|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:33:06 GMT
« Thread started on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:45pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 26, 2008 1950 conference
Once again their troops were on the move, though it was rather surprising that the Nobles had decided to make an attempt on the plateau and StoneTalon Fortress. The last had been before the uneasy peace that had been going on when there was strife within the Noble faction and they had taken to fighting between themselves. The time during which the rebels had strengthened their own holdings, increased the amount of land that they controlled, as well as increasing the number of Allies that they had within the structure of the Nobles who were not in agreement with Adamire, though those had been few. Only a little over a month before, Nara had been taken to the Elven Lands by Rhy-aer Teasen'atear, one of the leaders of the Elven Archers that was attached to the Rebel forces from a moderate treaty with one of the Elven groups. That negotiation had led to a message being sent to Lord Feraemar Aleanghym to come to StoneTalon, in hopes of going further into the negotiations. It had been thought that the wedding of General Lasheea and General Rustam would create a relaxed enough environment and give the Elves a chance to see the Humans in what was hopefully considered their best. Other than the message going out, plans had temporarily changed. Once more Nara sat upon her battle steed, looking over their own forces and out towards the leading edge of the forces of the Nobles. They wouldn't be able to get up on the plateau, but it was better to stop them on this, their chosen ground, than to allow them even to step foot upon the fortified plateau area. Nara glanced briefly over to where Adrian sat his own horse, leaning over and giving commands to one of their runners, knowing he was issuing orders to be spread. Their forces were to concentrate only on the forces of the Nobles and leave Reaver to his personal battle against his brother's army.
The Red Lions felt the tension rising as they awaited for the order to charge... as if these were the final moments that they would know calm.. but calm was not amongst them..droves of enemy troops apparently trying to divide their ranks to make a certain short work of them,.. "If only I had a hawk's wings I could surely see what they fix for us..." Barden said...the giant Thorbad spoke..."We have 60 (horses) enough to hold them for our swordsman..."....."The Gods are pleased by valor captain... truly we will see Vanaheim restored to glory..."
His strength fades, but his magic still serves him well enough to help him peel aside the various items surrounding the Bloodstone, even as his brother begins literally trying to bite out his eyes, gouging his face with the large, sharpened teeth that adorn his jaws. Even as his fingers wrap around the Bloodstone and being to yank it free, he loses sight in one eye, feeling warm liquid pour across his skin. He needs no sight, however, to guide his next action, and an all-silencing 'click' announces that this battle is over. "Now, brother, you lose. Goodbye," Reaver coughs through the blood in his throat as the two Bloodstones become one, and his brother starts to shriek insanely as his body simply begins to dissolve. First at the extremities, then inward towards his heart, the brother's body fades into a blood-red mass of energy that is drawn into the melding Bloodstones. Then the joining is complete, the last screams fade into the air, and the battle falls silent as well over two thousand people whose wills had been stolen come back to themselves and realize something is very, very wrong.
Light was blessed to touch the softness of silken strands of dark oaken hair which hung untarnished by steel or blade, hanging down to his waist. Eyes of the softest doe brown took in his surroundings, sharp and keen though brows which held the ridge of them held not emotion or quirk. His face held the feminine appeal of his mother, his skin smooth though his jaw held the tight masculine lines of his father. Lips pouted slightly in a straight line of no smile or frown. His fingers holding softly onto the reigns of shor'shaeri, his soft grayish steed, his other hand gingerly resting upon the buckle of his belt, the leaves of silver veined and vined to wreath it's task upon the leather working of the same si'os jhori leaves and vine work gracing his belt. Though he looked at rest, within the merest of inches the hilt of his blade, the soft velvet meshed handle vined with silver thread and leafing impressed in the grip, blooming at the counter wieght into razor sharp leaves of a rose. The pummel entwined with the same grace and poise as if the leaves would blow aside showing the thorns which rose in a multi functional way. The sheath also graced in leather work and silver inlay of vines and leaves.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:33:54 GMT
« Reply #1 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:45pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Searching the tableau before him, his fingers brushed lightly over the embroidery of his jacket front, feeling each leaf and bloom, almost yearning already for home as he sat within these foreign lands. The split tails of his coat came down to his knees, covering much of the saddle, the winds lightly fluttering the soft threads of his attire. Adjusting his cloak he looked to his vanguard, turning his eyes to the mass of bodies and arms before him in the distance. Shaking his head he raised his arm from the resting place along his belt line and motioned signals. Out of the two hundred brought as his personal attache 100 would move along the wood line seeking a safer route around the armies that fought, he had been advised to avoid the battles and strife of this land by the summons from General Nara.
Phoenix screams, the singular sound ripping through the courtyard of the keep, rebounding off the walls, as she watches through the Stoneborn’s magic the injuries inflicted on Reaver by his brother. Visions come washing into her mind, the Nightmare striking her full force in a way she is powerless to resist. Instead she finds herself stood in the Twins’ nursery, watching as Adamire plucks out one of her mentor’s eyes. She fights it back, and with a harsh application of her will the hallucination fades quickly, but it leaves her shaking, and she comes back to herself on her knees by the Stoneborn.
Seeing, still through that same magic, not only that Reaver lives, but that the battle is over she allows herself to sag forwards, both arms coming to rest vertically against the wall, her forehead resting between them. Within her chest her heart hammers painfully, her family all but unheard in her mind as they attempt to soothe their youngest. All is well, they tell her, but Phoenix’s mind reaches out, feels not only the confused souls that Reaver’s sibling brought with him, but the minds of Adrian and Nara, and the force they face. No, not everything was ‘alright’… not until they were home.
Leathynos paced the hallways as the air seemed tense with anticipation of the war coming home. She held the letter from Barden in her robes pocket and pulled it out to re-read it for the 3rd time. His words confused her after his behavior and she didn’t know what to expect from it. In the Infirmary, Suri, Rose and Thane all prepared for wounded as well. Counting and restocking. Thane assigned to keep watch for any arrivals
Pali watched Ferae fidget and smiled to herself. She wasn't real happy with the formal attire now that they sat on the edge of a battlefield watching a fight they would not engage in. As he sent the guard to seek a way around the forest, she loosed the vine clasp on her own cloak and let the cloak pool over the back of her tawny saddle and unfasten the crystal holding the neck of her tunic top closed. It appeared that how they arrived now was not so important as them arriving in the first place. She moved her mount closer to her Lord's side and whispered softly. “Eisi o mesi saesi air ei saeria ailylaer? Os pai si taesaelia shor iar sai pai saes mys shys thys saes?” (Are you sure there is a treaty involved? Or do they merely wish us to do their sword work for them?)
