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Roleplaying (Communitive Storywriting) / Re: A Life Devoted
« on: March 23, 2014, 12:50:56 pm »
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2
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: February 07, 2012, 12:05:46 am »
Oni waited nervously in the temple entrance. The rusty iron walls seemed to loom over her as she looked back out the doorway from left to right. Eonwind had send a note to ask her to meet him there. He had evidently fashioned a potion for her to send through to her parents.
She opened her bag and pulled out the neatly folded parchment that she had received from her father. She touched his signature and smelled the paper. Her gills flexed open and then closed. It didn't smell like him but why would it? It actually reeked like rotten beer a little...like that dirty rogue. She sighed. She wondered why her dad would have written this time when her mother wrote every time before. She hoped that her mom was alright and the illness hadn't become so debilitating that it had prevented her from putting pen to paper. She folded it back up and put it away again.
Suddenly Eonwind was before her with the potions. He instructed her to tell them to take one full spoon once per day. He was gone before she could wrap her head around the fact that she had to find a way to get them into Ojaveda like the others. She held the bottles in her hands and her eyes began to glow an azure blue. Suddenly, in a vision, she saw Eonwind working with fire and... and a yulber. In another location she saw Evirea carefully measuring and pouring ingredients and Oni began to cry. She pushed the bottles far down into the hides in her bag and ran to the pterosaur. She wondered as she made her way to Ojaveda how she could ever thank them for thier efforts. For thier spouses and families and friends who sat around without them while they worked. They scarcely knew her and had never met her parents at all! She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
The rough landing of the pterosaur in Ojaveda shook her awake and Oni quickly dismounted then checked her bag again to make sure everything was intact. She swiftly made her way to the proper area and made sure that certain shadows witnessed her entrance into the dark tent. She sat down inside on the dusty floor and pulled out her tria pouch. Setting it down between her outstretched legs, she began to separate and count the coins.
"You shouldn't count your tria in public" he jested as he entered.
She jumped a little but then relaxed as she recognized his voice and demeanor. He knelt down beside her and then He layed his hand on hers and pushed it down over the circles to stop her counting. She looked up at him quizically and with some irritation.
"What do you need this time my little?" his size was intimidating as he leaned forward on one knee. She pushed him back and hissed. He laughed and pulled his hand away to place it on his heart "Oh please don't hurt me" he laughed again "unless... he growled and then just as quickly lowered his head and smiled with feigned patience. "Listen. I apologize." He stared at the floor, "I tell you what" he looked up back up into her eyes "no charge this time Oni. He tilted his head and his pupils grew larger. She noticed that he looked as if he had actually bathed and his teeth were whiter and he smelled sort of... clean... "what is he up to?" she wondered to herself if he was planning some sort of trick.
"What do you mean no charge this time? What makes you think there will be a next time?"
"Well I..." he stuttered a little and then looked away. He was betraying himself already. Quick witted, he turned back toward her sheepishly "I couldn't help but read the note you got back last time. I saw that your father asked for lots more potions. In fact," he looked toward the door as if he were about to reveal a secret "in fact he asked me to be sure you sent as much potion back as possible. You know some of my men are fearing this plague now that it spread to your family I mean... anyone could be next. You ARE going to send more potions in as soon as you can right?" he looked at her so sincerely with one eye wider than the other, the brow lifted curiously.
"Those notes aren't for your entertainment rogue." she glared at him, infuriated.
"Tirakk."
"What?" her brow furrowed in frustration and confusion.
"Tirakk." he paused for effect "My name is Tirakk." He offered her a slightly submissive grin in an effort to disguise the rage inside of him. Didn't she realize he could snap her neck with one hand? His eyes narrowed as she continued.
"Tirakk then. There's no reason for you to-"
He waved his hand in front of her, gesturing for her to stop there "Listen carp brain! I'm risking my life and the lives of my men to help you for your scanty pittance" he points at the tria on the floor. "I don't deliver mysteries. I won't risk lives on someone elses word. I'll read what I want and I'll take what I want." he reaches out and pushes the tria closer to her "and I don't want your circles this time."
"Th- thanks." Oni dropped the circles back into the pouch and pushed them back into her bag without looking up at him. She pulled out the two bottles and the instructions and held them for a moment before pushing them into his hands "these are all I could get so far."
He looked down at the two small bottles "That's it??" She looked at him curiously and he quickly added something to hide his interest "I mean it must be really strong I imagined you'd have to bring much more." He picked them up carefully and held one up to the light then placed them into his own bag.
"The instructions" she pointed at the parchment that he left lying on the floor. "Of course" he snapped it up and jammed it into the bag kind of carelessly.
She shook her head and folded the top of her bag closed. Placing her hands on her knees, she pushed herself up and stood. He reached up and held her arm with his hand while he rose from the floor, careful not to pull on her with his actual weight. He towered over her when he stood "I'll be in touch."
She looked up into his eyes to see if they would give her some sort of clue about his intentions but all she saw was empty blackness. He turned and was gone again without a sound.
Tirakk didn't take the potions to Sarrahn in the sick room. Instead, he rounded the familiar turn and headed back down into his lair. Immediately after entering, he whistled a low and then a high tone in succession. The two smaller rogues hurriedly approached. "Take these down to the well and water them down. I want at least ten bottles out of these two." he handed them the potions "NOW!" they jumped at his command and ran back the way they had come. Tirakk rubbed his hands together and snickered, obviously pleased with himself. He sat down at the dirty table and began to plan his next move.
She opened her bag and pulled out the neatly folded parchment that she had received from her father. She touched his signature and smelled the paper. Her gills flexed open and then closed. It didn't smell like him but why would it? It actually reeked like rotten beer a little...like that dirty rogue. She sighed. She wondered why her dad would have written this time when her mother wrote every time before. She hoped that her mom was alright and the illness hadn't become so debilitating that it had prevented her from putting pen to paper. She folded it back up and put it away again.
Suddenly Eonwind was before her with the potions. He instructed her to tell them to take one full spoon once per day. He was gone before she could wrap her head around the fact that she had to find a way to get them into Ojaveda like the others. She held the bottles in her hands and her eyes began to glow an azure blue. Suddenly, in a vision, she saw Eonwind working with fire and... and a yulber. In another location she saw Evirea carefully measuring and pouring ingredients and Oni began to cry. She pushed the bottles far down into the hides in her bag and ran to the pterosaur. She wondered as she made her way to Ojaveda how she could ever thank them for thier efforts. For thier spouses and families and friends who sat around without them while they worked. They scarcely knew her and had never met her parents at all! She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
The rough landing of the pterosaur in Ojaveda shook her awake and Oni quickly dismounted then checked her bag again to make sure everything was intact. She swiftly made her way to the proper area and made sure that certain shadows witnessed her entrance into the dark tent. She sat down inside on the dusty floor and pulled out her tria pouch. Setting it down between her outstretched legs, she began to separate and count the coins.
"You shouldn't count your tria in public" he jested as he entered.
She jumped a little but then relaxed as she recognized his voice and demeanor. He knelt down beside her and then He layed his hand on hers and pushed it down over the circles to stop her counting. She looked up at him quizically and with some irritation.
"What do you need this time my little?" his size was intimidating as he leaned forward on one knee. She pushed him back and hissed. He laughed and pulled his hand away to place it on his heart "Oh please don't hurt me" he laughed again "unless... he growled and then just as quickly lowered his head and smiled with feigned patience. "Listen. I apologize." He stared at the floor, "I tell you what" he looked up back up into her eyes "no charge this time Oni. He tilted his head and his pupils grew larger. She noticed that he looked as if he had actually bathed and his teeth were whiter and he smelled sort of... clean... "what is he up to?" she wondered to herself if he was planning some sort of trick.
"What do you mean no charge this time? What makes you think there will be a next time?"
"Well I..." he stuttered a little and then looked away. He was betraying himself already. Quick witted, he turned back toward her sheepishly "I couldn't help but read the note you got back last time. I saw that your father asked for lots more potions. In fact," he looked toward the door as if he were about to reveal a secret "in fact he asked me to be sure you sent as much potion back as possible. You know some of my men are fearing this plague now that it spread to your family I mean... anyone could be next. You ARE going to send more potions in as soon as you can right?" he looked at her so sincerely with one eye wider than the other, the brow lifted curiously.
"Those notes aren't for your entertainment rogue." she glared at him, infuriated.
"Tirakk."
"What?" her brow furrowed in frustration and confusion.
"Tirakk." he paused for effect "My name is Tirakk." He offered her a slightly submissive grin in an effort to disguise the rage inside of him. Didn't she realize he could snap her neck with one hand? His eyes narrowed as she continued.
"Tirakk then. There's no reason for you to-"
He waved his hand in front of her, gesturing for her to stop there "Listen carp brain! I'm risking my life and the lives of my men to help you for your scanty pittance" he points at the tria on the floor. "I don't deliver mysteries. I won't risk lives on someone elses word. I'll read what I want and I'll take what I want." he reaches out and pushes the tria closer to her "and I don't want your circles this time."
"Th- thanks." Oni dropped the circles back into the pouch and pushed them back into her bag without looking up at him. She pulled out the two bottles and the instructions and held them for a moment before pushing them into his hands "these are all I could get so far."
He looked down at the two small bottles "That's it??" She looked at him curiously and he quickly added something to hide his interest "I mean it must be really strong I imagined you'd have to bring much more." He picked them up carefully and held one up to the light then placed them into his own bag.
"The instructions" she pointed at the parchment that he left lying on the floor. "Of course" he snapped it up and jammed it into the bag kind of carelessly.
