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Lure of power
Posted: 15 Apr 2004 03:10 PM |
“With great power comes great responsibility Dias!” How many times have I heard this phrase? It has almost become a mantra, thanks to my mother and my tutors. Power affects us all, sometimes for better, quite often it corrupts those it touches.
Luther came running to me, talking about strange weather effects on the great plains and other bizarre happenings. There was really no need, for already I had felt it. There was a force out there of such magnitude that I felt its calling inside Midor. It beckoned to me like a candle flame lures moths to their unsuspecting death. Following Luther, I was soon greeted by a snow storm on the plains, where there had been sunshine but moments before. Yet it was not the change in weather that startled me but the node of power that had appeared there. Like a siren’s song it had ensnared not only animals, but also an elf and a very familiar face: Pickston. I could easily feel the node’s tug, but was able to shrug it off.
The two prisoners were talking about power and their heart’s desire. They could see things which were not there, but what I truly dreaded was the moment they started feeling this as well. Luckily they broke free of the effect and Calia was able to protect them at least momentarily.
I had once read about a similar occurrence. It took place several hundred years ago in the site currently known as the Standing Stones. As was the case now it had lured the unwary and those weak of will. Many are those who would jump at the opportunity to gain power the easy way and I have yet to read about someone who took a shortcut successfully. Thinking back on my apprenticeship as a wizard I realise this all too well. There are those who rise rapidly in power, but at what price? I wanted to make sure that this had nothing to do with the event in the Standing Stones and so I convinced the others to go there.
It wasn’t a moment too soon either. The blizzard had stopped but now the plains started filling with water and seconds later I was up to my middle in it. Had I not known better I could have sworn I was standing in the middle of a shallow lake. And this is where I failed. Like an apprentice I forgot the most basic rule about magical happenings. Always check the surroundings for that which is invisible. Oh what a fool I had been. The Stones didn’t reveal anything out of order and I left my companions towards Sha’azim.
If anyone should have knowledge about such events it would have to be the guild master. He told me a little more about the legend of the Standing Stones and bid me to seek out another. This one would be able to fill in the details of what had happened then at the Stones. During our conversation I suddenly had this feeling in the back of my head that Shamn had more than a passing interest in this event. It was as though he himself was drawn towards the node. Shamn assured me that he could be fully trusted in these matters, but something –was it a glint in his eyes?- told me that he was not telling me the entire truth.
Today I finally met the one Shamn had mentioned. So much power in such a frail body, but her eyes spoke of centuries of wisdom. In matters arcane she is without a doubt my superior. What she revealed to me this afternoon shook me to the very core of my being. Apparently such power surges had occurred four times, perhaps even five. The legend of the Standing Stones spoke of this and what she told me filled me with dread. The implications were mind-boggling. Who wouldn’t want to try to control such a node? Whom could I trust with this information? Already I imagined Lani, Fri’el or even Shamn trying to control it. What if indeed one of them succeeded? Nay, there had to be a way to prevent this from happening. But how? She had no ready solution to give to me either.
And how come she trusted me with this information? A grandmaster of the Arts she may be, but she’s still unable to read my mind or heart. What made her trust me? She knew that I am a loremaster, but above all my task is to keep knowledge away from those not deserving or ready for it. It still made no sense how she came to know this. But this was the least of my concerns. For now I have to spread how dangerous those nodes are. The number of people who tried to control them, thinking themselves to be strong enough, was vast. And no one, not a single being had been successful, yet all were changed – corrupted.
Until I find a solution or someone offers one the only thing I can do is to warn people to stay as far as possible from these nodes. Yet I fear that once again people will ignore my warnings…
*OOC* OK, this one needs some refinement, but I wished to post it anyway. It gives some ideas about what is going on, although a lot is not being said. A wizard and his secrets eh...[I still hate demons]*OOC* |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Lure of power
Posted: 18 Apr 2004 03:37 PM |
Events of the past few days wore me out to near exhaustion. Another node had appeared, this time on the Sea of moving ice. Again it were Luther and Calia who were near. Is this a coincidence? I fear it is not. The power node had transformed itself into a red coloured gem, one of peculiar cutting and exuding warmth. More than heat, power was emanating from it, even stronger than from the nodes themselves. Luther’s first thoughts had been to show me the gem and thus he picked it up. Soon he was overcome with a lust to kill and went on a rampage. I met him on the Great plains, followed by the elven priestess. The energies of the gem flowed from it and hit me like a cliff wall. However I only needed look at Luther, for he wielded magicks even I had trouble maintaining for an extended period. He commandeered three elementals at the same time, a feat I have never seen before.