The contempt in her gossamer voice was evident. And her hazel eyes, brown with a desire to shed blood after the long uneventful ride and tired of being the 'savior' of the Children of Chorster, were glancing sideways at the man would would choose if their steel was bloodied or remained in their sheaths this day. She sincerely hoped he chose to make an appearance with Winter at their heels, but she also knew as a diplomat, it wasn't the way he would present them. Either way, she knew she would follow him unquestioningly. She was his right arm, his shield and his protector. If he chose to skirt the fight and arrive to make his appearance in peace, he had his reasons. Sometimes she just wished things were not so complicated. She reached a hand to the coil of tightly woven hair on the crown of her head. It itched to be released and she couldn't wait till nightfall when, alone, she could let the autumn tressed loose from their prison of leather thongs and pins. Resting her hand back on her pommel, she awaited the word from the scouts that would show them the way around the fray broiling below.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:34:36 GMT
« Reply #2 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:46pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waiting for the force behind him to finish readying itself Adrian felt himself tensing. It was a strange, almost third-person sensation, as though he watched someone else pull themselves straighter, their hands tightening imperceptibly on the reins of the ugly great horse he rides. He comes back to himself, however, as another runner skids to a halt by his horse to report that their unit, too, is ready to advance. Doing a quick mental tally in his head he realizes that all is almost in place, looking out across the expanse as he hears the tempo of fast, light hoof beats. He turns his attention back as a younger man appears at his side. “Report.” He snaps, aware that his tone is sharper than perhaps he deserves, but equally aware that no one would expect him to make a point about his manners so close to battle. “Sir, the scouts report there’s at least one section of Twisted with them General, that we could make out without risking anyone getting seen.” He glances towards Adrian, almost nervously. “They’re jumpy as hell sir, coming so close to the Keep, We think.” Adrian himself nods, slightly dismissing him to move the short distance to Nara. “B’ Twisted.” He relays, shortly, hands moving almost mechanically moving to free the huge axe from it’s bindings, feeling almost comforted by the familiar feel of the handle. Glancing to his shield mate only once more, before behind him briefly one arm hefts the weapon into the air, a clear signal even for any that failed to hear the bellowed order which followed as he drove his heels into the side of his mount. “CHARGE!”
Her horse stirred restively under her as she continued to scan the troops before them, seeing the vanguard of the approaching Noble army getting closer and closer. At last count, they were outnumbered 2 to 1 in this engagement. Considering how bad it could be, not bad odds. It also let her know that this was only a feint by the Nobles, not a true attack. When Adrian spoke and advised her that there were Twisted spotted in the forces, she nodded briefly, dropping the reins of her warhorse to sit loosely around the saddle horn as she withdrew her great two-handed sword from its sheath at her back.
Automatically, her legs tightened around the barrel of her mount, which snorted and danced in place, waiting the signal for it to move forward. At Adrian's order, voices lifted into battle cries and the sounds of arrows flying through the air could be heard, the sky seeming to fill with the flights of arrows that were arcing up, then down towards the lead of the Noble forces. The archers swiftly re-notched arrows, sending flight after flight into the opposing force as long as they could, the pike troops ahead of them, formed up, pikes facing towards the advancing army. Bodies dropped in the field as arrow shafts found their targets. Arrow fire was returned from the Noble forces, the pike men raising shields to form 'turtles' above themselves and the rebel archers, though throughout the lines, screams could be heard, both of men and horses as some found targets, sending both to flounder where they fell. Soon, the armies were clashing, head to head, the flights of arrows halted to prevent the inadvertent injury of friend instead of foe. Nara's blood raced as she gave the signal to her mount and the great-hearted beast surged forward, hooves digging deeply into the turf, great clots of dirt thrown out with each powerful stride.
It was not long before she reached the lines, her sword slashing downwards at the pike men trying to unhorse her, her mount snapping with teeth and flailing at men with steel-shod hooves. One man, trying to hamstring her mount, came in from behind, only to meet with two pair of hooves as the horse, hearing the noise behind, lashed out in a strong kick, sending the leather clad body flying. As soon as its feet were on the ground, it charged, wheeling, great teeth snapping, ears laid back and head snaking, as Nara continued to hack and slash about her with no finesse, simply reaching for the heads of pikes or the bodies beneath them.
The horns on the far end sounded but they were being drowned out by the voices of couple thousand men...with a single utterance from the far end their formation took form of a spilling wave... and what a sighing thunder heard by the cavalries advancing at full gallop...like some sky clad ceremony that reaches climax they built their momentum but the enemy had foreseen this and planted down and awaited... the sudden impact of man and beast and beast and man... collided.. as the confusable sounds of battle echoed a response to the order to charge....he swung his sword left and right as he repositioned his steed with the other riders.. thus forming a line for their swords man to get through.... high on adrenaline and the need to fight... he looked about him.. His energy seemingly tireless... that is until the day would wear at them... and the field much quieter... "Fight brothers... for we shall stand and fall for our freedom !!!! "
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:35:11 GMT
« Reply #3 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:47pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wearily, Reaver pulls himself to his feet, pushing the monstrous spear the rest of the way through his body and letting the excess energy he had absorbed from his brother heal his wounds, restoring sight and full function even as he looks upon the spear and arm that were left behind by his now-dead brother. He gazes upon the people who had been the dead Vanír's mind-slaves, and with the newly-gained knowledge of where they had come from, orders his Bloodborn to escort them to their proper homes, and to fill them in on what had happened to them, and if any chose to join the Rebels, they would be allowed to. The fallen, both Bloodborn and human, are restored to life, for less than an hour has passed and life has not fully fled their bodies, nor were they intentionally part of this conflict so they do not deserve to be placed in servitude to the victor. Some handful choose to join in the forces returning victoriously to Stone Talon, and the rest are prepared to be escorted back to where they belong. Reaver decides to walk for a time, so he can ponder the changes he can already feel taking place within himself, the Bloodstone-melding endowing him with new powers, new knowledge and memories, and something...else. Something he cannot yet see, and this disturbs him...it must be considered. As he does this, however, reports from his Stoneborn reach him and he is informed of the incoming Noble force. He calls to the freed mind-slaves, to see who wishes to join in defending the Rebels from the attack, ordering the rest to find a safe place to go until they can be escorted back to their homes. Those who wish to join are given more adequate equipment than the motley assemblage they had been carrying, and are marched out to help deal with the battle to come, and orders are given to prepare a heavy flanking maneuver, sandwiching the Noble army between the plateau and his combined forces.
Heard her words, they reflected much of the thoughts he was having. Scanning the killing fields below he watched, curious why no volley of arrows had been sent from the plateau, at such distance they could indeed have traveled far and gained much speed. “Ais shi mae si tolael, baendryrorol tae ael aesia, Ai'p varaes jhoji sai mi cyrn si thol (If we slay the children, negotiations may end early, I'd rather like to see how they fight)” he spoke, never looking to Pali but knowing that she’d be aware his words were for her. Moving his mount he dropped his fingers near his hilt, his middle and ring finger extended, half of the remaining 100 vanguard drifted off towards the other route within the forest, their mission as well as Pali would be to scout the backs of the battle and relay message of any reinforcements. Trotting slowly along the edge of the forest he watched the battle, searching the fray from this distance was hard but he wanted to see if any fellow sylvan did indeed fight with these children.
Thinking on his choices he gave a shrill screech, the sound echoing through the woods and plains a good distance, he decided against separation just now. His own remaining 50 clustered near, the others sent to scout that weren’t with Pali would return in swift time, he would wait and watch, perhaps Pali would have word of another route.
Aware of Reaver’s healing Phoenix reaches out, albeit tentatively, with her mind, a brief touch against his own assuring her that is he essentially well, though she does not push for details. He is busy, she knows, and concentrating, and she has no wish to distract him. As she turns her attention to the other battle, briefly checking the minds of both Adrian and Nara, the two dearest to her, she becomes aware that she has allowed her own worry to eclipse her own duty. The though drives her to her feet and she is running before the full thought has fully manifested. When they left before, she remembers, they had given her a job, a duty, and with the nobles so close at hand it was one she should be attending to. The great doors which sealed the main hall from the courtyard fly open at her approach, her power moving them before her physical body could be troubled by such mundane things. She sprints up the stairs, past servants who have long since become accustomed to her fluctuating moods and slows only as she arrives at the door to the nursery. For a moment Adamire’s nightmare threatens to overwhelm her, but as she pushes the door open to reveal only the twins, and no mysterious shadows or slaughter, it fades away, pushed further back yet as she gathers one of the children into her arms from the crib.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:35:51 GMT
« Reply #4 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:47pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Suri and Rose went from cot to cot, making them up with simple white sheets, a blanket folded at the foot of each. Thane stood in the courtyard watching the gates and the place where the teleported wounded would appear. Near him was the alarm bell he would ring at the first arrivals. Lea stopped her pacing, and went to her chambers where she lifted Lissionna from her crib and carried her to a chair where she sat and fed her. While the child nursed, she started to write a letter to Barden. Even the opening made her struggle, not wanting to sound cold, nor too familiar to the man she felt had shunned her, yet sent her a letter full of endearments the next day
Pali watched the other scouts split off. Making sure Feraemar would be safe if she moved away, she nodded to a couple of the remaining guard, motioning them silently to stay by the Lord's side. They knew her wrath was worse than the enemy's should they fail her.
