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Caleb StormBlade · Visitor Joined: 31 Jul 2011 Posts: 5

Caleb stood rather contemplative as he examined the moongate in front of him. He waited patiently for Quinn to arrive, having sent a message to her the day before. He then diverted his eyes from the gate and looked to the ground and thought to himself.

"I hope I know what I'm doing... "

During mid-thought he was nudged slightly to his left and turned to meet her gaze.

"You made it." He said to her, but almost seemed to question his words.

She responded quickly: "Of course I did. Did you doubt for a minute?

Caleb shook his head slowly and looked back to the gate: "I assume you are ready."

Quinn nodded with enthusiasm and looked from him to the gate. With the nodding of her head, Caleb reached onto his being somewhere and drew out a spherical orange stone. She could easily tell that this stone was very familiar to one she had seen before and began to ponder.
Almost immediately the stone began to shimmer and glow while making a strange humming sound. White energy arced around his being and stretches forth to the moongate. The moongate then flickers slightly and shifts its color from blue to silver and seems to remain stable while the energy from the stone dies down.

Quinn looks back and forth from the stone, moongate and Caleb a moment and says: "Does that always happen?"

Caleb shakes his head no and motions upward into the quite night sky: "This had to happen tonight. The moon is in position to form a bridge for us to pass on..." Looks puzzled even by his own words. "That is... what I was told anyways." He says shrugging with a smile as he moves towards the strange gateway. He passes through and vanishes and she remains looking thoughtful on his last words but with her recent studies in technomancy, this all seems to make a weird kind of sense. She then passes through the gate. A fraction of a moment later she stands in a large room that has candles adorning the walls and strange symbols above each one. A large steel door breaks the pattern on the wall to her left. The air smells far different than it ever has...

"This is the mages guild." He says almost startling her. While trying to get to her senses she had forgot he was even there.

Caleb walks to the door as it strangely opens, yet he did nothing to it. The hallway outside the room was long and filled with more of these steel doors. She followed him quietly but curiously through to the door on the very far side. As Caleb reached it, he turned to look Quinn over a moment and said: "Welcome to Ash'att." He then opens the door as a dry but pleasant air pours over her.

Harlequin · Journeyman Joined: 07 Feb 2010 Posts: 140

“Welcome to Ash'att.” Caleb's voice was hushed, and matter-of-fact.

Quinn gazed in wonder at the strange world beyond the steel door. The night was awash with golden torchlight, and punctuated by small, coloured glass lanterns in windowsills. They glowed in hues of crimson and blue and green and twinkled up the sides of tall sandstone buildings – some five stories high or more.

The air was dry and the streets made a soft whish as the breeze drove sand among the crevices between the cobblestones. Scents permeated the air – sweet spices and roasted meats. And incense, so richly complex in scent that her senses were positively intoxicated.

The women she saw passing by were dressed far more modestly than she – but that was nothing new. Yet, for the first time in her life, she felt...out of place. The women who passed by her wore markings upon their face, but they were simple, in shades of khol, and they looked at her curiously. Their garb covered their forms overbearingly, and obscured the shapes of their bodies. And they seemed almost scandalized by her scant armour and the painted flourishes that adorned her.

Quinn leaned back against Caleb's chest and spoke softly without turning to him.

“If we're going to find Rythane, I'm going to need bitter spirits, a vial of kohl, and a change of hideous clothing...”
_________________
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
~Paul Laurence Dunbar

Caleb StormBlade · Visitor Joined: 31 Jul 2011 Posts: 5

Caleb looked down to Quinn as she leaned into him: "I apologize beforehand in case you have to meet Krisella."

Quinn examined his facial expressions: "Does she also wear hideous clothing?"

Caleb cracked a smile as he responds: "Not exactly..."

The two of them then depart from the large building they had "landed" in and make their way into the dazzling city. Quinn starred with amazement at every turn and really got excited once they entered the bazaar. There were people everywhere, and wares were being peddled from every direction.

"Is it like this all the time!?" She said loud enough she hoped he could hear her.

