Hostel Fox

[Salinye]

(This was a small little exchange stemming from some real time rp that took place in IRC one night on a whim. Just a fun snippet. However, part of it is a bit of a prelude to some events that will take place in Salinye's life soon.)

 

Salinye stood in the front room of her hostel, affectionately known to many as 'Custos Manor'. Taking a quick walk through its familiar corridors she noted it was mostly empty this eve' save for a few druids and rangers in the garden rooms. When she drew up the plans for the hostel she had rooms built into the outside back garden. The walls of each room were made of lattice, which would be incredibly revealing if it weren't for the various climbing vine like plants and flowers that were planted at the base of each wall. The lush greenery climbed the lattice enclosing the rooms with natural privacy. The rooms had been a huge interest to those of her guests who never did feel quite right inside walls and among carpeted floors.

 

Sitting down on one of the stone and marble benches nonchalantly tying her blonde locks back out of her face she reflected on the events of the nights. Vampires…Who knew they truly did exist? The thought brought a fresh coat of goose bumps to rise on the wizardess’ skin. She had spent to much of two years in torturous dark elf prison to trust anyone associated with the dark arts. She always believed Vampires to be things of fantasy, created in the minds of adults to scare children. Yet, here she had talked to one, and apparently, he wasn't the only one at The Pen. This will definitely take some getting used to.

 

Her night had been spent in a tree, of all places. Gyrfalcon, a half elven ranger and Annael, a woman with black feathered wings and usually surrounded by butterflies, seemed friendly enough. It's not that pale Tamaranis wasn't friendly, she just wasn't sure of him. He, and his lifestyle, unnerved her. Then, of course there was Daryl. She jokingly threatened to win his affections and steal him for her own. However, she would never really. She could see the strong bond of friendship between the half-elf and were fox. She would never seek to disrupt that.

 

She liked the people at The Pen so far. She wanted to be part of them, wanted to trust them, but it wasn’t easy. Not only because she didn't know them well, but also because of the danger she could bring to them. Sighing she stood turning to walk back into the manor frustrated by her own thoughts. A movement in the rose bushes to her left caught her attention. Turning with lightening quick reflexes she raised her hands in front of her calling a spell from the recesses of her mind to the tip of her lips. Her cobalt blue eyes turned deadly serious as she called out in a strong controlled voice. "I will not hesitate to disintegrate that corner of the garden and ask questions later. I will not give you a second chance show yourself now."

 

There was only a mere half-second of hesitation before the movement in the underbrush began to slowly work its way forward towards her. Salinye held her ground ready to strike the moment the foe showed his face. Just as the very front leaves began to shake a red and white fur clad face poked his head out with a sheepish grin. (As much as a fox can grin) "DARYL!" Salinye said exasperated dropping her arms to her sides and falling back onto the bench waiting for the adrenaline to slow it’s racing pulse through her body.

 

The wizardess anger was short lived as the fox leapt onto her lap nuzzling her beneath her chin with the top of his head. Smiling softly and shaking her head she pushed the fox back so she could look at him. "What are you doing here? Did GyrE send you?" Daryl simply shook his furry head side to side. "No?" Well then you should return to him right away! I'm sure he's missing you and wondering where you are! He'll think I stole you as I jokingly threatened to do!" In order to emphasize her point she stood picking him up and put him on the ground facing the large iron doors of the garden. "Now, off with you."

 

Daryl looked at the iron gates then back up to her, then to the iron gates again. Without further contemplation the fox turned with surprising and unexpected speed and darted away from the gates into Custos Manor leaving a surprised wizardess to smirk before turning to chase after him. "DARYL!"

Edited May 4, 2003 by Salinye

[Gyrfalcon]

Daryl scampered from room to room, always just a few steps ahead of Salinye, despite her better knowledge of her own hostel. Still, Daryl’s lack of experience finally led him into a corridor with no way out. He turned around and started to look sheepish, which was hard for a fox to do, when the door beside him opened.

 

"What’s all this racket?" the old druid said irritably as he twitched his sash tight. He didn’t even notice the quiet ripple of the hem of his robe as Daryl slipped by him and into his room.

 

Turning to confront Salinye, he put his hands on his hips. "Well? I was told that this was a quiet place to relax, but instead there’s all this Gaea-cursed racket! You’d think I was in a city!"

 

Salinye had to spend the next fifteen minutes soothing the druid’s ruffled feathers before he quieted down. By that time, Daryl was long gone out of the decorative window and loping towards home, satisfied that Salinye was safe for the short term.

 

The same could not be said for Daryl.

 

Barely fifteen minutes away from Salinye’s hostel, Daryl heard the baying of a wolf pack and cursed to himself in Fox, Kitsune, Werefox and Wolf. Of all the luck...!

 

Looking around, Daryl could find no place defensible enough to take on an entire pack of wolves, and so he ran on. As he did so, he mentally reached out, and was surprised to find their presences nearby. Pleased, the werefox called on ancient alliances.

 

We come. a voice responded mentally.

 

Daryl reached a clearing a short while later and stopped at the far end, turning to face the path he had traveled. Within a few minutes, the wolves arrived, and Daryl understood why they had chased him. Leading them was a great wolf with glowing red eyes- a worg. Daryl growled deep in his throat at the sight of the foul beast.

 

The worg snarled at the wolves, ordering them to spread out as it stalked forward slowly, thinking the fox had been brought to bay. It was planning now to slowly kill the fox, and savor its dying agonies.

 

A deep-throated growl from the bushes halted the worg. Foxes appeared all around the edges of the clearing, and the wolves seemed amused. Then larger forms appeared, creatures as large as wolves, with bony plates covering their foreheads and shoulders and extending down their spines. Lips pulled back from sharp teeth as the dire foxes snarled at the wolves.

 

Now the wolves turned back to back, realizing that they were clearly outnumbered. This effect was heightened further as Daryl changed to his hybrid form, standing easily.

 

"Fools! Kill them!" the worg snarled, turning its head away from Daryl.

 

A mistake.

 

Daryl charged forward, impossibly quick, claws raking across the worg’s face and neck. The beast tried to back away, but the werefox pressed the attack relentlessly, clawed hands batting the worg’s face impossibly fast. In desperation, the worg leapt for Daryl’s throat.

 

Daryl spun out of the way and landed a roundhouse kick that blasted the worg across the clearing, into a tree. The crack of its neck snapping echoed in the hushed clearing.

 

"Which of you is second?" Daryl said quietly in Wolf. A grizzled male stood out from the pack slightly.

 

"Leave this place, and trouble not the foxes of this forest. You will live- for now."

 

The wolf considered this, then lead the pack away.

 

Daryl turned to face the dire foxes. "Thank you for your aid." he said in Fox.

 

We honor our debts. The grizzled leader of the dire foxes assured Daryl as the gathered foxes dispersed back to their dens and ranges.

 

Daryl bowed formally to the dire foxes as they departed, then reached within himself. Changing back to a fox, he continued on his path back to the Mighty Pen.

[Salinye]

Salinye smiled as butterflies swarmed around her playfully dancing along the golden strands of her hair. Moving carefully the cloud of butterflies parting she reached the protective shade of the tree. Looking up she smiled as she could hear the murmur of voices hidden within the green canopy above her. Sitting for a moment on the soft plush earth she removed her sandals. Standing again she smiled as the sleek blades of grass poked up between her well-manicured toes.

 

Looking up into the leafy canopy she called out, "Hello up there, care for a visitor?" The murmurs from above fell silent for a moment before the leaves parted revealing an upside down Gyrfalcon hanging from his knees extending her a hand.

 

"Salinye, just who we wanted to see." He replied with a smile as she took his hand allowing him to help her up to sit within the branches. Leaning her back against the trunk she smiled to Annael.

 

"Miss Annael, thank you so much for allowing me to visit you in your splendid tree." The fallen angel smiled coolly back to the wizardess casually fluttering her black feathered wings. Gyrfalcon lowered himself from his branch to Salinye's with the dexterity and ease of a ranger. Straddling the branch he faced her causing her to press her back a bit harder against the trunk of the tree in surprise. He too smiled, only his smile was of the sort she had never seen grace his features before. It was dark, edged with ill intent.

