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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Jan 18, 2013 19:29:08 GMT -5
"A storm has awoken, Xion...and you are its eye."
The last word echoed as the young woman's ears left her dream and entered into the bed she was given for working at the orphanage. Soli sat up stretched her arms above her head, and fluttered her almost wings clear wings to float to her feet in her groggy morning mood. She rubbed the sleep clear of her eyes with a big yawn, and changed from her white night gown to her black gown and stockings. The last thing she did was place a red peddled lotus in her silvery hair.
The sun hadn't yet risen this morning as she left her room, quite a bit more awake now. Now, more alert, the winged girl tip-toped into the kitchen, so not to waken the children who slept quietly until sunrise. Not to her surprise, her friend Luarieanna was up cutting fruits for the morning porridge. The young lady of half elvin origin was equally if not more fair than her winged friend. Golden hair ran down the length of her back, and she wore a tan sleeveless gown that reached her ankles with a hood on its back for her head. Though her ears were not nearly as crisp as the rest of the elves, she had a very elvin like appearance with her clothes and hair. The human only was shown in her eyes, brown like doe's eyes.
"How fair yee, Luarieanna?" Soli said with a bow of her head.
"How fair yee, Solisalina," she greeted back with a bow and a grin.
Soli giggled checking the kettle above the fire with. .
"My friend," She said after deciding the porridge wasn't burnt yet. "How many a time I have asked of you, and yet your persist in calling me by my lengthy name. I must ask, do you insist on annoying me?" Soli put on a white apron and stood at the counter next to her friend, peeling apples and slicing them into squares excluding the core of course. "You wouldn't want me to talk to your mother now would you?"
"Soli, my word," Luarieanna said acting like she was offended but was obviously amused. "How many times must I tell you? My mother is exceptionally wise at not involving herself in her daughters' affairs, excluding the occasion questioning of becoming a bride and the presenting her with grandchildren of course."
"Ah, this is true indeed," Soli said. "However, if that be the case, perhaps taking you on a flight would teach yee to mind herself?"
"If you even dared, my friend, I believe you'll have to pardon me if we use your bedroom for more children and allow your stay to be continued with the animals."
"This sounds fair, but of course, for I did ask if the room would better serve the young children."
Soli giggled, making a silly face at her friend, and Luarieanna mirrored an equally teasing face back.
"You play a very dirty hand, Soli, for you are far to selfless for me to best yee. Will you always turn my jeers against me that way?"
"Until the life after this one, Luarieanna," Soli said, taking all the chopped fruits to the kettle and mixing them in.
"My word, Solisalina, it amazes me that you had to travel so far away from your home but only to work for a orphanage. How could nay a soul hire such a wisely selfless spirit such as yee's?"
Soli hid her lengthy expression of sadness as she stirred the porridge and remembered the burning of the Temple of Spira, their most treasured temple of their most gracious goddess. She took a long breath, the returned with no motion, the mask to her face.
"It was not that nigh a soul would dare nor could dare hire me," she said standing and facing her friend with the smile she possessed moments before. "I wished to come here, to somewhere isolated and peaceful. If you recall I worked amongst the priestesses of The Cathedral of our Protector Spira, but left upon the request to meet with Captain Rui but a few days."
"Ah I recall this," Luarieanna said, heaviness filling her heart. "You didn't but leave a day out before you had heard. Damn those Draken Demons and their curses upon our peaceful land."
"Aye...damn them," Soli said looking away.
"But fear not, word reaches around that indeed the rumours are true, and Captain Marthlo Rui has taken it upon himself to search out and find the Draken who destroyed the temple of our Goddess. Your friends will be avenged soon enough."
"I prey it truthfully," Soli said softly. Then, again returning the mask to her face she smiled at the friend. "If you'll excuse me my lovely, but I must indeed go and awaken the children."
"But of course Solisalina, my fair fortune follow you through your steps today."
"And perhaps may you follow me on a later hour and seek to court me again?"
Luarieanna blushed redly.
"Perhaps, but may not tonight, however by the eve before the weekend, you should expect such a meeting my love." She said blowing Soli a soft kiss.
"I will then, fair thee well."
And with this Soli left her friend and secret lover's company, going to awaken the children.
* * *
It was far past noon, and the children had already finished their chores and were playing outside in the great plains as Soli watched them from roof of the orphanage house, sitting with her knees brought up and hugged close to her chest. Making sure none wondered off, nor got hurt, nor upset another, Soli could see the entirety of all the dozens of children from the roof, and only she could make it from there in time to fly to their aid. It was then and only then she heard someone open the balcony doors to her right.
Not needing to look, she knew who it was that hopped the rail and sat next to her.
"Nay tonight my princess," came the whisper of Luarieanna.
"A shame truly," Soli answered softly. "I was quite interested in returning to our spot in the barn."
"Aye, you are not alone in feeling so," Luarieanna said. "But mother wishes to meet with me tonight. It seems her years grow too thick and soon she will need to pass on."
"She grows ill?" Soli asked, turning away from the playing children to her friend. Luarieanna hugged her knees mimickedly to Soli, however she stared onwards not really at the children but more beyond. A sigh was the answer, and Soli knew the truth.
"She wishes I to take charge and responsibility for the care of these children," Luarieanna said softly.
"What plagues her?" Soli asked.
"Age, nothing more," Luarieanna answered coldly. "Which precisely be her point."
Soli turned back to the children.
"I worried such an argument would be used against yee," Soli said quietly.
"Aye, twas," Luarieanna scoffed. "'You are but half human, and yet half elf, and even now at an age above thirty you show the youth of Soli who is but barely an adult, nearing her twentieth year.' How could she do this to me? She must know I wish to escape the life I grew up in and adventure with the freedom of birds to wherever I wish the wind to take me." She sat back, letting her legs hang off the edge of the roof. Soli reached to her right and held the hand of her lover.
"So odd they speak truth when opposites attach, for how is it that I who is granted wings could want to stay in place like a stone while you wish so badly to fly have none. If I could get yee my wings to fly, I would do so."
Soli leaned over and kissed the cheek of the half-elf. Luarieanna smiled at Soli and kissed her lips in return.
"Thank you Soil," she said.
"Perhaps I dare suggest a hide and seek?" Soli said smiling mischievously.
"Soli, my word, dare yee suggesting playing hooky from my mother?"
"Aye, perhaps even to court your princess?"
"Aye, but dare not we go to the barn, she will not only find me but find us."
"We dare go to Sarik."
"The woods?"
"Aye."
Luarieanna thought on this for a moment.
"Come to my window after the young ones sleep?"
"I shall my lovely."
They kissed and Luarieanna stood up.
"I must pardon myself, for I will need to choose the chores that keep me far from my mother indeed."
"Aye, and here I stay to watch the lambs play."
"Fair steps of fortune to follow thee," Luarieanna said with a bow.
"And to thee."
The half-elf climbed over the railing of her balcony and went inside blowing Soli one last kiss before disappearing. Soli smiled and turned back to the children. However she quickly noticed their unusual behaviour. Not one was playing or running or laughing or speaking. They all were silent, looking up to the West. Soli's eyes followed their stare, and she gasped.
You! she thought as she saw the horse riding group, wielding flags of the emperor with Captain Marthlo Rui at their lead.
