[RP] The Bloodline

[EStripus]

Very touching, heart wrenching, and scary. Keep up this great storyline and vivid writing style, and you all will make me an addict craving more.

[Sarras Volcae]

i like the sermon scene. sums up every kid's church experience. 

[Cavi]

Jaida's Way

"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."

Jaida had been sent to the idyllic city of Gurgontid where she grew into a woman. The close bond the Kra shared with nature influenced her greatly, and so did the teachings of the godly mother. Not knowing what religion to follow she chose to honor the ideology of both leaving her with a more personal and joyful way of life.
As the years passed she found herself determined to help others in their plight and misery. Jaida truly absorbed the way of Xiosia, giving her an inner strength which she gladly shared with others.

The Loyal Disciple

One day an elderly courier had sought himself to Gurgontid, the impressive fortress like architecture was nothing like he had ever seen before. The notion that the kran possessed little intelligence was something he had always agreed with, yet the humble greetings and extraordinary hospitality he was given made him reconsider his prejudice.
Mulgik imparted him of Jaidas whereabouts, and so it was that he wandered into the lush nature which the outskirt of Gurgontid held. The beauty of Jaida was a gift from laanx he thought to himself as he had found her searching the flora for herbs. Her silky jet black hair caught in a soft breeze, her ebon black eyes carefully inspecting the roots and stems which emanated from the ground. He cleared his throat to get her attention, slowly she turned. Parting her lips in a friendly smile.

"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."

"My name is Gartold" he said as her inquiring eyes wandered over him. He was amazed how the little girl had grown since he last saw her, some of the words he had so carefully memorized was lost due to his disbelief. "I.. I served under Daphvir for many years, on his deathbed I promised him to impart you on his last words when you where ready. Today is that day my child"
Jaida curiously looked the elderly man up and down, he was clad in the traditional robe of the Laanx clergy. He supported his withering bones with a staff who had the intricate carving of a serpent on it. As the name of her mentor was mentioned she lowered her gaze, as if to pay respect to his memory.
Gartold took a deep breath of fresh air, the sealed in ambiance of the temple had taken it's toll on his shriveling lungs. He reached for his satchel, removing a worn sealed note which he had been given by Daphvir on his deathbed.

"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 note 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."

Jaida accepted the note eagerly, carefully opening it with her fingernails. Her eyes widening as she slowly red the letters it held. It spoke of Daphvir's love to her, as well as his well wishes. The last sentences caused her to gasp in surprise. It told of her twin brother, which she had been separated from in her childhood. "Jacula.." she slowly pronounced his name as if savoring the letters. With tears of happiness in her eyes she turned to Gartold embracing him tightly.
Gartold patted Jaida on her back as she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, how can I ever repay you?" she exclaimed joyfully. He smiled "Promise me that you will find him" he answered as his smile grew even wider. She placed a gentle kiss on his forehead before running of in the direction of Gurgontid with a merry spring in her step.
Gartold savored the moment, he had been true to his word and Jaidas joy was his reward.
So it was that Jaida Pundactum left her home in search of her brother, threading upon the dangerous roads which lead to Hydlaa. Would she learn the truth of her brothers horrid deeds, and most importantly. Would she find him?

[I want to thank Jacula for helping me in developing Jaida's background story and teaching me the way to write such stories efficiently 
this was a collaborative text where I took the role of Jaida and he took the one of Gartold]

[bloodedIrishman]

Now she knows the truth, it can only be good for her.

Not.

I'm crashing this lovely reuniting of brother and sister.

[jaculapundactum]

"The Price Of Infamy"

Infamy had attached itself both to Jacula's name, deeds and reputation. And thus he saw it appropriate to disappear for a while, he entered the foul sewers which had proven to be a sanctum in his times of need. Every brick, beam and turn had been carved into his mind. He took a deep breath of the rancid fumes which exuded from the sewage, scouring the narrow catacombs as the smell brought an accustomed taste to his pallet.
While wading through the filth he came upon a injured rat lying on the cold stone, the small animal squeaked loudly. Frenetically twitching as it fought for it's life. Jacula didn't think much of the animal as he passed it but as another tormented squeak echoed behind him he abruptly stopped in his tracks. He returned and kneeled before the animal, watching as it remained helpless in it's predicament. He unsheated his knife, yet as he was about to end it's misery a strange feeling came over him. A compelled fascination soon filled Jacula's mind as he watched the tormented rat as it turned and twisted.

