overhear. "A ship usually provides the basics of what we need.""Like you mentioned before though, this isn't a passenger ship." Zilathok reminded her. "We may want to bring some things to sleep in: blankets and such.""Good point. We may end up sleeping in the cargo hold for all we know." Asri looked around and picked up a large thick blanket. "This should do. Just need something water proof to put it in.""Why?""Well because of the storm outside for one and the other is that we may have to swim to the ship to avoid the dock patrols.""Oh...right.""By the way. You think you can cook up a full meal before we leave?" She asked as she found a suitable lightweight container to put the blanket in."It will depend on what Kalshion has in the pantry but I don't see why not. Why you ask?""Because in a few hours we'll likely only have access to sea rations for who knows how long." Asri explained. "So I'd rather start out on the trip with a stomach full of real food."

Kalshi

04-14-2008, 02:38 PM

In his room, Kalshion had retreived a pack from the clossest and was filling it with spell scrolls and other items that he would need. "I hope those two don't mind, but as things stand right now," he said and packed a large case of healing items and herbs. He glanced over at his daughter who was fast asleep, snuggled up against her pillow. Sleeping right beside her just under her chin was a baby snow wolf, the same wolf that his companion had given birth to just a few weeks before. Lina was sitting at the foot of the bed watching her baby; but her gave occasionally went back toward Kalshion himself. She trodded over to him and laid down right beside him, then muzzled her nose up against his side to get his attention. "What's wrong?" Kalshion said when he turned toward her. She gave out a whining noise and then glanced at his pack and then at the door.Kalshion smiled and stratched under the wolve's chin. "You want come along don't you? Well, about your cub?" he asked her before her mate came into the room and gently grabbed the cub by the back fo the neck and removed it. "Ahh... ok..." he said. "I guess I know who wears the pants in that family," he said in a whisper but knew his companion had heard. "What else to pack," he said before hearing something. He glanced quickly at the window and walked over to it, his companion making a growling noise. "Nothing," he said as he opened the shutters and looked out, with a sigh and a shake of his head he walked back over to the pack and continued putting items in it before he got up and went to put on the table downstairs, his companion followed behind. Unaware of a figure lurking near the open window.

Slask

04-14-2008, 03:49 PM

The pair continued to look for things they may need on the trip, but as time went on Zilathok found his mind drifting back to the conversation he had with his grandfather and what it could mean for his future. Some aspects of shamanism are compatible with necromancy. He thought, rubbing his chin. The same with some conjuror and warlocks aspects. Spirits aren't just related to death however.... The pale scaled Iksar knew it was a stretch, but if it would get him away from using necromancy completely he was willing to try."Zila you've been staring at that bag for the last several minutes." His mate's voice broke into his thoughts. "Is it really that difficult a decision?" He could hear the teasing in her voice."No no, I was distracted." Zilathok confessed. "While we were napping I was visited by another spirit.""Really? A Qeynosian priestess this time?" Asri said in a mocking tone. He loved her, but sometimes her attitude got on his nerves."No, my grandfather." Zilathok said bluntly. "Oh. Just what you need, another relation on your tail about what you want to do..." Asri muttered."Actually...he's not like Xirthak at all." Zilathok reassured her. "So much so that Xirthak killed him before I was born so I would never meet him.""Boy does your sire have issues...." Again the mocking tone, but this time Zilathok didn't mind it. "What did he hate your grandfather so much for?""Because he was experimenting with mixing two archtypes of magic into one, basically.""This may be because I am a ‘meat shield' rather then a caster, but I don't see why someone would kill him for that."Zilathok hesitated, not sure if he should tell her. "He was killed because Xirthak feared the particular mix he was experimenting with could be used against Venril.""But Venril is practically indestructible since he's a lich." Asri said, shaking her head. "Unless you find and destroy his...phi-tha-ty...""Phylactery.""Whatever..."Zilathok sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "It would take too long to explain it in such a way that you would understand." He said. "Besides, it would be a long time before I'm at the level where I could be considered a threat to him."Asri blinked in obvious confusion. "Wha...what are you talking about?"He sighed again. "I'll try to explain later, like maybe once we are securely on board the ship." He said. "In the meantime we have...." He stopped in mid-sentence as something tugged on his mind. When Asri started to ask what was wrong he put up a hand to quiet her as he attempted to focus. He knew it was a spirit of some sort trying to contact him, however as quickly as the sensation appeared it was gone again, leaving him with only a sense that there was danger nearby."Asri...there's trouble close by...." He said as he started up the stairs to warn Kalshion.Zilathok heard her call of confusion but he didn't stop to explain as he knew time was critical. "Kal! Something is wrong!" He called out the moment he reached the main floor.

Kalshi

04-15-2008, 03:29 AM

Kalshion had just placed his bag on the table when he not only heard Zilathoks warning, but also heard something from upstairs. Lina turned her head and instantly bared her fangs, along with her mate and the other wolves. He watched as a man cladded in armor appeared from the bedroom doorway, his arm wrapped around Asulina's neck.The girl didn't struggle, but her eyes showed a fear similiar to what Kalshion had seen years before. "Let her go!" he demanded."Let her go?" the man said and placed his blade up against her throat. "So, the weaponsmith that our guard has bought so many weapons from is a freeport dog," he grinned as he slowly ran the knife across Asulina's throat, not neck enough to cause a cut, but enough to make the young girl whimper.His fists were clenched and he was unable to do anything, "Blast you..." Kalshion said through gritted teeth. The man walked down to the foot of the stairs and glanced at the two Iksars. "My my, my lord will pay me handsomely for the heads of two scales," he grinned and looked down at the little girl. Asulina had tears on her face and it seemed the man was enjoying the torment he was giving her; even as he ran the blade on the other side of her neck, it only increased her fear and the tears that came.