I prey you haven't found me....
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Feb 2, 2013 23:25:36 GMT -5
She had always despised the morning time gruel that was served to the children at the orphanage. To her it was as though they were some sort of cattle, being raised to be slaughtered. But then again, since that attrocious incident, she had consistantly thought of people as cattle. She listened to the inane prattle of the other children around her, all so eager for their chance to play later on in the day. Quickly gobbling up their gruel as if it was the most delicious thing they had ever had the chance to taste. She couldn't really undesrtand why, it tasted bland. Often times what she found herself doing was forcing herself to down a whole bowl, lest she simply starve. Today though, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She had an uncanny sense of dread due to her dream last night. It had been her in the field outside the orphanage. The place was set ablaze and all the children were dead around her. She knew it was just her nerves, an echo of the past, but she couldn't shake the sense of dread it left her with.
She waited, wallowing in her dread and discomfort before rising with the other children and leaving to go about her chores. The first task of the day was perhaps her favorite. Clean the bed, and assist in washing dishes. She always found such tasks relaxing in their simpicity.Unfortunatley such tasks never lasted long. Sooner than she had hoped, the tasks were all done and she was herded out with the others into the feild. She was never really one for play.
As such she wandered over to her favorite spote, a small bench upon which she would often sit and watch the others from afar. Her only real company with such things was the wind, which always felt the need to claw its fingers around her hair, planting the long silver strands square into her face, as she tried without success to push them back behind her ear. Whenever she grew tired of looking at the children, from the corner of her eye she would look up to the top of the orphanage, where she had learned that the overlookers of the place would watch over their flock. And through observation, she had learned something of interst. The two of them seemed to have romantic feelings in some shape of form. That or their customs were odd. She had never quite been sure as to which. But the kiss she observed upon that day, definately struck her was one of passion rather than one of greeting or farewell.
And then it happened...a silence overcame the other children and she turned to see what was with the silence. Her heart nearly stopped as she slowly rose from her positon, horror striking for a moment across her eyes as she took in the armored men. "No...." the word was a soft whisper quickly overtaken not only by the whisperes of the wind, but by the clanking of the army. She found herself backing away, images of the night her family died flooding back to the fore-front of her mind like rats fleeing a sinking ship. "No. No No, not here." she continued to back up, searching the recesses of her mind for a place to hide.
----------
She had been following them for about two days now, and she had only been caught at the begging of the first day. A grin overtook her face at how much better she was getting. Her dear sweet uncle didn't even know she was still following him even after he had told her to go home. She rested in a tree, off to the side of the orphange place the army had marched to, and watched, a hood keeping her lock red locks from standing out too much in the green of the tree. The wings of her feathers ruffled slightly with her anticipation as she simulationously ajusted the bow on her back, the quiver next to it clinking softly. It was the thing that had given her away on the first day, but she felt she was far enough away right now to risk making a slight bit of noise. She was curious as to why her uncle always went on these hunts for draken so far away. It was silly to her, considering. Her eyes shifted over the crowed below her. A bunch of children and two caretakers from what she could see. What did they hope to find her? Surely they didn't suspect one of the children?
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Feb 3, 2013 1:46:09 GMT -5
The sound of rustling was not unnoticed by Captain Marthlo Rui, however he ignored it for the time.
The strait faced, strong man turned to another knight.
"Sir Thog," he said.
"Yes M'Lord?" the knight answered, straightened himself upon being spoken to.
"Go now and speak with the caretakers of this Orphanage. Ask them if we may rest here while searching the near by land for others who might know her wear abouts. Tell them we only be planing on staying for less than a fortnight."
"Yes M'Lord," Sir Thog said but Captain Rui held out his hand to make him wait.
"Take the group with you, I'll stand by and await your answer."
"Is that wise M'Lord? To be left by yeeself in such dark and cruel times?"
But Captain Rui only smiled.
"I won't be alone Sir Thog," he said with a glance to the forest behind. Sir Thog gave a solute and took himself and the other four knights down the hill.
"What am I going to do with you Aeris? No use hiding I know you're there. And you shouldn't be. So to save ourselves the embarrassment come out of hiding now, young lass."
They came down the hill, all but Captain Rui of course. With no weapons drawn and still waving their flags. Not a charge then. Thank Spira it isn't a charge. If so it meant one thing they knew she was here and for good measure they were to kill all in the orphanage to prevent Soli's escape. No, it was clear Rui did not even suspect any Draken to be here at all.
As they scaled the hill movement caught her eye's corner and she saw one of the older ones, Selina, backing slowly from the sight of Captain Marthlo Rui. Is it possible? Soli pondered silently but quickly dismissed it. Marthlo was very absolute before The Draken too. It was said when invaders threatened Lenutharia's boarder Captain Rui would kill anyone, even children to keep order.
No right now it was the knights who brought a message that interested her most. They stopped just short of the entrance. Luarieanna nor her mother stood to greet them, which meant it fell upon Soli's shoulders to speak with them. The knights knew this too, they were sharp. One looked at her and spoke through his protection mask.
"Fair maiden, we are Captain Marthlo Rui's band of humble knights, seeking a fugitive Draken that word has escaped might be in the area here. The one we seek is responsible for the destruction of The Cathedral of Spira near the great city Nightlelily."
"Aye, we have heard such a honourable mission has been accepted by the great and noble captain. I may insist that amongst our orphans such a fugitive does not dwell nor hide. Be perhaps a reason that differs from yee speaking to me at this time then?"
"Aye, there be. Captain Rui seeks your permission to stay here as a resting spot while we search the forest nearby."
"I understand, but Sir Knight, this is not something you can ask me. I am but a guest here as well, earning my keep by working for the mistress. I will have to bring it up with her. If I may ask, Sir Knight, how long perhaps would you be staying?"
"My Lord says less than a fortnight."
"I will speak with her, Sir Knight. Wait here if you would."
And so Soli went inside, fluttering her wings to raise her into the window of her lover's room.
"Oh for the love of Spira, could today get worse?" She said with a sigh, and quickly ran through the halls seeking her lover. It did not take her long to find her. Luarieanna was just closing the door to leave her sick mother to sleep as Soli rounded the corner seeing the half-elf. She was so anxious she nearly missed Luarieanna wiping a tear from her cheek.
"Solisalina what be this? You are drenched with sweat, is all well? Are you ill?"
"Nay, Luarieanna. Captain Marthlo Rui stands but upon the field's hill. He and his band ask for safety and stay while they search for the fugitive Draken. Doth your mother sleep in her illness?"
"Nay, she does not sleep, nare again shall she."
Soli, confused and concerned quickly exclaimed, "What do you mean?"
"Soli...she's dead."
Soli gasped. Luarieanna cried. Soli held her and calmed her quickly.
"His Knight waits your answer," Soli said.
"Solisalina, I could not--"
"Your mother has passed, aye? I can speak to him, explain this and ask he attempts to find another home."
"But Solisalina, he is Captain Rui."
"Aye. I will tell him to give us three nights. He will listen, he has to honour the law that is written for it."
"I understand...may I ask you speak with him."
Soli sighed and nodded.
"Though it'd be better if yee spoke with him, I understand and will do so."