 

A rush of adrenaline pulsed through Salinye's body as the aura of danger grew stronger around her. Looking between her two new friends confused and startled, her fear grew as darkness suddenly dropped all around them. Looking up through the leaves she could see the twinkling of stars as night descended upon them. Bringing her knees to her chest and standing up on the branch she looked down considering her options. To her dismay the ground appeared hundreds of feet farther below her than it should.

 

"I...don't understand." She said softly looking back to her friend-turned-foes.

 

Annael laughed a deep demonic laugh while Gyrfalcon looked up from his perch answering coldly, "You don't understand much, do you Salinye?" The wizardess could only stare in horror and confusion before calling a spell to her lips that would magically whisk her away. To her shock, as the last of the spell tumbled from her lips, she found herself standing numbly right where she had been.

 

"Oh, did you think we would allow you to keep your magics? Where is the fun in torture and death if your victim can fight back?" Annael said as the ranger stood extending her a hand to help her to her feet.

 

Salinye stood numbed searching the recesses of her mind for a way out of this situation. Her search was cut short as the immediate area around them darkened a few shades while dropping several degrees in temperature causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. Noticing a new smirk on Gyrfalcon's face she slowly turned her head to follow his gaze. As she did so she found herself staring into the pale face of Tamaranis. He stood floating before her his hands clasped behind his back. The vampire smiled his fangs gleaming as he leaned towards her. Completely wrapped up in her fear and forgetting she was standing on the branch of a tree she took a step sideways attempting to distance herself from him. In doing so she began to fall.

 

...And she fell...

 

...And fell as the branches above her got farther and farther away she awaited death at any moment. Not daring to look towards the ground she squeezed her eyes shut bracing her body for the impact. I'd rather die in a fall then at the hands of them. She thought to herself.

 

Suddenly, all was still. Her breath coming in shallow terrified bouts she listened as all was quiet around her. Slowly opening her eyes she found she was lying at the base of the tree. Sitting up she noticed a small form in the distance coming towards her. Scrambling to her feet still wary of the dangers above her she was about to run when she recognized the creature lopping towards her. "Daryl" she sighed immensely relieved.

 

She attempted to take a step towards the fox when a cool hand encircled her wrist. The three from the top had at some point descended to encircle behind her. Trying desperately to free herself from Tamaranis' strong grip she looked towards Daryl for help. "Daryl, Please help me." She called out to the fox.

 

In response, the slightly larger than normal fox, slowly morphed right before her eyes. His body contorted as it grew from the cute playful fox into a tall menacing Were-fox. Salinye was momentarily relieved as she assumed his change was in preparation of her defense. However, the truth of his intentions revealed themselves in the menacing gaze of his amber eyes as he stared at her crouched, claws extended and ready to attack.

 

Salinye slumped to the ground in absolute terror her arm raised above her as Tamaranis still held her wrist. Without her magic, further resistance was futile. Her entire body tensed as her eyes remained locked with Daryl's. An unseen nod from Tamaranis sent the go ahead and the were fox leapt towards her. Salinye screamed in terror turning her head and throwing one arm up in defense.

 

Her scream echoed through the nearly vacant night filled halls of the Hostel as she sat up in her chair, the smoldering embers of the fireplace the only light in the room. Brushing stray blonde strands from her face she mumbled an incantation and immediately a globe of light appeared next to her illuminating the room. It was just a dream, just a random nightmare. They aren't starting again, this was just a random nightmare. she told herself as her heart nearly beat out of her chest.

 

She was just getting her breathing under control when rushed footsteps could be heard coming down the corridor towards the sitting room she had fallen asleep in. The same disgruntled druid she had awoken earlier followed by several woodsy type guests that had been occupying the garden rooms burst through the entryway looking around alarmed.

 

"What is going on in here?" The disgruntled druid demanded looking at her confused to find no apparent threat. Salinye gathered her senses standing to face the small crowd embarrassed.

 

 

"Nothing, my friends. I'm sorry to have alarmed you, I...had a nightmare." The druid stared at her dumbfounded before spinning on his heels mumbling about getting more peace and quiet in the city. The rest of the guests required a few more assurances that she would be fine, as they were of the caring kind. After finally shuffling the last of them back to bed the wizardess simply bit her lower lip softly sinking into her thoughts silently convincing herself that THOSE dreams were not returning. This was just a random dream. Not one of THEM.

Edited June 19, 2004 by Salinye

[Gyrfalcon]

Gyrfalcon tossed on his bed, his covers cast to the floor by his dream-inspired movements. Perhaps, given the violence by which the bed was unmade in his sleep, nightmare would stand closer to the truth.

 

Much closer to the truth. Gyrfalcon was sitting in Annael’s tree once again, the night stars overhead. But something was strange... different. He realized as he tried to turn his head what the difference was. He couldn’t control his own body. Despite his frantic attempts to wrench control of his body back into his possession, nothing happened.

 

“Hello up there, care for a visitor?” a voice called up. Gyrfalcon felt his lips curve in a cruel smile for a brief moment before his voice called out “Salinye, just who we wanted to see.”

 

Through the events that followed, Gyrfalcon remained a helpless, horrified prisoner. As Salinye fell away into darkness, the half-elf bolted upright in his bed with a horrified shout, hand outstretched to catch a wrist too far away...

 

Meanwhile, in his own room, Daryl growled in his sleep, baring his fangs at the unseen force that bound him and forced him to watch as he leapt at his newfound friend, prepared to rend her limb from limb.

 

“Noooo!” Daryl said, coming awake. He shivered and rubbed the sweat from his face as he slowly laid back, ignoring the clammy sheets. “That dream... felt real somehow.” he shook his head and shrugged, determined that any answers would have to be sought in the morning.

 

Despite his attempts to sleep, it was many hours before he at least drifted into a restless slumber. But at least no dreams came to him.

 

He counted himself fortunate when he woke up a few hours later.

[Elwen]

Elwen sits silently in a tree outside the hostel, sighing to herself. The kitsune/elf was on her way to Lord Dariel's castle, a journey of /much/ importance (and a lot of stupidity on her part), but she had to travel at night because she would be easily recognizable during the day...and she didn't want Dariel to know she was coming.

 

With a graceful movement, she leapt out of the tree and walked with silent steps towards the hostel, simple white tunic (in place of her normal white silk dress) making no telltale rustle.

 

"I might as well get some rest." the gray-eyed harper mused to herself sadly. "This will be a long time in coming."

[Tamaranis]

A short distance from the keep at the The Mighty Pen, a slender tower made of some dark stone reached towards the sky. It was not so formidable as its predecessor. A few months ago there had been a much larger tower, perhaps half a mile in height, warded with magic that would enable it to easily withstand a seige by any device not crafted by another archmage. Recent events had forced the archmage in residence to abandon it for a less hostile environment and construct this smaller version.

 

The tower extended as deeply into the ground as it did above it. At its very lowest level was a cramped, tomb-like chamber, almost confining enough to be a coffin. Floating in the air several inches above the ground in that chamber was the form of the archmage who had constructed the tower, sleeping.

 

He did not sleep as mortals sleep, however. This was not simply a quiet chamber. It was an artificially constructed nexus of magical energies. Power filled the archmage, restoring the reserves of manna he would need should he use the more powerful magic available to him. The archmage's mind spread outward along the lines of power that flowed into him.

 

He dreamed, not the idle dreams of mortals, but of events taking place around his fortress, keeping him aware even while he rested. Or at least that's how it should have been.

 

***

 

Tamaranis idly lounged in Annael's tree. It wasn't common for him to do something like sit in a tree, but this was a good way to stay connected with the populous of The Pen. Somewhere in the back of his mind it occured to him that he didn't remember ascending into the tree, but it didn't quite surface to his conscious mind.

 

It didn't occur to Tamaranis that something was wrong until Gyrfalcon's manner towards Salinye suddenly became aggresive and predatory, not at all his usual personality. Annael, too, seemed as if she were ready to attempt to physically harm Salinye. Looking down, Tamaranis noticed they were now hundreds of feet in the air, but he definately had not ascended.