Caleb turned toward her and responded: "Usually worse!"

Her eyes widened for a moment while she continued to look around.

After they made their way slowly through the bazaar, Caleb pointed at a huge structure adorned by massive ornate columns and exquisite stone work. The building had to be over a hundred feet high and the sounds of a roaring crowd could be heard. She then knew exactly what it was before the words left Caleb's lips.

"Colosseum" Caleb says after pointing briefly. She nodded almost the exact same time all while eying the structure over still. Then for some reason took her gaze to the sky and noticed the world had two moons. One large and silver colored, while the other one was smaller and bright crimson. While looking into the sky she brought her gaze back down and noticed she had almost run into a large half orc wearing not much more than a great sword and a loin cloth. He raised an eyebrow at her and then proceeded to walk around her. She picked up her pace to join Caleb's side once more.

She really didn't know what to say at this point so instead, paid close attention to Caleb's expressions and the direction of his gaze.

"It felt like they had been walking an hour or so already, how much further could this possibly be?" She thought to herself.

It appeared that Caleb was walking toward a large gated keep that by appearances alone, did not look to be made of the same sandstone as the other buildings in the area. As they approached the gates, they opened and the two armored guards quickly moved out of Caleb's way. Entering the courtyard of this fine keep they were immediately greeted by man wearing light armor and sported many tattoos down his bare arms. His hair was dark and was a bit unkempt but it looked intentional.

As he approached Caleb he addressed him: "Caleb, it has surely been a while..."

Caleb, still walking in his direction, responds: "Kledian, good to see you again. Have you seen Rythane?"

Kledian immediately gets distracted and looks Quinn over: "Who is this lovely creature you have with you?"

Caleb looks to Quinn and then back to Kledian: "Oh, my apologize. This is Quinn." He then looks to Quinn and says: "Quinn, this is Kledian, our sorcerer... amongst other things."

Kledian looks to Caleb quickly: "Hey now... my thoughts are completely innocent." Caleb just shakes his head slowly.

Quinn looks to Kledian with a smile: "Nice to meet you Kledian. We have come looking for Rythane."

Kledian still looking at her nods and says: "Last I saw him, he was headed toward his room."

Caleb and Quinn exchange glances and Caleb begins to move past Kledian. Quinn looks to Kledian and smiles briefly: "Very nice meeting you."

Kledian gives a half smile back saying: "Guess you guys have some business to attend."

Quinn turns her head with a smile and nods to him. He nods in return and continues in the direction he was already headed. A moment later they pass by a large statue of a knight in the center of the courtyard and Caleb slows his pace and examines it a moment, as if it was a new addition while he was away. She looks over the amazing detail of it and continues following him. As they walk up the steps toward the fortified double doors, the guards that once stood quietly, spring to action and begin to open them. Inside the main hall, tapestry's and grand paintings adorn the walls and a massive chandelier hangs elegantly from the ceiling composed of massive glowing crystals. It seemed the area to the left looked like small library where there were many scholarly looking figures hovering over open books. A grand staircase lie in front of them as they continued making their way into the room.

Half way to the grand staircase, two large figures could be seen coming down to meet them.

Rythane · Adventurer Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Posts: 68

Rythane walked slowly down the grand staircase next to his fellow knight, Alexander. Noticing Caleb and Quinn he picks up his pace to the bottom of the stairwell and stops in front of them. Alexander continues his slow pace but eventually joins the group.

Caleb looks from Alexander back to Rythane: "I know where she is now, and she is still alive."

Quinn examines Rythane's expression and notices despite his calm features, His eyes raged like a violent storm.

Rythane seems to look straight through both of them for a moment then says: "I may not be able to help her, but regardless... I want to see her again."

"Is everything... alright?" Quinn directs toward Rythane.

He looks to her with no expression. "I'm doing my best to subdue the storm within." She nods quietly with understanding while looking down.

"Take me to her." He says to Caleb and Quinn, as he nods farewell to the knight on his left.

Harlequin · Journeyman Joined: 07 Feb 2010 Posts: 140

Quinn touched everything.

