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Exodus
Jul 22, 2010 1:10:49 GMT -4
Post by F e n i on Jul 22, 2010 1:10:49 GMT -4
And here we have a COMEBACK. PS. We need evil people. I only listed the humans. Who's Who RPer | Character | Affiliation | Feni | Lady Kiseki | Hadou-Guider | | | | Blood | Chii | Hadou-Guider | | | | Ari | Rose | Tai Noble | Ari | Petra | Servant to Rose | | | | Lynn | Margrethe | Queen of Tai |
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Exodus
Jul 22, 2010 1:22:51 GMT -4
Post by F e n i on Jul 22, 2010 1:22:51 GMT -4
Previously... Do you guys have posting colors like I do? If so, please let me know. [/b] BloodThis area...for lack of a better word...is sacred. As more people come, it slowly dies as well...though there has been a disturbance from somewhere that is causing harm. I would like to believe that it it's not, seeing there is no evil in or around you but…" Her voice started to trail off. From what she could sense, Lady Kiseki seemed to have met another. With this many Outsiders flooding into the grounds, it'll be hard to keep any of the Hadou safe. "If there is something that you want, speak quickly." Chii replied. The Togetic fluttered off her shoulder and began hovering next to her. Feni "Of course, ma'am. It is only proper," she began with a bow angled from the waist. Her arm clutching the scepter folded across her stomach neatly, long hair and wide sleeves of her gown nearly touching the ground. "I am known as Lady Kiseki Tamiya of Paradise." At the last word, her free hand gestured to the forest from which she had just appeared. Kiseki then nodded to the rapier at the other woman's waist.
There was no need to provoke the Queen, but Kiseki wanted some of her own answers. This woman was strong both physically and mentally, an apt leader for her people. However, from what she heard from Aaron was not rainbows and Butterfree when it came to Tai. It was high time that the other side of the story was heard, not that she doubted Aaron.
Kiseki straightened herself and rested her long scepter's bottom on the grass to lessen the weight she needed to carry. "I have known for some time that you would arrive, Queen of Tai. The Aura spoke to me." Her free hand was raised with her palm turned toward the sky. In an instant, a small orb of purple appeared above the aforementioned limb. Kiseki gazed at the Aura for a few moments, the ethereal light reflecting, becoming otherworld-like in her golden irises. The trance was broken seconds later when Kiseki turned an impassive stare to Margrethe.
."The Aura has also told me tales of your people," the sorceress continued. "And they do not please me. Perhaps you can shed light on the onset of this War I do hear about, yes?".
~*~
A pout crossed the Togekiss's countenance before he dove off of his perch to land on the soft ground. He ruffled his feathers and preened a bit before answering haughtily. ~Of COURSE I mean my Mama. Who else would it be? Gosh, you Outsiders aren't very bright.~ 'Maybe that's one of the reasons why Mama wouldn't let me meet them before. She didn't want me to catch their stupidness! Yeah, that's it!' Shizun thought to himself.
Before he took them to Mama, he'd need to help the poor plant Majuu. He butted his nose against one of the creature's pincers and whispered something in his native tongue. A soft blue glow encased the said extremity. He chattered to the red-orange Majuu in the words only other Majuu could understand, "Good as new! You'll feel better in a bit, kay Mr. Plant-Creature! That'll teach the Black Lady to mess with you, since I'm not gonna heal her. Hmph!
