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Post by Noven on May 27, 2011 21:25:02 GMT -5
-Kaane wondered why the man, Marcel, seemed so hesitant to move forward with their mission, though he didn't say anything, leaving him be. Kaane had slept well, and was energetic, pouring out to anxiousness to get going, and he drew his sword, inspecting it to ensure it remained in good condition before returning it to his hilt. He looked to the sky, admiring the air against him, before he left to cover himself in armor, preparing for the journey ahead.
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Post by ballerscuba on May 28, 2011 5:50:14 GMT -5
Captain Marcel met the adventurers just inside the northern gate to the Land of Bana. He nodded as the last one arrived. He nodded to each of them. "We head North." The gates opened slowly as Marcel swallowed harshly. He mounted his horse, having brought enough for all the adventurers, then exited the Land of Bana. He turned back from outside the gate. "I shall be back," he mumbled under his breath. He then led the party north down into the valley.
In the Valley of Bana, the ground was still red from the battle on the previous day. The stains covered the grass as there appeared to be more red than green on the ground. Marcel's eyes widened. "You can still hear the echoes of the fallen heroes, can you not? The Valley has become a tomb for our soldiers over the years. I have never passed the Valley in my travels to the North." He hesitated for a second, then continued to ride.
The land north of the Valley of Bana was full of rolling hills and valleys. However, the grass was short, seemingly crushed over the years by armies traveling across it. In the distance, large menhirs could be seen arranged in a large circle. There were cloaked figures inside the circle. They were surrounding a large fire that was in the center. They seemed to be chanting as they stood.
Captain Marcel stopped his horse. "We should stop here. These druids should be able to aid us in our quest, should we respect them," he said. He then got off his horse and began walking over to the druids.
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Post by FinlandiaWhiteEyes on May 28, 2011 10:59:25 GMT -5
-Caterina dismounted, and ran to Captain Marcel, touching his arm, making him stop and look to her.
-"Captain, they seem to be performing a ritual. Would it not be better to wait until they finish? Terrible things can happen when magic is disrupted, and besides, it would not be respectful to interrupt their mystical workings."
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Post by lukuz13 on May 28, 2011 15:58:20 GMT -5
-As the group rode through the Vally, Eliana seemed to be in distress from the look on her face, disgruntled, as she gripped her head uncomfortably.
"So...many voices." She managed, her eyes shut tight before finally attempting to shake it off, snapping her attention back to riding, thankful that no one had noticed, or so she thought.
"Heh...being a paladin has many effects sadly..." She softly reminded herself, making a small motion with her hand and offering a prayer to the voices she had not helped rest, hoping it would offer some manner of peace to them.
-Eliana rode behind them upon Shadowrun, examining the group of druids at work curiously.
"Quite a ritual indeed..." Eliana whispered mostly to herself as she admired their work, surely these men will be able to help she thought happily.
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Post by Noven on May 28, 2011 22:37:28 GMT -5
-Kaane looked around and offered, "It most likely would be for the best result if we leave them to their current affairs, hopefully it will only be a short wait." As he said this, Kaane looked to the ground around him. Many lives had been lost here, of both sides, Kaane himself bringing about quite a few of those that would leave their bodies behind. He respected those in combat that he had fought against, and those that had died while beside him, all courageous warriors. Kaane drew his blade, and cut off a small portion of his hair, pulling a small bit of the loosest dirt aside, and covered it there, leaving behind a small part of himself with the spirits, all he would safely give back, so he, too, would leave some kind of himself behind on this battlefield.
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Post by graybeardhalt on May 28, 2011 23:31:03 GMT -5
-"Why must I be surrounded by idiots?" Alatar grumbled as he made his way to the horses stables. Just as he exited the temple his brother rushed to him screaming something about the house being on fire.....again. 'Mom's cooking again, I take it....' He had thought as he rushed through the city to reach their house. It was one of the largest in Elven City, and it was made from a hollowed out oak tree, like all the rest in the city. Neatly cut windows were on either side of the trunk face that opened to the street. A doorway had also been carved, leaving room for a very ornately designed mahogany door to be placed within it. On any other day, the beauty of it would have had a feeling of peace wash throughout you, but Alatar guessed that that feeling is changed when you see it burning. A massive fire was quickly spreading up the trunk, licking and biting at the bark and slowly making it's way towards the leaves. Alatar knew that nothing inside would be damaged, due to the padding they had placed on the walls after the first fire, but the entire exterior would be badly blackened and just look horrible. He closed his eyes and began to focus his thoughts on the pool of water that lie just a few feet away. He envisioned the water beginning to rise, like a snake from a casket rises to greet it's charmer, and coil towards the fire, aiming for it's starting point the kitchen. "Unda , orior oriri ortus" Alatar muttered as his eyes snapped open and he thrust his hand forward, willing the water to follow the movement. The liquid splashed in through the window and covered the entire base floor in the drink. From there, Alatar traced the path of the flames up and managed to catch it before it reached the top. Instead of letting the water fall back into the pool, Alatar left it on the very surface of the trunk and used some basic healing magic, something he had been practicing for just such an occasion. "Nemus , vigoratus" He once again muttered and sent the effort of will. Before their very eyes, the blackened and dead trunk slowly grew light until it practically screamed life again. The dark brown of the oak seemed bright compared to it's once dead self, and may have even lightened itself. The beauty of the house was restored. Alatar guided the water back to the pool and breathed a sigh of relief. A decent wave of weariness washed over him and he swayed ever so slightly. He planted his staff down and regained his balance. Just as he was beginning to move again, he had to endure the cheers of the crowd that had gathered to watch these startling events. Alatar knew that the fire wouldn't have spread, even if the leaves had caught, but everyone there seemed to think otherwise and barraged him with cheers. He tried to deny them, but they were simply too much and held a party in his honor. He kept complaining that he needed to leave right away, but they wouldn't hear him. The crowd that had gathered may not have been....the brightest the city had to offer, and the party lasted...a bit longer than intended, but eventually Alatar managed to sneak away from the passed out elves. He also grabbed his pack on the way out and made his way to the stables.
