Roleplay Overworld RP *COMPLETE*

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn Venas - Back home at Kilkes Seres

 

"What was that power I had? Why did it suddenly awaken?" Jynn faces Melstrome. "Did you think I was myself?" The horse shakes his head. He knew his master well, and when he is not acting normal. "Huh. I hope Bherna doesn't think I'm crazy........"

 

The city was within landing distance, and Mel glides downwards to the ground and lands in the city square. As soon as Jynn dismounts Mel, a lot of people greeted him. Jynn quickly closes his left eye to make it seem like he just has a scar over it. "Good evening your Highness!" Many feys came out to see him return to the castle. Even the local monster hunters welcomed him back, one even ran up to him and asked for some advice about the monster he was hunting. "Hello your Highness! I'm hunting a Seregios tomorrow. It's my first time, do you have any advice for me?" Jynn pauses and thinks. "Ah, the wyvern with razor sharp scales? Keep as close to it as you can, as it mostly stays airborne and fires its scales as projectiles to attack. But keep an eye out for its talons when you do get close." The hunter nodded. "Yes sir! I won't let you down!" Jynn couldn't help but smile. For once, it was good to be back home.

 

Once he reaches the castle doors, he pauses for a second before opening them. Does mother know of my secret power? Who is this "other" individual? His head was racing with thoughts. He then proceeds to open the doors and enters. As he enters, he notices five strangers arguing about something. Putting his hands behind his back and keeping his left eye closed, Jynn interrupts. "And what, may I ask, is the situation here?"

[Stardustblade358 806]

-Helios - Main Hall of Kilkes Seres Castle - Aura, Aurion, Gel, and Henry + Maxis, Eclaire and Jynn-

Helios turned away from Maxis and Eclaire to look at the source of the rather commanding voice. Small gasps escaped the lips of the soldiers that surrounded the hall, before quieting down giving proper bows towards their prince that had just arrived, walking into the scene. He had to admit, he head no idea how this would have turned out from the very beginning, and so far, he had no idea how to rate the situation. Whether it was slowly escalating to the best case scenario, or the worst case scenario. Honestly, it could be both. Helios gulped slightly. The prince, by all means, could be the best chance he had to speak to the Queen. He was the prince, after all, and by all means, as far as he has seen, a much more reasonable person than the walking armor that had almost cut Henry's arm off a few seconds ago. He didn't even know who the angelic lady that had come to check up on them was either! Helios turned back to Maxis, glaring slightly at him before turning to Jynn, now walking towards him. "Prince Jynn!" Helios yelled. "We came here in hopes of speaking with the Queen. There is an urgent matter that we must warn her about." Helios insisted, glancing back at Maxis with a scowl before turning back to Jynn. "It has to do with the world below, and the danger they now present to this one. Please allow us to explain to the Queen, and if that's so impossible, then maybe we can explain to you?" Helios asked. He felt his heart trying to jump out of his chest. All or nothing, and oh boy.

[Saber Lily 1,543]

-Eclaire: Kilkis Seres-

 

She was like lightning itself. Suddenly she had appeared slightly in front of Jynn, In Paradisum switched for her Valkyric Blade. Her armor shimmered, and a shield appeared on her shoulder.

 

She had been asked to look after Jynn. This was Jynn. The rest was clear.

She was not in the way per say. She had staggered herself so Jynn had a clear line of sight - but enough to ensure his safety.

"No one has been allowed too the Underworld for generations before mine. You broke allowed sacred law even the outcast fear..." sacred he frowned. "Prince Jynn. D you wish to hear him out?" She offered no explanation of who she was now. That could come later.

 

There went her happy glow, fading slowly. How brief and fragile happiness could be...like the stained glass she now stood amongst.

[The Unversed 168]

--

Edited July 24, 2018 by The Unversed

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

(This is it; the big reveal and a turn of plot events.  More is to come, but this is the start.  Many thanks to Vaude for collaborating on this post with me.  I have written the text in Aqua for Shiva, whereas Vaude wrote the purple for Raiden.)

 

The full moon overhead shone brightly, breaking through the heavy foliage and shining upon the forest floor.  It illuminated the path ahead so that the queen could see where she was going, though such sight was not particularly necessary.  She had memorized this place long ago in her mind’s eye, and no amount of time between visits could ever make her memory of this place grow fuzzy.

 

The old country home slowly loomed into view, hidden behind a hill and trees for as far as the eye could meet.  None would know to look for her here.  As far as Shiva knew, seldom souls even knew of the country home’s existence.  Her pale-blue satin gown brushed the cobblestone steps as she ascended up to the front porch, turning the brass knob and allowing herself inside.

 

It hadn’t been too long since she’d arrived at this home, last time being a mere few days ago when she had awoken Maxis from the basement.  Despite the dust and wear, the home still smelt exactly as she had remembered it.  She closed her eyes, remembering days that were long past.  Ages where life seemed like it couldn’t get any better, before it plummeted when she had accepted the throne and the burden of which it rested upon her shoulders and heart.

 

In front of her stood the figure, the man whom she’d last seen nearly two thousand years ago.  She clasped her hands in front of her, gaze dropping to the ground as she murmured, “Hello, Odin.  It has been quite some time, hasn’t it?”

 

"Indeed it has, Queen Shiva," said Raiden crisply, turning from and letting his hand slip off of one of the opposing wall's windows.  The moonlight streaming in disguised most of his features, but as soon as he slipped out of its brightness she could fully view him.  A purple robe curiously worked with filigrees of silver matched his purple hair, and a flicker of a smile unwithered by age beamed up at her as he stepped closer.  "Welcome home.  I trust that you are enjoying the preservation spell that I had cast on this house all of those years ago.  Even now I sense smells and images, ghosts that quite match who we are.  So many memories over the brevity of our union, fresher than whatever I can write down."  He laughed a few notes, looking down at his fingers and rubbing them.  "The invasion of dust could not be stopped, sad to say, but the rest remains intact."

 

Realization suddenly flooded her.  So that was why everything remained as it were, how the wood and paint hadn't rotted away with age and weathering.  She should've realized that Raiden was responsible, but strangely it had never occurred to her.

 "Then you've come back here . . . since we've left," Shiva said, more of a statement of clarity rather than an actual question.  "I assumed that Lord Raiden of Mystras never looked back upon his former life as Odin, let alone visiting his humble abode of ages past."

 

 She took a moment to steal a sweeping glance around the room, the sorrow within her heart biting its way into her expression.  "So much has changed since those days, but I will never forget them. They were the happiest of my life, and even now I miss them."  At last Shiva brought her hazel eyes to meet his, something she'd hesitated doing for fear of what she would find.  Partly in him, but mostly within herself.  Tears formed within her eyes, a pallid cold hand instinctively reaching out for him but missing by a long shot.  "I miss you, Odin.  I've missed you so much."

 

Odin gazed at the unfortunate queen with no small amount of effort, his face twisted between sadness and elation regarding her statement.  There were so many emotions conflicting within him, and it took him some time to formulate them into words.

"I missed you too, Shiva.  Two millennia is too long a time for us to be apart, but I often think back to those days, and have preserved them in more ways than solely this house.  My memories are more important to me than many would know and are trapped in many volumes in my library so that I cannot forget.

"However," he voiced in evident displeasure, "it is those memories that do not allow me to condone your errancy, nor readily forgive what you did to us both.  In choosing the throne you tossed me and my love aside, giving me promises of a happy life not hand-in-hand.  You doomed us both to a life apart, refusing my audiences as you sat on the throne of your late father until I stopped trying.  You crafted rules against what we both once desired, sacrificed a race due to popular opinion, and brought upon the world below a starvation of magic and prosperity."

He quelled his fury, swallowing his spiteful words with a closure of his eyes before looking back at her.  This would not get him anywhere better than where they currently stood.

"Had I not a city to rear and preserve, my cup of vehemence towards your decision might have been overflowing, but it has been sent away.  I know now as I have known for many, many years that you attempted this all for the common good, deleterious to yourself and the minority yet healthful to the majority.  However, is the world below not the majority?  Why have them suffer while they crave objects paramount to survival?"