Calia informed me of what had happened and I asked Luther to drop the gem. To my own surprise he did so willingly, yet to my horror Calia picked it up. How can I describe its calling? A siren’s song is nothing but a screech compared to the lure of the gem. ‘tis like considering the similarity between the flame of a candle and the incandescent heat of the sun. The changes wrought in Calia were baffling to say the least. Soon a battle ensued between Calia and Luther, to my very own dismay. Once again I learned a very valuable lesson here, violence only begets more violence. In the end Luther made Calia drop the stone and I told them both to stand back. And there we were: a stone drawing men and women near like a strong magnet would with iron and us three.
Finally I decided to lock the gem away in my safehold. I dropped a bag over it, to which a rope was fastened. Dragging it behind me I stepped through the portal I had previously created. My safehold only has one way out and that’s the portal. Nothing short of the divine can enter it, but this is also where the danger lies. The emanations of the stone were contained in a small space and thus I felt tenfold the call of what I had previously experienced on the plains. Never had this amount of magic and raw power run through my veins. It is indescribable, mind-boggling and above all terrifying. Once again the teaching of my mother, with great power comes great responsibility saved me. I kept saying it again and again, over and over through clenched teeth, unwilling to give in to the temptation. Finally I found myself again on the plains and almost instinctively dismissed the portal.
What worried me above all were the explanations of Luther and Calia. They both had a good feeling about and fond remembrances of the time they were enthralled. Was this then truly their heart’s desire? To kill and maim? I wish I could say that I was shocked, but alas… I was not.
A day later another node had appeared, this time in the Kobai desert. And a few days later another one in Mirghul. I had spoken to many by that time and warned them of the inherent danger of the nodes. One of those warned was Gasher, one who claimed that he had nothing to fear of these ‘portals’ as they were still called by many. I had alerted him that all could be subjected to its call and so it came to be. He too fell victim, but his faith in Elbereth must have been great for he ran to the Tears, diving into the lake. Finally he was cleansed of the taint, yet not before another appeared. According to Gasher, Cantor Matriel wanted the gem. The account Gasher, Kree and Alarwen gave me was a tad confusing for either Cantor wanted a node gem or he already possessed one. The latter case was very worrisome, for this man’s heart was clearly as black as a moonless night. I do not think he cares much if he gets corrupted or changed by the node gem, all that matters to him will be the energy infusing his body.
Everything that happened before Cantor acquired his gem –or did he not, and was he simply being nastier than other times?- I told to my new source. We discussed a great many things and she praised me for the quick thinking on locking the gem away. I was also given an ancient tome, with vellum sheets bound between two dark leather covered plaques of oak wood. It told of one of the previous appearances of node gems. After reading it, I was filled with dread. If what she told me was true, and I had no doubt that it was, the coming times would be even worse and filled with hardship. We could be at the brink of a cataclysmic event!
As of now I am devoid of all feelings, but filled with a singular purpose. After the loss of Quies my only goal now is to prevent this catastrophic event from happening. Should I succumb to the lure myself, I shall be swiftly dealt with. Of this I have ascertained myself.
May Theus protect us all in these days of darkness.
*OOC*
Bleh, still missing things and I still need to write about Quies... later, later...
*OOC* |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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A plot thwarted
Posted: 20 Apr 2004 05:47 AM |
“Your task will not be an easy one Xaranthir.” She studied my eyes as though trying to discern what my thoughts on the matter at hand were. “What –I- can do for you, is to find out how many node stones have appeared and where they are located. However,” Momentarily she paused, “it shall be up to you to find the stones and hide them.”
