[RP] The Bloodline

[jaculapundactum]

"The Bloodline"

         -Prologue-
Chapter 1: "Jaida's Way"
Chapter 2: "The Price Of Infamy"
Chapter 3: "Obsession"
Chapter 4: "Jaida's Search"
Chapter 5: "Jacula's Way"
Chapter 6: "Darkness and Light"
Chapter 7: "A Matter Of Faith"
Chapter 8: "True Intentions"
Chapter 9: "Dreams Of Past"
Chapter 10: "The Decision"
Chapter 11: "Dark Night Of Truth"
Chapter 12: "The Death Of Jacula"
Chapter 13: "Scorched"
Chapter 14: "The Guilt Of Jaida"
Chapter 15: "Suspicion"
Chapter 16: “Rain and Thunder" - Part 1-2
Chapter 17: "Slithering Serpent"
Chapter 18: "A Skirmish in Ojaveda"
Chapter 19: "Tormenting Truth"
Chapter 20: "The Flames Of Fate"
Chapter 21: "When It All Falls Down"
Chapter 22: "Compulsion"
Chapter 23: "A Web Of Lies"
Chapter 24: "A Desperate Departure"
Chapter 25: "The Punishment"
Chapter 26: "When Love And Death Embrace"
Chapter 27: "Servility"
Chapter 28: A Howling Flame
Chapter 29: "Realization"
Chapter 30: "Dakkru's Mercy"
Chapter 31: "Together at Last"
          -Epilogue-

Prologue

"From other tunnels in the Stone Labyrinths arrived people with copper skin, almond-shaped eyes and sharpened ears. They were refugees from a land called Demoria, driven away by a horde of nomadic knights. They carried with them water, seeds and cattle, and they had been a nomadic race until they found a magic portal and decided to explore new, unknown lands."

The Copper skin settlers

In the fourth epoch a tribe of proud demorian nobles had been driven from their homeland and sought new home in the lands beyond the magic portals. They wandered through the stone labyrinths in search of a place worthy of their stay, yet not even the lushest of green fields nor clearest of rivers proved good enough for their noble kin. In time the exhausting wandering left the tribe in short supply of food and drink, forcing them to put an end to their fastidious demands.
On the softest of grass and finest of soil they settled and built a home for themselves. The settlement flourished during the coming years through their hard work and it grew to be a beacon of the nobles ideology. Through feast and famine they held onto their beliefs, elevating themselves above all others as the superior race. The elders of the tribe lived comfortably within their baronial huts and grew fat on the food and drink collected by those of lesser nobility.
On a clear morning a sly wind seeped through the settlement, waking the bride of the chieftain of the tribe. She listened to the wind intently, yet the sweet melody it brought where soon smothered by her husbands snoring. He had taken her merely as a trophy. A way to establish his status as chieftain and more importantly a way for his name to live on. Yet to his dismay, they had been unable to conceive.
She left his side quietly and followed the playful wind into the woods. The sun caressed her fragile frame as she walked through the illuminated flora. The wind slowly transcended into a mystic melody, after listening closer she deemed it to be the enchanting tune of a flute.
She followed the melody deeper into the woods, the foliage of the ancient trees providing her with shade in search of the source of the mystic tunes.

"She followed the melody deeper into the woods, the foliage of the ancient trees providing her with shade in search of the source of the mystic tunes."
She reached a glade hidden by the mighty trees, a oily-black skinned man sat in the lush grass within, playing a flute with extraordinary skill. Beside him sat a woodcutters axe which made the intent of him intruding on the nobles hunting grounds obvious. She pressed herself against a tree, curiously watching the unusual man as he continued to play. Enchanted by the melody she lost her footing in an attempt to move closer, falling face first into the glade.
Jaklan stopped playing as the azure sun shone upon a demorian woman who had been hiding in the shrubs. He had met their kind before as they had claimed the woods as hunting grounds, dismissing anyone who threaded upon what accruing to them was rightfully theirs. He remained in his predicament as he put the flute to his lips again, soon the melody filled the glade and brought harmony to his senses.

Asrai had been spotted, yet the strange man didn't seem to mind her. Her husband had kept her within the settlement and thus foreign races was as unknown to her. She curiously approached the center of the glade, spellbound by the sweet music that had taken her from the secure warmth of her husbands bed.
Jaklan looked up as the woman stood over him. Her long hair bound in soft scented tresses, her almond shaped eyes observed him with interest and in that moment nothing existed but her beauty. He let his flute fall to the ground as he looked up at her in awe.
Asrai looked down at the man. His dark ebon eyes wandering over her. The music had stopped, yet she remained spellbound. They looked at each other and it was nothing less than love at first sight. Their prejudice was no match for this overwhelming feeling. And so it was that they made love, their forbidden act hidden by the ancient trees.
Realizing what she had done Asrai left Jaklan lying in the grass, in fear of what her husband might do if he had noticed her absence.
Her transgression had gone unnoticed, and soon things returned to their previous state. She remained loyally by the chieftains side, held back by the indisputable ideology that ruled the settlement. Asrai couldn't help but to fantasize about the man in the glade, would she ever see him again? seemingly endless months passed and the whole settlement rejoiced, the chieftains wife where heavy with child. On the first day of Azhord she gave birth to twins, yet all was not well in the settlement. For the harvest that had been planted with care had shriveled up and died, a bad sign in the eyes of the superstitious nobles.
The chieftain could not believe his eyes as he looked upon the twins that his wife had carried, they had red skin and vicious horns loomed from their foreheads. One female, one male. Both an utter disgrace in his eyes. They newborns was pried from Asrai's arms and in the cloak of nightfall they where left in the very woods where they have been conceived, their very existence kept from the settlers. Asrai was crushed when her husband imparted her on what fate had been given to her children. The sorrow was too much for the young mother to handle, and so It was that she took her own life. For the pain was too great to endure. The settlers where told that she died in childbirth, and so it was that the chieftain remained at the reigns of the settlement.