 

odd

 

"I don't understand." Salinye softly said, trying to back away from Gyrfalcon and Annael. She seemed unaware of his presence for the moment.

 

"You don't understand much, do you Salinye?" Gyrfalcon taunted. Annael responded simply with cruel laughter. Something was definately amiss. Tamaranis began considering his options. If violence errupted and he was the only person with a firm grip on his mind he would have to stop it. Considering Gyrfalcon's skill with a blade and the fact that Annael was a fallen angel, subduing them could prove problematic. Hopefully Salinye wouldn't go mad as well and make things even more difficult.

 

"Oh, did you think we would allow you to keep your magics? Where is the fun in torture and death if your victim can fight back?" Annael asked Salinye.

 

This was it, all hell was about to break lose. Tamaranis stepped forward, across open air, to interpose himself, hoping to diffuse the situation at the last minute. Too late he realized he wasn't moving to seperate Salinye from Gyrfalcon and Annael, but was instead advancing directly towards the wizardess. Furthmore, he'd bared his fangs. Salinye tried to retreat from him, and in doing so fell from her position on the treebranch.

 

The vampire attempted to drop down and catch Salinye, but instead decended from the tree at a liesurely pace. He was not in control of his own actions. It wasn't frantically that he reached out with magic in every direction, trying to detect the power that was manipulating him. His mind spun outward quickly, but it was calm and methodical.

 

Tamaranis stood on the ground now, behind the unharmed Salinye. Gyrfalcon and Annael also stood nearby, though there was no way that Gyrfalcon, despite his dexterity, could have descended so quickly lacking the power of flight.

 

Daryl appeared suddenly, and Salinye tried to run towards him, but Tamaranis caught her wrist. At the same time that his magic unravelled the mystery of this, nothing here was real, he logically concluded this had to be a dream. Impossible as it was that he was having this sort of dream, it was far more possible than this really happening. Continuing to search about him he located the nearby souls of Gyrfalcon, Salinye, Annael, and Daryl. This was a shared dream, apparently.

 

It wouldn't do to attempt to break free just yet, there was nothing to indicate events in this dream would be reflected in the real world. It was better to see where this was going.

 

The dream ended in short order. Daryl assumed his hybrid form, and Tamaranis' head, seeming to act of its own free will, gave a nod, permission to attack. The werefox leapt forward, clearly to rip Salinye limb from limb. The elven wizardess screamed and raised her free arm in a futile attempt to ward off her attacker. And the dream was over.

 

***

 

In the tomb below his tower, Tamaranis opened his eyes. The wards around this place should have prevented any magic but his own. This sort of thing could not be permitted. Whoever had dared to attack his mind while he slept, he would find them. Clearly the psion or mage who had done this was clever, but he would find them all the same.

[Annael]

Annael sat up on her tree branch with a gasp, her butterflies fluttering around warily.

 

"What was that all about?" Annael said, then took a deep breath to calm her racing heart.

 

Annael shook her head, the dream still strong in her mind. Never had she any intention of harming Salinye. And of course, Gyr and Daryl wouldn't either. Tamaranis, well, he was a different story. A story that she hadn't even begun to read yet. With a sigh, Annael hopped lightly out of her tree. She was going to talk to Gyr to see if he had had the same odd dream. There were powers at work in the dream that she knew weren't natural. Shaking her skirts down, she lifted the hem of trailing skirts and started to walk towards the manor, her bare feet not making a sound on the damp grass.

 

Stopping at the door of the manor, Annael let her skirts drift down around her bare feet and gave her wings a little shake. With a start, she looked down to watch two black feathers dift to rest softly on the cobble stones at her feet. She have to get Gyr to work his magic on her feathers again. She couldn't afford to continue to lose her feathers.

 

"And two more are gone. At this rate, I won't have wings left come the winter. Then what will happen to me?" Annael sighed softly, then pushed the door to the manor open.

 

"Just breathe. These are your friends..." and Annael walked into the brightly lit manor.

[Gyrfalcon]

Annael stopped several times to receive directions from various mages, first Peredhil who was already bustling energetically, and then Canid, who seemed to be engaged in trying to round up her purple fuzzies from running off and looting some mage’s quarters. It was ten minutes later before Annael realized that her pouch felt lighter, and discovered that the purple fuzzies had helpfully taken some of the weight of it off her belt for her...

 

Grumbling, Annael continued onwards despite her desire to go back and wring their little fuzzy necks. She restrained her desire, however, having been warned that the purple fuzzies were, for all intents and purposes, immortal.

 

That didn’t lessen her irritation, of course. Lost in her thoughts, Annael was reached Gyrfalcon’s door when the sounds within penetrated her consciousness. The song of steel on steel came through the doorway clearly. Narrowing her eyes, Annael opened the door a little and peeked in, trying to see what was happening.

 

She sighed in relief as she saw Gyrfalcon spin across the room, his katana darting out, deftly keeping a steel rod spinning in the air, each contact creating a steely peal, so like that of swords meeting.

 

She silently closed the door, then knocked on it loudly. The clang and clash of steel on steel ended suddenly, and a moment later, Gyrfalcon called out "Who is it?"

 

"It's Annael." the dark angel said softly. There was another long pause, and then Gyrfalcon opened the door with a welcoming smile and a slight bow.

 

"Please, enter." The half-elf said. She bowed her head. "Thank you." she said, stepping through and glanced around, finally finding the metal rod tucked onto a practice rack. Glancing out at the grey pre-dawn light, she frowned.

 

"Isn't it a little early to be practicing swordsmanship?" she asked. Gyrfalcon looked surprised for a moment, then shrugged easily as he held out a chair at a small table for her, then sat down across from her.

 

"Normally, yes, but as I couldn't sleep anyway, I thought to do something productive."

 

Annael regarded him curiously, then decided to risk a blind stab. "Did you have a strange dream? A dream in which you... threatened Salinye?"

 

Gyrfalcon started and his eyes widened slightly. "How'd you...?" he began, then stopped.

 

Annael nodded slowly. "I think I had a similar dream. Did it go something like this..."

 

She laid out her dream in full, even relating the feeling of helplessness she felt when she could not control her own actions, as her body moved to threaten Salinye.

 

Gyrfalcon's face became impassive as she completed her story. Finally, he nodded. "If I didn't know better, I'd say that you had reached into my mind and plucked the dream from my memories. Strange... that we should have the same dream."

 

Annael smiled, and Gyrfalcon noticed her butterflies rising around her in a swirl as she relaxed slightly. "It's good that it wasn't just my dream. But I agree, it's strange that we would have the exact same dream, down to all the details.... too strange."

 

Gyrfalcon stomach rumbled at him, and he smiled in embarrassment. "I think my stomach is saying that it is time for breakfast. Would you like to join me?"

 

Annael hesitated, torn, when Gyrfalcon added offhandedly "After that, we can look up Daryl and see if he had the same dream as well."

 

"All right." the dark angel said with a quiet sigh.

 

OOC Note: All further out of character notes will be in an OOC: Thread I'll be making in the Greenroom, but I just wanted to note that if you want me to represent your character differently Annael, just ask and I'll make the requested changes.

[Salinye]

Salinye sat in a window seat of the lounge her chin resting upon her knees, which were tucked up to her chest and watched the sun rise. She hadn't been able to fall back to sleep after her nightmare, so she decided to take perch in the window, cracking it open a bit to let the cool breeze calm her mind. It was just as she was admiring the orange and yellow hues of dawn that a soft rapping brought her out of her reverie.

 

tap..tap..tap..

 

Standing, the wizardess left her perch walking through the lounge into the entryway listening for the soft sound. Tuning her keen elven senses in with the immediate area only the soft rustle of her gown could be heard. The wizardess waited.

 

tap..tap..tap..

 

Salinye's eyes narrowed a bit as she slowly turned her head to look at the large oaken entry doors. The hostel received many visitors at all hours of the day and night, however, the wizardess called spell of defense (or offense if it may be) to her mind causing her left hand to radiate with a dim red aura. Tucking that hand behind her back she stalked towards the door.

