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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Oct 22, 2008 2:38:28 GMT -5
Elu took his hand and stood still for a moment. “Yes, I’m fine.” She smiled up at him, and slowly withdrew her hand from his. What was this effect he had on her? She cleared her throat and continued again. “Um...As we were saying… I don’t enjoy the war; too many friends and family have died or are going to die. I am fleeing, and…I shouldn’t be.” Her tone changed dramatically. It was empty, and alone, cold. “I left to go talk to the commander, I left the family…My father left, so it was just my older brother, little sister and mother. I was gone for too long, none of them had weapons. My brother, he was the doctor, he had no need to protect himself. He was three years older than me; my sister wasn’t even 10 yet.” She paused, remembering the last time she talked to them. The last time she saw them alive, then suddenly, the scene that was displayed before her. “They mutilated my brother, they tore my sister apart, latterly, I found her limbs scattered across the camp ground. And, my mother…” She was silent for a few moments. She refused to cry. She couldn’t. She didn’t have anything left to cry. “They captured her and took her with them. They destroyed the entire camp site. In less than a day, over 300 lives were destructed.” Her pace was much slower; her eyes were focused on the ground as if it were a script. “That’s when I had to leave. I was tired of watching my family pay for me being there. It seemed like all my loved ones paid for it, and I didn’t. If I had stayed, my sister, my brother, my own mother, they would be alright.” She stopped talking and just looked forward. “I’m sorry, we just met and here I am babbling on about this war…” Her tail flicked again, ridding her hind quarters free of flies. “The city isn’t far, maybe half an hour or so from here.”
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Oct 22, 2008 12:55:04 GMT -5
"That's...awful to hear." Akuji said, well aware of how meaningless his words seemed in comparison to her grief. "My story isn't near as awful. My father disappeared not long after my birth, so when I turned 1 I went in search of him. When I was 26, I finally found the stallion, broken and near dead. I tried to bring him back to the living, but after about a month, he gave up and died. Since then, I have been trying to make a living. Back a few years before that, I gave up being a bard at about the age of 12 and switched to being a mercenary- I had been trained by another centaur in the ways of fighting, and I proved to be rather good at it." He shrugged his human shoulders, "Not very exciting." Akuji looked away from her and towards the southern city, his tail also flicking away flies. He couldn't help but laugh slightly, and he felt the need to explain himself, "Your hooves are so much smaller than mine, you hardly make any sound at all compared to these giant hooves of mine. I'm gonna set off an earthquake with these clunkers."
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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Oct 23, 2008 19:01:12 GMT -5
She let out a small chuckle then froze. She looked behind her and listened. She slowly turned around and looked at the vast space. Her hand slipped over to her sword, her hands grasping the leather band around the handle. “S…Something isn’t right…” Her tail flicked again. She took a step forward and withdrew her blade. A small blue flame ignited in the tip of it, then went out.
Out from the tall grass sprang a Mountain Lion. His sandy pelt was dirty, his claws stretching out and jaw open. Elu reared up as it sunk its claws into her rump, his teeth sank into her back. She brought the blade back. As soon as it touched the beast it was engulfed in purple flames, a sharp metallic sound covered the air. It sliced deep into the feline’s side. It screamed in pain, but rather than get it off it made him more determined. “Get off!” She ran up to a near by rock and slammed the cat into it. His head flung back and cracked on the bolder; a crimson stream of blood ran down the rock and the beast let go. She took the sword in both her hands and sunk it deep into the monster. A shallow, long breath moaned through the lips of the cat.