Scarves, dolls, oddly-shaped fruits – anything the bazaar offered. Things that squished, and toys that squeaked. Caleb never slowed his pace, and Quinn half walked, half skipped and ran to keep up with him, fitting in a curious rub or squeeze anywhere something new caught her attention. A jeweler with a table full of things that sparkled, proved her downfall. Quinn stopped in her tracks, eyes alight as silver and stones sparkled and shone.

From seemingly nowhere, a hand grasped her wrist and pulled her as Caleb patiently and wordlessly jerked her along beside him. Quinn kept up, this time, but her free hand reached out to everything that caught her attention. Here a stroke, there a squeeze, all in the name of exploration. She wanted to know how each of them felt. She may never be here again.

A large basket full of white puffy balls the size of large marbles bore a sign labeled “Marshmallows.” They smelled like she imagined heaven would, if there were such a place. Sweet vanilla and sugar. Quinn snaked a hand into the basket on the way past, holding Caleb up just long enough to snag one, and he looked back. Quinn watched him, wide-eyed, as she gave the marshmallow a curious squeeze and poked it into her mouth. Her grey eyes met his with a look of surprise, and sheer ecstasy. Caleb fought off the smile that played across his lips, but continued to pull her along through the throngs of the bazaar.

When they'd finally reached their destination, Quinn stood in awe before the vast building. The gilded arches and spires were amazingly beautiful. There was nothing like this in Trammel. An object akin to a moon shone in the sky over their heads, and she marveled at its beauty.

“What's that one called, Caleb?” She pointed and the celestial orb.

Caleb followed her gaze and smiled. “Quinn...that's Malas.”

Quinn breathed a breathless “Oh...” and then smiled, too. “Rythane's inside here?”

Caleb nodded. “Hopefully so.”

Quinn looked down at her scant armour and fading paint. “They gonna let me in?”

Caleb laughed, and walked inside. Quinn confidently trotted after him, taking two steps for his every stride. The few people who mingled here and there all looked completely different from one another. Tall, short, thin and blumpy. Wearing robes, or armour, or practically nothing. At least she fit right in.

And finally, there he was. Rythane stood before them, his eyes a storm of blue electricity, raging uncontrollably. He spoke to Caleb, and looked to Quinn.

Finally, understanding the situation, he nodded, and sighed. “Take me to her.” His expression betrayed the reason behind the storm.

He'll be all right if she is. And if she's hung on this long, she's waiting for him... Quinn smiled, bittersweetly, but it was hidden behind her vacant, painted facade.
_________________
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
~Paul Laurence Dunbar

Eclyse Christian · Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 8:12 am Post subject:

She did not know where she was before this. All she remembered was the cold, and darkness, and pain. But here, there was only warmth, and light, and freedom to fall forever. And him. Always watching, but silent now. The blue fire played in his eyes like sprites, but he did not chide her for her abandon. He did not begrudge her flight. But he did not fly with her.

Somehow, it didn't matter. Somehow, it was enough.

And he did not seem to hear the sound of her name, called in clear and bright tones. Eclyse. Come. It is time. Her name painted the air Crimson wherever it rang out. It was her calling, and she knew. But none of it made sense. There was no way out of this place. Still it pulled her as if her heartstring were tethered to the heart of the voice. It sang in hues of scarlet, and she hearkened.

Does she respond to your stone?

And then, without preamble, something was near. She sensed it...It was a part of him. The stone. It hued her world blue, and the arcs of lightning across the sky danced with frantic energy. It drew her in with a force more powerful than anything she had felt in – how long? She reached for it with everything she had, and everything she was.

Aye.

And the lightning was joined by flames, and her world was awash with Fire and Light. They did not consume her. They warmed her, invigorated her, urged her forward – or back...And Eclyse was willing, weaving to and fro among the flames and arcs and shafts of crimson light that still called to her.

Come and join us. It is time.

And she knew the voices as if they were her own. He had come to her. It was time to return.