I sat there only nodding. Before I came to see her, I suppose that subconsciously I had already known. In the past I had always claimed to have next to no enemies. Now, it seemed I was left with no friends. People would come to me, to try and get the node gems from me. There will be those who will attack me directly, but they will gain little. For one they will be easily recognisable and there’s the fact that should I die, the stones will disappear forever with me. And then there will be those, whom in the past I would consider trusted allies and friends. They will be the most dangerous to deal with, but my mind is set on this. Friend or foe, enemy or ally, no one will get the node stones.
She warned me that everyone wants power, even those who claim not to seek it. ‘tis true in a certain way I suppose, but I care not for the power which is bestowed by either the nodes or the stones. After taking my vows as a cleric of Theus, my task of loremaster changed to that of a lorekeeper. Where lies the difference? They both acquire lore, study and teach those who need teaching. As a lorekeeper it is also my task to keep certain knowledge and items away from those who would abuse it, for lore is also a form of power. I am here to ensure that the mistakes from the past are not repeated once more. The very essence of the world was at stake now and I feel as though I am one of the few who truly understands the inherit danger. Many are those who wish to use the node gems for their own fell purposes and there are those who wish to study them closer. They want to unravel its secrets and mysteries, but they too shall fall victim to its lure.
A week ago I would have felt extremely lonely, having no one to truly trust. The recent events with Quies washed all my emotions away. As she had once been, so I had become. Only one thing is driving me now and it is the need to protect Vives. No pleasure, no pain would detract me from that goal.
I already knew of at least two groups of power and several individuals who would want the stones. And this is why I no longer trust those I once trusted before, for they had been to close to them. The risk was simply too great.
That same evening I scried Vives with my crystal ball, viewing from afar the places where the nodes had appeared. At least, the ones I knew of. Suddenly my attention was drawn to the ruins of Arunukar. A great number of people had assembled there, for a purpose I could not determine. Taking no chances I ran with speed which rivalled that of monks from Buckshire to the ruins. Nearly breaking my neck, for I had almost forgotten the stairway which descended to the lower plateau, I arrived at the archeological dig site. And apparently just in time to see Muga, Ilyana and Soapie enter. Something was definitely going on and carefully I followed at a distance. As they descended to the lower level and took off to the left I went to the central room, only to bump into Muga, whom I had assumed went with Ilyana and Soapie. Had it not been for my invisibility spell the cloak and dagger game would have ended then and there.
Theus must have been with me that day! I hid in a nearby alcove, nearly completely hidden from sight and as Muga scanned the rooms, she missed me thanks to a pillar barring her view. They moved on and finally I released my breath which until then I had held without thought. Slowing down my heartbeat I followed seconds later, only to find out that the three had joined those who were already there. Calia, Macha, Kord and one or two others. Their faces never registered in my mind for I was completely concentrated on Ilyana and Calia. Again I hid behind a pillar, but this time I was spotted by Macha who waved to me. I praised Theus once more that she hadn’t spoken out loud and motioned her to ignore me, which luckily she did. And then I turned my attention completely on the priestesses of Naruth and Aros.
Ilyana tried to convince Calia that the elf should accept a stone or else Ilyana would be slain. According to Naruth’s faithful an angel had given it to her previously. The instructions were clear: Calia had to take the gem in her hands or Ilyana would be killed. Luckily for once, Calia had the wherewithal to receive the gem in a bag, which she dropped. I could see a rope fastened to both the bag and her belt. As Ilyana pleaded for her to pick it up in her hands, my hands started deftly weaving through familiar patterns. I had seen a glimpse of the gem and I knew what to do. Darkness descended around the two priestesses, but it mattered little to me as I saw them as clearly as in daylight. Cutting the rope in one swift movement, I summoned my portal and stepped through. The force of the other gem already stored there staggered me, but I had bolstered my willpower with all the magicks I could muster and was able to withstand the magical onslaught. Seconds later I was outside again, breathing hard.
Only then did I hear the voices of all those around me. Most were confused, but Ilyana’s voice carried fear. She pleaded to me and had the matter at hand been anything else Ilyana might even have persuaded me. Besides I had my doubts, for what angel would willingly want such a gem to fall into the hands of a mortal who would be utterly and completely twisted by it? And no angel descended from the heavens to strike down the priestess, only reinforcing my idea that this had all been a very elaborate ploy. But by whom? The reasons I could think of, but who was behind it? Naruth herself? Lani? Whoever it was their plot was thwarted and another gem was safely hidden away.