Spontaneously, he took off in a whirl of white feathers. ~C'mon! If you wanna meet my Mama, you gotta prove that you're worthy of her specialness. Fwee!~ Shizun cried out happily, spiraling into the sky before racing east.HailsFinally! She was going to give whoever gave Shizun such horrible manners a piece of her mind. Why, in her town, if a Majuu attacked a human, they'd be killed and the owner punished. One had to have control over their creature at all times. With a rush of her dress and underdress, Satsu jumped onto Muu's back and held onto the primitive reins. She guided the Miltank to follow the Togekiss though it was more difficult for a bulky cow to move through the underbrush than a puffball to fly. Behind them followed Toku, albeit more slowly. He was clearly reluctant to leave his den but the whiff of aura in the air made the mushrooms shudder. To absorb some of that pure, delicious life energy...and so they forced his legs to move over fallen logs and through brambles. They would push him to his limits and overcome any obstacle, disobey any trainer, so long as they were content. AriScared, huh? Well, the Lady supposed that it counted as a valid answer, though it was a bit lacking in her opinion. Though it seemed as though the child was distracted by something, something that might be relevant to the investigation Rose was now conducting. "Just one more question." Rose said, and she could hear Petra's sigh of relief turn into a squeak of protest as she finished her sentence. "Could you take me to your lady?" LynnThe self-concerned autocrat had to admit, she was mildly surprised by the formalities and grace this fantastical girl managed to present in her own introduction. A dutiful respect was instantly formed in the young adult's mind, paying heed to customs and manners usually expected of royalty. Margrethe considered herself as the sole embodiment and representation of the Kingdom of Tai, after all; she was bound by this thought to present the utmost respectable impression upon strangers in this aspect, out of mere recognition of the unadulterated greatness of her own dominion. And so at this slightest display of a mature and formalized approach to greeting, the monarch nodded once; a simple, polite summation of appreciation for the honor and bow 'Kiseki' had offered her. She did note, however, that despite the title of 'Lady' this girl brought upon herself, the address had been in the form of a bow and not a curtsy.... Which she deemed 'odd', naturally. Although this was hypocritical, she noted, as Margrethe herself was known to have never 'curtsied' as a woman of noble birth should within the High Courts of Tai. However this was for very specific reasoning, based on the rearing of her father, one who hammered home the hard truth that it was difficult for a feminine presence to make a firm impression in this world and age; and so in lack of one due to unfortunate unforeseen circumstances regarding his lawful wife, had treated his only daughter like he would have a son... And so naturally doubting this 'Lady' had a similar background, it certainly raised questions to this girl's origins and raising... Nonetheless. ."'Paradise'." The Queen repeated bluntly, staring up at the tall trees of their woodland surroundings in a vaguely apathetic manner. "I have never heard of such a place that resides here on Earth. A presumptuous name, if you were to ask me. And certainly not a realm recorded within the maps my Kingdom have issued and keep. Curious." After attempting to restrain it in her previous more successfully enunciated speech, a thick accent was finally beginning to slip through. Her voice, deeper and more forceful than a normal woman's might be, was now weighted with a thick Northern accent that would occasionally slide and slur words together. Not making them unintelligible, but instead creating a rough and unsettling rhythm to them that would only serve to further prop up her image as an unconventional 'Warrior Queen' of sorts. Hailing from the barbaric North, the ancestors of Tai's royal family had come and brutally conquered the land, setting themselves unjustly at the people's head in a history now long hushed and forgotten; though it still made this natural accent- now only present in the direct hereditary line of the Royal Family- somewhat controversial. Hence why Margrethe would often attempt to conceal it, although out here in the open, it was a relatively safe practice to loosen her tongue. It was a noticeable difference, as the thick and rolling rumble of an accent contrasted sharply with the neat and polished touches an average citizen of Tai would normally have on their speech. "Perhaps i speak out of place, however." Respectfully, she responded to the glance given to the weapon currently hanging at her side. "I hope you do not imply i come with particular ill-intent towards you and your home. As the Queen of a prosperous nation, traveling alone, understandably some protection' is required. Although my longtime companion Fafnir, here, is usually apt to take care of any threats to my well-being, it is always good to have a personal defense upon your own self." The reigning figure had indicated the mandarin-toned Dragon Majuu beside her at the word of 'Fafnir', who, in response to its name, grunted affirmatively and nodded its head a few times gravely; it was blatantly obvious it had a very serious disposition... At the mention of 'Aura', and some kind of premonition in addition to that, the female statesman tensed involuntarily in immediate suspicion; the movement the girl opposite made towards the sky put her even more on edge, and when the little glow of violet gathered above Kiseki's outstretched hand, Margrethe's hand shot instinctively to the hilt of her rapier at the same time that Fafnir reared up on his haunches and snorted aggressively in a mild presuming warning. However both remained entirely still for those remaining awkward seconds of silence and freeze, by the time the 'Lady' of Paradise drew out of her trance-like state, the two childhood friends had resumed less alarmed, more cautious stances and postures once again. Impassive stare was met with a frigid glare at the tone that followed in the teenager's words. Was that /accusation/? It certainly felt bordering on 