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Part 49a: Let sleeping gods lie?
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Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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Devlin waits. The place is far from Samhain, and it may have a name.
Low, rounded hills, bare save for yellowish grass, rolling into the
distance like petrified waves on an ocean of earth. There are
occasional stunted bushes, but little else in the way of life signs.
He sits on a boulder, which resembles a stone boat bobbing on the ocean
waves. He watches a pair of beetles scurrying here and there
across the fissured face of his perch. Together the two insects
constitute the most interesting thing he's seen since arriving here.
The sky is overcast, blanketed with dirty orange-brown clouds, and
Devlin can't see the sun. No shadow either, he notes. It's
warm enough though, and humid. Cursed humid. Occasionally
the dull sky echoes with the grumbling of distant thunder. A
storm is coming. Devlin has sat here for hours now, and still the
storm has not broken. He'd move on, looking for shelter, but this
is the place where he commanded the bird to fetch Serena.
If she chooses to come.
The bird will come, with or without her, and then Devlin will continue
on his way, Find more like Vhuul, sleeping enemies of the
Archoms. Find a way to use them, a way to threaten the
Archons. If they can be threatened. Serena will help him find a way to do it.
If she chooses to come.
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin waits in this bleak world, which is fitting. He does not feel
much better than the world looks. The beetles remind him of something.
Himself and Serena, if she comes, and the task that he has set for
himself.
The man looks around again wondering how much longer he should wait and
thats when he notices the bird, returning to him. This he did not
expect. The bird lands on the rock beside him and chirps out its
message. She is comming. He wonders if anyone else is trying to follow her, wonders if he should find a place to hide in case they do.
"You are free." the man says to the small bird. "Find a world where you can be safe." He studies the small creature a bit more and transfers to it the ability to alter itself. "Be what you choose" and then he watches at the bird flies off.
He does not know what he will tell Serena when she arrives. He has been
sitting here thinking about what he has done and what he will do. She
did not agree with his plan when the Vhuulad was before them, and now
that he has had the time to think about it, that was not the propper
time to make any demands. It was too rushed, too hectic, not enough
time to get the attention of those whose attention he needed; the
Seraphim.
No, but now he has a plan, a complicated plan, and key to this plan was
to locate more of the Vhuulad. Whithout that, there was no plan. How
much of what he had planned would he tell the girl, he did not know. It
was true that he felt deeply for her, something he had never felt
before.... but he could not let himself be too distracted from his
goal. He would find a way to force the Archons out of... this node...
that is what the Vhuulad had called it.
Devlin sat and contimplated that for a time. This Node.... the entire
universe, everything that his old teacher had told him of, was just one
node of many; one possible universe in a sea of them as the world he
sat in was just one possible world in a sea off worlds. And... the
Archons were not of this node, they came from elsewhere. This node had
once belonged to the Vhuulad, still did....
As Devlin waited he continued to contemplate these things and others....
What would he tell Serena? How would he make up for tearing her away from the others the way he had?
........
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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Serena had been world walking and shifting the world around her as fast
and as adeptly as she knew how. As she walked she had cleaned her blade
of the blood on it and she had tried to think about what the possible
different options would be when and if she met up with Devlin. There
were a number of concerns, one of which was that he would not wait long
enough. If he was gone when she got there it would be undoubtedly
upsetting. Serena wondered if the bird took her message back to Devlin
or if it was only set to give her the image of the place where he would
wait.
As Serena walked she also contemplated the fact that as of right now
she and Devlin were definitely not completely of one mind on the way to
handle the situation. If they did get together would they simply break
apart again or had he possibly had time to think and perhaps decide on
another better way to accomplish his goals?
Finally she looked up and she recognized the place where she was
intended to be and off in the not to far distance was Devlin. She could
see his back to her and knew even from a distance it was him. Although
she almosty wished it didn't her heart gave a little leap anbd she
smiled without even realizing she was. As she approached she spoke loud
enough to hear so as not to startle him and get herself accidentally
injured. "Devlin. It is only Serena do not fear. The others did not follow me. I am sure of that. "
Then she walked over and sat down next to him and touching him lightly on the arm said softly,"I
am here now and I hope you are glad of it. I guess the first thing I
want to know is if you are pleased I came. Then I suppose I should hear
what your plan is?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin turned when he heard Serena's voice and watched her complete the distance toward him and then sit beside him on the rock.
"I'm glad you've followed" and puts his arm around her. The man leans closer to her, his face close to hers. "And now that you're here, and before I tell you what I have planned, I must ask something of you.”