The Halfbreed Twins

Jaklan had never forgotten the crisp morning he had spent in the glade with Asrai, sadly he never realized they could never be. Yet that harsh reality didn't keep him from frequenting the ancient woods, in hope of meeting her again. As he made his way through the rough terrain a cry could be heard nearby. He followed the sound and to his surprise he found two infants wrapped tightly in elven cloth lying on the ground. Upon looking closer he found that both had horns like him, yet their skin was red in color. The girl had Asrai's almond shaped eyes, the boy's where as ebon black as his own. Shocked he looked around himself, instinctively he decided to leave the twins to the mercy of the woods.
Yet after having walked for a few minutes his impulsive nature got the better of him. And so it was that he cradled the twins in his arms and brought them home with him, not knowing what else to do.
Fate had played a cruel trick on Jaklan. Being young and irresponsible he was not suited to be a father of two. He kept the twins in his home for a while and in his heart he knew that he grew more attached to them by the day, yet he knew that they deserved more than he could ever give them. He named the girl Jaida after a treasured gem that could be found in the scorned soil of his native land. He named the boy Jacula after one of the many sulfuric blood rivers that seeped through the lands of the same. This due to the boys unusually red skin. He gave the twins the name of his ancestors, a name which had been carved into the stone of the ashlands, nurtured and passed on for generations. The Pundactum bloodline had existed long before the Diaboli traveled through the portals into Yliakum.

Yliakum had entered the ending of the fifth epoch and the land had grown immensely. Jaklan had earlier received word of a town named Hydlaa, rumor had it that an enormous temple built by the Xacha loomed within. Supposedly a clergy practicing the Laanx faith had been created by a man pure of heart, one named Galeran Tarbius. Gullible as he was Jaklan ventured to Hydlaa with the twins, convinced that the clergy would provide them with a good life.
cloaked in the shadows of night Jaklan approached the iron temple, unlike many Diaboli he did not despise the gods of the glypths. Yliakum was a paradise compared to his home world, how could the creators of such a place be less than a embodiment of what is good and pure?
He left the two infants by the temple entrance, carefully tucking a note into the cloth wrapping of the boy. Vague cries could be heard from the infants as he quietly departed, choosing personal freedom over responsibility. He was never to look upon his children again.

The Mercy Of Laanx

Dapvhir grunted as a feeling of despise came over him. The serenity of the temple had been disturbed of late. The elderly priest had always had a weakness for mocking those who served the wrong god, yet the profanity he would spew had throughout his life been ignored. In his ignorant interpretation of the Laanx faith the Xacha where the only rightful emissaries of the word of Laanx. Tirelessly he studied teachings of the masked god and he had no qualms about forcing his beliefs on the public. A infants cry cut through the serenity of the temple, disturbing Dapvhir's contemplation. Enraged he hobbled in the direction of the sound, finding two infants lying on the ground outside the entrance of the temple. upon closer investigation he realized they had been left there "Filthy halfbreeds.." he sneered at the sight of their red skin. He noticed a stained note sticking out the wrapping of the boy. He reached for it with his fragile fingers, slowly letting his eyes wander over it's content.

"He noticed a stained note sticking out the wrapping of the boy."
Dapvhir sneered and tucked the note back into the boys wrapping as he looked around the Plazaa, besides the infant's cries the night brought only silence to his ears. Reluctantly he cradled the twins in his arms and brought them into the warmth of the temple. Their cries grew louder due to the height of the ceiling, the deplorable echo that followed bounced lively against the walls and pillars. inexperienced by infants Dapvhir assumed that their cries would stop given enough time, sadly this was not the case. The high pitched cry of the boy was unbearable and so in a outbreak of frustration he shook the boy until the crying stopped. The infant laid limp in his arms, seemingly dead. Shocked and disgusted of what he had done Dapvhir carefully placed the boy on the floor, concentrating in a pleading prayer of forgiveness. Serene silence filled the temple once again, yet fear of consequence dug deep into Dapvhir's heart. He cradled the boy in his arms and hurried outside, in search of a place to dispose of him. Upon reaching the Plazaa the idle banter of patrolling guards could be heard nearby. Not knowing what else to do he left the boy lying on the cold edge of the fountain. Crushed he hobbled back inside the temple where he had left the girl, wiping his tears with his sleeve.

To be continued..

[The sequels continue, and we have reached number three. For those unaware of these sequels feel free to check out the event that started it all and the recently finished "The Guilt Of Jacula". This event will give you a big insight into the main characters, and I hope that you will find it an enjoyable read. Be prepared, for the actions taken in this event will greatly influence coming plots. As always this event will be based on random encounters   the role of Jaida will be played by a familiar face   stay tuned for coming insights, and enjoy.
The picture in "The Copper Skin Settlers" was not made by me, so my hat goes of to the original artist.]

[bloodedIrishman]

I enjoyed reading it. Nicely done Jacula.

Two thoughts.