'omniscient' and 'superior' to the proud ruler of Tai, which instantly riled her insides and supplied a further temperature drop in the air around her. Who in God's name did this girl think she was. Although eager to made progress and not get sidetracked into any petty unnecessary conflicts, Margrethe reined in her natural indignance and answered. Though the ice in her thick, heavy lull of a Northern accent was entirely displayed for all to hear. There was still a degree of respect in her answer, although it had retreated into being none-too-friendly once again. Instead there was a distinctly affronted undertone... ."What your 'Aura' tells you is of little concern to me. Perhaps you should conduct your own investigations if you wish for a fair account of the situation. Nor do i care for whether news 'pleases' you or not. I trust you are not a sort of higher authority upon this plain? And so you should not act as though you are an overseer, or as a parent who is disappointed with their children. Especially when you are not even aware of the details. A War is perhaps brewing, but only as a natural cause to the disaster now afflicting /both/ the Kingdoms of Tai and Ki. The people are desperate and have become violent and unruly amidst such hellish circumstances. Lords and Ladies in the Court fear for their positions and either flee the country, or make demands that we as a nation strive to survive by stealing from and suppressing surrounding regions. /I/ do not want that. If i had wanted that, i would not be here, seeking an alternative by only my own leave. I have already lead my country to War, and what has it given my kingdom in return? A plague. A plague that is rotting the core of my responsibility until there will soon be /nothing/ left. War will not save Tai, it shall destroy it. I know this. And yet there are others in both my Court and in my streets who naturally cannot see through the veil of their own panic to see this truth. /I/ seek an alternative method to bring my country insurmountable prosperity once more, it would take only a kind of healing magic and era of peace to bring that to my reign. And as that is my sole desire, and as the prospect of 'War does not please you', i would think our goals to be aligned somewhat. Enough to perhaps talk on a reasonable solution that may satisfy both our ideal futures... Would you not say? Incensed and fired with a strict passion, the overly tall, armour-clad and strongly built young woman ended her dramatic speech with a gesture of her right hand, waving out towards Kiseki in a suggestively emphatic demand for an answer the latter-most question. Queen Margrethe had hardly blinked during her entire heated one-sided discussion, had insted fixed her bright eyes right on the girl's own golden orbs to the extent where it was felt that the regent may be trying to penetrate right through them and into the Aura-user's mind and so mind and soul. Such was the contagious energy, that Fafnir flapped his wings a few times and bellowed a low and loud bark in support of his dear mistress, settling again and edging closer to her powerful presence; as though he himself could gain that kind of ferocity for himself to use in case of upcoming dangers ahead. Awaiting an answer, Margrethe's right hand finally settled on the hilt of her sheathed rapier once more; casually so, as though it were the arm-rest of a chair. Her expression but a composed, calm and hardened frown. [/blockquote]
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Exodus
Jul 22, 2010 12:55:32 GMT -4
Post by Darkpidgeot on Jul 22, 2010 12:55:32 GMT -4
Chii hesitated at the visitor's request. What was she supposed to do? She never dealt with anyone that actually wanted to come deeper in and see more of the land to speak with Lady Kiseki. As far as she could tell, these visitors meant no harm, they were just curious...just like she was. Chii wishes someday to actually see the world and enjoy it like the others that could see. "...very well," Chii replied quietly and bowed to her. "Please come this way and please don't do anything that would force me to kick you out." As far as fighting goes, Chii preferred to being out of battle as much as possible. With that, the maid girl took her Togetic by the paw and began leading and being led to where Lady Kiseki would be. A faint trail of Aura flowed behind her scarf while she walked as she was using it to help find her Lady.
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Exodus
Jul 23, 2010 18:01:02 GMT -4
Post by F e n i on Jul 23, 2010 18:01:02 GMT -4
Shizun was trained well enough that he could sense the emotions of both humans and Majuu alike. Even from his height above the forest, he sensed the bristling anger of the Black Lady. Would he be in trouble when he found Mama? He tried to push the negative thought from his mind, as they messed with his control of his Aura Sphere. In order to stay in tune with the Aura, one needed the unusual ability to remain calm at all times. The Togekiss loop-de-looped in the air and giggled at the clumsy Rotund Thing down below.
Togekiss would always win races like these. But he somewhat felt sorry for the Rotund Thing, so he descended and slowed down just a bit. As long as Mama wouldn’t be angry at him, he could afford this slight slowdown. He also decided against his childish self not to incite the human and her group to hurry the heck up. Instead Shizumasa, comforted by the fact that he was a winner, settled for another pout.
~*~
The purple light grew in intensity when she sensed the other human’s suspicion. It was merely a reaction, but the sorceress wasn’t completely sure if the queen would approve. “Paradise lay undetected by the citizens of this region for centuries. But for whatever reason, our protection has begun to fade. As for the name, it was given to the one who created our home.” The lengthy speech made the Aura-user to raise an eyebrow. Goodness, did this woman have such pride. In this day and age, where women were treated as underlings to men, this amount would have surprised anyone. “You seem sincere, yet you move to your sword and do not mention the fact that your army assaulted those of Ki. Attacking defenseless folk just because the first sickened man came from the kingdom does not strike one as a good cause.