Slask

04-15-2008, 11:05 AM

Zilathok cursed to himself. How long were the spirits trying to warn him of this threat before he finally sensed it? Now anything rash they did would result in the girl getting hurt, or worse. Maybe...maybe I can ask a spirit for help....but how? He thought, his mind racing. I'm only just starting to learn this....Plus he knew he didn't have much time: eventually the man would get bored of taunting and actually act. "And why would you want our heads?" Asri asked suddenly. "We are recent refugees from Freeport and I doubt your Queen would take kindly to you taking the heads of new citizens without merit. You do know you have Iksar citizens here right?""Please, I am well connected in the ‘refugee' process and no lizards have applied for sanctuary recently." The man said.Thank you... Zilathok thought. Keep him talking as long as you can. He started trying to focus his mind on any spirits that could be in the area. There was a presence of several he detected, oddly enough around the man. He couldn't see them, but he could feel their anger: apparently this man had slighted a lot of people."And you think that's the only way to ‘apply'?" Asri said, tilting her head. "The Overlord and his lackeys are not idiots you know...they would have eventually discovered the people guiding people like us to you the ‘official' way. Always a good idea not to put all your eggs in one basket you know. Kalshion here is our point of contact for a ‘backup' method.""Bull. The evidence we have building up against this elf shows he's a Freeport supporter."Can you help us? Zilathok thought, attempting to talk to the spirits. I know you are angry at this man, perhaps I can help you get back at him? He wasn't certain he was reaching them, until an ogress spirit started materializing before him.All of us want this man's head. The ogress replied. We were all applicants for this city, but because of what we were he not only refused us but had us killed for crimes we did not commit.He could see the other's a bit now and all of them were of races that were always considered ‘evil', a few of his own kind among them. This angered him. As long as he as the knife close to the kid...We can't affect him directly. The ogress said. However, we may be able to redirect your own energy if you allow us. Before his eyes, the spirits made a line behind himself and the man.He ran though the list of spells he knew in his mind and found a simple ‘hold' spell. It was a spell that allowed a caster to hold on to his target for a brief time no matter how hard it struggled, but required physical contact. However if the spirits were going to transfer it... Aim for the arm holding the knife. He mouthed the words of the spell but held off on the last one: he needed to wait for the right moment and speed would be of the essence. "Like you have a squeaky clean record yourself." He told the man. "You have a lot of enemies...""All my enemies are dead." The man said confidently."Yes...but you see, here's a little lesson for you. If someone was wronged in life, or has some kind of unfinished business, they linger on this plane as a spirit. I know now that there's quite a few people that you have wronged, all of them applicants for asylum. All of them you apparently framed with crimes they didn't commit so they couldn't ‘tint' this city with their presence. You have a bunch of angry spirits following you around...waiting for an opportunity to get their revenge."A tickle of sweat ran down the man's forehead. "How did you...""I can talk to spirits." Zilathok said with a shrug."Necromancer....""No....Spiritcaller...." Zilathok wasn't sure where the word came from, but it felt right."There's no such thing!" The man thrust his knife in his direction. Zilathok shouted the last word of the spell and thrust his hand out in a grabbing/holding motion. If only the others could see it: in quick succession, the spirits repeated the gesture, transferring the spells magic up through them and to the man's arm. The last spirit in the line appropriately appeared to be holding the man's arm in place. "Wha..." The man was confused as to why he couldn't move his arm any more and started to struggle."Kal...now! This spell won't last long!" He shouted, feeling the magic starting to weaken already.

Kalshi

04-15-2008, 01:35 PM

Kalshion wasn't sure what happened, but took the oppertunity none the less. He quickly made his move and grabbed his daughter away from the man, who apperently was looking rather worried now.As he backstepped he shouted. "Lina! Lyra!" and the two wolves appeared and bared their fangs at the man. "I think I may understand what you just did," Kalshion said, though he sounded unsure. "If these spirits want this man for themselves, my companions won't interfere, but if we let him live he'll only give us further problems," he said.The man continued in his struggle to break the hold on his arm.Kalshion was kneeling down, assessing his daughters injuries, though Asulina still had tears down her face - she was trying very hard not to cry. "If the spirits don't want him, my two companions here would be glad to put him to good us," Kalshion said, as if on cue the two wolves started drooling. At the sight of this the man not only got scared; but an odor started enveloping the room.

Slask

04-15-2008, 06:54 PM

"The spirits can't do anything to him as he is now." Zilathok said. "But are eagerly waiting to ‘greet' him when he dies." Beside him, though the other's couldn't see them, the spirits were grinning and nodding their heads eagerly. Some were even licking their lips in anticipation. "Let the wolves have their ‘fun'."Just then the spell ended...

Kalshi

04-16-2008, 07:57 PM

"You dog, I guess I know who the real traitor is here.." the man scowled. "Traitor? Last I checked I'm not the one who held a knife up to a little girl's neck and threatened to kill her unless someone cooperated, which.. by the way, is not how we Qeynosians work," Kalshion said. The man just rolled his eyes. "When the Queen finds out one of her most trusted guards is missing she'll begin to search and when they find my dead corpse in this home, you'll be the one wishing you had surrendered peacefully," he grinned.Kalshion sighed and gave out a very low, almost inaudible, whistle. At the sound of it, the wolves pounced on the man, the first going straight for the neck while the other clamped down on something more.... valuable. Within second's the mans eyes turned a grayish color as he crumpled to the ground, with that done the wolves dragged the lifeless corpse back up the stairs and into the attic. As he watched them; a clockwork 'maid' appear on the scene and began to clean up the blood pool that had been made by the mans torn neck. "Of course," Kalshion said as he stared at the attic. "I wonder what he would say had he discovered that the queen had enough damning evidence to have him tried for crimes against the city, oh well, with him dead tax payers don't have to worry about paying for his trial," he grinned and then looked at his daughter. Asulina had calmed down enough to where it appeared nothing had happened, though her hands were somewhat shakey from the ordeal.

Slask

04-17-2008, 11:04 AM

Zilathok winced at what the wolves did to the man, but didn't complain as he deserved it.Thank you. The ogress spirit said to him. We will take care of him from here... A cruel grin appeared on her spectral features. Zilathok looked up and could see the other spirits surrounding the ‘newest' member of their group: the man looked terrified. "Have fun..." He told them before turning his attention back to those that were still living."I wouldn't be surprised if he was actually a lackey of Lucan's." Asri muttered. "If what Zila said was correct about him.""That's what the spirits told me." Zilathok said with a shrug. "And it would make sense if he was, considering whom he had killed." He turned his attention to Asulina and knelt in front of her. "Do not worry about what the man said about your father." He told her, taking both her hands into his own. "It's not the city you live in or who you work for, it's your intentions. Though I do not know him very well, I know he always had good intentions. Keep that to heart little one."Behind him he heard Asri snort, though whether it was one of annoyance or disgust he couldn't tell. "What is this?" He heard her say. He rose to his feet to see what she was referring to: bag of supplies on the table that obviously wasn't theirs. "Don't tell me you are coming with us...." She sneered."Considering what just happened I wouldn't be surprised." Zilathok replied, then switched to Sebilisian to keep from worrying the girl, though he wasn't sure if she didn't know the language. "Even if we did just take out the main accuser he likely has friends that will follow up on his lead. Kalshion and his daughter won't be safe here.""Fine if they need to leave town for a while. But why come with us?" Asri growled back."How do you know if they are coming with us?" Zilathok asked, switching back to common. "Even if they were, we could use their abilities.""We do not!" Asri snapped.Zilathok walked over and grabbed her by the shoulders: it surprised him briefly just how much bigger he was now compared to her, though she could still look him in the eye without raising her head. "Asri...even though we are going to the place where you grew up, a lot of things have likely changed. It may not be safe for us there, not to mention whatever perils we may face on the way. We may have need of his and even his daughter's abilities.""Fine...just remember that it will be hard enough to convince the Captain to let the two of us on board. He..." She nodded in Kalshion's direction. "Will have to haggle his own way on."

Kalshi

04-17-2008, 03:18 PM

Asulina shifted her gaze to Zilathok as she listened to him. hmmm...."You really think you can make it on this journey without heal support?" Kalshion said as he packed something covered in a cloth. He looked at Asulina and grabbed a cloak that he had made and had originally packed, and placed it on her and tied it on the front. She blinked and looked the cloak over, it was light blue and had a 'shimmering' effect to it. "Look's good," he smiled. "We may have an hour or two, but it's probably best we get going now. I'd rather be out of this building before any more 'unexpected' guests arrive," he said and picked up his pack and draped it onto his back.He felt something rub against his leg and he looked down to his loyal companion. "You still want to go?" he asked the snow white wolf who nodded and walked over to the door and placed a paw on it.

Slask

04-17-2008, 03:40 PM

"Probably a good idea." Zilathok conceded. "Guess I won't have time to make us a last ‘real meal' eh hun?"Asri sighed. "I guess not, I'll live...though you never know you may be able to work some magic with the ship's cook." She said as she started heading back down stairs to fetch the bag of supplies they put together."Meh...what do I look like? A miracle worker?""Considering what you just did a few minutes ago? Maybe." Asri turned and gave him a sly smile before finally disappearing down below.Zilathok sighed and shook his head. "I'm going to assume Asri and I will be taking the sewer route to the harbor." He said as he looked out the window at the darkening sky. "I don't know how close the sewer entrance is to the docks however. Just hope the storm will mask our approach enough: I'm not as good at the sneaking around thing as Asri is without magic..."