1. Do you always write about yourself?
2. Where is the sex scene? 

[Samcat]

[Outstanding writeup, Jacula has a sister!  I sure hope that she is the better half. I can't wait to see what will happen.]

[Rigwyn]

[ Another fine introduction. I can't wait to see where this goes. Keep up the good work !    ]

[jaculapundactum]

1. Do you always write about yourself?
2. Where is the sex scene?  

1. Jacula is the main focus of my writing, yes.
2. It may be included in the director's cut, only 999.99 $. Shipping not included  

[Geoni]

Sounds more like a prequel rather than a sequel.

[Sarras Volcae]

Sounds more like a prequel rather than a sequel.

just think star wars

[Dralion1221]

Sounds more like a prequel rather than a sequel.

just think star wars

Soo it means he started in the middle then went to the end before making a beginning???

Lol nicely done jacula nonetheless

[jaculapundactum]

Prologue part II

"Not knowing what else to do he left the boy lying on the cold edge of the fountain. Crushed he hobbled back inside the temple where he had left the girl, wiping his tears with his sleeve."

The Priest's Pledge

Overwhelming disgust filled Daphvir's heart as he was greeted by the warmth of the temple. The priest saw no way of repent for the horrid deed he had committed. Tears flowed freely down his wrinkled cheeks as he hobbled over the intricate floors. He found himself standing over the girl which he had left on the ground. Her almond shaped eyes dug into his very soul, guilt and a need for redemption slowly filled his heart. He gently lifted the girl from her predicament and held her close to his chest, "Give them what I could not, a good home and good faith" the note had said. Driven by regret he swore to honor this plead, and raise the girl as his own.

"He gently lifted the girl from her predicament and held her close to his chest"
Jaida grew with Daphvir's as a custodian, raised to honor the teachings of Laanx. The old priest had grown soft as a result of his pledge, doing his very best to give Jaida a happy childhood. Jaida often wondered why she looked different from the Xacha of the clergy, at the age of seven she had already grown taller than her guardian. Insistingly Daphvir ensured her that she was special and that Laanx had a plan for her. He taught her about the principles of the masked god and she absorbed the knowledge well. He taught her to read and write, and each night he would read out loud from the book of names. Obediently Jaida followed Daphvir's example and devoted herself to the teachings the temple held. Yet the curiosity of a child could not be tamed by rules and restrictions. She longed for what adventures the outside held, yet she was not do walk the streets of Hydlaa without supervision. Dapvhir had grown to be overprotective, he would not let the same fate come to Jaida as he himself had inflicted on her brother so many years ago. Time passed and as most children Jaida rebelled towards her custodian.

Jaida's silky hair glistened in the rising sun. She had awoken early determined to explore the streets which she had been forbidden to thread upon. Curiously she searched the plazaa with a merry spring in her step. Fascinated she greeted the various people who had sought themselves to the Plazaa that early morning, enjoying the feel of a playful breeze caressing her cheek.
Daphvir's hearing was not what it had once been. He sat up in his bed slouching forward, sleepily rubbing his eyes. "It's time to wake up, we have a sermon to prepare" he muttered as he glanced over at Jaida's bed. To his surprise nothing but the poorly folded coverings remained on the bed. Enraged he made his way down the ladder leading to the main hall of the temple, rushing towards the Plazaa as fast as his old bones could carry him.

Jaida scurried around in search of new things to be discovered. She found herself standing in awe of the large statue that had been erected in the middle of the plazaa. Loosing awareness of her surroundings, if only for a moment. A tall scrawny boy of her own age approached, he was clothed in rags and and had a seemingly forced deplorable look on his face. He was covered in filth from head to toe, leaving the tone of his skin impossible to make out. "Spare some tria for one in need" he coughed, Jaida turned to the boy, forcing a court smile. 'I'm sorry, I don't have any' she answered. The boy was about to say something with the intent of persuading her, yet out of nowhere the elderly Xacha appeared. Pushing him to the ground.
Enraged Daphvir grabbed Jaida by the ear "I have been worried sick!" he exclaimed having trouble catching his breath. He gave the boy he had pushed a quick glare before turning back to her "This will teach you not to consort with filth like him!" he said as he slapped her in an outbreak of frustration.
Jaida fell back onto the ground as her eyes began to tear up, the fact that she had disobeyed stung even worse than the slap itself.
The boy quickly got to his feet, drawing a filthy knife and pointing it towards Daphvir. "Don't do that, don't ever do that' he hissed, tightening his grip around the handle. Daphvir turned to the boy with his hand raised, ready to discipline the child as he had done with Jaida.
Their eyes met, his beady and discolored of the tooth of time. The boys intense and ebon black.

"fear of consequence dug deep into Dapvhir's heart. He cradled the boy in his arms and hurried outside, in search of a place to dispose of him. Upon reaching the Plazaa the idle banter of patrolling guards could be heard nearby. Not knowing what else to do he left the boy lying on the cold edge of the fountain."