 

For a brief moment Shiva had thought Raiden was the same man she had once known, his feelings very much reflecting her own.  As he continued, however, she took note of his anguish and fury, his resentment toward the decisions she'd made all of those years ago.  The queen's outstretched hand fell to her side, hand wrapping tightly into a fist.  She flinched noticeably, as though his words stung old wounds that had freshly been opened.

 

 "Odin, what choice did I have?" she asked weakly, extending her arms for emphasis.  "My father announced me as his heir the night of his death; our nation was at war, and thousands of innocent men, women, and children were dying by the day.  At that rate we had the potential of going extinct, the fey being a mere shadow on the pages of history."

 

 She took in a breath.  Her cheeks, once icy and pale, were now flushed and reddened.  "I did what had to be done and took leadership.  I ended the war, and our nation has been peaceful and prosperous ever since.  Sometimes there are sacrifices that must be made for the greater good, something I don't think you could ever understand.  Had I been selfish and followed my heart I fear--no, I know--that Kilkis Seres would've indeed fallen, and it would've been entirely my fault."

 

 Anger started to well within her chest.  "You speak as though I am heartless, as though I turned you away without a second thought.  I may have kept a straight face for the public, but do you not even assume that I went through much anguish in the face of my decision?"

 

 Shiva turned her back to him, her pale-blue locks flailing behind her.  "I rejected you because I was afraid."  Her tone was barely audible, the tone of a whisper.  "Not a day goes by that I don't regret what I have done, that I had to sacrifice our lives together for the kingdom.  I yearned to be with you, to please you, and build the united world that we always dreamed of in our youth.  I couldn't afford to succumb to my inner desires, and thus I refused to see you.  I feared what you would say, what you would think of me.   I was a shadow of the woman you had once loved.”

 

 The queen closed her eyes, fingers dancing toward the hilt of her sword at her waist.  "I am so very sorry, Odin.  I'm sorry for how things turned out for you.  I know that I have wounded you, in ways that I could never repair if I even tried.  The life of a queen is not an easy one to tread.  I must always put my people first, despite any personal cost.  I wish you would understand."

 

"One always has a choice," asserted Raiden, hiding one hand behind his back and fluttering his eyelids as he cast a search magic.  Shiva's motions did not go undetected to the cautious ruler of Mystras, and he identified that she had a sword over the distance.  Opening his eyes in full, he continued.  "Your actions when first crowned were marvelous, even legendary, and worthy of your title as queen.  Alexander would have been proud, but what I am speaking of is after the war.  Your 'great' sacrifice lasted two thousand years, as has my torment, and where one can maintain peace two would have performed it better.  I know now, however, better than to trust someone who could not trust others, not even one she once fully knew and called a soul mate."

 

 Raiden twisted around to the window again, eyes stinging with tears he forgot he even had.  He checked his voice as he decided to speak on.

 

 "Listen closely, Shiva.  Long ago I loved you, and even now I love you, but by putting your feelings aside you are less than the ruler you strive to be.  Without conviction, without desire, your aspirations are not your own.  I, however, shall carry your true aspirations for you even if I have to wage them against you."

 

“My intention was never to torture you,” said Shiva quietly, closing her eyes as her grip on her sword tightened.  Its silver hilt was wrapped in a turquoise silk, a sapphire embedded at its base.

 

When Raiden took a moment’s pause she turned around, facing him as he expressed his affection.  It hadn’t died, much to her great relief, though she had inflicted much pain upon him, more than she could’ve ever imagined.  Her slender face was grim.  “And my love for you is undying.  It always will be.  But your path is one on which I cannot tread.  For you see, even if I were to entertain our dreams of a unified world I could never be there to see it.  Odin, this barrier that you desire to abolish—the one destroying the world below by separating its energy source—is tied to my very life.

 

“My late father, King Alexander, had to anchor the barrier to something; that was how this forbidden magic worked.  He didn’t dare entrust it to himself, but instead bestowed it upon me.  As long as I draw breath that barrier will remain, and the world below will, yes, die.  There’s a flipside to this curse, nonetheless: peace will always exist in the Overworld, so long as our views remained unified and someone strong is present to rule.

 

“So you see, I didn’t have a choice.  Not really.  Even if I thought I could bring you back into my life and unify the worlds I would present you with a terrible choice.”

 

Raiden spun on a heel upon the secret knowledge of the barrier, eyes wider than wide.  This was not what he expected in the least.  His sources, gifted in the studies of magic, said the barrier was rooted by magicks deeper and richer than most, but fueled by the very life of a person, even if that person was as powerful as Shiva?  This changed everything, and Raiden felt sick to his stomach by this information.

 

“You are saying that Alexander ingrained this forbidden magic within you, his sole daughter?  Had he been still living, I would beat him senseless for tethering you with this burden.”

 

Raiden’s hand closest to the window tightened with rage and smashed onto the sill, so much so that his fingernails bit into the flesh of his palm and the base of his hand smarted.  If he wanted to complete his goals, he would be required to kill the one person he loved.  With every action comes a price, but this is not one he intended to pay.  However, would he allow the world below to perish for the sake of one person?  Would he follow in Shiva’s footsteps and sacrifice his personal happiness for the salvation of an entire world?  The very thought was bilious.

 

“You have given me much to think about,” Raiden stated with much effort, retrieving his hand, “but time is not my ally, nor anyone’s.  Plagues, pestilence, war, and famine force the world below’s occupants fight for whatever food and water is left below.  Shiva, is there no other way to break the barrier and have you live?”

 

“I have researched it for many a year, particularly when I was first crowned,” Shiva said softly.  “There is none, Odin.  If you desire to pursue your path it is my blood that you must shed, but I must ask of you one thing”—her heart hammered in her chest, her gaze hesitantly meeting his—“do not harm my son.  He is ignorant of the truth and would do as much as I would for the betterment of our world.  However, Odin . . . .  I don’t know if you’ve come to realize this, but Jynn, my son . . . .  He’s . . . your son, too.”

 

She swallowed hard.  This wasn’t something she’d ever intended to tell him.  Perhaps to protect herself, or perhaps them all.  Jynn was in a world where Raiden couldn’t exist; it would’ve only complicated things further for everyone.  And yet, if she were to hold her ground, to potentially fall to the hands of her lover, she felt that he must know the truth.  “He will try to avenge me and will undoubtedly hunt you down, but please promise me that you will not harm your own flesh and blood.  Please.”

 

Raiden fell into stunned silence again, not entirely sure how to respond.  Looking into her eyes proved more than any search magic or truth-seeking spell.  He knew what she said had to be true, but why did she have to make this so difficult for him, so much of a struggle to raise a hand against her or simply walk away?

 

“I promise such, but I cannot promise the same for my allies and companions.  They have minds of their own and rights of self-conservation.  However,” he voiced in a defeated manner, “I cannot in good faith kill you, not without obliterating every moral and squelching my very being underfoot.  With your death can come the deliverance of the world below, but there must be another way, even if I have to siphon magic out of that tiniest of cracks near Isopolis.”  A look of revelation.  Yes, that must be possible.  It should be possible.  As an offering of good faith and stewardship, a stream of steady magic would cure the world below, and not just the free reign of it.  While it would mean a long separation between worlds, both you and the underworld will live.”

 

Shiva bit her lower lip.  His resolve was too strong; he was wholly set on saving the world below, just as she had been ages ago.  A part of her yearned for his success, even though she couldn’t possibly support him.  “You have always accomplished what you’ve set your mind out to do.”  She offered him a soft smile.  “If there is indeed a way, I have no doubt that you will find it.  In the meantime, I must prepare.  Last time humans ventured into the Overworld their greed corrupted their souls and caused chaos to reign upon us.  I will not tolerate this, Odin.  If a single human of yours should harm any fey or pose a threat, I will eliminate them in an instant and I’ll have to call off your plan.  Should you refuse to cooperate, I will do what I must to protect my people.”

 

The queen rested a hand on Raiden’s shoulder, her gaze penetrating his.  “I will not deny that I’m concerned for what is happening to the world below as well.  The thought of sentencing another world to death for the sake of our own has indeed been eating away at me, but I have not seen any other way to ensure our survival.  Should you manage to find another solution, I would be willing to consider it.”