Luarieanna embraced Soli. Thank you, the action said. Soli hugged Luarieanna with the same tight strength.
Luck be on my side, thank you for that. Could it be that only death would time so well?
- - - - - - -
"The mistress is dead, she had been ill for some time, Sir Knight. She died this morn, but only a few moments ago. She left all to her daughter, and in her grief, her daughter asks to decline, insisting upon it and offers in three days the same offer if yee still need such an offer."
Soli again called from out the same window. The knights turned it over in their heads for a moment, the finally Sir Thog looked up and answered.
"I will speak it to our Captain and if he will it it shall be done."
And then they rode off, what luck could be better? It seemed to good to be true.
Perhaps it was though.... Soli thought as she remembered the flames of the temple.
They were hers then too.
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Feb 3, 2013 11:30:10 GMT -5
Anxiety threatened to tear a hole in her throat as panic overtook her thoughts. She needed to get somewhere to hide...but if she ran she would draw their attention. She needed to do something...go somewhere, anywhere really but right here. Yet there was no where to go in such an open feild. She was trapped, and she knew it. In her mind's eye all she could see was the face of her mother smiling as she had pushed her into the cabinent under the sink-her smiling face as she said everything would be okay, before turning around and rising up just in time for the door to the kitchen to be burst upon with a tremendous force. Angry voices flitted through the air as one man grabbed her mother and threw her to the ground. They all must die to be certain he had said. And then, swifter than it should have been possible she was looking her mother in the eyes as a blade was run through her chest, blood splattering everywhere. She watched with horror as the life in her mother's eyes and face had drained away so easily.
The memory somehow calmed her, made her quiet as she lowered her head in sorrow. She watched anxiously, and slightly detatched as the soldiers marched passed them and up to the home of her caretakers. And she waited with a lump of fear in her heart as she observed the caretaker with wings like a fairy disapear inside for a time, leaving her and the other children alone with these...murderous carnivors.
THe relief she felt though as they withdrew, could not be properly measured by any standard. She wondered what Caretaker Soli had even said to them to cause them to leave so. ----- She watched the army approach the orphanage minus one important officiar and instantly she cursed softly under her breath. She knew she had been caught even before he had called out to her. He was clever this one. Then again it was to be expected considering his relation to her mother, who was a great tactician.
With a slight groan she jumped down from her perch in the trees, wings spread to slow her descent as she let gravity do its work. "Good Uncle, for how long have yee known?" she couldn't keep the dissapointment out of her voice at being caught, nor could she keep away the slight pout. If he had known for a good long while, then she was no better than before. Slender fingers pulled back the hood, letting loose her long red locks into the wind as she folded her arms awaiting her answer, her eyes flitting over for but a moment to observe the actions of the chidren and the caretaker who was still outside. "Furthermore, pray tell why come to a house for the orphaned? Sure youngling are not under suspicion."
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Feb 3, 2013 11:55:27 GMT -5
The captain laughed at his niece's questions. He turned towards the orphanage taking down his armoured mask to see with clear eyes.
"The priestess who destroyed The Cathedral of Spira was reported fleeing into the forest. However 'fore we began our pursuit, word had reached Nightlelily that she had made it through the forest and was, on foot, running towards the town Crull, but less than a day's journey. A child would have a much harder time making that run on her own." He looked at his niece then, with a concerned look, the one he had always when it came to duty. "But not impossible, and even less so when the child is Draken." A sigh exited his lips. "However I will say I do not suspect a single soul here of being Draken. Most here are but too young to even feel the curse itself. Nay I only intend to use the well placement of this home to search the nearby towns, for there are eight villages in less than a day's walk, half a day's ride from here. It works as a very suitable home base." With that he laughed. "And we'll need somewhere you, my Niece, can sleep. And yes, you can stop worrying. You're getting better." He winked.
His riders began riding the hill back to them.
"Oh good, here comes Sir Thog with the caretaker's answer."
Soli, sighing in relief as they left, turned her attention to Selina. She was different from most children, and naturally her reclusive behaviour reminded Soli of herself. She floated down gently sitting on the ground slight behind her, hoping it would be unnoticed.
"Selina," she said softly. "You have seen his face before haven't you?" Before she could answer Soli pushed a finger to her lips. "The Mother of Luarieanna has passed from her illness, and in such times the law commands a three day sanctuary rights where no soldier can step foot in the home of such an occurrence. Luarieanna has not become Head Caretaker, however I couldn't but help to notice...well you are a hard working maiden and play time seems to be a dreadful time. You are older than most too, so maybe, since the duties will now be even more for myself and Luarieanna, I could speak to her and see if she would allow yee to be a Caretaker too?" she inhaled briefly. "But only if it pleases yee."
She fell silent, awaiting her answer, but as she did her eyes slowly scanned the horizon where the knights rode up to their Captain. Animosity filled her chest, it was too hard to breath. Calm Solisalina, calm. You cannot lose control here and now...think of the children.
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Feb 3, 2013 17:48:49 GMT -5
She honestly couldn't understand what was so funny about her inquiry when he laughed. It was a simple enough question. Though the reason he did certainly came to life with his sentence. They were tracking the one that destroyed a temple, of course. He said he couldn't imagine anyone here being the culprit, but she knew better. He always, in some form, suspected everyone, except for those who were related to him. It was a fact she knew well enough, just as she knew it took a loss of control for a draven hunt to begin. And then all forms of doubt left her, replaced by joy at his words. She got to not only stay, but she was getting better. She jumped up, flaping her wings once as she rose a hand into the air. "Awesome. Thank you thank you." ------ Selina nearly jumped as Soli's voice echoed next to her. She had been preparing for the end, and had lost all sense of her surroundings. She looked down and away from her at her inquiry. She had indeed seen that man before. Oh had she seen him before. And then she felt the soft carress of her finger agains her lips, and her gaze returned to caretaker Soli's. The matron had passed? And...she wished her to be a caretaker like her? She was speachless for a time as her purple orbs looked into Soli's. "Do...yee really think...I would be able to?" she couldn't see herself caring for others. After all, her first instinct in the sign of danger was to run away, to flee. To hide. If she had to look after those under her care...she wasn't sure she could.
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Feb 3, 2013 19:37:31 GMT -5
((I had permission of Yami to Powerplay Aeris and Selina the way I did))
She was startled by the question. It echoed within Soli's ears. "Do...yee really think....I'd be able to." The sound of her voice, frail and scare. A child said this, not a young adult like that of Selina's age. So she has met him before... she thought looking back up to the Captain of the Genocide. His horsemen weren't long away before meeting him again.
Soli stood up, and brushed off her skirts.
"Life is about choices, Selina," Soli said softly. "I can tell yee this, for a long time, and this I see, yee have had no choices of your very own. Life has been cruel here, to people that have been hurt before. Hurt attacks hurt. It is why you seek refuge in cleaning and cooking and washing, for what you truly seek is solitude and peace." She sighed "I never found them, I chose them. One day yee'll have to chose them too. So yes, I believe yee can."
Her eyes startled.
"Beg Spira, no...." she said as she watched all of the horsemen, including Captain Rui scale the hill with haste. "Go inside, Selina...Yee need not deal with this bunch...I can handle them."