The Broken Home

The intense cold of the stone slowly cut through the boys wrapping. His life might as well had ended that dramatic night, yet it would seem that the gods had other plans for him. Slaan had sought himself to the fountain after a visit to the local tavern. He studied his reflection in the water before splashing a handful onto his face. The cold water brought him a refreshing feeling compared to the thick and sweaty ambiance of the tavern. Soft cries soon caught his attention, after circling the fountain he found a baby boy lying on stone base. The infant's cries soon transcended into vague gasps, the cold night was about to claim the new born.
Out of the little sympathy he had Slaan covered the boy in the thick robe he wore, hurrying home where his wife sat worried about what escapades her husband indulged himself in.
The cold wind seeped into the small house as Slaan entered, his wife was quick to rise from the scrawny chair which she had patiently waited on. Her eyes widened at the sight of her husband cradling a infant in his arms. "What is the meaning of this? you leave me in this godforsaken wreck all night and you come home with an infant!?"
Slaan handed his wife the child without a word, the love in their relationship had died years ago. So had his patience for her pathetic attempts to make him feel guilty at the fact that he couldn't stand the sight of her.
After giving her a mere grunt as a response Slaan threw himself on the bed, it didn't take long before he began to snore, warmed by the liqueur he had bought with the couples savings.
Saga sighted deeply as vile snores filled the room, she looked down at the boy inquiringly "where did you come from little fella?". The child shivered visibly in her arms, the cold night had taken it's toll on him. Saga had never wanted children, the plight that came with birth and upbringing was nothing less than frighting in her eyes. Yet as she stood with the infant pressed against her chest something within her awoke. Some would call it motherly instinct, others might refer to it as pity. Truth be told a mixture of the two filled hear heart, guiding her hand in the unselfish act that followed.
Saga fed and cleaned the child to the best of her ability, laying him to rest in a basket tightly wrapped in Slaans robe.
Saga carefully trailed her fingers over the child's forehead, his small pointy horns and red skin made the mystery of where had had come from even more complex. Upon examining the elven cloth the boy had worn she found
the note which Jaklan had written. And so it was that she learned his name and purpose in Hydlaa. Yet many questions remained.
Eventually she fell asleep having pondered too long into the night.

Morning had come and a new day brought new possibilities. Slaan stretched out as he sat up in the bed, a dull headache was his only lead to to last night's endeavors. He stood up and made his way into the small room that served as kitchen and everything in between, dragging his feet behind him. He found his wife admiring what seemed to be his poorly folded robe. With a sight he staggered past his wife to retrieve it, realizing what rested within shocked him deeply. He stared at the infant with wide eyes, as he turned to Saga the stare transcended into a cold glare. After a series of curses he grabbed her by the collar, shaking her savagely 'Are you mad woman!? we can barely feed ourselves as it is. Get rid of this little monster right this second!"
Saga cowered as she felt the strength of her husbands grip, with a stuttering voice she fearfully exclaimed "You where the one who brought him here.. last night. His name is Jacula, look.." she handed him the note she had found in the infants wrapping, Slaan reluctantly accepted it as he let go of her collar. After making out the short message he crinkled in in his hand, throwing it against the wall with a furious demeanor surrounding him. "You want to keep him? fine!, but don't come begging me for bread when you are starving". He dressed himself quickly, nostrils flailing as he looked over his shoulder at Saga from time to time. Once finished he left her standing there petrified, slamming the door shut behind him.
Saga despised the vile drunkard she had married, his love of drink and personal freedom came at a high cost. Yet the infant had brought a sense of hope into her life again, and she did her best to raise him. Slaan providing no help in the matter.
He handled his own business with a complete disregard for his wife. But the long nights of constant crying and screaming brought Slaan to the brink of insanity, his until now unfailing remedy of fortified liquor just didn't do the trick anymore.
The boy grew as his patience shrunk, his and Saga's disputes growing exceedingly violent. At the age of five Jacula witnessed first hand what liquor can do to a man's sense of reason. Saga has given an extra piece of bread to the boy, as he was eating like a fully grown Ylian already. Just as he was to dig into the hard crust Slaan staggered through the door, drunken and in a unusually foul mood.
He stumbled a few times before reaching the table, prying the bread out of Jacula's hands, he turned to Saga with a roar "This is what you feed this maggot while you leave me starving!?"
She didn't get a chance to answer before he struck her down, savagely kicking and pummeling her as she desperately tried to shield herself from the blows. Jacula remained in his chair, petrified from what he witnessed. Eventually Slaan tired, turning his attention to the small boy.
Jacula wanted to sink through the floor, yet he remained bound to his predicament. Not by force nor foe, but by fear. Slaan staggered up to the child, his cold unwavering gaze creeping up his spine, his eyes glowing like jewels plucked from the depths of hell. "Now you know what happens if you question my authority, you glutenous son of a whore".

"Slaan staggered up to the child, his cold unwavering gaze creeping up his spine, his eyes glowing like jewels plucked from the depths of hell."
Slaan had grasped the reigns of the household. From that day on Saga and Jacula did his bidding to the letter, no matter how exhausting nor demeaning it might have been.
time passed and Jacula remained but a broken soul in a broken home. The abuse changed Saga from the loving woman she had been. She would sit and stare into the stained walls in a catatonic state, only speaking if spoken to.
At the age of seven the starvation and poverty that the household endured at account of the boy became too great, and so it was that he was thrown into the gutter. Saga had no objections. Her mind had wandered elsewhere years ago, she didn't say goodbye. A hollow stare was all she gave the boy as Slaan threw him out the door.
Jacula was left forced to beg, steal and everything in between to survive. Luckily the supposed art of thievery came easily to him, for within his heart burned one of the most powerful of emotions, the will to survive.
One day he came upon a Ynnwn of his own age. Her features reminded somewhat of his own, yet with one major difference. The fine garments she wore and her carefully groomed hair spoke of wealth. Pleadingly he asked for tria, yet the girl dismissed him with one of the more ordinary excuses "I'm sorry, i don't have any". Before he had a chance to persuade her a elderly priest pushed him to the ground. Starvation had taken it's toll on Jacula, and his strength where nothing to boast with.
The priest slapped the girl over the cheek, the sight of this violent outburst awoke a burning hate within the boy.
The priest approached with his hand raised, ready to smack Jacula as he had done with the girl. Jacula unsheated his knife, pointing it towards him. Their eyes met, the priests beady and discolored of the tooth of time. The boys intense and ebon black, unknowing that he was looking at the very man who has sealed his fate so many years ago.