 

Odin shook his head in bewilderment.  While a part of him considered her heart to be as pure as he once saw it to be, she made it especially difficult to fully understand.  However, what did he expect?  Shiva was always a mystery to him, and why should now, after their little heart-to-heart, be any different?  Nevertheless, her proposition was agreeable.  If they can resolve this dispute of ideals without bloodshed and solve the situation of the world below, would that not be enough?

 

“So you know of the humans’ existence,” he commented, a slight hint of a smirk appearing for an instant.  “Maybe it’s my hopes, but I don’t see any hints that their souls have been darkened to such a point.  They reek of lives taken in service of their and their lords’ desires, but tarnishes can be removed and their lives purified.  A gentle hand and a gentle life would assuage their wounds, and if they were to be permanently removed from the Overworld I can see no harm in them.  I will personally send them off, and the magical stream and constant guards at Isopolis if they ever decide to try to come back.”

 

Brushing Shiva’s hand away gently, he smiled and stepped backward.

 

“Let this be the start of a more . . . friendly relationship, so that we do not wait thousands more years to converse.”

 

A more friendly relationship.  Shiva’s heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, and for one brief moment she granted herself the luxury of fantasizing over a very different kind of future.  Were it possible for old wounds to be mended, perhaps a future involving the two of them?  It seemed impossible, not only due to the pain and distance that they had endured, but also their roles.  Shiva had an entire kingdom and country to rule, whereas the nation of Mystras relied on Raiden.

 

“I would very much like that,” responded Shiva with a warm smile.  “I was not looking forward to our swords clashing.”

 

Grasping her silk skirt from both sides, Shiva offered Raiden a curtsy and a bow of her head, strands of pale-blue hair falling in front of her.  “It was a pleasure to see you again, Odin.  I wish you well.”

 

Raiden gave a low Mystras bow in return, long and full of reverence to his past love.

 

“It was a pleasure to see you again as well, Shiva.  May the wind ever be at your back.”

 

Smiling with equal warmth and taking two steps backward, he made his exit.  Things went famously well, he thought to himself, though now he had to break the news that he could not allow the humans to continue staying here once the night was up.  The eventful day had come to a close, and the clocks of the Overworld other than the forestalled timekeepers of the preserved house struck twelve.

 

(Will post for the other characters at a later time.  This post is quite long as it is, plus I haven't gotten to thinking much about the others just yet.)

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn Venas - Back at his castle with Helios, Aura, Aurion, Henry, Gel, Maxis, and Eclaire

 

Jynn felt unease from hearing Helios calling his name. Do I know this individual? He takes a closer look at the young fey until he realizes who it is. "You're Helios, one of the feys that was trapped in the world below! How did you make it back alive?!" Suddenly Eclaire lands in front of the prince and announces Helios' crime; venturing between the barrier that separates the Overworld and the Underworld.

 

But Jynn's curiosity spikes when the young fey claims to have news regarding the world below. News from the world below? He seems extremely agitated, perhaps it's not good news. Maybe it has something to do with that disturbance I sensed back in Mystras, and the tampering of the Forbidden Shrine. I want to know this information. He looks at all of the soldiers, Maxis, and Eclaire. "Everyone, lower your weapons. I want to hear what he has to say." He then looks back at Helios. "Strange things have been happening lately. The Forbidden Shrine at Isopolis has been disturbed, twice, and there was a disturbing aura at Mystras. Perhaps what you have to say is relevant."

 

(Will post for Bherna soon.)

Edited March 12, 2017 by Endless Thundaga

[Stardustblade358 806]

-Helios - Main Hall of Kilkes Seres Castle - Aura, Aurion, Gel, and Henry + Maxis, Eclaire and Jynn-

Helios gulped. Things had finally calmed down...slightly. To a point. The guards lowered their weapons upon Jynn's command, and Helios let out a loud sigh of relief. At least they didn't have weapons pointed at them. But now the time had come for him to speak up, all eyes on him. "I only made it back alive due to the grace of these humans who I have brought with me." He explained first, before looking up at Jynn. "The second disturbance was my doing, the first however..." How to explain it. Well, from the beginning. "Ariana and I were taken prisoners by a human king by the name of Alderon, of the kingdom of Sodon. He began to use us and his own subjects for experimentation in order to find new ways to straighten his troops and his kingdom. They discovered that when our blood is injected into a human body, the humans are granted with supernatural abilities, given that they even survive the process. Ariana...took the front of most of the experimentation, and died just a few months ago from now. From her last batch of blood, many subjects died due to the side effects, yet some managed to live, and were lucky enough to escape Alderon's hands before he could do any further harm on them...two of them are with me now, Henry and Gel." Helios explained, murmurs once again surrounding among the soldiers. His eyes never left Jynn's and he continued. "Due to the grace of these humans, they were able to rescue me from Alderon's captivity. But he isn't done yet. He has created a flying machine in order to reach the Overworld, and most likely the first disturbance you felt was him and his important subjects reaching here. His machine still waits inside the Isopolis shrine as we speak, which means he's somewhere in the Overworld already. I don't know what his plans are, but he is a man whose greed is only surpassed by his desire for power. I fear that he might try to bring war to the Overworld, or even kidnap more of our kind to be used as experiments in the world below...and that is just one King and Kingdom, if the rest haven't already caught up with the same idea." Helios explained, panting for breath as he finished his explanation. Now he knew. Now everyone in the hall knew. The King. The experiments. Their presence in the Overworld. The flying machine. The humans in the room. Everything. Yet just as quickly, he piped up once more to defend the humans he had called friends. "These humans took the risk to come with me all the way here because they know what he is capable of. What he has already done to his own people. I...understand that I have a bounty on my head...and I do not know what you have done to Ren. But I ask for you to spare these humans, for without them, I wouldn't be here warning you. I'm ready to take any punishment in their stead."

[Saber Lily 1,543]

-Eclaire: Kilkis Seres-

 

She did not like lowering her weapon. Having one who broke the one rule all fey knew, that all fey feared to obey...no, it was terrible. But...as the Queen's Retainer...as the woman asked to watch after Jynn...she had to submit to his authority. Her sword sewordhimmered and fractured into shards of light and faded, her armor doing the same. Now in her normal skirt shirt and magic pauldron, she turned, the small cape her mother gave her settling down as she stayed alert and ready.

"Yes, Prince." Was all sewordhimmered Her ert said.

 

Maxis had this thing about being a jerk. He doubted he'd be as...forthcoming with...easing up.

She hoped.

 

But the warning, the words of Helios, jarred her. She looked troubled, glancing at Maxis. To submit to whatever punishment was meted out, merely to warn of the consequences of their folly...to risk his life to correct a mistake.

She understood it. Eclaire stepped forward now, closer.

"I am Eclaire, Retainer of Queen Shiva...newly...appointed." she added as an asnfterthought. "I have made many mistakes in my century of life. I sought penance, even if it meant punishment. I understand giving into ones temptations, and losing oneself in them...but many choose to run and hide. You chose to come and face punishment, to warn us of what is coming. And you wish to protect those who protect you." She turned, fully facing Jynn. "Prince Jynn. You do not know me, nor would I expect you to trust me. But...the Queen believes in me. I ask for you to believe in her." She paused. Her cheeks went slight pink at the small memory of before. "I believe him. Not just anyone would risk almost certain death to right a wrong. Not just anyone would sacrifice himself for his friends." She trailed off.

 

"I believe him, Prince Jynn."

 

 

Eclaire curtisied - no bowing in this skirt, that would only ruin her appetite for real food - and righted her stance.

Mistakes were made every day.

But not every mistake was bad.

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn Venas - Back at his castle with Helios, Aura, Aurion, Henry, Gel, Maxis, and Eclaire

 

Jynn was astonished by the young fey's story. Jynn quietly growls. "So, Raiden WAS up to something..........." Jynn looks back to Helios. "I visited Raiden today, he seemed to be having some kind of get together. If what you say is true, then Raiden must be allying with this Alderon fellow." He pauses and thinks. Eclaire makes her statement by first introducing herself, and then states that she believes Helios' words. Jynn nods. "I agree. I have to believe him too. The coincidences are too good to be false." He then faces back to Helios. "I thank you for this information. I will address this to the Queen immediately." He then looks to the humans. "And I thank you all for bringing this kid back in one piece. Since you have tremendous targets on your backs, I will convince my mother to allow you four to stay until this Alderon has been dealt with, under a watchful eye though."