There is a short pause. This was something he had given some thought
after he sent his messenger to her; How to keep them from being found? "I
do not wish anyone to find us. It is not only that I don't completely
trust the others; Aarons reaction to me leaving is evidence that I
cannot let them find me until I am ready. But, it is also what would
happen if our enemies find them. Through them, they can find us, or I
should say you. Their minds have touched your own and that could allow
those that wish us harm to locate you."
Devlin tilts his head, looking deeply into Serena's eyes, "I
am able to alter the Aura that I project and I have done this to
prevent anyone that knows me the ability to find me, at least easily.
If you studied it right now you can probably see the changes. I think I
can alter your Aura in a similar way and would like your permission to
do so.”
There is another pause as Devlin wonders what she will say and then he explains further. ”I
don't plan to allow the others, the Seraphim, Harbonah, or this
General, whoever he is, to find me. I plan to move around a lot and
alter my own aura on a regular basis to ensure that they cannot locate
me. If you come with me then... Do you understand what I’m asking, and
why?”
Still looking into the girl’s eyes he adds, “Please say you understand. I don’t know if I can do this without you.”
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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Serena smiled as Devlin said he was glad she had come. As he looked
into her eyes and put his arm around her even Serena's eyes smiled and
for just a brief moment she felt that connection even stronger than
ever.
As he explained what he wanted to do Serena felt it was a wise and
wellthought out plan and as she began to speak she started with,"I
am glad you are pleased I came. I see your point in the idea of
changing our auras so as we cannot be found. I think Aaron sees
you as a deserter and an enemy for sure although I am not sure how he
feels about me. You see Luke told me to go with you in front of Aaron.
He said he felt there was something that perhaps only you and I were
meant to do. Although I never had a chance to explain about what Berd
and luke truly are I think the others sense it at least.
After a moments pause Serena continued very seriously and said,"I
want you to know that with or without Luke's input I would have come.
It was simply easier to get away from the group and perhaps save my
standing in case there is a future with the group. I also want to let
you know that I don't want you to do this without me. I think you are
better of with me. I want to do this with you so if changing my
aura is part of that then so be it. So long as we are together. the last part could have sounded sappy and clingy but it was simply a
matter of fact statement of Serena's feelings Devlin as she looked deep
into his eyes to read his reaction- not mentally just like a normal
person would.
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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The corners of Delin's mouth turn up slightly at Serena's reply. He
hadn't been sure if she would accept what he wanted to do or not, but
he was glad that trusted him enough to do this thing. Not anyone would
agree to him messing around with something as personal. Aaron's eye had
been another matter, he had not touched Aarons mind, what he was
planning to do would keep anyone from contacting Serena, even if they
knew her, unless she allowed it.
Devlin doesn't say a word, instead he leans in closer and does
something that he had been wanting to do since not long after meeting
her. It always seemed to get interrupted by something. First Luke
appearing to bring them to the others, and then one thing after another
that was more pressing at the time. But now they were alone and the
only thing pressing their time was what they decided. He presses his
lips against hers, in the back of his mind wondering if she will pull
away.
As Devlin kisses her he reaches with his mind to touch hers and make
minor changes to her, the aura that she projects. When he is done only
someone she allowed to touch her mind would be able to do so. He was
pretty sure that not even Berd or Luke would be able to find them,
though he wouldn't place bets on Luke...
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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The Universe has crappy timing.
The tender moment between the two, touching as it might be, is
interrupted by a deep rumbling sound which seems to boom up from the
depths of the ground. A moment later, and the riders appear over
the crest of one of the hills... a couple of dozen, mounted on
shaggy-coated ponies.
The animals move, sure-footed, down the slope, even at a run.
Their manes and tails are braided with red and yellow cords, feathers,
beads of coloured glass and coin-sized discs of polished wood.
Their faces are painted white, with black spots and stripes.
The riders themselves are decorated like the ponies, and carry long
lances of wood, with fire-hardened points. They spread out as
they approach, moving into a circle around the couple, slowing now,
from a gallop to a trot, and one of them moves closer.
He stops directly in front of them, but still well out of reach, and
stretches out his left arm, the lance pointing at Devlin's heart, and
then he speaks, his voice carrying the tone of a question, even if the
words make no sense.
"Hak-tan Echitoh'ah hanten, usu-tok udra bedra? Udra-tok Shatoi-a-o?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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Serena did not pull away as Devlin laid his lips on hers, but rather
leaned into him and the kiss at the same time. As Devlin manipulated
her aura Serena chose to allow him pretty much free reign while she
chose to focus on the kiss and the moment that it seemed they had
crawled through plenty of nasty situations just to experience their
first kiss.