Daphvir lowered his hand at the sight, the shock was too much for the old priest to handle. His body fell back on the cold stone, Jaida's screams soon filled the plazaa. The boy dropped his knife and ran from the scene as fast as his scrawny legs could carry him, fearing what the guards might do if he was caught.
It didn't take long for various people to be drawn to the scene by the alarming screams.
The crowd tended to Daphvir, carrying him back into the temple. Jaida followed close behind, feeling responsible for what had happen to the only man who ever cared about her.
Daphvir was put to bed and his state grew worse by the day. Time had indeed taken it's toll on him, and in his heart he knew that his last moments where to be had. Jaida had been confined to her room, wallowing in disgrace and regret of her rebellion.
The clergy prayed for their dying brother, staying by Daphvir's side night and day.
The elderly priest called forth his most trustworthy disciple, choosing him to impart Jaida of his last words. The disciple slowly leaned in over the bed and bowed his head in a court manner. Daphvir spoke vaguely, struggling to bring forth his last words, and his very last wish. "He's alive.. Praised be Laanx. Her brother is alive, and I am forgiven.." he murmured as he slowly gestured towards a sealed not lying on his nightstand. "Give her that when she is ready, tell her..' the old priest couldn't finish his sentence as his body began to fade, sent to slumber in Dakkru's embrace forever.

The Untamed Child

Word of Daphvir's death reached Jaida shortly after. Saddened she swore to devote herself entirely to the teachings the temple held. She would do everything her tutors asked, memorizing the tomes they forced upon her to the letter.
Yet secretly Jaida longed for what the outside world held, but obedient as always she remained.
The clergy's lectures and old grizzled scholars grew exceedingly boring to her, for the eternal curiosity of a child could never be tamed. One night she decided to walk the halls of the temple, as nightmare's kept her from sleeping. The shadows that where cast by the pillars had changed the ambiance for the worse, yet the darkness didn't keep her from threading upon the intricate floors.
Suddenly loud shouts and curses could be heard, Jaida deemed the source to be the temple's entrance. Gingerly she pressed herself against one of the pillars, squinting to make out the two figures who rose from the darkness of the entrance. The light of a torch revealed a Lemur wrapped in a red cloak, forcefully dragging a small savage Diaboli into the temple. Jaida held her breath, pressing herself harder against the pillar. Izalox pushed the child in front of him as he hissed "Go on Rigwyn, time to pray". The child reluctantly kneeled in a seemingly rehearsed way, clasping his hands together.

"By nature Rigwyn acted in opposition to his caretakers. He rebelled whenever there was a religious ceremony or instructional period, he was loud, sensual, and liked to eat and drink in excess. The more he rebelled the harder his caretakers tried to make him confirm to their religions."

Jaida curiously peeked at the Diaboli from her hiding place, she deemed his age to be close to her own, the obvious similarity of their features fed the flame that was her curiosity. The Lemur standing next to him caused a chill to crawl up her spine. The firm, uncompromising stare he directed at the boy was nothing less than disturbing to Jaida.
Ignoring the uncomfortable feeling the Lemur had caused her she decided to approach, exposing herself as she stepped out of the shadows.

To Be Continued..

[This was a collaborative effort between me and Cavi   Writing these massive insights have proven to be enjoyable, and for the inquiring one: I myself will soon be in game and the event will start to take place in present time. But until then, have fun and enjoy  ]

[Cavi]

[[ Thanks for including me Jacula, I really like the idea of playing Jaida. Can't wait to get started!  ]]

[MellasFenixxes]

Excellently written, and fantastic to read!
Rigwyn's story being intwined in this RP gives it just that extra depth, I love it!
Surprises at every turn, who knows what will happen next? And what will happen when Jac and Jaida meet?

Melly is on the edge of her seat...

[EStripus]

WOW!!  Exciting is definately the right word Mellas.  The story becomes more intricate.  I look forward to reading more and more about Jacula, hopefully even RPing with him.  Keep up the good work, Jacula.  Cavi, I have never met you IC or OOC, but congratulations at joining Jacula's story.

[Cavi]

Prologue part III

Rigwyn and Jaida

"The firm, uncompromising stare he directed at the boy was nothing less than disturbing to Jaida.
Ignoring the uncomfortable feeling the Lemur had caused her she decided to approach, exposing herself as she stepped out of the shadows."

Rigwyn began to rattle off a litany of obscure prayers blurring some words together while carelessly skipping over others. The prayer seemed to be a bit odd in that it never mentioned Laanx, rather it was more like a list of selfish petitions. He rolled his eyes and neck, clearly bored with the routine. When taking the time to look around he spotted something unexpected.
There was a girl standing on the edge of a shadow looking back at him. He stopped and stared with childish wonder, She looked like she could be about the same age ignoring her being a little taller. His gaze wandered over her eyes and hair, yet he did not smile. Instead he waited, unsure why she was looking at him.
Jaida trailed her fingers over the smooth surface of the stone pillar, her lips parting in a playful smile. She couldn't help to look at the boy as he continued in his distracted prayer, to the lemurs visible dismay. As their eyes locked she couldn't help but to look away. Her playful smile transcending into a shy giggle.

