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Part 45: Ceremonies of light and dark =========================================================== This message was last edited by the player at 03:52, Wed 18 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "Forget her," Dorian hisses angrily at Ech'hisst. "We all failed her; she's gone. Now, get out of our way. We have work to do." He strides past the others, not waiting for an escort from the Brintizzi. Letting his heavy cloak trail out past him, while his twisted staff clicked quietly on the stones, accenting the pace of his steps. Cyan, Cyan, Cyan... How long until he heard the end of it? How long, he wondered, until he could let her go. He could still here the sounds in his head, the stories, the song... the laughter. He could still see the smile, and the plate balanced on one hand as deftly as she had dodged his games. Manipulator, that's what she was. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin shakes his head as Dorian stalks out of the room. Some are taking Cyan's... disappearance... worse than they are willing to admit. he thinks to himself. To Ech'hisst Devlin says, "The responsability for Cyan's disappearance is our own and not yours. Please show us back to our rooms, we require food and rest, and I'm not sure that I can remember the way." This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Wed 18 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron merely shook his head, ignoring everyone for what he knew would be an indeterminate amount of time. He followed Dorian out with nary a sound. He was going to return to the room, but found... that he couldn't. Too many memories already, too many shades of things past. So he wandered, quiet, brooding, knowing that the natives of this world would sense it. They would feel his loss, but would not know its depths. Where is the dedication I felt? he asked himself, and cast his mind back into the bond. He only felt sorrow. An awesome, painful sorrow. Arianne wasn't even there; it was merely the sensation of her existence, shrouded in despair. But beneath that, he felt something else. His mind cast an image, a burning flame, erupting into something uncontrollable, unquenchable. An unstoppable inferno that nothing could stand against. Powering that was fury, yes, and vengeance. But beneath all of those temporal things lay something blinding. A furious, white heat surged in the depths of their shared woe. This heat too, was a shared thing between them, an understanding and a desire. It was small, the white flame, but it burned with an intensity that, if felt by another, would sear through both bone and soul alike. For her. For your daughter, your wife. For your grandson. For all those who are dead because of you and I. Your guilt is my guilt. Your truth, my truth. You and I are bound like none other, and our bond is different from that of Berd and... and... It saw me. The last, intelligent life on that world saw me in your mind, Aaron. And in it, I think we saw a spectrum of true existence. I do not know, but I feel it in you, too. You are building on it already, as we speak now, piling understanding and idea into a cohesive grasp of indescribable improbability. If it could think, grow, understand and be, Aaron, why can't what we wish... why can't our child grow as well? Aaron said nothing; couldn't say anything. You have the knowledge, the power, burned into your very existence. It is my chance for freedom, and the chance you have looked for to bring about what no man has ever seen. Lies killed Cyan, Aaron, not our inaction. To put an end to such useless death, we must bring about death. The death of deception. He saw her in his mind's eye, then, naked and burning and unclothed in her sorrow and honesty. "You... cut me to my heart." he said, and the sword shivered in its sheath upon his back. Seek it. Reality is built upon a river of power. Direct it, make it yours. Share me with it and we can bind it, purifying the impossible into the probable and absolute. I only share with you what you have already seen in your mind's eye, in your very self. I will... sacrifice myself to see your ends met, Ara'an. Not out of blind obedience, not out of a weapon for its master, but because I wish it. Because I have a will to do it, and because... And he felt it then, felt the truth of her heart, her words. She had not bound herself to the sword so long ago out of pity for Aaron's lost wife, not out of a sadness for the self-imposed insanity Aaron had cast himself into. No, it had been so much more than that. "You have hidden your true self, your true heart, for too long. What if I had died?" I would not allow that, which is why I shifted the blade when you tried to kill Jack on the ship, so long ago. If you had struck him, Cyan and Kalika would have not hesitated to kill you. I will not allow that... though it seems there are some ways that are beyond my ability to stop. A flash then, Aaron cutting off his own hand... rushing into battle half-insane with guilt, the shadow of a death-wish hanging from his shoulders like a dying spirit. "I... mourn for her." As you mourn the loss of all the women you have loved. Friends, daughters, and wives. You are kinder to women than you are to men... which is why you do not mourn Jack, though he lives or is gone. Aaron sighed, and felt a spiritual weight on his shoulders that seemed the size of reality itself. At the same time, a great conflagration burned within, fighting against the wave of depression that sought to envelop him in death... as it had so long ago. "So be it. I will continue on, if not for myself, then for those who have come before and are yet to come," his voice a whisper in the air. "I expect nothing less." Silently, he returned to the room. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena listened to Nightbrand and wondered vaguely what she ought to do about the information. As they arrived back at the place of the Brintizi Serena found herself too tired and too heart sore to begin thinking of what to do with the information from Nightbrand. As Devlin removed his arm Serena suddenly felt very alone. Standing quietly waiting for the escort to their rooms Serena began thinking about home..Amber. Suddenly she wished to go home very badly. It seemed like forever since she saw any of the family or Amber itself. Mentally sighing Serena realized it would be a long while before she could do what she wished. Having made a commitment to the group would have to take precedence over her own wishes. However, it felt as though with Cyan's death the heart of the group had died. Her laughter, her humor, her music all brought light and energy to the group and it was forever silenced. Somehow they would all have to find their own way through this tragedy in orderr to do what had to be done. Serena knew it would be harder on some and had no idea yet how to work through it herself. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Ech'hisst bows, and gestures towards the door, "The queen has forbidden us from taking on the Achahacct, the Debt of Blood. We have been ordered, instead, to continue to serve until we have performed a deed adequate to the task of honouring Cyan. Only then will we be permitted to consider our own honour." The brintizzi commander continues, "We are unworthy, but we must perform our duty. I have been ordered to ensure that you have rest and refreshment, then inform the queen of your arrival. Later, she will wish to speak to you all regarding the legions you requested, and certain other matters, including the treachery here in her own palace." And so, escorted by dispirited brintizzi warriors, the group returns to their suite, where refreshment awaits, though none can say how much rest they will get... Elsewhere in the palace, in a dimly lit chamber, where shadows shroud the walls and give concealment to other shadows, the latter bristling with blades and barbs, the brintizzi queen sits in conversation with a human female. The human is young, waif-thin, and seems to have great difficulty looking the queen in the eye. Her simple garb is a startling contrast to the gems, precious metals, and laquered scales of the brintizzi leader. "I have been informed, by those in my court whose function it is to keep me apprised of such things, that you have a gift, and will make it available to others, in exchange for payment." The queen picks up a curved, long-bladed knife from the table beside her and studies it closely for what feels, to the human child, like the longest time. "Is this true?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's power swells for an instant, as they are escorted back to their rooms. Your deaths will be of no assistance to your people, Ech'hisst. Think of them. Then he falls silent. Whatever their choices, he will not influence them. Not now. Not again. Arriving at the room, the little dragon floats off James' shoulder, over to Cyan's pack. For a long moment, he stares down at it, then one of his sharp claws worries it open, delving inside to find her tangled mass of leather cords. Two, tiny faeries, faces subdued, shimmer into existance and begin the laborious task of separating them. Berd drags out Cyan's pens, her inks, and her sketchbook, as well as what looks to be a small, purple flower. A thistle. The drake stares at it sadly for a long moment, then slips it between the pages of the sketchbook. Two leather cords are free, and the faeries begin tying the silk to the remains of Kirilindë's blade. Setting the sketchbook aside for the nonce, Berd fumbles with a large, flat case attached to the back of the pack. It comes free, and he carefully lets it sit on the ground. Cyan's harp. The drake seems at a loss; it is far too large for him to carry. Their first task finished, the faeries bind Kirilindë's hilt with the other cord, and slip the finished, heavy amulet over Berd's head. His neck droops under the weight, but the dragon pushes back up as the shining creatures disappear, the hilt now hanging from his neck like an enormous pendant. This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Wed 18 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith stands in her simple, threadbare garments before the Brintizzi queen in all of her opulence. The young woman's head is bowed respectfully, her straight light brown hair obscuring her face. She appears to be unaffected by the deadliness of the Brintizzi and is not intimidated by the Queen's examination of the dagger as she patiently waits for the examination to end. She would never address someone without being spoken to directly first and is comfortable bidding her time. It is a role she is used to. There is nothing defiant, impatient, or dangerous in stance or disposition as she waits. While she is not scared or intimidated, neither is she disrespectful. In fact, she is the epitome of respect. She settles into a deep courtesy before replying to the queen, her dark grey cloak settling around her small frame like a puddle of shadow. She rises fluidly and leaves her head bowed, eyes focused on the beautifully tiled floor. "Yes your majesty" she answers simply in a whisper soft tone, her sharp accent giving the words a formal undertone. She is careful not to do anything more than answer the queen's question. A true servant, she knows better than to volunteer potentially unwanted information. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James squats near where the little dragon and his attendants work. Cyan's harp. An easy decision. "I will carry it Berd. We must have hope if we are to succeed. I will happily settle for hoping that one day the cares of the universe can look after themselves and we will have time for music and song again." "They tell me I have a long life before me. Maybe eventually I might learn enough to do the instrument justice. It seems a more fitting way to remember her." James examines the case, working out how it attaches to Cyan's pack. With the bindings committed elsewhere, the pack will no longer stay closed, but it will let him carry the harp until he has time to find something better. While casting about for something to close the pack, James eyes settle on the sketchbook. A thought occurs to him. "Berd, we need to warn everyone to be wary of Trump contact. If they have taken Cyan's deck of palanquet, most of us have cards." OOC: I'm assuming not everyone is in the same room/s at this stage. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Arriving back at the groups suite of rooms Devlin looks around at his companions. Berd and James busy with Cyan's things, the others deep in their own thoughts. He busies himself by fixing a plate of food. He has no idea how much his last changes had taken out of him, but he remembers Mordan's warning about making sure that he always ate enough to keep his body fueled. Eating and still watching the others he decides that now is as good a time as any to give them his news. "My spy rests on the walls of the Fortress." Devlin says and then stuffs some more food into his mouth. This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Thu 19 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- i/berd {give/offer} (thanks/gratitude) to (Heavyhand/scarspirit). For an instant, the little dragon's eyes flare, and the tiedowns for the pack slowly fade into view. i/berd {believe/consider} (Heavyhand/scarspirit) correct/holdingreason. (Threatassess/warning) necessary/required. The drake stares at the sketchbook for a moment, and the faeries move to flip the pages for him. He looks upon the images, long and hard, then turns his head to James. A bridging is offered to all within the group, in the room or otherwise. Attend me, if you would, whatever your personal feelings. James has reminded me of Cyan's palanquet cards. Aaron, James, Dorian...be wary of accepting contact. Devlin, Serena, Jonnee, you are safe. Cyan...did not complete your cards. Though there are sketches. Perhaps there is something I might do with them, yet. James, could you find it within yourself to bring the pens and the book, as well? Devlin - I look forward to hearing of your bird. About to offer congratulations, the drake cuts himself off, instead crawling up on James' shoulder again, should he be allowed. The little dragon ignores the food, his two faeries puffing from existance. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- "I agree, James," Aaron spoke from the doorway as he entered the room. "It would not do us well to be taken unawares, especially from such a powerful standpoint." His single eye moved to the harp, then to Berd. "With enough time, would you be able to... sense the originating presence behind a Trump, Berd? Believe it or not, I trust your abilities... and your place with us. As far as I'm concerned, I have cast my judgement upon you." Aaron sighed then, and found a seat, sagging into it. "But I do not have a right to cast that judgement. If you die on this quest, then it will not be because I have said so. The words I said to you before were..." he sighed. "They were in the throes of emotion. I apologize." He raised his head to the drake and nodded. "You made Cyan, surely. However, you were tied to her like none other. I cannot imagine the toll it took on you, to have her die it such a way, even if it was your only choice. Your memories, your choices... those are more than enough punishment, and I have no right to make that any worse on you." Aaron sagged again, shaking his head. "I... understand such consequences. Better than most." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, nodding sharply. "Yes, well. Devlin," he said and looked to the man. "I too, would like to know of your creature. I have surely underestimated you and your awesome talents. To you, I apologize." He nodded, and even managed to crack a slight smile. "You hide them well. If my brains hadn't been scrambled back in the chamber, you probably would have scared the living crap out of me when you rushed through the portal like that. That was... unexpected." Aaron's smile widened to a vicious grin. "It'd almost be awesome to see a shifter of your power go up against an Archon... though I'll admit, I'm obviously hesitant to let that come to pass." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena turned to Berd as he spoke of the Palanquets which Serena knew well could be dangerous with her experience with the trumps. "Berd, I appreciate the offer to try to complete Cyan's palanquet of me and will take you up on it. However, could I possibly look at the sketch before it is changed? It is true that the palanquets can be quite dangerous if you are not used to them. Serena knew it might be painful to see Cyan's work and portrayal of her but at the same time Serna wanted to see it and honor Cyan for her work. Although Serena was not hungry she was eating anyway. Knowing that it may be a long time again before she could eat and that casting spells takes energy she knew better than to skip the opportunity to eat hungry or no. "I would also like to hear about Devlin's bird. I think any knowledge we can gain at theis point is of benefit. Serena remarked softly. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Jonnee ----------------------------------------------------------- Seeming exhausted, Jonnee slumps into a chair. For perhaps the first time since joining the group, or even before that, he ignores food. Instead he sits in silence as the others talk of the palanquets, left hand resting on his lap, right dropping to scratch Hunter's head. The wolf, too, seems subdued. Finally the young man stands and stretches. "I'm going for a walk. I need to think. I'll be back, as the King of Calfonia used to say, when he was still making movies." The latter words are clearly intended to be light-hearted, but there is a hollowness to them, a tone as shocking, to those who know Jonnee Kay, as his refusal to eat. He crosses to the door, Hunter padding along, close on his heels. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin continues to stuff his face with food as the others talk. He laughs when Aaron talks about him going up against and Archon, "That may happen, but I do not think it will be soon, and hopefully never." Devlin does not believe that any number of them could defeat the Archons with brawn; it was going to require the use of the brain. "We should also try to locate this... what's his name? The one Luke mentioned." Devlin looks around to see if Luke is still amoung them. One can never be sure. Devlin had never seen someone that could come and go as he did. There were a couple of times that Devlin almost jumped at the sound of the man's voice beside him. "Sephiroth? Were we given any way to contact Tamiel if we needed to." Devlin chews and swallows and then gives his small news, "After the bird arrived at its destination. a world with a pitch black sky that is cut by rivers of flaming clouds; an ocean of lava below. While the bird, though it is not realy a bird any longer, while it rested fire archons seperated themselves from the rivers of fire in the sky. The leader tried to make its way to the fortress but was torn apart by its persuers. It is very strange to me." He pauses for a moment to take another bite, chews, it's obvious that he's going to say something else while he does this, swollows. "I am letting the bird rest before trying to gain access to the fortress, but it seems the creature has made it further than even another Archon can get. I'm surprised at this to be honest, hopefully it can find a way in before those that wait in the rivers of fire realize what it is." Devlin points at Aarons eye patch then, "After I have eaten, and when you are ready, I will take a look at your eye, Aaron. I am not sure if I can do anything about it, but if I can it would be best to do so while we have the time... well, while we can take the time." Devlin seems as if he's done talking then, but the suddenly looks as if he's just remembered something and says, "Does anyone think it would help us to move to a shadow where time moves more quickly? Somewhere where we could spend years while only a short time passes for the rest of sh... reality?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena listened to Devlin nodding as he spoke of Luke. "I never did get a chance to tell you what I found out about Luke through Berd. Perhaps now is the time or perhaps not. "I too could look at your eye Aaron. Perhaps with my healing talent and Devlin's talent we can somewhow repair your eye and restore it to what it once was."Serena commented hoping that she was right and something could actually be done. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd sits still for a long moment as Aaron speaks. It is possible, Aaron. I am unsure if sensing the originator of palanquet contact is within my capabilities. I will consider this. And what is said in the heat of the moment, Aaron of Ald Thiriel, may be no less true than a cold assessment after the fact, he finishes, shifting away from that matter. The dragon turns his shining eyes on Jonnee as he leaves the room. Something has been broken in the man, or at the least, fractured. Too many friends, the ancient being supposes. Jonnee - burning brightly in his heart - has a long path to walk before that becomes all-too-commonplace. Berd hopes he never reaches that point. Serena of Amber, I will attempt to complete the palanquet. However, it may not be possible. In addition, it will be no more than a filled-in sketch - it may only hint at...her interpretation of you. And you may tell them of myself and Luke, should you so desire. Now his burning eyes fall on Devlin. Devlin, if you accept a bridging, I can show people, through your mind's eye, what you 'received' from your creature. I am curious - I knew the Archons fought amongst themselves, knew their hierarchy was fragmented, but this...most strange. I will examine this world, to see how swiftly time progresses, here. Remember, that all things in the Myriad Worlds are not necessarily linear...or logical. One World, swifter than a second, may be be slower than a third. But the third may be, in turn, slower than the second. This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Thu 19 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron sighed heavilly, and nodded to both Serena and Devlin. "Best to take care of the important things first. I'd definetly like to see what you have seen, Devlin, if you would accept Berd's request." To Serena he smiled slightly. "You would have my thanks and gratitude." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin nods at Berd, "It may be best if everyone saw it for themselves instead of me retelling it, though it is not much more than I have said. Maybe someone can make better sense of it than I can." Devlin tilts his head to the side and allows Berd to access what he has seen... It is a long way across Shadow, and the impressions which creep into his mind are faint and weak. The bird is there, exhausted, and not really a bird any more. It sits atop a spire of crystal above an ocean of lava. The sky is black as pitch, cut into sections by rivers of flame. Something breaks away from one of the rivers, like an ember, falling rapidly, followed by a cluster of sparks. The ember resolves into a fiery wheel, in a spiral path towards the ocean of lava. The sparks become more Archons. At the last instant the leading Archon veers, swooping low above the bird, and the others follow, howling as they pass. The bird turns, bringing a fortress into view. A fortress which seems to be carved from ice, and clearly the leading Archon's destination. It doesn't make it. The others fall upon it like a shoal of predatory fish, tearing it apart and dropping the fragments into the ocean, before returning to the flaming rivers above. Devlin interjects his own thoughts here, I then told the creature to rest and regain its strength until I was able to discuss this with you. The bird takes to the air, moving across the ocean of lava, flying low, skimming the slow wavetops before climbing higher, finding itself a sheltered ledge on the walls of the icy fortress and settling, to rest in relative safety. This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Fri 20 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- "I can carry the sketchbook easily enough," James agrees. He turns a sorrowful eye as Jonnee makes his way from the room, but knows that there is nothing he can do. "Most impressive, Devlin." James is first to comment after Berd distributes the blood-spy's information. "Getting that information would likely have been impossible by any other way." "And it ably demonstrates the difficulty we would have in assaulting the fortress. We would need flying troops of either incredible power or vast number to stand a chance of beating off the Archons in that environment. Unless anyone has a way to cool and solidify an ocean of lava?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd listens silently Aaron; he wishes he could have said more, but what? For Aaron to take back the truth is impossible, and Berd will not argue with the man on the matter. Besides, Aaron is but one of a twain, joined far more deeply than at the hip, and Berd knows the state of her feelings. Her razor-edged assessment is also correct. James' agreement is followed by a pulse of empathic thanks, then the mind's eye turns to Devlin's offer. Berd studies the fortress, and the world. Yes. This is the world of the Unknown I viewed with Jack. Perhaps it was an Archon of fire we faced, long ago, to whom we gave that unspecific name. Or perhaps, as I have suspected, something different. For all of their cruel intelligence, for all of their raw power, they lack subtlty. They lack...polish. The Archons remind me, in some odd way, of children. Angry, powerful children, squabbling and grabbing. Why do they fight each other, here? Would that I knew. More observation might answer that question - I concur, Devlin. Well done. This is a fine showing. James, I might be capable of protecting a small group, and hopefully avoiding notice. We could possibly enter through the Underflow, but the current might be plagued with Archons about this world. Possibly better to World Walk, with myself and others providing a shield. As for the lava...well, that depends. His eyes glitter for a moment. It depends upon the strength of the Master of this World, if there is one. I am not yet ready to battle against the powers of the Pole Symbols - the freezing ice of the Pattern, the burning flame of the Logrus. Not yet. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- And so the discussion continues, gradually shifting its emphasis. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the palace... Jonnee Kay finally drives off the guards who have accompanied him through the twisting ways of the palace, and continues the rest of the way on his own. He reaches his destination and sits cross-legged on the floor, while Hunter settles beside him. The giant statue of Kalika Wolfblade ignores the two of them, staring away to some distant horizon which must lay beyond the walls of this place. In her personal chambers, the ruler of the brintizzi cocks her head to one side as the girl answers her. Then, turning the knife in her hand, she offers it, hilt first to the young human. "Please, demonstrate." Around the walls, the shadows seem to ripple, radiating tension. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith does not answer the Brintizzi queen, for she asked no question, but rather delivered a direct order. The young woman moves forward, her scuffed and worn shoes making little sound on the hard stone tile. She can feel the reptilian eyes of the guards and the queen boring into her, watching her every step, waiting for her to take an action that will call for a violent reaction. Yoli named them evil demons, Lorne called them rich friends, and Meredith? She had not made up her mind yet. Lorne had warned her about this, this "demonstration" but had promised that she would be compensated instead of enslaved for it. She trusted him completely, but now that she was here, facing the evil demons, the rich friends, the unknown, doubts assailed her. She takes the knife from the queen, and then dips into a courtesy, a silent thanks. She can practically hear the guards surrounding the queen bristle at the movement so close to their matriarch. Meredith then retreats, walking backwards, so that she never turns her back on the queen. She reaches the place she originally stod and pauses, the knife held aloft in her left hand. Lorne's words echoed in her head "Never serve again Meredith, Never." She sighs softly at the memory and an option she had not considered comes to her. A ghost of a smile pulls up the corners of her lips for just a moment, and then is gone like a dying breeze. It was over in a matter of minutes, the Brintizzi bored by the details. Afterwards, Meredith kneels down and sets the knife down carefully on the floor in front of her, her eyes troubled. She has a feeling that she has just stumbled across something larger than her, and is surprised to find that she is not daunted by this knowledge. Lorne had tasked her with finding a purpose, something to do so she could find herself and heal. This knife... it was pointing to something that could materalize into the cause she sought. Lorne's stories came back to her and she knew that this time she did not have to mechanically speak of the knife. As Meredith rises, she feels more comfortable with her position, but still keeps her head bowed and her eyes lowered. Her outside manner has not changed. "Your majesty, I have the information you seek" she says respectfully, in a louder voice than before. Now that she is in more familiar territory Meredith knows what to do. And so she names her price. This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Fri 20 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian stood with his imperial bearing, looking out the window at rest of the palace and the landscape beyond. He remained silent during the discussion, knowing that his feelings were clear to the others and, well-- even a fool who holds his tongue is considered wise. He needed to remember that more now than ever, he supposed. Yet, when the discussion turns to Cyans belongings, he can't help but sigh a little louder than necessary from his corner of the room. Why? They would not find her, despite any ephemeral hopes he might have shared about that. No, they'd not find her. Sure, see to her cards because they were dangerous. Berd likely knew of her sword and its secrets, too-- he sneered at this thought. The most likely outcome would be their death in some ocean of fire and blades. Still, he didn't find himself declining to join them in that death. The hopelessness of it, the death, appealed to him. So what if the universe faded into some surreal landscape populated by the Archons-- survival of the fittest, right? If they win, they deserve it. Yet, the tactician in him surveyed Devlin's images with a critical eye. They lacked information, like what kind of recon the Archons had. How would the Archons react to an alarm, such as one their small group might raise? He sighed again and folded his arms across his chest. Without turning, he says over his shoulder. "I have an extra hand if anything needs to be carried." This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Sat 21 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- "The images give us a lot to go on..." Aaron said, but paused, his chin cupped in his hands as his mind worked out what he had seen. "But we're lacking things. We don't know enough about the majority of the landscape, the Archon's resources on that world. What if they have scouts? Lookouts? They're like dangerous children, yes, but they're not stupid. They've anticipated us more than once." Aaron sighed, shaking his head. "Whatever the case, we need to do something. Walking there sounds like the best idea, even if it feels like we'll be walking into the lion's den. Again." His eye looked to Dorian as he mentioned taking up Cyan's belongings. He wouldn't fight him about it. Aaron had his own thoughts, desires, ideals. The fact that Dorian would even touch Cyan's things was enough for Aaron; enough to show that Dorian wasn't letting Cyan's death completely kill what had grown in him. Hopefully enough. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian turns, a look of interest in his eyes show an idea forming. Perhaps... "Your thoughts echo my own, Aaron." He glances at Devlin. "Could your bird remain and spy, whilst we walk there? That perhaps can give us a little insight before we arrive. And-- forgive my lack of knowledge concerning the geography of the universe, but-- where is this world? Is it near Chaos or near to Amber? Or not near anything at all? It's a long shot, but if it is near the Courts of Chaos, I may know a place we could stop along the way, a place where the art of gathing information is unparalleled in any world I have yet seen." And I swore I would never go back.... =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "Before we decide to run off to a world of Lava," Devlin says, "I'd like to know what it is that is hidden inside this fortress. What it is that they will not even let others of their kind approach." He shakes his head and looks around the room, he was half expecting Cyan's voice to interject some type of wisdom. It's funny that in the short period of time that he had been with the group that he'd gotten that used to her stating her opinions. Devlin shakes his head an looks toward Serena. "Perhaps if we knew what it is that they protect there might be another way..." here he stops and strugs, he doesn't really know where he's going with this thought. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- There is a pause at Dorian's offer. Perhaps you should carry the book, while James carries the harp. Berd replies, quietly. I will be working with the Underflow in an attempt to stabilize the sketches; I would be more than happy about the assistance. The little dragon sighs. There is little enough left. Some toiletries, small bits of extra clothing.... His voice trails off for a moment. There should be more, the little dragon finishes, subdued. But there isn't. The world is toward the Chaos Pole, Dorian, he continues, shaking off the heavy thoughts. I will search to see if there are any 'landmarks' nearby. My concern here, Aaron, is not for the childish, malevolent Archons; it is for the Unknown, should it be different from these creatures. This is the homeworld of the Unknown - its 'signature' is the same. Hence, I do not see them as one, the Archons and the Unknown. The one we encountered and destroyed was a shapeshifter, and of power enough to stymie the entire party until we rallied behind Jack's mind. And it took our support to allow him to defeat the being. That being said, I believe I should be able to conceal us until we reach the world. There will, of course, be defenses. Hopefully we will prove capable of circumventing them. Devlin, might it be possible to insert your spy within the fortress? =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "Then it is roughly along the way, so to speak...." Dorian lapses into contemplative silence.... OOC: Dorian needs GM feedback (see PM) before he can finish his thought. Most likely, it will be nothing, though. But maybe worth asking about. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Jonnee sits, deep in thought, his eyes gazing up at the statue of Kalika, his hand resting on Hunter's head. Gradually a smile spreads across his lips... The queen nods, her eyes on the knife laid on the floor by the young human girl, "Most interesting. Tell me, is it tiring to do that? Do you require food or drink? Please, sit, and we will discuss your recompense." She gestures towards a second chair. And still the discussion continues between the questers, as the time passes. The servants come to clear the table, accompanied by guards who seem even more protective of the guests than before... =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "I think I can find us an infiltrator along the way-- several in fact-- if Devlin's bird cannot get into the fortress. It will take little time to stop and gather them, and thankfully it is nearly impossible to trace them back to me, if discovered-- and, believe me, they are most difficult to discover. They have been dormant for some time, but they are the tools with which I took over many world, back when it was my hobby. Even if they do not aid us here, perhaps in the future... It is difficult to explain, but if you would indulge me along the way...." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd pauses, considers something he has seen. Then he speaks. As stated, I surveyed the regions around the world of the Unknown. This is what I discovered. Attend, all - this may be of critical importance. I cannot SEE within the citadel, like Devlin's bird, without exposing myself to possible discovery. This would be disastrous. I can, however, feel the citadel - delve it for impressions, signatures. Here is what I have discovered. The Archons have a different 'spiritual signature' than the Unknown. I have, however, felt the presence of Archons within the fortress. Doing what, I have no idea. Again, we require further intelligence from Devlin's bird. Now, watch. I will translate what I saw into imagery for your minds. [image] Berd's view of Worlds, many Worlds, near the World of the Unknown. They are connected, somehow. It is the hub. [image] The worlds surrounding the hub are filled with Archons, always circling, always fighting each other. [image] One of the Unknown, the aura of such a creature, discovered within one of the nearby Archon worlds...and the Unknown shifts and changes, into an Archon. Not only physically, but spiritually! Berd considers for a long moment. It disturbs him to hear of Dorian taking over worlds - but then, better that than destroying them, yes? That is something for you and Devlin to discuss, Dorian. Perhaps you might determine which of your respective intelligence gatherers would be best for the situation. Or should they both be subtle enough, send them both. I believe we will have time, either way, on the journey. That, though, is up to James, Aaron, and Serena. This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Sat 21 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith bows her head and sits in the chair indicated by the queen. The young woman's posture is impeccable, her back ramrod straight, and although her feet barely touch the floor, she does not swing and kick them about. Her gloved hands are folded neatly in her lap. Her head remains bowed, but she does not look uncomfortable. In fact, the ease in which she sits suggests that she could sit like that, back straight as an arrow, for hours on end without complaint. "Your majesty is too kind to ask after me" Meredith demurs in her crisp acccent before answering the monarch's question "It does not tire me, thank you" she again acknowledges the queen's concern politely. From there they discuss the terms Meredith named, and during this dicusssion it becomes apparent that she responds well to direct questions, but will not comment on statements or observations... unless asked. When everything is settled Meredith cannot keep a geniune smile from her face. She is imagining the look on Lorne's face, a joyous smile similar to her own. She hopes that he will be proud of her, striking such a deal with his rich friends, Yoli's demonic enemies. Then Meredith realizes that her shoulders have tensed in anticipation, a by-product of the smile. Memories hit her like a tidal wave and her small shoulders shudder slightly as she reigns herself in, forcing her emotions and thoughts back under control. Meredith focuses on the information, on this purpose she has discovered, using it to beat back the true demons that plague her soul. "Please pardon my boldness your majesty' she begins formally after a few moments have passed, her control restored "it seems of the utmost importance that we question the prisoner to discover what message was more valuable than the life of Ht'chisst" the foreign name is garbled by her accent and she makes a holy sign across her breast out of respect for the dead. Another memory, this one of a tall, lean man with a dark hood and sweaty, pock marked skin... his long, elegant fingers reaching for her quivering flesh... Meredith's eyes harden to stone shards "I can assist with the interrogation if necessary" the implication behind those serious words, spoken in such a lifeless, detached voice are almost frightening coming from such a seemingly frail young woman. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin smiles and chuckles a bit when Berd suggests sending his spy into the fortress, "That is exactly what I was thinking to do, and we shall see what happens when it tries to enter." The man tilts his head the other way as he concentrates on sending his new commands to the once-bird. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena had been silent while the others were discussing spies and infiltration. Although she knew of some ways to do suich things she truly felt that Dorian and Devlin were better equiped. As Devlin glanced her way Serena attempted to smile but it fell short, the absence of Cyan was still too fresh, so instead she just gazed into his eyes for a long moment before turning back to her food. Once Berd mentioned the journey however Serena replied,"I will gladly help as we journey. I do have quite a bit of experience with world walking. I believe you are right Berd that it will take time however to get there. So, yes there will be time to plan and weigh our options. Serena had thought of talking about Luke and Berd but it seemed that the time had passed, and she had decided perhaps it was best to leave that alone for the time being. This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Sun 22 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Deep in the palace of the Brintizzi silence reigns in the queen's throne room. Meredith sits beside the monarch, the weight of her words still heavy in the air. On the outside she is a statue of composure and servitude, she has excelled at keeping her inner feelings hidden. The implied violence behind her offer surprises her. She does not consider herself a violent, mean spirited person, but here she is offering... the unspeakable. As the surprise fades, dissapointment and shame gather strength. What would Lorne think? If she had tears, they would have welled at the thought of Lorne. How she missed him, her sole friend, her lone companion, her prison guard. It was such a twisted skein, and she felt herself becoming entangled and caught by invisible threads she could not see. The jump to violence scares her, reminds her of Yoli and she refuses to be like him. Her eyes find the knife and she feels like slapping her head. How could she be so stupid? "Of course there may be another way" she comments quietly, as if she had planned the silence. Meredith raises her head a fraction so that she is able to meet the queen's eyes but still have her head bowed in respect. Cold reptilian meets pewter grey and for once holds steady. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "Fine, then," he nods to Devlin. "Should your bird have difficulty, we will see if I can fare any better. I only hope your succeeds, for my spies may be difficult to deal with, considering past dealings. In either case, it is a valuable tool and I am long overdue for a much dreaded visit. I'm only thankful that Cyan will be spared visiting this place-- and I mean that in a good way. For now, I rest. Notify me when we are to leave, or if anything requires my attention." If not for the universe's fate being in thier hands, he would never return to that place. Even then, he considered risking their missions without such help. Selling his soul to an elder Amberite would be preferred. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron nodded. "I concur. The more information we'll be able to gather about the Unknown, and the Archons in general, the better off we'll be." Our enemies shift their shapes with every move we make. It is a frustrating thing, indeed, but we have a place to point to, now. This message was last edited by the GM at 09:00, Mon 23 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James considered. It was humbling to hear his companions calmly discussing assaulting a fortress that appeared to James to be completely inaccessible, not to say impregnable. He was also concerned about their method of travelling. From the little he knew of world-walking it seemed that he could share the guiding duties with Serena and Aaron but he wondered whether it might not be more efficient if one person did the job. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- The queen considers Meredith's proposition carefully, tapping one immaculately polished nail against a scaled, gem-studded cheek. Her eyes narrow to slits. "And what would be your price for such a service?" Her mouth curves into a surprisingly human smile, and she raises her hand, "No matter. This is too good an opportunity to miss. I will arrange for you to be escorted to see them." Jonnee's eyes snap into focus. "Yes." he says, seeming to address the statue. He stands then, "C'mon Hunter, we got work to do. Well, I have. You just get to laze about and get fatter, as usual." He turns away from Kalika then, and starts back towards his friends. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- While the queen considers, Meredith lowers her eyes and face once again, patiently indulging the opulent matriarch. She watches between strands of hair when the queen replies and is surprised by the narrow eyed look she is receiving. She is unprepared by the discussion of another price. Meredith does not know what to name, she had already requested everything she wanted and is unsure of how to reply. Luckily the queen moves on before Meredith gets too uncomfortable or is forced to reply. The young woman bobs her head in reply "As you wish your majesty, I am at your disposal" she is back to the soft whisper, sharpened only by accent, not attitude. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke steps up beside Serena, almost as if he rose from her shadow, and leans over to whisper in her ear. "You have to shout to be heard, in this group. I must admit, I'm curious to see what sort of spin you put on 'my story', but I think my ego can handle a bit of time without its telling. I am, of course, the soul of humility." He twiddles his thumbs for a moment. "So. Who will be leading this fine group through the worlds? Not to put too fine a point on it, but too many cooks spoil the broth." This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:37, Tue 24 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- "Actually, no... " The queen seems to have second thoughts of a sudden, "I will come too. I would like to observe the you at work. I find such things... interesting, far beyond my own experiences, as they are." "I will send messengers, to inform those with whom I should meet that I will be delayed." A quick gesture, and two shadows break away from the wall, small, even compared to Meredith. The queen speaks to them quietly, and they depart, moving quickly. "We will go. I would like to see how they react when we reveal what we know of the murder." She rises, and the shadows flow into the room, surrounding her, and Meredith too. Together the whole group exits the chamber and moves deeper into the palace. The door of the suite opens, and Jonnee steps in, followed a moment later by Parenalle. The female brintizzi liason studies the faces in the room. "We must go, immediately. The queen has summoned you all on a most urgent matter. It concerns the treacherous domherr delegation. If you will follow me?" She pauses, gazing at Luke, with some uncertainty, then shrugs it off. It is, after all, only Luke... she had simply failed to recognise him for a moment. "Where is... Dorian? He must come too." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin was just about to suggest looking at Aaron's eye. He had been thinking that Serena's idea was a good one. He wasn't sure he could repair all the damage on his own. Sure he could form part of Aarons body, the damaged eye, into a new eye, and once he had force that change on the man it would stay. But, the healing bit, making the nerves work... But those those thoughts ended when Parenalle entered and announced that they must all go and see the queen, again. Ever since he had met this group, it was always something. No time to rest, or adjust, or forget, befor the next crisis was upon them. Devlin shakes his head and waits for everyone to be ready, off through this maze of a city once again. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith does not comment to the queen, but rather waits and watches and then settles herself within the group, behind the queen and to her right. The proper place for a servant. As they traverse the castle to the dunegon, Meredith ponders an appropriate price, and finally thinks of one. She allows herself a small, quick smile, and marvels afterward that she is not struck down for such a display of happiness. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd continues to sit, silent now, on James' shoulder. At Paranelle's entrance, the little dragon curls up in a ball (it is uncertain how he keeps his balance) and breathes out a small cloud of shimmering mist. It slowly floats through the rooms, seeping under the door to Dorian's sanctum. He then half-closes faraway eyes, possibly staring at a distant memory. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Wordlessly, Dorian emerges from the door and stands with the others. He looks to The Birintizi for a moment, as if assessing her. "I am ready." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Parenalle (NPC) ----------------------------------------------------------- With a nod of acknowledgement, Parenalle leads the way to see the queen. The way is strange, even to Jonnee, who has been here before, and soon they are traversing unknown regions of the palace, descending long flights of stairs, moving through narrow tunnels, and across echoing chambers. This part of the great city-structure is less like a palace, and more like a fortress. Bare, unadorned stonework is everywhere, and the air is cool and damp. Eventually, after almost twenty minutes of walking, they arrive at a corroded bronze door, which swings open to reveal that it is a door of wood, plated with bronze, the whole thing almost a foot thick. Beyond the door is a room, or rather, a balcony overlooking a room. The purpose of the room is obvious. The bar-fronted cells lining the walls are a dead giveawy. Most of the cells are empty, but four are occupied, each by a fairly human-looking creature, the major difference being that their thin faces give a distinctly bird-like impression. A fifth of the creatures is strapped into a steel chair in the centre of the room, guarded by four warriors. The queen is there, surrounded by guards, and accompanied by a human girl who seems to be no more than twelve or fourteen years old. She turns her head to face the group as they enter, "Welcome. I am sorry about the loss of your friend. Her name will be commemorated in our records. In the room below are the domherr ambassadors. They are in league with the Archons, and we are about to start discovering what they know." "This is Meredith, who may be of some assistance in this matter." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James shifted uncomfortably. He was pretty sure he knew what was going to happen next and he was equally sure he didn't want to be around when it did. The same thing had happened when they had captured the Archon slave on Cargach's jungle world. On that occasion the information had been obtained by interfering directly with the captive's mind. At the time James had thought that vastly preferable, but since the revelation of Berd and Cyan's history he wasn't so sure. Still, James knew that he couldn't simply walk out on the queen so he settled for gritting his teeth and trying not to fidget. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin's first thought upon seeing the creatures that started the whole mess which led up to Cyans's disappearance was, I wonder how they would feel about living out the rest of their lives as giant stench toads. Perhaps in a Brintizzi zoo; needing to eating thousands of whatever passed for insects on this world to servive. With their minds left in tact so they would always know what had been done to them. He was half tempted to leave them that way if they lived when the Brintizzi were through with them. Until that moment, Devlin had never felt such contempt for anything, including the Archons. Until that moment it had not hit him what the Archons themselves had cost him. He took a step toward the creature strapped in the chair, but then restranined himself and stepped back again. Anyone that looked at Devlin could see the sudden hatred in his eyes. But that hatred was not just for the thing in the chair, it was for the Archons, this creature just happened to be what was in front of him. He waited to see what it was that the Brintizzi would do to it. He'd decide then if it was sufficient punishment. Somehow he doubted it would be. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Instantly Meredith is uncomfortable with the set up of the room and the task before her. Her confidence, a new, budding things, shrivels. She has had audiences before, but having them elevated, staring down at her and being surrounded by the guards and the queen, it was weighing on her. It was a far cry from the simple wooden chair of the Parish. She debates telling the queen how it is different with living, breathing things, but decides against it. She sighed softly and began to prepare for the fight that was ahead of her. The queen makes her introduction and Meredith barely looks up, her face hidden by the fall of her hair.She had a task to do, a battle to fight. She bows respectfully to the queen and then approaches the creature... the domherr strapped to the chair. She stands in front of him and then sits down at his feet, like a favored servant. Her oversized cloak swallows her small frame, she is but a floating face in a sea of dark grey. She is moving, but the cloak is obscurring her movments... and then she is ready. Meredith keeps her eyes averted, focusing on some point only she can see. In her mind she is working through the Ancient language. She feels calm and at ease, a vessel ready to be filled. Her mind takes up a formidable focus, frigthening in its intent and sense of purpose. Through the cadence of Ancient language, this awesome focus narrows in scope, scaling down like a falcon descending on its prey until there is but a single thought, a single story that she is completely intent on. From the folds of the cloak a pale, bleached white arm extends, and settles thin fingers on the naked skin of the domherr's wrist in a hold that somehow manages to be both light and firm at the same time. This message was last edited by the player at 07:40, Thu 26 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd seated on James' shoulder, slowly lowers his head, hunching his shoulders. His eyes burning, he stares at the bird creatures with a painful intensity. The air around his body suddenly wavers, like the space above a candle's flame, and James feels his weight grow, almost as though the little dragon is taking on more mass, somehow. Not uncomfortably so - merely...there. He glances up at the Queen for a moment, then his lambent orbs fix upon the girl. The drake clenches clawed feet, careful not to pierce James close, much less his skin, and pushes himself back to a seated position, body relaxing slightly, growing lighter. Then he sighs, softly, and turns his head away from them, a look of misery in his eyes. Whatever will be done to these creatures, it will not bring Cyan back. And Berd knows that many of the Archon's servants become so out of fear, out of desperation. It is no excuse for their actions, oh no - but Berd understands the depths of horror to which one can be driven by those emotions. He understands all too well. But the girl is doing something, now, something...different. Some part of Berd's mind (minds?) is watching, clinically studying while the rest of him remains silent, numb, and grieving. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Things were moving fast, now. Aaron watched with careful curiosity, some sadistic piece of him hoping that what the girl would do would hurt these men in some way or another. Aaron was surprised to find that he was neither disturbed nor disappointed by this state of mind. He was merely numb to it. His left eye twitched as he watched, reminding him of his own desires yet again. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Nothing happens. The girl touches the man's wrist with her fingertips, and closes her eyes, and... that's all. No screams of pain. No pleas for mercy. Nothing. They sit, frozen, like that for a time which falls somewhere between an instant and an eternity, and tends towards the lower end of the scale. And then, with a sigh, the girl rises and turns away from him. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd sits, silent, curled up on James' shoulder. He seems to be waiting. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith's stick thin arm is swallowed by her cloak. There is some rustling under the folds, signs of movement, and then she rises in a single, practised motion. She faces the queen, standing in front of Wheawasaorl, but completely ignoring him. "Your majesty" she says, and then bows in supplication "Whewasaorl owned a silver basin, mounted with a cystaline egg. This is the device he used to communicate with the Archon, by filling it with the blood of the servant" her small shoulders shudder slightly, her eyes filling with the flaming wheel, her ears ringing with the clashing steel of its voice. "If you have recovered it, I may be able to garner some additional information about its craft" The young woman bows to the queen before turning to face the audience on the balcony. "Milords and lady" Meredith bows to them, the same bow that the queen received "He told the Archon details of your party, your victories, your plans, your knowledge, and your confidence" she pauses, and then traces a holy symbol across her chest "I apologize for your loss" the words sound formal in her crisp accent, but the feeling behind them is sincere. She thinks of the woman with the copper hair and glittering gemstone eyes, a woman she will never meet in the flesh. She finishes with another bow to them. Meredith then adjusts her position again, so that she is neither facing the balcony nor the monarch, each getting a side view of her thin form as she addresses both. "Wheawasaorl has will resist torture. He has been trained and will say nothing" her voice is cold and hollow at this declaration "and" she finishes quietly "he and his aides have eaten the body of the slain servant... and yet he sits before us, thinking of food, the Chunchee, and the time that has passed since his arrest" her voice is cold and unfeeling, lacking the passionate conviction of judgment. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- The queen stands, eyes burning with outrage. "You have come here," she states, her voice an angry hiss, "as guests, invited to help further understanding between our peoples." "In return for our hospitality, you have committed crimes here. You used your position to spy on our other guests, and plotted their deaths with your true masters. You have murdered one of our own people, a harmless servant, with neither the abilities nor the training to defend herself. And then you devoured her flesh." She pauses then, thinking for a short while, "You will be punished. I have heard that, among the domherr, it is a great shame to die and have the limbs broken afterwards, since it stops your soul from journeying on to the next world. You will all be executed, and your bones will be broken. That is how gravely we regard your acts." "Since one of your crimes involved the consumption of a brintizzi, your lips will be sewn closed after death, so that your trapped souls will be hungry for all eternity." "Your bodies will be kept here, until we deem that your punishment is complete, but your tongues, split to signify your treachery and lies, will be returned to your government, along with a list of your crimes. If this leads to war between our peoples, then that will be one more thing weighing upon your souls, as they lay trapped in your broken bodies." She turns her attention to one of the warriors, "This is my decision, Captain." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena almost sighed aloud as Luke popped up behind her. Honestly, she wished he would stop doing that. It was very unnerving in a basic sort of way. As she went to respond suddenly they were resummoned back to the Queen. Serena simply nodded to Luke to show she understood his meaning. Only one of the three could lead the world walk. Feeling chagrined she hadn't thought of that before she decided to wait until after the visit with the queen to bring it up, as usual there was no time to do it now. As she stood looking upon the woman who was reading and reporting the traitor's crimes she had a sense of potency and fatalism. Somewhow this woman would be important to the group..she was just unsure as to how. As the Queen handed down the punishment Serena felt as though she should feel sickend, but as she remembered Cyan she found herself feeling nothing but a sense of right. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke leaned against a handy prop, be it a pillar or table, and stared at the prisoners and their interrogator. He shot a quick look at Berd before grinning openly at the judgement of the Queen. It might have been noticed that, at that exact moment, his teeth were very long and very sharp. "Magic both black and blood, deviltry most certain. Angels, these Archons most certainly are not. Just judgement, your Majesty. Ye reap what ye sow." He pushed himself from casual stance and leaned toward Meredith, the teeth of his gentle smile now white and even. "Monsters they are, and monstrous will they be treated in kind, but it begs the question. Why? What were they promised? Threatened? Have you determined that?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron glanced at Luke, his agreement at the man's question unspoken, though he nodded slightly after the man made his request. He too, was curious to know the "why" and "for what" of this particular issue. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith does not react as the queen dictates the domherrs' shared fate. She watches for reacts through hooded eyes, carefully avoiding being caught staring as such conduct was unseemly for one of her status. She sees Luke's smile alter as he addresses her and for some reason the gentle look scares her more than its harsher predecessor. Meredith forcibly pushes those thoughts from her mind as she listens to his questions. She catches Aaron's approval of the line of questioning and hopes she has the answers he seeks. She courtesys, a motion with the grace of repitition, and she pauses, her grey eyes studying the man on the balcony and it takes her a moment to place him. "Master Luke, the motives behind their actions remain hidden. Although the training to resist torture speaks of a willingness to cooperate, it is the lack of emotion that is more convincing. A forced servant would at the least fear the repercusssions of its master for being caught... fear of whatever threat forced them into service. This one" she indicates the fallen ambassador "feels no such fear. This, along with the training, begs the conclusion that they are willing compatriots. This is my determination milord." Meredith ends her assessment with another courtsey. After putting her thoughts into words, Meredith feels herself being drawn deeper into this world of spies and intrigue. She realizes that the traitorous ambassador has something she wants. Meredith faces and bows to the queen. "Your majesty, earlier we spoke of payment. I request to interact with the former ambassador once more before his sentence is carried out" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James was grateful that no apparent coercion was needed to obtain the information from the domherr, although there was no way he could confirm that for himself. Not that the information told them all that much, it just confirmed the extent of the damage done. He wasn't quite so sure about the significance of the sentence handed down. Death was pretty much a given in such circmstances and James had no difficulty with that. He had mixed feelings about the manipulation of the body to deny the spirit's journey. He appreciated the symbolic weight of the message the Brintizzi Queen was making, but still. All in all, James wished he was someplace else. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd twists his tail into a knot, pauses, then unwinds it, staring first at the Queen, then at the prisoners. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Regarding Meredith with a puzzled frown, the queen raises her hand, "Hold, Captain. The girl wishes to... interact with the criminal again. Though I cannot understand what she hopes to gain from this. Still, her talent has proved useful, and may do so again." "Meredith, you may have your contact with the prisoner now. He will be dead within the hour." She looks about then, and indicates one of the warriors present. "Subcommander. Did I not receive a report that your troops had discovered the communication device in the domherr ambassadors' chambers?" "Yes, Majesty. The one called... ah... Dor-ian took possession of it." While this discussion goes on, the prisoner simply sits in silent defiance, his almost-human face showing no emotion save for a certain, grim satisfaction. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith waits for the queen to complete all of her speaking before replying, noting that Dorian, one under Aaron, now has possession of the bowl. "Thank you your majesty" Meredith bows to the queen and faces the balcony, her gaze finds Aaron, and then quickly skips away. Now that she knows where do direct her speech she has no need to stare, that would be disrespectful. She bows to him, keeping her face lowered. "Master Aaron, Please excuse my directness. After completing this final task, I humbly request to be given the opportunity to examine the bowl" Meredith stops suddenly, wanting to say more, to ask more, but her training wraps iron fingers around her throat, choking off her voice. Instead of continuing, she waits in silence, her head still bowed, for Aaron's reply. She knows there will be consequences to such forthright behavior, but she is prepared to take them. It also occurs to her that this will give her an idea as to how the leader handles requests, better preparing her for the bigger boon she had yet to voice. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin moves closer to the edge of the Balcony and leans his crossed arms on the railing. He's curious about this girl that keeps calling everyone Lords and Ladies. He's still half tempted to jump down there and do something grotesque to the bird creatures. But he is beginning to get his emotions under control. Still he thinks that death is to good for them. The only way they can be made to suffer is to be kept alive... Devlin watches as the slight girls tries once again to get some information out of the one in the chair. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "Yes," Dorian scowls. "I have the device of which she speaks, and my intent was to examine it myself, which I am more than capable of doing. However, if you trust this one with such sensative information, your Highness, I will relenquish it to her hands." He pulls his cloak tight about him-- still the heavy winter cloak he conjured for the journey to that other world-- and then folds his arms across his chest. Such behavior, such deference, was an easy way to gain the trust of an enemy. The shape of a young girl, so easy to trust. Only, it was the shape of a off-world humanoid-- just different enough to gain the queens trust? Or perhaps, the goal was to gain the party's trust. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron glanced at the girl, his eye unintentionally looking down upon her, though not out of spite. He simply nodded to her request, not seeming to notice the title, however improperly placed. Her stare however, was noticed, though he did not fault her for it. "You may do as you see fit," he responded. Aaron glanced at Dorian then, his one eye meeting both of the sorcerer's, before he returned his attention to the prisoners, his arms crossed before his chest. Let us see what else this girl has. There is more to this one than her mere size and interesting abilities belie. "Devlin, Serena, I require your assistance later on, if you may." Aaron was still looking upon the prisoners, knowing his gaze would be forgotten by them before too long. He wished he had a way to make them see the final results of their actions. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith courtseys to Aaron, a silent acknowledgement of his assent. Inside, she is uncertain of his reaction, but this uncertainity is overshadowed by a larger concern. Concern about Master Dorian. It is obvious she has offended him and she inwardly curses her stupidity. She had not even made her major request and was already forming enemies. She now has two tasks to complete, one with a much shorter deadline. Her eyes identify Master Dorian by his dress and stance. She dares not raise her eyes to meet his. She bows to the dark man, an equal bow to those bestowed upon Master Aaron and the queen. If anything the young woman has learned that the one in charge does not always mean the one with the most influence and Master Dorian commands a royal bearing that reminds her of Yoli... and she responds instinctively to that vibe. "Please accept my humble apologies Master Dorian" she speaks softly, respectfully, and sincerely "I am confident in your abilities and defer to your wisdom in this matter..." Again she wishes to voice more... a request to look at the bowl after him, as they might get different pieces of information, but the concern chokes her off, ending her speech prematurely. A thought hits Meredith and sends thrills down her spine. What if Master Dorian possessed the same abilites she did?!? Meredith has never met or heard of someone with her talents before... was it even possible? How could she be sure? If this was the case then her chance to serve the Purpose is gone! There is no way she could ask him directly, this she knows for sure. Master Aaron may let such trivial matters pass, but this one, this sharp faced dark man, he is a punisher. Once again Meredith's thin shoulders quake as she patiently waits for him to react. To turn away now, before she was sure that he was finished speaking to her would surely equate to signing her own death warrant. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena watched the skittish girl who kept calling them by titles. As faras she new she was actually the only one there with an actual title. Serena did not care,however, as she never used the title unless she was in Amber. Serena thought of mentioning that she could read the bowl as well, but she felt so badly about the young girl's nervousness instead she smiled gently and said,"Although I cannot speak for Dorian I can assure you that, as I know him, he wishes you no harm. As far as I am concerned that goes for the rest of us as well. So, do not fear us. We have no reason to bring harm to you and actually value what you have done thus far. Serena then stopped speaking but continued to smile on the girl. This was as close as serena had come to speaking for the entire group, however, she felt it must be done. The less nervous she was the better she would be able to concentrate and being more relaxed around them could only be of benefit. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith does not acknowledge Lady Serena until she is finished speaking. Torn, she decides to escape from the fox while she can. She turns towards the Lady, head still bowed, eyes still averted. She dips into a formal courtsey to the lady. "Yes Lady Serena" it is the automatic response of a trained servant. Meredith then turns her attention on the domherr. Her back is to the group, the point of the sheathed sword at her hip creating a little tent. The cloak is so oversized that it barely clears the ground, even well elevated. Clearly not made for her. And she freezes at the sound of Dorian's voice... OOC: Edited, assuming that Dorian speaks before she reaches the domherr This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Tue 31 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian held his eyes on the contemptuous creature, his lips forming even more of a sneer. Serena's words only hardened the gaze. No, perhaps she wasn't a spy. She gave in too easy, made herself too obvious and showed too much fear in the open. She was something else, altogether. That, however, didn't mean she could be trusted with any information. The queen did trust her, however. It made little difference if the girl studied the device or interrogated the prisoners. He assumed she would glean more from the prisoners than from the device, anyway. He could not stop it, but he could use the opportunity. His sneer faded into a smile, as she turned her back on him. "Please," he said to her back. His voice was hard like a grinding stone. "As usual, my abilities are taxed with other tasks-- keeping surveillance and security on this world and others tight-- It would be my pleasure to let you take this task from me. You won't mind if I… observe… will you?" He let his cloak fall open, and then reached inside it to produce the small container he had found earlier. He held it out for her. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- ... Meredith freezes, back ram rod straight, at the sound of Master Dorian's voice. She stands still, waiting for him to complete his sentence, marveling at his ability to secure entire worlds! It only confirms her earlier assumptions. He is a dangerous one, why even when he pretended to be nice his voice was still hard and unyielding. It reminds her so much of Yoli she almost laughs, but there is no way the sound will escape her strained throat. A small part of her rebels, rejecting the fear, but this part is buried by a life time of experience, the strength of memory over powering the small voice. She keeps her shoulders straight, and turns again to face Dorian, her head bowed and eyes eternally lowered, focusing on the object instead of the man. Again she wonders if Dorian shares her particular talents, it no longer sounds like it, but still she has been presented with a rare opportunity to check for herself. "As you wish Master Dorian" Meredith speaks softly, the voice of someone who knows they are beneath notice and are trying their hardest to stay there. She approaches Master Dorian and stops in front of him. Meredith then removes the finely woven glove from her left hand, and tucks it into her cloth belt, the words of the Ancient language swirling in her head. She reaches forward to take the container from him and her fingers settle on his in a light touch. She holds the touch, waiting for him to release the container, and in that moment her grey eyes lock with his. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James stiffens slightly as Meredith approaches Dorian. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian holds out the item for Meredith to take, a cuboid silver box, some six inches on each edge, inscribed with ornate mandalas. The top and the upper part of one side are hinged, held in place by a small hooked clasp. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's head comes up, and his eyes begin to burn. This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Tue 31 Jan 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian smirks and steps away, leaving the box in her hands. "Please, don't try any more tricks, child. That is the device I secured, do with it what you wish." He once more pulls the cloak about himself and folds his arms neatly across his chest, glaring at her. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- The brief moment that their fingers touch stretches into an eternity, but within a heartbeat it is ended and the egg is in Meredith's hand. Her gaze is slightly unfocused, part of her concentration on the egg, the other on Master Dorian. A few more extended heartbeats pass before she kneels to set the crystal piece on the floor gently. She straightens and replaces the glove. She leaves the crystal on the floor and looks up at Master Dorian, surprisingly meeting his glare full on. She understands that she was mistaken now. On the outside he is Yoli, harsh, severe, punishing, unyielding, and cruel. She sees that outside now for what it is, for on the inside he is Lorne... twisted differently by similar tradgies, but Lorne nonetheless. She understands and is no longer afraid. Oh yes, he could still be cruel and harsh, but she forgives him for these actions already. He protects it like the precious treasure it is, the goodness buried so deep inside of him, and Meredith understands. She steps forward when he steps back, not allowing him to further the distance between them. She manages it in a way that is not challenging, for the look on her face lacks challenge, authority, or attitude... it is serene. Meredith looks him straight in the face and does not bow her head. It is the first clear look Master Dorian gets of her face, for once it is not hidden behind the fall of her hair. She looks at him, keeping her eyes on his, absorbing all the emotions behind the glare willingly, without judgement, a vessel to be filled. Her directness is not impudent, the look on her face becomes thoughtful and intrigued. He is Lorne, only different. In the moments that pass under the force of his glare, the fear completely melts away from her like ice under the desert sun. The small part of her that initially resisted the fear blooms under that same force. It expands inside of her and seizes control of her voice, and then she is speaking... speaking to him directly, while looking straight at him! "I understand that it is hard" she says quietly "but to reject what she has taught you is to defile her memory Master Dorian" her tone is neutral, no hint of sympathy, pity, scorn... it just is. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James winces. It seems that even that brief contact had been sufficient for Meredith to read something of Dorian's feelings, not something the sorceror would gladly concede. That spoke volumes for her abilities. But that wasn't why he winced. For all that Meredith's words rang true, James doubted the wisdom in confronting Dorian about Cyan while the hurt was still so fresh. The backlash was likely to be unpleasant. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian hisses, stepping back again. This time he brings the gnarled gray staff before him defensively, as he tenses as if ready to strike. His knuckles turn white with their grip and tremble slightly. "Your highness, this is an insult." His voice is like the slithering of a snake through tall grass. "Who is this traitor you have brought against us, who launches psychic attacks against me without provocation? I thought we were guests here, not enemies to be treated like such." He wanted to strike her down where she stood. He would, save for the presense of the queen and her warriors. (OOC - Introspective post continued in PM) =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd watches silently as the story unfolds before him. His head turns to regard James for a long moment, then shifts back to study Dorian. The sensation of weight returns, and Berd's head comes up higher. This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Wed 01 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin is quiet as he watches this new drama. Shakes his head and turns back looking at the thing in the chair. He's not really interested in what's going on with Dorian, it's none of his business how the other man handles the loss of Cyan. <i>If only he was sure of his own beliefs...<i> Devlin is more interested in what can be done to make the traiter in the chair tell what it knows, at least right now. And part of his mind is elaswhere as well. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- There is a brief shifting of tensions in the room, as the warriors transfer a larger part of their attention to Dorian. Then the queen speaks, "Hold! There was no intent to attack you. I do not believe this one could do so, even if she so desired. Nor would she, I suspect, actually be capable of forming such a desire." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron finally turned and looked at the girl, his one eye gazing through her with some sort of understanding. "It is not a good idea to investigate into matters that do not, or have not, concerned you. If you wish to understand the pain of my friend, my pain, his pain, our pain," he said, gesturing in turn to Dorian, to James, himself. "Then fine. Ask us, watch us, learn from us, but do not place yourself upon us as if your investigation is a small matter. I assure you, neither it, nor your talents, are at all of small matter." His eye then looked to Dorian. He would show the man no pity, no assumption of understanding. Aaron figured that Dorian alone shared Aaron's depth of pain, but he would not let that exist between them, or even amongst them. Though he related to that man most of all at this time, he would not share it. "Cease your whimpering. If so much as a girl, no matter her powers, brings you to a fit of anger, how will you be able to face the awesome power of our enemies? I've heard that they can strip a man's mind bare. It is because of them and the seeds of lies that our loss has come about. Though this girl placed her attentions in the wrong way, I believe it was out of ignorance and curiosity, and possibly a misguided desire to help, rather than towards any undue harm. If you want to kill something, Dorian, save it for our journey." Aaron looked to the queen, his voice and eye devoid of life. There was merely a dullness, a hardness to him that grew and grew as more time... and the building up of aged pain, continued on. "Highness, I apologize for the outburst, though I hope you understand the reasons for it." Turning his back, he looked upon the prisoner and suddenly felt that he could almost sympathize with him somewhat. They were all chained to fate and death, and those chains would not come loose no matter how hard you pulled. No matter how often you died inside. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Actually, as a matter of fact the girl can't help herself. She touched Dorian, and it just happened." Luke grinned like a shark. "If you want to keep your secrets, don't touch her unless she has her gloves on." Moving closer to Meredith, but keeping his distance he slowly circled her, studying her before breaking away to walk back to his pillar, crossing his arms and leaning once again. "Think of her as cyanide. Treat her with respect, and she's harmless. Get careless, and you might end up giving up something precious." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- This time Meredith does not step forward to follow Master Dorian. When he raises his staff in defense, ready to strike her down, that flowering piece of rebellion, of true self, is demolished by the tsunami of memory and instinct that comes crashing down. The threat to herself puts her back on familiar ground. She reacts as only a true servant does. The young woman bows her head, hair cascading to cover her face, grey eyes lowered once more. Only this time she turns her head slightly to the right, exposing the side of her face. She does not cower, but is a clear and willing target. She holds that position until all have reacted, processing what has happened. Her outward demeanor does not change while she works her way through Master Dorian's reaction, Master Aaron's speech, and Master Luke's relevation. He was almost the strangest... treat her with respect? In a different time she would have laughed bitterly and willingly paid the price, but that seemed so long ago. When it becomes clear that Master Dorian is not going to strike her she returns her head to its regular bowed position. She bows before him and then turns so that she is facing the balcony with Master Dorian to her side and bows again. The egg glitters at her feet. "Master Aaron I apologize. I have no intentions of investigating pain or understanding it. Master Luke spoke truly, it is something that I cannot help and Master Dorian acted as though he knew. I made a grave error that will not be repeated. However, there is no excusing what has transpired and I will accept any punishment you decree" she bows to him again and waits for him to determine her punishment. The spark of rebellion has returned, silently urging Aaron to do his worst and raging that there was no harm done, but it is caught in the tangled web of the past and is unheard by Meredith. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron merely looked at the girl, his one eye glancing in her direction. "Punishment? Girl, if you stay near us, you will get more punishment than your mind can handle whether you touch us physically or not. You will see pain, you will learn it, but you will never understand it." Again, that dead voice. Aaron looked back towards the prisoner, shaking his head slightly. "That one, that one will have freedom, whether he dies or not. Us, we are the ones imprisoned, we are the ones sentenced to die on this journey. You may not have meant harm, but if your abilities are so impossible to control save with a covering, you have the ability to bring harm about quite deftly." His eye narrowed. "An interesting ability indeed. Powerful." He merely nodded then, brooding. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian only relaxes a little. "Can't help it? Then, knowing that, she should take care who she touches and put her gloves on when touching someone. Conscious or not, she knew what she was doing-- gathering intelligence about us. She can help it." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- While Devlin was listening to the things going on about him, especially about the girls power, his mind was on other things. Confusinig things. He's not facing the others, still leaning over the railing of the balcony, so no one can see his forehead pinch in thought, and maybe a bit of confusion. He shakes his head and speaking aloud, but as if to himself, he says, "Even seeing within reveals notheing but further mysteries." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith remains motionless, completely ignoring Master Dorian's paranoia. Master Aaron is proving to be an unconventional leader. She feels things starting to spin away, fueled by Master Dorian's speech against her. He did not directly address her or ask anything of her, and so she does not react to his words. She understands this twisted Lorne and is not upset. However, if she is to ask, she is to do it now, before Master Dorian has a chance to continue. Meredith sighs softly, gathering her strength, and then raises her head slowly, meeting Master Aaron's single eye with a dead, hollow gaze of her own. "With all due respect Master Aaron, I have lived pain for the majority of my life. Understanding is not what I seek" the young woman pauses for so long it almost appears as if that is all she has to say before continuing in her quiet, crisply accented voice "What I seek Master Aaron, is to serve this Purpose with you, if you will accept me" She lowers her head and bows again, settling in to patiently await his decision. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James observed the interplay between Dorian, Meredith and Aaron with wary interest. The backlash from Dorian came almost exactly as he predicted. The anger in Dorian was such that James felt he would be capable of conjuring another pool of lava as he had to kill the chimaera, but James thought it unlikely. Dorian's iron self-discipline is an integral part of the shell that the sorceror is erecting to cover the loss of Cyan. James finds Aaron's response more worrying. Dorian's hardening is an external protection, Aaron seems to be hardening internally, forming callouses on his soul. James thinks he recognises both strategies and has personally found the latter more damaging. James sees this reflected in Aaron, who complains about Dorian whimpering, while all the while bemoaning the pain he feels and his feeling of being trapped by fate. Finally James turns to regard Meredith. He is inclined to agree with Dorian: for all that Luke and the Queen insist that the reading was inadvertant (And an interesting observation that - that she may be incapable of forming the desire to attack), she knew her abilities and deliberately removed her glove before reaching for the artefact. In her way, Meredith is every bit as tightly regimented as Dorian, perhaps moreso. Her actions and words suggest trained responses that are deeply ingrained... except when she looks people in the eye. James calls to mind an image of the Pattern and fixes it in his mind's eye, then speaks. "Look at me, Miss. Look me in the eye. You say you want to serve this purpose with us. What do you know of our purpose? Why do you want to join us? How would you help us achieve our goal?" His voice is kind but firm. He does not raise his voice, but he expects answers. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Finally someone made it easy for her. Direct commands and questions. Meredith wants to breathe a sigh of relief, but restrains. Master James was explicit in his intructions and sighing in relief was not listed. Meredith bows to him and looks up, feeling exposed with her hair away from her pale skinned face. Her grey eyes meet James's openly, the hollow shadows of death chased from their depths. "Thank you, Master James she inclines her head slightly, but does not continue speaking until she meets his gaze again "Of your Purpose, I know what Master Jonnee shared in the presence of the domherr. I also share the knowledge of Master Dorian in this matter." it would be easy to think that Meredith stops here for dramatic effect, but in reality she is trying to work her way through the second question. She decides to be completely honest, for she has nothing to lose "I wish to serve this Purpose for a few reasons. First, I was commanded to find a Purpose to serve. This is the first Purpose I have encountered and already I have become too ensnared in it to deny it and walk away. Second, I was told that in serving this Purpose I would find myself. Third, I will die. I would spend my life serving a greater Purpose than the desires of twisted men" there should be bitterness here, but oddly enough there is none. She lists each item mechanically. "Your third question is very broad Master James. My... abilities have allowed me learn many different skills. I give myself willingly and completely to this Purpose. All of the skills and abilities I possess, will be at your disposal, to use as you see fit in the fulfillment of our Purpose". Meredith bows again to Master James and raises her head afterwards, still following his command to look him in the eye. She feels open and exposed, a part of her embarrassed by the exposure of her face. A face that earned her the undying wrath of Yoli and the Parish cannot be doing her any favors now. Again she fights the memories and keeps her gaze open and patient. Instead she thinks of the hard floor beneath her feet. She can feel te cracks in the stone through the thin material of her worn footware. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James bows his head briefly in acknowledgement of her courtesy then makes eye contact once more. Part of him would like nothing more than to drop the formality and simply talk to this young (?) girl, but James is still wary of her after what happened to Dorian and the formal dance of question and answer provides a necessary boundary, at least for now. "Thank you, Miss. I do not share your abilities, but I believe you are telling the truth." "You offer us a strong commitment. From the way you speak, you make it sound almost as though you would be our servant." James is speaking more slowly now, aware he is treading near delicate ground and weighing each word. "That is unusual. For all that we work towards the same goal, we are our own people and we do not suffer leaders lightly. Your answers demands more questions." "Who commanded you to seek a purpose? Why do you feel ensnared by ours, having become only peripherally involved? And...how well do you work on your own - when there is no one to tell you what to do? If I told you now that you were free from all bonds, all strictures, that you could do whatever you pleased without fear of any consequences, what would you do?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "Serve this purpose. Serve us. Who is it that treated you with such carelessness and disrespect that it conditioned you to believe yourself a slave to those you have never met?" Devlin snaps as he finally turns around. Devlin is not quite sure why he is upset with the girl. Perhaps he is upset by her need to be only a servant. Perhaps he is upset because of the way she must have been treated. He had grown up with servants, but none of them ever thought themselves to be just tools, to be used as he wished, and discarded when they were of no further use. They had free will, to stay or to go. Each was trusted and respected as a member of his family. Perhaps that was why he was upset. This girl did not seem to have her own free will. Devlin calms then, he forces his voice to be soft, calm, as if explaining something to a child, but at the same time, not patronizing that child. ”If you come with us, then you must get over this idea that we are your masters, at least that I am your master. I do not need slaves, or creature that will do as I say blindly, without thought, because I wish it. We need those that can think for themselves, make up their own minds, choose to do or not to do what is asked of them, and suggest possibilities that we may have missed.” There is a short pause and then Devlin adds, ”And do not call me Master, Lord, or any other similar term. I want neither your devotion nor the responsibility that goes with it.” Devlin looks over his shoulder at the creature strapped in the chair and then back at the girl. ”Have we learned all that we will from those creatures?” He asks, head jerking in their direction. ”If we have, then we have other things to be doing.” Devlin’s head turns to the side. He had considered waiting to discuss his newest visions with the others before continuing, but he decided that would require too much time. They needed to know all of what was happening within the fortress before they decided to kill themselves to attack it. He focuses part of his mind on that far away place. This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Thu 02 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd sits calmly, silently, like a small rock in the middle of a stream. Events swirl around him, but he does not move. But the dragon's head comes up, and he regards Devlin as the man speaks. This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Thu 02 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena watched the girl and realized there had been serious emotional camage done to her at some point or another. Perhaps, Serena thought, she could heal her of some of that damage. Carefully she extends a thought to Berd, but not through the main link. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's tail wiggles. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron sighed, his eye lowering. He heard James, and nodded in agreement, adding his own assent. "You do not know what you're asking, girl. You may have indeed suffered much, as I understand it. I have only seen such blind deference in the truly defeated, though I've yet to consider you as such. However, if you wish to join us, ask all of us. You seem to assume that I lead this group. I assure you, I do not." The one who led us is gone... He looked to her again, that hardness dispersing just a little. "If you know pain, if you truly have experienced it, then you understand why we react towards you so. To accept you would mean accepting the possibility of your death, the possiblity of attachment towards you. Deferring yourself before us would not make us look at you as if you served us, as if you were merely a tool. We are beyond such ignorant foolishness as that." Aaron moved forwards, and now he touched her, placing his hand upon her cheek and raising her head to him. "I say again, you know not what you ask. Eventually, you will become as one of us, one of this group if you so choose. Our path leaves a trail of death. Our enemies constantly hound us. Though I fight against it, you may end up seeing one or many of us die right before your eyes. You will see the ends of worlds, the destruction of whole societies and cultures. You will see beings of such awesome power that they will dwarf all other experiences before them." "And eventually, you too will die." Aaron lowered his hand. "It is not up to us, girl. Do not ask to join us. In the end, you and only you must decide whether you wish to follow our path. Whether you wish to become bound to this group as others have. If you do so, I ask that you leave a piece of yourself behind. It does not matter which piece. If you do manage to survive, that piece will remain. When you return to it, only then can you decide whether to leave it where it lies, or once more take it up. By that time, you will have changed, become harder, more understanding of all that is around you. When you leave here with us, you will leave here a person in the throes of change." "And that change will be the most painful thing you have ever experienced. I guarantee it." Aaron glanced over to Serena then and raised his head to her. "Serena there, is a consummate healer. If there is anyone I would trust with my health in this group, it is her. If you cannot trust anyone else at the moment, you may indeed start with her. That is, of course, your choice to make." To Devlin he noddded. "I agree. We should leave if we're done here. I grow tired of this, and my eye is bugging the hell out of me." As he said it, it twitched violently, and he clenched his teeth against the spasm. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Jonnee ----------------------------------------------------------- At Aaron's mention of moving on, Jonnee, standing silently for some time, lost in thought, raises his head. "If you're leaving, then there's something you should know." "I'll not be joining you, at least for a while." and there it is, out in the open, for all to see. "First: if I hadn't brought you here, maybe Cyan would be alive still. That's hard to think about. But I did bring you all here, and I had my reasons. Which brings me to my second point." The young man sketches a shallow bow to the queen, and continues, "We have been granted an army, an army I think could fight Archons and win. But... and this is important, they don't know anything about Archons, which are like nothing they've faced before. I can teach them what we know about Archons, and how to fight them. I can teach them the ways we've found to hurt and kill these things. I can teach them what we know of how they think." "Which isn't much, but it's more than the brintizzi know." He glances from face to face around the group. "I'll train your army, and when you find a use for it, it will be ready." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith takes in all that happens around her. She does not flinch when Aaron touches her cheek, nor does she fight him when he turns her face to him. The only reaction is in her eyes, the openness from her conversation with Master James bleeds away slightly, but is still present. It is not the dead, flat gaze he received before. Between the speeches of the Masters Aaron and James and the newly annoited Sir Devlin Meredith realizes how right Lorne was. All the stories and tales that only part of her believed about people... they were starting to prove true! It made her heart skip a beat. Master Aaron spoke of leaving a part of herself behind... the rebellion swelled, flowering as it did before with her implusive touch of Master Dorian. Once again it seizes control of her and her voice. Her gaze returns to Master James, he asked so much, and there was so little time. "Masters Aaron and James, Sir Devlin" her eyes skip to Sir Devlin and for just a moment an impish smile lights up her face before her expression is sober once again "Your words have only convinced me that accompanying you on this Purpose is the right thing for me to do. Master James, you ask many questions with long answers, and it is clear that we do not have time" still she cannot allow them to go unanswered "To answer you briefly: Lorne commanded me; I know too much of the Archons and their plans to escape them now; and I am free of all bonds, strictures and can do as I please. And I am choosing to serve this Purpose" she nods once to Master James before turning to Sir Devlin, her head lowered once again. "Sir Devlin, please do not mistake respect for devotion. In these matters you are all more experienced than I, and so I defer to your superior judgment" If only it was that simple! "There is one last task with the domherr I must complete, and then I would join you" She coursteys to them all and then turns (carefully avoiding the egg at her feet) and approahes the domherr. As she gets nearer she removes the glove from her left hand. The Ancient language rings in her head, wrestling with that which makes her cyanide, attempting to force it into focus, to achieve a purpose. She sinks down to kneel once again and rests her fingers on the fallen ambassador's wrist, ready to fight his death thoughts, to ferret out that which she sought. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "I can't believe you are considering taking her with us-- not that we don't need a good servant, once in a while. I always thought it odd you folks trusted me so easily, but I at least helped against your enemy and had Fiona's word on my side. Even then, you're all entirely too trusting." He turns from them, frustration overtaking his words so that he couldn't say any more without yelling. There was no reaon to turn it into a fight-- not yet. Changing the subject to give himself time to calm down. In a lower voice, her turns to Jonnee. "Do the brintizzi have a caste that can sense psychic threats to this world and the queen? Without us here, they will need something to guard against spies." He says this last word with a sneering glance towards Meredith. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith continues about her business with the domherr. She does not let Dorian's sneering accusation distract her from her task. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin shakes his head... Sir Devlin... He'll worry about it later, and the fact that he knows more than anyone. He has more information, but that doesn't mean he knows one whit more than she does. Which reminds him to asnswer another question, "Berd is correct. I have more information from afar, though I find it as confusing as the last. The more I discover the more mysteries I find. It's like finding the exit of a maze only to find the entrance to three more." He thinks for a while as he waits for the girl to finish whatever she is doing and then, "Oh, perhaps I understand." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James smiles, he seems pleased with the answers Meredith has given. "Why not, Dorian? As you say, few of us have anything but our actions to recommend us as trustworthy. I am not proposing that you trust her, simply that we give her a chance to prove herself, or not." "And since I doubt that will satisfy you, consider this - having seen at least somewhat of your mind, what might she know that you know? I would have thought you would want her close to hand, particularly if she is untrustworthy." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd rises upon his hind legs, staring at Jonnee for a long moment. Then the little dragon nods, slowly. His voice bridges through the company, excluding only Meredith for the moment - she has no need to hear, and Jonnee means nothing to her. Indeed, her presence amoung them is in doubt. Jonnee Kay of San Angeles, I bid you farewell. You have my best wishes, both for yourself and your task. You have always been a brilliant jewel upon this quest, and I feel you will be sorely missed. Now, very little remains to us of the light; only a grey sunset before the dark. I will keep...in touch, as it were. On occasion, I will send to you, to see how things progress. Perhaps in the fullness of time we will meet again. I can only hope. Do not lay the cause of Cyan's death at your own feet, Jonnee Kay. I drove her. I set her on this course. If we are to speak of paths leading to the end, it was I who set her upon this, decades past. Heed my words - you are blameless. Live brightly, Jonnee Kay of San Angeles. Be the spear of light from the setting sun, not the dark that comes all-too-soon after. We will wait for you at the end, and hope to meet in the very teeth of time. The argument and discussion over Meredith can wait; Devlin has not fully answered Berd's question (probably waiting for a more calm time), and so that, too, can wait. The little dragon, weary of this and cut deeply by Jonnee's loss, so close on the heels of an even more vital wound, curls up on James' shoulder and sighs a puff of iridescent mist. This message was last edited by the player at 14:34, Fri 03 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena nodded at Aaron as he spoke of healing Meredith as she had already consulted with Berd on the matter."Meredith, if you choose to come with us I may be able to heal your mind and body in such a way that you will be healthier and happier for it. I would gladly help you as all you have to do is ask. It will be tricky as I do not want you to lose your powers in the process. However I do believe I can help you." After Jonee spoke Serena was stunned. Losing him was indeed going to suck a large amount of light from the group. "Jonee, I too wish you well. You will be sorely missed. Your attitude and your smile always managed to make even the grim seem brighter. Your intelligence and suggestions will also be sorely missed. I hope you are able to succeed in what you attempt and be sure at least as far as I am concerned you will never bee forgotten." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- The queen's eyes narrow at Jonnee's words, and she sits in quiet thought for a few moments, and then she speaks. "Jonnee Kay, you are much beloved by the brintizzi for what you have done, now and in the past. You will always be welcome here. If these Archons choose to bring the war to my people, it would be well to have somebody here who can teach armies to fight them. I will give you one legion to train, and when you are done, I will send those warriors to train the more legions, while you train another, and another." "Soon all warriors will be able to fight the great enemy." Her alien face assumes an all too human expression of worry, "But, while I would be glad to have you stay with us, I am concerned about the effect this will have on the rest of this group. Cyan's fall, and your own decision, may weaken the others, not merely physically, but spiritually as well." "The enemy uses tactics of fear, and while I do not doubt the bravery of this company, I fear that these losses, in so short a time, may have an adverse effect upon them, weakening them, in some subtle way." "To this end, I make you an offer. You may use all the resources of my court to find anything, or anyone, that you need to aid you in your ongoing struggle against the great enemy. Many worlds have sent ambassadors and their entourages here, and not all are as duplicitous as the domherr. Kalika Wolfblade, herself, was at one time the bodyguard of the Chunchee ambassador to this court. Perhaps there is a suitable candidate among those here, at this time." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin was little effected by Jonnee's decision to leave the group. He had found that it was better not to grow too attached to anyone. He looks up at Serena, In most cases, but I guess I've already become to close to some... None or them were safe and any of them could be lost. But, Jonnee wasn't really leaving, he was doing something that would need to be done, train those that would eventually be fodder in a fight with what the group faced. Eventually, Devlin knew, they would have to find more such fodder, creatures that would follow blindly and die without hesitation. The queen is speeking, something about finding other to join them. More that he must try not to become attached to. He looks around and then changes his mind about waiting with his information. It seemed they must wait for the girl to finish at any rate. "The unknown, are no longer unkown. At least I think I know what they are; young flame Archons. "Several times I watched as the creatures of flame, those you have called the Unknown, change, grow into Archons. Several times I watched as Arhons enterd the fortress, enscribed the floor with buning patterns that then grew into the Unkown. The rivers of fire in the sky are the multitude of Flame Archons. That world is where they build their forces; preparing for battle, but against what? Us? are we that much of a threat? or is it something else they prepare themselves for?" This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:13, Fri 03 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith sits back, releasing the domherr from her grip. She stays seated only half listening to what is going on while she sorts everything out in her head. It was always like this afterwards... the confusing time when she has to settle the new stuff into place. She finally completes and pays attention, catching the last of Devlin's words. She comes to her feet, replaces her glove, and resumes her placce by the egg, still nestled in its boxy container. "Sir Devlin, I humbly request that any information or planning be done in the absence of this device" she bends to pick up the container at her feet and bows her head to him. She does not comment on being healed for the offer confused her. Why would she need healing when she is not hurt? =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Allow me," Luke said, bowing. Shadows bled from the walls, from the floors, from the ceiling, flowing to cover the device, building beneath Meredith's hand to form a shell around the globe, growing thicker and thicker, moment by moment. Once Meredith's hand was free of them, they solidified, changing into black marble and utterly cocooning the device. "That should do, for now," the man murmured. "Of Light, and of Dark. Funny how that works, eh?" He turned a knowing look on Berd, before looking to Aaron. "Either myself or the Old Deceiver can strip that away, easily enough. I'm willing to bet others here can do the same. It should keep it safe, secure, blind and deaf. Unless anyone has any objections? Maybe the Flying Stomach ought to drop it in Mt. Doom, like he did with the cubes." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- Snippets of conversation. "Bye Jonnee, we'll miss you. But you're right, someone needs to train that army and it would take the rest of us more time to adjust to the brintizzi castes. Time we don't have." "Thank you, Luke, but I think that's enough jibes" "Devlin, I'm impressed. I didn't think your little bird would get so far. But I'm a little confused. I thought it took everyone supporting Jack to see off a single Unknown. I know flame Archons are potent, but...I guess what I mean is, can they be stronger when young?" "Miss, may I ask why you went back to the domherr? You got the information we needed the first time, why did you need to touch him again?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith returns Master Luke's bow with one of her own after the device is encased with the shadows. Her eyes widen in surprise, but she does not audibly react to the display of power. "Thank you Master Luke. There has been no reading from the egg itself yet" she reminds him gently. She does not know who the 'Old Deceiver' and the 'Flying Stomach' are but Mt. Doom has definite negative connotations. Meredith then turns to the Brintizzi queen and curtsys neatly. "Thank you your majesty" she says simply in acknowledgement of the second reading from Whesawaorl. The young woman is content to then fade into the background, a place she knows intimately. The others have business to conclude, decisions to make, and farewells to say that do not involve her. Her patience is infinite, her mind swirling and thinking on other matters entirely. She stands still and at perfect attention, save for the bowed head, as the conversation continues. Master James' question brings her back to this reality. She was suprised that he spoke out in her favor against Master Dorian, and his continued questions puzzle her. She had looked him in the eye and seemingly passed his tests... was this an extension of that test? Meredith bends into a bow to him, finding comfort in the movement. She does not raise her head to look at him and answers his questions softly. "Master James you honor me with your interest. It was a trivial matter, a precaution to make me less of a liability to the group if I am lost to the Archons. You are too kind to ask" she bows to him again, silently wondering if he had other questions. She was not used to causal conversation like this, just murmured assents and listening to stories. She hoped that her reponse was acceptable... and oddly enough she kind of enjoyed it. She wished to ask questions of Master James but dared not, at least not yet. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Well, my dear girl, when you're ready to read, one of us will crack that egg." Luke smiled his brilliant smile (the one without the teeth) and waved toward the sealed globe. "I was under the impression that what was going on now was 'planning', so..." James' words also got a smile from him. "My apologies, James; you're right, of course. I forgot myself - it has been a very, very long time since I've seen him in the wrong, that's all. I foolishly indulged myself." And he gave both Berd and the soldier a short bow. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- The queen stands then, and speaks again, "If you are finished with the prisoners, then I am sure you will be more comfortable holding such discussions regarding your plans in your own suite. I will arrange for these executions to be carried out immediately, since I do not want to keep these spies alive, and in my home, any longer than I must, so please be certain that you are finished with them." She commands that the domherr be returned to his cell, then moves towards the exit from the chamber, accompanied by her guards. At the door, she pauses, looking back, "Please bear in mind my offer to help you reinforce your group before you leave. Jonnee Kay, you will accompany me, we have things to arrange, and the sooner done, the better for all." Then she leaves. With a broad grin, Jonnee looks to his friends, "Guess I'll see you around, when I come to deliver your army to you. Take care everybody. C'mon Hunter, we gotta go." The two of them follow the queen and her entourage away into the labyrinth of the palace. Parenalle clears her throat, "I am to take you back to your rooms, if you have finished here?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- "Thank you Master Luke" Meredith bows to him respectfully. After the queen, Jonnee, and Paranalle have spoken, Meredith addreses him again. Head down, eyes bowed. "Master Luke, I beg your pardon. Please allow for that time once we reach the suite. It is best to have all available information when planning" It was indirect, but she manages to get the request out without seizing up. Meredith then waits patiently for the others to leave first, the thought does not occurr to her to she could take the lead herself. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian stood silently, brooding. He ignored the girl for now, though he hated that it seemed the decision had been made so easily. James's wisdom of keeping the enemy close was suitable, and not an idea he hadn't considered, but it was also dangerous. It was all too convenient they way she showed up and knew so much, and could help so much. Though she had the opposite attitude, it was too like Luke. "Parenalle," he said softly. "Would you have a messenger sent to the queen for me, tell her I request permsision to witness the executions. The reasons are personal. Tell her, I would even consider it a great honor if she allowed me to carry them out, personally-- according to her exact instructions-- but I would be satisfied to just be a witness." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James merely looks bemused as both Meredith and Luke bow to him each after their own fashion. If this becomes a game of etiquette, I will end up making a fool of myself and no mistake. It is harder to shrug off Dorian's request to play executioner. As soon as the thought crosses James' mind, he realises it is incorrect. Dorian is not playing, far from it. He wonders how many times Dorian has seen to such matters when he was monarch. James can't help but feel that it is a backwards step, but now does not seem the right time to press the issue. He turns back to Meredith briefly before moving to follow Parenalle from the room. "I would like to talk to you about Lorn," (The pronounciation is close but slightly wrong) "When we have time, but for the moment we need to discuss Devlin's news." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- With a sigh, Berd turns back to what unfolds before them, narrowing his eyes at Dorian's request. But there seems little enough he can do about that, beyond arguing with the dark man...and Berd is so very weary of arguments, of angry words. He wishes Cyan were here again, for many reasons. Dorian, though, is his own man and old enough to know what he does. Even so, it saddens the little dragon. The little dragon stares at Meredith as James moves up next to her, quickly checking to ensure her gloves are on her hands. Then he closes his eyes, appearing asleep. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena's eyes narrowed at Dorian's request and then her expression smoothed again. Whether Dorian wished to be in charge as some sort of personal vengance for Cyan was really none of her business. Although in some way she found the matter disturbing. As Paranelle offered to return them to their rooms Serena replied,"Thank you. That would be fine."and she moved up to where she would ealk behind Devlin and echoing James she added,"I would like to hear your news as well Devlin." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- As Serena moves up near Devlin he absentmindedly slips his arm around hers. "Yes, Lets get moving. We have things that need to be done before we leave here." Devlin looks ar Aaron, the man's comments made Devlin believe that he had been thinking about that eye since Devlin had made his offer and the more he thought about it the more he wanted Devlin to try. "What about the queen's suggestion of recuiting more help? Should we involve anyone else in this?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith is not suprised by Master Dorian's request. If it will help him with his grief she is not opposed to him carrying out the sentence. The twist that made him so different from Lorne was showing itself. Meredith only hopes that he will be able to rebound from his grief. Never is a very strong word and that thought never again rang to the core of his soul. Only time would tell and Meredith sets it aside from her mind for the moment. As they begin to leave, her attention goes to the Masters James and Berd. It is a delicate thing, this tiny flower of rebellion that has blossomed within her. It is sensitive and vulnerable like a flower. It does not take much for one to begin to wilt and whither away. Little things like a few droplets too little of water, an hour of direct sunlight, or in this case, the wayward glance of a dragon. Now that the 'secret' was out, the old treatment began. The dragon, Master Berd, was discreet about it, but Meredith is all too familiar with sideways glances, veiled looks, checking to make sure she is properly covered. She disliked those people immensely because they struck her as people with something to hide. She understands that she did not make the best impression by touching Master Dorian without permission and doubts they would understand her reasoning, or trust her in the future. Still, Master Berd's checking glance makes it a cold, harsh reality... but one that she is not unfamiliar with. Meredith falls in a few paces behind Master James. Close enough to hear him speak, but far enough that he has clearance to draw his blade if need be. She does not show it, but she is happy that he wishes to speak of Lorne. She misses him deeply, but knows that things are better this way. She bows her head to Master James as they walk. "It will be my pleasure Master James" she inclines her head again and fally silent. She finds herself studying him as they follow Paranelle. Having followed Lorne in this same position for years, it does not take long for Meredith to recognize physical similarities between him and Lorne. Master Dorian shares his tradegy, Master James his bearing. She wonders if Master James has taken this similarity and been twisted by it, like Master Dorian. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Parenalle (NPC) ----------------------------------------------------------- "Her Highness anticipated that some of you might wish to remain as witnesses to the executions." the brintizzi liason replies to Dorian's question, before studying the other faces in the room in turn. "Any who wish to remain can do so, while I take the others to your suite. Warriors will bring those who observe, once the procedures are finished." Parenalle takes those who wish to leave back to the suite of rooms that has been set aside for their use. The route through the palace is long, with many turns and twists, but eventually they arrive at their destination, once again guarded, and with messengers available for their use. This time, however, Meredith is with them. "If you need to speak to the queen again, you only need send a messenger to me, and I will arrange it at the earliest convenience. I leave you now to your discussions." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- "I too wish to witness the executions." Aaron spoke up. He had his reasons. Aaron felt that most of the group shared them, but he agreed greatly with Dorian's request to do the deed himself. Aaron almost envied the man for that, but decided that he would let his own justice bide with time and planning. He did, however, greatly desire to see the traitors die. It would not bring her back, not in the least, but he still wished it. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd says nothing. He keeps his eyes shut, and his counsel close. Very close. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James hears Aaron's statement as he leaves. He looks back for a moment to check who has else might decide to stay and to confirm that Meredith is behind him. "Well, Miss, it looks like we might have time to talk after all. Devlin's news is important, but I doubt we'll get very far without Aaron and Dorian." As he speaks, James slows down slightly to give Meredith the chance to catch up and walk beside him if she wants. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith takes Master James's silent invitation to walk closer to him. She ignores Master Berd, but does not believe for an instant that he is sleeping. She bobs her head at Master James, but does not look up at him. She keeps her head and eyes lowered and replies in a barely audible voice. "Yes Master James. What is it you wish of me?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd cracks an eyelid at Meredith's words, giving her a slow stare, then closes it again. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- "You said that Lorne ordered you to find a purpose. That strikes me as a peculiar command. I would like to know more about this Lorne." James pauses, "But it occurs to me that I have been asking all the questions so far. Is there anything you would like to know?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's eyes are now firmly shut. This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Wed 08 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith notices Master Berd's stare, but does not meet it. She glances up at him on his pertch and takes in the firmly shut eyes. For a moment she considers addressing him, this was about new things after all, but then Master James is speaking. His offer is so nice it hurts. She has not been treated with such kindness, aside from Lorne, for as long as she could remember. She is glad he has asked for Lorne, for speaking of him should help ease the pain of his absence. "You are gracious Master James, to offer such knowledge. Perhaps when I have answered your questions I may have a few of my own" she dips into a bow seamlessly while they walk, another well practiced move "Please allow me to speak of Lorne" she dips into another bow, and takes a moment to gather her thoughts. Master James has asked a very broad question and she fears boring him or provoking a more sinister side by providing too much detail. When she begins speaking it is in an even, quiet voice. Her accent sharpens the words, but does not give them an edge. "Lorne was a friend. You share his bearing, as Master Dorian shares his tradegy. He told me that I would only find myself through serving a Purpose, not through serving man and brought me here to find such a Purpose" Meredith stops here to keep herself from going into needless detail. Yoli's voice haunts her, scolding... just the facts, nothing more, nothing less, a proper answer. She had thought that speaking of Lorne would help ease her loneliness, but instead it weakened her control. He was her only friend and she misses him sorely. She draws in a deep breath but releases it evenly as Ancient words soothe her mind. "What else would you ask of me Master James?" she inquires softly. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James notes Meredith's deep breath, but his mind is taken up for the moment with other concerns. As Master Dorian shares his tragedy. Meredith keeps giving answers that invite more questions, but this particular one draws something more urgent to mind. "Miss, I don't know if you realise but what you did to Dorian back there was very rude, as bad or worse as a physical attack. He is very strong-willed and the fact that you could see into his mind at all will be an insult that aggravates the offence. If you don't have absolute control over your abilities then I'm afraid you're going to have to keep your gloves on." James sighs, "It's put everyone on their guard against you, including me. Which is a shame because the information you've provided will be useful and I think I could grow to like you." James smiles, he hopes she won't take offence - it's just something that she needs to know. "Now it's your turn, ask your questions." His tone is less serious now that the warning/reprimand has been delivered. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith keeps her head bowed while Master James speaks. He vocalizes the sentiments behind the look from Master Berd, and echoes the thoughts of Master Luke. She is not upset by these attitudes, in fact she is surprised that the response was so subdued. She entertains the idea of explaining her motive, her belief at the time, but he has not directly asked and this distrust is the price she must pay. There is pain in this too, different than what she is accustomed to, but not entirely foreign. Meredith bobs her head to Master James after he completes his reprimand and she catches the unspoken message and knows that her misstep has cost her greatly. Again she wonders if Master James has been twisted like Master Dorian, if the 'could' would become a 'have.' She stops herself from this chain of thought, it only led to more pain... an ironic thought that is reminicient of Master Dorian. He saddens her and it is this sadness that colors her reply. "I understand and will pay this price for my transgressions Master James. There is no excuse for what happened" Or is there? The seed of rebellion surges, edging closer to taking control, but falling short. They walk in silence for a few minutes while Meredith considers her position and works out the best way to phrase her request. When she is comfortable with the wording she speaks them softly. "Master James if you are agreeable, I would ask of you what you have asked of me, that a question be answered while looking eye to eye" Meredith then turns her head to look up at Master James through the curtain of her hair. Her face is slightly obscurred, but her grey eyes are on his face should he chose to honor her request. She does not speak her question. This message was last edited by the player at 09:40, Wed 08 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- While some of the group discuss their current situation in the comfort of their suite, attended by servants and bodyguards, intent on ensuring that these honoured guests are made as comfortable and secure as possible, two of them wait in the somewhat less salubrious environment of the palace dungeons. One by one, the domherr are executed. Not for these traitors the swift death by blade. Instead, they are hanged, and once they are confirmed dead by a brintizzi, one with almost ridiculously long, incredibly delicate fingers, are they cut down, and the additional procedures performed. The guards stand by, patiently, throughout the whole grisly process, both those waiting to deal with the prisoners, and those waiting to lead the guests back to their quarters. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian is passionless during the executions, watching with a grim expression. How many more would have to die to fill the void? Not enough, he thought. The shadows didn't bear enough traitors to satisafy his need for revenge. Not even the ones who had caused this void could fill it, though it wouldn't keep him from pursuing them to the ends of the universe. They would not die as easily as these had died. "If the queen happens to inquire, you may tell her I am satisfied. I will return to our suite, now." He glances at Aaron to see if he will also follow. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Nothing would bring her back. There was no amount of death, no vengeance powerful enough to bring the songstress back to them. Aaron watched, silent, a firm example of the dual wraths of time and conscience. Only when Dorian moved and spoke did he turn and nod as well. "Yes, I too am... satisfied. We must see to our responsiblities." Though he spoke of satisfaction, Aaron was as far from satisfied as humanly possible. The only thing that made him move on was the looming threat of the Archons and the dull throbbing in his left eye. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- OOC: Slight adjustment of location to match Dworkin's post. "That sounds reasonable." James is about to comply when he realises they have reached the door to the guest suite. One of the brintizzi servants opens the door before James has time to even think of reaching for the handle. He motions with one hand for Meredith to precede him. Once inside, James moves to a couple of chairs that are conveniently placed to continue the conversation. He sits, making sure Berd is not going to caught between his shoulder and the chair-back, calls the image of the Pattern to mind, looks into Meredith's eyes and waits for her to ask her questions. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith stops walking when Master James does. As with him, a Brintizzi servant opens the door before she can. At Master James's insistence she enters first, but not before bowing to him and the Brintizzi servant in thanks. Meredith joins Master James in one of his chosen chairs. She settles into the chair and as with the queen, her feet do not touch the ground. The hem of her simple dress is pulled up enough to reveal her patched and battered shoes. She sits straight up in the chair and does not swing her hanging feet. She folds her gloved hands neatly in her lap, she is the poster child for posture and manners. She is not watching Master James's face any more, but feels it when his gaze is on her. Meredith raises her head, and her hair falls away, revealing her pale skinned face. She raises her clear grey eyes and meets Master James's gaze. As with Master Dorian, her gaze is open, once again she is a vessel to be filled. Master James has her full attention and despite the fact that she is to ask a question, she is already ready to listen... and she is an excellent listener. "Thank you Master James" Meredith inclines her head but does not break eye contact and goes straight to the question before she loses her nerve "What are the motives behind the questions you ask of me Master James?