"A compelled fascination soon filled Jacula's mind as he watched the tormented rat as it turned and twisted."
 Jacula had never enjoyed hurting people. To him such actions had always been directly related to business and nothing more. Yet as the agonized squeals of the rat turned into a echo once again he found himself enjoying the esthesis of the rat's struggle.
Sadism had always been to Jacula's disliking. He shook his head as if to shake the feeling brought forth by the rats misery, ending it's life with a swift cut of his blade. Disgusted by himself he rose from the filth and continued wading towards the temple, when had these twisted feelings grown enjoyable to him?

"Darkness leered from every inch of the room, consuming him completely. His veins came close to bursting as he grew into a greater being, a beast who dug it's claws into the stone. He had grown into an embodiment of terror, a hulking monster of himself. And thus his guilt had ended, for he had entered a new state of mind, and new state being. Would he learn to control what he had been given?"

The serene quietness of the temple brought peace to Jacula's troubled mind. He made his way into the temple's main room where he sat down in front of the altar. After closing his eyes he slowly drifted of into a deep contemplation. He had fed numerous lies to the blind masses of Hydlaa, luckily they had chewed them well and asked for seconds. There was no evidence of his endeavors as Samcat had taken the fall and where left to rot in the horrid prison which Hydlaa held.
Having resided in the temple for a few days Jacula decided that to venture to the surface where a encounter worth more to him than all the riches of the blackflame combined awaited him. Hidden in exclusive garments he traveled to the home of the Kran, the long journey eased by the thoughts of the person who waited within.
The mines where crowded of by those digging in the muck in search of fortune, the mighty city still looming from it's stone supported base. As if time had stood still.
Jacula made his way up the ramp and skulked around, after a while the soft steps he had awaited made him turn around, his eyes falling upon the woman who's beauty left him standing in awe.