She shook her head and folded the top of her bag closed. Placing her hands on her knees, she pushed herself up and stood. He reached up and held her arm with his hand while he rose from the floor, careful not to pull on her with his actual weight. He towered over her when he stood "I'll be in touch."
She looked up into his eyes to see if they would give her some sort of clue about his intentions but all she saw was empty blackness. He turned and was gone again without a sound.
Tirakk didn't take the potions to Sarrahn in the sick room. Instead, he rounded the familiar turn and headed back down into his lair. Immediately after entering, he whistled a low and then a high tone in succession. The two smaller rogues hurriedly approached. "Take these down to the well and water them down. I want at least ten bottles out of these two." he handed them the potions "NOW!" they jumped at his command and ran back the way they had come. Tirakk rubbed his hands together and snickered, obviously pleased with himself. He sat down at the dirty table and began to plan his next move.
3
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 30, 2012, 09:00:03 pm »
"The minions return" Tirakk sneered in a condescending tone. The rogues lair was underground and appropriately dark and dank. The scouts advanced in haste, still silently, as they were trained. Water dripping somewhere nearby seemed to drown out their approach through the shadowy passage way. "Well?" he quipped impatiently. The two smaller men sheepishly looked at one another. Tirakk grabbed the closest of the two by his collar and pulled him off his feet "Speak!"
"Th- there was fire. Whole place burnt out. Lady died... man alive."
Tirakk held him there for another moment so as not to interrupt his own thoughts with the movement required to drop him back to his feet. "Where is he now?" he snarled into his face with a curled lip.
"In the sick room." They all called the plague rehabilitation center "the sick room". The inner walls had long ago been sacrificed to better accomodate the growing number of patients stricken by the plague. Eventually, little was left besides one main room full of patients and their caretakers. No one visited anyone for fear of the plague so any information beyond that could only be garnered from the servants of volunteers. The volunteer workers themselves were under self imposed quarantine and only traveled between the sick room and thier home and back again.
"That could work to my benefit" he finally dropped the man to his feet again and turned, thoughtfully contemplating the circumstances. Suddenly, with a crash, he turned to the men and burst out at them "What do you want? Get out of here!" They disappeared into the shadows and he walked further down the tunnel and turned into an inner room with finished wooden walls. There was a cot, a desk with a simple wooden chair, and a small table which featured a pail of murky water and a pile of empty stinking beer mugs. He sat down at the desk and pulled a cheap and aging piece of parchment from the drawer. Dipping the long quilled pen he carefully scrawled the note for Onilise:
Seems to be working. Need more potion. Due to the fraction of effectiveness we need much much more. Please send as much as you can as soon as possible.
He started to sign it Iralyn but then deciding that it would be too especially cruel to sign as her dead mother, he signed it Sarrahn instead. Summuning a yulbar he cracked it in the mouth before stuffing the message in and shoving it off toward its destination. He rubbed his dirty hands together in anticipation and pulled out another piece of parchment. He began to multiply figures and divide them by octas and circles... obviously formulating the profit that could be made. "hmmm I wonder how much en enki would pay for his life?" he laughed to himself in the darkness.
"Th- there was fire. Whole place burnt out. Lady died... man alive."
Tirakk held him there for another moment so as not to interrupt his own thoughts with the movement required to drop him back to his feet. "Where is he now?" he snarled into his face with a curled lip.
"In the sick room." They all called the plague rehabilitation center "the sick room". The inner walls had long ago been sacrificed to better accomodate the growing number of patients stricken by the plague. Eventually, little was left besides one main room full of patients and their caretakers. No one visited anyone for fear of the plague so any information beyond that could only be garnered from the servants of volunteers. The volunteer workers themselves were under self imposed quarantine and only traveled between the sick room and thier home and back again.
"That could work to my benefit" he finally dropped the man to his feet again and turned, thoughtfully contemplating the circumstances. Suddenly, with a crash, he turned to the men and burst out at them "What do you want? Get out of here!" They disappeared into the shadows and he walked further down the tunnel and turned into an inner room with finished wooden walls. There was a cot, a desk with a simple wooden chair, and a small table which featured a pail of murky water and a pile of empty stinking beer mugs. He sat down at the desk and pulled a cheap and aging piece of parchment from the drawer. Dipping the long quilled pen he carefully scrawled the note for Onilise:
Seems to be working. Need more potion. Due to the fraction of effectiveness we need much much more. Please send as much as you can as soon as possible.
He started to sign it Iralyn but then deciding that it would be too especially cruel to sign as her dead mother, he signed it Sarrahn instead. Summuning a yulbar he cracked it in the mouth before stuffing the message in and shoving it off toward its destination. He rubbed his dirty hands together in anticipation and pulled out another piece of parchment. He began to multiply figures and divide them by octas and circles... obviously formulating the profit that could be made. "hmmm I wonder how much en enki would pay for his life?" he laughed to himself in the darkness.
4
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 28, 2012, 01:29:34 pm »
Every other day, as instructed, Iralyn would carefully measure the dose for both her and her husband... but each day she would give him both his dose and her own. She was sure that perhaps with more medicine, at least one of them could survive the enki plague. How it had spread to the Nolthrir couple was a mystery and it seemed to be taking it's toll much faster than usual. Each day Sarrahn grew stronger and his eyes grew brighter. He didn't notice his wife's progress was far behind his own and rapidly declining.
The double dose of medicine every day was actually too much for Sarrahn. Although the sores and fever had faded, by the ninth day of this regiment he had completely lost his sanity. He didn't recognize Iralyn anymore and spent hours reciting pointless formulas for crafting. Meanwhile, Iralyn's hair had all fallen out and she could barely stand in the kitchen long enough to pour his potion. Iralyn never woke up on the tenth day and Sarrahn completely unaware of her demise, finding the bottles in the kitchen, drank the rest of the liquid down and began to build a fire in the living room so that he could smelt an ore.
By the time the guards were alerted to the smoke the apartment had been completely burned out. Sarrahn had been pulled out of the inferno by a couple of really brave menkis who had passed by so he had severe burns to his face and gills but was alive. He was taken to a medical recovery area that was usually maintained for those stricken with the plague. A bed had to be built for him as there were no more empty but everyone pulled together to care for him as best they could and to extinguish the fire.
Across the street, a shadow near an alleyway moved away from the scene. The rogue stealthily moved without even a sound through the maze of alleys and ramps and then into the underground lair. He approached two other rogues who were dressed in the usual black and filthy garb. "I want every detail of what happened in that apartment today. I want to know where both Nolthrir are now and I want to know immediately." He accentuated the word "immediately" by leaning his face in to within a hairs width of their own. Evidently held in servitude, they quickly turned and silently disappeared toward their journey. The rogue sneered and someone watching would have seen his blackened teeth baring as he smiled a gruesome grin.
The double dose of medicine every day was actually too much for Sarrahn. Although the sores and fever had faded, by the ninth day of this regiment he had completely lost his sanity. He didn't recognize Iralyn anymore and spent hours reciting pointless formulas for crafting. Meanwhile, Iralyn's hair had all fallen out and she could barely stand in the kitchen long enough to pour his potion. Iralyn never woke up on the tenth day and Sarrahn completely unaware of her demise, finding the bottles in the kitchen, drank the rest of the liquid down and began to build a fire in the living room so that he could smelt an ore.
By the time the guards were alerted to the smoke the apartment had been completely burned out. Sarrahn had been pulled out of the inferno by a couple of really brave menkis who had passed by so he had severe burns to his face and gills but was alive. He was taken to a medical recovery area that was usually maintained for those stricken with the plague. A bed had to be built for him as there were no more empty but everyone pulled together to care for him as best they could and to extinguish the fire.
Across the street, a shadow near an alleyway moved away from the scene. The rogue stealthily moved without even a sound through the maze of alleys and ramps and then into the underground lair. He approached two other rogues who were dressed in the usual black and filthy garb. "I want every detail of what happened in that apartment today. I want to know where both Nolthrir are now and I want to know immediately." He accentuated the word "immediately" by leaning his face in to within a hairs width of their own. Evidently held in servitude, they quickly turned and silently disappeared toward their journey. The rogue sneered and someone watching would have seen his blackened teeth baring as he smiled a gruesome grin.
Awesome!!
7
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 26, 2012, 02:16:55 pm »
Oni stood at the lumium mine. She had a master pick in her hand and plenty of room in her bag for ore but she just stood there daydreaming. Her sea green webbed fingers let loose of the pick handle but grabbed hold again right before she dropped the thing on her foot. Something tugged on the back of her leg. She turned to see another groffel. This time, a note from the first alchemist. She wrote to explain that she no longer needed to be anonymous and that she was willing help in future efforts. The note was signed Elvirea but everyone called her Vire. Oni responded to say that she understood and that she'd be in touch when she heard something from the other side. It had been seven days since the notice from the rogue came to say that the medicine had been delivered. There were now only three more days to go until her parents treatment should be finished. Even if Vire's treatment didn't work, Oni was confident that the second alchemist who contacted her, Eonwind, would be able to assist or come up with something different to try.
Deep within the quarantined Dsar Oni's mother Iralyn was in her small apartment kitchen pouring out the doses of potion for her and her husband. She heard him coughing from the other room while she set out two small cups. She scratched a large lesion on her forearm and the room seemed to spin for a moment. She clutched the table to steady herself and looked down at her thin and shaky legs. He coughed again, louder this time and then moaned out loud. Iralyn began to cry. Suddenly she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand and then nodded to herself. She poured her own dose into her husband's cup. Leaving her own cup in the sink, she delivered the double dose to her husband. "Where's yours?" his eyes were red and swollen and his body seemed to visibly shake. "I took mine" she lied. She helped him hold the cup to his lips and drink, ensuring that he ingested every drop. She smiled and stroked his cheek. He raised his arm and held her hand in his, pressing his face against it, "I love you my wife". "I love you too" she took the cup and slowly, weakly, returned to the kitchen with it.