As the rumblings began to grow Serena opened her eyes and to see what
was coming and then she broke off the kiss at about the same time.
Serena was unsure if Devlin had succeeded in what he wanted to try but
it appeared that their time was up either way. Just as the riders moved
in around them Serena murmured,"Devlin,
I am not sure if you succeeded in what you wanted to try but
unfortunately we have armed guests. There are a number of ways we could
handle this. I suggest we move to mental communication for starters."
With that Serena murmured a couple of words under her breathe and then
seemed to wait to see what Devlin would do and the riders would do
before completeing what she had started.
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin's first thoughts as the riders appear are "Can't we catch a break, even in this desolate place?" and "Is there no place in the universe where they can be left alone?"
But he leaves off on that. He's sure he succeeded in what he was doing to Serena, at least he hoped so.
To Serena he says, "I agree..." aloud and then mentally "...Better if they do not hear if we need to make plans."
Then the riders are there and one of them is close and holding a
dagerous looking weapon pointed right at his heart. The man speaks in
some unknown language. For all Devlin knows he's asking what the hell
the two of them are doing out here in the middle of nowhere or how they
managed to get to this god forsaken place without mounts or even a
simple thing like what is your name. Not understanding the question he
cannot possably know the answer, but he does know enough to protect
himself.
Devlin slowly raises his hands, palms forward to show that he is not
holding any weapons. As he does this he causes anything vital to move
from where they are nomally located. Heart and lungs move asside and
lengthen, the cavity that he always maintains moves lower to protect
what he carries there.
Sure that he will not be understood any more than he had understood he says, "I don't understand." to the rider that may or may not be threatening him with the lance. For
all Devlin knows he was just using the thing to point and didn't mean
any harm... but that didn't mean he wanted to take chances.
Of Serena he asks mentally "Do you have any idea what he's saying?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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Serena too had lifted her hands to show she was not holding any weopon and then shifted to mental communication with Devlin. I
have absolutely no idea what they are saying unfortunately. It could be
welcome to our place...or it could be we plan to kill you in the next
ten seconds if you answer improperly. I have a shield spell set
up to drop around us if it turns out to be the latter."
Serena looked up and said succinctly to the one holding the spear at Devlin,"I am sorry if we have trespassed and we mean no harm to you or your people." Even if he could not understand her words perhaps the supplicant and
apologetic tone she used would appease the man who seemed to be in
charge,
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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The man keeps the spear aimed at Devlin's chest, though still well out
of reach, and raises his left hand, calling out to his companions, "Shatoi-a-o-tak!"
The riders stop their circling, gathering into a knot behind their apparant leader.
He nods to Devlin, "So, you speaks the
T'ari. I speaks the T'ari words alsos. You are not of the
Shatoi-a-o, not servants of the Wizard, may his eyes rot and his tongue
shrivel. This be good thing, as we nots has to kills you
straight-ways."
"Now, to other question: This is sacred ground of Echitoh'ah people, why you comes here? This Holy Place."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Thank Light! is the thought that goes through Devlin’s head, and
he’s not even sure if he kept the comment to himself or let Serena hear
it. They are safe, at least for a bit, and what they need is a place to
hide, for a short time.
The man had wanted to know why they were on their sacred land, and
Devlin thought fast. He hoped that Serena would follow his lead. He
planned on using the truth, almost.
Shatoi-a-o... The word sounds familiar, but why? Devlin does not
know. And the man mentioned a second people... the Echitoh'ah...
or was it another name for the same people? The man did not speak the
language well. Perhaps the Shatoi-a-o are the servants of this Wizard,
whoever he is, and those that he was looking at where the Echitoh'ah?
That seemed likely. Better to be careful until he was sure.
Devlin stands, and then gives a short bow with his upper body. “As my companion says, we did not mean to trespass in this holy place.” he looks at Serena and then back at the man. ”and you are correct, we are not of the Shatoi-a-o. My name is Dennis and my companion is Sarra.” Here he indicates the girl with his hand, ”We
have come here out of necessity, chased by evil creatures that wish to
see us destroyed. We were only seeking a place of safety.”
Privately to Serena through the mental connection he adds, ”I
believe we will find the Vhuulad on worlds where magic is strong. If
there is this Wizard here, maybe there is one sleeping here or on a
nearby world.”