 

Jynn begins to walk towards the stairs, but he feels like he should give Helios something in return for his selflessness. He turns back to the young fey. "I will also consider pardoning you of your crime, but if not, you'll receive minor punishment, as you have already suffered enough in the world below."

Edited March 13, 2017 by Endless Thundaga

[Elrandir 783]

- Aeternum Siblings - Main Hall of Kilkes Seres Castle - Helios, Gel, Henry, Maxis, Eclaire and Jynn -

 

"Thank you," Aurion said while bowing, "Your Highness. It is understandable for you to put eyes on us, but I assure you that we will be in our best behavior."
Aura snorted at that comment while looking around.
"We will be in our best behavior, Highness, that is true," she said while her eyes mover towards Maxis, "but please, keep your subjects in check."
Aurion looked at his sister and slowly nodded.
"You would have our thanks, " Aurion said formally to Jynn, "if the situation before you arrived could not be repeated once again. It is true that our arrival was...sudden, but we are not your enemies."

Edited March 13, 2017 by Elrandir

[Scrapmaster 1,731]

- Henry and Maxis - The Dreadnaught and the Living Armor - A Stalemate achieved -

 

Maxis and Henry exchanged glares at one another at certain intervals in Helios's speech. A part of Henry thanked the fact that Eclaire and Jynn arrived in time. He wasn't so sure Maxis would let Helios explain the situation, like Jynn allowed. In fact Maxis was the only one who didn't lower his weapons, unlike the soldiers and everyone else he was bound to one thing and one person only. Shiva. He didn't take orders from her son until a contract was forged between them. Jynn probably didn't even know who he was or what he was. But alas, what could he do. 

 

"So you mean..." Maxis speaks, moving his katana and pointing it at Henry, then at Gel, then at Henry again. With a shake of his head. "You mean these are humans who can use magic power?" Maxis spoke with curiosity...and then an aura of rage emanated from him. 

"Abominations with no place in neither world...You're lucky the prince arrived in time. If he didn't you'd both be dead." Maxis spoke, with a very serious tone.

 

Maxis was interrupted by Henry. "Give me a little credit, me, Aurion and Aura were the reason how Helios is here explaining this all to you. I don't need your tin can ass to call me what I am to understand that im not welcome here." These words struck a nerve at Maxis, who...began chuckling?

 

"You!. I like you! Its been a while since i've been talked back to like that...you and your friends get to live until further orders." Maxis spoke. Looking at Eclaire and putting a hand on her shoulder, and whispering something in her ear. 

 

"I have to leave to do something, now that the prince is here, I owe him a gift from all these years without seeing him. So I need to go out a bit and get it. keep an eye on things for me eh? Retaineeer." The last word was clearly on a sarcastic and taunting tone, But maxis meant no ill will towards her. Maxis then began to walk off, opposite of the group, into the capital gates and outside.

 

Meanwhile Henry's arm has just finished healing, strenghtening itself to compensate for the wound, he could move it normally again. Henry maitained silent throughout, he did not want to cause trouble in a kingdom, not at a time like this. 

 

 

- Mikhail and Typhon - Witcher and Bugman -

 

Mikhail and Typhon were getting increasingly frustrated with how tough Jimba was, the former thinking up way to escape with his life and his friend's, the latter fully ready to accept death if it meant going out with a fight.  But luckily, neither of these two options would be necessary, as Jimba was suddenly struck down by a magical spear, which came from the sky. 

 

This event left both of them confused, who threw it? Who would be powerful enough to one-shot Jimba? Why? But neither of these questions would be answered just yet.

 

Typhon turned quickly to Jynn and Bherma leaving the scene, as he extended his arm towards them in a hopeless attempt at making them stay, "Wait!" Typhon spoke. Before clenching his hand into a fist, Frustrated. "There goes my chance...damn it all." Typhon spoke, his tone now that of a frustrated being. 

 

Mikhail simply folded his arms as he looked around the area, he spotted Jari before the boy even stepped into the scene, these senses were awesome. Swiftly moving a hand to his sword as Jari introduced himself and began speaking.

' I need your help' Pretty generic words, plenty of people would say that to another, before stabbing them in the back.

 

"Who even are you" Mikhail asked him. Unknown to him, Typhon began feeling a sharp pain in his chest area...his heart area. 

Holding one arm on a tree for support as the pain began to increase, as his breathing began to accelerate. And...his body began to turn...His organs shifting and failing caused him to quickly spasm into the ground, coughing up green blood all the while. It was a terrible sight. One of which Mikhail turned around almost instantly the moment he heard Typhon falling to the ground.

 

"Typhon?!" Mikhail spoke, completely ignoring Jari for the time being as he rushed over to his insect friend. "WHats going on? Typhon talk to me!" He pleaded, but no response was given as Typhon drifted into unconciousness, his body twitching and spasming in short intervals. "You!" Mikhail spoke, pointing at Elia. "Help me with him, he can't die, not like this. Is there anywhere we can take him?" Mikhail spoke, clearly worried for his friend. After all, witchers rarely had friends, and those they had, they held in the biggest regard. 

 

However if Elia was attentious...she could see Typhon's skin beginning to literaly shift itself, almost like it was...mutating?

 

 

- Alastor - The Storm Bringer - Tailing the Red man - 

 

 

Tailing this individual was much easier than expected. You couldn't hide from someone who did this for a living for over three thousand years, Alastor knew how to chase, tail, track and even smell their opponents to not lose them. It had become such a second nature to him that it became pretty much instinctive. 

 

Following through alleyways, every nook and crannie was exploited in order to keep the chase going. The man in red wasn't exactly subtle...He soon reached the fountain, where the aura of the red man was rather strong in there, he was on the right track, however there was another aura. One of an elf...who stuck out like a sore thumb.

 

"You, elf." Alastor spoke to Rabiyu, his voice echoing through his helmet. "You are not from here, in fact...no...you're from the forest of Illusion...are you not?" Alastor spoke, deducting where Rabiyu came from in an instant. He had actualy had run ins with her from said forest many years back. Albeit he didn't catch her appearance, after all he had refused her help to guide him out, determined to find his own way out back then, stubborn like always, a trait that hadn't changed in him. Since spies reported Jynn traveling with an elf from the forest, another elf and a purple haired woman, and the fact Rabs stuck out like a sore thumb throughout the city, it was pretty obvious. 

 

"Come, I have a job for you." Alastor spoke to Rabiyu, walking right past her. Following the magic trail the red man left behind with his aura. "I shall explain on the way, unless you wish to leave a threat to the prince of Kilkis Seres run free throughout the land." Alastor spoke, cleanly and objectively to her, without breaking his serious tone, neither did he stop walking. If Rabiyu wanted, she'd follow him, if not, it wouldn't matter...he would pay her if she did, however.

 

 

 

(Tomorrow Maxis shall awaken Meksis! I will post it as soon as I can.

[Elrandir 783]

- Rabiyu - City of Mystras - Alleyways - Following the Knight in red with Alastor -

 

Rabiyu had been busy walking after the strange...thing...walked past next to her minutes before, it was strong and reeked of death, maybe it was the cause of the feeling she was having. Until another person showed up. Yeah, this one was familiar, one who refused her help back in the forest, one who, despite his stubbornness, managed to get out of the Forest of Illusions all by himself. And apparently he had a job for her, perhaps one that involved the thing from before. Without wasting seconds Rabiyu turned around and followed Alastor, her quick footsteps making no sound at all.
"While I do not concern myself with the safety of the Crown Prince," Rabiyu said calmly to Alastor, "a threat like that cannot be allowed to roam free."
The High Elf watched Alastor's back for a couple of seconds before walking next to him. Yeah, he was the same one.
"I do remember you refused my help to leave Praestigia once or twice," she said, "but I'm afraid we haven't been properly introduced. My name is Rabiyu. Now please, explain to me what that thing was and what it wants, it reeks of death and malice."