"Now don't be thanken me yet. You will have to make it up, say by doing the very chore you loath the most for a month when we return to--"
"Captain Rui!" called out Sir Thog.
"Aye, what is it Sir Thog?" the captain asked.
"According to the caretaker girl, the owner passed but moments ago and she asks the right of three days."
"Moments ago? And you agreed?"
"I told her I would speak with you, M'Lord."
"M'Lord if I may?" Began Sir Dusk, a very intelligent yet greedy knight, one that Rui brought along only so he could try and catch in an attempted murder charge. It was months ago that Sir Dusk first attempted to remove Captain Rui from his state of power, and he has tried every manipulative trick in the book since. Rui gestured for him to speak. "Given the status of crisis in the land, Martial law could be considered appropriate here."
"Aye, Sir Dusk," Began Sir Thog. "But if yee remembers, Martial law is not declared by The Emperor and has not been since two months ago."
"And how few know this, Sir Thog?" Sir Dusk asked. "If your captain remembers how few are informed in understand the law, a simple discussion would be enough, perhaps an attempt to force their hand in allowing us passage in the home?"
"Aye that would work," said Sir Gona, a noble and pure knight. "If of course the lass hadn't already declared three days."
"And what of it?" Sir Rolland asked, a faithful knight to Sir Dusk. "She knows the laws abiding to death and sanctuary? What orphanage isn't practised in that law?"
"I agree," said the swing vote, Sir Robin, who was neither aware of the attentive treasons of Sir Dusk nor favoured Captain Rui over any other knight. "If she insists in understanding the law farther, she may be suspected of being the Priestess Draken."
Captain Rui pondered on all that was said.
"M'Lord you cannot be seriously considering this can yee?" Asked Sir Thog.
"Aye, M'Lord," Sir Gona said. "Time may be troubled but we must stand to honour. That is what makes us knights, even in dark time we stay true to the tradition of purity and nobility."
Captain Rui sighed. He smiled at Sir Gona as if to say thank you.
"Alright men, we will attempt to negotiate with her to seek proof of this claim, however no matter why or why not, unless she draws upon us or the children unleash arrows from the windows, upon my command we will leave for three days and return on the fourth. Am I understood."
"Aye M'Lord," all his knights said. He turned to Aeris. "Yee can scale the hill with us, however if you are to stay you will abide by anything I say, understand? One slip up and I will send yee home in shackles with Sir Robin!"
The horses slid to a stop right in front of Soli. She stared, standing strong. She had ushered the children inside the house by now, shepherding them to safety. And here she stood to face the wolves.
But the Alpha-Male wolf, did not speak first.
"Maiden of Fairy, I am Sir Gona," The Knight began. "We ask that in these dark times for understanding above all. We understand what yee have said about the death of the caretaker, it just seems to us that if she died but moments ago--"
"We believe yee to be lying," another spat. "Forgive me little lass, but I, Sir Roland, do not believe a word that has been said by yee."
"I apologize for speaking the truth, Sir Roland," Soli said with assertion. "I understand the darkness of these times, but according to the law yee must abide by the three day rules of sanctuary."
"Little lass," Sir Roland pressed. "There is but no proof, neither have we to see a body nor this daughter of which yee speaks."
"There be no proof that Goddess Spira created all, yet we believe it's truth," Soli insisted. "Upon this law of three days, it's creation not in the name of proof or courts and crime but in the name of faith and life."
"This is an outrage," said another named Sir Dusk, Soli knew from the story of his accusing of being treacherous against Captain Rui. "We demand to see the proof, either show us the daughter or the body of her mother!"
"And I will abide by neither, Sir Knight," Soli said with spite. "Fore when did the day come when the knights of our kingdom Lenutharia betrayed the goddess which this kingdom founded itself? Have yee no honour?"
Sir Roland drew his sword and pointed it to press against Soli's throat.
"Ift I were yee, I'd be careful of what yee says in such dark time, little lass."
His words were ice cold.
"Ift I were yee, I'd remember that the emperor retracted Martial law but two months ago and breaking the law of three days sanctuary is a crime worthy of death, Sir Roland the Dishonourable."
Her words were colder still. Sir Roland raised his blade to strike, but Captain Rui's command to cease still spoke with enough strength to cease the swing mid flow.
"Sir Roland," Captain Rui said at last, moving his horse to stand between Soli and Roland. "If I were yee, I would recall my place before I did such a dishonourable act and forced my captains hand to put myself to death for it."
"Apologise M'Lord," Sir Roland said re-sheathing his blade. Captain Rui turned his head to Soli.
"Fair Maiden," he began. "Though I understand your reasons for mistrusting one of short temper, I must insist he has a strong argument. I would like again to request to see proof of this."
"Enough!" came the voice Soli hoped not to speak. Luarieanna stepped out of her home, tears still fresh on her face. "Captain Marthlo Rui, I am Luarieanna, daughter of the deceased and now owner of this orphanage. When I heard you were to hunt down the traitor Draken who destroyed The Might Cathedral of Spira I believe we as a people could not hope for better and yet by the actions I see before me I see why there are those who do not see that faith in yee. What Solisalina has said is true, now I order yee, in the name of Spira and by the laws of Sanctuary, to leave this home at once according to the the right of three days! You have your proof captain, now go!"
Soli stared at her lover, wide eyed with fear from the sudden wrath she unleashed. Captain Rui did so as well. He then bowed his head to Luarieanna and without another word gestured his knights to leave at once, which they all did.
Soli looked back at Luarieanna, but Luarieanna only stared them down until they were will hidden by the shroud of the forest. Finally she looked at Soli, her eyes tearing and her face and lip trembling. They embraced at once. But, holding each other for comfort.
"Soli," whispered Luarieanna. "She's here...the traitor Draken who destroyed the Cathedral....she's here in this house."
"Sir Roland," Captain Rui ordered. "If yee ever draws like that again, I will find my blade run threw yee chest."
A grunt came as Sir Roland's answer.
Sir Thog spoke softly. "What are your orders Captain?"
Captain Rui sighed.
"We seek a tavern in Crull for the time, until the fourth morning when we seek to return. Her name, Solisalina was it? I recall this name...somewhere. Anyways, for the time being you Aeris will be dealing with a room with...Aeris...for the devil's sake where is she now?"
"She's not here M'Lord!" exclaimed Sir Gona.
"She must be back at the Orphanage," exclaimed Sir Dusk. "We shall go back for her!"
"Nay!" Captain Ruin comanded. The men went silent. Sir Dusk spoke first.
"But M'Lord, she may be hurt or trapped or--"
"The law stands," Captain Rui spat bitterly. "She'll have to be safe there for the next three days. Come!"
"I found this in the halls," Luarieanna said to Soli. It was night and the children were asleep. Luarieanna handed Soli a letter. It was one Soli had already seen, one that if the knights found it and traced it to her she would be hung. "Read it."
Soli quietly opened the letter she had read dozens of times, and whispered it outloud.
"Dear, Mistress Draken of Sun's own Soul, You do not know me, but I know you and I have seen your power. You are extremely rare even amongst the Draken, and here I stare at you, but a mere child in the scheme of all, using a power you cannot control. I will ensure your safety at all times, little sun, at the cost of your submission to my power. That is all. Though be warned, you can run from me, you can deny me, but I am always, always watching you. Even now as you read this, I see you. Your humble admirer. Voidra"
Soli sighed.