She looked at her shoulder; somehow she had gotten a gaping wound on it. “Oh Akuji, do you have healing powers?” She held back tears but it was obvious that she wanted to let them fall.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Oct 23, 2008 19:52:26 GMT -5
Akuji pawed the ground anxiously, "I do, but they aren't very strong. Mother always said I should spend less time daydreaming and more time studying." He approached her while reaching into one of his bags and rummaging through it. With a sound of immense relief escaping him, Akuji pulled out a piece of brown, natural chalk and some moss. "Alright, I will try to be gentle, but I need to draw a circle around the wound. Or else my magic will go all awry and set the plains of fire." He drew wide, avoiding getting too close to the gash. He closed the circle, then placed his hand in the center of it, right over the gash. "Emwe nionen. Kalari!" He said in an ancient tongue, and the area glowed with blue 'fire'. When it had receded, the circle was gone, as was the wound. He then poured some water from his canteen onto a bit of moss and placed it where the wound had been, "To maintain the spell until all healing is done and to make sure the skin thickens and regrows properly." He said brightly. "Would you like me to take care of the others?"
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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Oct 23, 2008 20:47:00 GMT -5
Elu smiled at him and put her hand on the moss to hold it still. “If you wish to. They’re only minor. I don’t use my rear for too much anyways.” She looked directly into his eyes, for the first time. She held the gaze for a moment then pulled away. “Why did your mother tell you to keep dreaming? Healers are needed right now, demand is high and they are paid well.” Her red coat was glistening with sweat, blood, and just from pure quality. She looked at the dead cat and smirked. “Out of all the creatures I have battled and fought, this one hurt me most.”
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Oct 25, 2008 23:29:36 GMT -5
"No, no, she told me to stop dreaming and to study to become a healer. I ignored her and preferred my dreams over lessons." The man smiled sheepishly, stomping his hind hoof nervously. Elu was beautiful, and to say Akuji was smitten seemed like such a weak word for what the centaur was feeling. Shaking his head, he moved to her rump and simply placed the cool, wet moss onto her wounds there as well- it would help the healing process as well as provide relief from the burning pain that came with cat scratches. "Well, he obviously knows now he picked the wrong centaurette to bully." He laughed, then reared and slammed his hooves into the carcass. :That's for injuring such a noble lady." He spat at the cougar, then retreated. "Shall we?"
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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Oct 26, 2008 0:12:28 GMT -5
Elu smiled at him, and then looked down at the ground. Why was she falling for him? Her heart was still bleeding due to the last…relationship. She could not move on, not yet. Yet, it felt so right…These feelings, it was something she missed and desired. She let a quick glace up at him then forward. “Yeah…we better be moving forward.” She took gentle steps forward, sure to catch every beat and not miss a single one. Her tail swished from side to side as her body moved. She was pretty, she would admit that, and often it got her into trouble with the men. She turned around to say something to him, but then looked away and continued to walk.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Nov 5, 2008 11:07:22 GMT -5
Akuji yawned, placing his hands behind his head in a cradle-like manner, then trotted along to catch back up with Elu. He couldn't help but laugh again at the way their hooves hit the ground- hers were still nearly silent and caused little disturbance while his made clouds of dust puff up around him. He tried to adjust his weight, balancing himself more on his toes rather than slapping down his whole hoof. It made little difference. He shook his head, mane flicking pleasantly along his humanoid back, hands still resting behind his head. Akuji's face remained pleasantly impassive, except for his light, pleased-with-the-world grin. It was such a gorgeous day (perhaps because of Elu's presence? Akuji thought idly), that he couldn't help but start to hum a fast, upbeat tune. The stallion let them walk in relative silence, choosing not to speak just yet. Elu appeared to be in thought herself, and who was he to barge in on those? No, not until the city came into view on the horizon- high walls with towers along them as well as a castle in the middle of the city- slowly appeared to them. Cresting a hill and bringing the whole city and outlying farms brought Akuji to a halt, studying the area. With an almost sad voice, Akuji asked, "So what are your purposes here, again? I would most surely like to spend plenty more time around you, Milady Elu. This has been a pleasant time, and your presence made this trip so much better." The Clydesdale pawed the ground and looked away almost shyly, hoping she would say something that would keep them together just a little longer.