Edited March 13, 2017 by Elrandir

[Stardustblade358 806]

-Helios - Main Hall of Kilkes Seres Castle - Aura, Aurion, Gel, and Henry + Maxis, Eclaire and Jynn-

Helios let out a soft sigh, feeling his heart ache from beating so fast. It was done. The deed itself was done, but the trouble wasn't over just yet. He was astonished when Eclaire stood up for him, explaining herself. By all graces, Jynn offered to speak to the Queen to offer them protection and residency in the Overworld until the matter was resolved. He even paused and spoke to Helios directly, saying that he would consider pardoning him for the crimes, if not maybe minimum. It was more than Helios could have ever asked for or expected, seeing that Maxis almost killed him. "...thank you." Helios said, a genuine smile forming as he looked at Jynn. There wasn't really anything else he could think of saying. He didn't even mentioned Ren, which made him to think of what could have possibly happen to him, wherever he is. When Maxis called his friends abominations, it made Helios snap his head towards the walking armor, glaring at him. He would have told him a word or two, but Henry had done that already, and by now Maxis had left, leaving them in the main hall with Eclaire. It all seemed so...surreal. He was waiting to wake up in a cell at any second. But it was real, and oh boy, they had a lot of work cut out for them if Alderon was going to put up a fight. "Lord Raiden." Helios murmured, going through anything and everything he knew of him...this was going to be bad. He looked up at the group, and smiled at them. "The Queen is a very kind woman, and dutiful, I'm sure she will see you guys welcome here until things are resolved...I don't want you guys to be hunted down anymore, either." Helios said, referring to Gel and Henry on that last part. He honestly didn't even want to leave these four. He wanted to remain by their side at all times now, at least until matters were resolved, until any threat from both Alderon and Fey were gone, because he would be dammed if he would let them get in harms way after all they've done for him, and he would do all to protect. He swore on himself that he would repay them, too. In any way possible. He paused, turning to Eclaire. "Eclaire, correct?" Helios began, smiling softly once more. "Thank you, for believing in me, and speaking up in my defense. If what you say is true, then you know the guilt that one carries with their mistakes...thank you."

 

- Morana - Forest near Mystras - Rufus, Mikhail, Typhon, and Elia -

Morana smiled softly at Rufus' antics. Such a personality was rarely seen, at least to her. "My name is Morana." Morana said, speaking to no one in particular, just throwing her name out there for everyone to hear. However introductions seemed to be cut short as the Cyph seemed to be in trouble, and his partner was getting upset of gaining no response from him. "Oh no." Morana hummed, walking over to Mikhail and Typhon to take a closer look. It was...a disturbing display. The skin shifted itself, alike on its own as if it was a defense mechanism of some kind, rendering Typhon unconscious and moving pirely out of reflex. "The city of Mystras isn't too far from here...other than that the only closest place around is...Lord Raiden's villa." Morana suggested. Now, she wouldn't even step onto that property. Her kind weren't usually allowed anywhere near that to begin with. The man was mysterious as it was. Who knows what he might end up doing if he sees a cyph being brought to his door. "Rufus, is there any magic that could maybe calm his movements or something?" Morana asked, expanding her arm over Typhon. He was still alive. His vitals were...low, but alive no less.

[Nero Kunivas 3,046]

Neena ~ The Zealot ~ Mystras; Raiden's Villa - Feast of Fools

 

Neena, disguised as she was, giggled contentedly at Soren's words. "No good at all." She agreed with an affirmative nod. Neena herself hardly agreed. The world had been good for centuries. Would have continued to be. She thought of Helios and Ariana, and their choice to go down below. That had been the beginning of this all. Damn them! But... Still she mourned for their loss. He asked her her name, and Neena swiftly realized she had not come up with a name for her cover. "Alayne." She made up on the spot. She drilled it into her memory. Do not forget fake name. That would be bad. "And yes I am. Our Lord Raiden is very wise, and has served Mystras well for a very long time. My family traveled here from our ancestral home long ago, and were never gladder for it. He knows what is best for our world. If that is humans, then I will stand with him." She cursed the words as they came from her lips, but when one was playing a role, they play it whole-heartedly. The smile on her lips never faltered. "You are strong yes? Will you stand with Lord Raiden if things get... bloody?" She asked, tilting her head and raising an eyebrow to sell the curiosity.

- Soren Monroe, Former Sentinel of Isopolis - Feast of Fools Kings -

 

The servant, now known to Soren as "Alayne", seemed to be interested in what he had to say, far more so than he'd anticipated. In fact, Alayne was enjoying their chatter immensely, so it seemed. The disguised Zealot explained a little about "herself" to the unaware ex-sentinel, then put forward a question...one that Soren found intriguing, yet a challenge for him to answer. This whole time, the man had been certain that Lord Raiden could be just the man he needs who had the vision and ambition necessary to achieve them, but he couldn't help but have a few, fledgling doubts in the back of his mind. Conflicted, Soren took a cracker from a platter on the table before him, flipping it in his fingers like a coin.

 

"I am strong, that I cannot deny...but...hmm..." Soren then groaned lightly, seemingly in frustration. "To fight in Raiden's name...when I know next to nothing about the man, aside from our ideals being similar...neither he nor his comrades are people to me. Lord Raiden is royalty, his comrades merely weapons given bodies to wield them. There's no trust between me and them, nothing drawing us together, not even immediately..." The former sentinel sat forward again, now he was agitated with someone: Himself. "I've never seen eye-to-eye with the Queen...yet, I'm ready to simply desert her when a seemingly better opportunity presents itself?!" Soren's power over Hellfire ignited in small form for a brief moment, incinerating the Cracker, leaving it a burnt piece of charcoal in his hand, leaving the sentinel to give an exasperated groan and sigh of resignation as he sat back in the chair. "I don't know where my loyalties lie right now, Alayne. One moment, I was Sentinel of the most forbidden Shrine in our world, a high honour to be granted, next I'm sitting in a Feast under the watch of a Lord who's activities are ones of mystery and suspicion..." Mused the demonic fey, his voice now with some emotion, albeit with a gruff, deep overtone to his words.

 

Soon enough however, Soren's attention shifted to "Alayne". Her beaming smile had been constant and radiant, capable of warming the coldest hearts...she was fascinating, with the ex-sentinel narrowing his gaze, studying her for a good few seconds before breathing in and commenting. "You, are a very rare woman, especially inside. On the outside, you radiate the welcoming, pleasant aura of a humble servant, committed to the Lord you serve under, even in the smallest way...but inside, I see potential. Potential that, well, I might be flattering you but, it could lead you to achieve great things in your long life." This fey of a demonic nature was committed to delivering his words with honesty, right now was no different as he spoke to Alayne.

 

Soren then looked down to his burnt cracker and let a small chuckle slip from his lips as he put it down, making a mental note to throw it away later as he took a small cupcake in his hand to replace it. "Perhaps I will figure things out a little sooner than I think...but for now, I need something sweet right this moment." Concluding his sentence, Soren bit into the cupcake: Sweet as he wanted, perfectly baked and pretty. He couldn't have asked for more from such a delectable treat...it reminded him of his own spare time used under his service to Shiva.

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn Venas - Back at his castle with Helios, Aura, Aurion, Henry, Gel, Maxis, and Eclaire

 

Jynn was getting uncomfortable with Maxis's threats to the group. As the living armor whispers something to Eclaire, Jynn faces back to the group. "Please pardon the unnecessary hostility. You all must be exhausted from your ordeal. Why don't you all get some rest?" Jynn faces the soldiers in the room. "I need two of you to escort our guests to the living quarters." Two soldiers walk up to the prince and bow. Jynn walks close to them and whispers. "And keep an eye on the humans and hybrids." The soldiers nod. They then gesture to the five to follow them.

 

Jynn then turns to Eclaire. "Uh, Eclaire, right? It is a pleasure to meet you." Jynn watches as Maxis takes his leave. The prince then faces back to Eclaire. "Who was that rude guard that just left? He was not a very friendly fellow."

[Saber Lily 1,543]

-Eclaire: With Jynn, Kilkis Seres-

 

The Mistake turned to Helios.

"Your crime was of misguided curiosity. Mine was reckless idiocy. Your mistake can be rectified with little loss. For me...the bodies have long since returned to dust."

 

She turned and knelt, bowing her head before Jynn.