Kalshi

04-17-2008, 04:01 PM

Kalshion shook his head. "It isn't close at all, and the exit is right next to a group of guards that 'will' notice you," he said, "and I doubt swimming will be a good idea since you will have items with you, no, during bad weather like this the streets are actually a better idea as the sewers will be a raging torrent of water, you'd be lucky not to get pulled with the current back out into the ocean - opposite of where you wanted to go," said Kalshion as he glanced out the door and at the various 'empty' guard posts. "Plus, the guards here in the harbor hate rainy weather anyway," he sighed.

Slask

04-17-2008, 08:14 PM

"Lovely...how the heck are we going to hide our lovely mugs?" Zilathok grumbled. "I doubt any amount of rainfall would shield our good looks from prying eyes.""That's why we are going to wear these." He heard Asri say behind him. He turned and ended up with a large bundle of heavy cloth in his face. When he pulled it off and unfolded it he realized what it was: a hooded cloak. "As long as we keep the hoods up and our tails down no one should be the wiser.""You...uff...over heard our conversation didn't you?" Zilathok muttered as he put the cloak on."No. I just knew the same thing the elf did." Asri said as she put her cloak on. "You forget how much experience I have in these things. Besides, if other's are anticipating Kalshion's sudden departure they would probably expect ‘traitors' to use the sewers to get around unnoticed." She tossed him one of the bags of supplies she had brought up from the basement. "Don't worry I ensured the bag was waterproof."

Kalshi

04-18-2008, 05:52 AM

Kalshion was leaning up against the door frame when he heard a bell in the distance ringing. "Either your ship is here early, or another ship is coming into port, either way we have ten minutes," he said as he pulled on the straps of his bag.Asulina sat on Lina's back just on the side, Lina herself was laying on the ground just waiting for them to get moving. Her mate walked up to her and the two touched nose's for awhile, saying their good byes.

Slask

04-19-2008, 12:50 PM

Asri pulled up the hood of her cloak and ensured Zilathok did the same. "Let's go. No sense in waiting around here anymore." She said. They drenched immediately upon stepping outside, plastering their lighter clothing to their bodies. It was a good thing the cloaks Asri and Zilathok wore were rather thick, else their tails would have been extremely obvious, down or not. The streets were largely empty as the jogged down the street toward the Habor, save for the occasional individual or two that were more concerned with getting to their own destination rather then to get a good look at them. "Good thing we can breathe underwater..." She heard Zilathok mutter. "Otherwise I'd think we'd be drowning right now with how much rain there is..."Asri only responded with a nod, more concerned about getting to the docks in time before their ship, if it was really indeed the Golden Maiden, left port. They passed through the gates that separated South Qeynos from the harbor. She noted that only one guard was present there, a rather miserable looking one as well. He didn't seem to pay much attention to whom was running about through the storm, though a thought did occur to her that made her mentally curse.One or two people running together through this weather likely wouldn't raise any brows, but a large group like this...heading to the docks to on top of that? Someone was bound to notice sooner or later and Asri could only hope it would be later.Like after they were on board and away from port....

Kalshi

04-19-2008, 03:54 PM

The docks themselves had workers and guards stewn about; some where checking on crates while other where talking amongst themselves. "Seem's something is up," Kalshion said as he stopped the group. Just then the silhouette of a Qeynosian warship appeared out of the haze and moved along the edge of the harbor to a port somewhere out of sight. "Ahhh... ok that explains the commotion," he said just as another silhouette appeared, this time however it appeared to be a mercheant vessel coming into port. Kalshion watched as the workers tied the vessel down and the crew began to off load cargo and take in supplies, another person appeared on the bow of the ship, he had the build of a man who had been on the sea's for years."I think that's our ship," Kalshion said and carefully walked toward it. When he was close he saw the name of the mercheant vessel and nodded, he then turned toward the group and walked over to them, when he was close he said. "That's our ship, the Golden Maiden," he smiled. "What's the plan?"

Slask

04-20-2008, 12:32 PM

Even before it was confirmed by reading it's name, she knew it was their ship. However she didn't expect to feel as she did when seeing it. It was a mixture of feelings, though the greatest was of loss. On that ship she met Dresik for the ‘first' time after he memory loss, on that ship he lost his life and she lost him forever. Staring at it, she started to feel doubt, unsure if she could handling the memories that would no doubt surface while onboard the vessel."Asri?" A calm voice broke into her storm of painful memories and emotions. She looked at the source to see the concerned face of her mate. "You alright?"She took a deep breath before answering. "I...I don't know..." She admitted and she felt him put his arm around her comfortingly. "I wasn't expecting to feel this way seeing ‘it' again...I guess I'm not as over him as I thought I was....""There's still time to change your mind, to wait for another time perhaps." He told her, rubbing her back."No!" Asri said firmly. "If I run away now, I'll never be able to do this. I ran once...I won't do it again." She gestured for them to follow as she strode for the plank, where the first mate was supervising the loading and unloading. "Let me do the talking." She told them before the first mate noticed their approached. He was barbarian of impressive size, though even in the dense rain one could see he was getting on in years."'ere do you think you lot are going?" The man said when the group reached him. "This ain't no passenger ship.""I need to speak with your Captain." Asri told him, putting as much authority in her voice as possible.The man laughed. "The Captain has no time to chit chat with non crew members." He said. "He has us on a tight schedule and we need to get back out to sea before this storm turns into a bloody hurricane.""Pushing the crew to their limits and racing nature...that's the Captain Harold I remember..." Asri said whimsically."Eh? How you know him lass?""Don't tell me you don't recognize this pretty face Stan..." She pulled back her hood, revealing her face to the man.Stan squinted at her through the torrent of rain. "Well I'll be damned. Asri...I thought you threw yourself in the drink after o Dresik died." He said.Asri visibly winced. "I did, but the fates decided it wasn't my time yet." She replied, slightly bitterly. "I am hoping the Captain could do me and my friends a favor.""Can't make any promises lass...." Stan said. "Even if he remembers you he's very picky about who he lets on his ship these days. Me guess it's transportation to somewhere?" Asri nodded. "Really not sure then...with them blasted lizards attacking ships left and right, present company excluded, and the usual pirates on top of that, you'd be taking your life into your hands.""My friends and I are fully capable of holding our own in a fight." Asri countered, though she could see Zilathok's uncertain look out of the corner of her eye. "Indeed the extra protection may be worth while for him."Before Stan could reply a harsh voice rang down from the bow. "Stan! Quit your chit chatting and make sure those lumps of flesh keep moving double time!""Yep that's Harold alright..." Asri muttered."Sounds like cheery guy to work for...." She heard Zilathok mutter."Captain!" Stan called back. "These folks ‘ere are offerin' their services as mercenaries! We may have use for them in these troubled waters!"There was a moment of silence, making Asri wonder if the Captain had heard him at all."Bring them on board so I can judge them for myself." Came the response. "If they aren't worth my time I'll keelhaul them myself."Stan nodded at them to go aboard. "Good luck lass, hope your offer is good enough."Asri nodded her thanks as the group made its way onto the ship itself and to the bow where the Captain stood. She wasn't expecting him to recognize her, but he did."I see the sea didn't like the taste of you." Harold commented. "Apparently not." Asri said, noting how he wasn't too pleased with her sudden appearance. "I'm here to offer my services in exchange for a favor.""Favor?" Harold scowled. "What sort of favor?""Transportation." Asri said simply. "To home.""Are you out of your mind lizard?" Harold said. "Even if I knew where your homeland is, there's no way we'd make it there with all those lizard ships out there.""Not Kunark." Asri corrected him. "Dresik's home." The look on the Captain's face was interesting, like her request had hit him from out of nowhere. "You do still remember it's location right?""Of course..." Harold replied, though she noticed a slight hesitation. "Haven't been there in years though, no point after Dresik was killed."This got her blood to boil a bit. "You mean you didn't even return there as a gesture of good will to let his father know he died?" She snarled, her friliks flaring out a bit. "It was bad enough you gave him a burial at sea instead of keeping the body so you can return it home!""Now looky here lizard!" The Captain got into her face. "Dresik was ‘officially' a member of my crew per his contract, so he got the appropriate burial for a member of my crew. Plus I am running a business here and making a non profitable trip to his little port home didn't make good business sense. And what makes you think you'd be wanted there anyway?"Her frilliks were fully out now as she snapped back. "I'm not the scatterbrained lizard Dresik pulled out of the sea all those years ago anymore. I remember my past now and I remember that Dresik's home was also my home. I remember the day you came into port Harold...looking for a metalsmith to make some repairs for your broken pulleys. My father Malic provided you with those repairs.""Yes...a [Removed for Content] good job he did as well, hadn't need them fixed since...." Harold said quietly. He stepped back a pace from her and folded his arms, considering. "So you want a ride home eh?" She nodded. "I'd have to look at the charts but I think it's on the way to one of my stops." He leaned in close again. "However I don't do charity, you and your posse had better have skills I can use on this ship to compensate for the extra supplies and lodging.""I'm a grandmaster of the martial arts." Asri replied, calming down. "Any pirate or Sathiran that tries to board will be sorry for it. Plus I'm sure I'd be useful dealing with the rigging if needed. My mate..." She gestured at Zilathok. "Is a professional cook, he maybe be able to teach the ship's cook a few things to keep the morale up."Harold laughed at that. "He'd have to be a miracle worker for that! It'll be amusing to see at any rate!"She heard Zilathok snort with faint annoyance but otherwise didn't comment. "The two softskins are last minute additions to my party, so they'll have to tell you what they have to offer themselves besides the elf being druid and the girl a wizard."