 

tap..tap..tap..

 

Placing her right hand, which trembled ever so slightly, upon the brass latch she squeezed it and brought the door open finding herself looking into an empty courtyard.

 

 

"I'm looking for..." came a small voice below her. Startled Salinye jumped back a step looking down to find a young female human child standing before her. The girl had blonde locks that matched Salinye's color, only the child's hair hung in ringlets rather than straight down her back. She was poorly dressed and quite dirty as well.

 

Frightened a bit by the wizardess' reaction the girl took a slight step back biting her lip apologetically. "I…I'm sorry M'lady." Salinye quickly gathered her wits about her releasing the energy surrounding the hand behind her. Slowly she crouched down so as to be on even level with the girl and less intimidating.

 

"It's quite alright, I am the one that should apologize. It is impolite to assume anyone calling on Custos Manor would be my height." Salinye smiled warmly hoping to ease the child’s discomfort. Smiling hesitantly the girl began speaking again as if she had rehearsed her assigned words on the way over.

 

"I'm looking for the Lady Celestialgrace. I have a missive for her and can give it to no other." Salinye smiled silently wondering who sent this child messenger. Obviously poor, the child probably accepted the job eagerly in exchange for a few geld.

 

"Well, you are in luck, little lady, for I am Salinye Celestialgrace. Pray tell, who has sent you?" The child smiled pleased to have found her and seemed eager to complete her mission. Reaching into her shabby brown jacket she pulled out a pristine white scroll sealed with a wax seal. Salinye took the scroll turning it to see that the symbol on the seal was that of The Pen.

 

"Please, do not share this information with anyone. It is for your ben..ben.." The little girl stumbled over the last word finishing with, "..own good." With a quick curtsey she turned to scamper through the courtyard towards the woods.

 

"WAIT!" Salinye called out rising to her feet lifting the sides of her gown so that she could freely run through the courtyard in pursuit of the child. "Please, come back. I would very much like to speak with you!"

 

The little girl looked over her shoulder giggling she waved to the wizardess before disappearing into the enveloping darkness of the woods. Salinye stopped rigid just before entering into the shade of the trees calling out after the girl. "You really shouldn't travel through there alone!" The only response she was given was a now more distant giggle. Salinye stood silently weighing her options. Instinctively she knew the forest was dangerous, too dangerous for a young innocent child, too dangerous for an unarmed unprepared wizardess for that matter.

 

A flashback of sitting upon a log a bit lost leapt into the elven woman's mind. The feeling of strong drow hands grabbing her from behind…Salinye shuddered at the memory.

 

From above, a lone raven watched from its vantage in the branches.

 

"That's right. Ruin my fun. Run right into the woods alone like the pale rot fool you are. Run into the woods alone so I can have you taken now like I did the first time." The necromancer said leaning forward anxiously staring into the hazy scrying mirror.

 

Salinye shook off the eerie feeling of the memories deciding that if the child could make it through the woods to her safely, then she could make it back home. Glancing around f feeling suddenly vulnerable the wizardess turned to walk back through the courtyard at a determined pace.

 

Treil laughed a dark laugh sitting back in his chair once again. "That's right. Run back to the "safety" of your blessed hostel. Allow me more time to work on you first." The drow mused to himself.

 

Once inside the safety of her hostel Salinye broke the seal unrolling the scroll to read.

 

My Lady Salinye Celestialgrace~

 

I pray this letter finds you well. Forgive the hasty penmanship in which this letter is written, I don't have much time alone. I'm sending this to you out of grave concern for your life. You have unknowingly surrounded yourself with dangerous people. I don't have time to explain much, but there are some tomes in the library here at The Pen you might find of interest. Start your search beginning with one titled "Gyrfalcon the Mad".

 

"...the MAD?" Salinye said under her breath feeling her heart sink. She had become quick friends with the ranger wanting to trust him. "He's an elder, if he can't be trusted, then no one at The Pen can." She thought to herself saddened before reading the rest of the note.

 

I'll send you information on the others as soon as I can do so without being caught. I'm sorry to drop this on you without further explanation. Just please, M'lady. I beg you to heed my advice. Just know, you have one friend here. I'll be in contact again soon. TRUST NO ONE.

 

The letter was not signed. Salinye rolled the scroll back up and whispering a few words it disappeared into a place only the wizardess knew.

 

 

An hour later Salinye stood once again in the foyer of Custos Manor. This time she had wore a magi robe and her hair was tied back. (All but the loose strand she could never seem to get to stay out of her face.) She had left instructions with her staff who knew how to run the hostel with or without her. They alone, also knew how to contact the wizardess at any given moment.

 

Closing her eyes as the magic inducing words tumbled from her lips a portal opened up beside her. Simultaneously the front door of the hostel opened as a familiar looking woman dressed in white entered. If the wizardess hadn't been so focused upon her mission at hand she would have stopped to figure out how she knew her. Instead Salinye stepped into the portal, which would leave her standing outside the The Pen Castle.

 

Meanwhile....

 

Somewhere within the dark woods that reside north of Custos Manor a giggling child, a magnificent beautiful child ran expertly through the forest. It was before unseen eyes that she morphed from her human form into that of a quick dark beast. Returning to you, master.

Edited June 19, 2004 by Salinye

[Yui-chan]

Silence. Complete and utter silence. For long hours, it had dominated the shadowed room, untroubled by the occasional scrape of page on page or the skritch-scratch of the inked quill as it wove its way through the words. With it had come a warm, all-consuming serenity that filled the air just as thickly as did the smells of the place, the salty tang of soft, tanned leather and the dusty earth-scents of parchment. Those two were the undisputed monarchs of the library at night, and she had come as she often did to worship them and bask in the joy of their domain.

 

Temae Yui laughed softly to herself, a whisper of sound that faded away into the quiet as if it'd never been, and shook her head at her own sense of the dramatic. Waxing poetic on the empty library is a sure sign that I've been breathing near my open inkwell for too long, she mused, wiping some smudges of ink from her fingers. It's time to be done, I suppose.

 

As always, it was with a sense of wistful regret that she capped the crystaline inkwell and took a cleaning rag to her favorite quill. These quiet nights of uninterrupted commune with her words and her thoughts were a rarity in recent life, and she had missed the personal time immensely. Alone, surrounded by the books she so loved and the safe walls of the Pen Keep, she could almost forget of the thousands of subjects depending on her back home and the dozens of missives and declarations and proposals cluttering up the desk in her study. Almost.

 

Yui-chan slanted a green-eyed gaze towards the far wall and wished she had the power of ancient Chronos. Though the spreading pool of light had yet to reach her quiet corner, it had become impossible to ignore the beaming sun as it shone in rainbow hues through the huge stained-glass window, and that meant that she'd soon have to leave this sanctuary. Still, a morning hour reading in the luxurious warmth of the alcove beneath the window was never to be missed, and whether she had the time or not, she intended to enjoy one to finish off a restful evening.

 

The decision felt decidedly wicked and selfish, and she loved it.

 

The young woman's smile defied the dark smudges under her eyes as she picked up a particularly fascinating tome of fanciful stories and settled into a well-cushioned chair to read about a world with no magic and horseless metal carriages. It seemed as if it would be a lovely morning...

Edited May 7, 2003 by Yui-chan

[Tamaranis]

Whatever presence had entered Tamaranis' spire in order to affect his dreams, it had proven itself a master of magical stealth. Not only had it approached him unawares in his sleep, a more difficult task than one might think, but it had deftly removed all traces of its presence upon leaving. As such Tamaranis had no way to track down whoever or whatever was responsible.

 

Magical energies, primed to tear into unidentifiable pieces anything living which passed through them, caused a slight rippling of the air as the vampire passed through them on his way out of his tomb. At the same time servants were alerted to their lord’s activity and scrambled to meet him.

 

If anything suspicious wanders near here, pull it into the physical, Tamaranis broadcast his thoughts.