"Did I do something wrong again?" Rigwyn thought as he looked down at his clasped hands. After a while he looked up locking their eyes once more, as he smiled innocently he revealed the space and soft gums where his two front teeth used to be.
Jaida's attention turned to the Lemur standing over the boy. He carried himself in a sovereign manner, his demeanor spoke of an arrogant tendency. He had no doubt provided the clothes the boy wore, as he seemed to be uncomfortable in them.
Rigwyn's hair was cut short and combed to the right with a part in the left side of his head. His clothes were threadbare but clean and smelled fresh as if just washed. His shirt was buttoned all the way up to his chin, whereas his sleeves were buttoned at his wrists.
Having noticed Rigwyn's lack of focus Izalox reached for a sharp prod which he carried with him in the depth of his robe.
A wince replaced Rigwyn's smile as a sharp object began to dig into his side. Izalox whispering a phrase that had grown all too familiar to him. "Focus Rigwyn, or the usher will throw you into the offering well." He straightened up and looked back down at his clasped hands. Resuming his petition carefully at first, then once more muttering and skipping words. He looked at the girl once more though one eye. The wince being replaced with a grin. Jaida snickered at his defiant antics, which caused the boy to direct his gaze down at his hands once again.

Having lost track of time Jaida soon realized that she had mistaken the darkness of the temple for a trait of night. This became clear to her as people devoted to Laanx began to enter the temple with torches in hand, they had come for the early morning sermon. Many yawning before taking their usual seats on the solid stone benches that had been scattered throughout the temple. The lemur snapped his fingers and gestured towards the row of benches in the far back of the temple. The boy slowly rose from the floor and reluctantly took a seat. Whereas the lemur remained standing.
Izalox looked around the temple with his nose slightly elevated and a proud smirk on his face. He looked at each family carefully as if taking note of their clothing and the behavior of their children. When his stare was met he raised his nose a bit higher, then nodded with an arrogant smile on his lips. His ceremonial robe was red like the temple itself. If looking at his back the exquisite fabric held an emerald green serpent which had been masterfully embroidered and infused with golden highlights.
Jaida walked down the temples aisle in search of a seat, making a court bow to Izalox as she passed him. The lemur seemed caught up in the attention the assembly of followers gave him, unaware that Jaida took a seat on the bench where he had ordered Rigwyn earlier.
Jaida sat down on the edge of the bench, looking over at Rigwyn from time to time. The sermon had started and all but the priests eventually took a seat. She nervously trailed her nails over the rough surface of the bench, considering if she should slide closer to him. After building up enough courage she finally did, gently poking his shoulder. She Smiled playfully as he turned towards her "Hi, I'm Jaida, what is your name?"
Rigwyn recoiled at first, more comfortable initially with looking at the girl then with actually speaking with her. He looked at Izalox and noticed that his head was facing down and his eyes were closed. Looking back at Jaida he held his hand cupped to the side of his mouth and whispered "Rigwyn". He thought for a moment and then leaned in towards her. His curiosity was peaked by her soft brushed hair, a sparkle that danced on barrette that she wore in it. Her fingernails, clean and smooth unlike his which were calloused and rough from laboring outside.

Jaida giggled softly as she leaned in, casually fidgeting her black shoulder length hair which held a strange metallic glisten. She searched his eyes as her lips parted in a nervous smile.
The two children talked and giggled throughout the sermon, not paying any attention to the people around them.
Izalox heard them chattering but said nothing. He listened closely to every word paying careful attention to their tone, their choice or words and they way they giggled. On the outside he appeared to be consumed in prayer. his face blank, his hands resting upon his knees. He breathed slowly and meditatively occasionally shifting in his seat ever so slightly.

The sermon was about to come to an end, Jaida seemed a little disheartened. Wanting to spend more time with her new friend. Rigwyn on the other hand seemed fascinated by the traditional jade snake which she wore as a amulet, seemingly unaware the the sermon was about to end. She gently put her hand in his, squeezing it with a playful giggle. "Will I see you here tomorrow?"
Rigwyn looked down at Jaida's hand not expecting to be touched. Slowly his fingers curled around her hand. He looked up at her with an uncertain stare which quickly stretched into a wide smile. "Do you like to play tag?" he asked her. Rigwyn's voice was loud enough to catch the attention of a few patrons who turned around and gave him a brief stare and then whispered "Hush child".
Jaida leaned in, playfully poking his thigh as she whispered "You're it!'. Those who had sought themselves to the temple grew increasingly agitated by the children's occasional giggles and whispers and thus irritated looks fell upon Izalox, holding him accountable for the disturbance.
Rigywn quickly turned his head to see if Izalox noticed. He cringed defensively as if about to be belted as Izalox's dull black pupils snapped to the right and locked with his. His stare was invasive and seemed to be capable of discovering every dishonest and guilty thought in the poor lad's mind. Izalox turned his gaze to the girl as he leaned in close to her as if to whisper something. His lips parted as he began to speak in a hushed tone revealing his yellowed teeth. His voice was just loud enough for the two children to hear. "Please be careful children. I would not want Laanx to strike you down. He knows what you are thinking and does not approve."