Mellas came to a stop when she noticed a familiar cloaked person nearby the gugrontid towers. With a curious frown she attempted to look under the hood. Jacula smiled to himself before he gently nudged Mellas as he headed for the stonehead tavern.
As the couple enters the tavern Jacula makes sure that they are alone before he let his hood fall to his shoulders. Mellas followed him curiously. 'Do I know you..?' she was about to ask when the cloaked ynnwn dropped his hood. 'Jacula!' she exclaimed, running over to embrace him tightly. 'I was looking for you!'
Nothing has come close to bringing the same joy and excitement to Jacula's heart as Mellas did. The bond they shared had a deep foundation to it which in turn was very dear to him. Lost in her presence Jacula suddenly snapped to attention as she told him that she had news to impart him on. He in turn explained that he had been in hiding due to the reputation and bounty that now was stuck to his name. He told her that his suspicion had been peaked by a ylian who went by the name of Mirodi. With her silver tongue and innocent traits she had earlier attempted to Seduce him. Yet as Jacula was about to be ensnared in her carefully woven web of lies he decided to put her traits to the test. Judging from her reaction and unflinching demeanor he soon had realized her true colors. After leaving the tavern that night a klyros who went by the name Dermathil had seemingly followed him. He had spotted the klyros on a number of occasions before. Having drawn the conclusion that he was spying on him Jacula decided to encounter this individual up close, in a attempt to scare him of. Mellas listened to his endeavors with interest, seeming to have grown used to the deception and speculation that had grown to be Jacula's strongest weapons in his fight for survival. After a long discussion that followed he gently entwined their fingers 'You have news for me?' he said with a inquiring look in his eyes.
Mellas nodded and reached out with her other hand to caress his cheek, seeing the similarities between Jaida and Jacula. 'I met your sister, she's looking for you.'
Jacula widened his eyes for a second, yet what appeared to be a trait of surprise soon turned into a trait of agitation 'I don't have a sister, she must be mistaken'
Mellas smiled, having expected his reaction. 'I think you should meet her. And even if she isn't your sister, I think it's something you should judge by yourself when you see her.'
Jacula looked out into the far distance 'It sounds like a trick to me. I don't like where this is going' he said having grown paranoid due to the events of late 'A lot of people wish me harm, as well as our "kind"'
Mellas tilted her head, thinking over his words. 'Aye, that is true,' she said softly, stroking his arm. 'Yet she does seem very sincere, what do you suggest? Surely you don't want to turn your back on a possible family member?'
Jacula shrugged seemingly bothered by the idea 'If I have a sister, where was she when I grew up. She was not there enduring that wretched hell with me.. ' he scowled as he thought back on his childhood.
Mellas realized where Jacula's thoughts was be going, taking herself time to softly kiss each finger on his left hand. 'Well,' she responded thoughtfully. 'I cannot tell you what I don't know, but I do know that she seems to be an honest girl, very excited to meet you.' The nolthrir thought back. 'She was crying when I heard her at first, crying for the fact that she heard so many dark stories about her possible brother.'
Jacula shrugged again 'I don't know about this Mellas.. But if you deem her to be sincere I guess that..' he came to a stop as he looked up at her with a dark intensity in his eyes 'I'll.. Handle it'
Mellas entwined their fingers again, a worried expression on her face when she searched for his eyes. 'How does this news make you feel?' she asked warmly, trying to understand him better.
Jacula rocked slightly back and forth, not allowing himself to get excited what so ever 'I.. Don't know. What was she like?' he asked trying to seem uninterested.
Mellas sent him a smile. 'She's tall, same skin as you, and beautiful. But most of all, it's her eyes. They are almost identical to yours,' she replied in a loving tone of voice. 'Her name is Jaida, and from the looks and sound of it she's a well educated girl.'
Jacula tried to pronounce the name correctly 'Jaida.. Interesting name' he looked down into the ground seeming to contemplate 'I'll look into this.. But do tell me, where did she come from?'
Mellas dove into the memory, trying to recall the things that were said. 'I don't know,' she said honestly, 'I had to go soon after I met her, didn't even get the chance to ask her about this note she was holding.'
Jacula cupped his chin in his hand as he looked down towards the mines 'I'll get a few "clackers" to investigate this matter..' his eyes snapped back at Mellas again 'Have you encountered this.. Mogweh after his demise?'
Mellas frowned a little and followed his gaze towards the mines before looking back at him. 'Alright,' she said with a soft sigh. 'Yes, he took his revenge and after a month he came to me and apologized for everything, saying he wanted to be friends again. He's been taking care of me ever since.'
Jacula got an enraged look in his eyes 'Taking care of?' he attempted to control himself from having an outburst 'Such a.. Snake. Slowly ensnares it's victim, biting when least expected. And it's venom will not cause only a swift demise, but it will also break ones heart' he said in a abstract but firm way.

Mogweh had indeed proved to have talent in when it came to deception. Jacula knew that he had the potential to become greater than he could ever imagine. Yet where he had talent he did lack experience. Determined to take advantage of the opportunity Jacula demanded to be told more, changing his tone of voice into a loving one.
Mellas nodded, reassured by his loving tone. 'Please don't worry about me, worry about what he means to do to you. He doesn't seem to like you very much, my love. Maybe now that you're both in the outlaws, that could change,' she muses.
Jacula was not concerned whether Mogweh liked him or not, the differences they had was in his mind based on the personal debt that the menki to owed him. To the favor of the blackflame Jacula had until now managed to keep his personal dealing separated from the bidding. Yet as Jacula realized Mogweh was part of the same family of outlaws that Rigwyn had convinced himself to join the feeling from earlier dug deep into his mind.

"Jacula had never enjoyed hurting people. To him such actions had always been directly related to business and nothing more. Yet as the agonized squeals of the rat turned into a echo once again he found himself enjoying the esthesis of the rat's struggle.
Sadism had always been to Jacula's disliking. He shook his head as if to shake the feeling brought forth by the rats misery, ending it's life with a swift cut of his blade."