And my task had only just begun. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Powerful players
Posted: 22 Apr 2004 09:04 AM |
Vives had become a board of chess, one with many players. It wasn’t just black and white, but many shades in between and each player possessed one or more pieces. Those who joined last troubled me greatly. The ones known by many as the dark elves are on the move and they are looking for those with node gems. So far I have eluded them, but for how much longer? How much time was left before they caught someone who knew about me?
Bad news never comes alone. The fact that the corrupted ones are out hunting, would strike fear in just about anyone. Alas it paled in comparison to the knowledge that two individuals of incredible power now each possessed a node gem. Not only that but at least one would be immediately able to control the gem: Vestlat. Mentioning his name alone would turn the bravest souls’ legs to jelly. And if that wasn’t enough, a green dragon by the name of Dryxn’us possessed the other one.
A wise man might lock himself up in a secure place, where no one could reach him. Alas I cannot afford myself such luxury. ‘tis my sworn duty to gather these gems and keep them in safety. The enemy, for surely that is what they are, have spies. Some willing, quite a few most likely unwilling pawns being directed by those more powerful than them. But I have not been sitting around idly either. I have my own network of informants and thanks to them I had been warned about the dragon.
And just in time it would appear. A mere couple of heartbeats was all it took between hearing the beating of its mighty wings and the sudden landing of Dryxn’us, appearing in all his glory before the very gates of Midor in front of Macha, the guards and me. One of the guards –was he overcome with madness?- charged forward only to be swatted away like a human would do with a bug. He was barely alive, shivering as he was touched by the dragon’s aura, but it concerned me little. My eyes never wavered from the green dragon’s eyes, for although news had travelled swiftly I did not know what the others had told this green wyrm.
“Never a moment of peace. Come speak to me in the Bloodwood.” This wasn’t an invitation, it was an order and one I better followed to the letter. I said goodbye to Macha, who stood there perplexed. Her eyes asked whether I would be returning. Alas, or perhaps luckily, I am not omniscient. Of one thing I was sure however, not going to meet the scaly one was to invite certain death. Avoiding Mirghul, for still I didn’t know if the Atalan dwelled there, I arrived in Bloodwood. Dryxn’us wasn’t hard to find, I only had to follow the path of broken, charred and rended ettin bodies.
Most dragons I have met were vain and thus I didn’t think it would hurt a lot if I placated this one. And brutal honesty is most often the best way. Although I had only heard about this green dragon a day before, I praised its strength, its power and above all the terror that its name struck in those who heard it. Dryxn’us beamed truly at hearing this, telling me that it had privileged me with its presence. I assured the Green Death, as it called itself, that I was truly honoured but wondered why it would seek out one such as me. It would seem I am not the only one telling half-truths or spinning lies, for what the dragon told me was laughable at best. It knew all too well that I realised it was all a lie. The node stones it was looking for never were stolen from it. They didn’t sit in a crown it had rightfully owned. So I played its game at the best of my ability. In the end Dryxn’us wanted one thing and that was to know where the other gems were.
It tried to trick me with the node gem it held. Theus was with me that day for I was able to withstand its lure. Three thoughts raced through my mind. First and foremost I was not going to divulge anything about the two gems that were in my possession. A powerful being Dryxn’us is, but even the Green Death can’t read my mind. Two other words nearly flashed before my eyes: Vestlat and the Atalan. One has Cantor’s gem, the latter were in search of them. For a moment I dismissed Vestlat, for a reason still unknown to me. Perhaps it was because I remembered my guide’s words? She had told me that perhaps the best course of action would be to let the dragon and the Atalan destroy one another. And so I spun a tale of how Cantor served them, perhaps he had given his gem willingly, perhaps it was taken from him. Dryxn’us told me to find out more about this gem and any others I might come across. As I needed to contact the dragon for that, I tried asking where I could find it. If one does not try, one will never know, but the attempt was too obvious. It told me how to contact it and if it deemed the matter at hand worthy it would appear. To try and trick it would mean my demise at a dragon possessing the powers of an archmage.