Deep within the quarantined Dsar Oni's mother Iralyn was in her small apartment kitchen pouring out the doses of potion for her and her husband. She heard him coughing from the other room while she set out two small cups. She scratched a large lesion on her forearm and the room seemed to spin for a moment. She clutched the table to steady herself and looked down at her thin and shaky legs. He coughed again, louder this time and then moaned out loud. Iralyn began to cry. Suddenly she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand and then nodded to herself. She poured her own dose into her husband's cup. Leaving her own cup in the sink, she delivered the double dose to her husband. "Where's yours?" his eyes were red and swollen and his body seemed to visibly shake. "I took mine" she lied. She helped him hold the cup to his lips and drink, ensuring that he ingested every drop. She smiled and stroked his cheek. He raised his arm and held her hand in his, pressing his face against it, "I love you my wife". "I love you too" she took the cup and slowly, weakly, returned to the kitchen with it.
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Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 26, 2012, 01:39:09 pm »
Yes Eonwind I like yours very much and Vire's outlook is very welcome!!! (hurry because things are about to take a fast curve XD )
9
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 25, 2012, 12:12:14 am »
It had been been three days since Oni had made that trip to Ojaveda. Three. She slipped on her boots then took them back off again changing her mind. She could never stand shoes and her feet felt better bare. She sat next to the gazebo near the Laanx temple in the grass. She laid backward and let her hair fall into the blades of green and closed her eyes. Her long lashes flickered as she laid there and she spread her arms straight out to her sides. Her right hand felt something... furry. She tilted her head in that direction and opened her eyes. It was a groffel with a parchment in his teeth.
She rose up and greeted him. "Hi little guy!" he growled and she rolled her eyes. She held out a fish and he dropped the note. She set it on the ground for him and picked up the message, carefully unfolding it to reveal the writing within. There were very few words.
It read: Delivery complete.
There was no signature but she didn't need one. She knew the rogue had delivered the potions to her mother and that he would be waiting for the remainder of his payment. And he would have something for her. She opened her bag and pulled out the locket and the ring her mother had sent before. She closed her hand around them and shook it so that they jingled around on her palm. She tried on the ring again even though she knew it was too small and then hastily pushed the items back into thier place in her bag. There was no time like the present. She stood, wobbly at first from sitting so long and then walked over to the pterosaur.
Oni arrived in Ojaveda after what seemed like the longest ride of her life. She slapped the pterosaur's butt as she hopped off "you need a nap buddy." Kikiri cried out as she passed and made her way to the warehouse district. She finally reached the tent where she had met him before but it was empty. Unsure of how to proceed, she decided to sit inside and wait a while. She entered the dark enclosure and her still bare feet felt the dry dust on the floor. She turned suddenly to check the door behind her but there was still no one there.
Oni felt a hand on her waist and her eyes glowed darkly as she quickly turned toward him "don't fear little one" he sneered. She smelled the beer on him like before only this time it was almost unbearable. She took a step back but he pulled her back and leaned into her "I have something for you." He laid his hand on her shoulder, then let it slowly slide down her arm and into her own. Able to see as well in the dark as in the light, she looked down and opened her fist. She gasped and her eyes shot up at him "she gave this to you or you stole it?"
"Be careful my sweet you're using the wrong tone with me" his chest expanded and his eyes traveled down her body. "Of course she gave it to me. She said you'd remember that day more than any other."
Oni looked down at the earring. It wasn't expensive but it was certainly unique. A kran at a bazaar sold them to her and her mother when she was only a little girl. She could almost see the scene again and smell the many spices and oils that were being sold there. A tear fell involuntarily down her face as she closed her hand around it. He moaned very quietly like a low growl and the hair stood up on the back of Oni's neck. She pushed the earring into her bag and pulled out the circles. "Here" she held them out to him.
He took them from her slowly... allowing his hand to lay on hers and pulled the fabric of her blouse. "You could have many more than this at your disposal" he stirred the coins in her hand with his black gloved finger. He pressed his lips against her ear "if you were willing". She snapped her hand away and her eyes began to glow a dark purple color, then something like red. He laughed and dropped the circles into his pocket, jingling them for extra effect he patted it and raised his eyebrows "nice to see you again too." She sneered and pulled her bag closer to her body, then turned and left the tent. She boarded the pterosaur moments later wondering if she'd ever see her family again.
She rose up and greeted him. "Hi little guy!" he growled and she rolled her eyes. She held out a fish and he dropped the note. She set it on the ground for him and picked up the message, carefully unfolding it to reveal the writing within. There were very few words.
It read: Delivery complete.
There was no signature but she didn't need one. She knew the rogue had delivered the potions to her mother and that he would be waiting for the remainder of his payment. And he would have something for her. She opened her bag and pulled out the locket and the ring her mother had sent before. She closed her hand around them and shook it so that they jingled around on her palm. She tried on the ring again even though she knew it was too small and then hastily pushed the items back into thier place in her bag. There was no time like the present. She stood, wobbly at first from sitting so long and then walked over to the pterosaur.
Oni arrived in Ojaveda after what seemed like the longest ride of her life. She slapped the pterosaur's butt as she hopped off "you need a nap buddy." Kikiri cried out as she passed and made her way to the warehouse district. She finally reached the tent where she had met him before but it was empty. Unsure of how to proceed, she decided to sit inside and wait a while. She entered the dark enclosure and her still bare feet felt the dry dust on the floor. She turned suddenly to check the door behind her but there was still no one there.
Oni felt a hand on her waist and her eyes glowed darkly as she quickly turned toward him "don't fear little one" he sneered. She smelled the beer on him like before only this time it was almost unbearable. She took a step back but he pulled her back and leaned into her "I have something for you." He laid his hand on her shoulder, then let it slowly slide down her arm and into her own. Able to see as well in the dark as in the light, she looked down and opened her fist. She gasped and her eyes shot up at him "she gave this to you or you stole it?"
"Be careful my sweet you're using the wrong tone with me" his chest expanded and his eyes traveled down her body. "Of course she gave it to me. She said you'd remember that day more than any other."
Oni looked down at the earring. It wasn't expensive but it was certainly unique. A kran at a bazaar sold them to her and her mother when she was only a little girl. She could almost see the scene again and smell the many spices and oils that were being sold there. A tear fell involuntarily down her face as she closed her hand around it. He moaned very quietly like a low growl and the hair stood up on the back of Oni's neck. She pushed the earring into her bag and pulled out the circles. "Here" she held them out to him.
He took them from her slowly... allowing his hand to lay on hers and pulled the fabric of her blouse. "You could have many more than this at your disposal" he stirred the coins in her hand with his black gloved finger. He pressed his lips against her ear "if you were willing". She snapped her hand away and her eyes began to glow a dark purple color, then something like red. He laughed and dropped the circles into his pocket, jingling them for extra effect he patted it and raised his eyebrows "nice to see you again too." She sneered and pulled her bag closer to her body, then turned and left the tent. She boarded the pterosaur moments later wondering if she'd ever see her family again.
10
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 22, 2012, 07:40:20 pm »
Oni took the vials and set them side by side on the top of a flat rock. She looked around and between the nearby trees to ensure that she was still alone. There was an intermittent breeze that carried the light aroma of lavendar up and down the nearby hillsides. She pulled her wavy dark hair back and tied a ribbon around it to keep it out of her eyes.
"One, two, three, four, five. One every other day for ten days." She spoke the instructions out loud and heard a tefusang snort in reply somewhere downwind. She pulled a long soft gray hide from her bag and lined a thin knapsack with it. She wrapped each bottle in a soft leaf and carefully arranged them for their journey. The light of the crystal shone over her shoulders as she sat down the bag and bowed her head.
"Please Xiosia" she reached up to grab the pendant that hung around her neck "please let this medicine make its way safely to my parents." She stood there a moment more silently with too much to say to say anything. Dropping her pendant back down to her chest she bent down to pick up the bag and continue on her way to Ojaveda. She wanted to walk quietly without the jarring movements of the rivnak or even the stubborn mentality of the drifter to deal with.
The way to Ojaveda was a familiar path but due to recent attacks around the outskirts of the city, she had been warned by her High Priestess not to travel alone. Her brow furrowed and she frowned... "there was just no way around it" she thought. She brushed the dust off the bottom of her bag and continued on her way, well away from the main roads. When she arrived to Ojaveda she was tempted to stop in to the Broken Door or the Black Den but she didn't. She would have to find someone to get the bottles to the other side of the gates but better to stay out of sight of anyone familiar. She didn't want people asking her questions about what she was doing in Oja alone today.
Oni made her way to a darkened area where she saw a large rogue sitting inside a tent. She mustered up the courage to stand within his sight. He flinched and she nodded his way casually. His lips pulled wide and he squinted at her, looking her up and down slowly with great interest and motioned for her to come closer. She quietly went in and stood in front of him. His breath smelled like beer and he had large sabres sheathed to his hips. His eyes were dark and she felt very uncomfortable but didn't show it.
"I need to get something in" she whispered.
"I know." he glared at her took a step closer. He looked down into her eyes as he towered over her and brushed a stray hair back behind her ear. She cringed inside but stood strong. He smelled her hair and she felt his hot breath on the top of her head.
"You were the one who received the last bundle from the other side aren't you Nolthrir?"