Moving to the edge of the trees, she dismounted and patted the horse's neck, “Be still, fair brother, I will not be gone long.” Something had tickled the edges of her magic sense and she needed to find out what it was. Slipping the adorning clasp off her tunic, she attached it to a trailing edge of her cloak tossed on the saddle and slid her dagger from her boot to keep it handy since her own sword, still attached to her hip, would be cumbersome in her needs. Sliding to the tall grass just beyond the edge of the wood, she slid along like a great leave colored hunting cat. Her autumn hair coiled to give the illusion of a pile of past wintered leaves and the clothing she wore was also of a hue to make one second guess seeing her if they saw forest shadows or a creature resting among the trees watching the bloodshed below.
As she neared the furthest point from her mount she could go, the hairs on the bare of her neck tingled and she absently rubbed the softness. She hadn't been mistaken. Growling softly under her breath she swiftly backed up to the edge of the tree line, slid the boot knife back into its sheath and bounded onto her mount as it sensed her urgency and began to run full tilt to the place she had left Fera. Finding him not there, she closed her eyes to sense his own magic and took off a moment later towards him.
Drawing up beside him, she whispered with a malice that made her comments about the humans a moment ago seem like a joke, “There are Tainted amongst them, Feraemar! And I felt a stronger magic than I believe should have been on the field with no visible affect.” (Reaver's actions) Her eyes were no longer the soft hazel of fall or even the crisp desire of spring, but the red rimmed tawny gold of blood thirst. The Tainted had defiled the forest glen of peace near their Keep not a moon ago and she wanted to see every last one of them released from their prison of existence. She wanted Winter to fall swift and sure and cover the ground in the crimson of those who had cost her some of her dearest kin and friends. Her final whisper was low and deep and menacing. “Something ill is happening below and we need to get to the Children swiftly. There is a clear path that way,” she motioned where she had come from. “We should go swiftly or things could make it impossible to go without being seen at all.” She was covered in wild grass and her clothes, once immaculate and clean were grass stained and the clasp he had given her was missing from her neck. She looked like a child, once dressed for a ceremony, who had gone and disregarded the order to remain neat, and didn't care the coming punishment for it had been worth it.
Adrian’s actions are almost entirely in sync with Nara’s own, training taking over where a reasoning, civilized mind should be. It is instinct that drives him to keep pace with her, the same instinct that drives him to bring back the axe, swinging it hard as he hits the line, the momentum and his enhanced strength allows him to drive it forward and clear, taking out several of those enemy soldiers who attempt to slash at him. Much like Nara’s own, his actions are not finely tuned, for closed in on each side by bodies, some of his own men, some of the enemy, it is no time for him to attempt to get smart. No, until he could clear room it would be sheer, brute strength, and the thrashing attacks of the horse beneath him which would do the most damage. Even as his whole body sings with adrenaline, the muscles in his shoulders screaming from the massive force they exert upon his axe some part of his mind registers the injuries as they come. Utterly minor now, he knows, a shallow cut here, the collision of a shield upon one of his legs, but all of them are registered, for later they may count. Glancing around as he draws back for his next swing Adrian cannot help but pray it will not come to that.
The battleground was filled with not only the battle cries of the many forces, not only that of the humans, but those of the handful of elves, dwarves and halflings within their forces, but also the moans and cries of those wounded that were lying in the field, untended, some being trampled not only by the fighting forces about them, but by horses as they danced and lunged in the fray. Nara's gelding reared onto his hind feet, hopping forward towards one of their sword-wielding foes until he was close enough that his steel-clad hooves crashed down on the man's head, it bashing in and splitting like a melon, matter and blood flying everywhere from under the animal's hooves. With a signal from Nara's knee, it wheeled, her sword catching a pike as it was thrust, the haft of it sliding until it met the guard of her sword and with a deft twist, she wrenched it from out of the fighter's hands, before letting the pike fall and turning the blade to slice sideways, sending his head flying from the man's shoulders. Blood and gore from the battle covered her, her hearing almost deaf from the cries of battle and pain around her, yet in the back of her mind she wondered where the twisted were. Not far from her, one of their dwarven compatriots was wielding his axe against two foe, being back slowly, step by step, another approaching from behind. With a nudge to her steed, and giving out a shrill battle cry, she had her mount race to the ambusher, slicing downwards, the edge of her heavy blade cleaving the man's skull in two as it sliced down. She knew that she had received wounds, having felt what, in the heat of battle, were annoyances, but ignored them, concentrating only on the battle surrounding her. In the distance, she could still hear the occasional whir of arrows, as elven archers, in their never-ending accuracy, picked off fighters at the edge of the churning melee. Kneeing her horse again after he lashed out with his heels, she found herself and the dwarf surrounded by pike men, some intent on hooking her from her horse and she slashed and parried, until one, slipping close, managed to reach her horse. Her gelding's head was thrown up as a scream of pain escaped it and its knees began to buckle, even as Nara kicked her feet free from the stirrups and prepared to vault from the saddle, a sword blow from beneath sliding between the horse's ribs and finding its heart.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:36:57 GMT
« Reply #5 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:47pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of his blade chiming as it clashed with that of an enemy soldier..the reverb from the strike giving him momentum to prepare a second blow.. fighting on horse was harder than on foot... but these steeds were battle trained.. and did their job well at keeping the enemy from closing in the left side... there was a superstition amongst the red lions.. in that you should always follow your heart... the heart being to the left.. hence.. always take left.... a horse also provided you with a better view of the battle..and it seemed that there was a bit of an advance toward the adjacent skirmish.....if only there was a way to communicate between them directly... some complex system of horns... but all of this would have flaws...they could not help the others their position....."Ranam!! Ranam!!.. send a relay to the center field.. bring word of their status.. !" a cold feeling gripped his stomach as he exhaled...when he noticed the numbers... "Barden!!" Rexor yelled "As he snapped out and barely parried a blow.
With only the rumbling of their charge announcing their arrival, the front ranks slash into the back of the Noble forces, reaping a terrible cost in lives within moments. Reaver is mounted once more on the back of Leiden, and passes over the battle time and again, throwing magic down into the fight with precision and to good effect. Here an enemy soldier's heart stops, there a fallen ally rises to fight again, his wounds healed entirely, his magic seeks out the living, even the mounts affected appropriately.
Then it occurs to Reaver that he should test out the effects of his newly-gained abilities, and as he passes over the center of the melee, he reaches out with the will-swaying power and decides to see what happens. Obey me and fight my enemy, he commands, and the soldiers below waver slightly as his command takes effect. Directed solely at the Noble soldiers, the power takes hold in about ten percent, who abruptly see those who were once friends to be foes, striking out with fury-driven strength. A full thousand soldiers become instant turncoats, igniting chaos amongst the enemy ranks as everyone seems to be attacking everyone else, doing nearly as much damage to morale as to flesh and bone. Reaver's grin is feral, and he rises higher above the battle once more, using the eyes of his Bloodborn to help him direct his powers more accurately. It would not do to strike down Rebel soldiers, after all, he muses. Bolts of crimson rage rain down upon the battle, tearing through leather and steel with equal facility.