Now I had to develop a plan to either get the gem from the dragon or to make sure its attention was diverted away from me and preferably towards the Atalan, who were already breathing down my neck. After being dismissed by the powerful dragon, I went back to Midor. An idea took shape during my journey and as I arrived at the gates of Midor, seeing Macha, it came fully into fruition.
What is the mightiest weapon? Is it magic? Is it a sword? Nay, rumours. Rumours can raise a person into a place of authority or cause the downfall of kings. This time I needed rumours to be spread about the Atalan and Macha would be the key figure for this. A bard of her renown should have no trouble launching a few rumours into the world. Yet it is far more difficult than one might think. For her own sake, Macha will need to make sure that the hearsay cannot be traced back to her. I told her truthfully that if the dark ones found out who launched this she would be in mortal danger. She reluctantly agreed to what little information I gave her. Soon, I hope, I will hear how the Atalan have acquired a gem. If not then I had another contingency plan, a story that should still sound plausible to Dryxn’us.
Moments later, Macha had already left, I met Sister Xune, Ronan and Evaramier in Midor’s outskirts. As I was about to ask the first two about their encounter with the Green Death the night before, weird things started to happen. Everything pointed out that yet another node was about to appear and my worst fear became reality. I told them all to stand back, with Evaramier as usual disregarding sound advice. For the first time since the first occurrence I was overcome with thoughts of using the stones for my own needs, but thanks to sister Xune I was finally able to shrug off the compelling thoughts. By the time Sirac joined our little group, the foulest, biggest and most powerful demon I had ever laid eyes upon appeared out of nowhere.
My first reaction was the most natural one: run away at full speed. But even though Sister Xune attacked him with her bare hands –causing little to no damage- the demon chanted an arcane song, one that stopped me dead in my tracks…. Almost literally. A ball of energy whirled around me and I knew there was no escape, the sound as it drew closer increasing to a crescendo. The blast brought me down to my knees, my head ringing from the shock and somewhere far away I could hear the screams of the Midor guards as they were consumed by the hellball. Turning my head towards the gargantuan, grinning demon, which Xune was still fighting, I realised that if I ran into the city it would only follow. How many innocent lives would be taken then? The demon took one swing at the monk and she lay sprawled on her back, heavily bleeding. As I stood up, my vision still blurry from the fell magicks used, it sent a second hellball my way. Before the screeching ball of elemental energies reached me I had the wherewithal to draw a shield that would partially protect me. I cannot begin to describe what it is like to be at the receiving end of a hellball. All your senses are overtaxed as the energies are unleashed. The flash blinds you, the burst deafens you, the elemental forces cause so much pain that for a short while you lose all feeling of touch… The acrid smell of lightning within the magic is so overwhelming it drains out all other smells. Back on my knees I was witness of how the demon skewered Evaramier and turned its attention once more to Xune, who once more was standing.
Seconds felt like hours… soon there would be nothing left if this demon was allowed free reign. The magic in me coursed through my body like never before. A heartbeat. The demon battered Xune with his left fist and her limp body was flying through the air. A heartbeat. Xune’s body –was it lifeless?- dropped like a stone on the pasture, the demon looked at me. My eyes were flaring with magical energies. A heartbeat. The demon took a step in my direction, only five more for this great beast and it would reach me. My head felt like it was going to explode. A heartbeat. It lifted its other leg to move, but magic poured out of me like sweat under the desert sun. Hundreds of missiles made from pure magic stung it again and again. A heartbeat. All I knew then was blackness, while my body trembled from sheer exhaustion.
The next moments are a blur, all I remember for sure was that Sirac and Xune helped me to my room. The demon was gone, perhaps killed by the magic, but even in the state that I was in I only thought it was a momentarily victory. Slumped on the cushions, my back against the wall, my quarters soon became the meeting place of nearly half Midor.
Xune informed me about her meeting with Dryxn’us, but as we spoke alone for a few minutes she wanted to know how many stones there were. Four I answered her, one in the clutches of the Green Death, one in the hands of Vestlat and two others, which disappeared. As she kept asking about these two, the ones I possessed, I became suddenly very wary of her. My guide had told me, the greatest danger would come from those whom I think I could trust. Did I no longer possess them then? Inwardly I cursed Calia for telling in front of others that two of the node gems were in my care.