 

“Near here” did not refer to a specific distance from the spire, but instead to things from another realm wandering close to this one. failing that, alert me, and I will attempt the same. In either case do your utmost to prevent it from leaving

 

We hear and comply. The mind that responded was that of a dragoon, probably wandering the between at the moment. Though the gigantic insects were monstrous in appearance, they were terribly intelligent, possessing natural psychic and magical abilities. Some years ago Tamaranis had hijacked a technological device designed to breach inter-dimensional barriers and used it to free the dragoons from a gods-inflicted prison. Since then there had always been several ready serve him voluntarily.

 

“Forgive my tardiness, milord.” A thin human man wearing the livery of continicium, though the country was now little more than a memory, rushed down the winding stairwell to meet his employer. “We had thought you’d turned in for the day.”

 

Tamaranis ignored the man’s apology, “Find Rea, have her check over my wards and determine how they were breached.”

 

“Yes, Milord.” The man scrambled back up the stairway.

 

Another servant approached and Tamaranis barked an order before any discussion could take place, “Have the third chamber prepared for a summoning, I need to contact Shesh-Oling.” Without a word the woman went to do as she was told.

 

The target of the dream, or at least the person intended to suffer most, had obviously been Salinye. Still, it was best to inform all those involved of the circumstances. The subterranean portions of Tamaranis’ spire held no purpose other than to serve as a component of the artificial nexus at the bottom. Because of this he climbed quite a few stairs before reaching small, unadorned room with a desk bearing implements writing.

 

Lady Annael

 

Tamaranis wrote with a quill out of compliance with tradition. Still, magic was involved in this as in nearly all actions taken by an archmage. Ink flowed from the quill evenly as it moved across parchment, needing no inkwell

 

I write this for fear of the small chance that you are unaware of the fact the unpleasant dream you had last night was not of natural origin. I too experienced the dream in which you, Gyrfalcon, Daryl, and myself attacked Salinye.

 

I am currently attempting to determine the nature of the force responsible, as of yet I can tell you nothing other than it seems to be capable of slipping through my most elaborate wards. I feel this implies a dangerous entity, I think you can conclude for yourself that it seems hostile as well.

 

Regrettably I have little else to offer, but I felt it best to ensure those involved are aware of what little knowledge I have acquired on the matter.

 

Tamaranis

 

Tamaranis applied his personal seal to the letter, and wrote another of similar content, but addressed to Gyrfalcon. He didn’t bother writing one for Daryl, Gyrfalcon would likely pass the information along before a messenger would succeed in the nigh impossible task of tracking the werefox down.

 

Another servant had been waiting at the door since shortly after Tamaranis began writing. “Ensure these reach Gyrfalcon and Annael promptly” he said as he handed the missives to him. “I have business to attend to.”

 

The darkness around the vampire deepened until he could no longer be seen, then began to yield to the faint, magically supplied light of the inner corridors. When it finally did yield, there was no trace of him.

 

The servant thought nothing of it, having long since become accustomed to the eccentric nature of his lord, and went looking for a runner.

 

***

 

Between the drawbridge and the fountain in the courtyard of the Custos Manor the light simply seemed to fail. A dense blackness filled the air, and the early morning sun refused to touch it. Then the darkness allowed its grip to weaken somewhat, revealing Tamaranis at its centre. It did not weaken its grip much, however. The terrible power of the sun would have proven disastrous if allowed to strike the source of the darkness.

 

For several moments Tamaranis simply waited, watched and listened. He very much doubted the purpose of the dream had been to draw him out into the daylight, but if it had, he would be more vulnerable in the light, and he was acutely aware of that. No monsters serving centuries old enemies surged forward to destroy him, no ancient magic was flung against the darkness that surrounded him. However, an old druid mustered up his best menacing stare and flung it at the new arrival.

 

“I need to speak with the proprietor, is she about the premises?” Tamaranis inquired of the druid.

 

Receiving no answer from the druid other than angry mutterings about how the undead didn’t freely roam ANY cities that he knew of, Tamaranis proceeded into the Hostel to find Salinye on his own .

 

Though he gave no sign of noticing its beauty, the delicate architecture of the entrance was not lost on the vampire as he moved through it. Entering the hostel, he found that architecture of similar quality comprised most of the interior, of elven design, it seemed.

 

Tamaranis musings were interrupted abruptly, “Excuse me, “ A conservatively dressed dryad, probably hostel staff, addressed him, “but would you like to rent a room?”

 

It was evident the dryad didn’t appreciate his presence. As an undead being and magical creature so closely associated with nature, it was natural for them to be at odds. Still, the dryad was being paid to do a job and wasn’t about to turn away business because of personal distaste.

 

“Actually I’m here to speak with Salinye, it may be rather important.” Tamaranis responded.

 

“I’m sorry she just left. I take it you’ll be going as well then?” she seemed very chipper about the prospect of Tamaranis’ departure.

 

“Do you happen to know where she was headed?” Tamaranis wasn’t hopeful about his odds of a favourable response.

 

“She’s seemed a little upset, and left in a bit of a hurry. I’m not so sure she wants you to know where she is.”

 

Briefly Tamaranis considered attempting to force from the small woman before him the information he wanted, then tossed the thought away. It wouldn’t be worth it to engage in a battle with the staff of the Custos Manor just to determine Salinye’s current location. He’d simply have to scry.

 

As he prepared to take his leave, however, Tamaranis noticed something strange. Power with an odd duality to it. It was somewhat familiar was well, similar to something he‘d encountered previously, possibly centuries ago.

 

Tamaranis closed his eyes in concentration, it was probably nothing, but it was best to be certain. Softly chanted divination spells began to pour from his mouth.

 

“Hey! you can’t just walk in here and start using black magic!” The dryad didn’t recognize the spells Tamaranis was using, though only moderately powerful at best, they were immensely complex, and well beyond the scope of the casual magician.

 

Tamaranis opened his eyes and looked at the dryad, she was both angry and somewhat frightened at the same time, he should have been more discreet. If he wanted to stay any longer without having her raise the alarm he was going to have to divulge the information he’d just acquired.

 

“Are you aware that a kitsune is hiding somewhere on the premises?”

[Salinye]

The dryad's eyes bulged a bit at Tamaranis' bold suggestion. She replied coolly. "Sir, if I may call you that. I don't know who you are, or what business you have here, but I can assure you that you'll find no such creatures here at the hostel. If it's your goal to get the patrons worked up or stir up a bad reputation for the Manor, I can tell you...."

 

Tamaranis stopped the woman's rant. "Very well. Handle it on your own. I care not of you or the Manor's reputation. If you think you can discern and perhaps dispose of a Kitsune if needed then carry on. I'll take my leave." With that he turned heading back towards the front door. He wore a smirk that the dryad servant couldn't see, for he knew she would stop him before he reached the intricate archway of the door.

 

"W...Wait." She called out annoyed that she would need to indeed depend on his knowledge. The manor was not well guarded, for it was not a castle or keep. Even the limited protection they did have was not built to handle such threats as a potentially ill mannered Kitsune. "Very well, sir. I give you permission to seek out this creature if he indeed exists as you say. But I must inform you I plan on contacting the Lady Salinye immediately informing her of this situation. If she is to give the word and you are considered dangerous, you WILL be aprehended." The naive woman threatened.

 

It was all Tamaranis could do not to laugh in the woman's face as all the staff of Custos Manor combined could not harm him. Playing her game he politely nodded his head solemnly answering, "I understand." With that the servant spun on her heels to make the rest of the staff, as well as Salinye, aware of the situation leaving Tamaranis to his business.

[Elwen]

Elwen, still lost in her thoughts, walks right past Tamaranis without noticing him. The quest for the Morninglark harp occupied her thoughts. It would be a difficult, dangerous one...but worth it. Completely.

 

Unfortunately, she is /not/ masking her aura, and it is plainly obvious that she is one, two souls in one, and two, one of those souls happens to be a kitsune.

[Ayshela]

Ayshela walked carefully but swiftly along the winding trail. Outward senses scanning carefully for the unfamiliar or dangerous, her mind was awhirl in confusion and concern. Such a strange night. Ordinarily, her favorite wooded shelter lent itself to sound sleep and restful dreams. Not this - strange, distorted, disturbed - disturbing? Yes, definitely disturbing, menacing confusion. If only she had some idea what it was all about! If only she could remember some sensible bit of it (on the off chance that any of it was sensible, of course).