Kalshi

04-20-2008, 03:58 PM

Asulina snorted and raised her little finger into the air and said. "Other than a 'wizard' I can also cook far better than my father," she siad and glared at him, Kalshion just shrugged his shoulders. "You let him cook and you'll be dead the next morning, his cooking is like deadly weapon," she teased. "Other than that, being a wizard does afford me some useful spells I may be able to use around here," she added.He just sighed and looked at the captain. "Druid yes, but a fury, someone who can control nature and it's elements, I can control most of what this storm has to offer but not the sea. In fact, the roughness of the sea and the presence of this storm will work to a great advantage if we do get attacked," he grinned. "Other than that, I'm a weapon smith and can fix stuff that get's broken here.""As for my daughter, she is a very good cook but don't expect her to be able to handle anything 'rough' here, she is a child after all and not very strong in strength," he said. Asulina grimaced slightly at his words and turned away from him, folding her arms over her chest in an almost childish gesture.

Slask

04-21-2008, 03:39 PM

Zilathok had felt the presence of a particularly strong spirit the moment he had stepped on board. He couldn't pin point where the source was at the moment without looking obvious he was sensing something amiss, but he could feel anger and sorrow in this presence. Though he knew shouldn't assume things he felt that like the spirits he had just helped not even an hour ago, this one had been seriously wronged and was crying for a chance at vengeance. I'll need to see if I can get a chance to break away from the activities of the ship to try to talk to it... He thought with a slight frown as he listened to the conversation between his mate, Kalshion and the Captain."Well I'm sure she can help keep the deck clean girl." The Captain was saying after Kalshion said his piece. "As for you..." Zilathok looked up when he realized the Captain was talking to him. "Do you have any other skills besides cooking?"Zilathok thought the question over. Saying he was a Necromancer, which he technically still was, could cause some trouble since they were still in port, yet saying he was a ‘Spiritcaller' would give him an odd look at best. Something else popped up in his mind that he realized: did the Captain have anything to do with why the spirit was here? He decided not to take the chance. "I'm a minor spellcaster, with no defined path as of yet." He replied."My mate is more of a homebody then me." Asri added. "He wears the dress of the house....""Asri!" Zilathok exclaimed, his scaled turning a shade of red. Asri just grinned and gave him a wink, to which he could only sigh."Captain." Stan, the first mate, said as he approached the group. "The cargo has been secured and we are ready to depart.""Good." Harold said. "Show these fellows to their new quarters and I expect the more physically able of them to be back on deck to help with the cast off quickly." The Captain started to turn then paused as if he forgot something. "Oh and there's one rule aboard this ship that must be followed, it is that no one goes into the cargo hold unless I say it's safe to do so. Understood?""Yes Captain." Asri replied, Zilathok nodding with her. "He didn't have a rule like that when I was on the ship last time." Asri muttered as Stan lead them below toward the crew quarters."He's had it for a few years now." Stan explained. "Meself and the rest of the crew thought it odd, even paranoid, at first but we got used to it." He stopped by one cabin. "I figure you two would want to share one." He told Asri and Zilathok. "So well this one do?" He opened the door and Zilathok heard Asri gasp."This is...." She started to say, her voice shaking."Dresik's old room...aye." Stan confirmed."But he had one of the larger rooms, I would have thought....""No one wanted it...not since that ghost started haunting it.""Ghost?" Zilathok queried. "Aye. Started making noises and the like not long after the hold rule was established. Captain thinks we are all just hearing things....""We'll take it." Asri said. "I've dealt with ghosts before...and they do not frighten me.""They don't bother me either." Zilathok said, however he was starting to get some suspicions on what was going on here. I'll confer with Kalshion when I get a chance. He thought. If this is about who I think it is...I'd rather Asri not know until I'm certain. As much as he hated to hold things from his beloved, judging how she reacted to just seeing this ship again didn't give him much confidence that she wouldn't go ballistic when she found out."Alright. Remember the Captain wants you back up top side asap, so don't tarry." Stan turned toward Kalshion. "Would you and the little one be comfortable sharing a room?"

Kalshi

04-21-2008, 04:01 PM

"Not a problem, besides, I have to keep my eye on her anyway," Kalshion said and glanced at his daughter. She still had her arms over her chest but she looked somewhat in thought. "Something on your mind?" he asked her.Asulina just blinked before shaking her head. "No... nothing.." she said and rubbed her arms a bit. When I saw that room I felt a cold chil go across my body....Inside the room, Kalshion placed his bag on the bed and glanced about. The room wasn't lavish, or the type that a noble would agree with, but Kalshion wasn't a noble to begin with. "Asu, get yourself ready and we'll head up onto the deck," Kalshion said as he unpacked some of his items.His daughter just nodded and placed her own, somewhat smaller, bag on the other side of the bed. Making a little girl like me wash the deck.. err... that captain.. she grumbled slightly as she removed a small item from her bag and placed it into her pocket. As she did so she became curious at why the captain didn't want anyone going into the cargo hold. Maybe I'll explore it later when everyone's either asleep, or at least preoccupied with other stuff, she grinned."What's with the grin?" Kalshion said, spooking Asulina a bit. She blinked and just smiled as she quickly left the room and headed to the deck. With a shake of his head, Kalshion just headed after her.