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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Nov 9, 2008 18:07:36 GMT -5
Elu turned fast and drew her sword. It rested on his neck with slight pressure. “The business I have to attend to is set in privacy,” her eyes were dark, her look was serious. “At sun down, I will meet you at Rosanne’s Pub. Don’t be a moment late. I will need your help in…a quest, we shall call it.” She drew the sword down, the cold metal caressing his arm. She then placed it back to its normal place, the sheath in which symbols were engraved. She smiled at him, and then slowly turned; her female charm was kicking in. She took off in a steady trot, her golden hair were waves as the air caressed her body. Her legs moved in perfect pattern, her rear glided with evenly with the Tara below her muscular form. She pulled from her pouch a baby blue piece of cloth and turned to face Akuji. She kissed the cloth, and then dropped it onto the ground. With that, she turned and ran again, disappearing behind the cement walls.
She walked into the place she once knew as home. There were secrets that she would never tell someone, and this was one. The paths were scattered with different species and creatures. The Shoppe’s all looked the same as when she was a child. The coble stone walk-way parted at the end and lead to other places. “Elu! It’s so good to see you!” She turned to see an elderly centaur in the entrance of a bakery. “Mitsis!” Elu walked over and gave her a hug. “It’s been so long, how are you?” Mitsis gave a weary smile. “I’m doing better. I endured much loss, Terrell has passed away. I was forced to leave my home; most of my friends and family have perished in war. But enough about an old lady like me, what of you? What brings you here?”
Elu began to tell of her adventures and of her family. She told of her times in war and of her previous employment. She got to the last part of her question. “But as to what brings me here, do you know if Catahecassa sill is around? The old mage?” “Yes, I believe so. Last time I heard he was taking refuge at Glacier Inn at our rebel town. Why do you ask?” Elu smiled, her eyes darted around to see if anyone was listening in. “The war, they have supplied me with a new job. I am to create an army of the dead. Catahecassa is the only one I know how can tell me how to do so.” She gave Mitsis a hug, and then departed. She walked around town for a little bit, stocking up on supplies. She kept a strong eye out for Akuji, in hopes that she would see him.
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Nov 10, 2008 1:33:10 GMT -5
Akuji inclined his head to Elu at her words, then flicked his tail as she trotted away. With a grunt of approval, he retrieved the cloth, rubbed it to get a feel of the texture, then placed it in a small bag that held his prized possessions inside one of his packs. That done, he trotted through the gate and headed straight for the castle.
He greeted the guards who escorted him in. Akuji waited in a room full of tapestries and weaponry until one of the war generals emerged. "You're the mercenary, hm? How can we help you? The human-like dragon asked him, tail coiling around his legs as his vertical pupils locked onto Akuji. "I was hoping you had a job open for a mercenary such as myself. I need work." Akuji said, stomping his hind hoof to accentuate his words. "The war hasn't started yet down here, but if you come back in a while I am sure we will have space for a hire." The dragon growled, checking a scroll on a desk. "But I hear that a mercenary would be useful in the town, provided someone has the money to pay you to get rid of some rather difficult trouble makers." Akuji smiled, "Sounds like a bit of pub-sitting might be beneficial. Thank you sir, and I will check back later." "Anytime, Akuji Faris. My thanks to you for dealing with our crime problem. With the encroaching war my men are off in the country and they city is getting out of hand." With another inclination of his head, Akuji left the castle, surprised to see the sun traveling quickly towards the horizon. Feeling idle, Akuji asked a passersby for directions to Rosanne's Pub, then went to the city square where the market was closing up for the night. He managed to snatch a drink and a bite to eat from one of the hot food tables, then headed for the pub, his mind completely absorbed with Elu's last words to him about a quest and when he was going to get a job. His coffer was running rather low.