“Humans often shy away from what they cannot comprehend, or they use brute force to destroy,” Kiseki continued, not shifting her gaze from the queen’s. It had been a long time since anyone other than Aaron had managed to meet her gaze without flinching. And this was the first time that the gender was that of a woman. “Would you dare strike one who holds the salvation of your people?” This was a slight bluff of course, as the Lady was not a seer. But she was who this Margrethe came for, was she not? Of the Hadou-wielders, Lady Kiseki held the most prowesses when healing. However, she had never tested her power with one unfortunate enough to be infected with the Plague.
The intensity of Margrethe’s stare did not faze the sorceress. She merely continued to hold her fixed stare. Although Kiseki did not want to fight, that didn’t mean her will was any lesser than a warrior’s. It looked as if she and Tai’s ruler were polar opposites in term of where their other strengths lied. Margrethe walked, talked, and acted as if she were a man, and that fact raised questions in of itself. Kiseki, though, relied on her magical and inner strength.
She was never the one to instigate feuds and never would be. So Kiseki receded slightly, not giving a straight answer, “Then what is your proposed solution to the dilemma? I alone cannot heal the thousands afflicted.”
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Ari-chan
Partially Crazy
[D3v:Ari-theCookieQueen]
Posts: 133
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Exodus
Aug 15, 2010 17:03:43 GMT -4
Post by Ari-chan on Aug 15, 2010 17:03:43 GMT -4
ooc: Short post is short, but it'll do. *** The Tai lady matched Chii’s bow with a curtsy, holding the movement just long enough so that her pink Majuu could climb onto her shoulder. “You needn’t worry about that.” Rose said as the child gave her warning. “We have no intention to cause you trouble.” Both the servant girl and the fire-types caught the warning behind the lady’s words, and though the two Majuu quickly bowed in agreement, Petra hesitated for a moment, eyes shifting between her Lady and Chii. Finally, like a good servant, she curtsied deeply and added, “We promise to be on our best behavior.” With that, the group then fell in line behind Chii.
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lenn
New to the Insanity
Posts: 3
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Exodus
Aug 16, 2010 22:22:34 GMT -4
Post by lenn on Aug 16, 2010 22:22:34 GMT -4
As the glow of that violet light intensified, Margrethe's expression only took a distinctly darker tone, her eyes glittering menacingly like newly cut emeralds. Her brow furrowed all the more, creasing her forehead with lines etched long ago by stress rather than age. A vaguely distasteful noise was uttered under her breath, emulating her contempt for the unnatural 'powers' this girl was wielding. If it wasn't being put to good and practical use- namely healing her people from the affliction that ravaged them -, then she had no positive regard for it whatsoever.
"So it would seem. What a bountiful history you and your people must own, i'm sure."
Her thick, heavy sarcasm was not at all masked in the deeper Northern accent she continued to allow to slip through. As the other female prepared for an additional reply, this time to her own authoritative speech, she straightened her back and set her shoulders further behind; accentuating a powerful demeanor in preparation for whatever verbal riposte that might occur. Indeed it came, and she was swift to utter a stout rebuttle.
"We live in dangerous times, if you hadn't noticed whilst you and your people have slumbered away peacefully in your precious 'Paradise'." The Queen laced her tone with a merciless lashing, that was artfully just refrained from 'spitting' those alliterative words out.
"These are the times that try men's souls. Have them wrought under laws of rampant desperation and selfish greed. I hope you realize the impossible nature of any attempt to reverse such natural, 'human' endeavor. I at least deserve merit for even trying to reason with you here, now, on an equal level amidst this ensuing disaster, do i not."
Statement, not a question.
As Kiseki continued to boldly face down her own unblinking gaze, her own dangerously lit stare hardened ever so slightly. Not out of malice, rather a certain degree of restrained and resolute respect. The strength in the figure opposing her was not questionable in the slightest, it was now assured. Unaware that the other was thinking along similar lines, the renowned regent noted that she could not even remember the last time someone was able to withstand her piercing, punitive eye contact. Impressive. Perhaps. She was entirely reluctant to admit such a thing, however retained enough dignity to acknowledge this feature.
"So you say."
The woman mused dully at the mysterious, subtle Aura-user's philosophical sentences. Even though every fibre in her well-toned and slightly bulked physique cried out for her to 'fight', to launch into an intellectual debate on the dealings of human society in their world... He methodical brain reeled her fiery enthusiasm right back in again, and set it on its firm previously set course. Her country needed her to find the cure to this Plague, not to ramble uselessly to this person on a subject that wrote books and lasted centuries.
"I have not attacked you yet, now have i." The monarch voiced coolly, a dry lilt pulling on the syllables of her words. "I reiterate, i am here to compromise, not to oppress. I sincerely hope we can reach some kind of agreement, rather than waste time whilst hundreds of people suffer, and continue to lose everything they ever held dear."