"How did you find it?" she asked.
"One of the girls said she saw Selina reading it earlier this morning," Luarieanna whispered. Soli's eyes widened briefly. If that is true, Selina must have found it amongst my belongings. It means Selina knows by now who I am. She looked at Luarieanna.
"Luarieanna," she said softly. "This be neither the right time nor the right place? Your mother has passed, you are now owner of this orphanage--"
"How can you see these words?" Luarieanna demanded. "Whom ever it is, if it's Selina or someone else, they murdered thousands and destroyed your home. How can you deny yourself the chance to avenge it all?"
"Vengeance breads vengeance," Soli said. "And hatred breads hatred. I have forgiven the one who did this to I, as you should as well?"
"Forgive a draken?" Luarieanna cried. "How could I?"
"Because we're people too!" Soli cried.
Silence followed. Just silence. Soli stared wide eyed at what she had said, then she looked down upon the floor.
"I should have told you...." she said softly.
"You're the one who..." Luarieanna said gasping.
"I can't control what my powers do...I never could...."
"You're...you're...." she began to panic.
"Yes I am...and I hate myself everyday for it! I hate myself!"
Luarieanna gulped, but her panic ceased. She turned and left.
"Luarieanna wait--"
"No!" she ordered, turned back to Soli. "I need time...I just need time to think...so just leave me alone for now!"
The slam of her door hurt like a hammer to her heart. Silence was all she knew...silence. Soli pawed at the letter in her hand. Her wings dropped as she sat at the table and leaned her head down on her arms. And as she sat there, with more sorrow than her heart could bare, like the note said she did feel watched.
"Xion...whoever you are...if you be watching I now...leave me alone...."
And as if to answer her, a voice in Soli's head whispered: "Nevermore...."
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Feb 4, 2013 11:50:11 GMT -5
Her words echoed in her ears, and stung at her conscious like wasps. 'One day, yee'll gave ti chose...'. An inescapable fate she supposed. But one she most certainly wanted to put off as long as possible. She looked down to the side in thought when her next words rang through her ears. 'go inside.' She looked up sharply to see the approaching forces and nodded. There was no need to beckon her twice at this point. She wished Caretaker Soli well before runing towards the door, holding it open for the other children, who by this point were also heading for it. She gave one look back at Soli, her gaze lingering for a time before she shut the door and went with the others through the hallways. Or she did for a time at least. She eventually found herself unable to quell the urge to hide...so she took off down a hallway at random, looking for anything with which she could hide.
While searching, she noted that there was a bang sound coming from around yet another corner, a door infact. Curios, if only just, she catiously opened the door by a crack. She saw nothing at first, so she cracked the door more, inch by inch. The room looked to be a caretaker's room. And in the middle of the floor, there was a note, and a lamp that must have been overturned by...something. Carefully she ventured in, going to pick up the lamp, the note a secondairy thought. As she sat the lamp back up, she jumped in time with a loud bang. Turning she noted that the door had seemingly shut itself. In a hurry she jumped up, hands unitentionally clasping the note as she ran up to the door, opened it and ran as fast as she could back from where she had come.
It wasn't long there after that Selina was caught, and the note confiscated from her by another student as she was placed under watch. She wasn't sure why she was palced under watch, hell she hadn't even read the scrap of paper, so perhaps there was something on there that was...incrimidating? A thoguht which only served to increase her anxiety. --- She held back a little bit as the army marched down the hill, an impish urge to investigate ahead of time rising within her. Slowly she crept more and more to the side of the group, finally bolting towards the side of the builiding when she felt both sides were too busy quarrelling to notice. She poke her head out around a corner in orther to confirm either her success or failure; a smirk tugged at her lips as she realized her mission had been a success. She looked up towards a window, and grined yet again. There were several open windows. Perfect. With a single flap, her wings pushed her up to the seocnd story window, through which she entered landing in a crouched position supported by her right hand. Here she paused, waiting and listening for any that might be in the area. Silence. Her grin grew wider as she started to investigate the rooms of the building. The first several rooms were nothing of consiuqence. There were clothes, a few books. The next room however was far more intriguing. There was a desk, filled with papers, and a couch too. A proper dresser, and some odd drawings and painting lined the walls. She closed the door behind her, so that she would have some kind of warning if people arrived, before walking over to examine the images. Nothing too special really, for most of them seemed to be painted by children, likely here at this orphange. "What vivid artist yee have here." she whispered the sarcastic thought aloud before turning towards the desk. And indeed the desk was far mroe interesting. She filed through all the pappers, skipping the ones that were too long, until she came across one in particular. "Dear, Mistress Draken of Sun's own Soul, You do not know me, but I know you and I have seen your power. You are etremely rare even amongst the Draken, and here I stare at you, but a mere child in the scheme of all, using a power you cannot control. I will ensure your safety at all times, little sun, at the cost of your submission to my power. That is all. Though be warned, you can run from me, you can deny me, but I am always, always watching you. Your humbkle admirer, Voidra." She began backing up as she recognized that name...and the overall format. She had found such letters before. One in particular though this one reminded her of...and it freaked her out a little bit. Whomever this belonged to...was also a target of this colllector. BANG. A noise which caused her to jump forward and drop the letter. In her dismay she had knocked over a lamp, and with the sound camp footsteps, hurriedly approaching her location. With a soft curse she moved over to the door, hiding beside it, so that when whoever was comming entered, she could easily leave, and close the door behind them. And someone did indeed come in, though, someone who she was not expecting. A young women, who seemed fairly skittish entered the room, her long silver strands making her look other than her face would suggest. She didn't see the eyes, but she could tell from her posture alone, that an anxiety danced in her eyes. She obsereved for but a moment as the girl slowly put the lamp back, and realized that this was her chacne of escaping undetected. She swiftly ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her, before bolting into another, not closing the door all the way. She watched as the girl ran out of the room, and with horror realized that the girl was now in possession of the only evidence she had found. Wonderful. She didn't dare chase her down, even though she very well could have. Instead she resolved to wander the hallways, aiming to overhear any useful information she could find.
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Feb 21, 2013 17:36:44 GMT -5
She had left her note for Selina to meet with her about half an hour ago, and though she did suspect the possibility of one of the soldiers' staying behind that moved the note instead, it wasn't enough of a possibility for her to count on someone watching them. The moon was high and most of the house was far asleep. And yet, her Solisalina sat on her spot of the roof, but closer to Salina's own room balcony. She remembered the note's text well.
Come meet me below your window, your work as a shepherd begins tonight. --Soli
Soli knew probably a half hour was left before she would expect the young one's arrival. After her argument with Laurieanna, Soli had been silent. Not just of mouth, but of though, or mood. She had cleared Salina's name, but filled it with her own. It would not be long before a soldier or Captain Rui himself found out. She prayed he wouldn't.
"Not for my sake...but for theirs...please they have had hardships enough...the last thing they need is for me to be suspected of being a Draken...they'll all be murdered...probably...unless they believe it is just me...all of these children..." She sighed and fell silent, her face falling into her hands as her watchful eyes leaked like a waterfall.