“Nay, they were taken away from me. But fear not there was a benign divine presence there. These gems are safe from all.”
“How were they taken way then?”
Her persistence annoyed me and struck fear in me at the same time. She showed too much interest in these stones. Did the dragon have her in its grasp? Or perhaps one of the stones? As I learned later that evening from Melphus, a shapeshifter who was with Xune during the encounter with Dryxn’us, the monk had told the dragon that I possessed one of the stones. Another possible ally I could no longer trust.
Alarwen came in and was very concerned about the state I was in, she also stopped Xune from further questioning me. Does this one have a crush on me? I don’t want to hurt her, but I don’t have time for dalliances. But she is one of the few who was able to withstand the lure of the nodes. I have need of her, but… No, I cannot think like that. The world is at stake!
Tom Windwhisper entered, asking me if I knew where to find red gems. Apparently Dryxn’us had also enlisted his aid. I told him nothing. Besides he was more interested in talking to Alarwen and soon lost interest in me.
The next visitor caused all others to disappear with swiftness. The high priestess of Naruth came to berate me. She was awfully disappointed that I had interrupted her little game. Although Naruth’s followers are known for their fickleness, Lani is in my humble opinion a stable person. I fear the woman, and everyone should, but I also have respect for her. I did not think for one moment that she had come to slay me and had it been the case I would not have been in any position to even offer the slightest resistance. She scoffed at me for thwarting her plot. Quite frankly I cared little about her games concerning Calia. The priestess of Aros was a fool at best. Not only did she not know who Tarik was - not to mention the fact that she thought she might have helped him! -, she considered finding wyrdstones more important than ‘my nodes’. For all I cared Lani and Calia fought their own private war, but I told the high priestess that what she had done was very irresponsible. Using a node gem to corrupt Calia could have endangered us all had I not interfered. My words only ired her. What did I know about the gems? Who did I think I was? As anger overtook her voice, her eyes suddenly shone with fire and an aura of flames appeared around her. Moments later she disappeared into a column of flames.
This last confrontation had drained the little force I had gained through rest once more and I slumped back onto the pillows. But not for long…. I felt a presence in the room, an all-encompassing power and without knowing I was standing up against the wall, as though chains had clustered me there. A woman of incomparable beauty appeared, her hair like living flames. She need not tell me who she was, for instinctively I knew. Before me stood Naruth herself, the fiercest of the three sisters. How does one address a deity? I managed to utter ‘Your Holiness’ before awkwardly bowing.
“Sit.” And at her command I slid down to the floor. “On the cushions.” Of course… the cushions.
“You look even more tired now than moments before.”
I was about to answer that I was feeling slightly better, when I felt my mind and body rejuvenated. Then it dawned on me that she must have been watching me for a long time. Inwardly it made me shiver.
“Why have you come here your Holiness?” I cursed myself at the clumsiness of my words.
Naruth didn’t seem to care about it. “I came here to give you some advice. Lani likes her games, but she should not have used the node gem for that. I shall tell you what they are.”
“And what is the price for this knowledge?” Nothing comes for free, but before she answered that she gave me the knowledge.
And then she smiled. A smile so radiant, the sun itself paled in comparison. “You know what I want from you. Or rather, whom.”
“I am one now your Holiness. The one you seek is within me. He has lost the traits you desire when Dias and him melded together. There is no more Dias or Darastrix.”
“What has once been undone can be undone again.” A short phrase but one that jolted my memory back to months before. “Yet perhaps I shall consider this advice free of debt.” She looked at me and I knew that I had not seen the last of her. A pillar of the brightest flames I had ever seen obscured her from my view. When it was gone, only the white afterimage on my retina reminded me that she had ever been there. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Deceit
Posted: 23 Apr 2004 09:50 AM |
An ancient adage says: when you want to deceive the enemy, first deceive your friends.