Their natures were too different, their tempos too apart, their inherent strengths drawing from entirely different sources. Margrethe had never encountered such a strangely calm, yet oddly defiant being- female - in her decent life so far. And having her own red hot passion conflict with this icy cool front before her only ended up creating a suffocating smog of steam, that lay obnoxiously thick between them, obscuring each other of a proper view through the misleading blanket of mist. Only allowing a silhouette to pass through to the eyes of the other, enforcing short-sightedness due to the clash alone...
It was proving difficult to wade through the resulting fog of prejudice. No surprises there.
"An alliance. Temporary, of course, until this calamity subsides and a semblance of order is restored. I am sure there is something we can offer you in return for your services. Your boundaries have been weakened, your presence made known. My Kingdom alone has the army to defend your borders from any outside threat. For as long as my reign lasts, i can guarantee the safety of your people by all the resources my renewed country can yield. If we work together, i am sure that only an era of peace and prosperity for this region would follow... "
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Exodus
Aug 16, 2010 23:41:57 GMT -4
Post by Darkpidgeot on Aug 16, 2010 23:41:57 GMT -4
Shuffle Shuffle Shuffle. The movement of their feet upon the grass shattered the silence of the land. A breeze blew through, rustling the leaves to be in harmony with the group's pace. Oh what a glorious sight it would of been to see everything glow and be so vividly of shades of green mixed with the browns of the trunks. Praise it all to the Great Tree Yggdrasil.
Only if it could be seen with her own eyes and not with the silhouette creation of Aura. Leading her guests through the paradise, no doubt absorbing the sight that few have seen. As her Togetic continue to lead the blind user, Chii was left with nothing but to think to herself.
"Tell me...Rose of Tai...what do you see of the world?" Not turning or breaking her pace, she left the question hanging for her guests to answer at their leisure. Naturally, what can't see wants to see. But if somethings are best unseen, Chii will probably never know.
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Exodus
Aug 31, 2010 15:45:05 GMT -4
Post by F e n i on Aug 31, 2010 15:45:05 GMT -4
A shake of the head was the initial response, the bells in the Guardian’s hair jingling. The people of the Outside World had wrought this upon themselves. Darkness would not have fed on their souls if they had sought what lay past their differences and lived as one region. Kiseki wasn’t the type to leave people to suffer, though it was unfair to them as the Hadou-wielders to be thrown into a massive problem like this when they weren’t even initially involved. The Queen of Tai would just deny the whole idea, though, so Kiseki chose to keep these details to herself. (At least for the moment.)
But then again, they were only human. Margrethe made this perfectly clear in her response, only seeming to grow more frustrated by the second. She did deserve some sort of merit for keeping herself relatively calm during their encounter. Not that Kiseki would tell her that either, though; it would only swell up the woman’s pride even more.
“Hm, you are correct,” Kiseki mused, placing a lily-colored finger to her lips. She thought a bit more before pulling the finger away. “Now is not a time to engage in a scholarly debate, though I was enjoying it… very much so. But night is to fall soon, and these borders are not welcoming, to say the least.” As if on cue, a white fuzzball descended from the skies and landed perfectly in the teenager’s arms.
“Mama, Mama!” Shizun chirped telepathically, snuggling into his Partner’s warmth. “You shoulda seen the Outsiders I stu-stum-bled upon at the other edge of the forest! There was this big Rotund Thing – yeah, I actually remembered that word, that I did! – and a Black Lady who was weird and smelled like Sir Aaron’s cooking. And there was this big red and orange thing with spots that—”
Kiseki pressed a palm onto the Jubilee Majuu’s forehead. “Calm down, little one. I’ll hear your story at supper. Please do me a favor and go on ahead. Tell whoever is at camp to prepare supper, as we have a guest this evening.” At the word ‘guest’, the Togekiss’s body jerked up. It wasn’t everyday that someone was invited by Mama to the central camp, of all places.
“Even if it’s Sir Aaron who’s there at camp?” Shizumasa pouted. His partner merely smiled. The flying-Majuu leapt out of Kiseki’s embrace and flew in circles above her head. It was at this time that he noticed the other two standing there, and Shizumasa was going to play with them too. First he levitated really close to the snarky-looking woman and giggled at the expression on her face. Then the Majuu twirled in mid-air and pecked at the Dragon playfully on the head. They felt weird too, but it wasn’t a bad kinda weird. Eh, whatever. If Mama said they were okay, Shizun would gladly spread the news! With another squeal, the Togekiss disappeared into the forest.