Twenty minutes till Salina was told to come, something moved beside her.
"It is a pity isn't it?" A voice said from Soli's right, though it sounded much more like two voices in unison than one. Two golden glowing orbs appears looking at her, but a foot away. They were attached to a creature, one made of complete shadow and smoke, though it took a very humanoid form. It appeared as female, given the way her hair fell long and the form of her body. On her hands were very long claws and they drummed against the roofing, making a sound like metal clinging upon metal each time they struck. "This whole world, corrupted, destroying it's most beautiful entities. I have seen many worlds in my life, Solisalina, but none has dark and cold as yours."
Soli looked up, her eyes still filled with tears and her cheeks with fresh stains. She stared in wonder at this shadowy creature.
"Who are you...?" she asked, and as if by design followed with, "How do you know my name?"
The entity giggled loudly, and coldly as her first answer. Within her laughing mouth, darkness even deeper than her shadowy form was seen behind razor sharp teeth.
"You know who I am, Soli" she said once she had satisfied her laughter. "You've read my note but a dozen times, haven't you." she smiles and leaned forward, towards Soli looking into her eyes. "And you therefore know how I know who you are."
"Then what do you want with me?" she asked, sternly, strongly. Looking deep into the gold glowing of the entity Voidra's eyes with nothing except challenge and standing strong confidence glowing from her own.
But Voidra only laughed, she couldn't help herself but do so.
"I knew it was wise to pick you," she said coldly. "After you are definitely a traveller. Not even an entire minute has gone by since I came to speak to you and you have already lost your native poetic tongue, odd isn't it?" Her laughter roared yet again as Soli touched her mouth realizing she was speaking very differently. "You're far too much, Soli child. But it seems you don't know your own purpose, do you?"
She stood strait, but only floated. No wings kept her up, not wind. She just floated there, starting at the Lenuthrian Kingdom as far as the roof would allow her to see.
"Just look at it," she said gesturing with her hands to the land before her. "A kingdom ruled by an emperor of such kindness, such grace, such wisdom only to be turned into a gaming ground where hunters wield spears and sword, killing the most valuable group of entities known in this world, and perhaps any other. The Draken, the only race of beings in all worlds known to posses the Nexian Key at birth within their souls. How odd that their people, their world's people only seek their death just as the Nexus begins to awaken, don't you agree? Can't you hear it's stirring, Soli? Can't you hear the timeless realm, the gate way to all worlds awakening. Soon it will be opened fully but only to those who posses the keys." She smiled, floating slightly away from the roof. She turned back to Soli with a grin of pure selfish behaviour. "Why do I want you, Solisalina, Draken Butterfly Fairy? Isn't it obvious?" She moved towards Soli, seductively taking Soli's chin in her hand, slowly letting her clawed yet soft for the time fingers caress Soli's arm and chin. "Because, you are a Draken that holds the power of all forms of a sun or a star." She whispered in a very seductive tone.
And Soli pushed her away, shoving both arms at the smoky entity. A look of surprise at it's working glowed widely from Voidra's eyes as she fell backwards a few yard, still floating in air. Her face was of disgust and surprise only. And Soli stood up, clenching her fist."If you knew anything about me, you'd know this, I never will use my powers again!" she yelled, staring at Voidra with anger and confidence. Her arms began to glow, and her wings too. Soli's eyes became fearful and she knelt down at once. "Don't lose control, don't lose control." she repeated over and over again. When she had calmed herself and stopped the glowing, she opened her eyes once more. Voidra was no where to be seen. She sighed in relief and looked to the moon. Five minutes were remaining before Salina was supposed to be there. Good, time enough to meditate. Soli said, moving to sit cross-legged, beginning her meditation.
But her thoughts could not be silenced. All she could think of was what Voidra said about the Nexus, and the keys and the Draken. She had so many questions and she feared what those questions would be answered with.
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Feb 27, 2013 14:43:40 GMT -5
When another child had come and let her go, she had to admit she was very sheepish to go anywhere at first, suspecting them all of having a trap planned. Apparently it was a foolish notion, for nothing happened for the rest of that day, other than when she bumped into a very flustered Caretaker Soli on her way to her own room. They both said nothing to one another, though she did glance at her as she left, wonderng why she was so flustered. Was she flustered? She couldn't really tell, but she thought she looked it. With a slight shrug, barely noticable, she went into her room, leaving the door ajar behind her, unaware of the eyes that were watching her as it neared the wall closest to her door. There was a note on her bed, and as long slender fingers wrapped around it, she noted imediately whose handwriting it belonged to. Caretaker Soli wished to meet with her sometime after dinner. She faintly wondered what she could want, but didn't dwell on it too much. Instead she let her thin frame collapse onto her bed, her gaze up at the ceiling as her bed gave a slight creaking protest to the sudden weight upon it. A movement out of the corner of her eye, as well as the slight creak of her door made her look up just in time to see a flash of black rush out her room. She instantly sat up, her heart rate elavated as she stood. "Um...how fair yee?" She really wasn't sure what else to say as she cautiously approached the door. Surely it must have been one of the children, likely mucking about to cause some manner of trouble. Yet as she neared the door, she saw nothing, nor a trace of anyone, save a single black feather which was resting in the hallway. " Huh?" her nimble fingers wrapped around the feather, soft eyes examining its features. Was there a bird in the building? Was that what she had seen? -------
That had been far too close for comfort. She had been following the Caretaker of this place for some time now, curious if she, another winged creature, was the owner of the note she had caught a glimpse of. She had lost sight of her though, and had wandered into the room she was just in, only to find another note. At least she now knew where she could find the Caretaker. She was going to meet with the silver haired girl sometime soon. The grin that overtook her lips grew with the knowledge that no one yet knew she was here, aside from the army that is. Her absence was surely noticed by her uncle. He was sharp that one. "Just a bit longer, and I can get to the bottom of things." she ducked down another hallway, popping out a window at the end, into the night air. It clawed cooling against her skin and hair as she dropped down to the ground. She then wove her way back around towards where the girl's room had been, approximately. She would spy from below, her wings raised above her head to cloak her presence, if they were to look down. She had just rounded the corner when she felt it, the overbearing presence of something. It was soffocating, and the energy about the area was protesting it's very presence. Something was here, and it wasn't good. ---------
Selina was laying down upon her bed, muling over the note, the feather tucked lightly into her right sleeve. A frown graced her face the more she thought about the turmoil the note brought about. A caretaker...she wasn't sure if she was made for such a task. Surely someone else would be more suited? Afterall, the last thought on her mind when danger arose was others, where as the first thought was usually to find a place to hide. Though...perhaps she could learn? " How doth one change the very fabirc that makes their being whole?" another sigh. It was a question she couldn't quite answer, nor did she care to. She would have to inquire to Caretaker Soli when she met with her, why she wished her of all people to become a caretaker. 20 minutes till she was to meet her, and something in the air was off. She felt it, deep within her gut, that something was in the area, that likely shouldn't be. "What is...this feeling?" it felt like something was both watching her, and at the same time, searching. It wasn't so strong that she felt the urge to run, but it was enough to make her sit up, and search around her room.