 

Shaking her head slightly, Ayshela decided once more to dismiss the worries as a fruitless waste of energy. She'd been mulling it over all morning as she walked toward the Hostel and still the only clear memory of the night was a sense of Salinye being somehow in danger. That, at least, could be ascertained.

 

Startled from her thoughts by a sudden sound and movement, Ayshela stopped and sank slightly back into the shadow of a tree. Looking deeper into the forest she quickly located the source of the sound, a - child? What - a child shouldn't be running alone into the forest. Moving to call the little girl back, Ayshela realized that the child was well beyond her range without a chase which would take her quite a ways out of her way now that she was so close, without even guarantee that she could catch her before she got wherever she was going. For a little one, she ran as if she knew the forest extremely well.

 

With another little shake of her head at the peculiar events of the morning, she turned back on her way toward Hostel Fox, barely visible through the trees now.

 

Though it wasn't her habit to enter the hostel from the back, Ayshela thought that perhaps this time she would be forgiven the unorthodox approach. Pausing at a bench she brushed her hair smooth, dusted herself off, and made certain that she was presentable. Taking a deep breath and nerving herself to look quite silly, she adjusted her cloak and strode toward the open back door.

 

Pausing at the door, uncertain whether or not to knock, Ayshela heard voices from a room off toward the side. They sounded faintly upset about something, which set all Ayshela's worries spinning again. Forgetting courtesy for the moment, she stepped through the doorway and made her way toward the voices. As she entered the room she heard Salinye's name spoken, but Salinye herself was not there!

 

Conversation stopped as Ayshela stepped into the room, startling the occupants who all turned to look at her. They appeared to be the hostel staff, without Salinye. Speaking to the woman whose voice Ayshela had heard, she said "Good morning. I came looking for Salinye. Is she here? Or would you please tell me where i might find her?" "and if she's alright", Ayshela thought to herself.

[Salinye]

The servant stared back to Ayshela more than annoyed. "Well, isn't the mistress a popular sought one this day?!" She exclaimed beginning to worry about the wizardess herself. After all, it had been from this very hostel she had disappeared from once before.

'The lady is not in, she left in quite a hurry and seemed rather upset, just as I told the other "gentleman" who is here calling on her." The word gentleman was spoken heavily laced in sarcasm.

 

Ayshela raised an eyebrow at the obviously flustered woman. "There is a man here now, who is looking for Salinye?" She asked an obvious look of concern etched in the woman's lovely features.

 

The servant, who hadn't liked Tamaranis right from the start walked right up to Ayshela viewing her as a potential confident. "To tell you the truth, M'lady. I don't much like the guy. Very creepy, I don't trust him. He's as pale as they come and has no respect for a lady such as myself. No manners indeed!" She stated, her voice rising a bit in renewed irritation.

 

"I see." Ayshela said sensing this woman had little insight to helping in her pursuit of Salinye. "Well, I'll call on this "gentleman" myself if it would comfort you, M'lady."

 

The woman's eyes got larger with appreciation as she nodded her compliance. "Yes, yes, I would like that very much. In the meantime I'm going to get word to M'lady Salinye right away." The woman turned dispersing her staff heading for a doorway that lead somewhere into the hostel that was unfamiliar to Ayshela. Before exiting the room, however, she turned back asking, "What was your name, I'll tell her you wish her presence."

 

Ayshela hesitated a moment before answering, "Ayshela, a friend from The Pen." The servant nodded before leaving the elf alone in the unfamiliar room.

[Tamaranis]

Despite what Tamaranis had just implied to the dryad, the kitsune probably didn’t pose a threat to the hostel. However, it was always possible that the kitsune had been responsible for the strange dream that he‘d been drawn into. There was no apparent reason for a nomadic spirit to inflict such a dream, but the motivations of kitsunes were often strange and convoluted. Even if the kitsune wasn’t responsible, it might be interested in finding whoever was. They were very unpredictable creatures.

 

And because they were so unpredictable, Tamaranis didn’t immediately begin searching for the spirit with active magic. If it noticed him looking in such a manner, and it more than likely would, it might react violently or simply flee.

 

It seemed too easy when an elven woman walked past, her second soul, that of a kitsune, shining like a beacon. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere and she didn‘t notice Tamaranis..

 

“Excuse me,” As the elf turned to face Tamaranis he noticed the unique way the two souls were bound. It wasn’t a haphazard, temporary merging, both fully inhabited the body. The kitsune was not simply hitching a ride or acting as a parasite, it had probably been in that body for a long time and clearly intended to stay there for a long time yet.

 

“Yes...” Elwen faltered for only a second as she saw the source of the voice that had called her. She noticed now the way the light seemed to avoid the speaker. A moment later she detected the muted presence of something cold and alien, seeming to originate with him.

 

Tamaranis moved quickly to avoid any misinterpretations about his intentions, “I was hoping to have a word with you, M‘lady.” He gave a brief, respectful bow, “I couldn’t help but notice you’re more than you might appear to some, and I believe I might benefit from your wisdom.”

[Elwen]

Elwen regarded Tamaranis. "Yes. What do you wish to know? I will not be of much help, I am afraid."

 

 

The starlight in her gray eyes was strangely...quenched. Just by looking at her he can tell that this is an elf dying of grief.

[Ayshela]

Ayshela watches the woman leave the room, nods slightly to herself, and walks back into the hallway. Turning toward the front of the hostel she walks quietly, looking about for the "gentleman" who had so upset the staff. Reaching the front of the hostel she sees a woman turn to speak to.. someone.. standing in the depths of shadows. Peculiar, and probably what she was looking for. Moving close enough to be noticed, but not so close that she would interrupt or be suspected of eavesdropping, Ayshela stands and waits.

 

 

 

ooc: edited for stupid dyslexic spelling error

[Ozymandias]

Elsewhere...

 

"aaaAAARRRRGGGGH!", screams the sand king. Any passing by the somewhat labyrinthine rooms of the Founder pause in some concern. Inside, Ozymandias backhands the contents of his desk viciously, sending papers careening through the air and his inkwell shattering against the cold stone wall.

 

A tiny muzzle protruding from a black hood pokes into the room via a cornerstone in Ozymandias' "office".

 

SQUEAK?, inquires the Death of Rats.

 

Glancing over at the slow black dribble running down his wall, abashed, the old man looks over to The Grim Squeaker.

 

"No, I'm fine. "

 

SQUEAK. Bobbing its head in a quick nod, it exits.

 

Frowning at the mess for a moment, Ozymandias stretches out his hand and incants.

 

"Rebund." On command, the papers shed all ink from their surfaces and restack themselves neatly into three piles. Then the inkwell reassembles, and the ink flies back into a single mass and reinserts itself into the jar, which now bears no sign of violence. The hoary archmage sits down heavily into a wooden chair. "I need a break. Or more sleep. Or coffee," he comments to no one in particular.

 

He shuts his eyes for several minutes before thinking better of it. I don't want any more dreams as colorful as mine've been the past few nights. With that, he stands, arranges his robes around the hilt of his sword, and strides to the door. Maybe Gyrfalcon's in the mood for drubbing me in a sparring match, he thought with a wry smile.

 

Violent dreams, emotional or otherwise, have been of great concern for Phantasm mages since an older time than most remember. Those who immerse themselves in the element of illusion quite often have to grapple with their fears and insecurities in person, if they are not careful.

Edited May 23, 2003 by Ozymandias the Elder

[Elwen]

OOC: Elwen’s long musing about the “stories” is meant to give some insight to her past and what kind of a person she is now…sorry for the boringness of it. And the ballad Elwen plays (and thinks the ending verse to) has character plot/symbolic meaning…

 

 

Elwen meets Tamaranis’s gaze.

 

“I am Elwen.” The elf introduces herself. “In this lifetime and in this elven body I am named Lirya Moonflower, but I call myself by my true name.”