“Shizumasa, my Togekiss, can be a bit eccentric at times. Nevertheless, you are more than welcome to stay the night. A storm is coming from the west, and we would not want you becoming sick, no?” Kiseki turned her back to the Tai royalty and tapped her scepter against the trunk of one of the nearby trees. The foliage seemed to bend away in order to give them room for passage. “Do not worry about the trees. They are merely shifting their own Auras to make out traveling easier. Come now, no tarrying.”
~*~
Meanwhile, deep in the forest…
A tall, tanned man stood in the middle of a clearing. A black bandanna was wrapped around his eyes, blocking any light from entering. He wore a crimson tunic and deep grey under armor, much like Sir Aaron himself. “All right, Titan. Let the logs loose!” a deep baritone voice commanded.
“Hellooooo~” Suddenly echoed through the clearing, breaking the man’s concentration. As the man jumped out of the heavy woods’ way, one grazed his right arm. A hiss was released immediately as his other hand took hold of the injury. Shizun gasped and fluttered over to the man in a hurry. “I’msorryI’msorryI’msorry!!!” The Togekiss sniffled and pressed his snout to the rapidly-forming bruise. A soft yellow glow was the response: a Wish.
“I’ll be fine, Shizumasa. Where’s milady?” the man asked, huffing slightly.
“Mama sent me here to ask someone to prepare supper. We haf a guest tonight!” Shizumasa squealed again in excitement. “Can you prepare it, pretty please with Sitrus Berries on top? Sir Aaron’s cooking is icky.” A hearty chuckle answered the Majuu.
“Of course, Shizumasa. Sir Aaron’s at Oldoran Castle again… Ki and Tai are becoming restless, and Queen Rin hasn’t been in the best of health. I suspect he won’t be back tonight.” The man trailed off before changing the subject. “Would you like to help prepare the meal, Shizumasa? Titan will help as well.” A blue and red dragon nodded his head in reply after stopping the moving logs next to the two conversing.
“Yeahyeah! We gotsa hurry though! Mama and her guest are gonna be here any minute!”
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Ari-chan
Partially Crazy
[D3v:Ari-theCookieQueen]
Posts: 133
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Exodus
Sept 18, 2010 21:22:38 GMT -4
Post by Ari-chan on Sept 18, 2010 21:22:38 GMT -4
Deeper they went into the forest, and Rose began to see the difference between it and the one in Tai. It seemed so obvious now that they were in the heart that the land and the lady wondered how she didn’t notice it before.
The foliage around them seemed to, for lack of a better word, shine; the green painting the leaves a color more commonly seen on Majuu. Even the sky appeared brighter, though dusk was fast approaching. The one in Tai seemed dull in comparison, drooping as if it was stricken with a disease.
With these thoughts occupying her mind, it took the woman a moment to realize that Chii had spoken, and another to come up with an adequate answer to the vague question.
“Life,” She replied, then hesitated before adding, “or rather, here I see life in everything from the trees to the ground. It all seems so pure as well, though I suppose that’s to be expected for sacred land. In contrast, Tai is…”
She cut off abruptly as she realized what she had been about to say, and shot a look over her shoulder to see if Petra had been listening. The servant girl was too busy clinging to one of the guards to notice anything.
The words that had nearly escaped from the lady’s mind were nothing short of slander, treason even, true though they might have been. The kingdom of Tai, for the most part, was a corrupt one. Everything revolved around power, money, and for the nobles, status. Rose’s own family was a prime example of this; they belonged to the low ranking nobility, and everything the family did was for the goal of rising in status. The rest of the nobles were no different. She had heard several stories of what the others had done to get ahead, and many guaranteed a prison sentence if they were heard by the wrong ears.
The lady shook her head suddenly, trying to rid herself of such thoughts. There was no one out here who could possibly repeat her words to those who would take them the wrong way, but she wasn’t taking any chances. Besides, the child didn’t need to know about the inner working of a country she would mostly likely never see.
So instead of simply leave the sentence open, Rose finished, “Tai is different.”
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lenn
New to the Insanity
Posts: 3
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Exodus
Sept 28, 2010 14:49:20 GMT -4
Post by lenn on Sept 28, 2010 14:49:20 GMT -4
As a chilling pause settled between their speech, Margrethe simply took the time to regard her acquaintance qith her typically merciless studious gaze. The 'girl' was clearly entrenched deep in thought, and a knife of innate curiosity twisted in the Queen's gut, paining her innards and creating a tightness in her chest out of a sheer firerce longing to know what on this great Earth was going on in that other female's head. The soft ringing of the bells adorning the Aura-wielder's head was awfully distracting, and the regent was almost relieved when Kiseki stopped shaking her head, just so that she could think straight again. However it was exactly then that the more rustic human gave her reply, and this response didn't much impress Margrethe herself; suitably as a result, her shrewd face pulled a vaguely standoffish look of contempt.