On the ground below her balcony, and a littl to the right, Aeris was asking herself a similar question. She could feel the presnece, and the energy deep within her, that she had burried away so long ago started to stir. Whatever this presence belonged to, was suffocating,and perhaps a little displeased. She glanced upwards towards the roof to try and get some manner of look at whatever was the source of the feeling, but another, brighter energy source soon pushed it away, before itself dispersing into the night. "What pray tell...?"
"Caretaker?" Selina was out on the balcony now, looking up towards the roof. Five minutes till she was to meet with Caretaker soli, but something within her demanded that she go now to meet with her. Something was very wrong, though she didn't know quite why she felt such.
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Feb 27, 2013 15:37:32 GMT -5
((I had Yami's Permission to PP Aeris))
She was silent for only a moment in her meditation when Selina's voice awoke her form it. She slowly opened one eye, then the other and turned still sitting cross legged to face her little friend.
"Hello Selina."
Her voice calm and peaceful and maybe even slightly excited to share her task with her hopefully future fellow Caretaker. However this excitement was probably more that she did not have to face the task alone. She bowed her head slightly to the young one, her smile of reassuring hope.
"Tonight begins the three days of morning for Laurieanna's mother," she continued. "We, as caretakers are responsible for the rituals such at this. Tonight is the most important one. Her body must be moved into the fields on a bed of sticks and hay for tomorrow we will bury her in the fires of Spira."
She was beginning to realize very quickly Voidra's warning of her tongue had stayed strong. Her normal tense of speaking was still different. And the questions of why rang out loud to her. What is it? What is the Nexus? Her concern and confusion was well hidden to Selina's eyes...she hoped. And if any others watched she also hoped it true as well.
"It requires two people to do this ritual," she continued. "Both must help move the body, cleanse the grounds where Spira has taken her fallen with her holy oils, and sing the song of passing as the dawn rises tomorrow to awaken the children. It will take the remainder of the night."
She smiled again with a slight softness more and a touch of sadness.
"I hope I can count on your help."
Help. As the word rolled from her mouth, a single tear echoed the sound's movement, tumbling softly down her cheek unnoticed by Soli it was even there.
Tomorrow night I must leave this place...forever.
"Pretty isn't she?"
Her voice echoed in Aeris's ear, she returned but her presence much more cloaked than before. Only Aeris's heart would feel Voidra speaking to her from the woods.
"You should call your uncle soon, the winged one seeks to escape his hand on tomorrow's sun set. She always was a sorry one, Soli of Sun, caretaker here with wings of butterflies, The Draken girl that destroyed the entire cathedral of Spira with her powers. She'll run tomorrow night, and your uncle cannot stop her. He cannot even step foot on this ground...unless."
She said with a scoff and a pause.
"Unless there is reason to feel a threat for the children, a reason like this."
Though during this entire time Voidra would be nothing but invisible to Aeris, however placing a note in Aeris's hand would be the one exception to this. Aeris would be able to see for a second Voidra's golden yet misty eyes, staring but inches from her face.
"Tomorrow, Soli will do something with her powers, her powers of the sun, and all the children here will be in danger. Go now, little one, and seek your uncle before it is too late."
And as the mass of void began to leave the area for good she added.
"Keep hold on my note little one. I'll be back to speak with you some other time."
The presence vanished.
The note left behind was that of a page torn from a diary, written in Soli's hand. It had very little said in it, but it was clear it said the following.
Dear Diary, Tomorrow, the second night since Captain Rui's arrival, I leave this place behind me, and I leave it just as I left the Cathedral of Spira, in dust. I prey to Spira she keeps the dead safe. With wings of a butterfly I shall fly far from his reach. Perhaps I'll get lucky and kill him too. --Soli
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Feb 27, 2013 16:11:41 GMT -5
Selina nodded her greetings to Caretaker Soli as she greeted her, pondering for but a moment what had happened to her normally poetic words. The calmness of her voice, melted away any questions that Selina had been muling over previously. As she listened to Soli's speech, she found herself sheepishly nodding her head, as she listened to the instructions. But one question kept surfacing as she listened. "Are you certain, that I am ready, for such a task?" and then she noted the tear, wisping swiftly down her cheek, and she felt her face drop into one of concern. Something was cleary wrong. "Caretaker, what pray tell is wrong?" she reached her hand up to motion to the tear, so small in teh scheme of things, but her violet orbs focused upon it. She had never seen Caretaker Soli cry before.
Aeris meanwhile, foundherself extremely distracted by the voice surrounding the air. Her dark blue eyes were scanning the edge of the woods, and the feild surrounding the place, for its source. "Show yourself." her words were hushed so that the ones above did not hear, but the demand was none the less present, and answered quickly as golden eyes appeared before her. She didn't realize the note that was placed so gingerly in her palm at first, for her only thought was to back away from those eyes, which unsettled her so. " What are you?" she didn't really expect an answer as she saw the eyes and the figure attached fade into...well nothing. Her fists clenched, and the crunch in her palm alerted her to the message. Her eyes scanned it quickly in the light, and the words of the demon were suddenly...less false. And yet, she felt turmoiled about brining this back to her uncle...but what choice did she have? If this fellow draken were to use her abilites...no. She had a duty. With a running start, she flew up into the night sky, black wings leaving yet again a single feather in the distance as she retreated back towards where the army had gone. She wasn't sure if this was the right thing to do or not, but she was sure that if there was the slightest chance that those children would be harmed, then this was the only way. " Uncle, I hope your habits are solid, so I can find you easily. She clutched the note tightly to her as she soared away. ----- Selina's gaze was torn from Soli's answer for but a moment as she noticed a large black winged bird-like form flying away from the area. She really thought nothing more of it than being a bird as she turned back to Soli, nodding and accepting the responsibility hesitantly. "I will...do what I can."
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Feb 27, 2013 17:05:14 GMT -5
((I had permission to PP Aeris from Yami))
Captain Marthlo Rui and his band of Knights did the only thing they could, they found the nearest tavern and rented a couple rooms while having the drink of Ale. Alas,it was late now, and Marthlo could not sleep. His niece being the issue at hand. Sir Thog,his most loyal and trusted knight, sat with him to keep his Captain and Lord company. All the others had gone to their chambers, asleep and perhaps too drunk not to be. The silence of Marthlo and Thog was a normal one, but still uneasy. That being said, Sir Thog knew better than to interrupt it. It was a good thing he didn't, but an odd thing The Captain did.
"Sir Thog," began Captain Rui. "Doth we do right?"
"I beg your pardon M'Lord?" Sir Thog asked. It was indeed true Captain Rui had had much to drink as he often does when his niece Aeris goes missing from his care, but no more than usual. It took perhaps ten times the amount to truly get Rui drunk than he had had, he didn't get the nickname of The Human Dwarf-Drinker for no reason. And yet, Thog could see sadness, sadness. An overwelming sadness and guilt on his face. "Are you ill M'Lord? I do not understand such a question of honour?"
Rui didn't look at him. His eyes were filled with sadness and regret and pain and guilt. He merely stared into the mug of ale before him.