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's eyes open for a moment, into slits, when James sits. Then he slowly rises, stretches, circles like a cat, and gets himself comfortable again. This time, he rests his head upon crossed foreclaws, and studies Meredith thoughtfully. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James considers for a moment. It is not a question he had expected. While he thinks, he taps his fingers on the arm of the chair until he is struck by the contrast with Meredith's flawless poise and stills his hand. "My motive for asking was to find out more about you. More specifically, to find out what motivates you and also, I suppose, to find out whether we, no, I can trust you." "You must know from what Aaron and others have said that this is not something we have entered into lightly. One of our friends died earlier today. And yet you volunteer to help us. We can use all the help you can give us, certainly, but will you be a help or a hindrance? That is what I needed to know." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith nods ever so slightly in response to Master James's reply, but does not break the eye contact. "Thank you for your answer Master James. Another question, with your permission... what conclusions have you come to...?" Meredith almost asks another question, but catches herself just in time. She asked permission for one question, not two. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- "It is perhaps too early to be drawing firm conclusions, we only just met." James waves a hand dismissively and without really thinking about it, moves his head to one side to break eye contact. He is tempted to finish there, the statement is true and he can almost hear Dorian's laughter at the prospect of conceding more. Nevertheless, he senses dimly that the answer to this question is important to Meredith. James brings himself to stillness, clasping his hands beneath his chin then lowering them to his lap, and looks Meredith in the eyes once more. "Sorry. That wasn't fair. I believe you will be a help. But you asked for conclusions," a slight stress on the plural 's', "and you don't seem the type to make a slip of the tongue. So...I trust you, to a point." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin watches and listens to the exchange between Meredith and James. He has to smile and keeps himself from chuckling. Without being asked himself he says, "Well, Miss Meredith, I for one trust everyone until they give me a reason not to. Perhaps I am funny that way, but it is something that I have in common with our friend Cyan and I am not about to give it up. I don't think she'll be happy if I do." Devlin speaks of Cyan as if she is still alive. "My only question is, do you plan on disapointing me?... But, you don't have to give me the answer, only answer it in your own mind." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith's eyes are not distracted by the Master James's movement, they remain locked on his gaze (and the side of his face when he turns away). After he speaks she continues looking at him in the same open manner she looked at Master Dorian before bowing her head and keeping it lowered, eye contact broken. "Again I thank you for your generosity in indulging me Master James" she says demurely. Her head and eyes remain lowered, her posture still perfect. She cannot think of anything else to ask Master James and does not want to test her luck, or his patience. Meredith inclines her head to Sir Devlin and his comments about trust and dissapointment. She has an automatic reply, another case where the words are ready to be spoken before she has truly processed the question... but then his command to answer in her mind. "As you wish Sir Devlin" she inclines her head to him once again and speaks in the same demure voice. This message was last edited by the player at 06:29, Fri 10 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin just shakes his head, Yes Sir, No Sir, Thankyou Master..... Well, hopefully she'll grow out of it. He turns to Berd. "I should show you exactly what I saw my friend, when you have a mind or two free. Then you will be able to show the others when everyone is here. Perhaps they can make more out of it than I can. I've already told you my impression." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's eyes glitter faintly for an instant. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin just looks at the small dragon and smiles. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James greets Devlin after he finishes addressing Meredith. It pains a little James to hear Devlin speak of Cyan as though she is alive, a nice thought but surely a forlorn hope at this stage, and while he admires the sentiment James still feels that Meredith's contact with Dorian is reason enough to be wary. "Hello, Devlin. Will you and Serena join us? I didn't mean to ignore your question about recruitment earlier, but I was a little caught up in conversation." When Devlin addresses Berd, James turns back to Meredith. "You're welcome. If there's anything else you want to know, you don't have to wait on my permission." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith inclines her head to Master James is silent assent to Master James's statement. She casts her gaze across the suite, silently looking for Master Luke. OOC: Luke, have you joined us in the suite? =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke was, as a matter of fact, sitting over by the window, staring up at the sky in deep consideration. Consideration of what was anyone's guess. His fingers drummed a pattern on his leg for a moment, then he turned his head to give Meredith a wide, sleepy smile. "So many questions you ask, Meredith...I wonder if we'll be able to keep up. No, I'm kidding - just a jest or two." That comment seemed amusing; his smile grew bigger. Then his gaze moved to James, and back to Meredith. "You want me to crack that egg, now? Or later?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd stares at Devlin long and hard before flicking a glance toward Luke and Meredith. He seems...exceptionally disturbed. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "The problem with recruiting more help is that we don't seem to know exactly what we're doing. It's like this army we've been promised, until we have a use for it..." Devlin trails off, he really does not know enough. "I guess we should wait for Aaron and Dorian. Discuss it with them. Though I'm sure I can figure out what Dorian will say." with a meaningfull look toward Meredith. It seems that whatever she had done to Dorian had bothered everyone. But, since it was not done to him he has a hard time condeming then girl for it. He thinks about those things that he might wish to keep a secret. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith has her head turned so that it faces Master Luke, but it is bowed and her eyes lowered. A brief smile flickers across her face when he mentions his jest, an automatic response. She dips her head to him before answering his question. "Thank you Master Luke. By your leave, it would be best to Read the egg before the Masters Aaron and Dorian return" Again she manages to get the suggestion out indirectly, but not without a request for his permission. Progress is slow, but being made. Meredith is unsure of Master Luke, he is all smiles, but his range of smiles is vast, and he switches through them quickly, predator to ally to languorous to jest... she is unsure what he expects and therefore how to act, so she keeps it basic. The less she says the less chance she has to provoke him or make another critical error a la Master Dorian. Most of her attention is on Master Luke, but as a trained servant she is keeping tabs on everyone, should they need anything. Her thoughts light on Master Berd, the current source of menance in the absence of Master Dorian. For a crazy moment she considers the idea of talking to him, but it is cast out the moment after its birth. Only Master James has granted her such freedom, and she does not wish to worsen her situation with the group. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke's smile widened, almost like that of a man who had managed a victory, however minor. "At your command, Meredith," he said, beaming broadly. For a few seconds the light in the room intensified, and as it did the obsidian shell about the sphere slowly burned away. There was a faint stench of brimstone in the air for a moment, a sulfurous reek that quickly faded. Luke's smile dimmed, though, and he looked at Berd then nodded. "Must check on something. Back soon. I'd be happy to hear about what you get from that thing you're juggling." He winked. "Consider sticking with James - he can tolerate me, so he's the safest to be around. Consider, mind - that's not an order." Then he seemed to shimmer, as though there were dozens of Lukes all standing in almost the same spot, before fading from view. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Master Luke is gone before Meredith can reply to him, so she rises from the chair and retrieves the box with the egg. Before settling back into the chair she removes the egg from the box, holding it in her gloved hands while she places the box on the floor. Meredith then sits in the chair, this time sitting crossed legged so that the thin fabric of her dress creates a pocket in her lap (her back is still completely straight). The thick material of her cloak settles about her as she removes the glove from her left hand. The skin underneath is as pale as the undyed material of the glove, the exposed hand small and fine boned. Meredith folds the glove and places it neatly on her right knee. Her eyes briefly raise to the Masters James and Berd as the Ancient language tolls in her head. Her eyes lower as the sense of terrible focus returns, she wrestles with herself, struggling to get a better handle on her wishes. Then her left hand lowers, grasping the egg in a firm grip. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith takes the crystal egg, unshielded now by its case, into her bare hand, and what little colour there is in her cheeks seems to drain... =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith gasps, as sharp intake of breath, as her skin touches the egg. She wants to throw it away, but it serves the Purpose and her fingers tighten. An eternity passes in a few moments and then Meredith's hand goes limp, the egg rolling into the lap pocket formed by her dress. For the first time her posture falters and she hunches over, and her hands press into her forehead. A soft moan escapes her mouth and she slowly rocks herself, fighting back the egg's influence, struggling to bring it under control. This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Sat 11 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Gradually the colour returns to the girl's cheeks, and she looks a little less faint, less distressed. Her breathing becomes more regular, and her posture straighter, though still not completely back to normal. Behind her, the door opens, and Aaron and Dorian step into the room... =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- The deep breaths Meredith has been taking are helping her get a handle on herself. She still has not recovered all the way as evidenced by her stooped shoulders, but she is no longer hunched over, cradling her head. Slowly, she replaces the glove on her left hand but hesitates before replacing the egg in the container. She does not want to touch it again, even with her gloves, but does so anyways. Once the egg has been replaced in the container, Meredith sits back in the chair with a sigh, sinking into its cushioned depths, a luxury she did not allow herself before. Her head is against the back, her face angled up so that she is staring at the ceiling. Her feet dangle, her battered shoes swinging silently in the air. She does not react to the Masters Aaron and Dorian when they enter. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "So," Dorian asks with a smirk, looking at Meredith. "Has the spy given us anything useful, yet? Yes, he was being cheap, and he knew it. He hated that as much as he hated everything else right now. However, he didn't want her to feel too welcome in the group. He had to let her know he didn't trust her. He doubted she truly deservered it, though. This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Sun 12 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James is quite concerned that Meredith should attempt to analyse the egg on her own. He's also very curious about why she's so keen to be about it before Dorian and Aaron return. He watches carefully as she begins. When she reacts badly he leans forward, "Meredith?" His voice is uncertain. He reaches out, unsure whether to break contact between Meredith and the egg, then realises the potential implications of contact with either and reluctantly settles back to wait. When Dorian and Aaron arrive, James responds, "Give her a moment, Dorian. She's just examined the egg." A flick of the hand attracts the attention of a brintizzi servant. "Water and some food." Concern makes him unusually terse. His gestures complete the sentence To Meredith. Now. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd sits up, concerned, when Meredith begins her 'work' with the egg. There is a sensation of gathering in the air, a faint hint of ozone burning in the nose. But it seems that Meredith has survived the encounter with the egg, though perhaps not unscathed. Berd settles down to quiet watchfulness, his glittering, worried eyes focused upon the girl...except when Dorian enters to the tune of a cutting comment. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Even before James can complete the request, a servant is moving to fulfill it... =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin was lost in the conversation he had been having with Berd and in his own thoughts about what they had seen and what was discovered. When Aaron and Dorian arrive he looks around. He didn't even realize that the girl had touched the egg, or that she might be in trouble. But now, he waits t here what she might have to say about it, what she discovered. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian finds a comfortable place to sit down. "I am ready to plan. As I mentioned, there is a stop I wish to make, which will benefit us. If no one objects, I would like to lead the first part of the expedition to that location. From there, another may lead." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Seconds tick by and Meredith does not move. When Master Dorian speaks of planning her eyes blink, her feet stop dangling, and she sits up. She rises, a little unsteady on her feet at first, but it does not take long for her to catch her balance. She walks over to the Masters Aaron and Dorian and curtsys before them. "Welcome back Master Aaron, Master Dorian" Meredith's voice is softer than usual and she bobs her head to each man after naming him "I apologize for missing your return. Before planning commences it would be wise to cover the egg as Master Luke did before his departure... Please excuse me". Meredith curtsys again, slightly unsteady, and then retreats back to the chair by Master James. She sits down, back to the perfect, straight backed posture. Her sigh of relief is slight, the only outward sign that she is relieved to be sitting again. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd stares stonily at Dorian for a long moment, then looks away, his burning eyes settling on Devlin. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron sighed and found a seat, though the sigh seemed to be the results of weariness. He leaned over, elbows on knees, as he looked everyone else over. "Yes, Dorian, I'm curious about our initial destination. As for the egg, well..." he absently gestured to it. "To those whose gifts allow for such manipulation..." His eye twitched violently again, perhaps from nervous tension. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "I think Meredith is right." Devlin says. "And she would know more about it than us. We should be rid of that thing before we plan anything further." He point here at the box with the egg thing within. "Though I would like to hear what you learned of it. I'm sure that if it's going to give anything away to its masters that it already knows what you know of it." Devlin looks pointedly at Meredith. "Then perhaps we can take care of other pressing business... after. Perhaps the best thing to do with it is to drop it somewhere that might destroy it." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Orodruin it is, then, eh Berd?" Luke said, leaning against one of the chairs. He absently stripped the skin from a grape, then ate it. "Maybe it's a good time for lots of things to come out. What Devlin and you have been talking about, for starters - from what I grabbed, it sounded pretty important." He scrubbed at his hair for a moment in irritation. After that he shrugged. "Maybe we can have the information about the globe after that," the lean man hazarded. "Before Berd tosses it after the cubes." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith considers Sir Devlin and Master Luke's words, and decides that the sooner she speaks about the egg the better, and so she does. "It is ancient, and its years press upon it with the terrible weight of aeons. It was made in a place where time stands still, where space flows like a river. For every second since its creation, it has been bathed in blood. Blood is its source of nourishment. It is a physical embodiment of hatred" the entire time she speaks her head is lowered, her voice quietly pitched. It seems as if she is done, before she adds "And then there is a name... Harbonah. A wheel of fire that shines with the light of a sun. The creator of the egg. The egg... it pulled me into it. If we need more information I need but to touch it again" this is offered in a quieter voice than the rest. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James relaxes, it seems Meredith's ok. He's not altogether surprised to find that the egg is linked to a powerful Flame Archon, although he is confused by the twists and turns in the conversation. "I'm sorry, you've lost me. Are we going to cover the egg or destroy it? And are we going to do either before we talk about Devlin's information or Dorian's destination?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "I think we should cover the thing. I have a question about it and this Harbonah, but I don't even want to ask it or get the answer if that thing can hear us and report our actions." Devlin says. "Luke, could you seal that think up again, please?" This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Wed 15 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena has listened and watched carefully to all that went on and as they were deciding what to do what they could with the egg Serena spoke up saying," I detected no danger energy from the egg so I agree that the best thing to do would be to seal the thing back up again. Serena had then placed her arm around Devlin just as he had earlier with her as if it was a natural thing. Which to Serena it did seem a natural thing. Serena wondered idly what would happen next. It seemed there were aleays things happening with this group. In her secret heart she wished with that they could have some down time. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Take it out, put it away, take it out." Luke hummed to himself for a moment as the shadows bled from the walls to cover the egg. "There. Now - can we discuss this thing so that Devlin can end the suspense?" He slowly raked his eyes around the room. "The subject of conversation has been changing more quickly than the egg coverage, but I understand he has some news. And this Harbonah. Do we know that name?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin feels Serena's arm wrap around him, and he likes it... if only they had the time for such things right now. He nods his head at Luke, "Thank you, Luke. And I know things are pretty confunsing. But I hink we need to focus on one thing at a time. I will get to my news in just a moment." Devlin then turns back to Meredith, "I don't recall hearing the name Harbonah before. But I do have a question of you Meredith." He hesitates for just a moment. He hates asking that others take risks, but if they are going to succeed... "I am loath to ask you to touch that thing again, Meredith, but, do you think you could locate this archon, Harbonah, by using that egg device?" There are probably a dozen things running through his head right now. The Archons' hatchery world, Aarons's eye, Serena, He would like to blurt out everything at once, but that would just make things more confusing. One thing at a time he tells himself. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd listens silently, from James' shoulder. He glances at Serena, sharing her opinion - the egg is not an immediate danger, though its long-term threat could be immesurable. His burning eyes fall upon the egg, and he watches as it is again sealed up in impenetrable blackness. An ironic look crosses his features, and he slowly turns his head to Luke. The pair, Serena and Devlin, tug a small, needle-toothed grin from the Drake. That is good. They will need each other, need support. He doesn't see the same problems that plagued Jack and Cyan with them. Cyan. Eyes narrowing, he looks back at the egg, and now his voice echoes through a bridging to the others, including Meredith should she be so inclined. Resonant, old, and very tired. Harbonah...the name is known to me, but not in this context. It is an old name - somehow I suspect the Persian variant is not the one at which we should look. I wonder - is he an ally of Sephiroth, one of the Archons we have encountered...or a rival? Speculation for another time. No, we have never met this Harbonah. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- "Perhaps he is both, Berd." Eyes (or eye) closed, Aaron sat, chin resting on his fist as he mulled over their situation. "We're running into an awful lot of artifacts. It seems to me that our enemies leave little pieces of themselves lying around quite a bit. To be honest, it kind of feels like a setup." Opening his eye, Aaron frowned, a disturbing thing on his scarred face. "Alright, so we know who made the egg. Great. Now, what the hell is it for, or do we know this already?" Aaron suddenly felt like he was back in time, a sort of deranged deja-vu, with him asking the exact same thing about the orbs long ago. He knew too much about those, now... "Is it a message? If it's that old, there must be more to it. Devlin's right in the fact that we shouldn't have you touch it more than we need you to, Meredith... but we need you to. God, this is aggravating." Aaron ran a hand back through his hair and sighed, sitting up. "Egg: first, spies: second, destination and relevant planning regarding that: third. Awesomely powerful entities and their intent regarding us: fourth. Next?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Parenalle (NPC) ----------------------------------------------------------- As the discussion continues, Parenalle returns to the suite, "The queen has asked me to stay here with you, in case there is anything you need. She is, herself, currently in discussion with Jonnee Kay regarding the army that he will train. We will be sent for, when those discussions are ended." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "Yes, indeed, Aaron," Dorian says. "The seeds of this plot seem to go back very far. Since the beginning I have been struck with how these names are are buried in the legend and ancient history of many, if not all, worlds. The do indeed have time as their ally." "Let us first learn what we can from the egg, as safely as we can. Then, if we cannot find a way to harness it-- safely-- we should decide on how to destroy it, or secure it where it cannot be used. Given what Meredith has said, if it is true, I doubt we could harness it safely." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith accepts the bridging with Berd, but walls herself off so that she can only hear the ancient drake. He does not trust her physical touch and she does not want to hazard a mental one, not after Master Dorian. She grits her teeth at Master Dorian's jibe. She was tired of his second guessing and longs to just get the inevitable confrontation over with (oh what a new feeling!). But the egg first, then the spy issue. Meredith shrugs, a very odd gesture coming from her. "It will be as you wish Masters Devlin, Aaron, and Dorian if Master Luke would not mind doing the honors again?" she looks at Master Luke and smiles hopefully. She is it by a wave of excitement over touching the egg again. Would it make her truly free? =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "No, no, no." Devlin says, shaking his head. "Leave the egg right where it is, Luke." maybe she's confused... "I think you misunderstand me, Meredith. I only want to know if you think you can find this Harbonah, not that I wanted you to do so this instant." Back to Master as well, the girl really needs to learn how to relax. "So, just tell me what you think. Do you think you can locate Harbonah through that thing, or do you think it would damage you if you tried. "And after answering that you should tell us anything else that you may have discovered from you last touch." This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Thu 16 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Ah. Someone with a plan. Refreshing." Luke leaned against the wall, waiting to see what Devlin had in mind. "Names have power. The wrong collection of syllables, and poof. You end up facing something three hundred feet in diameter that certain authors might have refered to as 'squamous'." The grin faded a little, grew teeth. "They have an interesting choice of names, don't they? Angels. How curious they would latch onto that particular bit of legend." "Thank you, Paranelle. Your presence is most appreciated." Pushing himself from the wall, the lean man sketched a bow toward their liason. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena noticed Berd's slight smile and winked back in a way noone else would see. She felt that his smile had been a sign of approval of her and Devlin. If Berd approveed in an odd way it made Serena happy, and more sure than ever of her growing feelings and that they were going to be a good thing and not a hindrance. Serena kept her expression neutral at Meredith's obvious hopeful look. As much as she hoped the girl would be freed she had her doubts. As Paranelle entered the room Serena smiled in welcome. As Luke spoke Serena wondered if she had missed something imprtant."Angels?? Are you saying that that egg is the vessel of an angel? Certainly you aren't saying Harbonah is an angel? Serena's said in a tone that said she was more thinking aloud and that she did not believe any of those opeions.Serena hoped she hadn't missed somethng that would have answered her question and made her questions foolish."So, what is this angel you speak of then? This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Thu 16 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's eyes narrow, and he gives Luke a sharp look. After a moment, the look fades to one of amused tolerance, and Berd turns back to the matter at hand. They may be both indeed, Aaron. The Archons fight among themselves like children. I believe I can answer that question, Serena. The answer lies in the names of the Archons, both of their persons and of their sects. It is a trifle obscure in some cases, but observe the relations. The Nephelim, the Archons who wish to meet and befriend other people. In some legends, the Nephillim were the monstrous children of the Grigori, Angels sent to observe, and their human lovers. The Seraphim, those Archons who want to conquer, the Thrones, who wish to study without interfering, the Dominions, who to keep to themselves - these are the names of specific Choirs of Angels. It is interesting to note that the Seraphim were considered to be the highest of the Angels in several different sources of lore. Even the Malakim, who defend the Archons' worlds, take their name from legend. The Malakim could be placed in the second tier of angels, and there are those who claim them to be the Choir known as the 'virtues'. And the names? Tamiel is the name of a specific Angel. Metatron is the Angel who speaks with the voice of god - some have claimed that with him, there are two powers in heaven. It is not surprising you are unaware of this. *amusement* Amber does not subscribe to these beliefs. They are philosophies and legends of other worlds. Of...other places. The drake falls silent, deep in thought. This message was last updated by the player at 15:12, Thu 16 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith bows her head to Master Devlin... wait no, Sir Devlin. Color stands out on her pale cheeks as she bows an apology. "Please excuse the mistake Sir Devlin" and it is not certain if she is apologizing for calling him Master instead of Sir or for misunderstanding his request... or both. She looks up in thought, chewing on her bottom lip a little. She goes back to when she touched the box and reviews the torrent of hatred from the egg, combing through it for something she may have missed. It takes a few moments, and she frowns slightly. "Of the box itself, the silver may have some ritualistic importance, but it is almost as if any silver vessel would serve the same purpose. When it was forged, an ounce of blood was poured into each face. Of the egg, there was a twisted sense of pleasure amid all the of the hatred, rage, and pain. This same hate, anger, and pain are tied to Harbonah, who is very ancient as well" she looks up to Sir Devlin and shrugs again "I did not touch the egg for very long Sir Devlin. If I touched it again I would definitely get more information... as for specific information about Harbonah, I will try my hardest, but I cannot always control what it is I see" Meredith then waits for their decision, trying to be patient, but her feet begin to swing bouncing off of the chair, and themselves. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "Okay," he says, "I think we should keep the thing, at least for now. Hopefully it will not be too much of a danger locked away like that and we may be able to make some use of it if we need to." Devlin mentaly checks of one item on his list of things to do and goes down to the next on the list. "As for the fortress; the fortress is a breading ground for the arhons. Those that you called the Unknown are actually the offspring of the fire archons. For whatever purpose, they are using that world to build their forces." Devlin turns to look at the drake. "Berd seems to think we should destroy the entire world, not just asault the fortress; that doing so would set thme back, deny them an important resource. I would have to guess that there are millions, maybe millions of millions of archons there." Devlin turns back to look at everyone else, "I think I would have to agree, but I have no idea how to accomplish such a feat. How does one go about destroying an entire world? And doing it quickly?" This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Thu 16 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian, who had been marked with an absent expression, seems to return to the conversation. His eyes seem to light up with interest. And what could atract the dark man's attention more than destroying a world? "I've never done it, but I think I know how to do it." And oh, how I've wanted to try! "I believe, using sorcery, I could open a portal-- a gate-- to the center of a star. The forces there are so immense as to crush a world. In theory, I could open a large enough gate to suck in most of the world instantly. I would suggest we also investigate a way to seal the world off for a few moment, so that none may leave in those awful moments." More absently, he muses, "Perhaps, we could run a few trials on other worlds...." He could think of a few good canidates, though the others would likely prefer something unpopulated. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd listens to the explanation of the box and the orb, thinking deeply. A look of disgust passes over his reptilian face for an instant before he turns toward Devlin. He waits until Dorian is finished before bringing his own doubts to the table. Cindering a world is horrifyingly simple, Devlin. As Dorian stated, both he and Serena carry with them the power. Their magic would need to remain unmolested - the Archons would surely resist, and that is where we would come in. James, Serena, and Aaron, given enough time, could prepare a planet-destroying situation. In addition, I am...capable, myself. Somewhat more quickly. I know this as fact, for I have done so in the past...though I am not now what I was, then, it lies within my abilities. His voice is quiet and flat, empty of emotion. But there is something to consider. The Nephillim. The other Archons. Is this place a breeding ground only for the Seraphim? Or do other Archons inhabit it, utilize it? If so, how many innocents would we destroy? That would be...unacceptable. I should inquire of Tamiel as to the presence of others upon that world. Of course, such an inquiry might alert the enemy to our knowledge. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Parenalle (NPC) ----------------------------------------------------------- They sit here, in her presence, and calmly discuss taking a war beyond her comprehension to an enemy beyond her imagination. They speak of spying on that enemy, using methods almost beyond belief. And then they talk of destroying a world, an entire world, and everything in it, as if it were no more difficult than... than crushing some insect. "Forgive me for interrupting. There are things here that I do not understand. Would such an act not make you every bit as terrible as terrible as your enemy?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd slowly turns his burning eyes toward Parenalle. You are wise, Parenalle. Indeed, it would - if there were any innocents, any at all who would be harmed by such an action. One innocent life, destroyed by the most ridiculously simple of actions to impede our enemies, is too much to hazard. Which is why I would speak with Tamiel, first, regarding this world. If there are no innocents there, if it is nothing more than a base for our enemy, then it can be safely destroyed as could any other fortress. But...I suspect that will not be the case. And what do we do about the children of the Archons themselves? Can we condemn those being created, before they can be assimulated into the Seraphim? Assuming, of course, it IS only the Seraphim who hold the world. As I stated, obliterating this world would be easy. But even if it is held only by Nephilim, I am beginning to see that taking the easy path would be unacceptable. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke's lips twitched in something that might have almost been a smile, had it not stretched the skin on his face like a skull. "When did you do that, Berd?" he asked, voice tight and controlled. "Did one of your precious -" Breaking off he turned away, staring at the wall. "My apologies." When he turned back it was definitely a smile, if a tense one. "Apparantly we're taking the moral high road, Parenalle. Don't worry yourself - even if he has done it before, I really doubt Berd's up to lighting candles in the dark. As in, he won't." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- How casually everyone speaks of destorying worlds... and it is the servant, always the servant, who brings in the moral check. This is one check that Meredith does not agree with. She raises her head, not looking at anyone in particular, although her eyes skip on Master Luke, Master Berd, Master Dorian, and Sir Devlin. She does not look at Master James or Mistress Serena. "Even if there are other young Archons there, what life will they live, being raised by such corruption?" Meredith shivers, this point striking too close to home "These Archon have massacred entire worlds for their own gain, to service this Broken God. How many innocent lives were lost there? This group itself has suffered causalities at the hands of the Archons. If there are any innocent lives on that world, it will not be long before they are corrupted and turned to the Broken God. This hatred and pain has been building for longer that we can fathom" again she shudders at the memory of all the pain and rage in the egg, in Harbonah. She continues with conviction in her sharply accented voice "We should destroy the world. Even if a few innocents are taken as well, it is better for them to die than to live the life that waits for them in that cursed Fortress! And it saves the innocent lives on the worlds the Archons have planned to destroy, but have not gotten to yet" she finishes quietly, as if overwhelmed by her own show of emotion. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "Thank you Meredith." Devlin nods at the girl. "I must agree with the girl. While I hate the idea of destroying innocent life, all life will eventually be destroyed if we do not act, if we stop because one innocent would be lost. If we will baulk at doing something that is against.... if we are not prepared to act then we may as well go about our own business and wait for the universe to come to an end." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- It was after your time, Luke. And after my long sleep. Berd sighs, staring into infinity. And yes. It was them. Many billions. I should think you would be pleased. It could be a cold, cutting comment, but it isn't. Instead, Berd's tone is simply bleak, empty. Slowly his head comes around to peer at Meredith first, then Devlin. The drake cocks his head to the side, almost as if considering them, weighing them. Then he speaks after Devlin falls silent, his voice low, quiet. And then? Will it end this war? What will you do next time? How many innocent lives are acceptable? Give a number to me, either of you - I am curious to see what kind of weight needs to be placed upon the scales before it is too much. And after the Archons, should we be so lucky as to defeat them - what then? When the next threat arises, will you strike at it similarly? Who will you slay this time? And for what purpose? What will you do when you not longer see right and wrong, but only that someone stands against you? Berd curls up into a ball, turning around upon James' shoulder. A line once crossed no longer exists - if rationalized once, it shall be again. Soon, it will not even be seen and becomes as if it were never there. No good can ever come from evil. None. And Evil's greatest asset is that people believe otherwise, for its routes always seem to be an easy path to a well-intentioned goal. 'We did what we had to do.' The little dragon glances toward James. 'It became necessary to destroy the village to save it'. 'They fired first'. 'Civilian casualties were inevitable'. 'Retake the holy land'. 'The ends justify the means'. I spoke in haste to you, Devlin, blinded by my rage and sorrow. I say now: do as you wish, but I will have no part in the killing of innocents. And I request I be spared the point that every life taken by the Archons will therefore be on my head. A hollow argument when we need look no further than the Archons themselves to find the true monsters. Be careful, though, else you might find we need not look even as far as that. Nietzsche knew this. 'Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.' The drake closes his eyes, the bridging collapsing immediately. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin looks at Berd. When the creature is done he shakes his head. He knows that the Drake is right, but what then are they do? What? Devlin looks disgusted. He looks at Dorian. Shakes his head again. "Any other suggestion? It is right. Do we just keep destroying worlds that they have touched until..." Devlin stands, removing himself from Serena. Moves several steps and stops, turns, waits for someone else to volunteer something, anything. He feels like his hands are tied. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian waves dismissivly. "This is the logic of a coward. If we do not act, all of the infinite worlds perish. If you need someone to be a monster, then I will gladly be the monster and do this alone. But I say every creature has the right to defend his existence with bloodshed, and any war will have casualties. Any innocents who die, will have died by the Archons anyway. It matters not if they die by my hand or theirs. If not the Archons, then old age in age would do it in a few years." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith shakes her head at every word Berd says, denying his implications. When he is done and the bridge is terminated, Meredith sighs. She is finds it intriguing that she agrees with Master Dorian. "I agree with Master Dorian and I believe you misunderstand Sir Devlin and I Master Berd. Should every world the Archons have touched, have a hold on, be destroyed? Of course not. What we have is a world that has been completely dominated and corrupted by the Archons. It is a stronghold. They kill their own who try to enter it. Should this world be destroyed at the price of any innocent life? Yes. I can give you no number, but destroying this world would deliever a grievous blow to the Archons and give us the edge we need. From here we would hunt down the pockets of existing Archons. I do not expect to find other worlds corrputed beyond the point of no return like this one. In those cases it is not too late to save the innocents for they are not going to be put through the hell that those on this world will be. Assuming there are any innocents. Besides what would our other option be? As Master Dorian said, our other options would only spill more innocent blood. Can't you see this is the lesser of two evils?" the question is spoken imploringly, almost pleadingly. They do not understand the future of any innocents on that land, what evil they would be subjected to. Death is a welcome release!!! Meredith sets her mouth in a fine line and sits back in the chair. All this talking, this passion, this emotion... she is unused to it. It is controlling her body, sapping her energy, for she does not know how to reign it in, how to keep it from ruling her. There is a slight flush on her pale cheeks and tears gather in her eyes. It was to be my fate, to be ruled by monsters. I will not escape it only to allow others to suffer it in my place! This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Fri 17 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- "Berd is right." James speaks calmly, but his voice is hard. It is clear that on this point James is not open to persuasion. In truth, Berd has already said much of what James might otherwise have said, but he still feels compelled to have his say. "Even if Dorian and Meredith are right and sparing the planet will condemn many more innocents to death or slavery, I won't be party to the destruction of an entire world. What you are talking about is not war but genocide." "Put simply, I don't presume to have the right to pass judgement in such circumstances. I don't know that every Archon in that place is doomed to corruption. I don't know that this is the only birth world for the Archons. I can't be sure that the extermination will stop here. I suspect it would be easier to stop the Archons than it would be to supply the proof I would require to support such a decision." "I will oppose the Archons with all the strength that is in me. I will try my hardest to stop them, even if it kills me, but it will be by a different way than this. I say this in the knowledge that the universe as we know it may stand or fall on our success or failure." "There is a saying where I come from: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. I have compromised in...similar situations before and I have to live with the consequences of those decisions. I won't do it again." This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Fri 17 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "No. Not pleased. Death has rarely given me pleasure, and whatever you might think, neither has your misery." Luke seemed almost subdued. "Glad I am for what befell you, then, though not for your suffering." He listened in silence to the arguments, dark, clever eyes studying each person as they speak. Several times he prepared himself to speak, then broke off, frowning, disturbed. Finally, at James' words something seemed to click inside of him. Luke looked first to Berd, thoughtfully, then to Dorian and Meredith. Then he pushed himself forward and stood straight. "'The innocents who die would have died at the hands of the Archons'? 'Lesser of the two evils?'" His features turned to stone and his voice dropped, low and dangerous. "I'm familiar with rationalization, thanks. All too familiar. 'A coward's logic'? I will not take the easy path, the safe path, the one over the broken bodies of those who should be saved." "I stand with James. Of what worth is existance secured by murder?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin watches in silence as each member of the group chooses a side. The arguments for each just as compelling as the oposition. His eyes turn to Serena and he waits to see what she has to say. He doubts there is anything innocent on the world of the fortress. But he's still teetering on the fence; still confused about which way he should fall. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- As Devlin moved away Serena felt that odd sense of seperation and aloneness whenever they physically seperated. Unfortunately now is not the time she thought to be considering such things. Serena sighed and said,"I can see both sides of the arguement. I do agree that by destroying the world we may very well get an edge that we desperately need. However, the death of many innocents is never to be taken lightly. "It would be ideal if there was a way to tell the innocents from those that are most certainly not innocent in any sense of the word. Perhaps there is a way to scry out the world and see if we can tell the innocents apart from those that are not. Or perhaps we could have two of us actually go there and see the situation for ourselves. the second option however would likely get us killed. The problem as I see it is if we go throughand anhilate a whole world does that make us any better than the archons themelves? I think not. Serena having had her say knew she had not actually chosen a side but rather explained how she herself saw things from her point of view. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian sighs, but only slightly. He shrugs and smiles thinly. "These innocents are only theoretical, at the moment. There is no point arguing over an issue that may not present itself, and it's obvious not one of us is easily swayed. Rather than ending this in opposition, let us see what the world has to offer and work out a solution at the time. There is no need to drive a wedge into the group at this juncture." Inside, his sigh is much more heavy. Next time, do not bring up the destruction of a world unless you mean to actually do it. "I am in sore need of rest before we leave, and I have spells that need attending before I do so. Please do not interrupt me unless it is important-- I will trust you all with any planning that needs to be done." He stands and turns to leave, seeking a private room in the suite where he can meditate. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith shakes her head as one by one the others speak out against destorying the world, exxcept Master Dorian. They do not understand, do not have the experience... all save Master James. Her sttormy grey eyes find Master Luke and she frowns slightly. "Master Dorian is right, this may all be a moot point" she agrees quietly. After he leaves she looks at Master Luke, frowning slightly. "Master Luke is an action not just that, an action? It cannot be good or evil, it just is. It is the intention, the why behind the action that shapes it into murder or mercy. Our thoughts, or intentions do not make this a murder. You have not had your throat slit to feed the egg or have the evil of it force you to your knees. You would condemn these innocents to a fate worse than death... force them to suffer" Meredith, who had grit her teeth, stops and forces herself to relax, she takes in a big breath and lets it out slowly "But Master Dorian is right, we should follow Mistress Serena's advice and get more information first" Meredith's gaze returns to her hands which are folded neatly in her lap. After experiencing the egg first hand she knows she will not budge on this, that there is nothing anyone can say to sway her. She does not have an experience to compare this against, she has not been in this position before... but someone else has. "Master James, I have a question to ask of you... you may want to engage that which you judge words by" she looks up at him, her stormy grey eyes meeting the stony stillness of his "It is not something I would ask lightly" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- OOC - Oops, forgot something... "Oh, yes. Devlin, would you mind letting me see through your birds eyes a moment? I need to know the nature of the world's magic to attune my spells. It makes them more efficient. Serena may need to do the same if she plans to tailor any spells for this mission." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Parenalle (NPC) ----------------------------------------------------------- "I too have a further question, which may serve to clarify certain parts of this matter." the brintizzi woman speaks stiffly, formally. "I have heard Jonnee Kay tell the queen that certain of these creatures do not agree with the goals of your enemy, that they are, in fact allied to your cause. Is this not so?" "Might not an indiscriminate attack upon their offspring turn such allies against you? If so, how much do they know of yourselves, and your cause? How much do they know which might be used to your detriment?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James is still concerned. Dorian and Meredith may be willing to defer the argument, but ultimately it will still need to be resolved and from the positions already taken it seemed that agreement would be difficult to reach. He considers speaking again, but Dorian effectively cuts matters short. Then Meredith addresses him. A flicker of confusion crosses James' eyes, "Sorry, Miss. I don't understand what you mean by engaging that which I judge words by?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- It is now Meredith's face that shows a flick of confusion. Was she mistaken? "Please accept my apologies Master James. I thought that when you asked me to look you in the eye and answer questions that you were engaging in a practice to judge my words? This is a grave thing I have to ask of you and I would like you to be prepared as you would like before I ask" Meredith looks at Master James, waiting for the ok to ask. She does not repsond to the Brintizzi, instead staying focused on Master James. This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Sat 18 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke leaned forward, smiling at Meredith as she spoke and then rolled his eyes to Berd with a wave toward the girl. "You sure called that one, Old Man. Bang on." Leaning against the wall again, he grinned a lopsided smile, one corner of his mouth rising. "Let me get this straight. It's...MY fault that the Archons are killing people horribly, because I won't go to that world and burn it to ash, killing everyone on it before the Archons can torture them to death. I'M condemning them to this." He glanced over at James, raising one eyebrow. "Sometimes I wish I had a recording device, just so I could copy these things and play them back for people to listen to themselves." "When I find someone stretched out over a rock, victim of a blood eagle, I'll put them out of their misery. But 'preventative' slaughter, so they won't have to possibly go through that in the future? I don't think so." Luke raised a hand, clenched it into a fist. "So don't play chop-logic, philosophical games of right and wrong with me. You want to massacre a world of innocents, to spare them 'the slaughter to come'? You go ahead and try. Me? I'll be trying to find a way to prevent that, thanks. From the Archons and anyone else." Luke moved to the window, staring out. "Got some serious differences in opinion, here." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Enough, Luke. Please. This sniping does no good. Berd's tone is more tired than normal, and he droops on James' shoulder. It matters not. Parenalle, you raise a good tactical and strategic reason why we should not do so, but there are greater reasons than that which both you and others, including myself, have brought forward. But we have reached an impasse for the moment, and should concentrate on the situation at hand. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "Yes," Dorian agrees, still waiting for Devlin's response. "And some of us are trying to get past them. If you want to remain here and try to help us, you will learn to do the same. Again, we don't know the situation there and we don't know if there is cause for any decision at all. That means this discussion can wait. Further information has shown several things. First, Berd wasn't so serious about destroying that world as we were led to believe. Second, innocents may be there. Third, members of the group are deeply opposed to the move. Fourth, the move hurts our allies. Those of us who sought to carry this plan through have backed off in light of one or more of these and yet you-- who claims to be an ally-- is still trying to incite us. Why? That is not the type of attitude that will remain in this group, and history has shown that to be a fact. Do I need to know names, or will you still play the omniscient game?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Incite them?" Luke swung back from the window to face Dorian, ignoring Berd for the moment. "Maybe you missed it when Meredith said the painful, horrible deaths of the innocents on that world are on my head, Dorian. So sorry. Next time I receive a direct insult and accusation like that, I'll just shrug it off, ignore it. I guess it's okay to be 'moving past it' if you get the last shot in, eh?" He turned back to face the window again. "Enough, then. I dropped it with you, Dorian. Now I'll drop it with her. And names?" He looked back over his shoulder, obviously confused. "You're going to have to explain that one, Dorian. I missed something, somewhere." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke, enough! Berd looks up, and all traces of weariness have vanished from his resonant tone. Dorian, it is enough. Meredith has had her say against Luke, and he has replied. Let us take your advice and set this behind us. Please. This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Sat 18 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- "You know, I had just joined you, and was very confused at the time, didn't Tamiel say they they were building their own forces, somewhere. It's a thought that just this moment popped into my head... anyway" Devlin turns to Dorian's question, "Any knowledge that I have that might help you, you can have, Dorian. Berd also has it, I have showed him everything I have seen." Devlin shrugs and moves over to Serena, "It would likely be best if both of you got the information at the same time." he says her and holds out a hand to help her up. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "Yes, Luke, that is exactly it. You have to put your pride away and-- as you say-- shrug it off and ignore it. It's taken a while, but we've all had to learn to do it, more or less-- there is always room for improvement." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Put away my-" Luke turned back to face Dorian. "Put away-" His face slowly contorted, and then he began to laugh. It grew to monumental levels, until the lean man was practically roaring out his amusement, clean, honest laughter without a hint of a malicious edge. He finally doubled over clutching at his stomach, coughing and weezing, then wiped tears from his eyes, still chuckling. "My PRIDE. MY pride." One finger snapped up and waggled at Dorian for a moment, the man guffawing. "You...oh, hilarious, Dorian. And viciously ironic, though I'm sure you don't understand why - you couldn't, that's not an insult. Oh, the joke isn't at your expense, and the irony isn't that you're telling me. Nothing like that at all." He wiped his eyes again. "Well, well. Been a long time...I'll try to take that advice, Dorian. Oh, I'll try." He coughed once, finally ceasing to laugh. "Apologies. Please, carry on." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- "No." Dorian shrugs and turns to leave the room. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Serious, Luke raised one hand. "Dorian - I meant what I said. That was not directed at you, in any way, shape, or form." His eyebrow arched. "I did apologize, too. Am I not correct in understanding that forgiveness is a part of this group? And, speaking of 'understanding', that too?" "No offense was intended. If anything, I was laughing at myself. And you still haven't explained what you were talking about regarding names. I'm nowhere close to omnescient, so I can't even guess." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith's attention is pulled from Master James when the others erupt into an argument. Her eyes move from speaker to speaker, tracking the course of the discussion. It is like old times, conversations, arguments about her and everyone speaking as if she is not there, as if she is unable to speak for herself. She sits back and lets them decide what she meant by her words and what she would do about it. In the end it was agreed upon that she leveled a grave insult on Master Luke, but he forgave her, and they were all to drop the issue. All and all it could have been worse. This new, free part of her is extremely upset at being cast aside again, but their reactions make her doubt her freedom. Was freedom truly hers if her actions were always to be decided by others? Tears prick her eyes again and she does not look at Master James. "Please forgive me for my indecisivness. It appears everything has been settled, please disregard my request Master James" her soft voice is made husky by unshed tears. She feels like Master Luke's blood eagle... soaring free only to come crashing down to the earth in a heap of blood and feathers. Meredith bends her legs and pulls her feet unto the chair, one of her gloved hands idly picks at a hole in her shoe as she sinks into thought, her head bowed, her face obscured by the fall of her hair. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd sighs, looking downright weary. He glances at the departing Dorian, shoots a dark look at Luke, then turns back toward Meredith. His eyes rake over her for a long moment, then he puts his head down. When he speaks, his voice is more quiet. Thoughtful. Meredith, please pardon my interruption. I could make you new, more functional clothing, should you so desire. Shoes, at least, to keep the water from flowing in. I am uncertain if you would prefer your own, though. Please let me know if you require or wish some without holes. The drake is awfully leery of saying anything to the girl that could be interpreted as an order. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena accepted Devlin's hand and after she rose she squeezed his hand gently and smiled at him,"Thank you Devlin." she said softly. After that things seemed to blow up all around her. Luke and Dorian were fighting like cats and dogs. Berd was trying to calm things, unsuccessfully but at least he was trying. After Dorian proceeded to turn and leave Serena said loudly enough for him to hear on the way out,"At this rate we will not need to worry about the Archons. All of this infighting will do their job for them. If we cannot find away to stand together then all is lost now. Certainly we can all swallow our pride and manage to work as a group towards a common goal." then Serena simply gazed calmly at the other members of the group as Dorian passed out of sight. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith's hand stills, and inwardly she curses herself for allowing the fidget in the first place. The offer is kind true, but she is done with openly accepting kindness from the group. Especially from those who would take Yoli's place. she takes a moment to calm herself, to bring these emotions under control so that her mind is the blank slate of a proper servant. "Thank you Master Berd, you honor me with your generosity. Perhaps another time, should it suit your fancy" as if Meredith would ever proactively bring up the offer again. She keeps her voice neutral, the careful tone only slightly impacted by the unshed tears. It does not take long for her thoughts, her work, to envelope her once again. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- From the other room, with the door locked, where Dorian prepares his spells.... silence. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin had forgotten that close proximity was not required, so instead of following Dorian out of the room he moves over to a seat nearer Aaron, one of the narrow sofa's where he and Serena can sit together. "In a moment I would like to see what I can do about your eye." he says to the other man that has been uncharacteristicly quiet. Several moments pass in which Devlin seems to be seeing something far away and then he returns his look to the now, and to Aaron. "Now, if you will allow it, I will try to re-shape you a new eye out of what remains of the old one." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- "Yes, please do." Aaron said to Devlin, sounding tired. Aaron was honest with himself, out of the entire argument he agreed most with what Dorian had said. They knew too little of the world itself to even venture its destruction, and Aaron wouldn't have allowed it even if it was in his line of thinking. Aaron sat up straight, relaxed, and let Devlin do what needed to be done. "Just so you know, I think my brother did a little work on me a while back. I don't know what might be left over. I don't expect anything to jump out of my skull at you, but caution is the best thing in this situation." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James looks on dismayed as Meredith's assertiveness collapses before Dorian and Luke's argument. He reacts abruptly to her withdrawal of her original request with a blurted, "No!" James stops immediately. He takes a bare moment to collect himself. When he speaks again his voice is gentler, "Sorry, that came out wrong. Meredith, there is nothing to forgive. If anything it was my misunderstanding, not your indecisiveness. But I will not disregard your request. Whatever you were about to ask is obviously important to you. It's up to you, but..." James pauses, seemingly at a loss for words. He shrugs very faintly before continuing, still dissatisfied but making do. "I would like you to ask. We could go into one of the side chambers if you like, give Devlin time to do his thing?" And time for the tension in the room to dissipate. James would love to be able to explain to Meredith that the argument was inconsequential, or at least less serious than it appeared. James had come to accept that Luke meant well, but he still possessed an uncanny knack at rubbing people the wrong way; something that was, at best, provocative in these situations. But James felt that dwelling on the argument would be counter-productive for the moment and, unfortunately, it was serious. This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Sun 19 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin directly into Aarons good eye, the right one, the one that looks like leaves in Autumn; the gold, orange, reds, and browns. As he begins to concentrate he says, “This should not take very long, I am quite familiar with the way eyes work. I change the way my own eyes see all the time.” Up close, looking at Aaron’s face, Devlin notices for the first time that it is more than just the eye that was damaged. Something had happened to the area surrounding the eye as well. The younger man sees and hears the tiredness that has gripped Aaron. He can understand it with everything he has been through. Devlin hopes that being whole once again will breathe new life into him, give him a reason to continue. Devlin feels with his thoughts, probes into the damaged cells and nerves. There is no eye left; whatever had done this had completely destroyed the eye. Devlin would have to create a new one. Not as easy as reforming what is already there, but it should still be possible. And the other damage, that can be repaired also, at least he thinks so. What Devlin was about to do was not the same thing as healing; he would be changing the cells, giving them a new job to do; reshaping bone and tissue. With Aaron relaxed, body and mind, Devlin has no trouble taking control of the other man. He could change his entire body, the way he changed Serena into a wolf ...That seems like a long time ago, now... Serena, his thoughts stray to her, but for just a moment. He must concentrate on what he is doing and so he blocks out all other thoughts except for seeing the cells and nerves of the other man's face. Much of Devlin’s current thoughts bleed through the connection to Aaron as he keeps the other man informed through those thoughts what it is that he is doing. Slowly, Devlin begins to force the changes; concentrating on the good side of Aarons face, molding the other side into a mirror image of it. [OOC: Devlin is going to try to repair all the damage, so that no sign of it remains, if this is possible. I guess now it is up to Dworkin to decide if it can be done.] =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dworkin (GM) ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin reaches in, and begins to exert is will, and things start to... change, to distort, to shift. It's a slow process... very slow. Slower than Devlin's words had suggested. Suddenly, Aaron lurches to his feet, kicking the chair over backwards, clutching his head in his hands. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith starts at Master James's blurted No! It was not a act of fear but rather of surprise. She looks up at him and her eyes are flat and blank, she is not fully with him. Slowly she returns to herself and that sense of awareness returns. She looks calm and at peace. It is obvious that she has regained control of herself. She considers Master James's request. He was careful to word it so that she could go either way, much like Master Berd. Only she found that she wanted to get away, even for a moment, even though she would not ask her question of him, she at least owed him an explanation. "I would like that very much Master James" she says in a heartfelt voice. Meredith then rises from the chair ready to follow his lead into a side chamber =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd shoots Luke a look, half-disgusted, half oddly affectionate, and then shakes his head. He glances back to Meredith, then looks away. As you wish, Meredith. With that, Berd hops off James' shoulder to the back of the chair. Fingering the heavy hilt hanging about his neck, he pushes into the air, floating to land on a nearby protusion. This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Sun 19 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James, too, rises and crosses the room to a side chamber roughly opposite the one to which Dorian withdrew. Once again a servant appears to attend to the door before James can reach it. This door is noticeable for its thickness. It is sturdily constructed so as to ensure the privacy of the room's occupants. "Thank you. Please don't disturb us." This time, James precedes Meredith into the room. Scanning the room's layout, James picks up a solidly-built wooden armchair and moves it slightly so that it is closer to and directly opposite a comfortable looking couch. He then proceeds to sit on the couch. "You were right. Lacking your abilities, I asked you to look into my eyes to help me pick changes in your body language." And because I saw how you looked at Dorian when you spoke to him and I find the more forthright side of your personality intriguing. The second part of the sentence remains unsaid. James isn't prepared to be that forward, at least not yet. "I am at your disposal, Miss." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith falls in step behind Master James, following him into the side room. She pauses while he adjusts the room to his liking and for a moment she envies him that freedom, to set things the way he wants and for them to stay that way. She eyes the armchair, a well built, solid backed thing, much different than the chair she was seated in the main room. There was not room to accomodate her sword. She opens the folds of her oversized cloak, and undoes the ties on her woven cloth belt. She removes the sword reluctantly, the dingy and scuffed silver hilt does not catch the light. The simple black scabbard shows similar signs of abuse, patched and battered, much like her shoes; her soul. Her gloved fingers linger on the hilt after she sets both sword and belt against the side of the armchair. The young woman then gathers the cloak back around herself, hiding her plain linen dress and thin body before sitting. She sits there for a few moments, perfect posture back in full force, gathering her thoughts before looking up at Master James through the strands of her hair. "You are not going to make this easy for me are you Master James?" she laughs dryly and looks away "Do you enjoy stories Master James? I would share one with you, if you would indulge me" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Thrashing reds, blacks, greys, deathly whites. All his life was pain, so much so that he had embraced it and become pain, giving it to everyone around him. Who was he really? What was he? Did his blood make him any less or more real than anyone? In the end, pain was the same, sometimes it was greater or lesser, but it was always pain. His body was stiff, pulled to a point that strained his endurance. His head was held high, eyes wide in the throes of lagging torture. An epiphany emerged. "Shadows lie for us," he gasped. "Some make us seem larger than we are, so that a dwarf may seem a giant when viewed only by his silhouette, reflecting that which others ignore. In contrast, a king may seem a boy, revealing the cause of error, again which others ignore. There can be truth in shadows, but also lies." this babbling he spoke, his voice a whisper, veiled in agony. Aaron exhaled, a long breath that took him to one knee. His hands held flat out before him as he viewed them as he had never done before this. "Devlin... Devlin, I..." he exhaled, slumping. "Thank you." He rose slowly, sounding exhausted. "I must rest. I am strained beyond the point of understanding." Aaron looked and truly saw for the first time. No longer was he blind, in so many different ways. How much had his disability drained him? What had he lost because if it? All of these things could come to him in time, but for now he moved off to rest. Aaron looked to Devlin and noticed things he hadn't seen before. He took them in and nodded, beyond tired. "Thank you." he said, and moved off without another word, seeking solace in exhausted sleep. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James watches as Meredith sits. His eyes linger on the sword as she sets it aside. It's the first time he's really noticed that she's armed. A sword seems a peculiar accoutrement for a servant and he struggles to fit it into his mental image of Meredith. James does know that the contrast between Meredith's sword and his own Fangmir, handed to a servant on entering the outer room with so little thought that it had not even occurred to him till now, stands as further testimony to the gulf between their supposed standing. The hilt of Fangmir alone could buy a thousand such swords, if the blade matched the scuffed and worn hilt. He could fix that, of course, and her clothes. Just as Berd could create things from thin air, so James could walk through worlds till he found her raiment fit for a queen, although he suspected that all he really needed to do was open the door and ask. In a way, he wanted to - it would reduce the apparent difference between them, make him feel more comfortable. But it would deny Meredith the chance to act for herself, make her feel (even more?) inferior. So, much as the thin linen shift and the holes in her shoes galled him, he would wait. "Please believe that I am not trying to make things hard for you. But if you mean that I will not tell you what to do, you are right." James smiles, "Fortunately, I love stories and I would be delighted to hear yours." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith moves her head up and down, it is hard to tell if the gesture is a nod or a bow. She is happy to hear that he shares her love of stories, and she begins to tell him this, but cuts herself off and shuts her mouth. She almost laughed out loud at herself. Like he cared. She needed to stick with the story. Although now that she thought about it, it was not much of a story. "As you wish Master James" she has a slight smile, but loses it quickly. "A piece of my story, to better understand why I would have asked such a grave thing of you" Meredith raises her head and her eyes so that she is looking Master James straight in the face. This was something she could not do while in hiding, she only wishes that she will survive the encounter unscathed "This ability" it sounds as if she is imitating another's voice "works in experiences. An example, when I touched the knife that killed the servant I did not see the servant's throat getting cut, it was my throat being slit, my life slipping away as I watched the basin fill with my blood" she takes a moment, not to let the statement sink in, but to briefly close her eyes and take a deep, steadying breath. She was digressing and did not wish to waste his time. She got back to the facts. "When I touched the egg I experienced an evil that is... indescribable. The evil I have served, it is a drop in an ocean... a drop in all the water in the worlds in every time in comparison. I have experienced serving evil, what it does, and I have experienced this evil. There are no words that will convince me to condemn anyone to that fate" she realizes that she has grit her teeth and her cheeks color "There are no words, but there may be an experience. You said you had experienced this before. I would have asked you to share this experience" here Meredith lowers her eyes and bows her head "but the matter has been resolved, and there is no longer a need. I apologize, that was not much of a story, please forgive the misuse of your time Master James" her voice has lowered to just above a whisper. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin sits back, exauasted, leaning slightly against Serena. He nods as Aaron thanks him, he just keeps nodding as Aaron leaves the room. "That was not normal." Devlin whispers after Aaron leaves the rom, "There was something... I don't know how to put it, it was like there was something living in there that didn't want to let go. It faught with me to stay." there is a pause as Devlin takes a deep breath, "I too must rest, sleep, and then I must eat. That took more out of me than I thought it would." Devlin does not get up, instead he simply lays his head back into the corner of the couch and closes his eyes. This message was last edited by the player at 13:45, Mon 20 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd watches Aaron write in Devlin's grasp, his eyes burning with a brilliant light. The man rambles through his agonies, struggling with visions and philosophies only he can see, only he can understand. The little dragon shifts, uncomfortably; he would help, he wishes to assist the man, but something blocks him. That something is, of course, a razor-bladed creature Aaron carries. Ilsefravnir. Arianne. Her opinion of the drake is a matter of public record, now, and Berd does not feel like hazarding her wrath. Nor does he feel he deserves it - at this point, his own irritation toward the woman possibly matches her disgust with him. And so he leaves Aaron in her hands for the moment, cataloguing the man's words, studying, making certain nothing lethal is about to occur. Though what he might do should that come to pass, the little dragon has no idea. With a sigh, the dragon fingers the old, worn hilt of Kirilindë, simple leather and brass, marked by use and time. He stares at the shard of a blade for a long moment, before turning back to Aaron in time to see it end. The drake watches the man leave, relief warring with concern, then glances to Devlin. Aaron once had a creature implanted within his eye by his brother, Jadus. Jadus was...a very dangerous person. He never fully considered his actions, always leapt in to fiddle, to adjust, to invent and create. He also bore a fair amount of ill-will toward Aaron. Perhaps what you battled was the remains of the creature? I truly hope Jadus is dead. Settling down where he sits, his burning eyes fix on Serena. This message was last edited by the player at 19:06, Mon 20 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James' eyes drop as Meredith speaks. It's not that he wishes to cause insult or avoid the truth, but he is dismayed that she should have suffered what she describes and so humbled by her strength of will that he can no longer meet her gaze. "Thank you, Meredith. A person's story, no matter how grim is always important. Cyan would have agreed, I'm sure, had she been here. This question is not resolved, only postponed, which makes your experience all the more important." James looks up again and meets Meredith's eyes. "You are stronger even than I gave you credit for, stronger than perhaps you realise. We have been fighting the Archons and have seen the evil they have wrought. But none of us, at least as far as I know, have experienced it first hand. I am not sure I could do that. But I would try." James hurries on as though to reassure Meredith. "Nevertheless, I cannot agree with you. Let me try to explain why. On my world, just before I was born, there was a war - a big one. It spread so that nearly every country on the planet was involved. Towards the end of the war, one country wanted to force their enemy to surrender. They developed a weapon capable of utterly destroying an entire city in one blow. They used it. Their enemy resisted. They used it again, and their enemy surrendered. The war was won." "After the war, many countries wanted this weapon and several of them managed to copy it. Some of these countries were enemies. Each wanted to destroy the other, but neither of them used their weapons. Why? Because they knew that however hard they hit, enough of the enemy would survive to hit them back and both countries, if not the world, would be destroyed." "This is the situation I fear we are in. Dorian's powers, impressive as they are, are not unique. If we can destroy a world, so can the Archons. If we press them hard enough they will hit back. We would face not the enslavement of the universe but its utter annihalation. Maybe that would be better, but I will not choose that path until I am sure that there is no other way." "You see, the enemy is stronger than we are. They have the advantage of time and overwhelming resources. We have survived and been successful to this point because we are beneath notice. You must forgive me, but I think maybe you would understand how that is. We will have one chance to succeed and our success must be absolute. Otherwise the Archons' counterattack will be terrible. I am not convinced that destroying this world is our victory." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Ilsefranvir ----------------------------------------------------------- "I am the shadow that hides behind your own, by the light of the moon, and the shining of the million stars. There is no sun in my world, for only you are my light." The blade Ilsefranvir sat sheathed, leaning against the bed beside its exhausted wielder. Arianne had no physical form, at least, not one that was alive any loger. Her body was dust by now, dead this many millennia. Arianne never asked herself "why." She never pitied herself as a result of her own choices. From the day Aaron ruled, she served him, until the time when the barbarians raided and killed his wife, his friends, his servants. She remembered truly, though she questioned why she let Aaron waste away for so long in his own delusions, why she let him come up with his own answers, no matter how misguided or misinformed they were. There was something to be said in that... when you live with someone for long enough, they become immune to listening to you. When you loved someone long enough, sometimes you were the only one who could listen to them. She was silent for a long, long time. Had been, even now. After their deaths, after that... she'd made the sacrifice. She's said goodbye to her sister, her father, friends, lunging off to battle with the Dancing King, as they'd called him. Taken up the mantle of the holy Sjardring, becoming one with the binding weapons as Ministule and Herzkrieg had before her. The legends of San Anyn wept with their stories, now long gone. Her shadowy form, a ghost in memory, stood at Aaron's bedside and considered her own worth. She had loathed what Berd had done... but was she any different from him? Was a lack of action any worse than forcing action upon another? Could she have stopped so much of his pain, using wisdom against his bulding house of lies and self-deceit? Or was she too like that, merely sitting and watching, as Jadus had, until she chose to act at the proper time, nudging and adjusting Aaron to fit her own ends? Was her true intent nothing more than to be free, to see and hear and taste and be again? To love him as she wished? Or was it folly, ignoring the world around her until she only saw what she wanted? "A pattern wreathed in ice-cold flame, its sigil the razored rose. The shadow of a man who should be dead sleeps before me, yet his desires still rest within my self, as mirrored in my own heart as if they were my own. Berd, deciever, am I any less or more than you? Aaron... has never seen himself as anyone but himself, nothing less, though he's thought it, and nothing more, though he's never wished it. What price, this agony? Why does he suffer, for whom?" "He suffers and dies every day for people and races he does not even know. I've only killed myself to save one person I loved more than any other, but I've slain the countless to see this man's deisres take shape. But... what desires? What has Aaron ever wished for except a place to belong, a reason to live, an answer to his questions? He has all of them now, save one. I can relate to the girl Meredith... there is joy in service." She faded away, into her prison, her choice. Faded away to contemplate and prepare, to set things straight, for she too truly saw now, saw as she hadn't before. This message was last edited by the player at 05:37, Tue 21 Mar 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena had paid close attention to everything she had seen through the bridging with Devlin and Dorian. It was an intense experience and was almost too much information to process. Serena decided as the bridging ended to think on what she had seen before commenting upon it. Then she watched in amazement as Devlin gave Aaron a new eye. She was pleased for Aaron and astounded at what Devlin had done and wished,as a healer to bombard him with questions as to how he had managed it. Also, as a healer she realized how exhausted he was and realized this would have to wait until later. "We can discuss later what was so strange about what happened Devlin, however I agree you must rest now. As he leaned against her and let his head fall to rest on the couch she gently laid her hand on his hair and intertwined her fingers in it as she laid back to meditate to recharge her own battery while being alert enough that if anything happened of a dangerous nature she would not be caught unawares. However, befopre she fully slipped into meditation she sent out a mental knock... This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Mon 20 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's reptilian snout twisted into what might be an ironic smile from anyone else. He puffs out a cloud of green mist, then inhales it again. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena smiled wryly although her eyes remained shut. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith stays quiet and attentative while Master James speaks. She is an excellent listener. When he has finished she has a decision to make. She hopes that she has made the right one. "I am sorry for your suffering" Meredith begins in a heartfelt, sincere voice. She wishes she could rest her hand on his arm, a phyiscal showing of that understanding, but she does not want to make him uncomfortable, to see revulsion on his face. "You and Parenalle have shared excellent points, it is my own personal issues that have kept me back. It will take me time, but I will get it worked out. Thank you for helping me" her smile is small and slightly pained, but genuine. She holds it while she looks at him for a second or two, before turning her head away, her gaze finding the wall to his left. "I am afraid I must disagree with you on two fronts, Master James" she forces her gaze back to him and it is clear that she is having difficulty voicing her concerns "The issue of the world has been resolved... the Masters Luke and Dorian have worked it out. Master Dorian says we need more information about the world, but I believe that is his way of agreeing to not destory the world without having to admit defeat. It has surely been decided, Master James. I have said my piece and watched as foreign meanings were injected into my words, insults discovered where there were none. I am done, it has been settled, and I am lucky to have the forgiveness of Master Luke" Meredith pauses, then pushes forward. If she stops now she may never start again "The second item is my strength. I am not as strong as you would think Master James. It was not strength but taken skills that saw me through experiencing the egg, nothing more" As soon as she finished speaking doubts assailed her. What was she thinking? Of all the stupid things to do, surely this takes the cake. Why does she continue to fight the unevitable? =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Dorian ----------------------------------------------------------- Dorian peers through the birds eyes, more interested in its magical anatomy than anything he sees, though he does seem to study the geography of the area with some interest. When he has a sufficient feel for the magical profile of the world, he thanks Devlin and quietly closes the connection. Then, in the silence of the room, he begins his preparations, weaving spells to be used against the archons and plotting possible scenarios. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- "Ah no, that was not my suffering. The war I spoke of was before my time. My suffering I brought on myself by choosing the way of a soldier in less than ideal circumstances." James pauses for a moment, unsure of himself. "That's why I can't let you touch me. I have caused a lot of pain in the past; done many things I am not proud of. I wouldn't want you to see those things, much less experience them." James moves on, keen to be away from a topic he finds uncomfortable. "Perhaps you are right about the argument, although I still suspect that the information we uncover will only encourage Dorian in his desire to strike at the Archons. Don't be too discouraged, we're an independent-minded bunch, used to having our own way. Luke especially is good at reading meaning where there is none." James smiles, "And you still underestimate yourself. When Devlin suggested there might be more information to be gleaned from the egg concerning Harbonah, you all but volunteered to use the egg again. That had nothing to do with acquired skills. That was your choice. You were willing to subject yourself to that again when you were the only one who understood what it would mean. That takes strength." "Lorne told you that in finding a purpose you would find yourself. My advice, if you want it, is this: You can learn a lot about a person from the choices they make. Take the opportunity to make your own choices, see what they can teach you about yourself." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith nods when Master James talks about the pain of a soldier. That is something she understands intimately. She finds it interesting that they are both uncomfortable talking about the less savory things in their lives. Her cheeks burn in shame when he mentions her eagerness to touch the egg again. That had nothing to do with strength and everything to do with wanting to be completely free. Now she was not so sure if it was that easy. There is saddness and compassion in her gaze. "I have experienced the pain of a soldier Master James, soldiers from all walks of life" the feeling leaches from her eyes "There are worse pains to experience, but I understand not wanting to share things from the past" she laughs a short laugh "that is something we have in common. Perhaps we will get past that some day" she smiles wryly, but like all of her smiles, it does not last and she sobers quickly. "I must be honest about the egg Master James... I wanted to touch it again because the first touch helped me with myself. I thought another touch would assist in a similar way, after the discusssion of the Masters Luke and Dorian I am not so sure" she pauses, feeling that she went too far, so like Master James, she changes the subject "I thank you for the advice Master James. I will take it to heart. I find that there are similarities between yourself and Lorne... but many more differences" once she starts talking about him it was hard to stop, and her voice and face softens "He too led the life of a soldier, but but left it to follow his heart. Like Master Dorian, that did not end well, and he returned to the blade as a mercenary, which is how I met him. He was introduced to me as my jailkeeper, but soon became like a father to me. I reminded him of one of his daughters. I only hope that he survived my absence, so he can enjoy the new life for him here, with the Brintizzi..." Meredith trails off, realizing her folly. The blush stands out starkly against her pale skin and she lowers her eyes and head "My apologies Master James, I forgot myself" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- There are more similarities than you realise James recalls his own transition from soldier to mercenary and back again, until he too left to follow his heart. I only hope our little venture ends well. "No," James smiles warmly, "You remembered yourself, the only thing you forgot was your training. I like that. I wonder if you realise; Lorne is the only person you don't call Master or something similar. I look forward to the day when you call me James." James considers, "Meredith, it's kind of an awkward question, but it feels strange being paranoid of even the slightest touch. Does the contact need to be skin-to-skin for your abilities to work? Would it be safe," James grimaces ruefully at the word, "to touch your gloved hands, for example?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin smiles too, before he drifts off to sleep, although most likely for an entirely different reason. Serena's fingers twined in his hair feels natural, comfortable, and for some reason make him feel safer here with her than he has been since leaving the place where he was raised, even if he was more of a prisoner there than anything else. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith finds herself returning Master James's warm smile before she realizes it, and the expression lights up her face... before she lowers it, hiding it. When she raises it again the smile is still there, but it has changed, grown sadder, more serious. "Lorne is the only person who has chosen to touch me. The first time he did not know what would happen... but afterwards he did so again, on his own accord. He.." her voice breaks and she looks away, swallowing the emotion "He understod" she gets out softly. The pain in her chest swells and she fights away the tears. She misses him so much, but now was not the time nor the place to dwell on such things, such weakness, so she pushes it aside, locking it up for another time and moves on. She takes a deep breath and looks to Master James again, the sadness banished to a shadow in her eye "To work, the object, skin or not, needs to touch the skin of my hands or arms... the area my gloves cover" she smiles ruefully and holds out one of her gloved hands, as if examining it critically "Like this it is safe to touch anything, or anyone" she lowers her hand, returning it neatly to her lap "There is no need to be paranoid, the situation with Master Dorian will not repeat itself" her gaze is back on his and the conviction there makes it clear that this is her promise to him. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Parenalle (NPC) ----------------------------------------------------------- Parenalle has sat in silence since the healing of Aaron's eye. These guests are powerful indeed. Far more powerful, it seems, than the one who brought them here. Jonnee Kay, the one who is slower, weaker, and less well-armed than one of the true brintizzi he is to take charge of training, and yet he is a hero among her people. He will be entrusted to train the armies to fight legends. And yet he is not the greatest of these, his company. They talk of killing worlds, and they can heal the most grievous of wounds. And, to hear them talk, their enemies are more fearsome still. Yet they are still prepared to stand and fight against a foe who can destroy all the brintizzi as casually as she might crush an insect beneath her foot without seeing it. Her nictating membrane blinks, and stays closed for several heartbeats. Somewhere, in the vast distances of the palace, a bell starts tolling, and Parenalle starts. Her gaze meets Aaron's, two eyes meating two now, "Forgive me. It is sunset. The queen will retire soon, and will not summon you again until morning. With your permission, I too will return to my quarters to eat and sleep, that I might serve you well tomorrow." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron rubbed the sleep from his eyes, though he knew that sleep had been an exhaustive one that was lacking in any significant rest. Aaron felt he would need more before they set off, but for now he was restless. Aaron nodded to Parenalle, agreeing with her request. "Yes, rest Parenalle. You have assisted us greatly this day." he sighed, nodding. "If you see Jonnee Kay, please tell him that I wish him the greatest of successes in his tasks. I fear I will not have time to see him again before we depart." He smiled, and for once there was no pain in it. How long had it been since his every expression lacked that one defining characteristic? "Thank you." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Yes, indeed. Our thanks, Parenalle, and our apologies for any upleasantness." Luke brushed dirt from his boots and stepped away from the stranger standing beside him. "You might want to take note of this man, while you're at it. He's a guest of mine, and will be joining us, so none of the warriors are to practice their skills upon him." Reaching out, Luke whisked some of the travel dust from the newcomer's shoulder. "That Road is awfully filthy, Chance." "Aaron, my apologies, but you seemed to be busy and I know we need assistance. Now more than ever." His face grew grim for a moment. "May I present Chance, an old associate of mine...though not that old," he explained to Berd. "Please don't hold that against him, though." Luke grinned. "He's...well, it's not to me to tell you everything about him. Besides, I only know the smallest fraction."</blue> This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Wed 22 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- Chance places his hands on his hips as he looked around at those in the room, including Parenalle. "Yeah, don't hold it against me-- funny how I was going to say the same thing-- But now I feel kinda on display. So, yeah, my name is Chance, I'm a wandering musician and I'm here to help if you'll allow it. Luke told me about the story in good detail and there doesn't seem to be much other choice but to help." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Devlin ----------------------------------------------------------- Devlin snores lightly. [OOC: Sorry, Couldn't resist] =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron sighed again, crossing his arms before his chest and considering Luke's recent addition. First Meredith, then this... Chance? An interesting name, to say the least. "Well, I can't say you've arrived at a good time. We're stretched pretty thin right now, as far as our patience as a group is concerned, but..." Aaron shrugged. "Whatever. I won't say 'welcome' until everyone else meets you, but you're free to hang around until everyone gets together. I'm Aaron. You've met Luke, but you'll have to pardon me if I'm a little short. I've... had a long day." He gestured to the various comforts around them. "Have a seat for now, relax, take a load off. I'll be back in a bit. If you've any questions, ask Luke. If you have anything else, well, you can find me in my room." he said, gesturing behind him. "I'll be resting, though not necesserally asleep." He cleared his throat, unable to shake that restless, sleepless feeling. Aaron fixed himself a suitable drink and returned to his room to contemplate, nodding to Parenalle, Luke and Chance before he retired. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- Chance looks at Luke a little helplessly. "Cheerful lot, aren't they? Are they always like this, or has it just been one of those days?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Parenalle (NPC) ----------------------------------------------------------- Parenalle bows, giving Luke an odd look. Why would the warriors attack this man suddenly? Had not Luke just fetched him into the suite? Surely the warriors had seen them as they had passed... and, then, in a shocking moment of revelation, she realizes that she can't quite recall exactly how Luke and Chance had entered the room. Confused, the brintizzi bids everyone a good night, and exits the room. She, at least, uses the door. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke gave Dorian a nonplussed look, then watched Aaron's retreating back. "Bad day, really. Lost a good friend, though that's more up your alley than mine, especially her. Aaron seems to have two eyes, now. I suppose Devlin got around to fixing him up." Now the look was apologetic. "This isn't the welcome I was hoping for - they're normally quite enthusiastic about new people, except for me." He frowned. "Well, Cyan was more enthusiastic, but she's gone. The one they lost." He studied the nearly empty room. "There's usually a lot more of them, too. I suppose everyone has gone to bed, then. I should introduce you to the old man." One lean hand waved toward a corner, where two burning eyes stared out from a shadow crouched on a small table. "Berd, I've brought a guest." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's eyes burn as he studies Chance, looking him up and down for a long moment before puffing out a small, gold-coloured cloud of smoke. Well met, Chance. I take it you are well acquainted with this reprobate? There is a faint hint of humour in the tired tone. My apologies for the lackluster greeting. We are in the midst of a crisis, with many different things bombarding us from all directions. Revelations regarding our enemies, new alliances, a strange new person in our midst - not you - and Aaron's healing have taken their toll, as has the death of Cyan. The drake takes a long moment to consider, or perhaps gather himself. Be that as it may, I am honored you have consented to join us. While I will not go so far as to say that any friend of Luke's is welcome, given the company which he has kept in the past, I feel you are several cuts above those he...brought home long ago. You bear an instrument and the marks of a traveller upon you. You say you are an itinerent bard? I would inquire what else you bring to us, but I suspect you would only speak of this one time. From whence do you hail? This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Wed 22 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena opened her green eyes and without moving the sleeping Devlin she turned to the newcomer and said with a sincere and welcoming smile.,"Greetings. My name is Serena and although I was meditating I heard that your name is Chance. It is a pleasure to meet you. Berd is right we are usually a much more enthusiastic group. However, the death of Cyan and the workings on Aaron have combined to make us less so. We can certainly use the help and I for one would also like to hear more about you as does Berd. This message was last edited by the player at 18:56, Wed 22 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- "Coming from you that's a compliment, Old Man," Luke said. He paced in a circle while Berd spoke, shaking his head. "I swear, you storm the gates of a fortress once and they never let you forget it. Can we leave my associates out of this for once?" But there was no real anger in his tone, only exasperation. He brightened at Serena's greeting, and gave her a quick bow of appreciation for her courtesy. "Two out of three redheads have been good for this group," Luke stage-whispered in an aside to Chance. "That's one of the two, there." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- "I'm sorry," Chance says. "Luke mentioned losing somone recently, I didn't realize just how recently. My condolences on your lose." He finds a comfortable place to sit down, leaning back in a completely comfortable angle. "No, I'm no bard. That takes something special. I'm just a simple musician. From what Luke has told me, I don't think I bring anything special to the table, so think of me as more of a cheerleader than any kind of warrior. But I can go over my particular talents when I've met everyone. For now, it seems I've come at a bad time. Perhaps I should leave your band in peace and Luke can retrieve me at a more appropriate time." He left off his actual profession, knowing it would be hard to hear after such a lose. It would seem too much of a coincidence. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- "I see." And James does. To offer oneself freely to that level of scrutiny, of sharing would demand complete trust and commitment, passing as it did beyond the levels of intimacy most people would ever experience. It's no wonder that Meredith is so fond of Lorne. James finds himself wanting to touch her shoulder, her hands, to offer some form of comfort beyond what his words can offer. But having set a rule of no contact, he finds it strangely difficult to break even now that it is no longer needed. He doesn't know what contact would be appropriate. The uncertainty shows in his eyes and is echoed in his hands, which fidget on the arm of the couch, picking at a seam. James doesn't comment on Meredith's unspoken promise to avoid uninvited contact. He believes her, there's no need to dwell on the point. A moment passes in silence. "I would like to see how Aaron is faring, but perhaps you would like some time to yourself?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's eyes shine in the gloom of the corner, a pair of soft, golden lights. Special lies more in the spirit than it does in Powers, Chance. We need strength of a different sort - strength of the heart, sorely lacking in this tired, fractious group. This said with a glance toward Luke. And while Luke likely takes a load of that upon his shoulders, he should not be so hard upon himself. Blame can be equally apportioned in this case...and is both senseless and useless. Better that we look toward the future than lock ourselves in the past. If you are uncomfortable, Luke can bear you away...I assure you, though, that I am pleased at your company, your presence. His grin glitters in the dark. Stay with me, if it does not disturb you. I can be interesting enough in conversation, despite whatever Luke has no doubt said about me. A look of fond exasperation at the lean man follows. I would hear why you consider yourself...not-special-enough to be a bard. There is pain in his tone, then. Anyone could be a bard, if pushed. For an instant, Berd is bitter and angry, but distantly - it isn't aimed at Chance, not at all. He rallies, though. I would ask you of your past, your work...but as you say, you wish to only explain these things once. Well, then. Perhaps you might play something quiet. There used to be music in this group; I suspect we all miss it. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- "Far be it from me to disagree at so early a junction, Mr. Berd, but I don't feel pushing can make a True Bard." As he speaks his guitar case becomes like liquid, and then shrinks reforming itself quickly and smoothly into an acoustic guitar. "It's true, however, that anyone could be a Bard if they tried hard enough, but not everyone has the spirit to try. Sure, anyone can tell a few stories, sing a song or two, entertaining isn't a rare talent in most worlds." Chance plucks a few notes on the guitar. As he plays, the notes slowly pick up speed and confidence. "I'll explain a little more before the others arrive. I'm not a bard because I'm what they call a Death Singer. It's not nearly as dramatic as it sounds, though. What it means is I travel around and sing at funerals in remembrance of those who have passed. My songs have a way of connecting with people, and in cases of those who have passed, the songs-- if I do my job right-- tell the story of the person's life, they say what that person would have said if they had been given the.... chance." He hums a few bars along with the guitar for a moment. "I didn't want to mention my particular job in light of your recent loss, you see. It just seemed awfully coinidental, you know. But I felt I should explain-- no use starting off a relationship with secrets, eh?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith eyes Master James speculatively. In those two simple words he says he understands, but does he truly? He may think he does, but inwardly she doubts it. Already he is fidgeting, eager to be rid of her, the uncertainty of how to tell her shines in his eyes. Clearly the idea of touching her repulses him so much that he cannot stand to be in the same room as her. She is about to bail him out, excuse herself to save him the trouble, when he thinks of something himself. The hurt surprises her, but then again she knew it would come to this eventually. He actually had her fooled there for awhile, she really thought he wanted to be her friend. She grits her teeth, she is such a fool. Her eyes flick to his fingers, picking at the seam on the couch. She watches him for a few moments, feeling each tug on her heart. She nods slowly, finding her voice, and keeps her head bowed. "As you wish Master James. I would follow you out though. I have had enough of being shut away until my services are needed to last a life time" her voice is hollow and empty, how she feels inside. Meredith rises from the armchair and retrieves her blade. She struggles with the belt, the extra folds of her cloak interfering. It is obvious that she is not very experienced with handling the sheathed blade. Afer a few seconds she stops the struggle and removes the cloak, draping it carefully across the armchair. Her linen shift is no longer covered and the faded, brown stains that mottle the back are revealed. She still has difficulty getting the belt on with the sword attached, but finally manages to get the belt secured around her tiny waist, tying a tight knot. With a sigh of relief she gathers the cloak around her and refastens it, feeling comfort in the security of its voluminous folds. She makes her way towards the door, intent on holding it open for Master James. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James is so shocked at the change in Meredith's demeanour and in her words that he stops in the motion of standing up, so startled that he actually falls back into the chair for a moment. He goes back over the last few moments in his head trying to work out what went so horribly wrong. Worse, perhaps, he recognises the dull brown stains on her shift. Dear God. No! Who could have treated her so cruelly? His thoughts flit back to her description of Lorne as her jailer. The pieces fit but the picture isn't pretty. Obviously, someone went to great lengths to ensure their valuable servant was compliant as well. James wits catch up with him as Meredith re-fastens her cloak. He stands quickly and catches up with her before she can reach the door. He takes her by the right shoulder and spins her round to face him. He uses as little force as necessary and steps around her if she will not turn freely. When Meredith is facing him, he places his right hand on her left shoulder gently. "Wait, please. I think you must have misunderstood. Let me try again." "What I see, or think I see, is that someone has abused you in the past; it is in your training, your manner...and the stains on your shift. Lorne treated you kindly, showed you that your abilities could be turned to other purposes and set you free. Lorne is precious to you because, more than simply caring for you, he was prepared to share himself with you, completely." "I trust you." James puts the fingers of his right hand underneath Meredith's chin to lift her eyes to meet his. "I am not afraid of you." James places his left hand, open and palm upwards beneath Meredith's gloved hands. "But I am not prepared to do that yet, not least because I don't want to cause you more pain." "You are free to come and go as you please." James breaks the contact of his fingers but keeps his hands close to Meredith. His stance is open, his voice sincere. "I just thought you might want a break from the hostility out there." James nods towards the door. "I didn't mean to shut you out. Forgive me." James bows his head and waits for Meredith to reply. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd chimes musically - a laugh. Berd is fine, Chance, or I shall have to start calling you Mister as well. He grows more serious. No...correct me when I am wrong, and certainly I am now. No matter that someone is pushed toward a dream, if they do not share it they cannot be it. This seems to sadden him for a moment, but he perks up a little at the sound of the music. A Death Singer. Fascinating. I have never heard of such a thing, though there are parallels in many Worlds. The end of his tail wiggles in the air for a moment. Coincidence can be many things, Chance. It can be destiny, fate. It can be enemy action, or the secret movement of a friend. But much of the time coincidence merely is, and we must seize that which is good before it escapes. Your words cut me, though they are not meant to do so. Secrets. Has Luke told you of Cyan? Has Luke told you that she was my creation, raised in a fit of madness from dust and scattered light, given a spirit and pushed willy-nilly in the directions I wished her to go? Twisted by my fear, pushed from what she could have been, my control relinquished too late? Berd sighs. There. That secret is out - better you hear it now than later. Had I but the time now I would tell you of her entire story - everything, from her childhood to her death. Perhaps you might then set that to music. She would have loved it, I think. I think she would have found you fascinating, too. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- "Well," Chance smiles lightly, plucking out a couple more notes in rapid order. "It's like I always say, Berd. If coincidences didn't happy so often, we wouldn't have needed a name for them. I couldn't agree with you more on that point." His notes soften, as does the expression on his face. The guitar shifts slightly and the music drops on octave. "As for Cyan, Luke didn't tell me that much. And had I heard it from him, I would have thought you an awful creature-- I might not have come. But hearing it from you, hearing the sadness in your voice-- well, you're not an awful person, are you? I have to say, I get the feeling you were once, from this and from what Luke tells me. But change is a powerful tool and I don't like to judge." This message was last updated by the player at 18:40, Thu 23 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd's needlepointed grin answers Chance's comment regarding coincidence, then he closes his lips to listen further as the man speaks. A long moment passes in silence. Then Berd breathes out a small cloud of golden mist, cocking his head to listen to the patter of notes from Chance's guitar. I have been at my best and my worst, as all people can be. My worst has been horrific; I barely recall my best, for it is beyond me now in spirit as well as potency. I have been many things, Chance, and I hope to be so again. The golden cloud slowly revolves in the air, brightening into a brilliantly clothed figure, standing with a happy grin on her face under her burnished copper hair. And I have lost one of the best parts of myself when I lost her. She was my daughter. What I did to her, long ago in fear and madness, was unpardonable, but I tried to make up for it. I truly did. Only I could not see any way past it and ended up digging myself in more deeply at every turn. And you are correct, Chance. I am...not an awful person, not now. I have done terrible things, but.... ...you do have a way of putting things into perspective, Chance. Small wonder you find yourself in your profession. The figure in the mist fades, even as Berd reaches out toward it. The drake's claws close on empty air, and he closes his eyes. Tell me, Chance - based on what you know of our predicament, what would be your course of action? Strategically speaking, not specifically. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Luke ----------------------------------------------------------- Luke frowned thoughtfully as he paced, hands behind his back. Pausing once, he glanced at Berd, then Chance, before continuing with his pacing. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- "Well, we all have our dirty underwears to hide, Berd. I figured out how to walk among worlds by accident. I didn't even realize they were different worlds, at first. The thing is, I thought they were all dream-place, not real. So I lived out some fantasies, and some of the stuff I did was pretty awful, too. I had to learn to deal with that and move-- the problem is, people I hurt don't have that option." He shrugs a little and looks up at the ceiling a moment, pondering. "As for this little war-- nasty business war is-- It occurs to me that if you don't know when or where you're going to fight a battle, you don't know if you're going to win or lose. I was telling Luke earlier we need to find the heart or head of this beast and strike at that. More than that, I think we need knowledge about our enemy. The more we know, the more we can control them. We can choose where and when we fight, we can make them attack us-- which usually seems like the weaker position. Fighting an enemy on their own ground seems kind of desperate, if you ask me. Going there for information seems a little wiser though-- But I'm no military man. All I can give you is some general idea of what I think. I don't know it's worth much." This message was last updated by the player at 18:05, Fri 24 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith relaxes when Master James touches her, expecting something completely different. Her mind goes blank and she turns with so little force on his part it is pathetic. By the time he raises her chin, his words and the reality of what is happening is just starting to sink in. Thus he is able to see the entire range of her emotions: the blankness, quickly over taken by surprise, the surprise is softened by his sincerity, and he can see exactly when how completely and utterly wrong she was hits her. Humiliation and embarrassment war on her face, the bright red blush blossoming once again. She wishes to hide it, but does not fight his grasp. He needs to see it and she needs to wallow in these feelings, to remember them and the folly that is even bigger than she thought. She thought she was a fool for trusting him, but now she knows that she was an even bigger fool for not trusting him… and still he says that he trusts her, despite the fact that he still does not truly understand about Lorne. She cannot believe that he stands before her with his head bowed, asking for her forgiveness. Something Lorne showed her, a gesture shared between friends comes to her and before she can talk herself out of it Meredith steps forward and hugs Master James. Her arms and hands are lightly touching him, unsure of his reception. It is over in a minute or two and the full scope of her new understanding hits her hard. She remembers Master Aaron's touch, had she misunderstod him as well? She steps away, breaking the hug, the gesture of friends. She is unsure of how he will react, if she truly helped or just made things worse. "I would be your friend, if you would still allow it... James" she says his name slowly as if it is a foreign word, trying it out, seeing how it sounds without the 'Master.' The way she addresses her friends. How had this all happened so quickly? =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by James ----------------------------------------------------------- James returns Meredith's hug, his arms easily enveloping the smaller woman. He does not grip or squeeze, merely holds, but his hold is secure. James hopes she will take his strength as a safe thing rather than a threat. James releases the hug so that Meredith can step back, "I would be delighted if you would have me as your friend. You don't allow friendships, they have to be mutual." A quick pause and a warm smile. "Now, if Lorne gave you that rapier," - and James estimate of the blade had gone up considerably from seeing it carried by the warrior - "I think he would want you to wear it properly." James kneels before Meredith. He checks himself before he reaches for the hilt of the weapon, he doesn't want to stretch the new friendship by being overly familiar. He looks up to ask, "Is it okay if I adjust the scabbard?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith nods and smiles at James. It feels as if tension had been released in her chest, like she had been holding her breath for a long time without knowing it. The matter is settled. She laughs, a small, slight sound when he asks after the rapier. "Yes, please do! We only had time to work on refining the skill, as you can see I struggle with everything else about it. Good thing the blade cares for itself" Meredith moves the folds of the cloak away, allowing James better access. She watches how he does what he does so she can try to duplicate it in the future. This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Fri 24 Feb 2006. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Berd ----------------------------------------------------------- Berd chuckles musically, his eyes disappearing in the dark then returning as he blinks. Fortuitous that I do not have to use underwear. Still, it has not kept it from being gawked at by all and sundry.<purple> He continues more seriously. <purple>A terrible thing to have upon your conscience, Chance. Perhaps a learning experience? To realize that you have such things within yourself, as does everyone, wanting to get out? And yet, it was still a dream to you, was it not? We are the sum and total of our actions, Chance, not merely our desires. You thought, truly thought, you were in a harmless dream. For a time, you released your control. And once you realized, what then? Berd examines his claws. I would wager you made the decision to stop. You do not seem the sort to continue. Did you? Or not? Regretfully, as you say the people whom we hurt can only attempt to recover. We go on. They go on. We try to find meaning in what has happened, meaning we can push forward into our lives ahead and hopefully leave things in better condition than when we meddled. Cold comfort, I know. I know. As it so happens, I agree with you one hundred percent. Information is the key. We require information, detailed information. Without it, we are doomed to failure. I have attempted to contact an Archon of our acquaintance - Tamiel, if Luke has told you about 'her'. She has not yet responded - I begin to fear the worst. As Cy- Berd closes his eyes again, the reopens them. As Cyan was so fond of pointing out, with no information regarding oneself or one's enemy, one will lose every battle. With full information regarding oneself, but little of one's enemy, one has at best fifty fifty chances. With complete information regarding both, assuming one are not a complete dunce, one will win every battle. We have scarce information regarding ourselves, but it is enough to act upon. We require more information regarding the Archons to defeat them. We need to cut off the head, as you say. Eliminate their leadership. They are a fractious, argumentative, murderous lot. With their leader destroyed, that sect will likely fall to infighting...until another leader finally takes control. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Serena ----------------------------------------------------------- Serena listened to Berd's speech and then turned to Chance and said,"I am in agreement with Berd. What you did when you thought it was all a dream is not to be held against you know. Providing of course that you did stop once you realized things were real. Some of us know more about ourselves than others. I happen to know more about myself and where I came from than the others do. Berd is also correct inneeding information on our enemy. Devlin, " Serena gestured to the sleeping man on her lap,"set up a bird to spy on the Archons and that gave us a bit more information. However, we do not know who the leader or leaders are and that is definitely a downside and something we need to find out. Perhaps you have an ability or suggestion as to how to accomplish that?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- "Well, of course I stopped. Still, the desire was in me to hurt others, and that's not comfortable. This Cyan seemed like a real cool cat. And she seemed lovely, too." He gives a slight gesture to the air where the image had appeared. He looks down at his guitar and plays a couple chords. He cocks his head and listens carefully to the sounds, testing them out a few more times with some variations. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Aaron ----------------------------------------------------------- Aaron leaned up against the doorpost leading to his chambers, his eyes raised in thought. "If Tamiel has been struck down, we're one friend short. She was certainly a powerful ally, and her contacts were... equally so." Aaron sighed, pursing his lips. "Have you thought of getting ahold of Metatron, if at all possible, Berd? He bears no love for me, such is sure, but we have a common bond in that we both know how to gradually destroy worlds one at a time. If you know how, you can figure out how to stop it, I suppose." he sighed. "Whatever the case, we need to figure out how to get necessarry information before we can act on it. How many heads do our enemies have? Best to make sure we hit the right one when we do strike, or we may inevitably be hitting the tail." Aaron shook his head, lifting Ilsefranvir by her sheath and strappong the baldric around his torso, the hilt poking up over his shoulder. "We should get moving soon anyway. We can discuss more as we go." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- After James shows her how to properly position and secure the scabbard, Meredith smiles and inclines her head "Thank you for everything James" she says simply before getting the door for him. She follows him out, making sure the door closes all the way. She begins to head to the arm chair, anxious to have some time to get things sorted out in her head, again. Instead she notices the new person, another man, and halts. It is obvious that he is a friend, for there are no signs of a struggle or distress in the others. Reluctantly she sets her thoughts aside. Already she was learning that things and events changed constantly and moved very quickly with this group. She could catch up on her thoughts later. Meredith approaches Chance and stops a few feet in front of him and dips into a smooth, deep curtsy. "Good evening milord" she greets him quietly, unaware that she has disrupted their conversation. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- Chance seems somewhat taken back by her manner, taking a half-step back. She was an unblossomed flower in a garden of weeds, in his eyes. His clothes ruffle, as if in the wind, and suddenly shift into clothes with an older, medieval cut, including a loose ruffle at the neck. But no tights-- the clothes knew he hated tights. Clothing was never meant to be that friendly. He smiles brightly and bows deeply, taking her hand as he does so. "And a good evening to you, my lady. I am Chance." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- If Master Chance is taken aback by Meredith's manner, his catches her completely off guard. Before leaving the Parish she was never taken off guard, now it was a common event. And when Meredith was unsure, her instincts, her training, kicks in, only now it is different. She bows her head, lowering her eyes. She catches the ruffling of his clothes, the changing, and for a moment interest flickers, a hint of a smile on her lips, but then he is reaching for her hand. She dares not resist, but instead changes her positioning ever so slightly so that he takes her left hand. He is lucky the finely woven glove is intact and she doubts he realizes the potential disaster he so narrowly avoided. He names her a lady and a slight blush colors her cheeks, a small laugh of denial escaping her. After her discussion with James she feels more comfortable with these little expressions of self. She had much to thank him for, her new friend. But that was for a later time. She keeps her head slightly lowered, but her pewter eyes skip up to Master Chance's when she speaks"I assure you Master Chance I am no lady" she shakes her head to accent her point. The life in her eyes, the feeling, fades for a moment, no longer than a heartbeat really, before snapping back "No lady at all" she echoes the thought softly before shaking it away and continuing in a louder voice... well louder for Meredith, still quiet by anyone's standards "My name is Meredith, and it is a pleasure to meet you" A proper greeting, one she should have given to everyone in the room, but circumstances dictated otherwise. She awaits him patiently, curious what Master Chance has planned for her hand. She does not think he will try to remove the glove, but she is prepared to pull her hand away just in case. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- "Well, then," Chance beams. "That makes two of us." The ruffles on his medieval-style clothing flutter again. This time, for the briefest moment, the ruffles seem to enhance, almost hinting at a flowering gown, before settling back down to his usual jeans and t-shirt. Seemingly oblivious to her switch of hands, he draws it upward and gently kisses it before straightening himself. "Well, if it's a pleasure to meet me, then it's sheer extacy to meet you, Meredith. So, what's a gem like you doing amongst a bunch of rough stone like this, anyway?" =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith has no idea how to react to Master Chance. No one has ever treated her like this, ever. Does he mock her? Naming her a lady, calling her a gem? Was he thick in the head? There was a man like that once at the Parish, Master Stene. He stayed a few weeks during a bad storm, helping with maintenance chores in return for a hot meal and a roof over his head. When the weather cleared he moved on. Lorne had explained everything to her later, after he had left. He was like a big child. Meredith slowly lowers her hand in disbelief. Did he really just kiss her glove? Extacy to meet her? Obviously Master Chance had not met Master Dorian yet. Meredith looks down at herself, double checking that she had not changed. Sure enough, everything was in place. The thin linen shift peeked through the obviously too big cloak, and her shoes peeked out, part of a patch showing on one, part of a hole showing on the other. He had to be slow, to look upon her and see a gem. She remembers Master Stene, and does not want to hurt Master Chance's feelings as the Parish had hurt Master Stene's. Meredith smiles softly "I am here to serve a Purpose, Master Chance" she inclines her head "and the most precious gems are often hidden by the roughest stones" a hint of mischeviousness colors her smile, her demeanor. She hopes to turn his attention to the others, let him find the hidden gems in them, if he sees her as the obvious jewel. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Before Master Chance can reply a slight blush starts to form on Meredith's cheeks, but then she is grinning and soon laughing. "I am very sorry Master Chance" she says as the laughter fades, leaving a pleasant glow on her face "I did not think you were... being completely serious" she laughs again and shakes her head "I am sorry, it is the thought of myself... a gem in this company? You are sadly mistaken Master Chance for I am as much a gem as I am a lady" her smile is sad, she does not wish to contradict him, but cannot accept his observation. She realizes that Master Chance has not yet met James, and there were more important things to talk of then her supposedly gem-like qualities... then again Sir Devlin was already asleep, Master Dorian had retired, and Master Aaron for all his restored eye, looked sorely in need of rest as well. Too many options, she was not going to choose. Instead she bows to Master Chance and steps aside, content with standing. =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- Chance's smile fades into something softer, more tender, though no less sincere. He is silent a moment, looking her over. "Have you ever seen a gem, when it comes out of the earth? It ain't no gem at all, really. It looks just like a regular rock until someone spends some time with it. It takes a little work. But the odd thing is that even the regular rocks can be things of beauty if someone takes the time to polish them up a bit. In the end, they're works of man-- so the question is, is the gem beautiful or is it beautiful because of the person who polished it. Was the gem there all along, or was there never any gem at all? If you want my opinion, there's no point in worry about the gem. Just enjoy it for what it is and let it shine. And don't take things so seriously-- especially me. And if it's all the same to you, I really don't like to be called Master, if you don't mind. I ain't nobody's master." =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Chance ----------------------------------------------------------- <BACKPOST> To Serena: Chance nodded to Serena and smiled quietly as she spoke. "Realization was a slow process, but yes I moved on to better things. Still, that doesn't make it a pleasant memory-- and like I said, it doesn't bring the dead out of their graves and all that. As for this Archon world, I don't think I have any specific abilities to do so. Once I get there, of see it some other way, I could figure out that world's song. Playing that song would let me see the specific place-- but if these archon guys are powerful, they might be able to detect it and trace if back to me, somehow. So, no, I'm afraid I don't have much in that area." </BACKPOST> =========================================================== Re: Part 45 - Ceremonies of light and dark by Meredith ----------------------------------------------------------- Meredith nods at Chance, she does not comment on his question, taking it to be a rhetoric one. He makes his request, like Sir Devlin, to drop the 'Master' and she nods again, this time with another mischevious smile. "As you wish Sir Chance, I will name you Master no longer" she lowers her eyes, the smile fading slightly. =========================================================== |