"I do not-"
Her rough, heavily accented speech was almost immediately cut off as soon as it had begun; a pearl sphere of fluff fell from the sky and directed its descent straight into that teenager's arms. Alarmed and reacting solely to trained battle instincts, the woman's hand shot to the hilt of her rapier and her armoured fingers curled instantly around the glorious gold handle; at the exact same time, Fafnir reared upon his haunches and barked aggressively in warning. Although as soon as it was apparent that this flying white ball was A; A Majuu, B; Not in the process of assaulting anyone, and C; Was in fact clearly a friend of Kiseki's, the two older warriors settled once more into a more relaxed state, both master and guardian watching the conversation between the others unfold with a mild impatience and distinct lack of interest.
As the Hadou-guider used the word 'guest' however, Margrethe's ears pricked and she lifted her head slightly in acknowledgement of the gesture. Her mouth opened, as if to make a brisk neutral comment on this idea, however she was once again cut off by the Jubilee Majuu's movements. When the little companion of the Aura-user flew up to her and made a truly annoying giggling sound into her face, the proud monarch deemed it an immediate offense that it had found it fit to act so childish in front of her, had found something amusing about her and simply had come that close within her personal boundaries as it was. As a result, she lifted her left hand and made a vague waving motion of it, as if to 'shoo' it away; her expression further contorted into one of distaste as she did this, but it was a few seconds too late. The creature had already moved onto her own inhuman partner.
Fafnir took up a similar reaction. After the light peck hit his rounded orange head- narrowly missing the natural horn protruding from it-, his already narrowed hazel eyes slitted further due to the unappreciative disapproving disposition that took it. It angled its head upwards and snorted an angry bout of air through its nostrils, in an expression that somewhat emulating a human's impatient 'huff' of some sort. He closed its eyes and shook his head slightly, before cautiously watching the other Majuu until it had vanished from their presence. Whilst he continued to look after where that bizarre ethereal creature had disappeared, he heard his childhood friend immediately return her focus to addressing the fellow 'human' in their midst. She didn't seem all that pleased...
"You expect me to spend a night of rest under the protective canopy of an enchanted wood, whilst my people continue to suffer within the clutches of a calamity? Do you take me for a cowardly wench? I fear no storm or sickness, whilst my Kingdom grieves..."
Margrethe trailed off, her tone exceedingly bitter and harsh, lulling in its natural thickness and depths. The fiery brunette latched her glittering emerald eyes onto those abnormally colored brights of Kiseki, as if intent on hammering her message through. Although after a lingering moment, she relented, wrenching her stare away from the other female and onto the mysterious movements of the foliage instead. Wrinkling her nose in discontent, her brow creased as she seemed to bury herself within some kind of problem- a dilemma- within her own head.
"How very kind of the trees, i am sure. " She returned her piercing gaze back to her 'host'. "Do not hurry me along in such a manner, i walk to the beat of my own drum. ... I shall take up your generous offer of shelter, however, for one reason alone. Clearly you are not ready to give me an answer. I shall give you the night to think on it, and make myself available to any question or query you may hold over the passing hours. Next morning, i return to my Kingdom."
And with that, she strode boldly forth to the entrance of the protected forest, Fafnir shadowing her steps with his own titanic heavy paces. Once Margrethe reached the parting of nature, the boundary of this hidden realm, she turned on heel and looked to Kiseki. With one indicating nod of her head, she made the generously respectful and rare gesture of encouraging the Aura-wielder to lead the way. Twas only sensible, and more efficient that way. The Queen was not about to appear a blind fool lost in a land far different to her own...
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Exodus
Sept 30, 2010 22:05:14 GMT -4
Post by Darkpidgeot on Sept 30, 2010 22:05:14 GMT -4
"Yes...it is rather nice here..." Chii replied simply. Even without actually seeing it for herself, feeling the aura, feeling the life force flow in the air, in the ground, and through every fiber being of the forest seemed to liven everything even more. She could think of nothing more better then to see the whole world like this. Calm, peaceful, simple. Nothing more would be needed. Though it still saddened her that she would not experience the fifth sense of sight to enjoy the surroundings, at least she got to be part of it....right?
Now...hesitation. Never a good sign to see hesitation. It seemed to be almost insulting that not all of the truth would be spoken. Did her appearance really give off the impression of a young, innocent girl that shouldn't know about the outside world? The though ran through her mind several times. Sure, Chii was young, hovering around the eleven to twelve range since she couldn't remember when she was born exactly. Innocent...only in the sense she hasn't seen the outside, being brought in from a young age. However, sitting by the weakening shield, she could sometimes feel outside and how much different it was compared to the inside. What she wanted was for someone to actually say it and confirm it. Surely there was going to be a hidden reason as to why Rose would refuse to attest to but...Chii would leave it be.