"I asked doth we do right? Doth this mass murderous campaign we set forth be right? Doth the empire be right, and the emperor himself? Doth we do any right at all by hunting this Draken down? Don't yee remember? Don't yee recall? There was once a time not long ago where the emperor welcomed every Draken with opened arms, hailing them as the champions of the stars and heavens. Aye not ten years before now even. And 'ere we are, hunting them down like a boar or a stag. And don't be askin' me about me duty, I recall me duty and honour, but I cannot but ask meself 'is this right?' I am old now, older then I was when I first became Captain and Lord."
Sir Thog clasped his Captain and Friend's shoulder. Rui looked over to Thog and Thog greeted him with a smile of reassurance.
"I but asked meself that same question every morn for the past five years, M'lord, but nare the day did I believe yee would ask it to me. That is what differs us from Dusk and Roland, we question such questions. That is why yee were put as captain and not Dusk. The emperor saw that yee'd put the right choice first not last."
Rui mimicked friend's smile and clasped his hand on the opposing shoulder of Thog.
"When we bring justice to the cathedral, I want yee to take me place. This is me last mission, Sir Thog, my last conquest for crown and kingdom. The emperor already agreed to this, and asked whom to replace me with. I knew I would as yee. Sir Thog, you are a brother to me, always were. Will yee replace me as Captain when we return home?"
Sir Thog, shocked by the offer had but a second of wide eyes, however his face turned to a smile.
"I could nare replace The Great and Honourable Captain Marthlo Rui, his shoes could never be mine. However I can promise to take his duty and responsibility as me own in honour of me friend's greatness."
Marthlo's hand slapped the shoulder of Thog's, and with a roaring laugh he cheered "A round for this man, the new Captain of Arms, Captain Romulus Thog the Wise."
"Nay, unless you bring one up for the greatest captain Lenutharia has ever known."
Two pints of ale hit the bar in front of them, and the bar tender smiled at them with a huge grin.
"How could I not? On the house for this one," he said with a cheer, then turned to a man in the corner with a fiddle in his hands. "Minstrel, play a tune for these gents! They have earned it and so much more, The Captains of Lenutharia, our protectors and saviours."
"To the Captains!" The Minstrel said picking up his bow and raising it above his head.
"To the Captains!" The bar cheered in unison.
It was just then, as the Minstrel began to play and the bar livened up in it's late house the doors swung open at once. On the other side a form of shadow and silhouette appeared, with two large masses extending from her shoulders. She looked out of breath but captain Rui know who she was.
"Aeris, yee're back!"
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Soli blinked at first then and only then felt the tear on her cheek. She quickly rubbed it off with the back of her hand, and with it replaced the mask for not her protection but everyone else's.
"I'm fine, Caretaker Selina," she said with a smile. "Come. Let's go begin the ritual."
Soli allowed her wings to carry her inside once again, floating gently up to the balcony's landing. She landed so gently on her stockinged but not shoed feet, and gave a quick wink to Selina. With light feet she walked into the house of children, stepping with the grace of a dancer. It was needed to show Selina she was fine, for she was in more need than Soli.
She turned down the hall towards her lover's mother's room doorway, and halted with a sudden stop. There she was, the girl she didn't expect to be there. Laurieanna, the half elf girl whom Soli gave her heart to.
"Selina," she said with a trembling voice as she started into Soli's eyes. "Can you give Caretaker Soli and I a moment alone?"
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When their isolation was secured within Laurieanna's mother's chamber, she spoke with tears and sadness.
"I'm sorry..." Laurieanna said. "I am sorry for how wrong I hath been about the Draken the therefore yee, my lovely Solisalina." Tears rolled down the girl's cheeks in falls a plenty. Laruieanna reached out her hand, gently brushing Soli's cheek with it. It was then that Soli cired too. "I care not for the law or for that monster Rui's ambission, I will die before I allow him to take yee and murder yee. I promise yee this Solisalina." Soli could say nothing, and all she could do was embrace her beloved, holding her tightly breaking into tears, sobbing. Was this new life, was this a new chance at happiness? The one thing she never suspected to have? The thing she never believed was hers? Happiness?
They kissed briefly and then Laurieanna smiled in Soli's arm, Soli mirroring her stance. "I'll allow yee to finish yee're work, Solisalina. Shall I hear your songs in the morn?"
Soli nodded gently.
"Aye, yee shall my love."
Laurieanna smiled and walked to the door where Selina would be. But as she touched the nob a vision flashed before Soli's eyes.
- - - - - - - - - -
Fire. Just fire of red and gold. She was enflamed too, but that was of normal origins. She heard her scream echo with the screams of all the children. She saw the captain's men burning to death, Rui amongst them. She saw the children, most of which were already dead but some had escaped to the woods. She saw Laurieanna looking up at her, sadness in her dying eyes and words she could not make out before she left this world.
A flash of light and Soli the golden eyes of Voidra before her.
- - - - - - - - - -
And the vission ended. Laurieanna had left the room calling for Selina. Soli stared with wide eyes, eyes of fear.
The last time that happened...a vision like that...the Cathedral burned down....
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Feb 27, 2013 17:34:28 GMT -5
Aeris took in her uncle's form, and the merry going on around them, and suddenly fuond herself hestitant to speak as openly as she had first intended to. She clutched the paper in her hand tighter, as she slowly made her way towards her dearest Uncle. She noted thog next to him, and nodded to him her greetings. "Good Uncle..." she paused, trying to find the words she would need to speak her mind properly. "I doth believe I've found something of great importance. However, I wish yee to promise me that thou will only go after the one responsible. I've been privy to such hunts before. I do not wish to be the cause of a bloodbath. Promise me." she clutched tighter onto the note, which by now she was sure he had noticed. She would hand it over to him, willingly, only once he had gave her his word. ------------------------ Selina followed Caretaker Soli back inside, a light blush upon her cheeks at being adressed as a caretaker. She still wasn't sure if she was ready for such a task, nor was she certain she could tell Soli of her doubts. She would have to try, none the less. She paused when she saw Caretaker Lauri (as I shall shorten her name to be) standing there, waiting for, likely Soli. She could not refuse a request from a caretaker, and thus she obediantly gave them the space they wished for, taking the moment where she was alone to think over the feeling she had had early, and the bird she had seen leaving, and all of the events that had unfolded that night. It was all so much to take in.
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Feb 27, 2013 18:11:23 GMT -5
Soli stood hesitant but finally spoke. With soft words she said "Selina," beckoning the new caretaker inside. "Caretaker Selina please come here, we have a lot of work to do." She inhaled deeply, looking at Lauri's mother's body. Her motionless form had already been prepared for moving by the lovely Lauri, two great bamboo sticks rested underneath her with a cloth joining them making a very nice and sturdy way of transporting her to the burn bed Soli had created earlier that evening.
"Let us say a prayer," she said her mask of hiding her true pains on once again. She knelt down next to the bed, folded her hands together and closed her eyes, silently praying.
He looked at his niece, the concern in her eyes and voice. With a long sigh he finally spoke.
"It is not up fer me to decide," he said then turned to Thog. "Captain Thog the Wise, me replacement, what say yee?" Thog nodded his head in agreement.
"I promise it, Aeris," he said. "May I die a painful death if I or my knights break it." Captain Rui smiled to his niece.
"And may I join him in his fate," he said. "For I promise the same."
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