He feels satisfaction at this, being able to strike against his enemy after so long having to restrain himself. Leiden sees a particularly good opportunity and lunges down into the fray, carrying off an enemy soldier in each limb, ignoring their sword-blows as it circles around and lines up, swooping sharply to gain speed, letting go of the soldiers as it banks back up into the sky. Each of the soldiers strikes another enemy, and they go down in piles of crumpled metal and wounded flesh.
Sensing her distress the child in her arm squirms, small hands reaching up to grab fistfuls of her hair and pulling hard- harsh, but it serves it’s purpose, Phoenix’s mind is firmly returned to the moment. With a yelp she holds the toddler out at arms length, only to be giggled at. Her expression wavers somewhere between irritation and affection, her residual anxiety making her all the more confused, but something about her charges makes it almost impossible for the irritation to remain for long. With a sigh she sets the child down only to reach for his sister and releasing her similarly from her crib. Moments later she is sat, cross-legged in the middle of the nursery floor, an instant human playground for the Sparks she so adores. Within her mind her family stand united, and silent, blocking out all that they can without detection. They would keep her safe, they vow, and keeping her from rushing out to the battlefield below is part of that duty. This time, they promise, they will keep her safe.
As she struggled with the letter, she felt Phe’s mood changes, fear, then relief and nodded as if to say, thank goodness all is well. She finished feeding Lissi, then started to play patty-cake with her as she tried like the others to stay calm as the wait for wounded continued. Scooping up the baby, she heads for the Nursery where Nara’s babies are. The three had played before, though of course Nara’s toddlers had to be watched around Lissi. She entered the Nursery quietly, leaning against the door frame as she saw Phe being used as a climbing toy. “Hello, little ones, Lissi has come to play with you again” She says softly as she closes the door behind her.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:39:11 GMT
« Reply #6 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:47pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite the heat of the battle, and the fury singing through his veins like fire, Adrian found his attention suddenly drawn by the spike of alarm he could feel down the link he shared with his shield mate. It took effort to close it off at the best of times, and with all his concentration elsewhere it was effort he had failed to make. Seeing his shield mate surrounded as she is gives new strength to his arm as he gives the signal with his knees to take him right, towards her, though the progress is slower than he would like. Still, he tells himself, it is something. Just as his mind is wandering, however, the sharp clang of his axe upon another weapon snatches his attention back. It is not the sound so much as the sharp jarring that runs up his arm to his shoulder as his axe is halted in mid flight. He looks down in surprise to see one of the Twisted rise from a crouch it’s two-handed sword having caught his axe just under the blade. The surprise lasts an instant too long, and the creature pulls hard on it’s sword as it reaches up into the saddle, grabbing the edge of Adrian’s breastplate and yanking the man down from the saddle. Though he lands hard Adrian is not without his wits for long and the lunge of the Twisted is met with a straight on drive from the top of the axe, even as he kicks out with his foot. It is the creatures seeming drive to finish him off with teeth, as opposed to weapons, which saves Adrian for as it lunges again Adrian takes a desperate swipe, connecting hard with the side of the creature’s head, even as another sword slices down it’s back. Adrian stares, just for a moment, for the man who saved him wears Noble colors, but before he can consider if further he is gone, hacking his way into the fray even as Adrian pulls himself up to meet his next opponent.
Kicking free of her dying mount, Nara tucked and rolled, hitting the ground hard enough that her shoulder ached, though she ignored it, regaining her feet and continuing to slash and hack at the pike men about her. It is then that she spies some of the Twisted among the fighters and realizes that she is being driven back towards their number. Knowing now that there are Twisted in their number and able to see them, she allows herself to be driven closer, until she can see the animalistic humanoids, their bodies and features twisted into caricatures of the beings that they once were. Most were of those that she had seen before, that of humans mixed with bears, wolves, bulls and the like, but in and amongst their ranks appeared to be a new species, if you could call them that, of the Twisted. These were thinner in frame, wiry, with fur about elongated faces and necks, quills appearing to draw down along their backs and spines, each quill as long as an arrow upon those backs. Men screamed as the quills, reacting much as the porcupines from which they resembled, pierced skin and armor, the barbs holding the quills into place, tearing at the flesh with each movement of their victim. It is with a shock of surprise when Nara notices that these new Twisted appear to have a resemblance to elves in their features, though blurred as they were with the animals that they had been twisted with. She snarls as she is pressed ever back, seeing that her foes are trying to position her into a spot where those with the quills can use them against her. She dances and darts lightly, dodging sword and pike, slicing into each opening that presented itself, feeling her blade rasp either on armor or on skin. She watches as her dwarven companion falls and she is alone, her sword singing and dancing at those beginning to encircle her.
Reaver finds himself tempted to go into the battle himself, but decides against it. There is enough to be concerned about without complicating it even more, despite the fact that he has to dodge arrows at times or the occasional spell that he must unravel before it reaches him. Instead, he moves closer to the plateau, making certain to keep all senses open for any possible intruders climbing the bluff. The Servitors are alert, energized and prepared for anything, which pleases Reaver no small amount. Qual spots something of interest, which draws his attention - a new variety of Twisted, it seems. The quills and heavy hair sprouting from their backs and shoulders, neck and head announce that something different has been used, perhaps porcupines. But the long features and slender, lithe body tell that this is not something produced using humans. He scans them and detects the telltale traces of elven substance, his eyes narrowing as he realizes the extent of the blood-mages' experiments. What other monstrous distortions will be produced? He ponders this as he maintains a patrol along the battle-side of the plateau.
The Smith pulls the molds from the cooling trough, a chorus of ringing behind him from over a dozen anvils in use. He has been training more and more people in the art of blacksmithing, though he cannot and would not pass on the special knowledge of Crafting to most. However, he has been able to improve the skills and knowledge of those who have come to him, and this has served the Rebellion well. Unlike the Nobles, who essentially mass-produce their equipment, the Rebels have hand-made quality gear, ready access to repair facilities, and a Smith who can produce the special...items when the Flame permits. As the clay molds crumble beneath his strong fingers, beautiful silver covered in fine filigree is revealed. A pair of front plates, to complement the back plates and internal workings that have already been produced. They are designed cleverly, meant to go together without the need for bolts, screws or rivets, clipping into place more or less permanently when assembled. Behind the polished steel of his mask, the Smith smiles slightly, satisfied with the work. It will be good, particularly once he finishes the other works. It will be done in time, he nods to himself, and carries on with the next stage of activity.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:41:26 GMT
« Reply #7 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:50pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watching as the tainted fell slow he shook his head only slightly, this speed would not do, he wished to be within the walls of the keep of General Nara by now, not bringing winter to the Tainted and frost to the Children of Chorster. His whistle was loud and piercing to draw the ear of his men as he spoke in a yell, " Parn Shadaer. Sholaes vodaer eil pyr's myr ialor shi vaes Kaelaesar Nara! (Draw Blades. Winter rides and doesn't stop until we reach General Nara!)"
Slinging his bow about him he drew his blade, the soft silver glint of steel catching the sun with roses and leaves of his homeland. Charging forth between the ranks of his men he set precedence and gate, his blade crashing down within the fray that poured forth, his mount twisting as he rounded towards Pali, " Mount up you two, we move!" Turning his attention to his quarry his mount darted forward, barely avoiding a blade that would hamstring, his blade coming razor straight cleaving into the muscles of the shoulder of the man. The sword fell from the man and the hung useless as the next swing brought the very hilt of his blade against his temple, driving the man into the oblivion of unconsciousness. His mount reared as he twisted it onward where 100 of his men charged in, the remaining 99 moving swiftly behind still bearing bows as they leveled the battlefield about the chargers, picking off strays that made it between the onslaught of charging cavalry.