[OOC: Just wanted to make sure you didn’t miss the fact that Devlin has just made up some names for them to use ;) ]
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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Serena too sighed mentally and although they were not totally in the
clear she uttered under her breathe the word that would cause the other
lynchpins to return and she did not use the last one. It always pleased
serena when she could get away without using magic. After allit took
quite a bit to rebuild the spells after use. Also, it seemed that
wizards were not popular here and having used the magic could have
clinched their demise.
Serena noticed right away the name change and doing a very respectdful
curtsy added to what Devlin said speaking in what the called T'ari but
what she knew as Thari,"My
companion Dennis speaks the truth honorable one. We were fleeing from
many evil creatures and were simply looking for a place for sanctuary.
We did not know this place was holy, had we we would not have
trespassed.
Serena debated asking about the evil Wizard that seemed to be their
enemy but decided until they were on better terms that it was not wise
to do so. Serena also was still unclear on Devlin's plan since they
were interrupted before he could tell her.
Privately she sent to Devlin mentally," It is possible the
Vullad may be here. However, I still do not know your whole plan Devlin
and I think for now we had best concentrate on convincing these folk
that we are not enemies. Perhaps we could even do something about this
wizard of theirs if the opportunity arises."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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"If you means to bring no harm, the Echitoh'ah
welcomes you. The sacred ground is open to all who comes in
peace. But killing is not to be done here. You not hunt in
this place. If you hunts already here, but not knows this is
wrong, you must make peace with spirits of Holy Place. All will
be good after."
Indicating one of his riders, he speaks to the man, "Ged é javak, akopt kopnacht, dra oskal kezakin. Osko kust-jin." The man salutes, then rides away, fast, disappearing over the nearby hills.
"I sends with word to Echitoh'ah people. You will comes with us to Home Place?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin kept his laugh internal, but in his mind he could not control himself. If he meant to bring no harm. If only they had the slightest idea what Devlin was planning, they'd probably kill him on the spot...
But instead of saying anything, Devlin bows his head once again and says, "We
have done no hunting, thank you for the warning. It is likely we would
have done so for food had you not arrived. We would enjoy returning
with you to your Home Place. We are in great need food and rest. I only
hope that we can repay your kindness."
He continues to speak mentally with Serena, "I
agree, we should help these people if we can. No better way to win over
a people than to rid them of an evil ruler... As soon as we are alone I
will tell you what I have planned concerning the Vhuulad."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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"I am named is Hanah'khusanayo'ah, the Fox Who
Runs At Night, of the Warm River Clan. We are of the Echitoh'ah
People, of the Spirit-Blessed Nation. To those I call friend, I
am called Khusyo. You is be welcome in our homes, friends, and we
is share salt with you."
He looks about the area, then turns back to Devlin. "Is
far to Warm River. You is have not horses? No matter, we
will share. You is ride with me for now. Your woman is ride
with Jonatoi'anoh, who is my mother's brother's son, and Trusted
Man. When horses is tire, we is change you to new ones.
This good is?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin does not miss the fact that the man just called him friend, or the fact that those he calls friend should him Khusyo.
The Spirit-Blessed Nation
Devlin gives a bow with his head and says, "Thank
you, Khusyo, I am honored that you would call us friends, and equally
honored that you would share you fine horses with us. If the animals
are as strong as they look, perhaps they will not tire too much from
our added weight."
After the group begins the journey toward the Home Place, Devlin hopes
that Khusyo likes to talk about his people. He is curious about both
the holy place and this Wizard.... "Can you tell me more about this
Holy Land?"</blue> He asks, "I would like to know the history of this place an understand why it is holy to you."
Why? ...
"I would also hear of any other laws you have
concerning this place so that I may keep peace with the spirits of this
Holy Place."
As they travel Devlin will also use his will to strengthen the two
animals that are carrying Serena and himself. Strenghtening muscles,
heart, lungs. Enhancing the animals as much as he can without the
changes being noticable from the outside.
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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"Our grandfathers came heres long ago, from the
distant places, past the Great Water Plain, and were guided by the
spirits of them's grandfathers. The place where founds we you is
be sacred, by their will. They tells us it is a place for
spirits, so it is so."
"Five and seventy suns they crossed the water, then five and forty on
the New Land, to find the place we were promised, by the Warm
River. The Spirits blessed us on the Path of Tears, and spoke of
a place where Deer and Elk, our old friends, woulds be, in numbers to
make us cry with joy. They told us of Warm River, and how it
never freezed, even in the winter."
There is a whisper from the riders, a single word, spoken by all of them, quietly, under their breath, "Gesoll!"