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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Nov 10, 2008 18:56:02 GMT -5
Elu stood at the entrance of the gates and watched the sun set. The majestic rays settled on the land, bidding the earth farewell for a few hours. The last rays of golden hope filtered their way to the depth of which they were disappearing, leaving Elu in shadow. With a heavy sigh, she turned around and made her way to Roseanne’s Pub. She pulled out her cloak that she had just bought, the dark green velvet draped perfectly over her body, giving her a meek, helpless appearance, for it hid her weapons and tied just right so it hid her armor. It flew with a light ripple. Before she knew it she was walking into the pub. She smiled for the smell of spices and ale lifted her spirits. A hefty lady, oddly enough a human, stood behind the counter. Her hair was a dull red, and tight with curls. It was long and draped over a shoulder. Her plump cheeks were red with blush and her skin pale with makeup. Her eyes were heavy with dark makeup; it was obvious she was in more than one business. She wore a peasant top of baby blue, and a brown skirt that ended just above her ankles. “’Ello! Welcome to me pub! What can I get for ye ya bonny lass?” Yup. Old Roseanne hadn’t changed a bit. “Hello Roseanne. A glass of whiskey should do. Make sure it’s strong. Well, make that two. I have a friend I am meeting here.” In less than a second, two glasses, two, large, glasses were filled to the top with whiskey. Elu paid for them both and took both glasses. She walked over to the window and set down the extra glass. She sipped some of the bitter drink, and set it down. Tomorrow, Akuji and her would over to the next city and find the mage, and then things would change.
(Might sound a tad confusing, sorry. Not feeling too well and my mind isn't all here....)
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Jan 7, 2009 16:43:00 GMT -5
Akuji found the bar with little trouble and walked in slowly, letting his eyes adjust to the natural darkness of the bar. It didn't take long for Akuji to spot Elu, and he walked carefully over to her, intent on not stepping on the other patrons of the bar. "Good eve, miss! I'd offer to buy you a drink, but it seems you're a step ahead of me." He winked amiably at the lady centaur, picking up the glass and swirling it. "Assuming, of course, that this is for me and not your one in waiting." He downed the half the glass with a stamp of his hind foot, "Damn, that's the good stuff, miss Elu! You know your whiskey!" he put a hand to his mouth, "Pardon my language. So, what is this quest you mentioned?"
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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Jan 7, 2009 16:54:05 GMT -5
Elu eyed him with some caution. "Good eve to you as well, sir." She looked out the window, then back at him. "I have no one in waiting, nor will I ever. Relationships such as that are a waist of time and makes emotions unbearable when things turn nasty." She took a sip of her drink; the glass trembled in her hands. "I have had a job offer, to help the troops. They asked me to raise an army of the dead." Her voice was low, dangerous almost. She looked him right in the eye. "There is a mage out of town, over in Glacier Inn; her name is Catahecassa. Perhaps in your travels you have come across her. None the less, she is the only one I know powerful enough to conjure up the things I need, or at least direct me on how to do it.”
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Post by Shu'al Raethir on Jan 7, 2009 17:03:24 GMT -5
Akuji folded his hands together before his face, watching her intently. All sense of jocularity was gone from him, replaced by a dire sobriety. "Catahecassa, huh? She's pretty nuts. Scares the poo outta me, in fact. So does the idea if a dead army." He leaned backwards so his human back nearly touched his equine back. "'In these silences, something may rise...'" He said cryptically, not bothering to explain it. "So when do we leave?" He asked with a bright smile, clapping his hands together softly. "I'm up for an adventure. Magic ain't one of my skills- singing, yes. Sword wielding? Yes. Killing things from great distances with a bow? Yes. Charming ladies? 'Pends on the situation. Magic? Naughta. "And I don't find relationships all that bad. What is life if not to love before death, neh?"
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Post by Autumn's Nightmare on Jan 7, 2009 17:11:09 GMT -5
Elu slammed her glass down. "We leave at dawn." She turned, grabbed her cloak and left the tavern. She paused outside the door and lowered her face into her hands, sobbing. Why was she acting like this? He was a nice guy, he was funny, charming, and handsome...She couldn't let her guard down. Her heart was still shattering from the last time she tried her chance at love. How would she live if her heart was taken twice? She took a deep breath, and uncovered her face. The streets were bare; the only sound was from the taverns lining the street. She pulled her cloak over her slim body and slowly sauntered down the lane, thinking. Why did she like him so much? She had to pin point it so she could ignore it from now on. She could go into battle and not cringe at the thought of plunging her sword into someone, killing innocent people didn’t bother her one bit, she could even murder people she grew up with and not think on it twice; but the thought of her falling for someone again, it made her fall apart.
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