Of all her time within Adamire’s clutches it is only with the twins which her absence is most notable. So young, so small their growth while she was away was marked, though her small fears that her presence would have been forgotten were quickly laid to rest after her return. Within their minds, it seems, Phoenix’s place is set, and sure, her presence a thing of comfort in times of distress. At this point, however, it seems she is merely the means to an end, for their attentions cause her to lie back at some speed, a development which only serves to make them both laugh. She sits up, only to have the same actions repeated, clearly with that same desired effect, and she is happy to oblige. She is on the third re-run of the game when the entrance of Lea is noticed, and she waves a hand in welcome, though some of that quiet calm is lost with the intrusion of another being into her world. Her mind reaches out instinctively, and brushes more confidently over the mind of her mentor, content to find it untroubled for the most part, Adrian and Nara’s touched more gently, enough to assure her they live without risking their distraction. “We wait.” Despite herself, she pouts slightly. “He made her promise, and now she is left here.”
Leathynos sat down near Phe and the children, helping little Lissi to sit in front of Lea. The child wobbled but smiled with delight at seeing the other children. “I can’t go either, though a want to be at the fronts with my healing skills” she said quietly, playing with a rattle with Lissi..”I hope you as well as can be Phe” She said smiling at Lissi’s attempts to grab at one of the twins. Lea changed Lissi’s position to on her tummy. Immediately the child started half crawling, half scooting, towards the twins and Phe. Drool falling from her teething mouth as she cooed.
Pali grinned and vaulted onto her steed as another guard brought it alongside. As she let her own battle cry join the Prince's they lunged into the fray and made for the center where they would then come out before the armies of the General. As she plunged her blade here and there, on occasion winter too overbearing where fall was not willing to stop. She made sure that those who did fall were mentally noted in case they were of Nara's ilk when the battle ended. Their bodies could be retrieved and given proper rites.
As they went deeper into the fray, they were thinned by necessity to survive and soon she found herself cut off from Ferae and the main guard, she watched the one guard at her side fall to the enemy and said a swift prayer that he would find his way home to peace in the Summer Vale. As soon as she spun a fire unlike any pain she had felt in ages lanced thru her leg and her horse reared in pain and rage. She fell backwards and watched the steed felled with a long pike sticking from it's chest. She rolled away on instinct as another pike stabbed the ground where her head had been a moment before. She leapt to her feet and favored the wounded leg as she drew her dagger to use along with her sword. Her own cries becoming loud and high above the din of the battle as she sliced now with no care for anything but her life.
Shadi spun as the horse his sister rode reared and landed with her absent from its back. He cried to some of the other guards but wasn't moving swiftly enough towards her. He feared losing her and cried a warning to the nearest guard. “PALI IS DOWN! TO HER SIDE!” And rushed in with his own mount till he could help her. As he lunged forward he caught site of Nara to his right. He glanced to Pali then spun and jumped from his mount to take down one of the enemy near her back and cried to her as he came up with his steel drawn and trying to get thru the porcupine like Tainted nearby. “GENERAL... FIGHT... YOU ARE NOT ALONE!”
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:42:23 GMT
« Reply #8 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:51pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the ground Adrian’s footing is far more solid, his ability to move greatly increased, and his swings take on a wider more devastating arc than he could manage on horseback. It was not often that Adrian truly took note of his superior height, or reach, or was even truly aware of the extra strength Reaver’s rebuilding of his body had left in him. At this moment, however, each of these factors were both noticed and blessed for their appearance. The disadvantage he’d noted so sorely when he sparred with Nara’s relatives is gone now, for each time he presses forwards it is with a familiar call from behind to announce the presence of a friend. It is not behind that interests him, however, for he can see, even if Nara cannot, the way that she is being herded. Pausing only to swing at an attacker who sought to take the head off one of Adrian’s companions he half rammed, half twisted his way through the mob. No one should be left to the hands of the twisted alone, especially not some new breed, and his shield mate doubly so. Something about his desperation appears to attract attention, for Adrian soon feels the sting of a slash on his upper arm, he literally roars with a mixture of aggression and frustration, reducing his opponent, startled by the savagery of the man, into several pieces before charging onwards. His arrival is announced with the hefty swing of his axe, his arm at full extension, fully meaning to take advantage, both of the distraction Nara herself represented, and his superior reach.
The pressure around her increased, moving her ever closer to the group of Twisted and in the back of her mind she wonders why the focus seems to be upon her, though the thought is fleeting. With all probability, anyone who appeared to be in command was also being marked as she seemed to be. As the new form of twisted grew closer, she found her breath coming in pants, as she swung and strove to parry the increasing number of weapons that were being slashed or shoved in her direction. Trying to parry the cut of a sword, she cried out as she felt the hooked blade of a pike catch the armor at her side, the blade cutting into the leather and with a pull, tearing across her ribs. Ignoring the pain, her teeth clenched, lips drawn back into a feral smile, her eyes narrowed as she continued to fight against the numbers stacking larger around her, pushing her ever backwards. She heard Shadi's cry that she was not alone, though vaguely and at a distance, then saw Adrian's axe swinging amongst those who surrounded her. Feeling the blood flowing beneath her armor, her arm growing weaker, she still continued to thrust and parry, though now more of the weapons were escaping her counters, small nicks and bites adding to the drain of the one wound at her side. She could feel herself weakening with blood loss and fought it, not sure how badly the wound in her side was, ignoring it and the weakness in her intent to remain alive and on her feet.
Reaver fires a few well-aimed blood-bolts, smashing down several Twisted that are threatening his bond-siblings. He has gone through quite enough putting them back together in the last few years that he'd rather not have to do so yet again. He maintains a position of support now, filling the air with ravening bolts of energy as needed to keep the Generals as safe as possible. The Bloodborn continue to scythe through the ranks of the enemy, though they too fall beneath blades. However, it takes much effort to bring down even one, and they never seem to fight in singles, but rather in highly-efficient quads - their backs are never exposed, every flank covered, shield and weapon always ready to protect their partners. This is a technique the Nobles' soldiers are not accustomed to, and they find themselves hard-pressed to breach those defenses. For every Bloodborn they manage to defeat, they lose at least a half-dozen soldiers, and this is tipping the balance as much as the use of Reaver's will-swaying power. For a change the battle is clearly in favor of the Rebels, and this is pleasing to Reaver. Any time he sees groups of Noble soldiers begin to gather, he starts blasting them with magic and bolts of bloody power, smirking as he watches them scatter like cockroaches exposed to light.
Even in the heat of battle his whistles and calls could be heard, much of the vanguard curving about where Ferae now worked almost casually with his mount and those around him towards Adrian. He noted the man's glances and had followed them to one he knew, General Nara, this meant one of two things, he either was a Child of Chorster or a possible friend, but the way he fought and those he felled had marked him an ally for now.
The way he fought and those he felled had marked him an ally for now. Shifting his the movements of the wall of his vanguard he strove a large portion away from Adrian and Nara, his fingers once more taking from a quiver a arrow, this one simular to the last one he'd let loose. The words of spark slipped from his lips as did a winding spell sending the arrow flying upward as he had now found those he'd sought.