My apprentice Solitaire and her friend Sirac had found me in the temple garden of Ferein, while I was contemplating possible solutions for the most immediate problems. Several people knew that I had at least one node gem and it wouldn’t be for long until this news reached the ears of the Atalan. The appearance of the demon the day before offered me the solution I desperately sought. Whether that foul creature had gated away or I had truly destroyed it mattered little to me. No one could say with certainty what had happened and no one could contest my statement that the demon had stolen the gems. Sirac and Solitaire were shocked at hearing the news.
How where we ever going to get the node gems back? I tried to look desperate while I explained that it would be nearly impossible. Our only hope lay in recovering the gems from Vestlat or the dragon. I had almost fooled myself and just as well, for Luther had been listening to our entire conversation. As soon as the two had left, promising to help spread the news about the demon, he appeared.
Readily he admitted to being a pawn of the Atalan, although he had no idea who or what they were. Had the situation been light hearted I would have laughed. And so I filled him in on whom he was truly serving. Even if they scried on him, it was a story they knew. Luther questioned me extensively and I answered each and every question at the best of my ability. They ranged from truth to half-truth to outright lie. Whether he believed the story of the demon taking the gems or not, I do not know. Actually I never intended for this story to hold up for very long. Just long enough to buy my allies and me some time to come up with a plan.
Later I conferred with my guide who was extremely worried about all the recent activity. She confirmed that Vestlat had one of the gems. When she went to see him he was gone, but in his home lay seven dead Atalan. What does this imply? Is Vestlat taken by them? Or did he slay them and moved to a more secure location? The dragon would be another mighty foe to deal with. But luckily I will no longer have to deal with the node gems on my own. She told me that an ally would be waiting for me in Midor. At least there was glimmer of hope in these times of darkness.
And then the worst possible news reached my ears. Another player had entered the field. According to Soapie the demi-lich of the Kobai Crypts also had a gem in his possession. If it was a plan from her to get me down there for her own reasons I do not know, but she sounded truthful. It filled me with dread. A dragon, a lich and now a demi-lich. The three most powerful foes of the lands and they all possessed a node gem, fully able to control it.
How can there ever come a solution out of all this? Even if they fight one another, one will surely be the victor, unless we can steal the gems when they are weakened from their combat. But neither shall we be alone. The Atalan will be always there, lurking in darkness and shadows… May Theus protect us all. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Frustration
Posted: 28 Apr 2004 05:45 AM |
I am frustrated. Clueless would perhaps be another very good description. No longer do I know what I am doing or what is supposed to be done. Two node gems are in my possession and the Atalan want it. They shall kill people until I give them what they want.
How did they find out I had gems? Did someone tell them? Or was it a lucky guess? Who? Why? What? Too many questions and no answers forthcoming. Supposing someone informed the Atalan, I wanted to find out whom. They had sent an image of one of theirs into my quarters, demanding once more the gems. It was time to pay them a visit then.
With the help of the guardians of Ladriel I sent forth an image into Undraeth. The Atalan mage was surprised at first but quickly smiled. The tower’s wardings would prevent the dark ones from tracing back the sending to Ladriel, unless a lot of energy was used. He immediately asked the mummy what it wanted. To use an image of myself would have been foolish and so I sent an apparition of Amna’rak. Through its eyes I could see, through its ears I was able to hear everything.
What did I want? I wanted to know who sent them after me, I wanted to know for what reason. Was it for the same reason I tried to divert their attention, so I could focus on the others? I thought before I had been clever and found out the ones responsible. My voice was heavily deformed by the magic of the sending, granting me an extra protection. I introduced myself as being a representative of Nailamne, thinking that they were the ones behind it all. And again I was wrong. Before I could learn anything, before I could feed them misinformation, the ritual ended, leaving me drained.
It had all been in vain. I only learned that the Dark Tower wasn’t behind it, at least I surmised as much. But otherwise? Nothing… nothing at all. Soon I will be brandished in Midor for the murdering that takes place in my name. It matters not really. I am too tired to think much about it all.
The image of Naruth told me what the gems were. When I asked Eàrànë about the goddess’ words and offered her my reasoning, she only gave me a blank stare, finally telling me that I am not ready for such knowledge. She warned me that my path of thinking was very dangerous. Sister Xune told me to seek out who or what was behind the nodes in order to prevent them. But now Eàrànë told me that it can’t be stopped. They are emanations of the weave. Sometimes a node transforms into a gem, sometimes into what can only be described as a monster. But one cannot stop it from happening.