He finished his thought and arrived at Shadowmere's pen. The jet black horse was huge and powerful, a treasure to any rider. Her mane was the same color as her fur and practically blended in with the night, but the truly striking thing about her where her eyes. They seemed to glow a deep red, no, not seemed, they did glow, even if ever so slightly. As Alatar approached, her ears pricked up and turned towards him, his familiar scent filling her nostrils.
"Hey there girl, how are you?" Alatar asked, a warm smile spreading on his face.
Shadowmere's tail just swayed back in forth, excited to see her master.
"We're gonna go on an adventure, do you like that?" Alatar asked her, not expecting an answer.
He didn't receive one as Shadowmere just continued to stare at him.
"Good." He said and he went inside her pen. He laid his hands on her powerful shoulder, feeling her breath and heartbeat under his hand. With the grace only befitting an elf, he swung onto her back and landed softly. He lightly clicked his heels onto her sides with a small shout and she took off from the stables. Shadowmere sped through the city, leaving it all in a blur, and within a couple of seconds they were riding through the plains, on their way to the northern plains of Bana.
"Always so damn stubborn..." Alatar scowled and shook his head as he passed through the northern gate. He took off riding again and saw the menhirs off in the distance. He could make out the glow of firelight and rode towards it. As he got close, he noticed that others travelers had gathered there and were staring at some form of druids performing a ritual. Without hesitation, Alatar stopped just short of reaching the menhir and dismounted. He walked slowly towards the crowd, his staff mirroring his left foot. "I see that I am not the only traveler seeking to pass through these plains." He said, quite loudly as he approached the group. He stood still and put on his warmest smile as he looked over all of their faces, taking in every detail he could. 'They do seem very well equipped and capable,' He thought. 'I must be sure not to get on their bad side....hopefully I haven't already.'
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Post by FinlandiaWhiteEyes on May 29, 2011 15:20:54 GMT -5
-Caterina heard hoofbeats behind her, and she closed her eyes to listen. Steady assured beats combined with a high, elegant step. A horse with power and pride, wrapped up in a muscular, graceful form. Andaluz stock! From her home, originally. There was an air of magic around the animal...something uncanny about the breathing. She turned, and met the new horse's deep crimson eyes, glowing like coals in a sweep of night. She walked towards the mare, slightly from the left, never breaking eye contact.
-"Oh, pretty pretty creature."
-She heard Torrado snort his agreement a little way away, stomping the ground. Caterina bowed smartly. The new horse lowered her head briefly in response, then gave a soft neigh, ears pricked in greeting.
-It was only then that she heard the horse's rider's comments, and noticed that he had walked passed her. She felt very small, then, and rather clumsy, for this was a very tall elf, a perfect example of his race; dark haired and graceful and seeming to be perfectly in tune with the world around him.
-"I am Caterina di Cabaliero of Valenthia, the fire by the sea in Castillunia." She took care to keep her voice low, so as not to disturb the druids. "It's always nice to meet someone new! Might we hear your name and purpose, friend?" She curtesied, in perfect control of her composure. Then she put out a hand for the newcomer's horse to examine, breathing gently into the horse's nostrils herself, so the mare would know her as friend.
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Post by graybeardhalt on May 29, 2011 15:33:58 GMT -5
-"Oh, forgive me for ignoring you, good lady. I was simply preoccupied with the druids, but that is no excuse for such impoliteness," Alatar bowed to match her curtsy. "My name is Alatar, I am an elf from the elven city of Elven City. I am of the Luminaries and I was sent to meet up with you. I'm sorry I'm so late, there was....some trouble on the homefront." He said, directing it to the group as well. He then focused on Caterina. "I see that you've already met my companion, Shadowmere. She is a magnificent horse, and has been my friend for many years." He said, love in his eyes as he watched his horse.