"My Prince. I am Eclaire. I have only been your mother's Retainer...for about an hour. I am not known for my good...I am a mistake. I am the product of the unholy union of a Valkyrie and a Succubus, fused to walk in both the light of protection and the shadow of lust. I do not wish to hide anything. If you are to be a regent I am to help protect, than I leave nothing to secrecy. I...hope my past, my birth...will not cloud our future." She let her preamble secrecy ink in, then rose, standing with her hands clasped behind her back at ease.

"Maxis, the rude armor, is of a caste know as Living Armor. He is far closer...to...Shiva..." she trailed off. Eclaire looked away, trying too hide a slight blush. "He is far closer to your mother than i. He is...interesting. He means well, and is loyal beyond the very sea. If anyone would never leave this castle undefended, it would be Maxis. That, I can promise you."

 

She stayed a bit off, not making eye contact. "Is there anything you wish to know about me, or is there things we must do? I...I uh...never had such responsibility before...I am...lost and about bit overwhelmed." She admitted, albeit about smitten bit quietly.

[Scrapmaster 1,731]

- Alastor - Tempest Incarnate - Alongside Rabyiu on the trail of the Red man -

 

"Good that we have reached an agreement" Alastor nonchalantly commented at Rabiyu's concerns over this threat of a being they were tracking. Alastor kept a steady, strong pace in clear contrast to Rabiyu's quick, silent steps. How did he want to be silent with all that armor on him anyway? Plus it gave him an intimidator factor which was useful in certain situations.

 

Alastor's head turned a bit to glance at Rabiyu through his helmet, it was indeed her, yes. That elf from the forest of illusions. "We've met, yes. I got out safely, and with experience to tell. Once you get used to the forest, its not hard to travel through it. And I got what I wanted from the adventure." Alastor commented dryly at her. As she introduced himself.

 

"Alastor" he mumbled as she asked him for his name, he was liking her, she didn't mince words, straight to the point. A very respectable trait. As she asked what the thing they were following was. Which Alastor quickly gave his idea of what it was.

"The short version, he is the pawn of Midnea, yes, that Midnea from years past...She's back, and alongside her she brought this thing, which has no fey's aura." Alastor pretty much explained all Rabiyu needed to know.

"She sent it off the moment Jynn and his purple haired friend left, and I know the woman's tricks enough to know that it cannot be good." Alastor added. "Feel free to report this to whoever you want, the more people that know she is back, the better." Alastor ended. As they walked.

 

 

- Maxis - The Armor - Venturing into the tomb -

 

It didn't take long for Maxis to simply fade out as he left Kilkis Seres's gates, as he soon reappeared, in a secluded area, what secluded area? The forgotten forest south of Gladeus. A forest that hasn't been visited by life for millenia. Once a hideout to many bandits and their clans, even a war tribe in the ancient, uncivilised times of the Fey. However they simply vanished without a trace, and very few that venture within this forest come out. In gladeus, this forest is completely off limits and prohibited to all inhabitants.

 

Those foolish enough to venture within...find themselves overwhelmed by its apparently strong magical pressure, their minds broken and insane within hours of entering it. It was a cursed place...and cursed for one reason. It meant a lost tomb was within it, A tomb in which Maxis had felt its presence recently, an ancient power emanating from it...A familiar...power.

 

He walked through the forest, its power had no effect on him, as he was not fey nor human. He walked, with his hands on his inexistent pockets. Of course this made him look ridiculous as he literaly had his hands on his hips. Until he created two shadowy holes he could fit his hands into. "Much better" He commented, as he found where the tomb laid.

 

To his surprise...Seems like the previous adventurers found the tomb as well, but they didn't get far, at least two skeletons were left rotting at the entrance to the tomb's gate, which was a literaly trapdoor. Supposedly the deeper you went into the forest, the worse the pressure gotten, so he'd imagine the tomb was the hotspot for it.

 

He stood in front of the tomb The trapdoor, a stone door, trapped with vines and mold from ancient times, however with a faint, grey crystal on a circle in the middle. Maxis's eyes lit up, the eye symbol on his chest began to glow as well. "Magno ostio in oblivione. Aperire vas tuum." Maxis emited these words of the ancient tongue. As the door's crystal began to glow intensively, as the trapdoor slowly moved...to reveal stairs. "Huh, I remember the words!" Maxis spoke, joyful, even fist bumping the air in excitement, as he quickly recomposed himself and went down the stairs.

 

Stone lamps began to ignite and shine through the darkness of the tomb, seen these ancient constructs from his...physical time were still working. The stairs went on for a good ten minutes. Until he finally reached a singular room...with ancient, preserved statues. Three in total, one in each wall of the room. Each holding a different color of orb. One green, one Red and one Blue. And the stone coffin in the middle of the room. With a purple crystal in it.

 

It was time to begin the ritual...Maxis held out his right hand, pointing at the right statue, the one with the blue orb. "O stellam ab oriente" THe statue's orb began to glow, as it shot out a beam of energy towards his hand. The same color as its orb.

 

Then his left hand, pointed at the leftmost orb. "O stella in occidentem" He spoke, as it did the same with its green orb. Next, with his chest positioned towards the last statue. in front of him "O stella aquilonem" As it shot its bean of power towards his chest, in his eye symbol as the energy flowed through him. He concentrated for a second. Before all three statue's energies ran out and all that was left was an orb of power he held with both hands. "Et undo in hoc signavit vas vestro". He said as he slammed the orb into the purple orb in the coffin, as it glew extremely bright for a few seconds before exploding into to glass shards. As the coffin was magicaly unlocked.

 

Maxis simply began to push the cofin's lid out, revealing the living armor underneath it. "It is time for you to wake up...You've been asleep for long...My fellow armor." Maxis spoke with a happy, and respectful tone. As he waited for its response. Extending his hand to help it up if it needed it.

Edited March 14, 2017 by Scrapmaster

[The Unversed 168]

--      

Edited July 24, 2018 by The Unversed

[Vaude 536]

 

 

- Mikhail and Typhon - Witcher and Bugman -

 

Mikhail and Typhon were getting increasingly frustrated with how tough Jimba was, the former thinking up way to escape with his life and his friend's, the latter fully ready to accept death if it meant going out with a fight.  But luckily, neither of these two options would be necessary, as Jimba was suddenly struck down by a magical spear, which came from the sky. 

 

This event left both of them confused, who threw it? Who would be powerful enough to one-shot Jimba? Why? But neither of these questions would be answered just yet.

 

Typhon turned quickly to Jynn and Bherma leaving the scene, as he extended his arm towards them in a hopeless attempt at making them stay, "Wait!" Typhon spoke. Before clenching his hand into a fist, Frustrated. "There goes my chance...damn it all." Typhon spoke, his tone now that of a frustrated being. 

 

Mikhail simply folded his arms as he looked around the area, he spotted Jari before the boy even stepped into the scene, these senses were awesome. Swiftly moving a hand to his sword as Jari introduced himself and began speaking.

' I need your help' Pretty generic words, plenty of people would say that to another, before stabbing them in the back.

 

"Who even are you" Mikhail asked him. Unknown to him, Typhon began feeling a sharp pain in his chest area...his heart area. 

Holding one arm on a tree for support as the pain began to increase, as his breathing began to accelerate. And...his body began to turn...His organs shifting and failing caused him to quickly spasm into the ground, coughing up green blood all the while. It was a terrible sight. One of which Mikhail turned around almost instantly the moment he heard Typhon falling to the ground.

 

"Typhon?!" Mikhail spoke, completely ignoring Jari for the time being as he rushed over to his insect friend. "WHats going on? Typhon talk to me!" He pleaded, but no response was given as Typhon drifted into unconciousness, his body twitching and spasming in short intervals. "You!" Mikhail spoke, pointing at Elia. "Help me with him, he can't die, not like this. Is there anywhere we can take him?" Mikhail spoke, clearly worried for his friend. After all, witchers rarely had friends, and those they had, they held in the biggest regard. 

 

However if Elia was attentious...she could see Typhon's skin beginning to literaly shift itself, almost like it was...mutating?