"Then we finds the others were led here.
To different home on the New Land. So we lives here, since days
of our grandfathers. We lives in peace, but now the Shatoi-a-o
have mades the wizard thems leader. Now there is fighting, and we
are not so quick to trust strangers."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin nods as the man speaks, listening to everything. Led here by spirits.... that was an interesting bit. There is no way he could be so lucky to
just bluder uppon what he was looking for; unless there are many more
of what he looks for than he imagined there would be.
The man looks around at the scenery in silence for several minutes. He
watches Serena, thinks about what he has gotten her into, wonders what
she will think of his plan. That is, if he ever finds the time and
place to tell her. It seems they are not meant to find time alone.
"Do you know who this wizard is? where he came from?
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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"Leader of Shatoi-a-o, was calls
Yeto'ekho'adaoh, The Great Tree Which Does Not Break, of the
Wind-in-Grass Clan. He tooked a witch for his woman, and she had
two sons, born in same hour, but in two different days. Oldest
son was borns strong as bear, and woulds be next leader.
Ha'atanacho, younger, was borns weak and sick, many says he will die."
The horses move up a long gentle slope, and on to a low ridge which
snakes across the land. The wind blows into their faces, carrying
the faint scent of smoke from somewhere far ahead.
"But he lives, long years. And on day
when Yeto'ekho'adaoh dies, strong son also dies. Clan Council
says this not right, that magic is at work here, but Shatoi-a-o says
other clans tries to end them, many supports Ha'atanacho, and him
becomes leader. Now is trouble between all clans.
Ha'atanacho talks and clans fight other clans, even when was brothers
that morning."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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Serena listened as the men talked. Something about the way that
although he had called them both friends the leader had also called her
Devlin's "woman" which made her beleive that perhaps thios was a
society that did not rank women at the same level as they did the men.
Serena had sent mentally back to Devlin"Assisting them and making them grateful to us could help us you are right and at least on this we agree.
Serena listened as Devlin asked about the wizard and after the rather
convoluted answer was given she felt the question had been somewhat
evaded. finally she spoke up and said,"Can
you tell me if their were any specific signs of wizardry in the
respective deaths of the Leader and his son of the Shatoi-a-o?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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Khusyo turns his attention to Serena, his expression grim, "Ha'atanacho
says they dies of the Night Sickness. Night Sickness very
bad. Others says same, Night Sickness kills them. But
Ha'atanacho is many years known as wizard, could makes them die likes
Night Sickness kills, and makes others says same thing. Wizards
not good."
He tips his head back, sniffing at the breeze, "Big storm comes soon. Before sun sleeps maybe. Ha'atanacho maybe sends." A couple of kicks speeds his horse up, and the rest of his men follow suit, urging the horses to greater effort, "We be home, at Warm River before storm come. Be safe there. Good shelter."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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These people really do not like magic. Devlin fears that they may not
be able to help him at all and wonders if he should stay here or move
on with his search. Decides to wait just a bit longer; a nights rest
surely will not delay things much.
He was not even paying attention to the air, and now that the other man says something he sniffs the air himself.
But a storm sent by a wizard? one would have to wonder why? Devlin
remembers stories of promitive people attributing everything in their
lives to the supernatural. Is this the case here he wonders.
Devlin remains quiet, thinking, during the remainder of the trip to
these peoples home place. [OOC: Unless someone speaks to him first]
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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The land rises gradually all around, and then, with startling
suddenness drops into a valley where a broad, shallow river flows
sluggishly. On the far bank is a township of domed, tent-like
structures, and a single larger conical one. Smoke rises from all
of the shelers, seeping from partly-covered vents near the highest
point of each. There are several hundred of them, surrounded by a
raised grass-covered dyke. Bushes and a few small trees along the
dyke show that it's been there for a long time.
"Warm River!" explains Khusyo, urging his horse onwards. Overhead clouds are starting to gather, dark and sinister.
Crossing the river, the water is never deeper than a few inches, clear
and flowing over rocks and pebbles. The first drops of rain, some
seeming as big as sparrows, splash into the water.
Khusyo leads Devlin and Serena to the conical structure, and under the
shelter of an awning of stitched animal hides which acts as a sort of
porch at the entrance. "Please, waits here. You are strangers, Council will see, buts I first make word that you are here."
He ducks inside, leaving Devlin and Serena standing beneath the awning, as the rain grows heavier around them.
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin waits with Serena where they were left, and he remains quiet. He
has a lot to say, but he does not want to say any of it where they
might be overheard, and it is too much to say through this strange mind
link that Serena can manage.