Slask

04-22-2008, 11:31 AM

There was a definite chill in the air of the room as they entered it and Zilathok noticed Asri shudder slightly because of it. "You sure you'll be able to sleep in here?" He asked her as he shrugged off his pack.Asri paused in taking off her pack. "I'll manage..." She replied as she finished taking off her pack. "Come on, we don't want to make the Captain mad at us before we even leave port."Zilathok nodded and started to follow her, but something made him pause at the door. Odd, the chill was gone. He felt the spirit's presence again, this time though there was no anger but simple sorrow and longing. Dresik.... He thought, almost certain now at the spirit's identity. He remembers her...."Zila." Asri's voice called to him. "You coming?""Yes." He called back as he hurried to her. "Thought I heard something.""The ghost?" Asri said teasingly."Well you do know me and spirits these days." Zilathok said with a half hearted grin. "But I think it's just the sounds of the ship itself, all the creaking and swaying...."Asri laughed. "Need to get your sea legs then hun, we are going to be on here for a long time." Topside the rain had lightened up, but the wind had done the opposite. The Captain was barking orders that could only barely be heard over the wind and crew members were scrambling to follow them. It didn't take long for the Captain to notice them."You!" He pointed at Asri. "Get up the mast and help get the sails untangled!""Aye aye." Asri replied and Zilathok watched her run off and start climbing up the mast."You!" Zilathok gave him his full attention. "Get the end of this line up to the crow's nest, I don't care how you do it!" He shoved the end of a heavy rope into his hands. "Druid!" The Captain barked at Kalshion when he showed up. "Get the wind to tone down a bit if you can, too much wind is as bad as no wind at all!"Zilathok thought a moment at how to handle his task. There was no way he could climb up the mast: not only where there too many people on it already fighting with the sails, but he knew he didn't have the strength to keep the wind itself from blowing him off. He mentally went through his list of spells and realized his very first pet spell would work here. Zilathok muttered the words to the spell and a ghostly bat appeared next to him. Then he cast another spell that allowed him to take possession of the bat. It took a moment to orient himself to the bat's body and once he got his bearings he took the rope from his hands and started flying up toward the crows nest. Since the bat was a ghost the wind didn't affect it unless it wanted it to and right now the only physical thing he wanted to interact with was the rope.The man in the crows nest gave a bit of a start when he arrived, but then muttered something about ‘[Removed for Content] casters' as he took the rope from the bat's claws. Zilathok unpossessed the pet and summoned it back to him. He decided not to dismiss it right away in case the Captain had more lines to move. Looking up he saw that Asri and the other's on the mast were having a heck of a time with the sail due to the swirling wind. He hoped Kalshion could do something about that....

Kalshi

04-22-2008, 02:50 PM

Kalshion mentally watched the wind, knowing that it was already coming in from the seas. If the captain wants to pull out he'll need the wind to be to his advantage, channeling it won't be a problem its what to do with the excess, he thought and glanced about the harbor before finding a useless landmark that he could use to help channel the wind away from the boat, or at least, calm it down some.He took on the bow of the ship and started muttering several words. His hands glowed a dull redish color as leaves appeared around him, the wind that had been howling began to calm down to just a dull blow. Glancing toward the object he was using, he realized that the statue would only last a few minutes with such a sustained force. He wanted to tell the captain to get moving, but realized that wasn't possible with all his concentration.***Asulina had found herself on the rear of the ship, near a lantern that had, not to long ago, been swaying with the wind. As she sat there and looked down at the fish that swirled around the boat she wondered. I wonder why father decided to help those two, she thought as she summoned an item to her hand and tossed it into the water.She let out a sigh and looked down at the clothing she had decided to wear. While she wore a mage's robe that was of child size, only it was shorter and more a dress than a robe. The robe was light red with some runes splattered across it, the bottom of the robe was ruffled up along with the end of the cuffs. Around her collar were some jewels that acted both as a 'channeling' agent for her abilities but also as a way of showing off her youth.I guess this does make it seem younger than I am, oh well, I like it when people think I'm younger. She grinned and continued to toss small pebbles across the water before standing up, she balanced herself on the beam and walked back over ot the main deck and watched her father who was still standing on the bow.

Slask

04-24-2008, 09:50 PM

Once the wind was under control Asri and the other members of the crew were able to get the sails fully untangled. The Captain barked more orders and the crew went to work on getting the ship out of port. With in moments the Golden Maiden pulled out of port. "Move wind druid!" The Captain shouted at Kalshion. "But not too much! Once we are away from the shore you can let it go full."Meanwhile Asri had climbed back down to the deck and stood beside Zilathok. "I see you found a use for that old pet." She said teasingly.Zilathok just smiled and they waited to see if the Captain had any other orders for them.

Kalshi

05-02-2008, 03:49 AM

Kalshion scowled lightly as he redirected the wind into the sails; he made certain that the wind wasn't so strong that it'd rip the sails, but not so weak that the ship wouldn't move.As the captain watched this he nodded; but wasn't that impressed. "Get this deck cleaned you welps," the captain barked at his crew, some getting to work right away."Keep that wind moving druid and don't let up until I tell you," he said and looked at the rest of his crew. Asulina just shook her head and went to cleaning the decks, though keeping one eye on the captain.