"But you're not the same ... "
"It profits me to know these things" he leaned up against her and then laughed and took a step backward narrowing his eyes. Oni steeled her gaze and was careful not to flinch.
"Yes it will profit you. IF this gets to the other side without being damaged or lost AND makes its way into the hands of my mother. This is not something that can be passed from hand to hand to hand. I want you to hand it to her yourself and no one else. Can you do that?"
The dark rogue snickered "I've seen her maidservant come and go three times this week. Do you think I'm a fool?" he looks her up and down again licking his lips and she furrows her brow "half now, half when it's done. And you must bring proof from her that she's received it." Oni opened her bag and handed the circles to him. She pulled out the knapsack. These are glass bottles and a parchment detailing useage instructions. Make sure she gets everything intact." He nodded and simply picked up the knapsack and disappeared through the tent exit before she could say anything more. She stepped out of the tent and into the open again. She looked all around but didn't see a trace of him. She reached up for her pendant and whispered another prayer to Xiosia.
"One, two, three, four, five. One every other day for ten days." She spoke the instructions out loud and heard a tefusang snort in reply somewhere downwind. She pulled a long soft gray hide from her bag and lined a thin knapsack with it. She wrapped each bottle in a soft leaf and carefully arranged them for their journey. The light of the crystal shone over her shoulders as she sat down the bag and bowed her head.
"Please Xiosia" she reached up to grab the pendant that hung around her neck "please let this medicine make its way safely to my parents." She stood there a moment more silently with too much to say to say anything. Dropping her pendant back down to her chest she bent down to pick up the bag and continue on her way to Ojaveda. She wanted to walk quietly without the jarring movements of the rivnak or even the stubborn mentality of the drifter to deal with.
The way to Ojaveda was a familiar path but due to recent attacks around the outskirts of the city, she had been warned by her High Priestess not to travel alone. Her brow furrowed and she frowned... "there was just no way around it" she thought. She brushed the dust off the bottom of her bag and continued on her way, well away from the main roads. When she arrived to Ojaveda she was tempted to stop in to the Broken Door or the Black Den but she didn't. She would have to find someone to get the bottles to the other side of the gates but better to stay out of sight of anyone familiar. She didn't want people asking her questions about what she was doing in Oja alone today.
Oni made her way to a darkened area where she saw a large rogue sitting inside a tent. She mustered up the courage to stand within his sight. He flinched and she nodded his way casually. His lips pulled wide and he squinted at her, looking her up and down slowly with great interest and motioned for her to come closer. She quietly went in and stood in front of him. His breath smelled like beer and he had large sabres sheathed to his hips. His eyes were dark and she felt very uncomfortable but didn't show it.
"I need to get something in" she whispered.
"I know." he glared at her took a step closer. He looked down into her eyes as he towered over her and brushed a stray hair back behind her ear. She cringed inside but stood strong. He smelled her hair and she felt his hot breath on the top of her head.
"You were the one who received the last bundle from the other side aren't you Nolthrir?"
"But you're not the same ... "
"It profits me to know these things" he leaned up against her and then laughed and took a step backward narrowing his eyes. Oni steeled her gaze and was careful not to flinch.
"Yes it will profit you. IF this gets to the other side without being damaged or lost AND makes its way into the hands of my mother. This is not something that can be passed from hand to hand to hand. I want you to hand it to her yourself and no one else. Can you do that?"
The dark rogue snickered "I've seen her maidservant come and go three times this week. Do you think I'm a fool?" he looks her up and down again licking his lips and she furrows her brow "half now, half when it's done. And you must bring proof from her that she's received it." Oni opened her bag and handed the circles to him. She pulled out the knapsack. These are glass bottles and a parchment detailing useage instructions. Make sure she gets everything intact." He nodded and simply picked up the knapsack and disappeared through the tent exit before she could say anything more. She stepped out of the tent and into the open again. She looked all around but didn't see a trace of him. She reached up for her pendant and whispered another prayer to Xiosia.
11
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 21, 2012, 10:41:57 pm »
(15:43:12) [Tell] Unnamed Alchemist's groffel wanders up to you and drops a letter at your feet: "Greetings. If my recollection is accurate, your name was listed on the voucher seeking help for Onilise's issues regarding the plague. I believe I may have discovered a bit of something, if you would be so kind as to meet in in the alley to the left of the tavern, it would be highly appreciated. Unnamed Alchemist."
(15:46:33) [Tell] Dannae attempts to scoop up the groffel in her arms after reading the letter before heading on her way
(15:47:28) [Tell] Unnamed Alchemist's groffel is quite happily scooped as it recieves little to no attention atypically, and laps up the attention.
(15:50:43) Dannae begins cautiously approaching the alleyway looking around carefully, then upon noticing Unnamed Alchemist manages a relieved smile as she offers the groffel in extended arms, only to stop as she hears Jilata call to her and spins anxiously
(15:49:07) Unnamed Alchemist slowly raises a scaled brow at Dannae, and tips her head towards the Alley, turning to move into it.
(15:48:42) Jilata says: Dannae!
(15:50:09) Jilata frowns. She watches the Nolthrir to see if she is going to follow that Unnamed Alchemist.
(15:51:29) Unnamed Alchemist pauses and heaves a sigh, leaning against the wall as she collects the groffel. She sets the creature down on the ground and lets it mull about there, only waiting for the nolthrir to finish her business so that they might speak.
(15:51:46) Jilata smiles slightly and steps towards Dannae. She tilts her head inquiringly as if to ask if she can come along.
(15:51:53) Dannae holds a finger up to Jilata hoping the gesture to indicate one minute please
(15:52:23) Dannae shakes her head and half whispers, "I'll be right back"
(15:52:29) Jilata sighs and nods. She folds her arms, not really looking pleased about it though.
(15:52:30) Unnamed Alchemist merely shrugs
(15:53:13) Dannae gives an apologetic smile as she turns back in the direction the Unnamed Alchemist disappeared
(15:53:10) Cerryce says: Dannae!
(15:53:38) Unnamed Alchemist facepalms and mutters something about obnoxious popularity.
(15:54:38) Dannae stops once more as yet another cry of her name is heard and she turns back again
(15:54:57) Dannae says: Uh, Cherry!
(15:55:00) Cerryce smiles "Hi!
(15:55:16) Unnamed Alchemist hisses softly and steps further back into the alleyway, rubbing at her headfin in increased agitation.
(15:55:36) Cerryce says: Oooooo...Dannae, am I interuppting something?
(15:56:24) Dannae says: "Um, please, although I'm glad to see you... please give me a moment... I have to see someone.. in private" she adds quietly
(15:56:32) Cerryce says: Ok!
(15:56:42) Cerryce says: Have fun!
(15:57:00) Dannae turns back yet again with a sigh looking once more for the Unnamed Alchemist
(15:57:20) Unnamed Alchemist moves her finger and moves further down the alley.
(15:57:31) Cerryce says: Keep your weapons sheathed while in Hydlaa, Jefecra.
(15:57:44) Dannae steps around the corner offering over the groffel yet again
(15:58:28) Unnamed Alchemist glances around, before taking the groffel in a swift and cold manner, plopping it simple back on the ground and stroking the ring on her finger to make it disapear. She leans in towards Dannae, though the proximity this creates seems distasteful to her, and whispers to her.
(15:59:10) Dannae says: "I'm sorry about that" she murmers... you run into friends at the most inopportune times it seems"
(15:59:28) [Tell] Unnamed Alchemist tells you: "I've found a sort of treatment for your friend's plague issue, one that will at least stave off most of the effects of the illness. At the end of the treatment I believe her family will be at least alive, though they may suffer still some of the negative effects of prolonged exposure to the plague."
(16:00:04) Dannae turns an ear to the whispered words, herself sensing the Unnamed Alchemist distaste
(16:01:04) Unnamed Alchemist takes a step back after relaying this message and waits for Dannae's response.
(16:01:06) Dannae nods slowly as she listens letting Unnamed Alchemist know she understands
(16:01:47) Dannae says: We will be indebted to you greatly should this prove to work as you suggest
(16:03:11) Unnamed Alchemist fiddles with something at her side, and digs around until a handful of vials, five, are draw out. She offers them on an open palm. "Have them drunk every other day for a total of ten days. Let them sleep and rest as much as possible. If it takes, it should erradicate the illness from their system, though they will be very weak for an undisclosed amount of time...they should live." She shakes her head once. "I only ask for anonymity. I want no one to know who gave you this, understand? Especially if it works. Leave me in the dark, it is relevant."
(16:05:23) Dannae's eyes show large in the dim light as she listens to Unnamed Alchemist's instruction, then holds out hands to receive the bottles, "It will be as you wish. I shall tell none even though I can't understand why you wish it to remain so"
(16:06:57) Dannae repeats the instructions back to make sure she got everything right
(16:06:55) Unnamed Alchemist folds Dannae's fingers over the vials and fixes the nolthrir with a long stare. "Listen carefully, remember my instruction about how to administer. It's to make sure the dosage is accurate, do NOT get it wrong. Ten days, every other day. If you need more, seek me out subtly, but test it first." She pauses for a moment, her lips flat. "I should be around for long enough to see the testing through should you need me. Just remember. Tell no one, and do not come offering payment."
(16:08:42) Dannae nods once more, "As you wish Unnamed Alchemist. Is there nothing else you wish of us in return?"
(16:09:23) Dannae says: Onilise will be truly grateful
(16:11:02) Unnamed Alchemist shakes her head. "Anonymity is all I require of you. Tell no one, I make that very clear. No. One." She motions. "Your friends await, you should return to the part of social butterfly. Inform me if it works, if not I shall try again."