He can still feel her pressence there, in his head. It comforts him in some strange way.
The man takes Serena hand in his own and continues to wait.
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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It takes a while, with the rain pounding against the leather skin of
the large shelter, and torrents of water pouring off the edge of the
porch-like shelter. Three times voices are raised, sounding
angry, but the language is not Thari at those times and, though the
tone is clear, the words are not.
Finally Khusyo reappears and calls them forward."They have say they will to sees you, but some were nots happy with this. We goes now."
He leads them into the home of the Council, passing under a heavy
blanket and into darkness lit only by scattered torches. A
corridor of sorts, leading right from the entrance and following the
outer edge of the shelter for a while, gradually curving inwards
towards the centre, then turning back on itself, twice.
The air is filled with smoke and strange, sweet smells, and before long
the passage almost assumes the nature of a simple maze, the way
spiraling in towards the centre. And then it ends in a hanging
blanket, identical to the one at the entrance: have they been walking
in circles?
Seemingly not, as Khusyo pushes forward, past the blanket, and further
into the huge structure... There are drums now, a steady rhythm
like the heart of some great beast, throbbing in the smoke-filled
air. The way grows narrower, almost seeming to close in, and it
almost seems to Devlin and Serena that they are walking uphill now,
though the ground beneath their feet remains level.
Another blanket, and the smoke and the drumming are more intense, but
the light is fainter. There are torches still, but they almost
seem to generate more heat than light, making progress harder as the
air grows more tainted with smoke and incense. And still the way
spirals in, towards the centre of the structure.
The next blanket suddenly looms up out of the dark haze. It seems
heavy as Khusyo pushes past it, but soon they are beyond it, and the
spiral grows tighter. Their guide does not hesitate, leading
onwards, and it seems that the way has assumed the identity of a maze,
filled with disorienting smoke and sound, and narrow twisting tunnels
which are bound tightly around those who journey into its heart.
And finally they reach that heart, pushing forward past a last blanket
which seems to weigh them down and drag at their limbs. Beyond is
a chamber big enough to fill the whole shelter and leave no room for
the maze, Comparatively brightly-lit by more torches.
There are nine men seated in the chamber, amd four women. All are
old, wrapped in animal pelts and simple fabrics, sitting cross legged
upon the ground. One of the men gestures towards Devlin and
Serena, and speaks to them in flawless Thari, "Please sit. We are the Council. We are told that you are strangers here... now sit, and tell us why you have come."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Why have they come?... Devlin repeats the question in his own mind, it is a good question... why HAVe they come?
The first thing that Devlin notices is that these nine men and women
speak his own language much more clearly than Khusyo. That is while he
thinks about the maze that they traveled through. Was it magic? Or just
a trick produced by the winding and the smoke?
What does he tell these people? He most certainly cannot reveal all of
it, not while... no, if he tells anyone then someone will know, and if
anyone knows then it might be possible for those the is hiding from to
find out. Was he being overly paranoid? That could very well be.
Then he thinks back to the story of how these people arrived here. It
sounded very much like they where lead here, and not simply across this
world, but from another. What was the real reason they were here, and
who lead them to this place?
Yet they did not like magic?
He knows that he must say something; the men and women are looking at him expectantly.
”We came here seeking refuge.” he says to begin with. ”My companion and I were hunted. We did not come here out of design, but by chance. Luckily for us Hanah'khusanayo'ah found us.”
Did he say enough? Did he say too much? He answered the question, and little more. Perhaps he should say more.
”We where successful in our flight, but we needed a
place to recover our strength. When Hanah'khusanayo'ah offered us such
a place we could not refuse. If you allow us to stay then we will be
indebted, and perhaps we might be able to repay the debt in some way.”
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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One of the men, not the one who had originally spoken, narrows his eyes
at Devlin's words. His dark eyes glitter in the light of the
torches as he asks, "And
you are certain that you escaped? That your pursuers did not
follow you here? That you have not brought more troubles to our
lands?"
Despite his elderly appearance, he rises easily to his feet, the heavy
fur wrapped around his shouldes falls away as he steps forward,
revealing that his right arm ends just above the elbow. "We already fight against many enemies, and some are stronger than others. We do not need to be brought more."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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Before an answer can be given, one of the women, clears her throat. "Do
not be so harsh on the strangers! They have only just arrived in
our land, and already you accuse them of leading enemies here. If
there were enemies, we would have had word of this."