Jaida leaned back into the bench as the lemur turned, she squeezed Rigwyn's hand as his dull black eyes slowly crept over her. Avoiding his gaze at all costs.
Feeling somewhat intimidated by the deceptive threat Rigwyn straightened up and looked forward. He made a half hearted attempt at paying attention to the sermon but quickly looked back at Jaida and giggled silently.
The patrons began to stand up and then started to file out of the temple. Rigwyn felt a slight push prompting him to leave the pew. He followed Jaida into the Isle and the three proceeded towards the exit. Jaida tagged Rigwyn and then ran past one of the braziers and onto the grass. Rigwyn began to chase her laughing out loud. She ran and hid behind one of the large steel structures affixed to the side of the temple. Rigwyn slowed down as he began to peek around the corner but then stopped when he felt a large hand grasp his wrist.
Jaida snickered as she pressed herself against the steel structure, the soft thuds of footsteps indicated that Rigwyn was getting closer. Struggling not to snicker she covered her mouth with her palm. Suddenly a cascade of curses could be heard nearby, she looked over the steel structure finding the lemur dragging Rigwyn away towards the Plazaa.

Izalox's grip was painful and when he tugged it jerked Rigwyn's body. He pulled the boy like a mule though the crowded plaza towards the overpass leading to the west gate. Rigwyn looked back but did not see Jaida. He protested but was met with a hard pinch and a fierce look. "Don't you dare embarrass me in public child or I'll skin you alive!" Rigwyn followed reluctantly dragging his heels on the rough cobblestone road as they proceeded past the guards as they exited the city. He looked at one with contempt and stuck out his tongue. The guard chuckled to himself as he left. "Cute kid" he muttered to the guard on the other side of the gate.
Zalloh twisted a sopping wet robe in her hands as rivulets of soapy water streamed out between her fingers and returned to the pail along with a few tears that dripped from her cheeks as she wept. Her mind had begun to grow frail as her health continued to deteriorate. She was determined to complete her chore before Izalox was to return but her sadness seemed to slow her down. She hoped that he would meet someone along that way so that she would have more time. It seemed as if the medicine that Izalox prescribed was only making her misery worse, but she did not dare to question him.
The door swung open and met with the wall making a jarring din. Rigwyn was dragged into the house by his collar and tossed to the floor. "Your child humiliated me in public today, caused a disturbance in the temple, and nearly caused a small child to get lost!"
Zalloh's lips trembled as her eyes switched between Rigwyn and Izalox. She joined her hands and pleaded with Izalox submissively but to no avail. He slammed the door shut and approached her pointing his finger directly at her face "I ordered you to teach this child the ways of Laanx. I gave you all the needed books and materials yet you still failed !" Zalloh sobbed as she began to plead "He has only been back for a week since he ran away. What do you expect me to accomplish in a week?"

Izalox fired back at Zalloh coldly "The lad ran away from home at age five because you were a horrible mother! You failed to discipline him as I demanded. You failed to educate him as required. What kind mother are you? Your own child left you because he was sick of you!"
Rigwyn looked at the two and interjected "I didn't run away. " Izalox slapped the boy with the back of his hand shouting "Don't correct your mother!" Rigwyn cried loudly more scared than hurt, he looked at Zalloh for support but was met with a stare and pursed lips. Picking up on the silent gesture Izalox looked at Zalloh and then back at Rigwyn "What do you mean boy, Your telling me you did not run away?"
 
Rigwyn nodded in agreement and then pointed to the washtub crying and shaking. Izalox looked back at Zalloh shouting "What is this invalid talking about? " Zalloh held her hand over her mouth to hold in a painful cry. She shook sorrowfully while looking at Izalox as if beckoning for forgiveness. The lad interjected once again shouting "She put my head in the bucket and wouldn't let me breathe! "

Izalox looked at Zalloh to read her expression. She fell to her knees wailing uncontrollably as she recalled that dark, dismal day. Izalox smacked his forehead clearly frustrated. He had failed to control her once again and knew that the boy was old enough to be a problem. Enraged he beat Rigwyn cursing and swearing with each strike. He was determined to break both his body and his defiant attitude. Horrified Zalloh pleaded with Izalox suggesting instead that the boy be turned back to the wilderness. Izalox stopped for a moment pondering the proposal. He shifted his attention from Zalloh to Rigwyn and them knelt down holding his shoulders.
"You've caused us nothing but trouble since the day we rescued you. Its time for you to leave. If I ever see your face again, that girl that you met in the temple will be offered to Laanx." He shook him fiercely and shouted "Do you understand ?"
Rigwyn nodded as he was too frightened to reply. Zalloh scurried across the room and opened a basket from which she took a loaf of bread and a few coins. The boy was given a day rations and shown the door. Rigwyn swallowed hard as the hurt from being rejected and cast out was far more painful than the beating that he had endured. His eyes floated around lost and without a place to focus. In a flash his demeanor changed. Something inside had snapped. His fear suddenly turned to anger and he felt as if his blood had begun to boil. He did not care if he was beaten or insulted any more. Somehow that part of him seemed to have left.  He spat at Izalox and stormed out the door slamming it behind him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black glyph that he had received from Oriven two cycles ago. He kneaded it in his hands as he ranted in his mind about Izalox and Zalloh wishing that they would suffer immensely. With each curse he uttered his anger dissipated a little more and the glyph seemed to tingle in his palm.