*****

Eclyse lay pale and thin in the bed where she had lain for weeks. Beneath her robes, cotton dressings covered the image of a sword, carved deeply into her torso, and outlined in reddened and slowly mending flesh, healing from the inside out. It might never heal completely, but her body built up layer upon maddeningly slow layer of flesh, trying to fill the void left by the blade of a madman.

At her side, a blue stone sat on the bedlinens, arcing with electric energy. On the other side lay a shimmering orange stone, burning brightly with flames that did not consume. And standing beside each stone was its ward. Caleb, on her right, his amber aura burning brightly. And Rythane on her left, his eyes a storm of lightning and blue fire, not unlike his stone.

Eclyse's brow furrowed as she struggled to lift her hands to rest upon the stones, and she gasped lightly in her slumber as their energy began to fill her. And she began to remember. Soft words were spoken – enchantments or prayers – and the stones' display intensified tenfold.

The storm in Rythane's eyes raged, and the room trembled. The lighthouse shook, and the walls cracked, with each new wave of the tempest.

“Hold on, Rythane. She's going to make it.” Caleb's reassuring words seemed to calm his friend, if only briefly. But it was enough.

******

Her world trembled and quaked, and there were sounds of the sea, and the storm. Something was happening. Everything was changing. The fire and light were so intensely beautiful, she could not help becoming enraptured.

“Hold on, Rythane. She's going to make it.”

Rythane. She had to find him. She began to feel the warmth of the stones in her hands, and the cold of sweat upon her brow. A rush like the current of a river, carried her forward, and she reached out desperately to grab hold of anything as the storm of fire and light raged on.

And then, she opened her eyes. Unfocused as they were, she knew him. She lifted her hand from the blue stone to reach for him. Gently, he caught her up against him. Outside, thunder cracked and rumbled for miles around. Somewhere behind her, the image of a phoenix lifted from the amber stone and flew into her chest as Caleb collapsed in a heap beside her bed. Eclyse gasped and trembled as the storm went silent. And now she felt it only inside her.

Eclyse looked up to Rythane's eyes – the storm quelled there now, and quiet. “Ye came...”

Rythane held her protectively and nodded once. “Are you all right?”

Eclyse's brow furrowed as she considered the question, and the size of this miracle. She was in more pain than she'd ever known in her life. But somehow, she knew the answer.

“I am.”

Eclyse Christian · Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 8:14 pm Post subject:

“It's callin' again. Can ye hear it?” Eclyse gazed into nothingness as she listened.

Rythane looked knowingly to Caleb. “Scorpio is still lost.”

“Something tells me it isn't for long.” Caleb watched Eclyse as she listened to the voice they could not hear. He had managed only to sit up on the floor, but not yet stand. His body was exhausted – his complexion pale. He'd given all he had to give.

“Maybe she's spent too much time around my stone.” Rythane sighed and shook his head. “Either way, we need to get her away from here.”

Eclyse looked around the room, seeming to notice the unfamiliar surroundings for the first time. “Where are we?”

“The lighthouse.” Caleb winced as he tried to stand, but failed.

“What happened to me?” She tried to probe the wound through the dressing and the cloth of her robe, but it was still far too tender.

“You were attacked.” Rythane gauged her reaction before continuing. “Two others didn't make it. The gypsy, Agostino. The other was a mutual friend of ours. Sir Mali--”

“Malidian...” Eclyse took a steadying breath as she finished the name. The night was all coming back to her now. The patrol. The fiend who leapt from the shadows and hissed. The arrows that penetrated her throat...her hand went up to touch the bandages that covered the wound. How she'd fought. How she'd tried to scream as the blade rended her flesh—

Eclyse.

Rythane gathered her into his arms and lifted her from the bed, and she laid her head against his shoulder, staring off into space again.

“Will ye help me find it?” She looked to him pleadingly

Rythane nodded, but his gaze was uncertain. She knew how he felt about the stone. “But not tonight. Where do you want me to take you?”

Eclyse frowned. There were so many questions that remained. But, she supposed, there would be time for those later. For now, there was only one place she wanted to be. One place where she'd be at peace.

“I just want t' go home.”