The shrill whistle as the flame found it's parcel was a signal to those men around him and a few remaining in the woods to come forth, the red flare glowing in the skies as a beacon for but an instant. It was true he didn't fully trust the children of Chorster, even those he'd come to term human instead were foreign and somewhat still in the darkness in his opinion. Though as two hundred more riders surged from the forest he screamed his cry of battle, Jhaer sholaes thar sai si mylaer, shi eisi Meilal eil shi shor shol mol oli tysi!( Let winter fall to the soulless, we are Sylvan and we will bring spring once more!)" Some of the guards seem to gain new vigor as they fought, his own mount reeling back to almost behead a pike man he'd dodged and blocked the stab of. They would fight now that they'd seen who were friend here.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:43:10 GMT
« Reply #9 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:51pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix is about to respond to Lea’s wish for her wellbeing when a knock on the door announces a further intrusion into her peace and quiet. The servant announces the arrival of the wounded, something which makes Phoenix frown even as Lea takes her babe and gives it to the servant to return to it’s proper room. Bleeding… she thinks. Bleeding she can sense, the screaming of pain within the mind is something which reaches out like a siren… It is only then that Phoenix becomes aware of the dampening of all things flowing into her mind, her family’s guilt at being caught instant. With a half snarl Phoenix allows her body to continue the games with the twins and sends her mind –out- just in time to catch the telling and specific fluctuations in her guardians mind which indicates pain. Adrian’s barely turns her head, his lack of concern flowing through the pain, but Nara’s, however… Instantly Phoenix’s hand abandons the child who seems to be attempting to teethe on her finger and takes a firm hold of the bloodstone pendant she wears. “Nara!” She calls urgently, though her call goes out to Reaver himself, calling attention to her protector, rather than calling to her. She remains as close as she can to Reaver’s mind without intruding, also wishing to know the turnings of the battle she has been kept away from.
Shadi ducked another blade and came up in time to grab Ala around the hip as he watched her faulter. In a soft, almost soothing voice, contadictory to the fighting around them, he whispered to her, “Cyr sai ti, Ai shor kaer o shas maraelia, jhori jhas.” (Hold to me, I will get you back safely, little lark) He held her on the opposite of her sword arm so she could help defend that side of herself as he slowly turned to hack their way back towards the side of her kin and kind. As they neared Adrian, Shadi nodded and helped to dispatch a couple more around him before he began once more to help Nara towards the rear of the fighting, unaware that the man beside him was the shield mate to the woman though it was obvious there was a friendship between them with the look of concern and relief that passed on the other man's face as they came beside him.
Pali was relieved to see a couple more guards come to her side and it renewed her spirit even if her energy was being pressed to its limits. She had not considered jumping straight thru the middle and miscalculated the viciousness of the new Tainted. She looked down at one of the barbed quills sticking out of her leg. Her thigh burned with a fire that was beyond explaining and reluctantly allowed one of the guards to shove her back on his steed and slap its rear to send it forward with her above the crowd below. She saw Shadi helping the General and knew that they would soon be on the side of those they had come to help. As she heard her Prince's shrill cry and saw the flame call the remaining force from the woods, she began to slash with fervor. They would lay winter to those who wished harm and bring Spring to this glen as the General had helped bring to their own a moon ago. Working back towards Feraemar's side she called to him. “Press on, Ferae. We are almost there....”
Adrian is aware of another fighting his way to Nara, though as his arm wraps around her waist his fear of it being an enemy subsides. Instead Adrian focuses all of his energy on creating enough space that Nara and her helper can move without running into overly many twisted, or any other form of resistance come to that. He pauses, only briefly, to reach out and touch her shoulder, before the importance of his attention is reminded by a resounding strike on his breastplate. The actual blow does little, a lucky strike at best, except to refocus his energy entirely. “Get her out.” Is all the instruction he gives to the stranger, though he trusts him, instinctively, to see that it is done. That said the general allows himself to fall behind, allowing some of the enemy to come between himself and his shield mate, letting the mighty axe swing without fear of accidentally hitting one of those bound to the same cause as himself.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:44:12 GMT
« Reply #10 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:51pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.27.08 0013
Nara was surprised when Shadi appeared at her side and wrapped his arm around her, supporting her faltering form on the opposite side of her sword arm. At his words, she nodded even though she could not understand his words, continuing to lay about with her sword and noticing that Shadi was bringing her to Adrian's side. She briefly feels Adrian's touch on her shoulder, hears the resounding noise of the strike on his breastplate and shakes her head when he tells Shadi to get her out of there, even as the elf abides by Adrian's words. Still, they have to fight their way through, back and deeper into their own lines, Nara's blade busy, parrying the cut and thrusts coming at her and Shadi, drawing a little away from the elf to give her more freedom of movement. She feels the edge of her sword as it hacks and slices through leather and flesh, hears the screams of the wounded and dying.
Phoenix's call brings his attention to the Generals themselves, and he notes the damage done to both of them, though Nara's is more serious. He snorts and shakes his head, then casts a spell of healing upon them both through the Bloodstones they wear. The wash of healing energy is warm and revitalizing, though it is better not to think of where it has come from; Reaver has a penchant for literally draining the life out of people. Then, without hesitation he begins to carve a path for the ones trying to depart the battle, blast after blast shattering limbs and rending lives from the foes who threaten them. He pauses in the rain of destruction, seeing one of the new Twisted close enough to the edge of the battle that he chooses to simply stop its heart rather than destroy it. He wants to inspect the work that has been done on them, to see what new things he can learn about the makers. Returning to his work, he lays down suppressing fire to keep attackers from slowing the retreat of the leadership, keeping it up for as long as necessary.
Twisting a foot from a stirrup he slid up onto his saddle hacking at one of the pikemen who threatened him, slamming him finally with the blunt edge of his blade he sent the man reeling back, his eyes coming to that of Pali as he found her prone for but a moment on the saddle, a rictus snarl rang through his core as he lunged from the saddle deep into the fray, no longer taking into account his safety, for if she fell she'd not make a very good protector as a corpse.
Three men fell to his bodyweight though his side had been skewered by the pike man he hadn't killed. Growling only slightly his composure dropped to a chilling coldness, his grin the slightest though it touched his eyes, Stabbing his blade into the beasts gullet he thrust it upward splitting its jaw. Looking down to the offending pike he ripped it from his side with little more then a grunt though the pain and the burning seared into his wintery mind. In that instant the men he had summoned joined the foray, though his mind was beyond ordering much beyond a charge towards the switchbacks.
He worked the pike much like a staff, the loud whooshing cracking into other pikes as each thrust. Running now towards Adrian, Nara and Shi he slammed the pike into one about to be felled by Adrian's massive axe, his eyes but an instant looking to the man's eyes as he spoke, " Run Human, formality will wait." Twisting he wrenched the pike in the things ribs letting loose a spray of blood as its heart was pierced by the barbs. Jerking free he laid lose before Adrian, having noted injuries to the armor and assuming them there as well, he'd felt the magics but felt their source as well, a dark one had laid a spell upon them, he was a guest and would allow no harm to come to his hosts. Driving the pike home into another he let lose three long whistles, his reinforcements beginning to make way to him, their swords slashing with precision and grace as he yelled, " Two a saddle for those behind, Take them to the keep!"
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:44:55 GMT
« Reply #11 on: Apr 26th, 2008, 11:51pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix waits until the pain has subsided from her two guardians before pressing slightly more firmly on Reaver’s mind, even as she is aware of the twins becoming more demanding of her attention, sensing that she is focusing on something other than themselves. “Reaver?” She questions with none of the brute force that she’d directed his attention a handful of moments before. No, now the matter is her own curiosity, and she has yet to detect just how much attention her mentor can spare without either incurring his wrath or endangering him in the process. While she waits for his response, should it come, she reaches out to entangle one of the sparks, pulling him into her lap, only to allow him to squirm free when his sister responds to his joyous squeals, only to be captured herself. The children loved attention, that much was true, and yet Phoenix is informed by the calm voice within her mind that all children are such, that Nara's sparks, at least in this, are no exception.