 

Elwen knows very well the tales about her, a lot of which are probably in the Pen’s library, and tales this man probably has heard, of the once heartless kitsune, greatest thief of the demon world, as beautiful as she was deadly. At the mere mention of her name, once people quaked in fear and looked to their treasures to be sure that she had not taken them and slipped away like a shadow in the night. Merciless thief, heartless killer, dark sorceress: than she was fatally wounded by the wizard who made it his life’s calling to hunt down out-of-line demons like herself, and to save herself fled to the material plane, where her soul fused with that of the unborn Lirya Moonflower.

 

In this second life she learned compassion and rediscovered what it meant to love, and now was a harper who lived each day to atone for the wrongs she had committed in her past life. Of her theft of the Mirror of Darkness five years ago from the sacred temple: that cursed artifact that granted whoever looked within it and activated its powers at the dark of the moon a wish, at the price of their life-or both their lives, in her case. Finally activating the Mirror to save her dying elven mother’s life, it was only through the intervention of the half-demon Damon Inferel who offered half his life to the Mirror as well…it couldn’t decide which of them to kill and spared both of them, granting her wish.

 

Elwen forcibly rips her thoughts away from her best friend, before her heart broke any more. Do not think of him. she reminds herself. Do not!

 

More stories, of a woman who had ruined so many evil schemes of so many powerful nobles, under so many aliases, that she had multiple prices on her head.

 

Her sad eyes regard the vampire evenly: he can sense her life-force flickering, guttering like a weak candle flame in the cold arctic wind of the Heart of Winter. “I came not to cause trouble. If there is anything amiss-as there must be, for I may not know the lady well, but from reputation, I can say that Lady Salinye would not leave her demesne without warning or giving some explanation. But I am not the cause of it-I may be a kitsune, but I am also an elf, and I have changed from who I was in my last lifetime.”

 

The beautiful elf turns her face away from him for a long moment, long raven hair falling forward to curtain her face. Slender, practiced fingers stroke lovingly across the strings of the small harp cradled protectively in the curve of her arm, a delicate melody rippling from beneath her hands, the notes forming themselves into the melancholy ballad called Silent and Still, of the heartbroken maiden who finally drowned herself to end it all, after her heart died over and over again. “And soon, nothing will matter for me anymore. But I will help you. Perhaps it will help me atone…before it all ends.”

 

Water, water, cold and deep

Hold me fast so I may sleep

Death with you is hardly more

Than all the deaths that came before

 

***

 

Damon was dreaming. He didn’t dream often, being half a demon, but when he did, they were always powerful and vivid…and very telling. But even in his sleep, the ghostly echo of Elwen’s sad, haunting voice twined through his mind.

Aishiteru, Damon Inferel.

I love you, Damon Inferel.

 

And his dream took him then…

 

Destroy it, Damon. Elwen’s sad, lilting voice reached his ears. “This is not how it was meant to be. It was twisted by the magic of the Morninglark bent to evil ends. Destroy it.”

 

With one swipe of his blade, the mage construct died-

 

But it was no longer the mage construct born of an evil will using the power of the Morninglark harp. Instead, his katana sliced through smooth, beautiful flesh, and to his horror, Damon was now looking down at Elwen who clutched a wound on her stomach, her life’s blood staining the once-pure white silk of her dress a sickening crimson, as her life drained away.

 

What had he done?

 

He would never want Elwen to feel pain-

 

And she smiled as she died.

[Salinye]

Salinye stood outside the library door of The Pen and couldn't stop a slight smile from drifting across her face. She could smell the wonderfully bland smell of paper and ink even without opening the door. Like most beings with magic pacing through their veins, her love of books and knowledge was quite high on her list of favorite passions. Placing a creamy elven hand on the doorknob she slowly opened the door breathing in the sweet stale library air.

 

Stepping into the room gently pulling the door shut behind her, the mage pulled the hood of her cloak down. She had kept herself cloaked walking through the pen as she wished to travel unrecognized, suddenly not so sure of her recent environment and new "friends". Casually running a hand through her blonde hair her cobalt blue eyes scanned the vast shelves of books within the room. So engrossed in her observation of the shelves of knowledge available to her that it took a full minute before her eyes finally drifted to the beautiful stained glass window, and more importantly, the huntress sitting beneath it who held a book in her lap and was now staring back at her.

 

Salinye smiled a bit surprised to find anyone else in the library at this early morning hour. "Good morning, Lady Yui. What a pleasant surprise." Salinye said trying her best to sound casual. After all it was not uncommon for mages to frequent libraries at all hours of the day or night. Her visit should not seem out of the ordinary. "I hope I wasn't interrupting you. I came here to do some research, will that disturb you?"

 

Yui-Chan smiled at Salinye. "Not at all. Don't mind me, I'm just spending a morning lost in a book as I often do. Feel free to do what you need, and If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Few people know this library as intimately as I do."

 

Salinye returned her smile genuinely saying, "Ahh, a woman after my own heart." With that the newest appointed elder went back to her book and Salinye began her search. It was within the first hour of her search that it occurred to her that the tome she sought probably was not on these common shelves. Gyrfalcon The Mad sounds like it was written from some dark days. I'm guessing the elders wouldn't want that tome in the hands of just any young mage who wanders by. It was while she was thinking that she noticed Yui stand and stretch.

 

"Well, Lady Salinye, time for me to return to reality, good luck on your research!" She said gathering her various things together.

 

"Lady Yui-Chan, " Salinye said standing and approaching the woman choosing her words carefully. After all, Yui WAS an elder along side Gyrfalcon. Who knows where her loyalties lie. Perhaps she even was the author of her letter of warning. That thought sparked a small hope into Salinye as she really liked Yui and wanted to trust her. "Is there anywhere else that tomes are kept? My research demands information from years past, historic information, perhaps of some darker days. Is there another place that more sensitive or important material is kept?" Salinye asked looking into the huntress' eyes hoping she would offer her the info without a second thought. After all, wizards commonly needed such information to understand the natural cycle of the magic they wielded.

 

It was as she was awaiting an answer when a soft rapping interrupted their conversation. Both women turned to a window at the far end of the room. Outside upon the windowsill sat an incredible white dove. His feathers were almost unnaturally white and it was plain to them both that a scroll tube was attached to the bird's leg. "Charles." Salinye said with a wistful smile. "Excuse me a moment, please." She said to Yui as she turned walking to the window and opening it.

 

The bird flew in immediately landing upon the outstretched hand of his mistress. The elven woman caressed his feathered head gently. "Hello, Charles. I'm surprised to see you here, but pleased none the less." She then untied the scroll tube from his leg. Emptying the scroll from its tube she tucked it into a pocket hidden within the folds of her cloak, but not before recognizing the wax seal of Custos Manor. When her hand reappeared from beneath the fabric it beheld a small tin box. She set the tin upon the inside of the windowsill removing the lid to reveal a small dish of grain and a small dish of water. The dove cooed at her appreciatively before joining it's meal upon the sill.

 

Salinye then turned her attention back to Yui, not forgetting the new missive unread within her pocket. "I'm sorry, Yui, for the interruption. Now, is there such a place where such tomes are kept within this keep that I might be directed to?"

[Gyrfalcon]

Gyrfalcon sat at a table in Celes' cafe, finishing his breakfast. With some amusement, the half-elven ranger noticed that his more or less permanent house guest, Daryl, was onto his third bowl of cereal. Annael sat quietly, her black wings folded in tightly. Both Daryl and Gyrfalcon had made attempts to draw her into their conversation, but after a few words, Annael had faded out again. The two had respected her silence and stopped thier attempts to draw her out... for the moment.

 

"Where do you put all that food?" Gyrfalcon asked Daryl, his voice light with suppressed humor.

 

Daryl, currently in his human form, paused to swallow his latest mouthful, then shrugged. "I don't know, but you make me run around enough that it's not like it has time to stick at all!"

 

Gyrfalcon laughed softly. "It's nice to have the help on the patrols. Thanks, Daryl."

 

Daryl grumbled good-naturedly "Oh please, your way of getting me out on patrol with you was "Time for you to earn your keep." You didn't sound like you wanted the company."