Something within him snapped. The overwhelming urge of malign intent grew increasingly unbearable.
Jacula stood up, seemingly boiling with anger 'That.. Irritating whelp.' he exclaimed loudly before looking down at Mellas, trying to hide his anger.
Mellas quickly stood up with him. 'You have to go?' she asked, trying to grasp his hand to stop him for one more moment. 'You seem a bit restless.. agitated.'
Jacula nodded slightly 'Don't worry about it.. I'm just.. Tired' he said with the best of intentions, not wanting her to worry. 'Nightfall beckons, there is a.. meeting which I must attend' he gently stroked her cheek with the palm his hand 'I'll see you soon, I promise'
Mellas nodded slowly, leaning up to give him a tender farewell kiss and wrapping her arms around him in one last tight hug. 'I'll miss you,' she says, stepping back and adjusting his hood so it falls back neatly over his face. 'And I love you, be safe in the light and shadows.'
Jacula quickly made his way back to Hydlaa, the shadows brought forth by the fall of night revealing the malign intent which glowed in his eyes. For in his mind the time of retribution had come, would Mogweh reap the consequences of his deeds?

[MellasFenixxes]

I love the realization moment with the rat in the sewers!
Very nicely written, and the detail of not showing the one eye in the image is definitely well thought of.

It's great to read how one backstory begins to entwine with so many others.
Fantastic work to Jacula, Cavi and Rigwyn, top quality alright!
I know we're all very excited to read what's going to happen next... *nudge nudge*

[Rigwyn]

[
Excellent work indeed !
Too bad that rat isn't an animated gif XD
]

[jaculapundactum]

"Obsession"

Jacula quickly made his way back to Hydlaa, the shadows brought forth by the fall of night revealing the malign intent which glowed in his eyes. For in his mind the time of retribution had come, would Mogweh reap the consequences of his deeds?

The soothing darkness who had engulfed the city brought a smile to Jacula's lips. The time for action had come, and for the first time in his life he actually looked forward to getting his hands dirty. He sought himself into a narrow alley which slept as still and serene as the rest of the city. The thuds of his steps echoed against the narrow walls before slowly fading as he found himself standing over a manhole in the end of the alley. He kneeled, prying the lid off. Fumes of the sewer rose to the crystal as he reached in, his fingers searching for a satchel which had been strapped to the metal rods which served as a ladder. The leather has been bleached and exuded a smell that was something most foul. Ignoring the stench Jacula carefully opened the shrivel satchel, exposing a wide variety of prongs, knifes, cleavers and mallets. Tools which where specifically designed to cause pain and suffering onto whoever they where used on. The malign urge reminded itself as he watched the tempered steel glint in the light of his torch.

He made his way into the wilderness beyond the enchanted Forrest where he found a gorge suitable for the endeavors which where to come. With a flick of his wrist he summoned a groffel, the small animal squealed at the sight of it's master. Yet as it was offered a treat it wagged it's tail, overjoyed at the ynnwn gesture. Jacula kneeled down, strapping a note to it's collar. He made sure to let the groffel take in Mogweh's scent as he soaked a piece of leather in a concoction of spice mingled with sword oil. The tiny groffel sniffed the leather through it's muzzle and wagged it's tail as it begged for another treat. Jacula gave it another piece of dried fruit before sending it on it's way back to Hydlaa to find no less than the object of his malign obsession.

The groffel made it's way back to Hydlaa, not stopping to scrutinize or sniff the tempting shrubs nor the feet of the guards which stood watch outside the gates.
After searching the city frantically the familiar scent was suddenly presented by a soft breeze. The small animal followed the scent and eventually found the receiver.
A unusually small groffel tugged at Mogweh's leg before dropping a shriveling note to the ground. As he let his eyes wander over the crooked lettering he understood what awaited. 'Make your way to the burial well, Then follow the smoke of my fire to the north." the note was signed with a smudge of blood
Mogweh looked around,took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Suddenly the colors of the grass and trees became vivid and bright, life seemed simple and in those last moments it all became very precious as he made his way to the burial well and his fate.
Jacula looked into the fire which he had lit with care, his eyes glowing with malign intent as the light of the flames flickered over his face. He tightened his fists as the urges of twisted desire burned fiercely in his heart. He slowly let his fingers wander over the bleached texture of his satchel, knowing that his tools would get the chance to dig themselves into the flesh of his obsession.
Sure enough the menki approached the gorge led there by the smoke of the roaring fire, would he taste Jaculas retribution?