She smiles at Devlin and Serena then, "I
apologise for our poor hospitality. You will be asked questions,
that much is true, but before you answer them, do you require
refreshments? You may be strangers, but our laws apply to us
regardless of that fact, and the Laws of Hospitality apply no less than
any other, since you are not known to be enemies of our people."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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Serena had been relatively quiet and let Devlin do most of the talking.
It had originally appeared that there society was based on patriarchy.
When they originally found her and Devlin some of the wording indicated
that women were on a lower level than men.
However, this woman certainly did not indicate that. SoSerena decided it was time to break her silence.""I
appreciate your offer of refreshments and speaking for myself I would
like something if it is not too much trouble. The people from whom we
were fleeing I am almost certain cannot find us here, however, I would
be happy to answer any questions you may want answered to the best of
my ability. Please go ahead."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin smiles at Serena's words, no, no one can find them here, mostly
because they are no longer who they were. One of the things he is
somewhat sure of is that you need to who you are looking for. Some what
sure... though he could be misinformed. The question is, how can he
assure these people whithout telling them the details. The way they
react to magic; the way that they hate this so called sorcerer...
"Yes, food would be good, and help us to recover from our journey." He says to the woman, hoping that they will bring some kind of red meat.
He then turns to the man that asked the first question. "There
is always the posibility that we can be found, though I do believe that
this will not happen. We have other friends that our pursuers
seek, and I believe that these friends will have drawn them off in
another direction because they are more visible. They seek to confront
them openly while we have chosen to act from concelement. I know that
this is little proof. Be assured that if there is any sign that they
have located us that we will leave immediatly and draw them away from
this place."
The man then turns back to the woman that offered refresments. "As
Sarra has said, we are willing to answer any questions that you may
have. We would also like to here more of Shatoi-a-o, and this Wizard
that my friend Khusyo spoke to us of. It may be that we can help you in
your fight."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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"Food will be brought, and water, which is all that we can offer at this time of year." The woman stands, starting to pace backwards and forwards, her expression thoughtful.
"For many years, the Shatoi-a-o were our friends, and
even held a place on this Council, and though they could not cast
ballots, since they were not of the People, their words carried weight
with us."
"When the Chief, and his son were struck down, we sent a mourning gift
of one hundred bales of wool and one hundred auroch hides to the
Shatoi-a-o. Their new leader, the Chief's younger son, burned the
gift, and returned the ashes to us. To return the gift was insult
enough, but to burn them, so that we could not restore them to our own
stockpiles... "
She shakes her head, sighing, "And none of the
Shatoi-a-o objected to this insult. Perhaps it is true, what
others here have said, that they would drive us from this land, if they
could. Perhaps they have hated us for many years, but this Wizard
encourages them to be open about it."
"In any case, they have started raiding against us in recent months. That has never happened before."
===========================================================
Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin suddenly has a bad feeling... it couldn't be...
"What does this Wizard look like? Has anyone seen
him? Seen his magic? Does any know if he is called anything other than
Wizard?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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Another man speaks, this one older than the others, wrapped in a blanket which is pulled up to form a hood. "When
he was young he would come here with his father, many times. I
saw him often when he came here. In those days he was called
Ha'atanacho, Salmon who Swims Deep. He only became known as a
Wizard as he grew older, and his magic became strong."
"I saw the magic myself, when he was young and liked to show off.
He spoke seven words, and the sun grew dark in a clear sky. Then
five more, and he brought it back."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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A woman speaks next, "He
looks like any other man. Not monstrous or strange in any
way. In his youth he was thin and ill-favoured. Never
popular with the young women, but he grew stronger as he aged.
And his magic grew more powerful."
"Now, all call him a Wizard, but to those of us on the Council, he will always be Ha'atanacho."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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One figure has remained silent all this time, wrapped in heavy robes,
head bowed. Finally the hood is lifted, revealing a woman's face.
Old, impossibly ancient, with eyes milk-white and blind. Even
without vision, she sweeps her sightless gaze from Devlin, to Serena,
and back again. Then she laughs, a sound like the cawing of
ravens...
"Ah... there is more to you than might be
apparant, Brother-to-Wolves. I see that which is hidden from
others... and I must give you warning of them."
"I tell you this... your friends will go to a place called Charyk, and
it will be soon. Your destiny lays with them. Go to them."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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(NPC'd)
Devlin shakes his head, then remembers that the woman cannot see him. "I have decided to distance myself from them. Their goals no longer coincide with my own."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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She smiles, though there is a sadness to her features. "If
you do not return to them, then they will all die. If you rejoin
them, there is no guarantee that they will all live, but without you
they will all die."