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Post by FinlandiaWhiteEyes on May 29, 2011 15:43:10 GMT -5
-"Oh, there was no impoliteness, noble Alatar. It is I who must apologise for the affront of largely ignoring you. It has always been my idiosyncratic faux pas to greet the horse before the rider," she stroked Shadowmere's proudly arching neck, with the horse's persmission, as she spoke, "Especially when said horse's blood runs from the riverlands of Andaluz, in my own country. It is something my mother has been scolding me about for years. Shadowmere...A fine name for an even finer animal. You are blessed to have such a friend." The young woman left Shadowmere, walking to stand before the tall elf whilst casting a proud look at Torrado, who stood patiently where she had left him, watching intently.
"I, too, am of the Luminaires, and it is a pleasure to have you with us. I hope the trouble at home was nothing too serious?" She looked up into his eyes with concern.
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Post by graybeardhalt on May 29, 2011 15:56:21 GMT -5
-"Oh, no, nothing of any great threat...just simply an affair that is becoming much too tedious of late." Alatar said with a slightly annoyed look on his face. He turned to see where her gaze had landed and saw the horse which he assumed must have been hers. 'Ah, she has a fine friend as well.' Alatar thought. "So, who are you all?" He said, turning to the group.
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Post by lukuz13 on May 29, 2011 16:53:45 GMT -5
-Eliana turned from atop her horse to see the new arrival. Holding her tongue long enough for Caterina to meet the man and have him introduce himself, before Eliana approached, or rather, turned her mount in his direction.
"Greetings Traveler! I was not aware we had further assistance from the Luminaries for this excursion..." Eliana seemed thoughtful for a moment "How odd... perhaps they expected more resistance." She whispered to herself, before sighing and turning her green eyes to the man with a smile.
"I am Eliana, of the Circle of the Celestial Fire, a paladin if you will." She announced to the man, extending her hand. "It is good to meet you..." She eyed him for a moment before smirking. "Al." As she did she noticed his attire and more over, equipment with him, thinking to herself that he likely dealt in magic.
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Post by ballerscuba on May 30, 2011 4:44:45 GMT -5
Captain Marcel heard Caterina's words, slowing down slightly as he approached the menhirs. "You are right, of course, Caterina. Perhaps I am too eager for my own good. I did not even notice that they were in the middle of performing some act of magic." Marcel then noticed Alatar's arrival. He walked up to him.
"I am glad to see the Luminaires have sent further assistance for our mission. I am sure that your abilities will come in handy. I am Captain Marcel, Captain of the Guard of Bana. You surely passed through our land on the way here. But, tell me, what is your name, good sir Elf?"
It was then that the druids stopped their chanting. There did not seem to be any immediate result of their chanting, but their mannerisms certainly showed a sense of accomplishment at what they had done. They began to walk away from the travelers, outside of the circle of menhirs.
Captain Marcel then turned back to the adventurers. "We should hurry. The druids tend to tire quickly after a day of chanting. It's the fasting, you know. Should we catch them before they enter their home, they should be willing to give us shelter for the night."
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Post by lukuz13 on May 30, 2011 5:06:48 GMT -5
-Eliana turned her head to Marcel as he spoke, hearing of these druids and their...odd ways, yet fascinated all the same. Eliana slowly withdrew her offered hand to Alatar, turning to Marcel with a nod.
"Please, allow me to see what I can do." She offered before turning back to Alatar with a sly grin. "Perhaps another time Al, we will be better acquainted." As she said so, Eliana hopped on her horse, Shadowrun once more, and turned to the Druids that were slowly retreated, making her way over at a reasonable pace, though not wishing to alert them for no fair reason, she called to the nearest one that she could reach.
"Excuse me, good druid of these lands?" She spoke up, hoping to catch the man's attention as she approached, her horse making a soft grunting sound all the way.
"Me and my friends over there would like to request a place to stay for the night, if you can spare one. "She humbly bowed a bit to the man, by now plenty close enough to be heard. "We ran out of tree-stands you see and well...dirt doesn't make the most comfy resting spot." She chuckled softly before turning her big green eyes to the man with a smile. "Um...pretty please?"
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Post by thatfallout3guy on May 30, 2011 20:19:46 GMT -5
Nathan walked up to Kaane and stood next to him, "I know that look. You're a warrior, and a fierce one at that!"
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Post by Noven on May 30, 2011 20:43:28 GMT -5
-"As you yourself do look as well. Though, I would expect myself to appear as such, I do suppose. It is in my heritage, my entire family is trained as such in my city of origin, and it has been this way since the city was created generations past. What would be your story, what made you choose the path of a warrior?"
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