Slask

05-02-2008, 03:04 PM

"What's the point? It's still raining..." Zilathok muttered as the pair got to work with the rest of the crew."Harold's like that." Asri explained. "If he thinks you aren't doing anything worth while he'll give you something to do. I know I had to clean the deck lots of times before...." Her voice trailed off and Zilathok knew what she was thinking about."I know it will be hard hun, but you need to concentrate on the task at hand." He told her."Y...you're right..." She replied quietly. "Everything here though...brings so much back....""I'm here to help you stay in the present love." Zilathok said, putting a hand on her shoulder. Asri looked up at him and smiled, then resumed swabbing the deck.The ship missed the worse of the storm and once the weather calmed down more the activity on the deck lessened. The Captain finally released Kalshion and gave the group leave to tuck in for the night after dinner, with a stern warning that they'll be ‘needed' at sunrise the next morning. Zilathok wasn't too ‘impressed' with the quality of their dinner."They call that a meal?" He muttered after they forced the food down. "How can they live on this stuff?""Places like this go for quantity not quality." Asri explained as they headed back to their cabin. "Appears to be the same cook as it was when I was on the ship before: I recognize the blandness....""I think I spoiled my stomach with my good cooking...this ‘food' isn't settling too well with me." Zilathok grumbled as he rubbed his belly."You'll get used to it." Asri said with a giggle as she sat on the bed, but then immediately got a blank distant look on her face."You ok?""I....I don't know...." She confessed as he sat down beside her. "I'm about to sleep in this bed again after so many years....only this time....without...." Her voice cracked. "I couldn't before....right after his death....I couldn't stand it. I felt like my world had ended and there was nothing left to live for. Sitting here....it comes back....all of it...how I felt. I don't know if I can do this...."Zilathok gathered her up in his arms and held her close. "I'm here...like always Asri." He told her as she broke into sobs."I know...." She said between sobs as she buried her head in his chest. "I need you now more then ever...to help me get through this...""I'll do the best I can. I promise." Zilathok said. Including helping Dresk himself find peace if I can... He thought.Later that night while they slept Zilathok starting having that odd dream again. Only this time he knew what to expect. "I take it you want to talk to me again Grandfather?" He said."Yes indeed." The apparition of Talikus said as he materialized before him. "You have a great start on your new found talent. I never thought of using a group of spirits as a channel before....""Only worked because they were willing." Zilathok said. "I doubt I would have had as much success if I was forcing them.""It seems so. I can already tell you are taking this in a slightly different direction then I would have. Not that I'm complaining." Talikus said. "You want to get away from necromancy completely....""Yes. I was never comfortable with forcing things to do my bidding." Zilathok confessed. "Asri always told me I was always more ‘Qeynos' minded, though even necromancy's ‘good' version, conjuring, forces it's minions to the caster's bidding.""So you are becoming something of a ghost buster." Talikus laughed. "You do know there are other kinds of spirits besides those of the dead right?""Yes. The spirits of nature and life itself." Zilathok replied. "I indeed to talk to Kalshion when I get a chance to see if assessing those is feasible in my case.""Ah yes your elf friend." Zilathok noticed a faint look of disgust but didn't say anything about it. He understood that most iksar disliked softskins: Asri was a prime example. "I don't see why not, though you may have to alter your line of thinking a bit. Besides that though...I really wanted to talk to you about your next ‘case'.""Case? Oh...you must mean Dresik." Zilathok said. "You know of him?""Unfortunately." His grandfather looked sad and angry at the same time. "This will be a hard one for one so new to this, I warn you.""What's going on with him? I know he's disturbed and not at peace.""He longs for rest, but cannot. There is unfinished business with him, but also something else that is holding him to this plane. I know what....but I won't say...as it would be benefit you more to figure it out on your own." Talikus paused then continued. "I will say this: the story of this spirit has a number of surprises and you'll find allies and opposition in unexpected places on the quest to free him.""Guess I'll just have to talk to him myself." Zilathok grumbled, annoyed his grandsire wasn't giving him more info."Naturally, but a warning: though his presence is strong you will need to be able to focus your mind completely if you are to speak to him directly. Perhaps even use a bit of summoning magic to assist you. Oh and this story won't end on this ship...."Zilathok was about to ask Talikus ‘why' it would take such an effort to talk to Dresik, but the spirit of his grandsire disappeared, leaving him annoyed. "Not even a good bye this time...sheesh." He muttered.

Mourti

05-02-2008, 06:43 PM

Enjoying your story alot, I find your charactors very complex and engaging, keeps me checking for posts to see how they will develope next.

Kalshi

05-03-2008, 06:02 AM

(OOC: Thanks Mourtica <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)On the deck of the boat; Kalshion stood staring out. He let out a sigh and glanced toward a small island he saw in the distance. His mind raced with thoughts, mostly about the journey they had set on, but he was also wondering about other things."Asri...." He said lowly and made certain she, nor her mate, were near. "What is her connection..." he pondered, rubbing his chin in thought. As he did so he tore a look away from the island and toward the door that lead back own below decks. Even though he wasn't down there, he already knew his daughter was having issues trying to rest, constantly tossing and turning and trying to find a good position to fall asleep on. She finally had an hour ago, but he already knew that something was bothering her. "I wonder if she feels a presence here..." Kalshion asked himself.Thinking about it did no good and Kalshion knew that, with a heavy sigh he placed his hands on the wooden railing and continued to stare out at the sea, unaware that below decks, someone was about to cause much mischief.....

Slask

05-03-2008, 10:47 AM

After the chat with his grandsire Zilathok found himself tossing and turning: thankfully Asri was sleeping like a rock. Still, he made sure he didn't disturb her as he rose out of bed, thinking some cool sea air may help him. He decided against dressing fully and just walked out onto the deck with just his pants on. It surprised him a little when he saw Kalshion there, but quickly realized this would likely be the best opportunity to talk to him about a few things, considering that he had no idea how tired he would be after each day of work on this ship."Couldn't sleep either eh?" He said to him as he joined him. Looking out he saw a small island in the distance and wondered, only briefly, if that was their destination. No, it will take weeks to get there. He thought. If it still exists in the first place. Zilathok doubted the island Asri grew up on was gone, but who knows what had gone on upon it since her departure. "I was asleep....but my grandsire decided to get a bit chatty so I didn't get much." He laughed, but that quickly lost it's bluster. "Asri's sleeping like a rock right, a good thing...many painful memories on this ship for her." He sighed. "I can tell already this whole trip will be a struggle for her to get through, even with my help."

Kalshi

05-03-2008, 03:33 PM

"Don't feel so down, while I've been on many ships before - my daughter hasn't, so this is all new to her," Kalshion said, glancing somewhat toward Zilathok. "The air cool, the wind is subtle, there is no storm heading out way for awhile so we should be fine for the next few days," he added.Turning his back toward the wooden railing; he continued to look at Zilathok before asking the question. "Memories.. eh... hmm... anything I might be able to help with?"

Slask

05-04-2008, 10:57 AM

"Maybe..." Zilathok said, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm sure you heard the little ‘ghost story' Stan told when we were being shown our rooms. Well, it's true, I've felt it's presence in our cabin and even the moment we stepped on board. More then that, I have a strong suspicion on who this spirit is." He paused a moment and glanced back to ensure Asri didn't follow him up. "I don't want Asri to know this." He said in a low voice. "Not yet anyway so please keep it to yourself. But I am almost positive the spirit is of Dresik, Asri's first love."He paused for a moment to turn around and lean back on the railing, but also to see the elf's reaction, which there wasn't much of. With a sigh he continued. "Some backstory I guess. From what I remember her telling me is that they knew each from long before, before she was taken by slavers. Why he left to work on this ship I don't know, she hasn't told me everything yet on what she remembers. What I do know though is that when she saw him again she had the memory block spell on her, but love apparently doesn't care of you ‘remember' the guy or not. I can only imagine how confused and uncertain he was when he saw her, but realize she couldn't remember him."Anyway, they formed a relationship again, and I am guessing Dresik intended find someone to remove that spell from her once he was free from the ship. Problem is...he never got that chance." He took a deep breath and sighed. "He was killed during a pirate attack on the ship and Asri, grief stricken, threw herself overboard in an attempt to end her own life. Only she washed up on the Outpost of the Overlord instead...and from there she developed into the Asri we pretty much know today. The exception of course is that now that she has her memories back, some of her personality is reverting a bit back to how she was before the memory block."Zilathok paused for a moment to figure out how best to explain the next part. "I believe it's Dresik because of how the presence ‘reacted' to Asri's presence and also because it seems to like hanging around his old cabin, which is where Asri and I are staying. The puzzle is why he is still here. Spirits are the souls of people that have unfinished business or was wronged in life. My grandsire in my dream told me this: ‘He longs for rest, but cannot. There is unfinished business with him, but also something else that is holding him to this plane. The story of this spirit has a number of surprises and you'll find allies and opposition in unexpected places on the quest to free him.' This tells me he's essentially being forced to remain on this plane. By what or whom...that's something that needs to be figured out....but with caution..."