(16:19:42) Dannae bows her head, "I thank you again Unnamed Alchemist"
(16:20:03) Unnamed Alchemist laughs softly, though it doesn't seem to carry any malice. "I assure you I am little more than my occupation, though your idealism is appreciated." She returns the gesture, and waves her hand towards the alley's exit. "Farewell."
(16:20:22) Dannae says: G'bye
(16:20:45) Dannae offers a wave but nearly drops some bottles and stops to catch
(16:21:03) Unnamed Alchemist sighs. She pulls out a small bag and offers it to Dannae.
(16:21:43) Dannae says: I'm so clumsy sometimes, thank you again
(16:22:05) Dannae says: I'll get these to Onilise right away
(16:22:21) Unnamed Alchemist shrugs nonchalantly, and turns to move back further into the alley without another word, pausing only for a moment. "Five vials, every other day, ten days," she repeats, and nods. "Quickly, now go."
___________________________________________________
Later upstairs at the Den with Onilise. Note from Dannae*(I'm not to happy with the RP here as I needed to leave and rushed through the whole thing… sigh I removed all the other chat going on in the den at the time)
___________________________________________________
(18:07:42) Telena says: "Want me to send Oni up here?"
(18:07:58) Dannae says: If you don't mind, please
(18:08:57) Telena says: "Not at all." She walks downstairs.
(18:09:29) Telena says: "Oni?" She looks at the Nolthrir. "Dannae would like to talk with you."
18:10:55) Dannae smiles to Onilise, "I have great news. I was hoping to see you soon"
(18:20:48) Dannae says: Oni, I was called to meet with Unnamed Alchemist earlier
(18:21:39) Dannae lowers her voice to a near whisper, "She gave me these for you... for your parents"
(18:22:44) Dannae picks up a sack that clinks with bottles and offers it across the table
(18:23:47) Dannae leans over to whisper to Onilise
(18:24:50) Onilise's eyes widen "really??"
(18:25:19) Onilise says: What is it?
(18:26:17) [Tell] You tell Onilise: Unnamed Alchemist summoned me and gave me this. It is a cure for your parents. She wants no one to know she helped with this and wants nothing in return except our silence"
(18:27:09) [Tell] You tell Onilise: "Now listen closely, there are 5 bottles, one for them to take every other day"
(18:27:16) [Tell] Onilise gasps "really? How did she?" she stops short and looks confused
(18:27:34) [Tell] Onilise tells you: One bottles on every other day...
(18:27:57) [Tell] You tell Onilise: Yes, and they must sleep and rest during this time
(18:28:07) Onilise whispers to Dannae
(18:28:15) [Tell] You tell Onilise: It should keep them alive if it works
(18:28:36) [Tell] Onilise tells you: okay *she nods nervously repeating the instructions to herself"
(18:28:47) [Tell] Onilise tells you: Thanks Dannae
(18:28:52) [Tell] You tell Onilise: If more is needed afterward, we should seek out Unnamed Alchemist again and also to let her know if this works"
(18:29:34) [Tell] Dannae smiles, "She's a strange one that Unnamed Alchemist, but deep down, I think she has a sweet side"
(18:29:49) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I must go now
(18:29:54) [Tell] Onilise tells you: Okay great... but... how much can she make? If it works, this could mean the end of the plague!"
(18:30:19) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I don't think she wants to help with that
(18:30:37) [Tell] You tell Onilise: She doesn't want anyone to know she made this
(18:30:46) [Tell] Onilise's eyes widen and she carefully put the bottles into her bag, pressing hides between them to safeguard their safe travel.
(18:31:00) [Tell] Onilise tells you: oh
(18:31:01) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I don't understand, but that's what she told me
(18:31:11) [Tell] Onilise frowns "okay"
(18:31:19) [Tell] Onilise tells you: I'll let you know how it goes
(18:31:31) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I must go now, we can talk later if you still have questions
18:31:51) [Tell] Onilise tells you: ok thanks again *she smiles weakly*
(18:31:52) [Tell] Dannae smiles, "I'm praying for you it does"
(18:32:00) [Tell] Onilise perks "thanks"
(18:32:09) [Tell] Dannae gets up and leaves with a wave
(15:46:33) [Tell] Dannae attempts to scoop up the groffel in her arms after reading the letter before heading on her way
(15:47:28) [Tell] Unnamed Alchemist's groffel is quite happily scooped as it recieves little to no attention atypically, and laps up the attention.
(15:50:43) Dannae begins cautiously approaching the alleyway looking around carefully, then upon noticing Unnamed Alchemist manages a relieved smile as she offers the groffel in extended arms, only to stop as she hears Jilata call to her and spins anxiously
(15:49:07) Unnamed Alchemist slowly raises a scaled brow at Dannae, and tips her head towards the Alley, turning to move into it.
(15:48:42) Jilata says: Dannae!
(15:50:09) Jilata frowns. She watches the Nolthrir to see if she is going to follow that Unnamed Alchemist.
(15:51:29) Unnamed Alchemist pauses and heaves a sigh, leaning against the wall as she collects the groffel. She sets the creature down on the ground and lets it mull about there, only waiting for the nolthrir to finish her business so that they might speak.
(15:51:46) Jilata smiles slightly and steps towards Dannae. She tilts her head inquiringly as if to ask if she can come along.
(15:51:53) Dannae holds a finger up to Jilata hoping the gesture to indicate one minute please
(15:52:23) Dannae shakes her head and half whispers, "I'll be right back"
(15:52:29) Jilata sighs and nods. She folds her arms, not really looking pleased about it though.
(15:52:30) Unnamed Alchemist merely shrugs
(15:53:13) Dannae gives an apologetic smile as she turns back in the direction the Unnamed Alchemist disappeared
(15:53:10) Cerryce says: Dannae!
(15:53:38) Unnamed Alchemist facepalms and mutters something about obnoxious popularity.
(15:54:38) Dannae stops once more as yet another cry of her name is heard and she turns back again
(15:54:57) Dannae says: Uh, Cherry!
(15:55:00) Cerryce smiles "Hi!
(15:55:16) Unnamed Alchemist hisses softly and steps further back into the alleyway, rubbing at her headfin in increased agitation.
(15:55:36) Cerryce says: Oooooo...Dannae, am I interuppting something?
(15:56:24) Dannae says: "Um, please, although I'm glad to see you... please give me a moment... I have to see someone.. in private" she adds quietly
(15:56:32) Cerryce says: Ok!
(15:56:42) Cerryce says: Have fun!
(15:57:00) Dannae turns back yet again with a sigh looking once more for the Unnamed Alchemist
(15:57:20) Unnamed Alchemist moves her finger and moves further down the alley.
(15:57:31) Cerryce says: Keep your weapons sheathed while in Hydlaa, Jefecra.
(15:57:44) Dannae steps around the corner offering over the groffel yet again
(15:58:28) Unnamed Alchemist glances around, before taking the groffel in a swift and cold manner, plopping it simple back on the ground and stroking the ring on her finger to make it disapear. She leans in towards Dannae, though the proximity this creates seems distasteful to her, and whispers to her.
(15:59:10) Dannae says: "I'm sorry about that" she murmers... you run into friends at the most inopportune times it seems"
(15:59:28) [Tell] Unnamed Alchemist tells you: "I've found a sort of treatment for your friend's plague issue, one that will at least stave off most of the effects of the illness. At the end of the treatment I believe her family will be at least alive, though they may suffer still some of the negative effects of prolonged exposure to the plague."
(16:00:04) Dannae turns an ear to the whispered words, herself sensing the Unnamed Alchemist distaste
(16:01:04) Unnamed Alchemist takes a step back after relaying this message and waits for Dannae's response.
(16:01:06) Dannae nods slowly as she listens letting Unnamed Alchemist know she understands
(16:01:47) Dannae says: We will be indebted to you greatly should this prove to work as you suggest
(16:03:11) Unnamed Alchemist fiddles with something at her side, and digs around until a handful of vials, five, are draw out. She offers them on an open palm. "Have them drunk every other day for a total of ten days. Let them sleep and rest as much as possible. If it takes, it should erradicate the illness from their system, though they will be very weak for an undisclosed amount of time...they should live." She shakes her head once. "I only ask for anonymity. I want no one to know who gave you this, understand? Especially if it works. Leave me in the dark, it is relevant."
(16:05:23) Dannae's eyes show large in the dim light as she listens to Unnamed Alchemist's instruction, then holds out hands to receive the bottles, "It will be as you wish. I shall tell none even though I can't understand why you wish it to remain so"
(16:06:57) Dannae repeats the instructions back to make sure she got everything right
(16:06:55) Unnamed Alchemist folds Dannae's fingers over the vials and fixes the nolthrir with a long stare. "Listen carefully, remember my instruction about how to administer. It's to make sure the dosage is accurate, do NOT get it wrong. Ten days, every other day. If you need more, seek me out subtly, but test it first." She pauses for a moment, her lips flat. "I should be around for long enough to see the testing through should you need me. Just remember. Tell no one, and do not come offering payment."
(16:08:42) Dannae nods once more, "As you wish Unnamed Alchemist. Is there nothing else you wish of us in return?"
(16:09:23) Dannae says: Onilise will be truly grateful
(16:11:02) Unnamed Alchemist shakes her head. "Anonymity is all I require of you. Tell no one, I make that very clear. No. One." She motions. "Your friends await, you should return to the part of social butterfly. Inform me if it works, if not I shall try again."