 

- Morana - Forest near Mystras - Rufus, Mikhail, Typhon, and Elia -

Morana smiled softly at Rufus' antics. Such a personality was rarely seen, at least to her. "My name is Morana." Morana said, speaking to no one in particular, just throwing her name out there for everyone to hear. However introductions seemed to be cut short as the Cyph seemed to be in trouble, and his partner was getting upset of gaining no response from him. "Oh no." Morana hummed, walking over to Mikhail and Typhon to take a closer look. It was...a disturbing display. The skin shifted itself, alike on its own as if it was a defense mechanism of some kind, rendering Typhon unconscious and moving pirely out of reflex. "The city of Mystras isn't too far from here...other than that the only closest place around is...Lord Raiden's villa." Morana suggested. Now, she wouldn't even step onto that property. Her kind weren't usually allowed anywhere near that to begin with. The man was mysterious as it was. Who knows what he might end up doing if he sees a cyph being brought to his door. "Rufus, is there any magic that could maybe calm his movements or something?" Morana asked, expanding her arm over Typhon. He was still alive. His vitals were...low, but alive no less.

 

 

 

- Rufus Contralto and Jari Coriander, with the odd party after Jimba's defeat in the mountain range -

 

Rufus was slow to realising what was going on behind his back, more introspection loitering around in his mind, but the shouts of Typhon's name snapped him out of it.  He rushed over to the witcher and his friend from above, looking as if he were lying face-down and studying the twitching man with both interest and horror.  He had heard of this kind of thing before, but without a history of the bug man it was almost impossible to tell whether it was a physical condition or a magical one.  Thankfully he had some knowledge of medicine, though where he got it he had no idea, not yet, anyway.  He did not take into consideration the mutation, however, missing it entirely and instead only seeing the main symptoms.

 

"What I can do spans restriction of the magical element and verbal communication," he stated to Morana solemnly, his joyful expressions and mood gone just as suddenly as he gained it.  "If this is magical in any way, I can most certainly affect him, but if physical, like grand mal seizures, the most I can offer is insight.  I'll try to slow the process if it is indeed of arcane origin.  You all hold him down until he stops spasming, and then we can move him to this Mystras place."

 

With a hand outstretched, Rufus attempted to calm the Cyph's changes, imagining it to be like a fever and cooling the body with a surge of cold water.  If it had any effect, the mutation would progress for a longer period of time, elsewise nothing would change.

 

"I might be able to help!" Jari exclaimed breathlessly, deciding to intrude after wringing his hands from the sidelines.  He rushed over to Mikhail's side and offered a glass phial filled with three black balls the size of walnuts.  They were ugly things coated in chocolate, but extremely effective sleeping pills.  "Calming pills that slow the body's system.  They're herbal and magical, but they work quite quickly.  You're a witcher, right?  You can tell if it's poison or real.  Try it and use it on the boy, please!  I don't want him to die if I can do something about it!"

 

"Little do I know about witchers or anything, but should we trust him?" Rufus asked overhead, not entirely sure of the youth and espying the fact that he had a fluffy set of tail and ears.  "It might stop soon enough with or without his 'medicine.' "

 

((Edit:  I changed around some word errors like "ringing" to "wringing."))

Edited March 15, 2017 by Vaude

[Stardustblade358 806]

-Helios - Main Hall of Kilkes Seres Castle, escorted by guards to the living quarters- Aura, Aurion, Gel, and Henry + Eclaire and Jynn-
Helios wanted to speak to Eclaire about what she said, but then went against it, instead shutting his mouth shut. Whatever mistake she had made, it was troubling and had cost lives...he didn't know if he wanted to know how many. Ren, Ariana...they were long gone too. If he could've only say goodbye. But there was no time for mourning. It was long past that. For now, they had to sit, and wait, and be at standby until further orders, cause they had made it this far. The first thing that came to mind after everything was settled was his parents; oh my goodness, his parents. They thought of him dead. Would it even be a good idea to tell them? What could he say? He had always suffered of wanderlust...they knew as much...he would wait. He looked over at Jynn as he offered them to be escorted to the living quarters. That sounded good. They had been on the constant move sine they escaped. It wasn't until the adrenaline slowly washed off that Helios realized a bit of the ache in his muscles from all the flying, too. He looked up at Eclaire and Jynn even as they were led away. He wanted to speak with Eclaire more, if they ever had the chance. Darn it. Why he had to return home only to the cause of terrible things to come? Well, he guessed, this might as well be one of his punishments created by the ancients.

 

The living quarters were huge. It was a large room, with tall ceilings and lots of space. Against the wall there were up to four queen sized beds, each with a comfortable space between the other end tables with all kinds of flowers in the vases, with a circular canopy hanging over each one. There were sofas here and there, with a tea table in the middle of them, and lots of cushions and floor seats in corners. There was a simple balcony with curtains, and windows that showed the beauty of the city. A chandelier of crystals stood right in the middle of the ceiling, though it hung by no chains or waved together by any wires, at least, any visible ones. Instead the crystals floated in order and shape of one, spinning ever so slowly, providing light whenever the need was there. At the other end of the room there were wardrobes and drawers to store clothing, a large screen with a mirror on one side standing by a corner. Of course, he would expect the guards to stand guard in front of the door to their room, and keep close watch. "It's been a long day. I think we all deserve a bit of a nap for making it this far." Helios said softly, looking at one of the beds and the canopy. He waved his hand underneath the canopy, activating it as a shimmering fabric formed, slowly appearing as it covered the bed in it, forming a layer of fabric for privacy to that of whoever slept on the bed. He waved his hand by it again, the fabric disappearing just as it had appeared. He turned to Aura, smiling softly. "I think you're starting to get used to flying, Aura." Helios joked. He was home, yet he never felt so uneasy, so worried for the fate of his friends. He couldn't let them get hurt. Not them too. "When this is over, if the prince allows it, I'm going to give you a tour of the best places in the Overworld! I won't allow you guys leave this place without at least a souvenir." Helios said cheerfully, despite feeling exhausted. He allowed himself to throw back against the sofa, resting against its cushions. Soft. Softer than cobblestone.

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn Venas - Back at his castle with Eclaire

 

Jynn was unsure of what to say about Eclaire's past. He scratches his head. "I'm...... sorry to hear about that. What happened in the past cannot be rewritten, but my mother is giving you a brand new slate, a second chance." Jynn makes a slight smile. "Live in the moment, not the past." He looks at his hand and finally opens his left eye. "That's something I always say to myself whenever I'm sad or depressed, or........... even angered."

 

Eclaire then moves on and talks about the strange soldier. She mentions his name; Maxis.......... Jynn almost felt like the name had a familiar ring. 'Maxis'........ have I heard that name before? He is then told that Maxis is referred to as the Living Armor. "Living.......... Armor? Interesting." Jynn wanted to ask a lot more questions, but he didn't want to annoy Eclaire. Then Eclaire turns her back to the prince. ".........He is far closer to your mother than I." Jynn tilted his head in curiosity. Was Eclaire trying to hide something? He could kind of tell she was blushing, but he preferred not to say anything.

 

Eclaire then somewhat regains her composure and asks if there is something that needs to be done. Jynn looks up the stairs. I wonder if mother is home..... He faces back to Eclaire. "I actually want to know if my mother is here. I need to share this new information with her.......... and something else........ Do you happen to know if she's here?"

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

--Queen Shiva -- Kilkis Seres--

 

The journey back to her kingdom was, admittedly, a surprise to Shiva.  She had left preparing to give up her life, especially once she'd told Raiden that it were necessary to lift the barrier between worlds.  A small smile crossed her lips as she slipped through the Ambrosia Forest; a part of the Odin she once knew was still Raiden, after the long years and everything he'd endured.

 

The solution they had discussed seemed reasonable, though in her heart she doubted that such a peaceful resolution could truly come to pass.  It was all too easy.  Having lived in the Overworld for over 2500 years, the queen had come to find nothing to be easy within their land.

 

Finally she arrived home, guards bowing to her lowly as she entered.  She was greeted by the sound of her son's voice, who inquired as to her whereabouts.  "I'm right here, Jynn," the smooth, familiar voice responded behind his back.  One could even hear her smile within her tone.  Her beloved son; how she didn't expect to see him again!