Kalshi

05-04-2008, 08:08 PM

Kalshion listened tentively as Zilathok gave his story; when he was done he thought about what might be done. "If we are on land, I might be able to help ya, since I nature listens more there. However, we are in a boat and for some odd reason it seem's natures animals are staying away from this ship," he said.He gave it somemore thought. "There's also something else on this ship, I don't know why but while using my powers to blow this ship out of port I was sensing - friction - from the wind. Like something was fighting my ability to utilize it. I know Tunare isn't angry, and Karana is at peace right now, so I don't know..." Kalshion sighed and went back to thinking.

Slask

05-05-2008, 10:21 AM

"Really?" Zilathok said tilting his head as he looked at the elf. "So we have something else ‘unnatural' that is going on here but whether or not it is connected to Dresik...I wouldn't know." He sighed. "I'm not sure druid abilities can ‘help' much in this case in the first place, but I was looking more for someone to watch my back for me. I know the first thing I need to do is try to talk to Dresik, like I have with others. My grandsire warned me it won't be easy though and that I have to have complete focus. Thus why I need your help: when I have my mind focused on this, I doubt I'll be able to keep an eye out for crew members or worse, Asri." And that be just my luck... He thought. Having Asri walk in the moment Dresik manifested....she'd go ballistic...."Just need to figure out ‘how' to focus my mind enough." He muttered. "And trust me...I hate the idea of hiding this from her, but if she learned of this too soon...."

Kalshi

05-08-2008, 02:06 PM

Kalshion thought for several moments before turning his head toward Zilathok. "My daughter might be able to assist you with keeping Asri away, or with being able to detect her presence before she drops in on you," he said and looked at the door. "In fact, why don't we go ask her?" he smiled~~Her eyes opened and she scanned the room. "Papa isn't here," she said and sat up and threw the covers off of her, she then positioned the pillows just right to make it seem like she was still in bed before covering them up. Opening the door to the room just slightly, she looked around to make sure her father or any of the crew were there, then tip toed out, closed the door and made her way to another door that lead to the cargohold. "I wonder what's in here..." she grinned.

Mourti

05-08-2008, 05:16 PM

Well i suppose if the cat had survived it would have been able to warn little girls about the perils of curiousity : ) It's kinda like watching a horror movie, " No wait, don't go into the dark forbodding cargo hold!!!"

Jakimo

05-08-2008, 06:13 PM

I just caught up on the story, and while doing that I got caught up IN the story. Very nice job, I can't wait to see where you take us. Thanks for sharing.

Slask

05-09-2008, 03:50 PM

(Thanks and don't worry, we have some nice 'surprises' in store <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)"Good idea." Zilathok said as he pushed away from the railing. "I should check on Asri anyway, make sure she didn't wake up and wonder where I ran off to." And potentially start freaking that she's alone in the room. He thought, remembering what she told him before.A few moments later they were back in the cabin hall below deck. He motioned for Kalshion to go ahead and talk to Asulina while he cracked the door open to his own cabin. Asri was still sound asleep, though from the looks of it he'll have time getting back into bed as Asri was taking up the whole thing now. But...something else was there. It was faint, like a very faint blue light that gave off no actual light. The highest concentration of it was in a roughly humanoid shape standing next to the bed. For a moment Zilathok could only gape at it."Dresik?" He said quietly. There was sudden movement in the rough figure as if it heard him, then it was gone. Suddenly he felt a slight chill on his arm in two places and that chill went down his arm then started again at the top. He looked but nothing was there, but he could ‘feel' the spirit's presence and he found not to be malicious toward him, but begging, like a begger pawing at a passer by's clothing, pleading for help. He could sense the spirit trying to talk to him, but something seemed to be keeping him from hearing it, or rather keeping the spirit from saying anything. This bugged him, for it seemed that whomever did this to him, wanted to ensure the spirit couldn't bother the living. With limited success... He thought recalling the ‘ghost story' Stan gave him. Dresik... He thought, hoping the spirit could hear him. I want to help you and I promise I will do so to the best of my ability. Please be patient while I try to figure out a way for you to talk to me.The chilly ‘pawing' stopped mid way down his arm and he sensed the spirits gratefulness. Then it was gone completely.

Kalshi

05-28-2008, 04:28 AM

(OOC: Sorry about the no-posts gents! Slaskia and I have been rather busy these past two - three weeks.. ahh.. perhaps she might tell you what was going on in her post, until then, enjoy!) He rubbed his shoulder as he made his way down the hallway. "Now I remember why I hated boats..." he said as the chill crept down his back. As he walked up to the door of his quarters, he looked both ways as to make sure no one was coming. He opened the door and walked inside.***"I wonder what this says..." said Asulina as she ran her hand over a crate that was labled in a language she didn't understand. Trying her best to speak it, she bit her tongue several time before she gave up and continued exploring the depths of the room she was, later realizing that she was actually in the ships cargohold.As she crept deeper in she heard something in the distance. Rounding a secured stack of crates, she heard a loud, moaning sound that instantly made her jump and caused her to let out a yelp of sudden surprise. The moan suddenly turned into a grumble as something in the darkness moved. Two eyes stared at her, and fear crept down her back.She gulped and, nervously, asked "Uh... uh... h...h.. hello... w...who... a...are ... y-y-you?"as the two eyes came closer. As the figure entered the light she realized it was an iksar, and also realized 'who' it was. "What is smelly doing here?" she reflexly said, both do to who it was, but also due to how the iksar reeked.The Iksar apperently didn't like the comment; his eyes were bloodshot almost as if he hadn't gotten any rest for days and scales had an odd color to them. Asulina became more and more fearful as she saw something glisten in the light provided by the moon, quickly realizing that it was a small dagger, her body began to tremble and she realized she had said something she shouldn't have."You.. disturbed... my... sleep..." an angry, and murderous, voice spoke from the Iksar. It's two hands rose into the air and Asulina noticed a second dagger in the other hand. She now trembled all over, before bolting down the narrow path between the crates. She slammed into a crate, due to her eyes having to readjust to the darkness. It was then that she felt something graze her right arm, but didn't bother to see what it was and just kept running. She screamed for help, but every yell took the breath she needed to run out of her. She slammed into another crate and, this time, heard something in her left arm snap. Letting out a big yelp of pain she cradled her arm and kept on running; two bloodshot eyes chasing her as she ran. Out of the cargohold she went, crashing through the semi-open wooden door, and out into the hall.She didn't stop, however, as she continued down the hall, constantly yelling for help. She and rounded a corner and kept on running. "PAPA!! HELP!!!!" she shouted again.Kalshion had just changed into some warmer clothing and was about to check the bed for Asulina when he heard her voice; when he threw open the door all he saw was her running by, chased by a very aggitated, and insane, Iksar. "Asu!" He shouted as he bolted out of the room, followed a second later by his wolf companion.Asulina herself just kept running. "Get away! GET AWAY!" she fearfully shouted, tears streaking down her face.