(16:19:42) Dannae bows her head, "I thank you again Unnamed Alchemist"
(16:20:03) Unnamed Alchemist laughs softly, though it doesn't seem to carry any malice. "I assure you I am little more than my occupation, though your idealism is appreciated." She returns the gesture, and waves her hand towards the alley's exit. "Farewell."
(16:20:22) Dannae says: G'bye
(16:20:45) Dannae offers a wave but nearly drops some bottles and stops to catch
(16:21:03) Unnamed Alchemist sighs. She pulls out a small bag and offers it to Dannae.
(16:21:43) Dannae says: I'm so clumsy sometimes, thank you again
(16:22:05) Dannae says: I'll get these to Onilise right away
(16:22:21) Unnamed Alchemist shrugs nonchalantly, and turns to move back further into the alley without another word, pausing only for a moment. "Five vials, every other day, ten days," she repeats, and nods. "Quickly, now go."
___________________________________________________
Later upstairs at the Den with Onilise. Note from Dannae*(I'm not to happy with the RP here as I needed to leave and rushed through the whole thing… sigh I removed all the other chat going on in the den at the time)
___________________________________________________
(18:07:42) Telena says: "Want me to send Oni up here?"
(18:07:58) Dannae says: If you don't mind, please
(18:08:57) Telena says: "Not at all." She walks downstairs.
(18:09:29) Telena says: "Oni?" She looks at the Nolthrir. "Dannae would like to talk with you."
18:10:55) Dannae smiles to Onilise, "I have great news. I was hoping to see you soon"
(18:20:48) Dannae says: Oni, I was called to meet with Unnamed Alchemist earlier
(18:21:39) Dannae lowers her voice to a near whisper, "She gave me these for you... for your parents"
(18:22:44) Dannae picks up a sack that clinks with bottles and offers it across the table
(18:23:47) Dannae leans over to whisper to Onilise
(18:24:50) Onilise's eyes widen "really??"
(18:25:19) Onilise says: What is it?
(18:26:17) [Tell] You tell Onilise: Unnamed Alchemist summoned me and gave me this. It is a cure for your parents. She wants no one to know she helped with this and wants nothing in return except our silence"
(18:27:09) [Tell] You tell Onilise: "Now listen closely, there are 5 bottles, one for them to take every other day"
(18:27:16) [Tell] Onilise gasps "really? How did she?" she stops short and looks confused
(18:27:34) [Tell] Onilise tells you: One bottles on every other day...
(18:27:57) [Tell] You tell Onilise: Yes, and they must sleep and rest during this time
(18:28:07) Onilise whispers to Dannae
(18:28:15) [Tell] You tell Onilise: It should keep them alive if it works
(18:28:36) [Tell] Onilise tells you: okay *she nods nervously repeating the instructions to herself"
(18:28:47) [Tell] Onilise tells you: Thanks Dannae
(18:28:52) [Tell] You tell Onilise: If more is needed afterward, we should seek out Unnamed Alchemist again and also to let her know if this works"
(18:29:34) [Tell] Dannae smiles, "She's a strange one that Unnamed Alchemist, but deep down, I think she has a sweet side"
(18:29:49) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I must go now
(18:29:54) [Tell] Onilise tells you: Okay great... but... how much can she make? If it works, this could mean the end of the plague!"
(18:30:19) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I don't think she wants to help with that
(18:30:37) [Tell] You tell Onilise: She doesn't want anyone to know she made this
(18:30:46) [Tell] Onilise's eyes widen and she carefully put the bottles into her bag, pressing hides between them to safeguard their safe travel.
(18:31:00) [Tell] Onilise tells you: oh
(18:31:01) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I don't understand, but that's what she told me
(18:31:11) [Tell] Onilise frowns "okay"
(18:31:19) [Tell] Onilise tells you: I'll let you know how it goes
(18:31:31) [Tell] You tell Onilise: I must go now, we can talk later if you still have questions
18:31:51) [Tell] Onilise tells you: ok thanks again *she smiles weakly*
(18:31:52) [Tell] Dannae smiles, "I'm praying for you it does"
(18:32:00) [Tell] Onilise perks "thanks"
(18:32:09) [Tell] Dannae gets up and leaves with a wave
12
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 21, 2012, 07:25:45 pm »
(05:34:37) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist steps in out of the cold and shakes the snow from her cloak, letting it fall down and melt on the floor. She looks at Seazu. "You sent me letters about your friend and a delicate matter?" She asks.
(05:35:07) [Say] Seazu nods silently but smilng a little.
(05:35:51) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist casts her hood back from her face and blinks the precipitation from her eyes. "Alright. Where is Onilise."
(05:36:47) [Say] Seazu grins at the nolthrir next to her
(05:36:59) [Say] Onilise looks between them let's go this way
(05:37:03) [Say] Seazu says: May I introduce, Onilise, Unnamed Alchemist.
(05:37:23) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist looks at Onilise, and nods once. "Very well, then." She follows.
(05:37:42) [Say] Onilise nods to Unnamed Alchemist "pleased to meet you"
(05:38:47) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist leans back casually against the wooden fence, flicking her hood back up over her face. She folds her arms over her chest. "You need some kind of cure for something, I take it?" She asks.
(05:38:56) [Say] Onilise looks over to Unnamed Alchemist and looks her up and down "you're an alchemist?"
(05:39:14) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "That I am, though probably not like any you've ever encountered before."
(05:39:30) [Say] Onilise raises an eyebrow "Oh? How so?"
(05:40:00) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "My formulas are quite unique. I'd use the word...innovative, at the risk of sounding arrogant. They aren't...atypical. Nevertheless, I'm here to inquire as to what you need."
(05:40:55) [Say] Seazu clears her throat
(05:41:11) [Say] Onilise looks over to Seazu first as if looking for the go ahead from her
(05:41:26) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist looks to Seazu as well, as though on cue.
(05:41:28) [Say] Seazu says: May I ask, what are your previous experiences with potions against deseases or even plagues?
(05:42:03) [Say] Onilise swallows her last bit of lakka tucks the mug away
(05:43:59) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist gives her shoulder a slight shrug. "It depends entirely on the plague type. Is it Viral? Bacterial? If the former, it's...relatively difficult to cure, though not impossible, depending on the individual. The latter is usually more open for treatment. I myself have come up with a few cures, or at least some useful methods for helping the individual through the symptoms, though most of my expertise lies in the counteracting of poisons."
(05:44:59) [Say] Seazu says: Well, you have to know potions to counteract them, don't you?
(05:45:58) [Say] Seazu says: And how long have you been an alchemist?
(05:47:27) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist chuckles. "As long as I've had the capacity to write it, really. My mother was a master apothecary, I learned quite a bit from her, and my father was a librarian. He gave me a love of knowledge." Her eyes flicker beneath her hood as she speaks, a saddened expression, rapidly repressed. She gives her head a shake. "What is it that you need? A test, proof of my ability?"
(05:47:46) [Say] Onilise looks straight into Unnamed Alchemist's eyes with a serious expression "and if we share this ... situation with you. Will you swear to keep the matter completely secret. You can tell no one... whether or not you decide to assist."
(05:48:08) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist smirks softly. "I'm rather adept at keeping secrets," she says simply.
(05:48:44) [Say] Onilise looks back at Seazu
(05:49:21) [Say] Seazu nods
(05:49:52) [Say] Onilise digs in her pack and pulls out a medium sized bundle wrapped in layers of soft leaves
(05:50:14) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist looks towards the bundle with interest, and offers her hand, fingers open, palm up.
(05:50:16) [Say] Seazu says: One last question please.
(05:50:21) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "Yes?"
(05:51:03) [Say] Seazu says: How good is your knowledge about anatomy and cures of deseases for different races?
(05:51:17) [Say] Seazu says: Let's say, Enkidukai and Nolthrir.
(05:52:25) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist gives a soft chuckle. She pulls out a book and tosses it to the ground with a soft, resounding thump. Using the toe of her boot, she flips it open to a page, then another, revealing only scribbles of writing that shows different alchemical properties. "I'm good with it," she says. "Typically I will filter through different races in tests, to see what needs to be adjusted to suit different biological systems."
(05:52:58) [Say] Onilise looks up at Unnamed Alchemist while she unwraps "When I was only a young child, I came home to find an empty house. My parents ... gone. A few days ago, a childhood neighbor brought me these things." she sets them carefully before Unnamed Alchemist
(05:53:53) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist's eyes give that same flash as Onilise relates her tale. Suddenly her expression shifts from cocky to intent, as she stoops down to examine the contents, replacing her book into her bags.
(05:53:59) [Say] Onilise says: If you take a close look at the note, you'll understand our problem.
(05:56:06) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist blinks rapidly as she reads the note. "A cure for not only a plague. You seek a cure for THE plague."
(05:56:21) [Say] Onilise gulps
(05:57:32) [Say] Onilise looks to her sister and back to Unnamed Alchemist, her shoulders fall lower
(05:57:38) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist glances up at Onilise. She speaks quickly, and directly, her tone blunt. "You realize that many people have been working on this. That countless doctors and physicians have toiled away over and over, wracking their brains trying to find a cure for this thing. Do you realize this?"
(05:57:44) [Say] Seazu nods "I said we were looking for an expert, didn't I?"
(05:58:42) [Say] Onilise looks at a small point far away then back again "but with a sample of this base.. maybe... maybe there can be success where others failed."
(05:58:56) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist shakes her head. "It's not a matter of expertise, Seazu. This is a matter of possibility." She sighs, and reaches for the bottle that Onilise's mother sent her. Swirling the solution inside, she says, "I imagine she had at least a foundation, and that what she really needs is tweaking."