"And with them, everything that you seek to protect."
A sigh then, and a hand reaches out to point at him, "You
seek ancient power, believing that your enemies can be forced to
submit. Those enemies will not submit, and the powers will not
aid you. The one you met, the one who touched you, was
insane. Others of his kind would not try to defend against your
enemies in the same manner that one would. They would surrender,
in the hope that some would survive, rather than destroy all."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin listens to the old woman, looking into her milky eyes.
This was something he did not expect, to be told that he was wrong.
Suddenly everyone else in the room is not seen as he speaks to the woman. "It
was my belief that that our enemy did not want to see everything
destroyed, that they would compromise rather than loose everything."
He shakes his head and looks at Serena. "Could I be that wrong?" turning back to the old woman, confusion is evident on Devlin's face. "But
what if I am right? Can you be so sure that they will not compromise?
That they would see the destruction of all before they would give in?"
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"They are spoken of in our oldest
tales. Things that walked across worlds, before there was life,
and where their feet touched the earth, the grasses would spring
forth. Then, a thousand years ago, we met one. The wise
among us know the truth of this, that the spirit was beautiful and
terrible. It's breath was a warm breeze, and its gaze was
lightning, and where it walked, the very land would change shape."
The woman's sightless eyes seem to see everything about the two visitors as she speaks.
"It cared nothing for the People, and we
died in our thousands at its approach, and those who survived its
passing became sick. Finally though, it slept, but even in sleep
it was dangerous. Its movements deep in the earth broke mountains
and moved rivers, and in their wisdom, our leaders decided to try and
speak to it, to explain that it was hurting the People."
"Three there were who went to the place where the spirit slept.
There they learned of an ancient war, between the spirits and a race of
demons. The spirit's dreams spoke of defeat, and of fleeing,
leaving only those who could not travel... the broken and the insane."
"So, you see, they have already given in. They have moved
on. The one who came to the Land did not believe itself insane,
and its dream self could not fathom why it had been abandoned, but it
also dreamed of torturing and killing its own kind, and devouring them."
"At last, our leaders decided to flee, rather than stay close to this
creature that did not know that it had been left because its own kind
did not want it."
Her voice is quiet as she ends, "I
know the truth of this, because I was one of the Three who spoke to it,
and it left me unable to die, no matter how I wish for it. And I
know that you have been touched by one of the mad ones, because even
blind, I can see its mark on your soul. It matches the mark on my
own."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin listens to the old woman and knows that he made a wrong
decission, based on only part of the information. Why he should believe
the old woman so readily, he does not know, but he is sure she speaks
the truth. Perhaps it is because he believes she has nothing to hide,
perhaps because she actually looks like she is as old as she claims.
"Then we must return to my companions, if they will
have us back among them. Some where not pleased that we left and what I
had planned to do."
The man looks down, "But if a race such as they..." He does not even dare speaking the name, just as he does not dare speak
the name of his enemy for fear that they will hear it and know where he
is. Devlin no longer trusts anyone or anything; not even the air about
him. "... then what chance do we stand of stopping the end from comming?"
He looks up at the old woman, not really expecting an answer; he continues, "If
it is not too much of a burden on your people I would ask the chance to
eat and to rest before we leave. It seems we must hurry to find those
that cannot find us; it seems that I will not be able to aid you with
your enemies."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Dworkin (GM)
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"You may not be able to help us against our
enemy, but then we have often had enemies. We have always had to
deal with them alone. It is something we have grown used to, and
at least you have not increased the numbers of those we call our
enemies."
The old woman pauses then, and smiles, "And
if you are not our enemies, then you are deserving of
hospitality. You may rest, and take food with us, though it will
be simple fare."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Serena
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(NPC'd)
"Devlin, when you go back, I won't come with you. Not straight away." Serena says quietly, raising her hands to forestall any protests from her companion.
"If there is a war coming to this place, then I
have skills that could be useful to these people, both as a fighter,
and as a healer. I will stay here a little while, and try to
follow later."
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Re: Part 49a - Let sleeping gods lie? by Devlin
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Devlin allows himself to be led to where ever it is that they will stay
for the night, he eats, refreshes. Before he sleeps he produces another
small bird and gives it to Serena, telling here that it will always be
able to find him if she needs him for anything. He also tells her how
he feels about her and that when this is over that he will come to look
for her.
In the morning when Serena and the people of this world awake, Devlin
is gone. Rising early he takes his wolf form for speed of travel and
sets out in search of the others. Berd, he concentrates on finding Berd.
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