Jaida had woke up early to save a seat for herself and her new friend. She combed her hair whilst practicing different funny expressions and grimaces in the small mirror that hung above her bed. She hurried down the scrawny ladder which lead to the main hall of the temple. People had already gathered downstairs, their idle banters slowly rising to the ceiling. She sought herself to the bench where she and Rigwyn had sat the day before. With high expectations she put her hands in her lap, impatiently waiting for him to show up.
The sermon started, but there was still no sign of her friend. Her first reaction was that she had scared him away. A tear searched it's way down her cheek as she drooped to the sound of chants and praises to Laanx. The seemingly endless preaching stopped as the azure sun began to rise over the city. Saddened she walked out the temple dragging her feet, she kicked the ground stirring up some dust which was caught in a soft breeze.
Suddenly she spotted the Lemur which had accompanied Rigwyn the day before. He was coughing wildly as he made his way through a crowd in the plazaa, seemingly in a foul mood.
Impulsively Jaida followed the Lemur which was heading in direction of the winch. While standing before the massive gates of the winch Izalox looked around himself before turning left, changing his direction towards the sewers. Jaida followed him closely, her judgment proving no match for her curiosity. The lemur stopped seemingly staring at the fumes which rose from the hole leading down into the sewers. Jaida approached, firmly pulling the sleeve of his robe with a inquiring look on her face "Excuse me sir? where was Rigwyn today?"

Izalox gasped and turned quickly looking over the girl's head, when he looked down he first realized that the girl from the temple stood before him. He had thought that he was alone and was perplexed by the girl's ability to sneak up on him. Just as he was about to insult her a thought came to his mind and his demeanor changed to a more relaxed and sorrowful one.
Jaida cringed as the Lemur looked as if he grew even angrier when he turned to her, yet in the blink of an eye the anger that boiled in his eyes was swept away. Leaving him seemingly sad, his eyes filling with sympathy.
Izalox knelt down on one knee so that Jaida would not have to look up at him and placed his hands on her shoulders as if to console her.
"Laanx has punished Rigwyn for carrying on like a fool in the temple during yesterday's service. On the way home a huge bolt of lightning came down from the sky and struck him down. All that remained was a scorch mark on the ground and a very crispy piece of his skin. A few of his fingers and toes remained on the ground too."
Izalox's face drooped as he looked at Jaida waiting for her to react to his words. Jaida was shocked, quickly growing uncomfortable in his firm grip. The lemurs way of describing Rigwyn's demise disgusted her almost as much as it scared her. She shivered as his dull black eyes dug deep into hers, his sharp tongue continued to spew the most awful things.
As her face began to sadden he began to bite his tongue, desperately trying to hold back a smile. "I wonder if maybe Laanx sent him to a secret place and is hurting him. Perhaps pulling his ears, twisting his little tail and lashing his back. Laanx is not a forgiving god my child. Keep that in mind and perhaps you will not get on his bad side."

Jaida's eyes widened at the profanity he spoke about Laanx. This was not the god she knew, nor was it the way Daphvir had taught her to interpret the book of names. Tears began to wander down her cheek's as Izalox nails dug into her shoulders. His vile yellow teeth exposed like a beast stalking it's prey.
The expression of horror on Jaida's face made Izalox feel euphoric. The struggle to keep a straight face was becoming incredibly difficult but he did his best not to smile. His next statement would surely bring him to a climax so he suppressed the urge as best as he could.
Jaida swallowed the lump in her throat, growing increasingly terrified as the lemur appeared to be struggling not to part his cold lips in a smile. As if he was getting some sick pleasure out of preaching to her and feeling her shiver in his hands.
Izalox altered his voice in a more child-friendly voice. His eyes wide open as he enunciated each word carefully. "Gods are not like us people. They are not your friends or buddies. If you make them angry they will hurt you very, very badly. It would be much safer to just stay away from Laanx, that way you won't make him angry by mistake. Right?"
The lemur looked at Jaida holding her still as he waited for her response. After a moment of silence he began to nod his head up and down a little prompting her to answer "yes"
Jaida had a horrified expression on her face, was laanx really a god who reigned without mercy, one who would strike down an innocent boy. Her friend? a intense feeling of disgust filled Jaida as the lemur began to nod, as if wanting her to agree. In a desperate attempt to free herself she grabbed Izalox hand which had rested upon her shoulder, biting it as hard as she could. The lemur roared as her teeth dug into his flesh, he withdrew his hands and the hateful look which had boiled in his eyes returned.
Jaida ran as fast as her legs could carry her, thankfully she was not followed.
She threw herself on her bed after entering the place which had up until now been her refuge.
The blasphemy the lemur had spoken slowly repeated itself in her head, was laanx really an evil vengeful god?
The fate that had come to her friend struck her first as she burrowed her face in her pillow. She prayed for Rigwyn, hoping he was safe and that the lemur was just an awful liar. Not knowing what else to do she cried herself to sleep, plagued by horrific nightmares throughout the night.
She woke up in the morning determined to leave the temple. She sought an audience with the head of the clergy, pleading her case. It was decided that she would be sent to Gurgontid where she would be educated in the ways of peace and nature.
And so it was that Jaida left the temple, yet many questions remained. Would she ever find out what happened to Rigwyn?

[This was a collaborative text written by me and Rigwyn. I hope you like it!  ]

[Shangshi]

[[

A selection of nice background stories here, certainly backs up what I thought about Rigwyn.

And a sister, buckets of fun to be had by all. I can see this being quite interesting.

**Sits and eats cookies while deciding which side to play with first.**

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[jaculapundactum]

A very well written story. Congratulations to Rigwyn and Cavi for a job well done. I have a good feeling about this event, with a bit of luck and contribution it may turn into something truly special