"Jacula looked into the fire which he had lit with care, his eyes glowing with malign intent as the light of the flames flickered over his face."
Jacula looked into the fire as sparks flew around him 'Peaceful here is it not?' he said flatly upon spotting Mogweh.
Mogweh looked around and exhaled slowly as he approached the fire,'Indeed, I see you are enjoying your liberty.' he said with a sincere grin.
Jacula nudged a piece of firewood with his toe as it crumbled due to the heat, the warmth quickly spreading into the air. He kept his gaze focused on the fire 'But as many things in life.. What appears to be peaceful and fragile on the outside is often.. Twisted and chaotic on the inside' his malign gaze wandered up to Mogweh as he scoffed 'Would you agree?'
Jacula licked his lips disturbingly as the malign feeling come over him once again, slowly transcending into a powerful urge. He kept his eyes transfixed on Mogweh as if the world around him had seized to exist.
Mogweh nodded as he gazed into the burning fire, watching as the flames mirrored Jacula's words 'Yes, that has been my experience, betrayal, deceit.. These are all such as you describe...' he said as his voice drifted off
Jacula tried to rip his gaze off Mogweh as he scowled 'In this very place.. Which would appear peaceful.. There was three neophytes who dined upon themselves as shadow seeped through the lands.. This as a consequence for their deeds'
Jacula searched Mogweh's eyes obsessively 'Do you.. Like the way brutality feels Mogweh?'
Mogweh looked up at Jacula a little uncertain of the intent of his words as he answered flatly,'No, not really. Just sometimes that's necessary in business. Has to be done. Makes the point.' he replies in a clipped professional like manner.
Jacula seemed to tremble slightly as his eyes continued to dig into Mogweh's 'The way you handled Samcat was.. Sufficient' he said seemingly giving him a compliment 'Yet to climb the latter of our.. Enclave, much more is to be done.' he cupped his chin in his hand as he stopped trembling 'Do you seek my respect Mogweh, my.. Recognition?'
Jacula adverted his gaze and stared blindly into the fire, in a attempt to keep himself from a violent outburst.
Mogweh tried to hold Jacula's gaze as he replied simply,'I would'
Jacula seemed fascinated by the way the fire engulfed the dry wood. 'The teachings is a mere spark.. Yet it rarely ignites the roaring flame that I see in you.' He looked up at Mogweh again, his nostrils flailed wildly as he exclaimed 'You have earned my.. Attention. Yet for us to proceed there is the matter of a personal.. Dispute.. A personal task which you owe to me'
Mogweh's face glanced down into the flames again as he said nothing for a moment before sighing deeply 'Name it' he said. Simply to avoid the risk of perceived deception.
Jacula seemed surprised at Mogwehs reaction 'I have no need for mindless cattle, but deeming from your recent endeavors I guess you are just.. Eager to get started' he said as he made a disturbing expression 'This dispute can be settled in two ways. At first I was going to let you choose one which you preferred.. But it seems more.. Suitable to let fate decide'
Jacula reached into a pouch strapped to his belt removing a single circle, he held it up watching it glisten in the light of the fire before unsheating a knife and carved an "X" onto one side. He showed Mogweh which side is which before jeering 'Heads.. Or tails menki?'
Mogweh smiled at Jacula's humor and replies,'I'm all in, heads'
Jacula seemed disgusted by Mogwehs ignorant reply. He tossed the circle into mid air and let it fall to the ground, he quickly stepped on it concealing the result 'If we are shown heads you will dine upon yourself this night, and I will be your .. Waiter' he said with an obvious malign intent. The urge to open the satchel he had brought and savagely cut into the menki before him grew increasingly unbearable. Knowing he had to contain himself he let a soothing caress of crystal magic wander over the side of his head.
Mogweh looked down where Jacula's boot laid, shifting slightly but otherwise remaining completely stil. Only his breathing deepening betrayed the means of concealing any anxiety.
Jacula kept his foot over the circle as he smacked his lips at Mogweh in spiteful way 'If we are shown tails.. You will seek out the ynnwn who goes by Jaida Pundactum.. This wench claims to be my sister.. Befriend her, watch her every move and await my instructions.' he said seemingly hoping that they would be shown heads.
Mogweh nodded, his gaze still transfixed at the location of the coin,'I already know of her..' he muttered under his breath. His hands clenching and unclenching.
Jacula slowly removed his foot revealing the circle. The result was tails, and Jacula seemed to be on the brink of insanity. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths 'Well.. It would seem as if Dakkru shuns the very idea of claiming a part of you.' he said coldly
Jacula looked down into the ground 'Or maybe this soil had it's fill of blood on the last.. Occasion' he said before sheating the dagger.
Mogweh looked up at Jacula's face. His eyes glistened as he swallows hard and attempted to gain control of his breathing.
Jacula seemed tempted to carve into Mogweh as his hand remained on the pommel of the dagger 'I hope I do not need to impart you on what happens if you.. Fail.' he said as he tilted his head 'Your task is clear enough to you.. My eager little clacker?' he asked demandingly
Mogweh took a deep breath in an attempt to relax, taking his time as he looked down into the fire for a moment before returning his attention to Jacula's piercing gaze,'I'll get on it immediately, as I said I have some knowledge of the girl.' he paused again and considered his words for a few seconds before continuing 'Mellas, already has met the girl and they seem to have a relationship, should that be encouraged or discouraged?' he asked
Jacula gritted his teeth at the question, his fingers still softly dancing over the pommel of his dagger 'You will do whatever you deem suitable. Yet refrain.. From hurting her' he said before taking a step closer to Mogweh, taking in his scent 'If any harm comes to Mellas by your actions..' He leaned in even closer at the thought 'Then I will show you what it truly is.. To suffer'
Mogweh glared at Jacula seemly enflamed by the very suggestion of harming Mellas,'I... hurt her? Never' he spitted
Jacula seemed delighted at his answer, yet the malign feeling towards him remained. He took his time to stomp out the fading glow of the last sparks of the fire. Leaving only ash 'Remember.. Eyes everywhere menki' he said. before walking away swiftly, leaving the menki standing in his predicament.
Would Mogweh succeed and thus earn Jacula's respect?