 

Gyrfalcon smiled and shrugged "What can I say? There were more orcs then I wanted to handle alone. Besides, you didn't really mind taking care of them."

 

Daryl shrugged, then looked past Gyrfalcon. "Hello." he said cautiously.

 

Gyrfalcon half-turned and smiled "Ozymandias! How are you this morning?"

 

The Loremaster looked tired, with dark circles under his eyes. "I'm fine, Gyrfalcon. Daryl, Annael, hello to both of you as well."

 

"Please, sit." Gyrfalcon said, gesturing to the next seat around the table. Ozymandias took the seat with a murmured thank you and requested a coffee from the server who came over. Within a few minutes, the coffee arrived, and Ozymandias sipped it gratefully.

 

The three chatted quietly for a half hour until Ozymandias had worked his way through his third cup of coffee. Finally deciding that he was alert enough to put up some sort of fight, Ozymandias looked at Gyrfalcon and said "So, ready to be soundly drubbed, my friend?"

 

"Any time you can manage it, Ozymandias." Gyrfalcon said with an easy grin.

 

"How about right now?" the phantasm mage said.

 

"Sure. East training room?"

 

"Sounds good."

 

Annael stood. "I think I'll be going now." she said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. Daryl stood quickly and grinned "Why? In fact, you have to go with me! Otherwise, one of these fighter people might hurt me!" the werefox said.

 

Annael smirked at him and shook her head. "Really..."

 

Daryl opened his eyes wide and looked at Annael "Please?" he quavered.

 

Annael giggled "Oh, very well, but stop that!"

 

Daryl grinned, content in his victory "Alright. I think I'll heckle from the sidelines." he explained.

 

"Are you trying to make work for me?" Annael demanded as she and Daryl trailed Ozymandias and Gyrfalcon.

 

"Yep!" Daryl replied cheerfully.

 

The four quickly made their way to the east training room. After a few minutes to warm up, Gyrfalcon and Ozymandias faced each other holding sparring weapons and dressed in practice armor. Gyrfalcon bowed formally to his opponent, and Ozymandias returned the formality by saluting with his weapon.

 

Then the two dropped into crouches, weapons ready.

 

"Fight!" Daryl called from the sidelines.

 

The two fighters moved smoothly towards each other to meet, weapons clacking loudly against each other, the harmony of steel played out in wooden tones.

[Tamaranis]

The kitsune’s introduction as Elwen gave Tamaranis pause.

 

He allowed her to play the ballad for a moment, without speaking, then bowed again before continuing, “I hadn’t realized I was in the company of the infamous kitsue Elwen herself.” He said, no trace of sarcasm in his voice. “I should thank you, the death of the demon Atchion has been attributed to you, it had been quite a thorn in my side up until its demise.”

 

Tamaranis wasn’t sure if the kitsune’s seeming softness was genuine or some sort of act. Without ever having specifically searched the spirit world for her, or doing any research, Tamaranis was familiar with her reputation. Not only living rulers, but demons and spirits as well, had often became sidetracked during Tamaranis’ dealings with them. They would rant, curse, and generally make fools of themselves over having been crossed in some way by Elwen. She was held to be at least as cold and heartless as himself.

 

Still, Tamaranis was not the sort to be influenced towards kindness by the perceived personality or moral character of others. He accepted the contrast with her reputation at face value for the moment. “I greatly appreciate your offer to help me. What I ask should be a fairly simply matter for you. The reason I came here is that some one or something made an attack of a somewhat spiritual nature, against Salinye, in her dreams. It drew me into the attack, and so I would like to know who or what was responsible. It is very likely that the attacker is a malicious entity. It is also very likely that when I am aware of its identity I will destroy it. In that way this might help you to... atone.”

[Ozymandias]

In the east practice room...

 

Ozymandias lunged forward for a quick "kill" with a thrust to Gyrfalcon's ribs. The younger man's greater speed gave him a solid clip to the ear for his trouble, as the old mage twisted out of the way of a throatbound counterattack. "Ack," he grunted. "Well, that'll be ringing for days," complained the Loremaster in mock misery.

Shifting his footing off to Gyrfalcon's left as he swung himself left and upright from his hasty dodge, Ozymandias followed up by simultaneously swinging his bamboo sword in an arc from the right at Gyrfalcon's knees. It was the half-elf's turn to grunt in effort as he brought his sword down in an uncomfortably stiffarmed block that pushed Ozymandias' 'blade' back toward its' wielder. Almost pirouetting in his evasive spin, Ozymandias retreated a few feet to catch his breath and begin circling the other man, who he noted, with some small annoyance, hadn't yet broken a sweat after five minutes of heavy combat. Despite it all, he grinned toothily at Gyrfalcon.

 

"Thank God I found you, Gyr." The half-elf raised an eyebrow as he made a (deliberately) crude, but vicious feint at Oz's right tricep.

 

"Oh really?" Ozymandias danced back another step, not spotting the feint until the maneuver had allowed Gyrfalcon inside his guard again. Thinking quickly, the aged Egyptian went with the option he bargained Gyrfalcon would least expect- he leaned back and kicked his opponent full in the chest.

 

"OOF!", gasped Gyrfalcon, as his falling back with the impact narrowly saved him his breath.

 

"Really," Ozymandias continued as he took the opportunity to drop backwards and spin forward on his left foot, left hand, and then land and finish his turn on his right shoulder as he swung his sword out to rap Gyr smartly in the ankles.

 

That was his intention, at least, until he found Gyrfalcon had swung himself around, prone, just as he he had, and had his blade ready and waiting to crash into his slower opponent's unprotected wrist.

 

"OWW!", Ozymandias cried as he dropped his sword. Flipping easily to his feet, Gyrfacon quickly but carefully pressed his sword's tip to Ozymandias' throat.

 

The Founder sighed heavily. "Je suis mort. You win. Again." Chuckling ruefully, he stretched out his hand to the smiling Elder. "Help an old man to his feet?"

 

Shaking his head in sympathteic amusement, Gyrfalcon replied, "Of course," and reached down to grasp the other man's hand. He saw the light in Ozymandias' eyes a moment too late, as the wiry old man had already risen into a crouch, and, still firmly gripping his hand, grasped his torso armor with the other hand and heaved. Gyrfalcon landed gracelessly on his back some five feet away, chagrined, annoyed, and amused, all at once. "*That* wasn't very sporting," he remarked dryly. Still grinning companionably, Ozymandias stiffly got to his feet and headed over to his fallen comrade. With a quick kip up, Gyrfalcon was on his feet again. "Oh no. No more tricks from from you", he warned good-naturedly. Ozymandias held up his hands in surrender.

 

"Just remember. You are far more skilled, but sneakiness can do you in if you're not careful."

 

"I know," said Gyr, rolling his eyes at the "wily old man" show he knew Oz was so fond of putting on.

 

'I meant it though," the much (visibly) older man managed, inbetween deep, gulping breaths as he wiped his face with the sleeve of his tunic. "I really needed this; the adrenaline, the endorphins. I haven't slept well for days. Each time I try to, it's much the same, random, confused visions of our members attacking one another- viciously. And you can understand why I wanted to tread carefully away from *that*."

Edited May 27, 2003 by Ozymandias the Elder

[Elwen]

Elwen is about to reply to Tamaranis, but suddenly, a searing burst of agony claws through her head. The slender Elven woman doubles over in pain, dropping her harp, which falls to the floor in a jumble of discordant strings.

 

Aural! this had something to do with her brother. Where was he? She reached out with all the telepathy at her command, the full force of their twin-link. Nothing. He was there...but she couldn't reach him. AURAL!

 

At last managing to shove the pain away, she straightens, once-gray eyes blazing amber. In an instant, her form blurs, shifting from the tall, black-haired Elven woman to the silver kitsune, who stands about seven feet tall, a good foot taller than Lirya Moonflower's elven body. Elwen's long, silver hair blows about her body as if tossed by an invisible wind, as do her loose gossamer robes. The sight of the kitsune said to be the most beautiful woman of her kind stirred to anger is nothing less than magnificent, but at the same time, strangely unnerving.