Slask

05-28-2008, 12:42 PM

(ooc: Aye, Kal was helping me move so we didn't really have access to a computer for awhile. Plus when we did we both had a healthy (unhealthy?) dose of writers block on top of that.)Zilathok turned toward the source of commotion just in time to see Asulina bolt by him and dive into his room, apparently mistaking his room for hers. Before he could ask why she wasn't in bed in her own room, Zilathok saw the reason the girl was so terrified. He barely recognized him and saw the crazed, murderous, blood shot look in his eyes that was so unlike him. Reflexively he cast a root spell, stopping the insane Iksar in his tracks before he barged into Asri's room as well. Only then did he see the glint of metal in his hands and there was a sudden flash of one of them. Zilathok jumped away, but not quite quick enough as pain sprung on his arm and a line of crimson formed upon it and started oozing."Kiloson....what in Cazic's name are you doing here?" Zilathok hissed as he checked his wound: it wasn't deep."Yes...what are you doing here...." Asri's groggy but full of venom voice said from the doorway: obviously Asulina jumped into the bed and woke her up. Zilathok tried to hide his wound, but Asri's sometimes enhanced senses picked it up. "You hurt him?" She said, anger as well as venom in her voice now. "How dare you! How dare you hurt my mate!" With a flash she lashed out, striking the insane Iksar solidly in the head and knocking him out cold. She was about to land a few more blows when Zilathok put a hand on her shoulder."It's only a scratch love, there's no need to kill him." He told her."Why is he here?" She demanded. "He should be at the house watching the place!""I don't know, I just found out he was on board myself." Zilathok confessed. "Though from the looks of him...he has been on the ship for at least a week....maybe even since the ship was last in Freeport.""Well that's just great." Asri folded her arms. "Knew I shouldn't have depended on him!" She looked up and saw Kalshion there. "And can you get your rugrat out of my bed please?"Zilathok sighed and shook his head: at least she hadn't asked why he wasn't in bed...yet. What was curious though was why Kiloson looked and acted like this: it almost seemed the man hadn't gotten any sleep since he was on board or was taking some serious drugs. He felt Dresik's presence again, only this time he was angry and vengeful. Not at him, but someone else. Kiloson? You're mad at Kiloson? He thought. Why?He felt a rush of rage wash over him from the spirit. Something Kiloson did must have really riled him up. You'll have to tell me when I figure out how to talk to you properly. He told the spirit. There was a sense of accusation from the spirit now toward him. Yes we know him, but he has done little to earn our trust and respect. He clarified. This little act just adds to his list of folly.

Kalshi

05-30-2008, 03:09 AM

Asulina whimpered under the sheets of the bed; outside Kalshion had just gotten to the room when he saw Kiloson's unconcious form laying on the ground. "What... hmm.. nevermind" he said before hearing Asri. With a sigh he walked past her and into the guest room, a chill went down his spine for several seconds, causing him to glance about the room.He soon found a lump in the bed and approuched it; he removed the sheets and found a very upset Asulina. The girl was still crying, apperently scared out of her mind after what Kiloson had just tried to do.Not even bothering to try and calm her down, as he knew it was useless at this point, he merely picked her up and carried her out of the room. While doing so he noticed the cut on her shoulder, and also could tell that her other shoulder was broken. When he got close to Kiloson he scowled and looked up at Asri and Zilathok. "Leave some for me please, for each bruise I find on my daugher, it'll be returned in spades," with that he disappeared down the hallway.Along the way he spoke softly to Asulina. "You're safe now ok?" he said. Asulina looked at her father, tears still in her eyes and streaking down her face. "He won't harm you ever again.""You sure?" Asulina asked.Kalshion nodded and brought her into their room. There he dressed her broken arm and cut shoulder, while he could generally use healing magic, he was somewhat tired so instead he took out some herbal medicine and used it instead. The results were instant, as Asulina let out a yelp as the herb instantly began to clean her cut, he then took a cloth from their bags and wrapped one end around her arm and the other around her neck. After he was done he tucked the little girl to bed and stayed by her side; caressing her hair to get her to fall asleep. When I get my hands on that Iksar, he'll wish he was dead... Kalshion scowled as he stared as Asulina's cut.

Slask

05-30-2008, 01:12 PM

"Don't worry we will." Zilathok told Kalshion as he disappeared into his own room."By Cazic he reeks...." Asri groaned, pinching her snout from Kiloson's stench. "He's going to give soft skins a run for their gold.""He does look rather...unhealthy....both physically and mentally." Zilathok muttered."Not that there was much that was ‘healthy' mentally in the first place...." Asri growled."What's going on down here?" One of the crew said as he approached from the deck entrance. "Oh, I see you found our resident idiot....""Careful...you'll insult the idiots by calling him that..." Asri muttered."Why is he on board?" Zilathok asked. "He was supposed to be watching our house while we were away.""So you know this guy?""Unfortunately." Both Asri and Zilathok answered.The crewman sighed and shook his head. "When we were in Freeport a couple weeks back his drunk hide bumped into one of our cargo crates and knocked it into the sea, ruining it's contents. The Captain was furious about it and was going to ask the Overlord himself to take care of him, but he managed to convince the Captain to let him pay off the value by working for him.""I knew his drinking habits would get him into trouble one day...." Asri groaned."He was doing well at first, but over time he became less and less reliable, became more erratic and unpredictable. Kept complaining about how something was keeping him from sleeping. At first we thought it was being not used to sleeping on a ship, but with how hard the Captain was working him a freaking golem would need a good nights sleep. I think it's silly myself, but some of the crew think the resident ghost has taken a special interest in him for some reason. Where you find him by the way?""Ran here from that way...." Zilathok indicated the direction Kiloson had come from."Oh Prexis that's where the cargo hold is. He better pray the Captain doesn't find out. It's a miracle whatever it is the Captain has for security down there didn't get him...""Probably would have been for the betterment of Norrath if it did...." Asri snarled.The crewman shrugged. "I'll go get some guys and have him put in the brig. Let the Captain deal with him in the morning. Think the Captain has been wanting to have words with him anyway.""Kalshion wants to have a few ‘words' with him himself for hurting his little one." Zilathok told him."As long as he doesn't kill him. Though only temporary, he's still a part of the crew and only the Captain has the authority to have him thrown off.""I'm sure the elf knows that death is a release, not a punishment." Asri had a faint grin on her face.The crewman nodded and disappeared back above deck and a moment later he came back with a few stronger looking men whom were able to handle Kiloson's bulk and take him to the brig. Once they were gone Asri took a better look at Zilathok's wound. "What were you doing up Zila?" She asked him as she got some dressing for it."My grandsire decided to get chatty in my dreams again." Zilathok explained. "Afterward I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep, so I decided to go up on deck to see if the cool ocean air would help." That was as close to the truth as he dared."What's with him and invading your dreams? Can't he talk to you like those spirits did back in Qeynos?""I think that's the only way he can right now, due to the circumstances around his death." Zilathok said with a shrug. "Maybe once I get better at talking to spirits it will be easier for him to talk to me in other ways. He did tell me that with some spirits I'll need to be able to really focus my mind on it, though I'm not sure how to train myself for that."Asri seemed to pause a moment in thought. "I may be able to help you there." She said with a smile."How?" Zilathok asked curiously."Meditation." She replied. "It's a technique that helps to relax your mind and clear your thoughts, but also helps in learning how to focus. Many monks and other more spiritual types use it. I'll teach you how to do it.""I don't know...it sounds hard.""Actually it's easy to learn Zila, it's mastering it that's difficult. But will see about that tomorrow, lets try to get a few more hours before the Captain starts working us to death again.""Good idea." Zilathok said as he followed her back into their room. Dresik... He thought as they settled back into bed. I need you to leave Kiloson alone, at least for a while. He felt Dresik's presence fill with such anger he nearly winced. Listen to me, I know you are angry at him for some reason, but keeping him awake like that is making him a danger to everyone. You saw how he reacted just now, he could have seriously hurt someone, kill even. Do you want that? The anger he sensed quickly deflated, though he would still sense it the spirit seething. Look, when I get to talk to you properly you can state your case against him and Asri and I will deal with him for you. I know it's frustrating, but you need to have patience.He sensed what felt like a long sigh, then the presence was gone.