What is my purpose in all of this? I no longer know. Have I ever known? I feel like I’m the plaything of greater forces. A leaf being drawn into a hurricane, never knowing where it will end up. At best it would arrive someplace it didn’t recognise. In the worst case it would be battered and broken, until naught but a fraction of it would remain. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Choices
Posted: 28 Apr 2004 06:05 PM |
There comes a time when one is presented with several choices, none of which seem to offer any good solution. The facts can not be denied: the Atalan shall come again and again, until they possess the node gems. Until they do, they will keep murdering people.
People look at me and whisper behind my back. How can I be so cold hearted? Why do I not give those dark elves what they want? Why do I let people get killed over petty objects? Surely my lust for power must be just as great as that of the Atalan?
Looking out of the window in the common room of my lodging I gazed at the garden. They told me I had two options, two enemies, but on this they agreed. If I did not give the gems to the Atalan, people would continue dying. The last is a certainty and certainties are rare in life. When I asked them what would be the consequences of giving the Atalan the gems, I received two answers. Nothing would happen and the one I tend to believe more: the outcome will be uncertain, anything could happen.
So do I gamble upon the former or should I take into account the latter? Or is what might happen inconsequential to the deaths of possibly hundreds of people? My path had come to a stop before an immense ravine with a bifurcation in the road. One branch was paved with bodies, the other path led into a forest of darkness. And there was one other option. One that would make it unecessary for the Atalan to come here. There would be no more deaths, there would be no more gems. No more deaths... except one.
I once more read the book Eáránë had given me. The elven way... sometimes things need to be done for the good of all. I wrapped the book in a silk covering and wrote a name tag on it. "For Lindela, may it grant you wisdom and strength."
I concentrated on all the magic inside me. For so long it had made me feel alive, vibrant... Now it would sing a last requiem. Wizardy and sorcery is all about control. I bursted all the dams inside my body and magic poured freely through my veins, my organs, my flesh. It felt almost exhilirating. Every single cell in my body was vibrating with the energies of the magic. And then suddenly I was just awareness. No longer did I see, hear, smell or feel anything. I simply was or rather, not anymore. I was silver like dust and it dwindled on the desk, on the carpet, on the bed. When it came to rest, I was no longer.
Xaranthir Ashfield was no longer. The third choice had been made. |
Luther McIath: I see, so [X is] the right person in the wrong place with the wrong people at the wrong time.
[Fictrix] ... And can speak French, like both! Wait, I mean Elven. |
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Re: Choices
Posted: 28 Apr 2004 07:59 PM |
| Oh...my...god.... |
I'm The Cult of Personality. |
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 01:57 AM |
| *Jaw drops, frozen that way for what seems like hours. A single salty tear begins to form* |
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 01:58 AM |
| *Jaw drops, frozen that way for what seems like hours. A single salty tear begins to form* |
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 07:23 AM |
*runs finger from side of eye down cheek*
Tear.
-Barnas |
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 07:49 AM |
Oh my bloody god!
Superbly written but I cannot believe it. I truly cannot believe it. X you cant leave us. Evar needs you. Who else will intellectually joust with him like that.
*Realises he is screaming at the screen much like he does at TV programmes*
Well, Evar will be sad to see X go. |
Never argue with an idiot.
They drag you down to their level
and then beat you with experience.
Akril
Quinellieth. 20th Circle of the Order of the Ring |
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 07:50 AM |
Bloody hell!
-Barnas |
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 08:35 AM |
*Luther, upon hearing the words knows the truth. He's hiding. I'll see him again*
- Paul |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
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<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 08:37 AM |
| No....He meant it when I said Goodbye... |
Long Live the Fighters!
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Re: Choices
Posted: 29 Apr 2004 09:37 AM |
Its like when Tay Trefenwyd Killed himself over the black Elfstone *Weeps*
That guy was the coolest Druid! Just goes to Show Elves Make the Best Druid.
Xaranthir's presence around the city will definitely be missed.... just like the light up inside his tower at night, as he reads his books and studies his magic above La Sapienza. |
The Legacy Saga |
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