[MellasFenixxes]

[I was looking forward to read this one.
The RP's between Jacula and Mogweh are always so terrifying!
Great development of the storyline in here, looks like Mog has some work to do
Excellently played, both of you! ]

[Cavi]

[I guess Jacula is not a cat-person  I'll try to be on Jaida more often as there are alot of people willing to join this event. Remember that it's based on random encounters though! I'm especially looking forward to a encounter with Rigwyn.  ]

[Rigwyn]

[ Ahh yes, the little girl with the jade bracelet and sparkling barrette.. This should be very interesting
*sigh* the lies rig will have to weave should someone with ic info show up and try to soil his fine reputation.

]

Edit: typo 

[garoninja]

*Grins* You mean like Garo?

[Rigwyn]

* Rigwyn points at Garosan and shouts with a condescending tone  "Bah ! ... You and your goodie goodie tribe of Talad worshiping weenies should go find something safe to do.. Like guard Lady Peckerly .. and chit chat about her eggs and her pointy little pecke... er eh.. bill. "

[Oronec]

Like guard Lady Peckerly .. and chit chat about her eggs and her pointy little pecke... er eh.. bill. "

[Chickens/Kikiri have beaks.

Great job Count Jacula and Mogweh \o ]

[Geoni]

This is random but i jumped out of my seat [slightly] when i saw the picture of the dead rat. Then i got scared again by the eyes. Maybe i need a teddy to hug onto when i read these.