 

Unable to resist treating her son younger than he truly was, she moved forward and wrapped her arms tightly around him, bringing an icy hand to stroke his hair.  "Welcome home, my dear.  I am glad that you are safe."  She hadn't, however, noticed the injury upon his eye.  That would certainly prompt a fair amount of pampering and concerns.

 

The ice queen met Eclaire's eye and offered her a smile.  "Well, it looks like you are holding your new title nicely.  What was all the commotion about that I'd heard?"

 

--Yevgeni Malachite -- En Route to Kilkis Seres--

 

The moonlight danced off the sharp blade of his dagger, his even footfalls soundless upon the forest floor.  Luckily Lord Raiden possessed quite the assortment of artifacts, and even still retained such weapons of potency that could annihilate the most powerful of fey with a single strike.  Raiden’s possession of such an item certainly brought many questions to the forefront of Yev’s mind, but he quelled his suspicions for the moment and instead rejoiced upon his victory.

 

It was seldom that the blond questioned the nobleness of his actions; this was no exception.  He’d vowed to protect Kilkis Seres and the Overworld at all costs, and protect it he would.  Too much evil surrounded their world, especially now that it was confirmed that humans had managed to infiltrate Isopolis, and it was impertinent that he discuss these matters with the queen.  Not that she would listen to him; it had been ages since she listened to him.  Still, he would try.

 

It was growing quite late and even the elf’s stamina had its limits.  Yev brushed a hand along a bed of grass before plopping down upon it, his back resting against the trunk of a weeping willow.  As he rested his head and neck his thoughts strayed to Rabiyu.  He’d wished that he were able to reveal all of his plans to her.  Now his opportunity was gone.  Yevgeni wished that he’d get the chance to see her again before this was all over and she returned to her homeland.  Somehow he felt that the two could relate to one another, perhaps as friends, something he hadn’t felt in such a very, very long time.

 

--Elia Cabret--  Mountain range after Jimba’s fall—

 

The rejoice of Jimba’s surprising death was short-lived, for several surprising events occurred all at once.  Typhon fell writhing in agony, the witcher enlisting her help.  Elia’s gray eyes were wide, and she opened her mouth to speak before Rufus suggested that he could help.  It was then that a newcomer had popped in to request help himself, before rushing to Typhon’s side and procuring the strangest of vials that contained what may or may not be some kind of poison.  Elia considered it carefully tilting her head.

 

“I . . . I don’t know, Rufus,” Elia said softly, turning to glance up at the foxling.  It was certainly suspicious that he popped up only moments after the death of their punishing friend; had he been the one who killed him?  If so, that took a tremendous amount of power, perhaps placing Jari as a great threat to them all.  At the same time, however, Jimba was threatening to kill them all, so whoever took them down was providing more of a service than a threat to them.

 

Still, Elia felt that they couldn’t be too careful.  “Where are you from?” she asked him.  “And what kind of help could we possibly provide you with?”

 

--Everyth Castanova – Sondon Courtyards—

 

The duke brushed himself off and scoffed.  “What, you think I employed this witch?  Most certainly not.  She is useful nonetheless and I fully intend to exploit her efforts to catch . . . well, whatever it is she’s after.”  He frowned as Alex stood his ground.  “If you will surrender your princess I will have my men withdraw from your castle, and no further troops shall be harmed.  The choice is yours.  If you continue to put up a struggle then by all means, please do.  More men of yours will just continue to die, if that is the fate you really deem appropriate for them.”

 

Everyth, however, didn’t have long to process Effie’s information, or plan how to go about attacking this menace.  Pracia quickly shifted from one target to the next, her sights now fixated upon the raven-haired woman.  Thankfully Effie had alerted her friend when she had, for it prepared Everyth with enough time to dodge roll from the brute of Pracia’s force.  A simple sword in hand wasn’t going to be enough to counter this crazed woman, that much Everyth knew.  What concerned her most, however, was allowing Pracia to get away.  The damage that this “punisher” could cause throughout the world would be catastrophic.  Was she not of this world?  Everyth began to doubt it.

 

A violet aura surrounded the woman, activating a magic which would increase her speed.  It wouldn’t be enough, but it would suffice in at least putting her on par with Pracia’s own.

 

“It’s a good thing that you brought a witch to fight a witch,” Everyth sneered, hand extended as a ball of dark energy formed within it.  She threw it at Pracia, which would implode upon impact should it hit her.  Such implosions could cause a devastating impact, both on people as well as their surroundings.  Thankfully the radius was small, however, probably no larger than the size of a basketball.

 

(Both Alderon and Curvis have retired for the night, as have Raleigh, Midnea, and Arthur.  I think we should wrap up the feast soon and timeskip to the next day.  More info on that in the sign-ups)

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn Venas - Back at his castle with Queen Shiva and Eclaire

 

Jynn was taken by surprise when his mother appears behind him. In an attempt to hide his blind eye, he closes his eye again. Shiva wraps her arms around him tightly, while in return, Jynn embraced her as well. "I'm alright. What makes you think I wouldn't be?"

 

Shiva then asks what the previous situation was. Jynn steps back and lets go of her. "One of the three lost feys, Helios, has survived and returned to the Overworld. He claims that a human king, Alderon, has reached this world." He turns his back to her. "Helios also mentions that the king has used him and one of the other missing feys for their blood and infusing it into humans, giving them supernatural abilities. If what this kid says is true, then I believe this Alderon will continue to hunt down more innocent feys and continue this vile experimentation." He turns his head back to Shiva.

Edited March 15, 2017 by Endless Thundaga

[Elrandir 783]

- Aeternum Siblings - Living Quarters of Kilkes Seres Castle - Helios, Gel, Henry -
Aura was looking around the palace, and boy it was even more impressive than those from the world below. She then heard Helios's voice.
"It's a start," she answered, "but I'm still not that comfortable yet."
Aurion was looking from the balcony at the city, not that different, but still, it was livier than back home.
"The Prince looekd like a nice person," he said calmly, "but one has to wonder what happened to him and how he got those injuries."
The Prince was not well, and both siblings knew that, but being in a foreign world made them think about their movements and the possible issues they could make.
"This place is beautiful," Aura said as she walked towards the balcony, "totally different that any city in the world below."

- Rabiyu - City of Mystras - Alleyways - Following the Knight in red with Alastor -
"Oh? I thought that the witch was dead," Rabiyu said coolly, "How unfortunate. Another complication once all this is over."
The High Elf nodded slowly as Alastor explained the creature in red.
"So, than thing was following the Prince and Alicia," she said, "perhaps it managed to find Alicia before she left the bar that we were at. And the other one too."
Yeah, Baxter would be there with Alicia, but they were probably gone by now, Well, Baxter was, Rabiyu just didn't knew and probably never would. At that moment Rabiyu could listen to screams in the distance, screams and howling.
"Did you heard that?" She asked Alastor, "Is that a normal thing in this city? If not, then I suppose that could be a clue about the whereabouts of our problem."

Edited March 16, 2017 by Elrandir

[Saber Lily 1,543]

-Eclaire: Kilkis Seres-

 

Eclaire was about to answer when Shiva made her appearance. She froze and went to attention, glad Jynn wasn't looking to see her blush. Looking away to try and minimize any awkwardness, she waited until Shiva directed her comments to her. She bowed slightly. "As Prince Jynn said, Helios has returned to the Overworld." She paused...not raising her head. "I wish to put forth my belief in Helios and his story. I understand the want...the desire...to rectify ones mistakes. To be burdened by one's transgressions and wish even death should it give penance. I believe his story." She paused, then answered to Shiva's comment.

 

"I am...unsure of how I fit. I am not used to any form of authority or title beyond mistake, monster, or whore-witch." She stated. "I...will need time...and help." She finally gave eye contact, cheeks still red. Why. Why was she acting so...silly? She was not a child but a fully grown woman. So why...why was a single kiss making her flush? Was it the lifeforce she had? Because it was the Queen? Was sh-

No. She was being silly. The Queen gave her the spark of life for a noble reason - so her life, her legacy, continued no matter what. There was no other reason. None.

 

 

 

But deep down, Eclaire wondered how many lies she would tell herself before the day she died. About her direction. Her life.

Her feelings.

 

How many before she finally was truthful to herself?