(05:59:04) [Say] Seazu says: Personally, and it may sound hard, I don't require you to cure them all. If you manage to enhance the potion so that my sisters family can come free it would be a great success and provide you with the full reward.
(05:59:35) [Say] Onilise says: I can't give you the whole bottle. You'll have to take a small sample.
(06:00:06) [Say] Onilise says: If you were to fail... well I couldn't take the chance of losing it all.
(06:00:39) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist chortles at Onilise. "This is a far fetched situation, I hope you know that." She picks it up and takes out a vial, pouring only a small sample inside and corking it quickly, sliding it back into her belogings and placing the nolthrir's bottle back down amongst her other belongings. "I shall see what I can do, but I make no promises."
(06:01:10) [Say] Seazu says: So, knowledge about Enkidukai is welcomed to find out how the plague could be created, knowledge about the Nolthrir physique is vital to set them free.
(06:01:28) [Say] Onilise sighs and her long lashes drop as she looks down at the few items left of her family. "thank you."
(06:01:56) [Say] Onilise carefully opens the bundle and replaces the items to her bag
(06:02:12) [Say] Seazu smiles "I hoped you'd say that."
(06:02:13) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist stands up slowly and dusts herself off. "Understood," she says to Seazu. "It's able to jump between species, which makes it incredibly volatile, and even more of an issue."
(06:03:03) [Say] Seazu says: Well, maybe it takes much longer for other races to show an effect.
(06:03:27) [Say] Seazu says: I don't know how long they've been in the quarantined area.
(06:03:52) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "It is possible, though that would suggest a different level of tolerance to the disease, and, as a consiquence, to any drug that might be offered to cure it."
(06:04:51) [Say] Seazu nods in agreement. "I fear that's all we know to help you get started."
(06:05:35) [Say] Onilise looks at Unnamed Alchemist again "please let me know if you find any progress"
(06:06:09) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist dips her head. "I wil being research immediately, and I will let you know if I discover anything relevant. For now, I should be taking my leave. Onilise. Seazu." She nods to both.
(06:06:41) [Say] Onilise nods with wide eyes full of hope
(06:06:48) [Say] Onilise says: Good to meet you
(06:06:53) [Say] Seazu nods to Unnamed Alchemist.
(06:07:02) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist mumbles, "And you," before she departs.
(06:07:32) [Say] Onilise shrugs at Seazu "Well we'll see what happens I guess"
(06:08:43) [Say] Seazu looks around uncertain but full of hope "Let's hope she'll make it with Xiosia's will."
(06:08:57) [Say] Onilise nods and wipes her eyes
(05:35:07) [Say] Seazu nods silently but smilng a little.
(05:35:51) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist casts her hood back from her face and blinks the precipitation from her eyes. "Alright. Where is Onilise."
(05:36:47) [Say] Seazu grins at the nolthrir next to her
(05:36:59) [Say] Onilise looks between them let's go this way
(05:37:03) [Say] Seazu says: May I introduce, Onilise, Unnamed Alchemist.
(05:37:23) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist looks at Onilise, and nods once. "Very well, then." She follows.
(05:37:42) [Say] Onilise nods to Unnamed Alchemist "pleased to meet you"
(05:38:47) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist leans back casually against the wooden fence, flicking her hood back up over her face. She folds her arms over her chest. "You need some kind of cure for something, I take it?" She asks.
(05:38:56) [Say] Onilise looks over to Unnamed Alchemist and looks her up and down "you're an alchemist?"
(05:39:14) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "That I am, though probably not like any you've ever encountered before."
(05:39:30) [Say] Onilise raises an eyebrow "Oh? How so?"
(05:40:00) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "My formulas are quite unique. I'd use the word...innovative, at the risk of sounding arrogant. They aren't...atypical. Nevertheless, I'm here to inquire as to what you need."
(05:40:55) [Say] Seazu clears her throat
(05:41:11) [Say] Onilise looks over to Seazu first as if looking for the go ahead from her
(05:41:26) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist looks to Seazu as well, as though on cue.
(05:41:28) [Say] Seazu says: May I ask, what are your previous experiences with potions against deseases or even plagues?
(05:42:03) [Say] Onilise swallows her last bit of lakka tucks the mug away
(05:43:59) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist gives her shoulder a slight shrug. "It depends entirely on the plague type. Is it Viral? Bacterial? If the former, it's...relatively difficult to cure, though not impossible, depending on the individual. The latter is usually more open for treatment. I myself have come up with a few cures, or at least some useful methods for helping the individual through the symptoms, though most of my expertise lies in the counteracting of poisons."
(05:44:59) [Say] Seazu says: Well, you have to know potions to counteract them, don't you?
(05:45:58) [Say] Seazu says: And how long have you been an alchemist?
(05:47:27) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist chuckles. "As long as I've had the capacity to write it, really. My mother was a master apothecary, I learned quite a bit from her, and my father was a librarian. He gave me a love of knowledge." Her eyes flicker beneath her hood as she speaks, a saddened expression, rapidly repressed. She gives her head a shake. "What is it that you need? A test, proof of my ability?"
(05:47:46) [Say] Onilise looks straight into Unnamed Alchemist's eyes with a serious expression "and if we share this ... situation with you. Will you swear to keep the matter completely secret. You can tell no one... whether or not you decide to assist."
(05:48:08) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist smirks softly. "I'm rather adept at keeping secrets," she says simply.
(05:48:44) [Say] Onilise looks back at Seazu
(05:49:21) [Say] Seazu nods
(05:49:52) [Say] Onilise digs in her pack and pulls out a medium sized bundle wrapped in layers of soft leaves
(05:50:14) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist looks towards the bundle with interest, and offers her hand, fingers open, palm up.
(05:50:16) [Say] Seazu says: One last question please.
(05:50:21) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "Yes?"
(05:51:03) [Say] Seazu says: How good is your knowledge about anatomy and cures of deseases for different races?
(05:51:17) [Say] Seazu says: Let's say, Enkidukai and Nolthrir.
(05:52:25) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist gives a soft chuckle. She pulls out a book and tosses it to the ground with a soft, resounding thump. Using the toe of her boot, she flips it open to a page, then another, revealing only scribbles of writing that shows different alchemical properties. "I'm good with it," she says. "Typically I will filter through different races in tests, to see what needs to be adjusted to suit different biological systems."
(05:52:58) [Say] Onilise looks up at Unnamed Alchemist while she unwraps "When I was only a young child, I came home to find an empty house. My parents ... gone. A few days ago, a childhood neighbor brought me these things." she sets them carefully before Unnamed Alchemist
(05:53:53) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist's eyes give that same flash as Onilise relates her tale. Suddenly her expression shifts from cocky to intent, as she stoops down to examine the contents, replacing her book into her bags.
(05:53:59) [Say] Onilise says: If you take a close look at the note, you'll understand our problem.
(05:56:06) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist blinks rapidly as she reads the note. "A cure for not only a plague. You seek a cure for THE plague."
(05:56:21) [Say] Onilise gulps
(05:57:32) [Say] Onilise looks to her sister and back to Unnamed Alchemist, her shoulders fall lower
(05:57:38) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist glances up at Onilise. She speaks quickly, and directly, her tone blunt. "You realize that many people have been working on this. That countless doctors and physicians have toiled away over and over, wracking their brains trying to find a cure for this thing. Do you realize this?"
(05:57:44) [Say] Seazu nods "I said we were looking for an expert, didn't I?"
(05:58:42) [Say] Onilise looks at a small point far away then back again "but with a sample of this base.. maybe... maybe there can be success where others failed."
(05:58:56) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist shakes her head. "It's not a matter of expertise, Seazu. This is a matter of possibility." She sighs, and reaches for the bottle that Onilise's mother sent her. Swirling the solution inside, she says, "I imagine she had at least a foundation, and that what she really needs is tweaking."
(05:59:04) [Say] Seazu says: Personally, and it may sound hard, I don't require you to cure them all. If you manage to enhance the potion so that my sisters family can come free it would be a great success and provide you with the full reward.
(05:59:35) [Say] Onilise says: I can't give you the whole bottle. You'll have to take a small sample.
(06:00:06) [Say] Onilise says: If you were to fail... well I couldn't take the chance of losing it all.
(06:00:39) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist chortles at Onilise. "This is a far fetched situation, I hope you know that." She picks it up and takes out a vial, pouring only a small sample inside and corking it quickly, sliding it back into her belogings and placing the nolthrir's bottle back down amongst her other belongings. "I shall see what I can do, but I make no promises."
(06:01:10) [Say] Seazu says: So, knowledge about Enkidukai is welcomed to find out how the plague could be created, knowledge about the Nolthrir physique is vital to set them free.
(06:01:28) [Say] Onilise sighs and her long lashes drop as she looks down at the few items left of her family. "thank you."
(06:01:56) [Say] Onilise carefully opens the bundle and replaces the items to her bag
(06:02:12) [Say] Seazu smiles "I hoped you'd say that."
(06:02:13) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist stands up slowly and dusts herself off. "Understood," she says to Seazu. "It's able to jump between species, which makes it incredibly volatile, and even more of an issue."
(06:03:03) [Say] Seazu says: Well, maybe it takes much longer for other races to show an effect.
(06:03:27) [Say] Seazu says: I don't know how long they've been in the quarantined area.
(06:03:52) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist says: "It is possible, though that would suggest a different level of tolerance to the disease, and, as a consiquence, to any drug that might be offered to cure it."
(06:04:51) [Say] Seazu nods in agreement. "I fear that's all we know to help you get started."