Shadi felt rather than saw the magic flow thru Nara as she was healed. He was grateful she would be all right, but he had been given his order by someone obviously capable of giving it and he continued to draw Nara to the edge of the fighting. She was the reason they had trekked all the way out here and he was not going to let her fall. His nearly steel like grip on her waist was strong enough to make escape nearly impossible but not too tight to hinder her motions or her breathing. He also noticed her armour was in no shape to keep her safe should she return to battle. He made his mind up to get her to safety on the orders of both his own Prince and the words of the man who had shown an interest in her a moment ago.
Pali saw Ferae lunge into the fray and helped to break her mount free of the man trying to drag it to its knees in order to reach her. In gaining her freedom she rode to grasp his mount's reins and called back to him as she neared his back. "Mount up, my Lord. We need to get out of here or there will be no reason for our have come here." She watched him mount and an old habit kicked in. She managed to clear a path before them as he focused on fighting from his saddle with no worry as to where his mount was taking him as she led them away. It was an old trick and worked better when her own battle skills were worthy but soon they were near the edge and the others had grabbed up those who were obviously of Nara's group and were bringing them to the safety of the edges to regroup.
As she neared the edge of the fray she was grateful they had had a council meeting once the General had left them a moon ago. No longer were they slaying those who had been harmed by the Tainted if they could be mended or chose to live. It suddenly dawned on her as her vision wavered that she would have been on the end of her Lord's blade had the meeting never happened. She fought to remain conscious to see what was to come. There would be time to rest later. Right now, Ferae was her prime concern and as long as they were on the field, she had to protect him. She sat up and awaited the next set of orders as she tried to hide the barb in her thigh.
There is a noise in the distance, one Adrian barely notes at first, his swings continuing to build in momentum, only enhanced as the wash of Reaver’s healing eases the aches and pains already building in him. He reminds himself to thank the mage at a later, more appropriate time, and moves on, driving harder at the Noble forces he can get near to… and there was that sound again. Adrian’s mind spun as it attempted to work through the battle-haze, the consistent drive to spill the blood of his enemy. They were turning, those that did not believe that they were under instant threat were turning and… running? He is aware of another… another elf? Yelling something, but it seems unimportant at that instant… the Nobles, and their sudden change in behavior, that occupied far more of his mind than the yelled words. For, indeed, some of the nobles were literally running, others choosing to fight their way back, facing the Rebel forces still, but it is only with some effort that Adrian realizes what the sound in the distance is. A horn, no, several horns, but all sounding the same sequence. A retreat. The knowledge put new fire in him, drove him all the harder to attack knowing that the battle would not rage for much longer yet. He could afford, then, to drive harder than he would dare otherwise if it were possible the battle might last into the night. It is only when the foe get out of easy reach that he turns, his footing slightly less steady than when he had begun, and begins to pick his way back across the battlefield, surprised to find himself a long way in.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:45:31 GMT
« Reply #12 on: Apr 27th, 2008, 12:43pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nara felt the healing energy coming from Reaver and was all for returning right back into the midst of the battle, since her wounds had healed and her energy level had returned. Except for the fact that Shadi seemed determined that she wasn't going to. She would have been furious and then amused in turn had she not heard the distant sound of horns sounding the retreat and the movements of the Noble forces heading away from their own. Sighing deeply, she drew away from Shadi, turned to look at him and smiled a bit wanly. "My thanks for your timely aid," she told him, then turned her attention back to the battlefield, her eyes searching until she could see the tall, 7' figure that was Adrian leading their men in chase after the retreating nobles.
Her gaze swept over the battlefield and now that battle fever no longer coursed through her, was once again sickened by the sight of the bodies, both dead and wounded, that lay on the field. Such a waste of life. Sighing, she walked over to one of the bodies and very carefully wiped the blood from her blade and checking it over, before placing it in the sheath on her back. Her hand went to the side and she felt the gap in the armor and looked down, giving a rueful smile. With this, it was a good thing she had not been allowed back into the battle.
Glancing up and seeing Leiden, Reaver on his back, still chasing the retreating Nobles, she paused only long enough to speak to one of the men still standing, giving him orders to pass along the line in regards to the wounded and dead, then taking time to secure a horse to ride up to the keep. With Shadi being present, it was a good indication that their guests had arrived, though this was not how she, Adrian and Reaver had planned to greet them. She gave a rueful chuckle. Though Reaver's greeting, well, that would be interesting in and of itself. He'd taken a bit of personal dislike to elves. She shrugged. There was nothing she could do about Reaver and his likes or dislikes. For that matter, Reaver only truly cared for a few. She never did understand him, probably never truly would. Leading her newly acquired horse, she walked over to Shadi and smiled at him. "Adrian and Reaver will see to the field, though I've given instructions for those that are wounded and dead. With you here, I believe it is safe to assume that Lord Aleanghymn has arrived?" Gathering the reins, she swiftly mounted, smiling at the elf who'd come to her rescue. "Shall we locate him?"
Ferae noted the tones, paying attention to the tremor and tone of them as well as the pulsing. Hacking down the last one he could reach he looked to Pali doing much the same, though she seemed lethargic. Allowing her the dignity to fall in battle or be victorious he simply waited, sheathing his sword as she fell the human before kicking his mount in the sides to quicken it's pace. Looking her over he spoke, his words holding a coarse edge to it despite what the council had said, "Tal air shi caelaer? ( can it be healed?)" His hands rested, one holding the reigns the other at his buckle, his eyes deep brown watching carefully for a wince or sign of weakness. Finally taking notice he looked down at his side for a moment, his own side bleeding profusely, and the pain finally registering to his mind. Raising his hand from the buckle he signaled and whistled loud, his men would give up pursuit in that instant, coming about to those that needed aid, or coming to enclose the prince and his protector within a wall of warders leaving only a circle big enough for privacy of the two as they rode.
Pali straightened and looked at Ferae as he asked the question, but as she looked at his own gash she managed a rueful smile. "Ais os tal shi, Tys." (If yours can, mLord.) She lifted her chin and dared him with her eyes to challenge her decision. Just as he was the only one capable of taking her life if a case arose, so too was she the only who could make the judgment call and take his as well. As the vanguard encircled them, she told Shadi to remain with the General. They had an understanding between them so she wanted to be sure the woman was with someone she trusted. She looked to Feraemar then and smiled. "I will live, as you will. We will fight again and draw the seasons in the wheel as they should be. No more talk of either of us falling this day. We come to parley for a treaty both sides need and we will talk no more of felling one another." She saw the ice in his eyes and knew the concern was great if he had let himself get so cold that he no longer cared for his own wellbeing. She rested a hand on his and felt the chill of Winter that all Warders had when they went to the place where battle meant everything and emotions were a crutch. She let the heat well into her eyes enough to make her voice match her words. "We both need healers. We should see to the rest of the guard and to the General and her people. I will be fine till then."
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:46:40 GMT
« Reply #13 on: Apr 27th, 2008, 12:43pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- She smiled a bit then let the cold of Winter fill her own eyes once again and she moved away from him and out of the protective circle to seek out Nara. Finding her with Shadi she smiled and bowed. "Lord Feraemar is here and bids you greetings. We will help see to your wounded if we may ask for a healer to see to our guard once all is well." She bowed and nodded. The Prince was wounded and would not be exposed on the battlefield again till his safety was assured. And for Pali'shol, that meant he wouldn't come from the protecting ring of vanguard till they were safely in the courtyard away from the battlefield.