A few minutes of walking later and the group came to a thick wall of green. There appeared to be no way to walk through it without hacking and slashing at it for hours. The young Hadou user reached out her free hand, glowing from a faint light blue color, and touched the leaves gently. Slowly but surely the greenery shifted to the side and permitted enough walking room for the group to go in one at a time. Stepping under the arching passageway, she signaled for her companions to follow.
"Excuse me..." Chii said as she stepped into the clearing area and bowing slightly. "Kei-sama...we have guests here..."
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Exodus
Oct 2, 2010 13:31:10 GMT -4
Post by F e n i on Oct 2, 2010 13:31:10 GMT -4
A smile passed across Kiseki's face at the Queen's gesture to Shizun. As expected, but the girl would admit it was still cute. The snort from the Dragon Majuu also amused her. That was before Shizun flew off to warn the others of their arrival. Now they were traversing through the dense, shining green foliage only found in this forest. Their trek was relatively quiet until Margrethe finally decided to speak up about the trees.
The Aura-guardian could feel the other’s stare on her back, but she herself attempted to remain impassive. This drama was really beginning to irk her. “You may not be afraid of storm nor sickness, but do you really believe you can hold your own against enemies whose power cannot be gauged? You do not come from these parts and therefore do not know of the danger. Do not underestimate this Plague.”
This decision was one not to be taken lightly. Margrethe was right; she would need time to think of it and speak to Aaron if he was at camp. Lately things haven't been going so well at Oldoran Castle, so Kiseki wouldn't be surprised if Aaron was aiding the queen. They didn't have the safety of the Glade. The Aura-wielders did. The Outside world needed him more. That shot down that part of the plan.
It was in no time at all that they reached the camp. They were now standing in a clearing with moss lining the ground. Two huts sat at the far edge, their appearances of summer homes. In the middle of the clearing was a place where the Aura-guardians would congregate with logs as seats. Kiseki knew that their home was simple, but it was all they needed. This place was enchanted and therefore kept all unwanted creatures out of its borders. Not that her guests knew that yet, but that wasn't necessary either.
~*~
The black-haired man stood up from his work when he heard sounds from his left. A familiar voice came to his ears, causing him to straighten up and smile. “Hello, Miss Chii. Who is it that you might have here? Either way, I just finished making our dinner. I suspect that Lady Kiseki is near as well. Would you mind helping me bring these supplies to the dining area?”
Shizun took this time to make himself known, carrying a leek in his mouth. “Can we add this in, can we, can we?” At the male's nod, Shizun squealed. “Yay!” As soon as he came, he disappeared again. Titan volunteered to clean up the remnants before joining the others, using his great blue tail to sweep up some of the supplies. Keiichi proceeded to lead the others toward the clearing.
“Ah, what luck!” Kiseki exclaimed when Chii, Shizun, the man, and a girl walked toward them from behind the homes. She turned to the Queen with a smile. “Come! My friend has made a wonderful supper. You must be ravished from our journey here.” The teenager then proceeded to greet each of them with that same grin. When Kiseki got to the other newcomers, she introduced herself as Lady Kiseki with a bow.
“I only need to freshen up. Please, make yourself comfortable,” Kiseki commented with another bow. She straightened and walked up to the man holding the steaming pot of stew. Her countenance contorted into a frown, with her back turned to the others. Although the male couldn’t see out of his blindfold, his smirk disappeared as well. Kiseki’s hands reached up and tugged lightly on it.
“I shall take it off when the light of the rocks diminishes a tad more,” he replied. A kiss was pressed to the girl’s right temple. “Do not fret over something so trivial. Go rest your Voice.” Kiseki pulled away, light red dusting her cheeks, as she walked into the nearest hut. The man chuckled to himself before turning his attention back to the other females in the clearing. He gestured to the logs spread around a pit with hot stones. It was too dangerous for Titan to use his Flamethrower near camp (with such short notice, the food needed to be prepared quickly), so they temporarily moved the fire to a different location. The hot stones would keep the food at a decent, evenly spread temperature.
After passing out bowls to everyone present -- yes even the Majuu -- the nineteen-year-old sat down himself. “It is an honor to make your acquaintances. My name is Keiichi. If I may be so bold as to ask, what are residents of Tai doing about this forest? This is no place for... exploring. I assume Lady Kiseki and Miss Chii have told you of the risk you take by coming here.”
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