(06:05:35) [Say] Onilise looks at Unnamed Alchemist again "please let me know if you find any progress"
(06:06:09) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist dips her head. "I wil being research immediately, and I will let you know if I discover anything relevant. For now, I should be taking my leave. Onilise. Seazu." She nods to both.
(06:06:41) [Say] Onilise nods with wide eyes full of hope
(06:06:48) [Say] Onilise says: Good to meet you
(06:06:53) [Say] Seazu nods to Unnamed Alchemist.
(06:07:02) [Say] Unnamed Alchemist mumbles, "And you," before she departs.
(06:07:32) [Say] Onilise shrugs at Seazu "Well we'll see what happens I guess"
(06:08:43) [Say] Seazu looks around uncertain but full of hope "Let's hope she'll make it with Xiosia's will."
(06:08:57) [Say] Onilise nods and wipes her eyes
14
Poetry, Comedy, and other. / Sky Of Night
« on: January 11, 2012, 06:20:16 pm »
O misty sky of night
with faded crystal light
the wind blows so soft
carry my love aloft
Let the hills circle me
while I wait to see
or feel the wings
while my heart sings
then splash my skin
with water again
from river near
to drown my tear
Until I breathe again.
with faded crystal light
the wind blows so soft
carry my love aloft
Let the hills circle me
while I wait to see
or feel the wings
while my heart sings
then splash my skin
with water again
from river near
to drown my tear
Until I breathe again.
15
Single Author Stories / Re: Oni's Story
« on: January 08, 2012, 08:39:41 pm »
[I decided to stick to the story line and continue it after all 
]
Onilise was standing next to Harnquists... heading for the arena when the groffel approached her. Ever since her sister Seazu had mentioned that an older Dermorian woman was looking for her, she knew a moment like this would come.
Suddenly she smelled the charmflowers again and her arms and legs ached. She remembered finding nothing but an empty house, her mother and father gone. She had no idea if they were still alive and really if she should care. After all, they had completely abandoned her. Her nostrils flared and she dismissed their memory after which she felt stronger.
The groffel pulled on her boot. Onilise flipped her long black hair over her shoulder and bent down. "Thanks little guy" she handed the groffel a fish. He began too tear the flesh from the bone as she opened the note.
"Oni can you please meet me at the Red Crystal Den in Hydlaa? I have something for you." The signature was Celizan's. Oni looked up at the crystal. Something didn't feel right about this. She scratched out her affirmative reply and sent the groffel away again. Time seemed to have slowed to half speed as she made her way to the den. Perhaps Celizan would have Marinel with her. Oni remembered Marinel's face when she gave her the circles and hugged her that day so long ago... when she discovered that the time of being a child had come to a sudden end.
Celizan met her there in front of the Red Crystal Den as promised. There was evidently a party inside and voices were laughing and celebrating. Why would they laugh? After some discussion about seeing the Dermorian in Gugrontid, Celizan handed Oni a small bundle.
Oni carefully opened the bundle. There was a golden ring that she recognized as one her father had given her mother and a simple golden locket shaped like a water droplet. She opened the locket carefully. Her webbed fingers trembled as she saw the pictures sketched inside... her mother and her grandmother. There was also a strange bottle with some sort of thick gray liquid inside. At once, Oni felt far away, as if she were watching the moment unfold from another place. She felt suddenly as if she belonged to someone but then as suddenly, as if she were the only person in the whole universe.
She opened the note:
Dearest Oni nal arilear,
I'm not sure this letter will ever really reach you or even where you are now.
I received news that your Aunt Nira who had been living in Ojaveda, was caught within the section that was quarantined because of the plague when they locked the doors.
Of course, you know me, I used every bit of knowledge and some instinct to eventually come up with what I thought could be the cure. A potion that would cure every living victim and put an end to the plague once and for all.
Your father and I set off to deliver the batch personally but we were turned away. We found a rogue who promised to get us through and eventually made our way to the physician in charge.
Unfortunately Oni the remedy failed and we have both contracted the plague ourselves. We had planned to send for you the same day we packed up to leave but you didn't arrive before the hired hands had us packed and on the road. We sent a messenger but he never returned and I fear he may not have lived through the journey.
Keep this locket and ring. The locket belonged to your grandmother Ireth and the ring was the one your father gave me when we were dating.
I am also sending a bottle of the remedy potion that I mixed to work against the plague. Please pass it to someone with authority so that it might be used to free us someday.
We love you,
Mom
Oni carefully folded the note back up and tucked it into the bundle where she had found it. Her fingers lingered on the parchment as she imagined her mother touched it too. People were asking her if she was okay and inviting her into the party. Kelan heard her story and said something kind to her but she couldn't remember as she thanked them exactly what had been said. She steeled herself inside and imagined it was any other day. She tried to feel something... anything... but so many feelings were overwhelming her that she couldn't single any one of them out.
She had to find a master healer. Someone had to help her and everyone on the other side of those gates and the potion in her bag could well be the beginning of the cure that would save so many lives. Her next move could very well determine their fate. She could only think of one master mage that she had met recently. But wasn't he dedicated to Dakkru? She furrowed her brow and began to tremble again with the weight of the responsiblity. What if she gave it to the wrong person and she never saw them again?
Oni cried and wept but no tears would fall. Suddenly she couldn't feel anything but anger. She looked up from the stone floor where she had found herself walking and realized that she was in the arena. She began to imagine the clacker in front of her was the plague. She fought him without magic or weapons. Smashing clacker after clacker she tore her hands and her blood mixed with theirs. She continued blindly while the clacker shells tore and ripped the skin on her hands and arms until she fell asleep in the arena floor covered in her own blood and tears.
]Onilise was standing next to Harnquists... heading for the arena when the groffel approached her. Ever since her sister Seazu had mentioned that an older Dermorian woman was looking for her, she knew a moment like this would come.
Suddenly she smelled the charmflowers again and her arms and legs ached. She remembered finding nothing but an empty house, her mother and father gone. She had no idea if they were still alive and really if she should care. After all, they had completely abandoned her. Her nostrils flared and she dismissed their memory after which she felt stronger.
The groffel pulled on her boot. Onilise flipped her long black hair over her shoulder and bent down. "Thanks little guy" she handed the groffel a fish. He began too tear the flesh from the bone as she opened the note.
"Oni can you please meet me at the Red Crystal Den in Hydlaa? I have something for you." The signature was Celizan's. Oni looked up at the crystal. Something didn't feel right about this. She scratched out her affirmative reply and sent the groffel away again. Time seemed to have slowed to half speed as she made her way to the den. Perhaps Celizan would have Marinel with her. Oni remembered Marinel's face when she gave her the circles and hugged her that day so long ago... when she discovered that the time of being a child had come to a sudden end.
Celizan met her there in front of the Red Crystal Den as promised. There was evidently a party inside and voices were laughing and celebrating. Why would they laugh? After some discussion about seeing the Dermorian in Gugrontid, Celizan handed Oni a small bundle.
Oni carefully opened the bundle. There was a golden ring that she recognized as one her father had given her mother and a simple golden locket shaped like a water droplet. She opened the locket carefully. Her webbed fingers trembled as she saw the pictures sketched inside... her mother and her grandmother. There was also a strange bottle with some sort of thick gray liquid inside. At once, Oni felt far away, as if she were watching the moment unfold from another place. She felt suddenly as if she belonged to someone but then as suddenly, as if she were the only person in the whole universe.
She opened the note:
Dearest Oni nal arilear,
I'm not sure this letter will ever really reach you or even where you are now.
I received news that your Aunt Nira who had been living in Ojaveda, was caught within the section that was quarantined because of the plague when they locked the doors.
Of course, you know me, I used every bit of knowledge and some instinct to eventually come up with what I thought could be the cure. A potion that would cure every living victim and put an end to the plague once and for all.
Your father and I set off to deliver the batch personally but we were turned away. We found a rogue who promised to get us through and eventually made our way to the physician in charge.
Unfortunately Oni the remedy failed and we have both contracted the plague ourselves. We had planned to send for you the same day we packed up to leave but you didn't arrive before the hired hands had us packed and on the road. We sent a messenger but he never returned and I fear he may not have lived through the journey.
Keep this locket and ring. The locket belonged to your grandmother Ireth and the ring was the one your father gave me when we were dating.
I am also sending a bottle of the remedy potion that I mixed to work against the plague. Please pass it to someone with authority so that it might be used to free us someday.
We love you,
Mom
Oni carefully folded the note back up and tucked it into the bundle where she had found it. Her fingers lingered on the parchment as she imagined her mother touched it too. People were asking her if she was okay and inviting her into the party. Kelan heard her story and said something kind to her but she couldn't remember as she thanked them exactly what had been said. She steeled herself inside and imagined it was any other day. She tried to feel something... anything... but so many feelings were overwhelming her that she couldn't single any one of them out.
She had to find a master healer. Someone had to help her and everyone on the other side of those gates and the potion in her bag could well be the beginning of the cure that would save so many lives. Her next move could very well determine their fate. She could only think of one master mage that she had met recently. But wasn't he dedicated to Dakkru? She furrowed her brow and began to tremble again with the weight of the responsiblity. What if she gave it to the wrong person and she never saw them again?
Oni cried and wept but no tears would fall. Suddenly she couldn't feel anything but anger. She looked up from the stone floor where she had found herself walking and realized that she was in the arena. She began to imagine the clacker in front of her was the plague. She fought him without magic or weapons. Smashing clacker after clacker she tore her hands and her blood mixed with theirs. She continued blindly while the clacker shells tore and ripped the skin on her hands and arms until she fell asleep in the arena floor covered in her own blood and tears.