Nara waited until Shadi mounted and then led her to Lord Aleang'hymn's party. Reaching them, she bowed slightly in the saddle to Lord Aleanghymn, nodded to Pali and took in all their wounds. "I regret that the timing of your arrival was such, Lord Aleanghymn." She gave a wan grin. "I promise you, we do not plan battles for the entertainment of our invited guests." Looking over at Pali, she smiled and nodded. "A healer will be no problem, Lady. We have many who have training in healing of those of other races. I will even ask Lady Lea if she will see to your lord and yourself as she is the head of our healers." She laughed softly. "An elf, as yourself, as well as a number of those under her. For the sake of your men, I will also ask that they be the ones to treat them." Turning her horse's head, she smiled over her shoulder. "If you will follow me, I will gladly lead you to the fortress so that you can all take your ease. I fear that you will have to wait to meet Adrian and Reaver as they are seeing to the last of clearing the field. They will join us above when they have seen to all here below."
With those words, she nudged her mount into a trot, leading them through the battlefield and beyond until they came to the plains that were scattered with sprinklings of wood that stood at the base of the plateau. As she neared, the sentries who had remained at the base of the trail came to attention and saluted, receiving a nod and a smile from her. Reining in her horse, she leaned over and spoke to one of the guards, explaining to him to pass the word, that these were their guests and were to be granted leave to come and go onto the plateau and the fortress beyond. Turning her horse to Lord Aleanghymn, she smiled at him. "Milord, I would ask how you would like to have your troops disposed so that I can make sure of their comfort as well as yours.
Fara'emar rode in silence even after the greetings and smiles from General Nara, only giving the slightest of nods in return. Following now her looked to the battlefield and the lands he had came to talk with, it was interesting where they'd set their main keep indeed, considering they could have done so much more with the archers with towers on the ridges. Turning to look at Pali and her wound, his own face was wanning only slightly of color from blood loss, though he noted her's was worse. Adjusting his cloak and coat to cover the gaping wound he looked to General Nara now as they stopped at the switchback, Raising his ring and middle finger also extending his thumb signaling he wanted the full regiment down here that was in fighting order, the pointer finger down signified Pali and himself would not be among them. Hearing her offer to dispose of his troops here he nodded once more, his words slightly softer in volume then he often used, “My men will attack all those your men do, and question none that your men allow...” Taking a slow breath he looked to the battlefield once more before continuing, his hand quivering only slightly before he replaced it to his buckle and gripped it almost whitening his knuckles, "I will remain upon the field until the last have returned, Pali will follow you for try-at-ment." Turning his mount slowly he rode off before argument could be made, his speech only slightly slurring at the end. He'd suffered wounds in many battles, and even near death he would not leave the field until last.
Pali growled under her breath though there was no outward sign of her anger at Ferae refusing to follow. This was not his field and there were other vanguard capable of seeing to their fallen. She leaned to Shadi and stared into his eyes to be sure he was under no confusion as to her whispered order. "You let him fall and my blade will slide between your ribs, Shadi... blood or not..." He nodded and rode off without a backwards glance. Soon Shadi was at Fera'emar's side as Pali would have been had she been allowed. He knew that to fail her was to die and being twins also knew she would know if something was amiss and she was needed.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2014 9:47:28 GMT
« Reply #14 on: Apr 27th, 2008, 12:44pm »
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- She turned back to Nara and nodded. "He will see to it all return safely. We should see to the others and then I will make sure he is seen too. We thank you for your welcome and understand that the war was not planned for our benefit." She managed what slightly resembled a smile, though it seemed almost maddening looking with her soft porcelain skin covered in blood. "Enemies rarely think to consult before attacking." It was a saying she had often murmured when Winter was called out of season because someone dared to challenge them. She nodded once more and hid a wince as her backwards glance to Ferae caused her leg muscle to contract around the Tainted one's bard and shoot pain down her leg once more. She would see to it Ferae knew of her unhappiness when he returned. To feint from loss of blood AFTER a battle was hardly noble or representative of what their people were.
Nara listened quietly as he spoke, though her brows furrowed and her eyes narrowed. All was not well. She thought swiftly, trying to find a way to convince him to come above, knowing that it could be some time before all theirs came back to the fortress. She had no real idea how far Adrian and Reaver planned to chase the Nobles, though she hoped it wasn't far, in case it led to a trap. Though, strategy-wise, she also knew it would be best if they could prevent as many of the ranks and twisted from returning to Noble lands. Not coming up with any ideas, she merely nodded, glancing up the switchback trail. Well, if he wouldn't go to the healers, the healers could come to him and the sooner she gained the fortress, the sooner that could be accomplished. "Milord, supplies will be sent for the comfort of your men and yourself until then, as well as healers." Turning her horse, she set it to a trot, knowing that there was no way to take the switchback at a faster gait, even as she spoke to Pali. "Lady, he may want to wait until he sees my people safely home, for which I am appreciative, but he belongs up at the fortress as well as all the rest of your wounded," letting Pali, at least, know that she had seen through the ruse that Lord Aleang'hymn was attempting. "What he does is honorable, but what honor is it should he fall from loss of blood?" She nodded at the elven woman's comment about an enemy rarely consulting before attacking, a slight smile coming to her lips.
She set her mount to take the trail as swiftly as possible, even knowing that Pali was in pain. Getting her above and into the hands of the healers was also in Nara's agenda. These were guests who'd gotten caught up in their battle, potential allies and as such, her responsibility. Keeping an eye on the elven woman, as soon as they reached the top of the plateau, she nudged her horse into a swifter gate down the road that lead to the fortress. As soon as they neared, she drew reins and sat back, walking the animal to a huge thorn wall that surrounded the exterior of the moat, the skeletal remains of small beasts lying scattered beneath the lower branches. She muttered a few arcane words given to her by Reaver, made a slight pass of her hand, then turned to look at Pali. "You will be able to pass through now, for you are now keyed to the wall. The same will be done for Lord Aleang'hymn and all he wishes to pass through." With those words, Nara gave a shout, letting the guards above on the ramparts know that it was she and then the sound of clanking chains and the groan of a great wheel could be heard as the drawbridge was lowered, the portcullis raised, before the gates were opened. Kneeing her horse, its hooves thudding dully over the wood of the drawbridge, she led the elven woman into the Outer Courtyard of StoneTalon. Drawing rein, she began to shout orders to send supplies down to the foot of the plateau, not only for the elves, but for those that would have to remain below for the wounded until they could be brought up to the fortress. She added orders for teams and wagons to be readied to bring wounded up, and for the healers to be assembled and taken below. She particularly instructed that the elven healers be sent below to treat their guests, who had been caught upon their battlefield.
Turning slowly to Shadi as he approached he nodded, looking over the man to General Nara and Pali. " A cloak, dagger and any cooking herbs carried. Now" He said to Shi, the warder was hesitant in leaving though did as instructed. Watching out along the battlefield he shook his head slightly, so much winter befallen the land and he knew it had to be only a small skirmish.
Hearing the rider after a lapse of time returning he turned his head, the sweat beading as he thrust his thumb into the gash to renew conscious thought and surge the adrenaline in his system. Removing his thumb and wiping the blood in a single motion, his coat and cloak more then stained to cover any of his own blood. Shadi awaited his next request, " Cut a large strip of the cloak, pack it .. with the herbs." Doing this almost too hastily Shadi seemed to spill more then was packed, though doing it he quickly handed it to Ferae.
|
|